Having compassion for the addict you love does not mean that you continue to enable them. Enabled addicts do not recover – because, really, why should they if others are going to do everything for them? Having compassion means learning how to be emotionally healthy in your relationship with your addicted loved one, so that both of you – and your whole family – can truly recover. … [Read more...] about The Concept of “Choice” in Addiction
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Valentine’s Day Reimagined:
From Codependency to Self-Love
Time flies, and just like that, we're on the cusp of another Valentine's Day. Reflecting on my past, I recall how this day used to be a source of dread. As someone who grappled with codependency, I either found myself in a tumultuous relationship or alone, yearning for companionship—and flowers!
Valentine's Day was a stark reminder of my self-worth struggles.
Embracing Self-Care on Valentine's Day:
The Valentine's Day Conundrum
I remember the Valentine's Days spent in challenging … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day Reimagined:
From Codependency to Self-Love
All Change Begins with Self-Awareness
Emotional maturity is what we develop when we take the time to know ourselves more deeply. When we aren’t self-aware in a problematic situation, many of us will reach for a drug or a drink – or some other kind of addictive behaviour. In my experience, I’ve found that it’s actually easier to do the inner work it takes to live with self-awareness and self-respect, rather than to stay stuck in addiction. Please reach out for help doing this, whenever you need it – although we each need to do our … [Read more...] about All Change Begins with Self-Awareness
How Do I Choose the Right Addiction Treatment Facility?
Q: My son says he’s ready to enter a treatment facility. There are so many options for treatment, and it can be very expensive. How do I know what place is the right one for him and should I pay for it? That's a great question. I think a first step for you could be to go online and look at places that are in your area so that you don't have to pay for too much travel. Take a look at their programs, what they offer, and find out how much they cost. Your addicted loved one can do some of that … [Read more...] about How Do I Choose the Right Addiction Treatment Facility?
The Importance of Self-Care
For those of us who love an addict, and for those of us who have developed the tendency to take care of everyone else at the expense of our own self-care, it’s very tempting to keep on doing that. But when we don’t put our own needs first, we end up emotionally depleted and vulnerable – and the resentment that accompanies this can lead to unhealthy relationships with others. It’s so important to prioritize ourselves, especially when we are also caring for and about others. … [Read more...] about The Importance of Self-Care
