Normalizing Recovery

Recovery Lab

Normalizing Recovery

  • Episode 125: Detaching with Love - Chris and Bob Spradley

Episode 125: Detaching with Love - Chris and Bob Spradley

Friday 26th September 2025

Chris and Bob Spradley share their emotional journey of supporting their son through addiction and recovery.
69 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Compassionate
Supportive
Authentic

About this podcast

Recovery Lab
Author:
Normalizing Recovery
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Empowering Recovery Journeys
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Detaching with Love: A Family's Journey Through Addiction

Episode Overview

  • Nar-Anon teaches 'detaching with love' to maintain hope without enabling.
  • Family support plays a crucial role in addiction recovery.
  • Nick transitioned from addiction to leading a nonprofit.
  • Emotional resilience is vital for both individuals and families.
  • Community groups offer essential support for families.
"You're only as happy as your saddest child."
How do parents cope when their child battles addiction? In this heartfelt episode of Recovery Lab, Chris and Bob Spradley share their experiences of supporting their son Nick through his addiction journey. You'll hear how they navigated the ups and downs of his recovery, from discovering the truth about his struggles to finding solace in Nar-Anon meetings.
The Spradleys open up about the challenges they faced, including the emotional turmoil of watching Nick spiral and the eventual relief when he found his path to sobriety. They talk candidly about the concept of 'detaching with love,' a lesson learned from Nar-Anon that helped them maintain hope and connection without enabling. Nick's story is a testament to resilience, as he transitions from struggling with addiction to becoming the director of Shower Power, a nonprofit aiding unhoused individuals.
Chris and Bob's journey is filled with moments of despair and hope, showcasing the power of family support and the impact of community groups like Nar-Anon. Their story is a reminder that recovery is not just about the individual but also about the network of loved ones who stand by them.
Whether you're a parent facing similar challenges or someone interested in the dynamics of addiction recovery, this episode offers insights into the emotional and practical aspects of supporting a loved one through addiction. How do you find balance between love and detachment? Tune in to find out.
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