Family Support Articles

10 Telltale Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
Addiction

10 Telltale Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Addiction

We can tell when something has changed with our loved ones. Whether it is guilt and shame over their behaviors, a physical issue, grief, a social difficulty, a drug or alcohol use disorder, or something else entirely is the question. Addicts become good at hiding their use and the consequences

How To Find the Right Addiction Treatment Center
Addiction

How To Find the Right Addiction Treatment Center

Addiction is a complex, chronic disease for which no cure exists; only treatment. When looking for a treatment center, it is important to find the right one that can address the specific issues associated with the patient’s direct needs. For long-term results and healing, a supportive and safe center that

How To Recognize Heroin Abuse In Someone You Know
Addiction

5 Do’s and Do Nots for Parents of Addicted Adults

We don’t want to take our blinders off to see that our loved one may be struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction. It can be easy to fall into traps of pretending that it is not happening or that it isn’t “that” bad. We often see the physical and

Codependency in Substance Use Disorders
Addiction

Codependency in Substance Use Disorders

No one has a perfect family. That does not mean that it is not important to discern what is healthy versus unhealthy within familial dynamics. Some important factors in a strong family system include: High self-worth Rules that are humane, adaptable, and suitable Good communication skills: straightforwardness, precision, understandability, and

Family Roles in Addiction
Addiction

Family Roles in Addiction

While an individual diagnosed with a substance use disorder plays the role of “the Addict,” it does not mean that other family members do not also play crucial parts in the disease of addiction. These roles may be unconsciously taken on by loved ones. Just as the addict may be

The Entanglement of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Addiction

The Entanglement of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Many times, mental health disorders are found to exist alongside substance abuse and dependency. Some underlying disorders include depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder and anxiety. Trying to diagnose a mental health disorder can also be tricky when one engages in the use of alcohol, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, or other illicit

Wife, Kids, Job…and Recovery? Finding Balance in Early Sobriety

TJ’s wife called him crying. She’d just gotten a call from their oldest son’s school about something he’d said to a classmate. Their son, 10 years old, was having trouble with bullies, and he’d told one of the bullies he wished he would die. He’d also recently told Bekah, TJ’s

Coping & Strategy Tips for Family Talking About Opioid Addiction

When someone in your family or special in your life is struggling with addiction, it’s hard to watch them suffer. However, many individuals are fearful of confronting their friend or family member because of the way they might react. It’s understandable. A lot is riding on a successful outcome, but

My Son Has a Drug Problem

I can still see my mother’s face when I came clean with the truth about my penchant for long-sleeved shirts in the summer. My family knew something was awry. They watched before as addiction took me tumbling down an abyss. The illness progressed rapidly in my mid-20s, and now, coming

5 Tips for Family and Friends of an Opiate Addict

After working with families and close friends of opiate addicts in the most difficult stage of addiction (4th stage), I’ve noticed one primary characteristic present: negative enabling. Consistent exposure to active addiction has the potential to make the most stable person somewhat neurotic. Often, I see family and friends desperately