About how addiction affect relationships
Parenting a child facing addiction struggles is challenging and can feel overwhelming at times. Figuring out what works best for your family often means learning as you go. With the right strategies and understanding, you can take practical steps to support your child’s well-being and keep your family connected through tough times. Below are supportive … Read more
Grief can strike without warning, unraveling routines and shaking how I see myself and connect with others. The pain can feel so heavy that I start searching for anything to ease it, even briefly. What many don’t realize is how easily that search can lead to substance use—a drink to calm the nerves, a pill … 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
Talking about addiction isn’t always easy, but it makes a massive difference for everyone involved. Honest conversations can spark real understanding, reduce shame, and set a positive path, whether someone is struggling personally or supporting a loved one. Many families, friends, and even workplaces don’t know where to start, so I’m putting together practical steps … Read more
If you’ve ever caught yourself second-guessing your accomplishments, feeling like a fraud among colleagues, or worrying that someone might call you out for not being as skilled as you appear, you’re certainly not alone. Imposter syndrome often creeps in for people at all levels—from students just starting to seasoned professionals leading the way. That sense … Read more
If you’ve ever thought about getting help for something challenging going on in your life, you’re definitely not alone. Still, there’s a whole lot of misunderstanding and confusion out there about what it actually means to reach out for support, especially when it comes to mental health, emotional struggles, or even just feeling stuck. I’ve … 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
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
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
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