10 Signs That You’re Enabling a Loved One’s Addiction
When a family member grapples with addiction, it can be an emotionally overwhelming and challenging experience for all those involved. As caring and compassionate individuals, we often offer support and assistance, hoping to alleviate their pain and difficulties. However, there’s a fine line between providing genuine help and inadvertently enabling their destructive behaviors. Enabling, with […]
The Connection Between Codependency and Addiction
Codependency and addiction are intertwined issues that can greatly impact an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Understanding the intricate connection between codependency and addiction is crucial for anyone seeking to overcome these challenges and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. This article delves into the depths of this complex relationship, shedding light on its […]
Dual Diagnosis and Family Therapy: Addressing the Impact of Co-Occurring Disorders of Loved Ones
Dual diagnosis is a condition that affects many individuals worldwide and can devastate their lives and those of their loved ones. Dual diagnosis is more prevalent among people seeking substance abuse treatment. Family members of individuals with dual diagnosis often experience high-stress levels and other negative impacts. The impact of dual diagnosis is not limited […]
How Alcoholism Affects Relationships
In many ways, substance use disorder is a private issue. People who struggle with alcohol addiction are often dealing with an intense internal environment. Their emotions and thoughts are highly personal, and they may have trouble connecting with others about how they feel. They may try to hide their drinking problem or deal with it […]
Why It’s Important to Have Family Involvement in the Addiction Treatment Process
More than 100 million family members are affected by a loved one’s substance use or alcohol use disorder. Family involvement in addiction treatment can reduce distress in family members as well as the entire family unit. It also improves treatment outcomes for the person who struggles with the addiction. When the family is involved in […]
The Family Role in Addiction Recovery
People who struggle with addiction often feel alone. They may not realize how connected they are with the other people in their family and social systems. Substance abuse takes a toll on loved ones, exposing them to trauma and contributing to distressing emotions. Families of addicts often worry about helping their loved one achieve recovery. […]
The Different Ways Addicts Manipulate
Alcoholics and addicts continuously manipulate others, especially close friends and family. They are often on the side of dishonesty and delusion so they can feel the ease and comfort that comes with getting high. The thoughts of shame and guilt that come with harming others are quickly supplanted with alcohol or drugs. If anything gets […]
10 Ways Substance Abuse Impacts the Entire Family
Experts in the field of addiction science may differ in the most effective way to treat substance abuse, but there is one thing they all agree on. Ask any expert in the trenches, and they will tell you that when one member of the family is addicted, every other member of the family suffers right […]
Talking to Your Parent About Their Addiction
Our parents are often the most influential force in our lives. The way we are raised, how we are taught to love and communicate, and the behaviors we witness all play a part in shaping who we become in our adult lives. If you have a parent with an addiction, you have likely dealt with […]
Chronic Relapse: What is it and How Families Should Treat It
What is Chronic Relapse? Relapse occurs when an alcoholic or addict has partially recovered — usually from a 30 to 90-day treatment program — but then falls back into his or her addiction. Almost all chronic relapsers need long-term treatment that will help them transition back into society. (Read “The Good, The Bad, The Ugly” […]