Dear Suzanne,

It sounds like you’re in a pickle. And nephew is stuck in a pattern.

I imagine you enjoy being a “safe space” for him—most of us do—and yet you’re starting to question if that’s being helpful or hurtful to him and his growth. I applaud you for pausing to take a look.

Dear Denise,

Your question asks if you can help, and unfortunately any “help” you can offer won’t bring about immediate and lasting results—unless he’s ready to change

The Four Seasons brings alive real stories and ugly truths in families with an addiction—often unimaginable experiences of pain and heartache—and offers a new way to interact with your child of any age.

Dear Miz Liz: Where is the line between being ever aware of an addict’s behaviors and keeping the dialogue open and being controlling and judgmental? -Kim

“I am married to an alcoholic who has binge episodes that scare me. When I tell him I want to end our relationship, he tells me that he has nothing to live for and if I leave him, he will take his own life. He has attempted suicide before. I don’t think I could live with myself if that happened. What should I do?”

I’m glad you asked before you’re ready to throttle him. So many of us just accept situations and don’t “use our words”—as my kindergarten teacher used to say—to deal with issues before they’re out of hand.

I spoke with Cory Martin of The Recovery Revolution recently and found out how the comedian weaved her childhood dysfunction and experience with an alcoholic partner into a thriving addiction and codependency recovery platform.

Dear Karin,

I’m guessing you’re actually asking what Mom should do—more than what you should do—since you don’t have much control over the situation. So, let’s go there first, then we’ll get back to you.

My Dad goes to the casino and gets drunk and then calls me late in the night to pick him up. The next day I'm falling asleep in my college classes. What should I do?

Looking back, I can see how my codependency was rooted in my childhood. Both my parents had unresolved childhood wounds . . .