Family & Friends
Know someone in recovery? Find out how you can help them in their journey as well as how you can cope on your own with our supportive articles.

How Families Can Be Part of the Addiction Treatment Process
By Liemann ValdimarWhile family input is only typically required in youth recovery, getting family members to share their perspective in adult rec... Continue Reading
While family input is only typically required in youth recovery, getting family members to share their perspective in adult rec... Continue Reading

What I Learned About Helping My Partner With His Drinking Problem
By Cassandra HuertaOne writer shares 5 indispensable lessons she's learned when it comes to helping a loved come to terms with their own substance... Continue Reading
One writer shares 5 indispensable lessons she's learned when it comes to helping a loved come to terms with their own substance... Continue Reading

The Maladaptive Process in Addiction
By Toshia HumphriesThere are also unfortunate changes that take place and bring a family out of balance, including addiction. Continue Reading
There are also unfortunate changes that take place and bring a family out of balance, including addiction. Continue Reading

When to Stop Trying to Save an Addict
By M. LujanAlthough it may be one of the toughest things you’ll ever have to do, the friends and families of addicts need to let go of the... Continue Reading
Although it may be one of the toughest things you’ll ever have to do, the friends and families of addicts need to let go of the... Continue Reading

Distortion and Denial: Addiction's 2 Most Powerful Bodyguards
By Toshia HumphriesIndividuals in active addiction often become very defensive when confronted about their drinking or drug problem. Continue Reading
Individuals in active addiction often become very defensive when confronted about their drinking or drug problem. Continue Reading

Acceptance vs. Enabling: The Difference Between a Caring Habit and a Destructive Pattern
By Toshia HumphriesThough the root of enabling is clearly prefaced with the seven caring habits, including but not limited to accepting, it does n... Continue Reading
Though the root of enabling is clearly prefaced with the seven caring habits, including but not limited to accepting, it does n... Continue Reading

5 Essential Components of a Successful Intervention
By Audrey BeimWe spoke with Addiction Intervention Specialist Kevin Dixon of KD Consulting to break down the 5 essential components of every ... Continue Reading
We spoke with Addiction Intervention Specialist Kevin Dixon of KD Consulting to break down the 5 essential components of every ... Continue Reading

6 Ways Friends & Family Can Support an Addicted Loved One
By Dominica ApplegateIf you have a loved one in recovery, your love and support can make a tremendous difference in their path towards change. Here ... Continue Reading
If you have a loved one in recovery, your love and support can make a tremendous difference in their path towards change. Here ... Continue Reading

Are You an Enabler? Here's How You Can Tell
By Tess ChedseyThe terms “enabler” or “codependent” have negative connotations, but those who exhibit these behaviors are often loving, caring... Continue Reading
The terms “enabler” or “codependent” have negative connotations, but those who exhibit these behaviors are often loving, caring... Continue Reading

ACOA: 5 Traits of Adult Children of Alcoholics
Do you have any of these common characteristics of adult children of alcoholics? Reading this article will provide some answers. Continue Reading
Do you have any of these common characteristics of adult children of alcoholics? Reading this article will provide some answers. Continue Reading

6 Steps to Loving the Addict in Your Life
By Dominica ApplegateIt's not always easy to love the addict who has exhausted your patience. Here's how you can stay sane and happy as you care for... Continue Reading
It's not always easy to love the addict who has exhausted your patience. Here's how you can stay sane and happy as you care for... Continue Reading

6 Things to Never Say to a Recovering Alcoholic
By Dominica ApplegateSome well-meaning remarks can actually offend or even trigger a recovering alcoholic. Instead, encourage those in recovery by a... Continue Reading
Some well-meaning remarks can actually offend or even trigger a recovering alcoholic. Instead, encourage those in recovery by a... Continue Reading

5 Most Encouraging Things You Can Say to an Addict
By Dominica ApplegateIt’s not always easy to know what to say to encourage a recovering addict. Continue Reading
It’s not always easy to know what to say to encourage a recovering addict. Continue Reading

3 Attributes to Look for in a Sober Friend
By Elizabeth SewardSomeone who doesn't just talk the talk but who also walks the walk. Continue Reading
Someone who doesn't just talk the talk but who also walks the walk. Continue Reading

What Not To Do: Damaging "Helping" Behaviors That Hurt the Person Struggling with Addiction
By Audrey BeimYou may have the best intentions in the world, but these actions make more trouble than good. Continue Reading
You may have the best intentions in the world, but these actions make more trouble than good. Continue Reading