Oy, the holidays. This time of year can be a time full of triggers, for our Loved One with Substance Use Disorder, but also for their family members. It's also a time where we can get disconcerting questions about our how our Loved Ones have been doing. And so many of us have that "Hallmark holiday" somewhere in our minds, which can keep our expectations unrealistic.

Three family members join Kayla to share wisdom and experiences around the holidays. They talk about what is triggering and for whom, and explore creating new traditions in lieu of old ones.

Maintaining connections—with boundaries and without enmeshment—is an important part of the work. When ties are blurry, it's harmful to your Loved One. It can make them feel guilt and shame about what they're doing to you.

One of the first aspects of CRAFT work is addressing separation and connection.

Our Families Speak series features a wonderful team of people navigating life with an addicted Loved One. They are all members of Allies in Recovery⁠ , an online platform providing training, guidance, support and resources for families ready to shift the dynamic with their Loved One struggling with substance use.

With grace, compassion, humility and deep generosity, the Families Speak team shares openly with Coming Up for Air listeners. We can thus benefit from their experience, their process, and the work they do with group facilitator and psychotherapist, Kayla Solomon.

Visit Allies in Recovery to learn about our membership options, read our blog posts, meet our team, and much more!