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

Why Addiction Is A Family Disease

Addiction doesn’t just impact one person. It sends shockwaves through entire families, changing routines, relationships, and how family members see themselves and each other. When I started learning more about addiction, I noticed how often the stories weren’t just about an individual’s struggle, but about parents worried sick, siblings growing distant, and everyone feeling the … Read more

Signs of a Toxic Relationship

Being in a relationship should bring comfort, joy, and growth. But sometimes, things don’t feel right, and it’s hard to shake the feeling that something is off. You’re not alone if you’re questioning whether your relationship is healthy. Spotting the signs of a toxic relationship can be tricky, especially with emotions running high. Drawing from … Read more

Beating Depression and Addiction

If you’re dealing with both depression and addiction, you probably know firsthand how tough things can get. These challenges often appear together, each making the other feel even heavier. Finding a way through both isn’t always obvious, but real progress is possible with the right tools, mindset, and support. Here’s a transparent and honest walk-through … Read more

Addiction’s Link to Suicide

Conversations around suicide prevention often go hand in hand with discussions about addiction. Both topics deal with struggles that can feel isolating, and both have connections that are a lot stronger than most people realize. Having spent some serious time researching and talking with professionals in this space, I’ve found that understanding this connection can … Read more

The Hidden Drivers of Relapse

Relapse is one of the greatest challenges in overcoming substance use disorders, often triggered by stress, cravings, or social pressures. It is not just about willpower—relapse reflects the complex mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that can make recovery fragile. Preventing relapse works best through a comprehensive, team-based approach. Self-management skills, like coping strategies … Read more