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
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
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
If you’re exploring addiction recovery, or you’re supporting someone who is, understanding how recovery can differ for women is really important. Addiction has no boundaries, but the way it affects women isn’t the same as it does for men. That means the recovery path can look a bit different, too. I will share some facts, … 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
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
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
If you’ve ever tried to support someone struggling with addiction, you probably know it can be tough to find the right words. The things people say, whether out of concern, frustration, or not knowing what it’s like, can affect someone trying to recover. The wrong words sometimes do more harm than good. I’ve seen firsthand … Read more
Forgiveness is a word that comes up often in therapy and recovery conversations, but actually living it out is an entirely different challenge. When you’re in the middle of addiction, or even standing on the other side trying to rebuild your life, the idea of forgiving yourself—or forgiving others who may have hurt you—can feel … Read more
Grieving after losing someone to addiction hits in a way that’s unlike any other loss. It’s not just the sadness of saying goodbye—the complicated mix of emotions that come with it. There’s the deep sorrow of losing someone you love, but also anger at the addiction itself, guilt over what you wish you could have … Read more