Most people begin using substances on an occasional basis, perhaps to relax or unwind after a long, stressful day at work. Perhaps that sounds like you, and now that your substance use has progressed, you’re wondering what the first signs are that you might have a substance abuse problem. It is important to know that [...]
There is a common misconception that beer is the “safest” form of alcohol, even if it is consumed in higher amounts. In fact, many people participate in beer abuse without one thought that it might lead to a life of alcohol addiction. Perhaps you have operated under this false sense of security, just like so [...]
Functional boundary systems serve three distinct purposes: They keep people from entering our space (possibly to abuse us) They keep us from entering the space of others (possibly to abuse them) They help us maintain a sense of who we are Boundaries can be divided into two categories – external and internal. External boundaries can [...]
Perhaps there was a time in your life when you realized that you needed to take control of your addiction problem. You got the help you needed and you followed the program to the letter. With each of your accomplishments in your journey toward healing, you celebrated. You vowed that you would never again return [...]
The term "codependence" has come under heat in recent years. While there are certainly situations in which it is has been misused, there are many people who do indeed struggle with codependency. In the addiction world, there is a common misconception that a codependent can only refer to the partner of an addict who is [...]
Just about everyone has seen a television show or a movie starring Robin Williams. The actor won several awards for his work in various films, but he was more than just a great performer. Robin Williams was also giving and kind. He was always eager to make people laugh and provide the entertainment [...]
If you are struggling with an addiction, like many people, you have probably been able to maintain that balance fairly well for a period of time. In fact, when you first began using your preferred substance(s) or began engaging in problematic behavior(s), you may not have thought that you had an addiction problem at all [...]
Cross-addiction occurs when one addiction (chemical or behavioural) is swapped for another. For example, a recovering cocaine addict may start abusing prescription drugs. Often substance abusers will gravitate toward another substance that simulates the effects of their original addiction (euphoria, mental stimulation, increased energy, etc.). However, they may also develop a behavioural addiction such as [...]
It is a very traumatic experience when you discover that your partner is struggling with an addiction. Whether it's a substance abuse problem, or a sexual addiction, the shock you experience is unparalleled; especially if you find out that it has been going on for a long time without your knowledge. Perhaps that's the situation [...]
It's extremely difficult to have a partner who is an addict. Whether your partner suffers from a substance abuse problem, or his or her issues center around a behavioral addiction such as sex or gambling, you're constantly feeling confused, helpless and alone. You may want so desperately to be able to help, but you're not [...]