Are You Supporting or Enabling Your Addicted Loved One?

Over the many years I have spent working with family members of individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), the number one question I get is, “What can we do to help?” The question leads to a discussion about supporting and enabling behaviors to engage in while attempting to get a loved one to acknowledge a […]

The Impact of Addiction on Children Ages 10 and Older

This article is part two of a series on the impact of addiction on children. Part one (ages ten and younger) was published in July. Before reading this article, I recommend reviewing the first article by clicking the link below. In the Sanford Behavioral Health ย Family Program, we address the impact of addiction on children […]

9 Tips for Recovering Families – Letting Go this Summer

As the 4th of July weekend comes to an end, many of us look forward to enjoying the summer holidays with sun, water fun, and gatherings with loved ones. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the unique challenges that recovering families managing substance use disorders may face during this time. The festivities, which often […]

10 Tips for a Thankful Sober Holiday

As a person in recovery, I am thankful every day. During the holidays, I am particularly aware of my blessings, and this is Thanksgiving, the time to be loud and proud about the things one is grateful for. I do remember the early days of recovery and how nervous I was that the festivities would […]

What is the One Gift Your Family Will Not Return?

The Season of Hope and Family Recovery This is the season of hope, joy, and the giving of gifts to honor that hope and joy.ย  A season of this type applies to all people who practice traditions of their culture or faith. I am the Family Program for Addiction Treatment facilitator at Sanford Behavioral Health. […]

How Does Addiction Affect Family?

Addiction can significantly impact the entire family. It is important to understand how addiction affects family dynamics. Addiction can affect the family by increasing conflict and stress within the household, altering familial roles and responsibilities, and disrupting important relationships or communication between family members. Many addiction treatment programs offer family support and therapy services to […]

a father, mother, and two of their children are outside and happy together after learning how addiction affects family