Heart Damage from Drug Use

Heart damage from drug use is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most serious health effects of substance misuse. Many drugs—legal, illegal, and even common everyday substances—can quietly strain the heart, weaken blood vessels, and disrupt normal heart function. Early warning signs are easy to miss and often mistaken for stress or fatigue. Stimulants, … Read more

Losing Custody Due to Drug Use

Losing custody of my kids because of drug use changed my life. It forced me to face the reality of addiction—not just how it affects me, but how deeply it impacts the people I love most. You can think you’re in control, but addiction can take over and leave consequences that cut deep. Sharing this … Read more

HIV from Drug Use

HIV remains a serious public health concern, but many people don’t realize how closely it’s linked to drug use. Whether through injection, sharing equipment, or risky behaviors that happen while under the influence, drug use can significantly increase the chance of contracting HIV. Understanding these risks is essential for staying safe. I want to highlight … Read more

Fentanyl-Laced Pills: Warning Signs

Fentanyl-laced pills are showing up more and more, and they’re causing a lot of harm in communities everywhere. Even people who think they’re just taking a regular painkiller or anti-anxiety medication might actually be using something way stronger—and much more dangerous. I want to lay out what to look out for, how these pills find … Read more

My Story of Lung Cancer

Getting diagnosed with lung cancer flipped my world upside down. I always knew smoking wasn’t good for me, but I didn’t really understand the full impact until I was sitting in that doctor’s office, listening to words that suddenly made the warnings real. Looking back, I want to share what lung cancer taught me about … Read more

How Alcohol Led Me to Cirrhosis

I used to think a stiff drink after work was something everyone deserved, a little ritual that helped me unwind and celebrate the end of the day. For years, I brushed aside warnings, dismissing them as worry or overreaction. It wasn’t until I found myself in a doctor’s office, staring at scans, blood panels, and … Read more

Overcoming Shame in Recovery

Shame can feel incredibly heavy and isolating, especially for anyone navigating addiction. It’s not just embarrassment—it’s that deep, lingering belief that something is wrong with you at your core. And unlike passing emotions, shame tends to stick, quietly influencing how you see yourself and the choices you make. For many people struggling with addiction, shame … Read more

Transforming Pain into Purpose

Pain and struggle often come hand in hand with addiction recovery. But pain can pave the way to some of the most powerful changes in our lives. I’ve learned that real progress happens not by avoiding pain, but by learning how to use it for something that gives us meaning and direction. In this guide, … Read more

Recovery Begins with Self-Love

Your adventure to recovery isn’t just a process; it’s an act of self-love at every step. Whether you’re coming back from a tough spot emotionally, mentally, or physically, the real power in healing starts with learning how to treat yourself with kindness. I’ve found that building a foundation of self-love can shape the whole experience, … Read more

Creating Space for Your Grief

Grief is a profoundly personal journey, and giving yourself real space to experience it can completely shift how you process and heal. So many people feel pressured to “move on,” stay busy, or pretend they’re okay, but pushing past grief too quickly often makes the pain linger beneath the surface. Creating space for your grief—whether … Read more