Gambling, for many, begins as an entertaining pastime—a way to engage in a game of chance, perhaps winning a little extra money or experiencing the thrill of risk. However, for a significant number of individuals, what starts as occasional fun can evolve into a...

Trying to help someone battling an addiction can be like watching them caught in a storm, tossed about by waves of denial, self-destruction, and pain. You want to reach out, to bring them back to the shore. But the storm is strong, and your own heart aches with fear...

You wake up every morning with a heavy feeling in your chest, knowing that your day will be filled with the constant need to cater to the wants and needs of others. You've always been a caring person, but lately, it seems as though your own well-being has taken a...

You've finally made the decision to break free from the clutches of nicotine addiction. You're eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle, but suddenly, it hits you like a wave - nicotine withdrawal. You feel irritable and anxious, your hands are trembling, and you're...

Living with addiction can feel like a constant battle where you're always on the losing side. You may have tried to gain control over your addiction, only to find yourself slipping back into old patterns and habits. The experience can leave you feeling overwhelmed,...

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a client-centered, evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to enhance an individual's intrinsic motivation for change. Focused primarily on the treatment of substance use disorders, MET has also proven effective in...

As you enter the early stages of addiction recovery, you may find yourself confronting an unexpected and powerful emotion: resentment. It's as if a storm has been brewing inside you, fueled by past hurts, betrayals, and perceived injustices. The weight of this emotion...

As you find yourself sinking into the abyss of addiction, it can start to feel as if nothing truly matters anymore. This overwhelming apathy can consume every aspect of your life, making it difficult to find meaning or purpose. In severe addiction, this sense of...

Moderation Management (MM) is a behavioral change program and support network that offers an alternative approach to alcohol and substance use treatment. Unlike traditional abstinence-based methods, MM focuses on helping individuals develop healthier habits by...

Harm reduction is a public health philosophy and practice aimed at reducing the negative consequences of drug use and other risky behaviors. Its primary focus is on promoting the well-being and dignity of individuals engaged in these behaviors, rather than solely...

You find yourself once again caught in the familiar tug-of-war between desire and self-control. Each time you give in to the temptation of that addictive substance or behavior, the initial surge of pleasure is quickly overshadowed by a lingering sense of guilt and...

You come home after a long day at work, feeling the familiar urge to unwind with a drink. It's become part of your daily routine, and it feels like a harmless way to relax. You have a successful career, a loving family, and a stable social life. In many ways, it seems...

As you begin your addiction recovery journey, you'll likely encounter a familiar yet unwelcome companion: shame. The experience of shame in addiction recovery is like a shadow that lingers over you, often leaving you feeling vulnerable and exposed. It's like you're...

Have you ever tried searching for a straightforward, easy-to-understand explanation of addiction, only to find yourself drowning in a sea of technical jargon and complex terminology? You're not alone. Addiction is a multifaceted and often misunderstood subject,...

Imagine a successful individual with a thriving career, a loving family, and an active social life. From the outside, their life appears picture-perfect. But what if, behind closed doors, they're secretly battling an addiction? This is the reality for many persons...

As you wake up each morning, you feel the familiar weight of exhaustion pressing down on you. Despite the outward success you've managed to maintain - the high-powered job, the beautiful family, the lovely home - your body and mind bear the hidden burden of your...

It begins as a thrilling adventure, an escape from reality or a means to cope with pain, stress, or loneliness. At first, it seems like a friend, a companion who takes away the weight of the world and makes everything feel lighter, more bearable. It gives you moments...

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can manifest in various forms. The consequences of addiction are far-reaching, impacting not only the individuals struggling with addiction but also their families and communities. The Four C's of addiction -...

As an addiction counselor, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that addiction can have on the lives of those it touches, as well as the challenges that individuals face on their journey towards recovery. This article aims to shed light on the intricate...

Gambling, a popular form of entertainment for many, can provide an adrenaline rush and, for some, a temporary escape from everyday life. However, when gambling becomes an addiction, it can have devastating consequences on relationships. Gambling addiction can strain...

Gambling addiction, an often overlooked and misunderstood affliction, continues to impact millions of lives worldwide. At its core, gambling addiction is the uncontrollable urge to continue gambling despite the negative consequences it may bring to one's life. As the...

Gambling has been a popular form of entertainment throughout human history. Whether it involves playing cards, betting on horse races, or trying one's luck on slot machines, the thrill of taking risks and the possibility of winning big lures millions of people...

Various models have been proposed over the years to explain the nature of addiction and offer a framework for addressing it. This article aims to provide an overview of the six main models of addiction, including the Moral, Disease, Psychological, Social,...

In the depths of addiction, an all-consuming darkness can takes hold, leaving individuals feeling trapped in a cycle of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. With every failed attempt to break free, the weight of this emotional burden grows heavier, casting a shadow over...

As an addiction counselor, I've heard many myths about addiction. These myths lead to misunderstanding and stigma, often clouding our collective perception and creating barriers for those in need of help. In this article, I aim to debunk some of the most common and...

Addiction is a pervasive and complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide, causing a significant impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. It is critical to understand the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of...

Underlying root causes of addiction include trauma, pain, and unmet needs such as purpose, belonging, and self-esteem, which may be amplified by family and genetic factors. Let’s dig into the research and unpack each of these underlying causes…

Some of the most common types of denial consist of the following: minimization, optimism bias, avoidance, control fallacies, mental filtering, normalizing, just-world Fallacy, and externalizing responsibility. Each of these are types of cognitive distortions, logical fallacies, or defense mechanisms…