ENDORSEMENTS for Learning to Love Differently,
a healing pathway for families of addicts
Candace Hartzler has written a powerful, personal and highly useful book. Learning to Love Differently addresses the painful challenge of addicts and their families. Drawing on her own experiences of growing up in an alcoholic home, as well as on her professional practice, she illuminates a pathway to healing that encompasses practical and effective approaches.
The author uses clinical vignettes throughout the book to illustrate both failures and successes as loved ones learn to separate the addict’s pain from their own. This book comes highly recommended.
~Tom Pepper, MD, Addiction Psychiatrist
Our national epidemic of heroin addiction allows us to forget that other drug addictions are still alive and well. The total number of those negatively affected (families, friends, co-workers) increases each year. In times like these, we are so ready for a book that can detail the circular connection between the addict and codependent. Learning to Love Differently, a healing pathway for families of addicts, guides families with detailed information, offers examples from family members and gives helpful exercises at the end of each chapter. Candace Hartzler has given us a one-stop-shop that will provide readers with a complete and thorough map to recovery and health. It is a resource that I look forward to providing my clients, as it “connects the dots” of the family healing process.
~Victoria J. Johnson, LICDC, LPCC
Learning to Love Differently, a healing pathway for families of addicts, brought both tears and laughter. It is a beautiful and brave look at the soul disease of addiction, sheds light on the controversial topic of addiction currently gripping our country. This book holds no blame/shame for the addict or the codependent. Love is always the best answer, but addiction complicates life for all involved in the addict’s web of pain. This book offers a healthier definition and charts a path for family and friends to begin their own healing journey.
~Lisa Lavelle, M.Ed., LSW, LICDC-CS
Learning to Love Differently, a healing pathway for families of addicts, illuminates a path toward personal recovery for families that live in a constant state of hurt, fear, and confusion . The book gives permission not to know what is best for our addicted loved ones and teaches how to stop making decisions for them. It describes powerlessness as a form of freedom and detachment as a form of love. Hartzler’s words guide us towards making decisions based on what is best for ourselves and outlines how to establish a healthier relationship with a loved one suffering from a substance use disorder. The book leads us through a deep discovery of how to be compassionate with ourselves.
~Jill D., recovering family member with two sons in long-term recovery
Candace Hartzler knows about relationships. Learning to Love Differently, a healing pathway for families of addicts with study guide included, will help anyone to increase their potential for a successful trip through the difficult journey of loving an addict. Highly recommended for anyone in treatment for addiction or codependence.
~Sharon Endicott, MA/M.Div.
I have worked in the field of addictions and mental health for 30 years. Learning to Love Differently, a healing pathway for families of addicts, communicates simply and directly what I try to teach my clients. So much of the literature has been directed to one population (spouses, children, etc.) to the exclusion of others while Hartzler incorporates examples from across the spectrum. The exercises at the end of each chapter help readers explore their personal truths and guide them in making valuable lifestyle changes. I will utilize this book in my practice.
~Barbara Brigham, LISW, LICDC
In Learning to Love Differently, a healing pathway for families of addicts, Hartzler demonstrates a keen understanding of the unrelenting pain of living with the devastating effects of alcoholism and drug addiction. She invites readers to reflect on what they are learning while enveloping them in a warm blanket of compassion and empathy. I’m sure Captain Jack’s garden is flourishing somewhere.
~Ray Iron, PH.D., PCC-S, LICDC-CS