When is it okay to say enough is enough? Many people who have families or loved ones struggling with substance abuse disorder have asked themselves this question many times. That’s because it is very frustrating to watch an addict spiral when it feels like they are intentionally working against themselves and the hope you have for them.

When love doesn’t seem to work and it starts to feel like enabling, most people opt for tough love. This involves setting boundaries and letting the addict face the consequences of their actions with the hope they’ll find redemption one way or the other. However, most counselors agree that while love and support are important for the addict, boundaries are also important for those who love them.

Today, I’m joined by Rick Flanagan, a counselor within INSynergy Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Having overcome a substance abuse disorder himself, he now helps people battling addiction. We’ll have an in-depth conversation about how to deal with loved ones struggling with substance abuse disorder. 

Tune in to this fifth episode of Zero Stigma and learn more about the challenges of loving someone with a substance use disorder.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Rick shares his background and how he become a counselor (00:50)
• Rick shares his thoughts on where to draw the line between enabling and loving (03:27)
• His views on setting boundaries and using tough love (08:11)
• How mental health issues complicate addiction (12:49)
• Rick’s advice to families struggling with substance abuse disorders (18:03)

Connect with Rick Flanagan

• LinkedIn
• INSynergy Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment Center

Let’s Connect!

• Email

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.