Entries by Andy Buccaro

How to Help an Alcoholic Family Member – 8 Essential Steps

Alcoholism affects millions of families worldwide, with studies showing that almost 19 million children in the U.S. live with at least one parent who struggles with alcohol addiction. To help an alcoholic family member you should offer compassionate support while encouraging treatment and healthy boundaries, all while educating yourself about addiction and prioritizing your own […]

How to Help an Alcoholic Daughter – A Practical Guide for Families

Watching your daughter struggle with alcoholism is heartbreaking and confusing. Knowing how to help an alcoholic daughter starts with understanding that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic disease that affects the brain, making it difficult for her to control alcohol consumption despite the consequences. Recognizing that AUD is a medical condition, not a moral […]

Children of Alcoholic Parents – What Families Need to Know

Growing up with an alcoholic parent can deeply impact a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. In 2025, it’s estimated that over 11 million children in the United States are living with at least one parent who struggles with alcohol use disorder (AUD) (Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). Children of alcoholic parents often […]

Effects of Drug Addiction on Family Members – 10 Major Effects

Drug addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it sends shockwaves through entire families.  From emotional distress and broken trust to financial strain and disrupted roles, the fallout can be overwhelming.  This article outlines the far-reaching effects addiction has on family members and offers a path forward through understanding, support, and healing.  If you’re navigating this struggle, […]

Group Therapy for Drug Addiction – A Comprehensive Guide

Recovery can feel like a lonely journey, but group therapy for drug addiction provides a space to connect with others, share experiences, and heal together in a supportive environment. Group therapy for drug addiction is a structured, therapist-led session where participants connect, share experiences, and work on recovery in a safe, supportive environment with others […]

Living with an Alcoholic – Everything You Need to Know

Living with an alcoholic can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, one moment you’re hopeful, the next you’re overwhelmed. Whether it’s your partner, spouse, or family member, alcoholism doesn’t just affect the person drinking, it affects everyone around them. What is it like to live with an alcoholic? Living with an alcoholic often means navigating emotional […]

How to Help a Family Member with Addiction – 10 Essential Tips

When someone you love is battling addiction, it can leave you feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to begin. With over 48 million Americans struggling with substance use disorders, addiction is not just a personal crisis—it’s a widespread family issue affecting countless households across the country. If you’ve found yourself searching for answers, you’re […]

Family Therapy for Addiction – Best Programs for Recovery

Family therapy for addiction is one of the most effective treatments. This is because Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) do not happen in a vacuum; the dysfunction in a household can contribute to the behavior. This is why it is beneficial for a person’s support system to be involved in the treatment as well. What Is […]

Family Roles in Addiction – 7 Roles Perpetuating Addiction

Substance use disorders rarely affect just one person—they ripple through families, changing how everyone interacts.  When a loved one struggles with addiction, family members can unintentionally fall into habits that keep the cycle going.  Understanding these family roles in addiction is crucial for both preventing and treating addiction. How Can Family Influence Addiction? Genetics can […]

Does Alcoholism Run in Families? Understanding Your Risk

Alcohol addiction—also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD)—is a devastating, complex illness that affects millions of families in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and across the country. One of the most common questions people ask is: Does alcohol addiction run in families? The answer is yes—alcohol addiction often runs in families, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. […]