Addiction adds an additional level of complexity to separation and divorce. On today’s episode of UnDoing We, Mardi Winder talks with Amber Hollingsworth, a master addiction counselor and founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center. Together, they explore how addiction affects marriages, co-parenting dynamics, and personal well-being after divorce, particularly when one partner is struggling with substance use. Amber shares her own background, coming from a family surrounded by addiction, and offers insight into how those patterns often remain invisible until viewed from the outside.

The discussion highlights the heavy toll addiction takes on relationships, especially for the non-addicted partner who often ends up feeling overwhelmed and unfairly seen as the “bad guy.” Amber points out that this role can become emotionally exhausting and can change a person’s sense of self, leading to what she calls “guiltzentiment”,a blend of guilt and resentment that is difficult to shake. Mardi and Amber talk candidly about the importance of self-care and resilience, acknowledging how the partner of an addicted person can become consumed by the situation, sometimes to the point of feeling addicted to the crisis itself.

Amber Hollingsworth offers practical advice for managing these emotions and stresses the value of setting healthy boundaries, especially in households with children. About the Host Mardi Winder is a certified divorce transition and high-conflict divorce coach, credentialed mediator, and international speaker. With over 30 years of experience, she helps people navigate conflict, manage divorce challenges, and create positive transitions.

She is the best-selling author of From I Do to I’m Done and The Other Side of Divorce. 

Connect with Mardi: Email: [email protected] Website: divorcecoach4women.com

About the Guest Amber Hollingsworth is a master addiction counselor, founder of Hope For Families Recovery Center, and creator of the YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down. With over two decades of experience, she’s helped thousands of families navigate addiction recovery using innovative, relationship-focused strategies like the Invisible Intervention. Known for her relatable, no-nonsense approach, Amber empowers families to outsmart addiction, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild trust. Her expertise and compassionate style make her a sought-after podcast guest, offering practical advice and hope to families facing the challenges of addiction.

For Amber’s gift: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/understanding-boundaries-in-addiction 

To connect with Amber: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addictionrecoveryhope Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hollingsworth-833111b8/