Talking to Kids About a Parent’s Addiction
Talking to kids about a parent's substance abuse problem isn't easy, but this is a conversation you simply can't ignore. Brushing the topic aside gives children the message that addiction is a shameful family secret. Instead, plan to discuss a [...]
How to Plan an Intervention
An intervention is often the best way for someone suffering from drug or alcohol addiction to begin their path to recovery. People struggling with substance abuse are often suffering from denial about the extent of their problem, so hearing firsthand [...]
Adult Children of Alcoholics: 5 Tips to Help You Heal the Wounds from a Traumatic Childhood
Adult children of alcoholics are often described as "co-victims" who develop many of the same characteristics associated with alcoholism, even if they've never taken a drink themselves. If you're struggling to come to terms with the trauma you suffered due [...]
6 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Underage Drinking
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This observance, sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), stresses the need for education regarding alcoholism and addiction recovery. At St. Joseph Institute, we stand together with NCADD to encourage an [...]
How to Love Someone in Recovery
Watching your spouse or partner struggle with addiction isn't easy, but this challenge doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship. With patience, commitment, and determination, your marriage can emerge from this struggle stronger than ever before. Start a [...]
How to Know if Your Loved One Needs Rehab
Are you wondering whether someone you care about needs addiction treatment? The road to a substance abuse problem isn’t a straight line. For most people, it’s more like a slippery slope. When the person in need and their families look [...]
Advice for Parents of Children with Addiction Problems
Do you remember the first time you held your son or daughter? Becoming a parent is a great joy, but it’s also a great responsibility. You probably felt a weight of responsibility in that moment, not only to provide [...]
The Importance of Family Support During Recovery
Family Support During Recovery Loving someone suffering from drug or alcohol addiction isn't easy, but as a family member you'll play a vital role in helping your loved one on the path to recovery. Multiple studies have shown that people [...]
Family Recovery: Creating Recovery Contracts
Families with an addicted loved one need to create and enforce healthy boundaries. As part of St. Joseph Institute’s Family Program, we encourage families to develop a written contract with their loved ones to establish ground rules and facilitate a [...]
Family Recovery: Recognizing Self-Destructive Behavior
We all know that addicts engage in self-destructive behavior—their addiction is the most obvious way they attempt to harm themselves. But less obvious behaviors are also self-destructive, and when addicts—especially those in recovery—begin to engage frequently in these behaviors, you [...]
