Alcoholism, referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. While its toll on the individual is well-known, the profound affect it has on families is not often discussed. Families are the foundation of society, and when one member struggles with alcoholism, the effects can ripple through ...
If you have not been personally impacted by substance abuse or alcoholism, then my guess is you know someone who has. It becomes even more challenging if a dual diagnosis (substance abuse and mental illness) is involved. You want to help the person yet may be more likely to enable their behavior because their mental ...
Perhaps you grew up in a home where alcoholism was prevalent. If so, you fall into the category of adult children of alcoholics. You may be experiencing some problems in your own relationship that stems from your past. In these homes there is often chaos, and your parents can’t be there for you in the ...
I just watched an amazing TED talk on the Power of Addiction. Dr. Gabor Mates does an excellent job of explaining what many people have wondered, and that is, why addiction occurs. Many clients struggle with this. It’s so interesting and sad to see the addict’s brain at work. The person knows cognitively that the ...
Family systems run like well-greased wheels. Everyone knows on some level what role they play, what they can get away with and what they can’t. These systems can be functional or dysfunctional. When a family is dysfunctional, as long as everyone plays their respective roles, then everything is good. Here are the common roles: The ...
Are you an enabler? Are you wondering why there are people in your life who are substance abusers (drugs or alcohol)? Do you find yourself rescuing people who are using? Of course you do these things in the beginning because it’s natural to want to help the people you love. Perhaps they just keep getting ...
