About mental illness and addiction
If you’re on a recovery adventure, either from addiction, mental health struggles, or something else that’s shaken your foundations, the road ahead can feel pretty overwhelming. There’s a ton of advice out there, but one thing I can say, based on seeing countless real stories unfold, is that working with professionals is one of the … Read more
Self-compassion often takes a back seat in most recovery programs, yet it can be one of the most transformative tools in healing. For many of us, the inner voice we carry is far harsher than we’d ever be to someone else. When you’re rebuilding after addiction, anxiety, depression, or any major life setback, that critical … Read more
Living with PTSD and addiction can feel like fighting two battles at once—one in your mind and one in your body. The constant waves of anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional numbness can drive a person to seek relief in substances, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. However, emotional resilience—the ability to adapt, heal, and move … Read more
Teen dependency begins with a harmless activity used to manage stress, boredom, or loneliness. Later, these behaviors activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine that reinforces pleasure and relief, turning occasional coping into a habit and eventually emotional reliance. As this cycle continues, teens may find it harder to focus, sleep well, or engage meaningfully … Read more
Therapy is there to help us grow and heal, but sometimes, even after giving it a real shot, progress doesn’t seem to happen. Many people get stuck wondering if they’re doing something wrong or if the therapy is not clicking. It’s pretty standard to second-guess your own experience, especially when therapy is supposed to be … 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
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