The scientific community has studied generational trauma for decades, but as you might guess, it takes at least two life cycles within a family to truly understand its effects. More current research reveals how trauma impacts multiple lives in many ways, especially regarding substance abuse. What Is Generational Trauma? Also referred to as intergenerational trauma,...Read More

Understanding the unique challenges of the LGBTQIA2+ community is a critical foundation for Mental Health Issues, Trauma, and Addiction Treatment.  Each person has particular elements contributing to substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). To prompt effective, long-term wellness, addiction treatment should be tailored to meet their individual needs. However, in many cases,...Read More

It takes a certain level of conviction to decide that it’s time for treatment. But residential or inpatient treatment is one of the most effective methods for creating a foundation for recovery.  Here’s what you or a loved one can plan for at an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center.Why the Term “Inpatient” MattersUnfortunately, it’s all...Read More

Before a person suffering from addiction is able to acknowledge the problem and get help, they will likely try to conceal the extent of their drug or alcohol abuse by hiding their substance use. Loved ones who don’t know the indicators of substance abuse may not realize the full scope of the issue or that...Read More

While it shows a potentially fatal error in judgment, one DUI/DWI does not necessarily mean that a person is in active addiction. A DUI/DWI can, however, indicate an unhealthy dependence on alcohol or drugs or even an undiagnosed substance use disorder.Why Does it Matter?A lot of people rationalize their choice to get behind the wheel...Read More

Veterans Day Each November, the United States honors Veterans by celebrating Veterans Day. This holiday generally involves restaurants offering free meals to former service members and the general public offering words of thanks to reflect their gratitude for the service those individuals have given to our country. Unfortunately, what our celebrations don’t acknowledge is the...Read More

Once you leave addiction treatment and resume normal life, you’ll likely engage in social activities where you could be offered alcohol, either by someone who doesn’t know you’re in recovery, or by someone who seeks to challenge your sobriety. The best way to avoid a moment of weakness is to anticipate that this could happen...Read More

One often overlooked aspect of our country’s opioid epidemic is the high number of individuals who are abusing both opioids and alcohol. This behavior, sometimes referred to as polydrug use, poses serious dangers and requires additional care during the detox process. Legal Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free Since alcohol and prescription opioids are both legal substances, many...Read More

Substance abuse often shows up in multiple generations of a family tree. Frequently, misuse of alcohol, prescription meds, or illicit substances has been taking place within a family for a long time before the current generation ever indulged in them. Nature Versus Nurture There has been some debate as to whether addiction is a genetic...Read More

When a family member is struggling with addiction, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. Is it better to confront the issue immediately or to back off and wait until they are ready to change? Is it possible to help someone who doesn’t want to stop using?Radical LoveEmpathy and compassion can...Read More