The Power of Art in Recovery

Art therapy has brought a fresh perspective to mental health and addiction recovery spaces. Instead of relying solely on talk therapy and medication, this creative approach invites people to express what’s often hard to put into words. Over the years, I’ve seen how art therapy makes the recovery adventure less intimidating and more personal. I’m … Read more

Home Environment for Recovery

Creating a supportive home for recovery means setting up your environment to help promote healing. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, illness, mental health struggles, or substance use, the space you live in can make a real difference. I’ve seen how even small changes can improve comfort and motivation. I’ll walk you through how to turn … Read more

The Hidden Drivers of Relapse

Relapse is one of the greatest challenges in overcoming substance use disorders, often triggered by stress, cravings, or social pressures. It is not just about willpower—relapse reflects the complex mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that can make recovery fragile. Preventing relapse works best through a comprehensive, team-based approach. Self-management skills, like coping strategies … Read more

Addiction Telemedicine Barriers

Telemedicine has expanded access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, but barriers remain, including technology gaps, regulatory hurdles, and stigma. Pharmacies add challenges such as reluctance to dispense medications, limited buprenorphine stocking, and insurance restrictions. Solutions like pharmacist training, stronger provider–pharmacy collaboration, and patient support networks can ease these barriers. Government efforts—through regulatory reforms, funding, … Read more

Increasing Female Drug Overdoses

Overdose deaths among women have risen sharply, driven by factors like opioid use, mental health struggles, trauma, and stigma. In response, governments have expanded naloxone access, funded gender-focused treatment, and promoted trauma-informed care. Women can reduce risk through self-management strategies such as safe medication use and relapse prevention. Families support recovery by fostering open communication … Read more

Spotting Addiction in Family

Addiction can be a tricky thing to spot, especially when it’s happening to someone you care about. It’s easy to miss the early warning signs, thinking they’re having a rough patch or going through a stressful time. The reality is, catching addiction early makes a big difference in how quickly that person can get support … Read more

Cold Turkey: Quitting Alcohol

Deciding to quit drinking cold turkey is a big step that can come with a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. The idea of stopping suddenly, without weaning off, sounds simple on paper, but the real experience is often more complicated than expected. I know the process can be challenging, especially if you’ve been … Read more

How to Help a Friend in Addiction

Battling addiction is a tough road, and having support from friends can make a meaningful difference for someone going through it. Sometimes, figuring out what helps (and doesn’t) can be confusing. If you’re looking for ways to truly show up for a friend facing addiction, guidance from experts and people who’ve been there can be … Read more

Why Addicts Feel Guilty

Addiction and guilt are closely connected for many people struggling with substance use. Even while making progress in recovery, feelings of guilt can linger, weighing on self-esteem, motivation, and emotional well-being. This guilt often stems from past mistakes, broken relationships, or perceived failures, making recovery even more challenging. In this article, I’ll explain why guilt … Read more

Preventing Addiction in Kids

Preventing addiction in kids is something I care deeply about, both as a parent and as someone who’s seen the impact of substance misuse on families. It’s not just about saying “no”—it’s about understanding how addiction starts, what influences kids’ choices, and how daily interactions shape their coping skills. In this article, I’ll share guidance, … Read more