If you’re dating the child of an alcoholic parent, you may be wondering how their past experiences will impact your romantic relationship. Or you may have already seen the effects at work and are searching for healthy ways to understand and resolve them. First of all, know that this dynamic is not a rarity. One…
The public portrayal of American teenagers in television and media would have you believe that every high school student is consuming alcohol underage or dabbling in drug use. In reality, illicit drug use is at the lowest level it has been in more than 20 years — with 6.1% of 8th graders, 9.6% of 10th…
If you have a loved one who battles addiction, you know firsthand the painful price of your love. You likely feel infinitely helpless as you watch someone you care for battle this stubborn opponent. Even more difficult is knowing how to continue showing them love while putting up necessary boundaries. Here we’ll offer some guidance…
Shame and addiction — what a tragically intertwined pair. These two often seem to walk hand in hand, making it difficult for an addict to see their potential and purpose through a fog of lies that say, “You’re not good enough” or “You’ll never be free of this.” Shame also makes it harder for the…
Addiction doesn’t just impact the person suffering — it has a ripple effect that reaches all their loved ones. If you have a sibling who struggles with substance abuse, you know this reality firsthand. Maybe you’re wondering if you should stage an intervention or whether it’s time to cut ties with an alcoholic sibling. Or…
Being a parent is not easy. Being a parent of a child who struggles with addiction is harder still. Deciding how best to care for them and navigate a treatment plan can feel like a complicated journey. Know that you’re not alone — many resources are available to help you understand your child’s addiction and…
One of the toughest times for any recovering addict is when grief comes their way. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the death of a dream or an unexpected tragedy in your life, you probably know that grief comes in all shapes and sizes. Even with the strongest motivation, it can be hard…
Everyone deserves a break, even those recovering from addiction. As you unwind and relax, it’s important to hold on to all the progress you’ve made during your recovery journey. Depending on where you go, you may be faced with temptation and old triggers that could lead to a relapse. Safeguarding your sobriety is of paramount…
Addiction has long been seen as a moral failing or weakness. Today, however, research shows that substance use is housed in the brain. Some people are genetically predisposed and thus more at risk of addiction. Others, after long-term use, rewire their brain to become dependent on drugs or alcohol. Most treatment programs focus on ridding…
Addiction can be a difficult topic to discuss with your children. Even though this issue can have a serious impact on their lives, many parents are unsure when and if they should bring up this topic. Whether you or someone close to your family struggles with addiction or you want to minimize your child’s risk…