Upset about a Loved One’s Addiction? 4 Steps You Can Take Now
So you're mad or hurt or feeling hopeless? To be effective at helping your addicted family member, you must first get a handle on your negative feelin…
Addiction
What Does Being “In Denial” Actually Mean?
Acceptance of a painful reality is a process and takes time. If it's happening to you, be open to the truth and gentle with yourself. If it's happenin…
Bribes, Incentives, and Positive Reinforcement – Part 2
In this follow-up to her post on incentives, bribes and reinforcing, Laurie MacDougall shares her "One and Done" approach. Read on for a practical and…
The Power of Language
Laurie MacDougall discusses the dramatic impact that language has on our discussions of Substance Use Disorder. Let's work together to reduce stigma, …
Denial About Addiction – Will My Son See the Truth?
A member wonders if her son will ever come to terms with what he's put the family through. Read Annie Highwater's inspiring response which offers stre…
Alcoholic daughter: how did we let it get this far?
Her daughter seems incapable of respecting any boundaries - and she can't seem to enforce them. This mom wonders how she let it come to this. Dominiqu…
I Wish I Could Hire Someone to Help Her Handle Life in Early Recovery
Early recovery can feel as shaky and chaotic as life before recovery as a loved one struggles to keep up with everything, from drug testing and appoin…
Benzos, Recovery, And my Own Experience
Our Allies member has mixed feelings about the klonopin her son is taking. His psychiatrist however is not concerned as long as it's being taken as pr…
She’s Back Home With a Daybed and Locker
Her daughter is back at home after violating probation and a few months of active use. It's a shock to see her daughter in this state again. But she i…
Rewards For Today or Consequences For Yesterday
She's thankful her loved one is no longer using, but his finances are a mess. Should she allow natural consequences for his past use even if it means …