For many years, I've explored the turmoil faced by families of addicts, highlighting a significant gap in support for these individuals. Despite the abundance of resources for addicts themselves, their loved ones often navigate the chaos alone, struggling to find assistance. The Unseen Victims Addiction doesn't just affect the individual; it sends shockwaves through their entire network of relationships. In my presentations, I demonstrate this by showing how many people are directly impacted … [Read more...] about Navigating the Ripple Effects of Addiction in Families
Setting boundaries with addicted loved ones
How can a colleague or a friend raise a concern about suspicions of addiction?
Q: And how do you balance raising the issue or concern with showing empathy and not damaging the relationship? How do you encourage them to get help? The short answer to all of your wonderful questions is: “Very carefully.” I remember when I was still using, many years ago, and a colleague of mine who was also my friend let me know that she thought I had a problem. I don't remember exactly what she said, but because of the person she is I'm sure she had love in her heart when she said that … [Read more...] about How can a colleague or a friend raise a concern about suspicions of addiction?
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 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?
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
