If you’ve ever tried to stop something your body relied on, whether it’s caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, prescription meds, or street drugs, withdrawal can feel like a wild ride. The stuff you read about withdrawal often lists basic symptoms, but the up-close, lived experience is far more real. I’m breaking down what the body actually feels … Read more
Therapy is there to help us grow and heal, but sometimes, even after giving it a real shot, progress doesn’t seem to happen. Many people get stuck wondering if they’re doing something wrong or if the therapy is not clicking. It’s pretty standard to second-guess your own experience, especially when therapy is supposed to be … Read more
If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, the idea of breaking free can feel tough and out of reach. Figuring out what addiction actually looks like and learning how to fight back is a process that takes absolute honesty, patience, and helpful tools. I’ve been there myself, so I know how … Read more
Veterans working through recovery often face tough challenges, especially when unexpected triggers show up and threaten to throw everything off course. These nightmare triggers aren’t always obvious, but can pull the rug out from under steady progress. I’ve learned how surprising and powerful these triggers can be, so understanding what they are and how they … Read more
PTSD and alcohol cravings can be challenging hurdles for women veterans, but with awareness, support, and practical strategies, recovery is absolutely possible. I know how stories from other female vets and finding the right resources can change everything when it comes to managing posttraumatic stress and handling the urge to drink. Here’s how women veterans … Read more
Alcohol is more than just a drink for many veterans. It can become a comfort, a distraction, or a way to quiet memories that linger after military service. I’ve seen how reaching for a bottle often feels like the quickest path to relief after returning home from the deployment chaos. For a lot of folks, … Read more
Combat veterans know all too well what it’s like to come home carrying not just physical scars, but deep emotional and psychological ones as well. I’ve talked with several veterans who’ve opened up about just how heavy this load can feel, especially when it’s tangled up with substance abuse. Many are surprisingly honest about the … Read more
Gambling addiction in the military doesn’t usually grab headlines, but it’s a much bigger deal than most people realize. If you picture a soldier, you probably see someone disciplined and strong, but soldiers are just as human as anyone else. Sometimes, they are even more at risk for specific challenges, like gambling problems. This article … Read more
Generational trauma—also called intergenerational or ancestral trauma—refers to emotional pain and coping patterns passed down through families, often without anyone realizing it. It can shape how people communicate, handle conflict, express love, and manage stress. You might see it in recurring family patterns like emotional distance, fear of vulnerability, or cycles of addiction and abuse. … Read more
Childhood experiences with trauma, such as neglect, abuse, or family conflict, can lead to emotional patterns that carry into adulthood, affecting trust, communication, and closeness. Many people repeat cycles such as people-pleasing, emotional withdrawal, or fear of abandonment without realizing these are learned coping mechanisms. The good news is that healing is possible. Recognizing how … Read more