About how addiction affect relationships
Getting to the root of addiction isn’t just about substances or habits. It has much to do with what’s happening in the brain and how certain experiences or emotions can drive someone to use or repeat a specific behavior, even when it’s clearly hurting them. I’m going to dig into the common psychological triggers of … Read more
Figuring out whether you or someone you love has an addiction can feel overwhelming. Denial often gets in the way—it can look like minimizing the problem, blaming stress, or comparing yourself to others who “have it worse.” Sometimes it’s simply avoiding the topic because admitting the truth feels too painful. Honesty about addiction can stir … Read more
If you’ve ever worried about dependency—on substances, habits, or even relationships—you probably picture obvious symptoms, like cravings or withdrawal. But the reality is, plenty of subtle signals often fly under the radar. Spotting these early can help you or someone you care about avoid bigger problems. So, I’m unpacking some uncommon signs of dependency that … Read more
If you have a loved one who struggles with addiction, you might have heard the word “codependency” come up a lot. It’s a word that can sound a little vague. Still, if you’re stuck in a cycle of putting someone else’s needs first, neglecting what’s essential for you to do, or feeling like your well-being … Read more
If you’ve ever tried to support someone struggling with addiction, you probably know it can be tough to find the right words. The things people say, whether out of concern, frustration, or not knowing what it’s like, can affect someone trying to recover. The wrong words sometimes do more harm than good. I’ve seen firsthand … Read more
Forgiveness is a word that comes up often in therapy and recovery conversations, but actually living it out is an entirely different challenge. When you’re in the middle of addiction, or even standing on the other side trying to rebuild your life, the idea of forgiving yourself—or forgiving others who may have hurt you—can feel … Read more
Spotting addiction in social situations takes more than just a quick glance—it requires sensitivity, honesty, and the ability to notice the little things that others might overlook. While many people imagine addiction as something obvious, marked by dramatic behavior or a certain “look,” the truth is often far more subtle. In group settings, the signs … Read more
Grieving after losing someone to addiction hits in a way that’s unlike any other loss. It’s not just the sadness of saying goodbye—the complicated mix of emotions that come with it. There’s the deep sorrow of losing someone you love, but also anger at the addiction itself, guilt over what you wish you could have … Read more
If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, you know how tough it can be to see a way forward. Everyone’s story is different, but one thing I often notice in recovery circles is the power of support groups. Whether you’re just considering giving one a try or you’ve been attending for years, these groups offer more … Read more
Gaming can be an excellent way to relax, challenge yourself, and have fun. But gaming can also start taking up more time and energy than you want, and that’s when things can get tricky. Here, I’m unpacking the fine line between gaming for fun and gaming because you’re hooked, plus how to spot the warning … Read more