Co-Occurring Disorders Explained

Co-occurring disorders—when addiction and mental health challenges happen at the same time—are more common than most people think. Many individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, only to find that substance use makes their symptoms worse. This creates a cycle where both conditions feed into … Read more

Addiction Treatment Myths Busted

Addiction treatment surrounds itself with plenty of confusion and misinformation, making it challenging for people to pick their next steps or be genuinely supportive of loved ones who are struggling. Myths about what addiction treatment looks like, how it works, and who truly needs it seem to pop up everywhere. Setting the record straight with … Read more

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

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

Addiction in Social Settings

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

Popcorn Lung and Vaping Facts

Vaping has become a significant topic of discussion in both public health circles and everyday conversations. One of the most talked-about concerns is its alleged link to a lung condition commonly nicknamed “popcorn lung,” a term that has spread widely through news articles, social media, and word of mouth. The discussion often blurs fact and … Read more