RESOURCES
Blogs and Videos
Matthew Perry and Addiction
What can we learn from Matthew Perry? Put aside the criminal case for a moment so we can learn something about addiction.
A radical change in thinking
For almost 90 years people in sobriety, no matter whether for days or decades, refer to themselves as being “in recovery.” But what if there’s another way to describe that phase that’s far more empowering on a daily basis. There is!
Drugs don't cause addiction. People do*.
What you may have thought about addiction is all wrong.
Stop calling your loved one an addict, or alcoholic. Words matter.
It's a regular occurrence in client sessions, Facebook groups and Messenger chats that I see family members refer to their loved one as an "addict" or "alcoholic". Not only are these words not helpful, they are destructive and deeply stigmatizing.
Meet them where they are. What does that mean?
You may have heard the phrase “Meet them where they are.” But what does that really mean?
Sober January Works.
Does Dry January really work? Yes! But there’s a few things you and your family should know before you start.
How much is too much?
How do you know if you’re drinking too much. Got a minute? Let’s talk.
Rock bottom: An Inconvenient Truth
What is really is rock bottom? Here’s why you need to stop waiting for it.
SURFing to better communication
Surfing isn’t just for the ocean. SURF is an acronym for more effective communication with a loved one in addiction, or anyone.
Coaching for Families in Addiction
When a family member is mired in addiction it can be scary, frustrating, irritating and overwhelming. My years of experience working in residential treatment plus starting Minds at Peace LLC, combined with an Invitation to Change Certification, delivers a unique perspective to help family members, and their loved one.
5 Reasons You May Want to Stop Going to Al-anon
If you have a loved one in addiction you already know how challenging and frustrating it is to find the right help. For decades the only option was Al-anon. Many family members don’t resonate with that philosophy. Here’s 5 reasons you’re not alone.
Drinking or smoking too much? How do I know if I need help?
Am I drinking or smoking too much? Let’s take a look at what that means.
He’s in rehab. Now what?
Now is not the time to take your foot off the engagement gas. It’s time to learn, and practice.
You've come a long way baby. Now what?
Women now drink as much as men. Yeah. Let’s talk solutions.
Functional ≠ Optimal: The myth of the functional alcoholic.
“He’s/I’m a functional alcoholic.” Sound familiar? It implies that the person is functioning just like they would if not drinking. Let’s debunk that myth and find a way to thrive.
College is hard. Is your student emotionally prepared?
Your kid aced the SATs, grades and extracurricular activities. But what about the most important skill—emotional intelligence?
Detach or Engage? 5 Myths of Codependency
“Detach with love.” I hear it all the time. But what if there was a better way? There is. Engage with love.
Rock Bottom -- the inconvenient truth.
I hear it all the time. “You have to wait till they hit rock bottom.” But that’s a myth. The inconvenient truth will free you, and maybe someone you love.
Embrace the Suck: Reducing stress from COVID-19, and anything else
Right now everything sucks. I want you to embrace it. Seriously. You need to read this.