Dear One,

You may have found this site as you were searching for help for your addicted loved one—whether spouse, partner, child, parent, or friend.

But what about you?

Typically, the people who live with and love addicts put themselves and their needs second. They live in a state of emergency that places huge stresses on their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Here is what you need to know:

Your relationship with an addict doesn't have to be a stumbling block ....


Addiction causes addicts to behave as if they are marionettes guided by a twisted beast. Addicts may fight the beast, offering frequent glimpses of hope, or they may let the beast run rampant through their lives. Either way, the ride is very damaging to those who love the addict.

As you attempt to hang on through the surreal chaos, your light slowly drains away, your shoulders slump, your laughter leaves. The negative swirl of energy surrounding the addict grows larger, and you become smaller. You tiptoe around in fear and get lost in obsession about your addict's behavior.

Many who enter into relationships with addicts are deeply caring and compassionate people who have the belief that they can help. Now consider this:


You know on a higher level—one that reaches beyond your conscious understanding—that a painful relationship offers a chance for profound healing.

You can free yourself from the feelings of despair and hopelessness. You are not helpless. As you discover your lessons and apply them, you reclaim your power and joy. You stand tall. You see clearly. You laugh. You create. You love yourself and others more fully.


This work requires a dramatic shift in your responses, in your habits of thought, and in your beliefs about yourself and your situation. Coaching offers education and support as you make these life-affirming changes.

Through individual or group coaching, you will learn to:

• Focus on you.
  
• Safely vent your anger.
  
• Release limiting beliefs.
  
• Respond rather than react.
  
• Recognize destructive patterns in yourself and others.
  
• Forgive for your own sake.
  
• Decipher the language of emotion.
  
• Stay true to yourself during crisis.
  
• Lovingly detach from your addict.
  
• Take radical personal responsibility for yourself.
  
• Trust in a higher power.
  
• Attract the life you want.