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
If your family is dealing with the challenges of addiction, self-care often ends up at the bottom of the list. I know how easy it is to get caught up in crisis mode, worrying about your loved one and juggling everything else on your plate. The thing is, looking after yourself isn’t selfish. Self-care can … Read more
If your new relationship feels perfect on the surface but leaves you anxious, confused, or emotionally drained, you may be dealing with more than typical relationship ups and downs. Narcissistic relationships often start with charm, attention, and intensity—making it easy to overlook early warning signs. Over time, though, that excitement can give way to manipulation, … Read more
Addiction is a complicated topic, and it’s something I’ve seen affect people from all walks of life. There’s often a question that comes up: why does addiction seem to get its hooks into some people more deeply than others? I’m checking out some of the main reasons, spanning biology, environment, mental health, and personal experience, … Read more
Addiction doesn’t just impact one person. It sends shockwaves through entire families, changing routines, relationships, and how family members see themselves and each other. When I started learning more about addiction, I noticed how often the stories weren’t just about an individual’s struggle, but about parents worried sick, siblings growing distant, and everyone feeling the … Read more
If you’ve been thinking about quitting drinking and considering going cold turkey, you’re definitely not alone. Many people decide to stop drinking suddenly, without tapering off gradually. The experience can range from pretty uncomfortable to fairly dangerous, so knowing what to expect is essential. Here, I’m going to walk through what actually happens to your … Read more