Have you ever felt like a broken record when offering support? You provided your experience and a favorite coping tool, showed your vulnerability, and BAM! Your friend, co-worker, or accountability partner is back. Same question. Same spiral. “Why won’t Jack take me seriously?”, “There’s no way I’m getting this done!”, “How do I manage my triggers?”

You want to say, “You mean like we just talked about three days ago?” But instead, you pause. Breathe. Smile. And say it all again. Wash, rinse, repeat.

When I first got sober, I thought not using coke was all I needed to do. BAM! Problem solved! Right? Right? Yeah, not so much.

Life kept happening. Money problems, kids driving me bananas, stress at school and at home, and then there was this habit I had of getting into relationships with people who needed to be in recovery…but didn’t.

And don’t get me started on shoving down the memories trauma and abuse I’d gone through. First through childhood, then relational trauma after disclosure.

That’s where emotional sobriety comes into the picture. The lesser-known, but equally important partner of physical sobriety. And today, we’re taking a closer look.

 Emotions are like layers of an onion. Some are simple and raw, while others are complex, nuanced, and shaped by life experience. Understanding these levels can help us identify what we’re feeling and why, which is especially useful in recovery, healing, relationships, and personal growth.

Although my dad was great at talking with me, there were a lot of things that just weren’t discussed. I was never taught how to process my emotions properly, let alone name them. If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick overview of emotions that can help you on your journey to recovery and healing.

Today I’m sharing a bonus workbook to accompany Tuesday’s blog post, Relational Trauma: The Possible Effects of Loving an Addict. This workbook is designed to help you identify patterns of hypervigilance, process the emotions that can come up when setting boundaries, and explore wellness exercises to support your healing.

Ever find yourself Googling "How to recover from someone else’s addiction" at 2 a.m. while eating handfuls of Goldfish? Yeah, me too. I didn’t quite give up the Goldfish, but I did give up the Googling. Eventually.

Today we're talking about hypervigilance, the emotions you may experience as the loved one of an addict, and the early signs of relational trauma. This is the second one in the series. You can find the first part here.

This post isn’t just for the loved ones though, it can help those struggling understand what their partners are experiencing as they are supporting you.

Relapse is not a failure—it’s a learning experience. This workbook presentation will help you identify warning signs, manage setbacks, and build a strong support system to keep your recovery on track. Use it as a personal guide to strengthen your awareness and develop a proactive relapse prevention plan.

Relapse is not a sign of failure. It’s a sign you’re human and a work in progress. Sometimes, life throws unexpected curveballs at you when you’re trying to keep it together. Whether you’re fresh out of rehab or you’ve been rockin’ your recovery for years, relapse prevention is an ongoing, never-quite-complete mission—like laundry or waiting for the next season of your favorite show. I’m looking at you, RHOSLC!

But don’t panic! Just because relapse is common doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. With practical strategies and a solid support system, you can learn to recognize the red flags, handle setbacks like a pro, and keep moving forward.

This workbook pairs with my blog post "H.E.A.L Check-in Conversation; Communicate in a Healthy Way." Recovery and healing can be challenging to navigate as a couple. Miscommunication, unspoken expectations, and emotional triggers can create distance instead of connection. That’s why intentional check-ins are key.

The H.E.A.L Check-In provides a structured yet flexible way to foster honest, open, and judgment-free conversations. Use this guide to strengthen trust, deepen intimacy, and create a healthier foundation for your relationship.