What Can I Do to Support My Spouse in Addiction Treatment?
A drug or alcohol addiction can put immense strain on a relationship. If your spouse or significant other has recently started a treatment program, they have taken an important step towards recovery, but you may be wondering when the difficulties are going to end. While recovery and treatment are still challenging times for both of you, there are steps you can take to support your loved one in recovery that will help minimize the strain and provide a hopeful outlook during this time. What can I do to support my spouse in addiction recovery? Support is more than making [...]
Supporting Your Spouse Suffering from Anxiety
All marriages have their challenges, and supporting a partner with anxiety is common trial couples face. In fact, the American Psychological Association states that 30 percent of American adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes, and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition. Thus, many people experience the obstacle of helping a loved one manage an anxiety disorder, although it's infrequently discussed. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia or a specific phobia, you're not alone. In this article, we'll explore some expert tips and tricks [...]
How Can I Support a Loved One Struggling With Mental Illness?
The concept of mental illness is complex, with each mental health disorder impacting the brain in a unique way. Mental illnesses, therefore, can be difficult to understand from a purely educational level – but when your loved one is impacted with a mental health disorder and complicated emotions come into play as a result, you may find yourself even more frustrated with the topic. While we don't wish to see any of our loved ones struggle with anything, least of all a mental health disorder, if this is your reality, it's important to remember there are so many ways you [...]
Earning Back Trust from Loved Ones During Recovery
During active addiction, most people using drugs or alcohol are not fully aware of their actions and rarely have the ability to see the impact their actions are having on the people around them. Addiction is a highly self-focused disease, meaning it does not make room for the considerations of loved ones. The result? Friends and family members may struggle with trust, become resentful or withdraw from a relationship with the one battling addiction. The impact of addiction on relationships Because people struggling with substance use are not in a healthy mental state – certain drugs even directly impact [...]
How to Speak to Your Loved Ones About Addiction
Admitting that you are struggling with an addiction is one of the hardest things a person may need to do in their life. Not only is the topic of addiction one of many negative connotations, but it is also often emotional, confusing and downright hard. Admitting to yourself that you're struggling is hard enough — admitting to a loved one what is going on may prove to be even more difficult. But talking to a loved one — be it a sibling, parent, friend or significant other — can make a huge, positive difference in your recovery process. For this [...]
The Role of a Parent in Substance Use Prevention
High school years are a time of self-discovery and exploration – a reality with both a positive and a negative side. While it is important for any developing person to explore who they are, what they like and who they want to be, it can come at a costly price when said exploration includes diving into substance use. Peer pressure plays a huge role in high school culture, and often is a leading reason for why a teen begins using substances in the first place. Parents during this time play a crucial role in educating their kids about the [...]
Teen Substance Abuse: Knowing the Signs Can Prevent Consequences
Learn about the high crime incidence related to teen substance abuse. Find out more about legal consequences and why teenagers may need professional help.
Is My Loved One Abusing Drugs?
No one wants to find out that their friend or family member is struggling with substance abuse. Sadly, though, it is a reality that a number of families and loved ones have been forced to deal with. The ease with which many people are able to obtain substances, such as prescription opioids, has made substance abuse a common mental health disorder. For those struggling with substance abuse, the most important step in ensuring their health and safety is getting them the help they need – mental and physical. But in order to do that, it is important to make sure [...]
How Can I Help My Addicted Spouse?
When you have a spouse who is struggling with addiction, it's normal to feel helpless and powerless. However, there are a number of things you can do to get them the help they need. Addiction can be an emotional rollercoaster, but it's possible for you and your spouse to get through this challenging period and emerge with your marriage intact. With the right addiction treatment and your ongoing support, your spouse can break free of addiction and turn their life around. Consider the Relationship Dynamic Before you approach your spouse, it can be helpful to think about the current dynamic [...]
Identifying Signs of Depression & Anxiety in Your Teen
A teen displaying behaviors and mannerisms that seem uncharacteristic or unhinged is sometimes assumed to be experiencing normal teenage behaviors. But there is a difference between teens going through a somewhat rebellious, angsty phase and instead battling with a mental health disorder. It is important during this time of change and transition in your teen's life to not overwhelm them with unneeded panic about a mental health condition. Instead, if you begin seeing signs that could indicate more than just teenage-related behaviors, it could be time to have a conversation with your teen. Teen anxiety and depression Depression and [...]
