Is alcoholism genetic? Does addiction run in families? Can you inherit a substance use disorder? If you have a family history of alcohol and substance abuse, you may have asked yourself these questions. Alcohol and substance use disorders may seem to run in your family, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined for addiction. While thereRead More
“I’m not good enough.” “Nobody will ever love me.” “I don’t deserve to be happy.” If you grew up in a dysfunctional family, these thoughts may be familiar to you. That’s because traumatic early experiences can be devastating to your sense of self-worth. We carry the negative messages we receive in childhood into our adultRead More
There are often barriers to acknowledging your difficulties with substance use disorder (SUD). Thus, talking about your SUD with your family and friends can feel even more daunting. You may find yourself worrying about how your loved ones will react. In addition, there may be an endless string of scary questions that might popRead More
According to an article from Future Child, the important people in your early life, like parents, are both your caregivers and role models. You form healthy and unhealthy behaviors from the attachment figures in your life. These behaviors can have an impact on your wellness as you mature. Moreover, while every family is different, thereRead More
If you’re looking to find the right support system, understanding the different types of therapy and support that work best can help you in your aftercare plan. It’s critical to you and the success of your recovery journey to find out what options are available that will meet your needs. Often, many individuals will tryRead More
Supporting your loved one in recovery is not just about physical support. Support also requires gentleness and willingness to listen and provide hope in your loved one’s darkest moments. Recovery is an ongoing process, even for those who have been working on recovery for quite some time. Supporting their recovery is about more than justRead More
Postpartum depression is widespread, yet stigma still surrounds it — so many people suffer in silence for fear of being judged. If you are experiencing postpartum depression, know you are not alone; many people and resources are available to help you and support you through your journey. Seeking professional help is encouraged if you thinkRead More
Following a long term intensive residency or outpatient program, you may be concerned that the progress you’ve made may relapse. This is understandable. In the real world, family, relationships, employment, and other matters will present distractions and challenges in building new habits. Peer support during this transitional phase is especially important. However, besides your therapistRead More
If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, PLEASE call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Sometimes as we’re focusing on our own recovery, we don’t realize how much our loved ones have been affected by our addictions and by the struggles we’ve been going through over the years. We can have a narrow viewRead More
For those of us whose loved ones are addicts, our fears around their addictions can make us so desperate to help them, and to save them from their addictions, that we find ourselves trying to control situations, relationships and outcomes. We try to control how our loved ones go about getting better, what steps theyRead More