About how addiction affect relationships
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
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
Substance use among adults is rising quickly as nicotine pouches, cannabis, vaping, and hallucinogens become more visible and accessible. This article examines the factors behind these changes and highlights important health considerations for anyone seeking clarity or guidance. How Substance Trends Are Changing Among Adults Nicotine pouches, cannabis, vaping, and hallucinogens all have unique histories, … 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
Alcohol has a reputation for letting people relax and unwind, but what’s really going on behind the scenes in your brain is more complicated than just feeling loose. When you drink, alcohol isn’t just changing your mood on the surface. It’s working deep inside your brain. Over time, this rewiring impacts not just how you … Read more
If you’ve ever experienced relapse or supported someone through it, you know how confusing and frustrating it can feel. It’s super common in recovery from substance use, mental health issues, or even habits like smoking or overeating. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about relapse, which only adds pressure and shame. Learning what relapse actually means, … Read more
Understanding the link between personality traits and substance use disorder (SUD) gives some pretty valuable insight into why some people are more likely to struggle with addiction than others. Knowing which personality factors play a part isn’t about blame. It’s about getting a clearer picture of mental health and taking steps toward prevention, early support, … Read more
Supporting someone who wants to get off drugs can feel like a big responsibility. It’s an adventure with ups and downs, and every step truly matters. If you’ve never helped someone through recovery before, it’s normal to wonder what actually works versus what may make things more complicated. Drawing on years of experience in addiction … Read more
If you’re struggling with drug use and thinking about making a change, reaching out for professional help can be a powerful and practical step forward. Addiction affects the brain, behavior, and emotions in ways that often make quitting alone extremely difficult, but you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Professional treatment offers medical care, … Read more