A compassionate, practical guide for supporting a loved one in recovery. It stands out because it balances empathy with healthy boundaries, offering realistic tools for communication and emotional care

The author knows her subject and understands the hostage-taking ruthlessness of addiction. Caroling Beidler incorporates various healing tools in this book, using mindfulness, spiritual practices, modern psychology, AA, and scientific understanding. This book provides helpful resources and recommended reading. The author believes in the power of moving on from lies that keep a mind in darkness. Truth frees an addict to live in the light. The power of asking for help is a beginning. Shared stories and opportunities for second chances do change people. The author is good at explaining how addiction cons people and goes from relief and fun to a compulsion. The brain changes as a result. The optimistic side of it is that it is possible do things to rewire the brain and restore executive function and live a functional and joyful life. Addicts let go of their old addictive coping shortcuts through prayer, taking care of their bodies, educating themselves about substance abuse, facing their traumas and/or underlying mental health disorders. By doing so, they start living in hope. Their loved ones often have similar issues to overcome. Learning to be brave enough to face our feelings allows us to move on. Above all, embrace the catalysts of change that begins by finding a community of love and compassion. Our family environments can change. Meaningful connection leads to acceptance of ourselves and others. Sharing our stories gives our life purpose. I appreciate the author’s insights into healing.

When You Love Someone in Recovery really hit home for me. I’ve read a lot about addiction over the past couple of years, but this book stood out because it approaches recovery with so much compassion while still being realistic. It isn’t about shame or punishment. It’s about understanding addiction, understanding the person behind it, and learning how to support someone without losing yourself in the process.

As someone who has loved a person struggling with addiction, so much of this resonated with me. There were moments where I felt seen, understood, and reminded that the emotions family members and partners experience are incredibly complex. Caroline Beidler writes from both lived experience and professional knowledge, and that combination makes this book feel genuine, relatable, and trustworthy.

I especially appreciated that this isn’t another book centered around “tough love.” Instead, it acknowledges that every recovery journey is different and offers practical, compassionate guidance for supporting someone while also recognizing the importance of healthy boundaries and taking care of yourself.

Whether your loved one is actively struggling with addiction, newly in recovery, or somewhere in between, this book offers valuable insight, encouragement, and hope. I found myself highlighting so many passages because they put into words feelings I’ve struggled to explain myself.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves someone battling addiction. It’s compassionate, informative, and full of reminders that recovery affects the entire family—not just the person living with the addiction.

Author, speaker, and addiction recovery expert Caroline Beidler offers friends and family members the gift of being able to understand the recovery lifestyle--a way of life that goes beyond anonymous meetings in church basements and fosters a sense of well-being, healthy coping strategies, discovering new passions, and nurturing a deep personal faith.