ACEs | Trauma
Does a Loved One Have to Hit Bottom?
Does a loved one have to “hit bottom” before they can successfully treat their alcoholism or other drug addiction? The short answer, “NO!” But before I continue, please know language to describe alcoholism or drug addiction has changed greatly in recent years, falling under the umbrella term, “substance use disorder.” Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are…
Read MoreResources for Parents of Children with Substance Use and Mental Disorders
Resources for parents of children with substance use and other mental disorders can be a huge help. Providing resources from a scientific, brain centered approach is even better. Why? Because substance use and other mental disorders change brain health and function. The brain is the organ that controls everything a person thinks, feels, says and…
Read MoreCo-occurring Disorders Require Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
Co-occurring disorders require co-occurring disorders treatment. So what are they? Co-occurring disorders means having a substance use and two or more other mental health disorders (aka mental illnesses) at the same time. (Substance Use Disorders are commonly referred to as alcoholism, addiction or drug or alcohol abuse.) A person with anxiety, depression and alcoholism (aka…
Read MoreChildren of Alcoholics | Guest Author Darlene Lancer
Children of alcoholics grow up – obviously. But what is not fully understood is the trauma they may have experienced growing up with a parent with severe alcohol use disorder (aka an alcoholic) and how that trauma affects their lives unless treated. Frequent guest author, Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT, explains this in her post below,…
Read MoreEarly Trauma Can Change a Child’s Brain
Early trauma can change a child’s brain. These brain changes can alter the physical and emotional health of that child across their lifetime. Seriously. And why might readers of BreakingTheCycles.com be interested in this topic? Because trauma – also referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – is often at the root of alcohol and…
Read MoreKey Information About Alcoholism
How many times has your loved one promised to stop or cut down their drinking only to relapse – again? How many times have they looked you straight in the eye and said, “No,” when you ask if they’ve been drinking? How many times have they driven, ruined a family gathering or hurt your feelings deeply…
Read MoreParental Alcohol Use Disorder Causes Trauma
Growing up in a home with parental alcohol use disorder “can feel like life in a war zone,” writes frequent guest author, Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT, in her article below. Darlene is the author of Codependency for Dummies and Conquering Shame and Codependency: 8 Steps to Freeing the True You, and her latest eBook is titled, Dealing with a Narcissist, 8…
Read MoreOpioid Overdose Prevention Tips & Resources
Naloxone is one of the key opioid overdose prevention tools we have. Today’s guest author, Mike Smeth, shares key information about naloxone, as well as other important opioid overdose prevention tips and resources. Mike is a recovery advocate who works to make trusted addiction recovery resources accessible to people throughout the country. To find out…
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