About teenagers and college students additions
Addiction receives significant attention in celebrity culture, often in ways that blur the line between awareness and sensationalism. Through tell-all interviews, dramatic movie roles, and lyrics that reference substance use, celebrities frequently share stories about their experiences with alcohol or drugs. While these stories can sometimes help reduce stigma and start important conversations about recovery, … Read more
Being there for someone in recovery can be surprisingly tricky, especially if you haven’t been through it yourself. Even with the best intentions, some words can weigh heavier than you’d think. I’ve learned a lot by listening to people in recovery and by being part of supportive communities. Here, I want to share what not … Read more
Doubt can be tough to shake after gaslighting, and getting past it is no small feat. When your reality has been questioned over and over, figuring out what to trust—even about your own thoughts—can be confusing and isolating. If you’re working to move away from self-doubt after being gaslit, it can help to break the … Read more
Delayed gratification is a pretty big deal in recovery, especially if you’re aiming for long-term sobriety. It’s the ability to forgo short-term rewards to achieve something bigger later on. A lot of people think some folks are just “born patient” or naturally better at resisting temptation. The truth is, delayed gratification isn’t a personality trait; … Read more
If you’ve ever noticed someone keeping up with their job, relationships, and daily responsibilities while still struggling privately with a powerful craving, whether that’s for alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even technology, then you’ve seen what functional addiction looks like. Functional addiction is often misunderstood, and it doesn’t always fit the stereotype most of us see … Read more
Addiction is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is often misunderstood, with many people viewing it as a result of poor choices or lack of willpower. However, the truth is much more complicated. Addiction can be caused by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental influences. From … Read more
Teen cannabis use is a topic that gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. While it’s often seen as a rite of passage or something harmless, more research keeps pointing to a real connection between early cannabis use and certain mental health conditions, including psychosis. In this article, I’m breaking down what’s currently … Read more
If you’re in recovery, you probably know that heartbreak doesn’t just vanish when you quit using. In many cases, it feels even sharper as the fog lifts. Healing heartbreak after addiction isn’t always talked about, but honestly, it comes up for a lot of people. Through my own experience, I’ve found that mending a broken … Read more
Relapse can often feel like a major setback, especially when you’re putting in the effort to make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you’re navigating recovery from substance use, trying to break a bad habit, or working toward a healthier lifestyle, it’s normal to encounter difficulties and experience moments of vulnerability. These challenges are part … Read more
Recognizing and expressing emotions is something most people take for granted, but for those with alexithymia, it’s a challenge. Alexithymia is a personality trait that makes it difficult to identify and describe one’s feelings. When combined with behavioral addictions like compulsive gaming, problematic shopping, or social media overuse, it can create additional difficulties that are … Read more