Prescription painkillers play a big role in modern medicine, helping folks manage significant pain after surgery or during chronic illnesses. Even though they’re prescribed by doctors and carefully monitored, painkillers like opioids can have a bunch of effects on your body and mind that don’t always get talked about at the pharmacy counter. If you’re … Read more
Co-occurring disorders—when addiction and mental health challenges happen at the same time—are more common than most people think. Many individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, only to find that substance use makes their symptoms worse. This creates a cycle where both conditions feed into … Read more
Addiction treatment surrounds itself with plenty of confusion and misinformation, making it challenging for people to pick their next steps or be genuinely supportive of loved ones who are struggling. Myths about what addiction treatment looks like, how it works, and who truly needs it seem to pop up everywhere. Setting the record straight with … Read more
Breaking out of the addiction loop can feel like looking for a way out of a maze, especially if you’ve tried before and ended up right back where you started. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but getting a clear idea of the process, your options, and some down-to-earth advice can make a huge difference. I’m sharing … Read more
Habits and addictions get talked about a lot, but knowing how they’re different is really important if you want to make sense of your own behaviors, or even help someone else. On the surface, habits and addictions can look pretty similar, but there are some core differences in how they show up, how they affect … Read more
If you’ve noticed sudden changes in someone you care about—like shifts in mood, behavior, or routines—it can be hard to know what’s happening. Recognizing early signs of addiction can make a big difference, since the sooner it’s identified, the sooner support can begin. Addiction is more common than many realize, yet stigma often keeps people … Read more
Getting to the root of addiction isn’t just about substances or habits. It has much to do with what’s happening in the brain and how certain experiences or emotions can drive someone to use or repeat a specific behavior, even when it’s clearly hurting them. I’m going to dig into the common psychological triggers of … Read more
Figuring out whether you or someone you love has an addiction can feel overwhelming. Denial often gets in the way—it can look like minimizing the problem, blaming stress, or comparing yourself to others who “have it worse.” Sometimes it’s simply avoiding the topic because admitting the truth feels too painful. Honesty about addiction can stir … Read more
If you’ve ever worried about dependency—on substances, habits, or even relationships—you probably picture obvious symptoms, like cravings or withdrawal. But the reality is, plenty of subtle signals often fly under the radar. Spotting these early can help you or someone you care about avoid bigger problems. So, I’m unpacking some uncommon signs of dependency that … Read more
If you have a loved one who struggles with addiction, you might have heard the word “codependency” come up a lot. It’s a word that can sound a little vague. Still, if you’re stuck in a cycle of putting someone else’s needs first, neglecting what’s essential for you to do, or feeling like your well-being … Read more