About mental illness and 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
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
Addiction affects people from every walk of life. It’s not just about drugs or alcohol, and it’s not a matter of lacking willpower. The more I’ve learned about addiction, through research and from people sharing their stories, the clearer it’s become how important it is to really understand what addiction is, where it comes from, … Read more
Methamphetamine and fentanyl are two drugs that have surfaced everywhere in recent years, and I’ve seen how their dangers can sometimes be underestimated, especially when it comes to mental health. Knowing what these substances can do to your mind and body can help you take care of yourself or someone you care about. I’m going … Read more
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
West Virginia has stayed in the headlines for a tough reason: it currently has the highest overdose death rate in the United States. The opioid crisis has hit every corner of the country, but the impact in West Virginia is especially intense, touching families and communities in deep and lasting ways. I want to break … Read more
Sorting out the differences between Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and inpatient addiction care can seriously shape someone’s recovery adventure. Each approach comes with its own upsides and challenges, depending a lot on a person’s lifestyle, addiction history, and what kind of support works best. I’m going to dig into what you need to know about … Read more
Building a better relationship with someone who is struggling with addiction is rarely simple, but it can be one of the most meaningful factors in supporting long-term change and emotional well-being for everyone involved. Addiction—whether related to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other behaviors—often disrupts trust, communication, and emotional safety within relationships. Without guidance, even well-intentioned … Read more
Gaps in opioid addiction treatment continue to leave far too many people without access to care that could change—or even save—their lives. Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing medical condition that requires timely, individualized, and ongoing support, yet many people encounter obstacles at nearly every step of the treatment process. These barriers can include … Read more
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