Freud described over a century ago in a book called "Trauer und Melancholie (Mourning and Melancholia)" that attempted to explain two similar but disparate reactions of someone losing a loved one. According to Freud, grief (mourning) refers to the experience of intense sorrow and distress over the loss of a loved ... Read More
Help For Loved Ones
When your loved one begins exhibiting signs of substance abuse or increasing mental health issues it can leave you feeling helpless and desperate. These feelings are not uncommon and we’ve seen them all as we’ve treated thousands of patients and their families. The articles found here focus on tips and advice on supporting a loved one who is struggling with a disorder or has begun treatment and needs support.
Featured in Help for Your Loved One
Addicts Can Be Manipulative: Recognize the Signs
10 Ways to Support a Spouse While They’re in Rehab
Coping in the Aftermath of Suicide: Resources and Supports for Friends and Family Members
Narcan: The Must-Have Drug to Have on Hand if Your Loved One Has an Opiate Addiction
It's 2017, Chicago, and Chris Rogers is walking the three blocks from his parking spot to the front door of his apartment building. He passes a park and sees a woman motionless on the ground. He approaches her and recognizes it immediately — an overdose. He has to make the split-second decision between ... Read More
Organ Transplants and Addiction: Finding a Second Chance
Transplants involving those with a past of substance abuse has led to new opportunities but also new questions. One of the tragic outcomes of the opioid overdose crisis is the availability of more organs for those waiting for life-saving transplants. Though a very sad consequence of this crisis, many younger people ... Read More
How Addiction Impacts the Family: The Stages of Progression
Addiction doesn't discriminate, and having a cohesive, loving family background doesn't exclude someone from becoming an addict. While it can be difficult to understand how someone ends up in the throes of addiction with such a positive and supportive family or how a family can end up in the place of cutting the addict ... Read More
4 Keys to Disengaging with Love from a Toxic Family Member
It's hard to watch someone you love struggle with life, whether that's because of a substance abuse disorder or some other mental health issue. While supporting your loved one during this time can be very helpful, there's a fine line between support and enabling, and the latter can cause just as much damage as the ... Read More
How to Help a Loved One with a Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a very real problem that affects roughly 10 million Americans, and figuring out how to stop someone gambling isn't easy. Defined as compulsive behavior related to the rush that comes with betting money and winning, whether on sporting events or card games, gambling addiction can happen to anyone ... Read More
How to Write An Impact Letter: A Step Toward Recovery
When you have a loved one facing addiction, it's not always easy to vocalize your feelings. The pain, stress and pressure that come with watching someone you care about slowly spiral out of control are agonizing, and there's no good way to reveal your feelings without being met with anger or defensive behavior. When ... Read More
What to Tell Your Kids About Drugs and When
Kids start out as energetic bundles of joy that make us laugh, cry, and melt our hearts with their unwavering innocence and unfiltered opinions of life. As our children grow, they gain more and more independence with each passing year - even at an early age. Like little sponges, our children regurgitate everything they ... Read More
