About teenagers and college students additions
If you’ve ever been so absorbed in a hobby, project, or TV series that you lose track of time, meals, or even sleep, you’re not alone. That deep focus—often called hyperfocus—can be exciting and even rewarding, especially when it fuels creativity, learning, or productivity. Many people experience it, though it’s often more common among those … Read more
Staging a successful addiction intervention is something many families and friends worry about. It often feels overwhelming, emotional, and risky to step in when a loved one is struggling. After seeing how interventions transformed people I know, I discovered that there are some effective strategies behind their success. In this article, I’m breaking down these … Read more
There’s a lot of information floating around about addiction recovery, and it’s not always easy to tell what’s true and what’s just a myth. Whether you’re supporting someone who’s working on recovery or you’re starting your own journey, clearing up the confusion can make the path a little less stressful. In this article, I’ll dig … Read more
Addiction is often misunderstood as personal choice or lack of willpower. Still, in reality, it connects deeply with actual health conditions that create lasting impacts well beyond the initial use of a substance or addictive behavior. Over decades, researchers and doctors have come to see diseases tied to addiction as complicated, affecting not just the … Read more
Misunderstandings about fentanyl seem to pop up everywhere, from social media to regular conversations. With all the noise out there, it’s pretty easy to get tangled up in scary stories or rumors that don’t match what experts actually know. Here, I’m taking a clear-eyed look at the most common myths about fentanyl, why the facts … Read more
Living with PTSD and addiction can feel like fighting two battles at once—one in your mind and one in your body. The constant waves of anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional numbness can drive a person to seek relief in substances, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. However, emotional resilience—the ability to adapt, heal, and move … Read more
Abstaining from alcohol or drug use, a supportive home environment can make all the difference. But when your partner still drinks or uses, things get complicated fast. Every day triggers, such as seeing a drink, smelling alcohol, or watching them use, can stir up cravings and stress. You may wonder if their habits are holding … Read more
Parenting a child facing addiction struggles is challenging and can feel overwhelming at times. Figuring out what works best for your family often means learning as you go. With the right strategies and understanding, you can take practical steps to support your child’s well-being and keep your family connected through tough times. Below are supportive … Read more
Grief can strike without warning, unraveling routines and shaking how I see myself and connect with others. The pain can feel so heavy that I start searching for anything to ease it, even briefly. What many don’t realize is how easily that search can lead to substance use—a drink to calm the nerves, a pill … Read more
Teen dependency begins with a harmless activity used to manage stress, boredom, or loneliness. Later, these behaviors activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine that reinforces pleasure and relief, turning occasional coping into a habit and eventually emotional reliance. As this cycle continues, teens may find it harder to focus, sleep well, or engage meaningfully … Read more