How do you stay grounded when someone you love is unraveling?
In this powerful episode, Sione and Alana are joined again by Craig Williamson, author of Regarding Substance Abuse & Addiction, who shares what he learned during a 17-year-long journey supporting and loving his son through addiction—a journey that ended with his son's passing at age 29.
In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Craig opens up about the emotional toll of loving someone through addiction, and the life-changing lessons he learned about control, setting boundaries, practicing radical self-care, and how to love without losing yourself in the process.
Whether you're currently supporting someone through a hard season, or want to deepen your emotional resilience for life's inevitable storms—this episode will move you, ground you, and give you powerful tools to grow forward.
In this episode:
- What it really means to let go of control—and what to do instead
- The difference between enabling and loving with healthy boundaries.
- How to stay grounded when you're walking through chaos or grief
- The role of expectations in emotional pain—and how to shift them
- The connection between personal identity and unshakable joy
- Why self-care isn't selfish—it's your first responsibility
- Preparing your life's foundation before crisis hits
- Powerful lessons on grace, compassion, and emotional strength
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Craig's Book: Regarding Substance Abuse & Addiction (purchase through this link to support the show at no extra cost to you)
- Craig's First Podcast Appearance: Understanding Addiction-Ep. 80
- Craig's Substack: https://craigawilliamson.substack.com/
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Want to set a foundation for the next 12 months? Check out our Best Year Ever Program to gain clarity and structure around your top priorities, habits, and personal growth goals.
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A FEW GOLDEN NUGGETS:
- Control is an illusion. Responsibility is where your power lives.
- You can love the person and still reject the behavior
- The brokenness around you is an opportunity to become your best self.
- Don't attach your joy to outcomes—anchor it to your identity as a child of God.
- If you stop taking care of yourself, you become part of the problem.
This episode is a must listen for parents, partners, and leaders who want to show up with strength, love, and grace—even when life doesn't go as planned.
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Listen now and uncover what losing a son with addiction taught this father about control, boundaries, & self-care.
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For our latest insights and things we don't share with the public, become a Sione and Alana Insider. It's free and easy to join: https://recountinglifelessons.com/insider
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