Anne asks: What resources are available for families dealing with addiction, and what role does family therapy play in addiction recovery? Hi Anne, I will answer the second one first. The role that family therapy plays is huge. It's so huge that, at Love with Boundaries, we will rarely work with an addict if their family isn't involved. Every once in a while, we have somebody with an addiction get in touch with us and say, “I really want to stop. My family isn't interested in participating. … [Read more...] about What role does family therapy play in addiction recovery?
Addiction
Forging Connections to Address Substance Use, Families and Recovery
In Canada, National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) serves as a pivotal time for reflection, education, and action on the challenges and solutions related to alcohol and other drug use. This year, under the theme "Forging Connections," NAAW emphasizes the importance of building relationships and understanding within the substance use health field. The diversity of experiences, ideas, and opinions among individuals, families, and communities highlights the complexity of finding unified … [Read more...] about Forging Connections to Address Substance Use, Families and Recovery
What are some signs that my loved one may be relapsing?
B.R. asks: What are some signs that my loved one may be relapsing? Hi B.R., There's an acronym for the other word for relapse, which is a slip, S-L-I-P. It stands for Sobriety Loses Its Priority. You've got an addict who's been clean for a while, or an alcoholic, or gambler, etc. who's been clean for a while, who hasn't been using their addictive behaviour. Things are going pretty well and then... sobriety loses its priority. I've known people who have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and … [Read more...] about What are some signs that my loved one may be relapsing?
Do the same rules apply to people with dual diagnosis?
Nadia asks: Do the same rules apply to people with dual diagnosis? What if my loved one is diagnosed with bipolar with psychotic features? He is currently at the hospital. I still see him as healthy and whole inside, but he's very unstable now. Nadia, thank you so much for your question. I know for sure that you’re not the only one wondering about this issue. I love that you're saying, “I still see him as healthy and whole inside.” I hope that you'll hold on to that because he is. That's who … [Read more...] about Do the same rules apply to people with dual diagnosis?
How Do You Feel about Uncertainty?
When we love an addict, our life often feels like it’s about chaos. But “uncertainty” is a part of life, and when we can embrace that, at least a little bit, life gets a lot easier. A spiritual belief stems from what makes sense to us—and there are many ways to embrace that. If it makes sense to you, hold on to it. You don’t have to feel or think the way someone else does. Maybe ask yourself at the end of every day “What happened today that surprised me?” and make friends with that. … [Read more...] about How Do You Feel about Uncertainty?
