Recognizing emotional manipulation in relationships is crucial for safeguarding your sense of self and preserving emotional well-being. The tricky part is that manipulation often shows up quietly—through guilt trips, subtle blame, shifting responsibility, or tactics that make you question your own feelings. Over time, this can leave you feeling confused, emotionally drained, or constantly “wrong,” … Read more
Emotional eating is something almost everyone experiences, yet many people don’t realize it’s happening until it becomes a pattern that’s hard to break. It’s more than just reaching for comfort food after a stressful day—emotions can subtly influence your appetite, cravings, and food choices in ways you may not notice at first. Stress, sadness, boredom, … Read more
Medicaid is the largest source of public health insurance in the United States, but the connection it has with addiction care is a lot deeper than most people realize. Over the years, Medicaid has had a significant impact on how addiction treatment is funded, delivered, and accessed. I’ve spent considerable time reviewing the research, hearing … 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
Finding the right therapist can make a world of difference for mental health and personal growth. While therapy is a reasonably standard step for tackling challenges or improving well-being, how you connect with your therapist and whether they’re truly suited for your needs is really important. I’m here to break down why picking a good … 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
Shifting from using substances to escape pain to finding empowerment in daily life is one of the most challenging but most rewarding journeys. Addiction often numbs emotions and erodes self-worth, making life feel like a cycle of survival. But recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about rediscovering strength and learning to face life with courage. Over time, … Read more
Gratitude can totally flip the script on what it means to go through recovery, whether you’re working through addiction, trauma, physical illness, or any challenge that turns your world upside down. I’ve seen how centering my mindset on thankfulness can make daily struggles feel more manageable, while also helping bring joy and stability in ways … Read more