Relapse is something most people in recovery think about at some point. While the first few months after quitting a substance, like alcohol or drugs, can be the most intense, a surprising number of relapses actually happen after six months or longer. I’ve seen this pattern play out over and over, and there are some … Read more
Attachment issues in fatherless homes can influence everything from relationships and self-esteem to mental health. Growing up without a consistent father figure has unique challenges that play out in how kids, and even adults, connect with others and build their sense of self. I’m walking you through what happens emotionally in these homes, why it … Read more
Noticing changes in skin color can feel unsettling. Sometimes it’s just a minor issue like spending too much time in the sun, but other times it’s connected to something going on inside your body. Skin color changes, especially yellowing or darkening, can be an early warning sign of liver damage. Knowing what to watch for, … Read more
Grief has a way of catching us off guard. Even when loss is expected, the emotions that bubble up can feel totally overwhelming. As someone who’s experienced various shapes of grief, I know how awkward it can get when you’re faced with someone deep in mourning. Most of us reach for advice or words of … Read more
Self-medication isn’t new, but when it comes to dealing with stress, it’s something I see all the time. Lately, more people reach for over the counter pills, herbal remedies, or even a glass of wine just to take the edge off a tough day. While this might look harmless at first, self-medicating for stress can … Read more
People love to debate which is really worse for your health: diet soda or alcohol. It pops up at every family gathering, gym chat, and even in online threads. Both drinks get a lot of attention for different reasons. One promises zero calories, the other’s a social staple. Figuring out which one comes with more … Read more
When it comes to addiction, friendships can shift from supportive to harmful in subtle but powerful ways. Friends often play an important role in providing encouragement, comfort, and accountability during difficult times. However, in the context of addiction, even well-intentioned friends may unintentionally enable unhealthy behaviors. Enabling can happen when someone minimizes the seriousness of … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered why junk food cravings seem almost impossible to resist or why certain apps keep pulling you back for “just one more minute,” it raises an important question: who—or what—is influencing these habits? Many of the products and platforms people interact with every day are intentionally designed to keep users engaged, and … Read more
Black masculinity has historically been shaped by rigid expectations, stereotypes, and social pressures that define how Black men are expected to behave. Cultural narratives often emphasize strength, toughness, independence, and emotional control, leaving little room for vulnerability or open expressions of pain. Within this context, substance use and addiction can emerge in the lives of … Read more
Most people know that smoking isn’t just tough on your lungs. It messes with your entire body. One thing that often flies under the radar is how abnormal fat (also called ectopic fat) from smoking cigarettes can sneak its way into organs and cause health problems that you might not even expect. If you’re curious … Read more