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?
Addiction recovery
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
Coping with Family Relationships After the Holidays – When You Love an Addict
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
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
