Rebuilding relationships impacted by addiction or mental illness requires a different approach than that of a relationship troubled by typical marital conflicts over; money, communication, parenting, infidelity, etc. Unfortunately, information and instruction specifically directed at recovering individuals are under-represented in the self-help and addiction genre today. I firmly believe there is a market for recovering individuals who want to regain the support, love, and trust of their family members and friends.

Twenty-five million Americans sought treatment for their Substance Use Disorder, Major Depressive Episode, or Serious Mental Illness in 2021, according to the National Annual Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Most of these individuals have family members or friends affected by their loved one’s illness.  Often, these relationships have been damaged to the point that the recovering individual has been completely removed from their family.

Although most treatment providers agree that family support is essential in a recovering individual’s efforts to stay sober or mentally healthy, very little information on rebuilding these relationships is provided to the recovering individual, their family, and significant others.   Early treatment focuses primarily on the individual. Relationships with family, although initially addressed, are not given much time and focus as part of the treatment plan.   Some treatment programs offer family programs, but these are usually limited to a week and may not involve the patient.

My book is unique from most because it emphasizes providing the information and skills it takes to find a balance between sobriety skills and family needs.  It affirms that inclusive and positive family support is integral to recovery, not just a side effect. It addresses the family’s needs, the science of addiction, the disease concept, and the susceptibility to relapse while providing practical information and exercises to improve the relationships with their loved ones.  My approach to writing is to be direct and somewhat confrontational. I present this information in the “tough-love” language of 12-step programs. Yet it is approachable and easy to read and understand. Ultimately, it offers hope and inspiration to the reader.