The Three Main Types Of Addiction

Addiction can take many forms, shaping how a person thinks, behaves, and copes with life’s challenges. While each experience is unique, experts commonly group addiction into three main types: substance addiction, behavioral addiction, and impulse or process addiction. Each type affects the brain’s reward system, reinforcing repeated behaviors despite negative consequences. Substance addiction involves dependence … Read more

Common Traits in Addiction

Addiction shows up in all sorts of forms, including alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, internet use, and much more. While every person’s experience is different, there are some key traits and patterns that a lot of people with addiction share, no matter the specifics. My goal here is to break down what people with addiction often … Read more

Six Characteristics Of Addiction

Addiction often feels confusing and overwhelming, not just for people experiencing it but for anyone trying to figure out what actually goes on. It’s more than just using a substance or chasing a certain behavior. These patterns can be surprisingly deep-rooted. Knowing the main traits that define addiction is important for spotting early warning signs … Read more

Five Key Risk Factors For Addiction

If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem more likely than others to struggle with addiction, you’re not alone. Addiction isn’t just about personal choices; it can be shaped by a mix of background, environment, and even biology. By spotting the key risk factors, it gets easier to understand how addiction shows up in real … Read more

Blame-Shifting in Addiction

Blame-shifting is something I’ve seen crop up time and again in relationships affected by addiction. When someone struggles with substance use, it’s common for both partners to get tangled in complicated cycles of conflict, finger-pointing, and defense. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I always feel like it’s my fault?” or “Am I … Read more

Toxic Habits That Trigger Relapse

Building healthy habits is a vital part of recovering from any addiction, but what often receives far less attention are the toxic habits that can quietly return and increase the risk of relapse. These patterns don’t always look dangerous at first—they often appear as small compromises, emotional shortcuts, or shifts in routine that slowly weaken … Read more

Cannabis-Related Health Risks

Cannabis use has gained attention as legalization expands and social attitudes shift. Often viewed as a low-risk or “natural” substance, it is commonly perceived as safer than other drugs. However, growing evidence shows that regular or heavy use can carry meaningful health risks. Research increasingly links cannabis use to cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, as … Read more

Helping Someone Get Sober

Supporting someone who wants to get off drugs can feel like a big responsibility. It’s an adventure with ups and downs, and every step truly matters. If you’ve never helped someone through recovery before, it’s normal to wonder what actually works versus what may make things more complicated. Drawing on years of experience in addiction … Read more

Men & Addiction: Silent Battles

Addiction can sneak up silently, often disguised by daily routines or hidden behind social expectations. A lot of men struggle with addiction in ways that are rarely talked about openly. Pressures to be “strong” or to “handle it yourself” can make it tough to reach out for help, and that’s when the silent struggles pile … Read more

The Dark Side of Fame & Alcohol

Alcoholism and fame often go hand in hand, but not in a way that benefits those in the spotlight. The pressure, constant attention, and unrealistic expectations surrounding fame can make alcohol a tempting escape for many celebrities. Over the years, this unhealthy relationship has been widely documented, both in dramatic headlines and in reflective interviews … Read more