Creating a safe space to talk about addiction is crucial for making real change possible in any community. Hard conversations can feel intimidating, but when people feel comfortable and heard, healing and help can actually happen. I’m excited to walk through what it takes to encourage open dialogue about addiction and how to turn these … Read more
Journaling is often dismissed as something reserved for writers or those with ample free time, but it’s actually one of the most underrated tools available for anyone in recovery. After spending years talking with folks on their recovery adventure and trying journaling myself, I’ve seen firsthand how this simple habit can bring about some pretty … 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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