The holidays can be a stressful time for the healthiest of families, and the reality is that very few people actually make it through Christmas, New Year's, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the holiday season without some conflict, disappointment, and regrets. For families dealing with substance abuse, the holiday season is ... Read More
Learning Center
FHE Health is dedicated to educating the American public—especially individuals, families, and communities—about mental health and substance abuse topics. In our Learning Center, you'll find articles on alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral and mental health, and other treatment-related issues. Our articles are written both for the person in need of treatment as well as loved ones seeking more information. We also provide information for those who have gone through treatment and are building a new life in recovery.
How to Handle a Family Member’s Addiction
Measuring the Severity of an Addiction
Addiction is a disease, and as with many other diseases like diabetes and cancer, the severity of addiction varies widely depending on a number of factors that substance abuse experts can measure using the addiction severity index, or ASI. Just like how some people with diabetes can manage their condition by making ... Read More
Life After Rehab: The Next Step for Success
For many individuals, life after rehab is worrisome. When you enter back into the day-to-day life you've lived, everything will be different. How will you embrace your loved ones and work to build your new life when you are still facing the challenges of recovery? Life after drug rehab is not a simple process, but with ... Read More
How Addiction Affects Men Differently
Addiction is, in many ways, a universal experience. It affects everyone, and no one is immune; addiction does not discriminate based on race, gender, occupation, or even age. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from a substance use disorder of some form, and that includes men, women, high powered executives, stay ... Read More
How to Bring up Addiction at a Family Gathering
Is addiction the 'elephant in the room' at your family gatherings? Do you want to discuss addiction with family members at your next get-together or family party, but you're not sure what to say? If so, you're not alone. Millions of families across the country include one or more members who are addicted to ... Read More
Co-Occurring Disorders with Addiction
Addiction is a devastating disorder that comprehensively changes a person's path in life. Alcohol use disorders and substance abuse disorders can occur on their own. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to develop co-occurring disorders with addiction. Dual diagnosis, as it is often called, occurs when an ... Read More
7 Reasons to Be Thankful in Recovery
Addiction takes over countless lives, often leaving many lost in its vicious cycle of withdrawals, cravings, and control. Hopelessness and fear are very common feelings for drug abusers. There is the thought that life cannot be lived without their drug of choice. This, however, is far from the truth. It is certainly ... Read More
Rebuilding Trust Within Your Family After Rehab
Drug addiction takes away who you are before you are even aware that it is occurring. Piece by piece, each aspect of a person’s life is neglected as the substance becomes a priority, often leading to relational issues between the user and their family members and friends. Users may begin to sneak around, lie often, and ... Read More