Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje’s Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence Delivers a Raw, Honest Look at High-Functioning Alcoholism and the Journey to Healing

Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence, a deeply personal and powerful new memoir by Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje, launches May 13th, 2025, offering readers an intimate look at the hidden struggles of high-functioning alcoholism and the courage it takes to rebuild a life shattered by denial.
For decades, Stoeltje seemed to have it all—a loving marriage, a successful career as a journalist, and a family that admired her. But behind closed doors, her drinking was silently eroding the foundation of her marriage and her bond with her beloved son. The memoir chronicles Stoeltje’s harrowing five-year battle with denial, her descent into the isolating grip of addiction, and her ultimate triumph through recovery. Raw honesty is balanced with humor and insight as Stoeltje shares how she and her husband confronted their codependency, rebuilt their trust, and reclaimed their love for one another.
A Story for Anyone Who’s Struggled to Find Hope
Written for those who’ve battled addiction or supported loved ones through recovery, Drunk Love is a beacon of hope and resilience. It sheds light on the struggles of high-functioning alcoholics—an often-overlooked demographic in addiction narratives—and offers a roadmap for others seeking redemption and healing.
“Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt—it’s a prison we build for ourselves,” Stoeltje says. “This book is for anyone who has ever wondered if their drinking is more than just a habit, or who has struggled to save themselves and their relationships.”
About the Author
Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje is a retired journalist with over three decades of experience writing for major outlets, including the San Antonio Light, the Houston Chronicle, and the San Antonio Express-News. Her award-winning work has also appeared in Texas Monthly and The New York Times. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Stoeltje lives in San Antonio with her husband, Mark, and is the proud mother of Dr. Sam Stoeltje.
Availability
Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence is available starting May 13th, 2025 in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other retailers.
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