In this episode of the Purposeful Life Coach podcast, host Dawn Attanasio speaks with Amber Hollingsworth, an addiction counselor and creator of the YouTube channel "Put the Shovel Down." They discuss the complexities of addiction, the difference between enabling and helping, the importance of setting boundaries, and the role of tough love in recovery. Amber shares her personal journey into addiction counseling, emphasizing the need for healthy detachment and emotional regulation for both the individual struggling with addiction and their loved ones. The conversation also addresses common myths about addiction, the significance of self-care for counselors, and the power of compassion in supporting those in need. Listeners are encouraged to focus on their own healing while navigating the challenges of loving someone with an addiction.

Takeaways

Enabling often comes from a place of love but can perpetuate addiction.

Setting boundaries is essential for both the caregiver and the person struggling with addiction.

Tough love can lead to resentment and self-pity, which are counterproductive.

Healthy detachment allows caregivers to maintain their emotional well-being.

You don't have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to seek help.

Compassion is crucial in understanding the complexities of addiction.

Self-care is vital for those supporting someone with addiction.

Influence is more effective than control in relationships.

Every reason to seek recovery is a valid reason.

Finding perspective can help in distressing situations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing and Support

01:38 Amber's Journey into Addiction Counseling

06:00 Understanding Enabling vs. Helping

09:43 The Importance of Boundaries

13:27 The Role of Tough Love vs. Trust

19:36 Healthy Detachment and Self-Care

20:59 The Concept of Rock Bottom

24:13 Shifting from Victimhood to Action

27:14 Codependency and Its Complexities

29:47 Compassion in the Face of Addiction

35:44 The Power of Surrender

37:22 Influence vs. Control in Relationships

43:19 Final Thoughts on Peace and Emotional Freedom

Connect with Amber:

https://www.youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown

https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/

IG @puttheshoveldown

Connect with Dawn:

⁠https://purposefullifecoach.com/⁠

IG ⁠@purposefullifecoach⁠

FB ⁠Purposeful Life Coach⁠⁠ 

⁠LinkedIn ⁠Dawn AttanasioBook a discovery call: https://calendly.com/mypurposefullifecoach/free-discovery-call