Boundaries and Love: Ian Cron on Parenting a Child in Recovery

Thrive While Loving an Addict | Addiction | Sobriety | Recovery | Relapse

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author, Enneagram expert, and host of the Typology Podcast, to explore the transformative power of the Twelve Steps—not just for those struggling with addiction, but for anyone seeking personal growth, healing, and a deeper spiritual awakening.

Ian shares his deeply personal journey as a recovering alcoholic and addict, the father of a son in recovery, and the husband of what he calls an "Al-Anon Ninja." He opens up about the challenges of parenting a child with substance use disorder, the importance of boundaries, and how addiction can serve as an invitation to profound spiritual transformation.

Through humor, wisdom, and raw honesty, Ian discusses his latest book, The Fix, which reimagines the Twelve Steps as a universal path to healing—whether you're struggling with addiction, codependency, or simply looking for a new way to live with more freedom and joy.

Key Discussion Points

• Ian’s personal experience with addiction and recovery, and how it shaped his family.
• The misconceptions about addiction and why it’s more than just a lack of willpower.
• How the Twelve Steps can be a tool for anyone, not just those with substance use disorder.
• The role of spirituality in healing and transformation.
• The power of community and connection in overcoming addiction.
• How parents and loved ones can set healthy boundaries while still offering love and support.
• Ian’s perspective on relapse and what it taught him about recovery.
• The importance of self-care for parents and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What inspired you to write The Fix now?
• How do you define addiction, and why do you believe it’s part of the human condition?
• Do you see addiction as a doorway to spiritual awakening?
• How can parents and loved ones detach with love while still supporting their child?
• What was it like to set boundaries and ask your son to leave home?
• How did your own relapse shift your understanding of recovery?
• What role does joy and humor play in the healing process?
• How can someone without a substance use disorder benefit from the Twelve Steps?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ Why addiction is often a spiritual workaround—and how to find a real solution.

✅ How to reframe addiction as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

✅ The power of surrender and why letting go can be the key to real change.

✅ How to cultivate a spiritual life that supports healing and resilience.

✅ Why community and connection are essential for recovery.

✅ How to set healthy boundaries without guilt or fear.

✅ The unexpected gifts that can come from walking through the pain of addiction.

Resources & Links:

📖 Get Ian Morgan Cron’s latest book, The Fix – https://ianmorgancron.com/thefix

🎙️ Listen to Ian’s Podcast, Typology – https://www.typologypodcast.com

📚 Learn more about the Enneagram and Ian’s work – https://www.typologypodcast.com

🎙️ KL Wells’ TED Talk: Watch Here

Closing Call to Action:

👉 If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support and encouragement on their journey. 💙