Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

Breaking out of the addiction loop can feel like looking for a way out of a maze, especially if you’ve tried before and ended up right back where you started. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but getting a clear idea of the process, your options, and some down-to-earth advice can make a huge difference. I’m sharing … Read more

Habit or Addiction? How to Tell

Habits and addictions get talked about a lot, but knowing how they’re different is really important if you want to make sense of your own behaviors, or even help someone else. On the surface, habits and addictions can look pretty similar, but there are some core differences in how they show up, how they affect … Read more

10 Warning Signs of Addiction

If you’ve noticed sudden changes in someone you care about—like shifts in mood, behavior, or routines—it can be hard to know what’s happening. Recognizing early signs of addiction can make a big difference, since the sooner it’s identified, the sooner support can begin. Addiction is more common than many realize, yet stigma often keeps people … Read more

Psychological Triggers of Addiction

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

Hidden Signs of Dependency

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

Are You Enabling an Addict?

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

Words That Hurt in Addiction

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

Finding Hope in Support Groups

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

Supporting Someone with Addiction

Supporting a loved one with addiction can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start or afraid of making mistakes. Addiction often brings confusion, guilt, and worry, leaving family and friends uncertain about how to help. From my own experiences—through learning, speaking with professionals, and supporting friends—I’ve found that while the path is challenging, … Read more

Emotional Side of Recovery

The emotional path through addiction recovery has many twists, turns, setbacks, and victories. Every stage of recovery, from taking the first step to learning new ways to cope, comes with feelings that sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or hopeful. Knowing what emotions might pop up, how they appear in daily life, and practical ideas for handling … Read more