About tobacco addiction
Getting diagnosed with lung cancer flipped my world upside down. I always knew smoking wasn’t good for me, but I didn’t really understand the full impact until I was sitting in that doctor’s office, listening to words that suddenly made the warnings real. Looking back, I want to share what lung cancer taught me about … Read more
Shame can feel incredibly heavy and isolating, especially for anyone navigating addiction. It’s not just embarrassment—it’s that deep, lingering belief that something is wrong with you at your core. And unlike passing emotions, shame tends to stick, quietly influencing how you see yourself and the choices you make. For many people struggling with addiction, shame … Read more
Emotional suppression can quietly stall your progress, especially if you’re working through recovery—whether from grief, addiction, or a major life change. Pushing down uncomfortable feelings might seem harmless at first, even helpful, like a way to stay in control. But over time, it becomes a barrier to real healing. You can only hold so much … Read more
Adjusting to life after rehab is a journey that blends hope, excitement, and a fair amount of uncertainty. Stepping back into everyday responsibilities—work, family, social situations—can feel like entering a new world, one where old habits may resurface and new expectations can feel overwhelming. I’ve seen how overwhelming this stage can be, but I’ve also … Read more
Rebuilding trust after a relapse isn’t about grand gestures or smooth talking. It’s about taking steady action, maintaining honest communication, and exercising considerable patience. For anyone who’s slipped back into old habits, the path to rebuilding trust can feel overwhelming. I know from my own experience supporting others in recovery that it can be a … Read more
Cravings can hit out of nowhere, and when they do, it often feels like your willpower disappears in seconds. I’ve been there—whether it’s late-night snacking, the sudden urge to smoke, or the impulse to reach for something you’re trying to avoid. Cravings tend to emerge at your weakest moments, often fueled by stress, boredom, or … Read more
Creating a safe space to talk about addiction is crucial for making real change possible in any community. Hard conversations can feel intimidating, but when people feel comfortable and heard, healing and help can actually happen. I’m excited to walk through what it takes to encourage open dialogue about addiction and how to turn these … Read more
Supporting teens dealing with both OCD and addiction is not always as straightforward as it might look on the surface. A lot is going on behind the scenes, especially when two conditions overlap and reinforce each other. I have found that understanding what is really happening, considering the challenges teens face, and using some solid … Read more
Addiction can quietly reshape nearly every part of a person’s life, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Even after the substance use stops, its effects can linger—emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically. Over time, addiction can erode self-esteem, strain relationships, and alter how a person experiences joy, motivation, and trust. It can change the brain’s … Read more
If you’ve ever tried to handle addiction on your own, you know how tempting it is to reach for a quick fix or try to manage symptoms without professional help. Self-medication happens when people use substances, over-the-counter pills, or even herbal remedies to cope with cravings, withdrawal, or emotional distress tied to addiction. It might … Read more