Family Resources and Support
"This book gave me real insight into the mind of an addicted child and didn’t blame and judge me as a parent."
"Mike's analogies are always on point, relatable and so helpful. I give this book away constantly as it helps families and friends understand addiction."
"If you are looking at books for families struggling with addiction, READ THIS BOOK. The author really nails it."
"I’m soaking up all that I can and Loving Lions is one of the best books out there! Anyone who knows and loves an addict should read this book."
"This is a well written easy read and is full of insight into the world of addiction recovery. Written by a man who has seen both sides of the coin."
"Sensible, gentle approach to rethinking and maintaining love and order and boundaries while living with people in active addiction."
"Mike come’s to grips with horrific patterns of addiction - and turns his life around to help others. So helpful and well written, it is a page turner that is tough to put down... Loved this book."
"I have been working in the addiction filed for 8 years. This book is one of the best I have read for families struggling with a loved on in addiction. This book will likely aid in saving lives and families. I would give it 6 stars or more if I could. The author knows his stuff!"
“I did not need help staying away from drugs. I did not need help getting off drugs. I needed help accepting myself and learning how to be a human being again.”
- Michael Wilson
Introduction
When a loved one struggles with addiction, or when family tensions run high, we often feel as if the bonds that once united us are cracked beyond repair.
But just as the Japanese art of Kintsugi transforms broken pottery into something stronger and more beautiful, so can families repair “cracks” in their relationships.
This 3-Step Family Re-connection resource offers simple, actionable ideas for moving forward with empathy, intention, and resilience. It’s inspired by the principles in Loving Lions, a family-focused approach to addiction and recovery.
A Practical Guide Inspired by Loving Lions
In Loving Lions, we read about a manipulative cycle called the “Circle of Chaos and Confusion.” It keeps families stuck, constantly putting out fires, chasing new crises, and never getting to the heart of the addiction.
“In order for me to be successful, I will need to make you feel pity, guilt, or responsibility and I will do this by using a multi-layered approach. This is the ‘Circle of Chaos and Confusion’… It is a useful tool that prevents family members from successfully challenging me.”
This guide will show you how the circle forms, why it keeps you spinning in conflict, and what first steps you can take to break free—without abandoning the loved one who’s struggling.
Introduction
Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out, they’re about protecting everyone’s well-being. When your loved one struggles with addiction or chaotic behavior, clear limits can prevent constant crises, preserve your peace of mind, and still allow genuine support.
By setting firm boundaries, you’re not withholding love, you’re changing how you provide it. This shift lets you protect yourself from addiction’s chaos while remaining a caring, supportive family member, parent, or friend.
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
In my work with families—and through my personal story—relapse rarely appears out of thin air. Small signs show up first, yet families either dismiss them or feel helpless. In Loving Lions, I describe how early detection plus open communication can defuse a potential blowout before it becomes a full relapse.
This checklist helps you pinpoint signs and respond in ways that encourage recovery rather than denial.
Download the full free PDF here
Introduction
I’m Michael Wilson, and one of the most powerful metaphors I share in Loving Lions is the concept of Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Rather than hiding fractures, Kintsugi highlights them as part of the object’s history, making it more valuable and beautiful for having been broken.
This short journal offers guided prompts to help you examine your own ‘cracks’—the conflicts, fears, or regrets that have fractured your family dynamic—and fill them with something golden: empathy, accountability, and growth.
Download the full free PDF here