About teenagers and college students additions
Managing addiction and mental health challenges takes patience, support, and the right therapeutic approach. Since these issues often overlap, effective treatment addresses emotional and behavioral patterns. The right therapy can help manage triggers, regulate emotions, and rebuild a healthier sense of self. In this guide, I’ll outline trusted, research-based techniques—like CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy—and … Read more
Love can sweep you off your feet or leave you uncertain and lost. Finding your way between love addiction and healthy affection isn’t always straightforward, especially when intense emotions are involved. Recognizing where genuine, healthy connections end and obsession or dependency begin can make a huge difference in your emotional well-being. I’m going to break … Read more
If you’ve heard the term “love addiction” tossed around online or in self-help talks, you’re not alone—it’s a topic often clouded by confusion. Some dismiss it as being overly romantic. In contrast, others fear that deep attachment means something’s wrong. In reality, love addiction isn’t about enjoying love—it’s about becoming emotionally dependent on it in … Read more
Spotting early signs of substance use in teens is a big deal for parents. A lot of families miss the warning signs at first because it’s tough to tell the difference between normal teenage mood swings and hints of something more serious. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from chatting with counselors, reading up on the … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be codependent, you’re not alone. Codependency often shapes how we connect—with partners, friends, or family—by putting others’ needs ahead of our own. Over time, this can make relationships feel draining or one-sided. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward breaking the cycle and building healthier, more balanced … Read more
Art therapy has brought a fresh perspective to mental health and addiction recovery spaces. Instead of relying solely on talk therapy and medication, this creative approach invites people to express what’s often hard to put into words. Over the years, I’ve seen how art therapy makes the recovery adventure less intimidating and more personal. I’m … Read more
Creating a supportive home for recovery means setting up your environment to help promote healing. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, illness, mental health struggles, or substance use, the space you live in can make a real difference. I’ve seen how even small changes can improve comfort and motivation. I’ll walk you through how to turn … Read more
Alcohol and anxiety are deeply connected: while alcohol may briefly ease anxious feelings, it ultimately worsens anxiety and dependence, creating a harmful cycle. Treating both together requires medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, and community support. Yet cultural attitudes and stigma shape how people seek help—some normalize alcohol use while dismissing anxiety, others attach shame to both. … Read more
Impulse control problems and attention deficits play a major role in addiction, as both are tied to dopamine pathways that regulate motivation and reward. When these systems are off balance, people may act on urges quickly or struggle to focus, making them more vulnerable to substance use. Medication can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity, … Read more
Polydrug use—the mixing of substances like opioids, alcohol, or stimulants—greatly increases the risk of overdose and addiction. Governments respond with interventions such as harm reduction programs, monitoring systems, and treatment expansion, but people may still turn to polydrug use for relief, stronger effects, or due to tolerance and availability. Preventing escalation requires self-management skills, supportive … Read more