The holidays are supposed to be a time for family, festivity – and they often also present a full spectrum of emotions. For many, this season marks the first large family gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic began, bringing with it a mix of beautiful reunions and potential challenges. The dynamics of family relationships can be complex, and when addiction is part of the equation, these complexities are magnified. As we step into this new year, it's essential to address the emotional aftermath … [Read more...] about Coping with Family Relationships After the Holidays – When You Love an Addict
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How Do I Know When I’m Helping and Not Enabling?
Q: My son has suffered from alcohol abuse for 20 years, and he is getting worse. How do I know when to help versus enable him? That's a really good question because it's important to understand the difference between enabling and helping. When we enable an addict, we're doing something for them that they really can and should be doing for themselves and what we know today is that enabled addicts do not recover because they really have no incentive to do so. “Should” is not a word I use often, … [Read more...] about How Do I Know When I’m Helping and Not Enabling?
Rethinking New Year’s: Embrace Intentions, Not Just Resolutions
As John Lennon famously reflected, a year has passed, and a new one is just about to begin. Society often views this time as an opportunity for a grand transformation, a moment to analyze the past year's triumphs and trials. The pressure to swiftly and flawlessly fulfill our 'resolutions' can be overwhelming. While periodic self-reflection is beneficial, the issue arises when we become consumed by the 'hype' of the season. Instead of crafting lofty New Year's resolutions based on perceived … [Read more...] about Rethinking New Year’s: Embrace Intentions, Not Just Resolutions
The Important Downside of “Powerlessness”
The only reason that millions of us are in recovery from addiction is because we have made the CHOICE, over and over again, one day at a time, to be in recovery. If that wasn’t the case, those of us who are in recovery would still be in active addiction – or we would have died from our addiction. Recovery is a choice, plain and simple. … [Read more...] about The Important Downside of “Powerlessness”
Navigating Addiction
During the Festive Season
As the year draws to a close and the holiday season rapidly approaches, it's easy to feel like time has slipped through our fingers. Wasn't it just yesterday that we were welcoming September?
Now, everywhere we turn, we're reminded of the joy and warmth that the holiday season is supposed to bring. Advertisements paint a picture of perfect families, generous giving, and festive cheer. But the reality is often far from this idealized image.
This year, like the last, and the one before, has been … [Read more...] about Navigating Addiction
During the Festive Season
