Different issues during recovery
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
Generational trauma—also called intergenerational or ancestral trauma—refers to emotional pain and coping patterns passed down through families, often without anyone realizing it. It can shape how people communicate, handle conflict, express love, and manage stress. You might see it in recurring family patterns like emotional distance, fear of vulnerability, or cycles of addiction and abuse. … Read more
Childhood experiences with trauma, such as neglect, abuse, or family conflict, can lead to emotional patterns that carry into adulthood, affecting trust, communication, and closeness. Many people repeat cycles such as people-pleasing, emotional withdrawal, or fear of abandonment without realizing these are learned coping mechanisms. The good news is that healing is possible. Recognizing how … Read more
If your family is dealing with the challenges of addiction, self-care often ends up at the bottom of the list. I know how easy it is to get caught up in crisis mode, worrying about your loved one and juggling everything else on your plate. The thing is, looking after yourself isn’t selfish. Self-care can … Read more
If your new relationship feels perfect on the surface but leaves you anxious, confused, or emotionally drained, you may be dealing with more than typical relationship ups and downs. Narcissistic relationships often start with charm, attention, and intensity—making it easy to overlook early warning signs. Over time, though, that excitement can give way to manipulation, … Read more
Addiction is a complicated topic, and it’s something I’ve seen affect people from all walks of life. There’s often a question that comes up: why does addiction seem to get its hooks into some people more deeply than others? I’m checking out some of the main reasons, spanning biology, environment, mental health, and personal experience, … 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