Recognizing and Fighting Addiction

If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, the idea of breaking free can feel tough and out of reach. Figuring out what addiction actually looks like and learning how to fight back is a process that takes absolute honesty, patience, and helpful tools. I’ve been there myself, so I know how … Read more

Why Veterans Turn to Alcohol

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

The Impact of Generational Trauma

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

Healing from Childhood Trauma

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

Self-Care for Families in Recovery

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

Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist

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

Why Addiction Differs for Everyone

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

Why Addiction Is A Family Disease

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

Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey

If you’ve been thinking about quitting drinking and considering going cold turkey, you’re definitely not alone. Many people decide to stop drinking suddenly, without tapering off gradually. The experience can range from pretty uncomfortable to fairly dangerous, so knowing what to expect is essential. Here, I’m going to walk through what actually happens to your … Read more

Signs of a Toxic Relationship

Being in a relationship should bring comfort, joy, and growth. But sometimes, things don’t feel right, and it’s hard to shake the feeling that something is off. You’re not alone if you’re questioning whether your relationship is healthy. Spotting the signs of a toxic relationship can be tricky, especially with emotions running high. Drawing from … Read more