Sharing Without Shame, With Donna Marston
This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com
Sharing Without Shame
With Donna Marston
When someone we love struggles with addiction, it's easy to believe that if we just love them enough, help them enough, or sacrifice enough, we can save them. The truth is, addiction doesn't just affect the individual—it slowly begins to consume the entire family.
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Donna Marston, founder of Sharing With Out Shame®, Family Recovery Support Specialist, author, and speaker. After years of trying to rescue her own son from addiction, Donna discovered one of the hardest lessons a parent can learn:
You can't love someone into recovery—but you can change how you respond.
Together we explore the emotional toll addiction takes on parents, spouses, and loved ones, and why so many of us unknowingly lose ourselves while trying to save someone else.
One of the most personal moments of our conversation came when I shared something a former co-host once said to me:
"Al, you're addicted to your spouse's addiction."
At first, those words were difficult to hear. But looking back, he was absolutely right.
When someone we love is struggling, their addiction often becomes our addiction. Our thoughts revolve around them. Our emotions depend on them. Our lives become centered around trying to fix what only they can choose to change.
Donna explains how unhealthy helping—although rooted in love—can actually keep us trapped alongside the person we're trying to help. She shares practical ways to establish healthier boundaries, remain connected, and love without losing ourselves in the process.
This conversation isn't about giving up on those we love.
It's about learning that healthy love looks different than enabling.
It's about replacing shame with understanding.
And it's about discovering that our own healing matters too.
If you love someone battling addiction, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that taking care of yourself isn't selfish...it's necessary.
Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone isn't rescuing them...
It's allowing both of us the opportunity to heal.
Donna Marston
Founder, Sharing Without Shame®
Certified Recovery Support Worker
Family Recovery Strategist
Author | Speaker | Podcast Host
www.sharingwithoutshame.com
Free Guide: 5 Boundaries & Breakthroughs
https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries
www.sharingwithoutshame.com
