The Hardest Help: A Story of Alcoholism, Loss & Hope with Holly Thorton

I wanted to create a space for Holly to share her vulnerable story about losing her husband to alcoholism at just 36 years old. Through our conversation, we explored the complex journey of supporting a loved one struggling with addiction, the importance of trusting your instincts, and how moms can find strength even in their most challenging moments. Holly's story is a testament to resilience - showing how we can navigate incredibly difficult circumstances while trying to hold our families together. We discussed the subtle red flags of addiction, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the critical importance of supporting oneself through impossible situations. My goal was to create an episode that would make listeners feel seen, supported, and hopeful, even when life feels overwhelming. Holly Thornton is a writer and advocate dedicated to helping people coping with loved ones’ alcoholism. (The Hardest Help) After tragically losing her husband Steve to alcoholism, she drew on personal experience — and recognized the lack of practical guidance available — to write The Hardest Help. Rather than offering a memoir or purely clinical manual, her book serves as a hands-on guide: blending lived experience with actionable tools, scripts, exercises, and advice rooted in evidence-based methods. Through her writing and outreach (on social media and other platforms), Holly seeks to equip families and loved ones with real-world strategies to support someone struggling with addiction — transforming helpless concern into informed, compassionate action. You can connect with Holly in the following places: Buy the book here on her website Her Instagram Account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices