The Truth About Withdrawal

If you’ve ever tried to stop something your body relied on, whether it’s caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, prescription meds, or street drugs, withdrawal can feel like a wild ride. The stuff you read about withdrawal often lists basic symptoms, but the up-close, lived experience is far more real. I’m breaking down what the body actually feels … Read more

Spotting Therapy Red Flags

Therapy is there to help us grow and heal, but sometimes, even after giving it a real shot, progress doesn’t seem to happen. Many people get stuck wondering if they’re doing something wrong or if the therapy is not clicking. It’s pretty standard to second-guess your own experience, especially when therapy is supposed to be … Read more

Recognizing and Fighting Addiction

If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, the idea of breaking free can feel tough and out of reach. Figuring out what addiction actually looks like and learning how to fight back is a process that takes absolute honesty, patience, and helpful tools. I’ve been there myself, so I know how … Read more

PTSD Nightmares lead to Relapse

Veterans working through recovery often face tough challenges, especially when unexpected triggers show up and threaten to throw everything off course. These nightmare triggers aren’t always obvious, but can pull the rug out from under steady progress. I’ve learned how surprising and powerful these triggers can be, so understanding what they are and how they … Read more

Women Veterans Heal from PTSD

PTSD and alcohol cravings can be challenging hurdles for women veterans, but with awareness, support, and practical strategies, recovery is absolutely possible. I know how stories from other female vets and finding the right resources can change everything when it comes to managing posttraumatic stress and handling the urge to drink. Here’s how women veterans … Read more

Why Veterans Turn to Alcohol

Alcohol is more than just a drink for many veterans. It can become a comfort, a distraction, or a way to quiet memories that linger after military service. I’ve seen how reaching for a bottle often feels like the quickest path to relief after returning home from the deployment chaos. For a lot of folks, … Read more

Veterans: Trauma & Substance Use

Combat veterans know all too well what it’s like to come home carrying not just physical scars, but deep emotional and psychological ones as well. I’ve talked with several veterans who’ve opened up about just how heavy this load can feel, especially when it’s tangled up with substance abuse. Many are surprisingly honest about the … Read more

Why Soldiers Turn to Gambling

Gambling addiction in the military doesn’t usually grab headlines, but it’s a much bigger deal than most people realize. If you picture a soldier, you probably see someone disciplined and strong, but soldiers are just as human as anyone else. Sometimes, they are even more at risk for specific challenges, like gambling problems. This article … Read more

Self-Care for Families in Recovery

If your family is dealing with the challenges of addiction, self-care often ends up at the bottom of the list. I know how easy it is to get caught up in crisis mode, worrying about your loved one and juggling everything else on your plate. The thing is, looking after yourself isn’t selfish. Self-care can … Read more

Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist

If your new relationship feels perfect on the surface but leaves you anxious, confused, or emotionally drained, you may be dealing with more than typical relationship ups and downs. Narcissistic relationships often start with charm, attention, and intensity—making it easy to overlook early warning signs. Over time, though, that excitement can give way to manipulation, … Read more