She thought her job was to fix everyone else—until recovery showed her, she was the one who needed healing.
In this unforgettable episode of The Cup of Joe Show, we shine a light on a side of recovery that often goes unheard—the families and loved ones of alcoholics and addicts. Meet Melisa S., who’s been walking her Al-Anon journey since July 2000.
Growing up in Southern California in what she calls the “C.I.A.”—Catholic Irish Alcoholics—Melisa learned early how to keep secrets, play chameleon, and lose herself in people-pleasing and fixing others. Her story takes us through the chaos of loving someone in active addiction—federal raids, a marriage marked by infidelity and drug abuse, even a moment of rage that landed her in handcuffs.
Through recovery, Melisa discovered she wasn’t a victim but a volunteer. She learned to let go, face her fears, and rebuild her life from scratch with humility, courage, and faith. These days, she leans into gratitude, sponsors others, and relies on practical tips you will not want to miss to stay grounded.
Melisa’s journey is raw, humbling, and inspiring—a reminder that recovery isn’t just for the addict, but for everyone touched by the ripple effects of addiction.
🙏 Please like, share, and subscribe to The Cup of Joe Show so more people can hear stories of hope and transformation.
🌟 For daily encouragement, visit Daily Ponderables — your source for inspiration 365 days a year.
📌 Mentioned in this episode:
- 📖 Courage to Change and Just for Today
Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.