When we don’t hold an addict accountable for their unhealthy behaviours, we prepare them for a world that doesn’t exist. They begin to believe that they can act in whatever ways they choose and get away with that. It can be a huge shock when they are held accountable by the societal systems that are in place – for example, being fired, arrested or incarcerated. We can actually love the addicts in our lives by setting – and maintaining – appropriate, respectful boundaries, so they can see that … [Read more...] about Holding the Addict in Your Life Accountable
Setting boundaries with addicted loved ones
“A Star Is Born” and “Beautiful Boy”: Two New Films about Addiction are Released
SPOILER ALERT! Read no further is you haven’t seen these movies—but are planning to do so. But—for all of you who have seen them both . . . keep reading! MY OPINIONS (aka “I’m just sayin’ . . . ”) I’ll begin by saying that these are my opinions and I understand that yours may be different. That’s okay with me—it’s fine for us to have our own points of view, and to agree to disagree. Addiction is a subject that triggers a lot of people and can cause many rifts, and I believe that there are as … [Read more...] about “A Star Is Born” and “Beautiful Boy”: Two New Films about Addiction are Released
How to Help the Addict You Love to Become Healthy: The Family’s Role in Addiction Recovery
Addiction is so rampant now in our society. We all know that more and more people are dying from the ravages of this horrific situation, especially due to drugs like fentanyl that take the lives of drug users in a split second. We simply don’t have the luxury of treading lightly around addiction anymore. We each need to do all we can to shift this and get the results that all families of addicts are looking for. It IS possible. STOP ENABLING AND MAKE THE SHIFT So how do we make that shift? … [Read more...] about How to Help the Addict You Love to Become Healthy: The Family’s Role in Addiction Recovery
Loving an Addict: Are You Enabling or Ennobling?
Last week, I went to see my doctor about something minor. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the same GP for the past 30 years. We first started together in the very early days of my recovery from addiction, so he has seen me grow from being emotionally despondent and very physically ill (Crohn’s Disease)—as I tried to stay away from the various prescription medications and pot I’d been using for years—into the very different person I am today. As I sometimes tell my clients, you wouldn’t have … [Read more...] about Loving an Addict: Are You Enabling or Ennobling?
How to Enjoy the Holidays When You or Your Loved One Has an Addiction
This post was originally published in December 2014. Another year has gone by and “The Holidays” are fast approaching—although if you’re anything like me, you’re still wondering where September went! The time has come when we are once again seeing commercials on TV and in magazines about how wonderful the Christmas season is, that it is better to give than to receive, and how warm and loving families are, especially at this time of year. But the reality is that, for many of people, this is … [Read more...] about How to Enjoy the Holidays When You or Your Loved One Has an Addiction
