American culture has normalized drinking in social settings, and countless media depictions glamorize alcohol’s ability to help people have fun, make friends and relax. As a result, many young people grow up interested in trying it for themselves. According to statistics from the CDC, 29% of high school students have...
Blame and shame are hallmarks of substance abuse disorders. People in active addiction often experience intense guilt related to their behavior, while simultaneously feeling powerless to change it. In recovery, you will need to move past these emotions to begin healing and continue making positive progress. How does blame contribute...
Failure to Launch Syndrome You naturally feel responsible for your child—even after the “child” is past the age when you can say, “Because you’re a dependent minor in this household, that’s why.” But what if your child is no longer a minor, but still dependent: living under your roof while you...
Having a child who abuses drugs and alcohol can be intensely stressful. Perhaps you’ve found yourself covering for their unexplained absences at school or work, or bailing them out of jail after a DUI. Every time your phone rings or you get a text message alert, you expect the worst....
Mental illnesses such as anxiety and bipolar disorder affect millions of people globally. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults experiences mental illness every year. The World Health Organization classifies depression as a leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, the isolating, stigmatizing nature of these...
When you hear the word “addict,” you probably picture an irresponsible person who lacks the motivation to take care of themselves or other people. In your mind’s eye, they may be unemployed and living out of their car or on the street, relying on others’ generosity to help them with...
Though many parents are aware of the risks of intoxicants such as marijuana and alcohol, they often overlook the dangers of common household products like nail polish remover, paint thinner, lighter fluid, canned whipped cream and cleaning solvents. Since these substances are widely available, inexpensive and easy to obtain, many...
When you participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or another 12-step program, you’ll become familiar with the quote, “If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it, then you are ready to take certain steps.” This concept refers to the idea...
The disease of addiction links closely with various negative emotions that can hinder your recovery process and prevent you from becoming your best self. Fear, guilt, anger and hopelessness are among these complex feelings, but shame is often the underlying driver sustaining all this other upheaval. What role does shame...
Most substance abuse treatment revolves around individual or group therapy to identify the root causes of the addiction and change negative thought patterns. In counseling, you will also learn more effective ways of managing the stressors that fuel addictive behaviors. While these treatment methods have helped many young men take their...
Cultural expectations for boys and girls vary widely. Often, little boys grow up believing that they shouldn’t express any emotions other than anger or bluster. Either consciously or subconsciously, their parents pass on a message that having needs and asking other people for help makes them seem weak, and that...
If your loved one had a heart attack, you’d expect their doctor to treat it as a severe health problem. At minimum, a physician would provide that patient with follow-up cardiac therapy and recommend additional treatment strategies to avoid potentially deadly outcomes. If not, you’d probably consider that cardiologist to...
