Millions of people struggle everyday with Substance Abuse Disorder, and the chaos and pain surrounding addiction radiates out to affect their families and the people who love them as well. As the pain is shared, so too can the path of recovery be walked together. Our connection with people we love is precious. It can also be the guiding light to a healthier, more peaceful way of life.
Lisa Katona Smith, MEd, is no stranger to the fear, hurt, and isolation that comes with loving someone who is struggling with substance use. She never expected addiction to overwhelm her eldest son and unmoor her family. She was a teacher and an active member of a nice community. But for years, her family's lives were marked with tears, yelling, slammed doors, and periods of estrangement. Lisa searched for answers and help, desperate to fix the problem.
For Lisa and her family, the traditional models and advice felt deeply flawed and incomplete. There had to be a missing piece.
In a moment of clarity and authentic vulnerability, Lisa realized that if she wanted to influence change in her life, the change had to start within her. Through sharing the burden of change, Lisa worked to rebuild the relationship and connection with her son, separate from the disorder that he could not control. Through that work, she found that instead of becoming further entangled in the battle, she could invite her son to work towards recovery alongside her.
In the years since, Lisa as developed Parallel Recovery⢠as a method to help families affected by Substance Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder. She guides families to find a new way of being in themselves and with each other through reflection, psychoeducation, acknowledgment of grief, self-compassion, and communication strategies centered on empathy and connection. This book serves as an introduction to the philosophies, research, and informed experience behind Parallel Recoveryâ¢, which is not a "step" program like the traditional models, but a set of tools to help families reframe the way they understand and respond to their loved ones.
Industry Reviews
"a nuanced understanding of human connection and the unintended consequences when a family's loving intentions meet addiction"
Debby Patz, PsyD, LAC
"Having worked with Lisa Katona Smith personally, I find Parallel Recovery to be a deeply insightful and essential guide for families navigating the difficult journey of loving someone with a substance use disorder. The book introduces Parallel Recovery as a truly transformative approach, emphasizing that addiction is a family disease, and therefore, recovery is for the entire family unit. It moves beyond traditional models that focus solely on 'fixing' the individual with the disorder, instead inviting families to embark on their own active work and healing journey in parallel with their loved one. This is a must read for families facing the very real challenges of a loved one struggling with substance use disorder."
Jason S. Friesema, LPC, LAC
"Parallel Recovery is an accessible, easy to follow introduction to healthy communication. It should be used by everyone that is interested in understanding their own communication style and modifying it to a healthier, neutral style while learning how to set strong boundaries. Lisa Katona Smith has given us a blueprint for better interactions with both family and non-family alike. Families affected by addiction often feel overwhelmed, confused, and emotionally exhausted-this book provides structure, insight, and a practical way forward. I highly recommend Parallel Recovery to anyone ready to approach difficult relationships with clarity and intention."
Jane Davis, LCSW
