Most people with addiction could not pass a pathological liar test. This is because lying is a hallmark of addiction. The disease of addiction hijacks the brain and steals empathy, clarity and awareness of one’s problems and the suffering of those around them. It fosters narcissistic behavior and loss of moral compass. And it leads …
If you have a loved one or colleague who has addictive behaviors or is abusing alcohol or other drugs, you are probably struggling with how to address their addiction. Like many others who have walked this road, you don’t know how to help the person seek treatment, or how to communicate your concerns without angering …
Resources for Educating Loved Ones on Supporting People With Addiction: Organizations Read More »
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., impacting at least 40 million adults aged 18 and older, or 18% of the population. Depression affects 16.1 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older, or about 6.7% of all U.S. adults. Out of every five people you meet, one of them is likely …
Treating the Anxious or Depressed Parent and the Affected Family Read More »
The process of recovering from addiction can be very challenging. It generally requires learning new coping mechanisms, and getting help and support from health care professionals as well as family and friends. While there are a variety of resources available to aid individuals in recovery from addiction, help and support for the family members of …
Coping Mechanisms for Families of Recovering Addicts Read More »
After drug addiction treatment, it’s important to do whatever it takes and use as many possible resources to be sure that the addict continues on the path of recovery. When one family member struggles with addiction, most if not all other members of the family are affected. Working together as a family can be an …
Best Family Counseling Resources After Addiction Treatment Read More »
There are more than 23 million Americans struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, and millions more with compulsive behaviors such as gambling, gaming and sex addiction. Struggling along with them are the millions of people who love them. Partners, parents, children, close relatives and friends deal every day with the same problem as the addict, …
5 Self-Care Habits for Family Members of Addicts Read More »
It is often said that alcoholism is a family disease. Maybe only one family member is drinking, but the whole family reels. Figuring out how to help an alcoholic family member can be confusing and frustrating, but there are a few guidelines that can help you, as a brother or sister of an active alcoholic, …
Detaching your emotions from your behaviors is an important skill to learn when a loved one is an addict. It means that no matter how upset, angry or manipulated you feel, you will always behave in the same way toward the addict and her addiction. Understanding that emotions and actions can be separated is the …
The holiday season is a time to reunite with those we care about. But togetherness doesn’t necessarily translate into those heartwarming scenes we’re taught to expect by songs, movies and advertisers. Instead, we may end up stressed, frustrated and resentful as old patterns repeat themselves, priorities clash and memories resurface. That family baggage you’ve accumulated …
Eat, Drink and Be Wary: Tips for Surviving the Holidays Without Family Drama Read More »
People with addictions are at high risk for suicide. That’s why early intervention with treatment that addresses both the physical and emotional components of substance abuse is critical for addicts. Suicide and Addiction: The Silent Killer According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the …