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Adult Child

The Power of Detachment: A Mother and Daughter’s Story of Addiction, Codependency and Healing

Apr 30, 2025
56:26

What if the most loving thing you can do... is let go? This episode is a powerful reminder that healing sometimes means detaching—even from the people we love most.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Wandzilak & Constance Curry , the mother-daughter duo behind the memoir The Lost Years: Surviving a Mother and Daughter’s Worst Nightmare. Their story is a raw and honest account of Kristina’s battle with addiction and Karen’s journey of learning how to love her daughter without losing herself.

Key Takeaways...

  • Detachment is love, not abandonment. Sometimes the most compassionate choice is stepping back and letting loved ones face their own consequences.
  • Healing codependency starts with boundaries. Connie's recovery began when she stopped trying to save her daughter and focused on saving herself.
  • Sobriety is just the beginning. Kristina reminds us that the real healing often starts after getting sober—and it’s a lifelong process.
  • One person’s healing shifts the whole system. Connie's growth rippled through the entire family, proving real change doesn’t require everyone to get on board.


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How I learned I was an Adult Child - The Tale of 2 Brians

THE LAUNDRY LIST - Common Characteristics of an Adult Child

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