While watching any loved one grapple with addiction can be challenging, the situation becomes even more dire when the problem affects your child. As a parent, you want your son to escape the cycle of substance abuse and lead a healthier, fulfilling life. However, the...
While some people successfully quit drinking without professional help, many others find the habit has become too intertwined with their lives. You may need to stage an intervention to defeat denial, overcome objections and convince a loved one that they have a drinking problem. A professionally...
It’s never easy to have a loved one who uses substances or lives with mental health challenges. Some days they may be fine and others they may bring harm to themselves or their family members. It can be tough to know what’s part of life’s...
Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Individuals who self-harm (engage in nonsuicidal self-injury) intentionally cut, burn, or otherwise hurt themselves. Typically, this represents an unhealthy means of coping with emotional pain. Common methods include: Cutting with a sharp object Pulling out hair Picking at wounds to prevent them from healing Burning the skin Hitting...
Staging an intervention during the holidays is not ideal. But if you see symptoms of addiction in a loved one, this time of year can provide a powerful opportunity to ask other family members for support. There are some key steps you can take to...
It can be very disheartening to realize that a relative is battling a substance use disorder. The person you once knew so well may act very differently from what you're used to, leaving you very concerned about their future and health. An addicted relative can...
Hoarding is a compulsion that causes people to hang on to possessions that may seem worthless or of low value. A hoarding habit can be problematic when these items accumulate to a point that they fill up someone’s home and prevent them from fully accessing...
It can be sad and scary to watch someone you love becoming increasingly dependent on a repetitive behavior like gaming. As the urge takes over their life, it becomes all-consuming, quickly crossing the line between a hobby and a preoccupation. If a person you care...
Anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of the population, making them the most common mental health diagnoses, according to the American Psychiatric Association. With so many people experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it’s easy to overlook the potential severity of these disorders. However, this type of mental...
Involuntary treatment, also referred to as involuntary commitment, is a controversial topic. However, some may never choose to seek care for themselves, and involuntary commitment may be necessary in these extreme cases. What is Involuntary Treatment? Involuntary treatment is a legal process in which a person is...