In 2026, we recognize that addiction does not happen in a vacuum, especially within the close-knit communities of Connecticut. It is a powerful force that sends shockwaves through a household, altering personalities, draining bank accounts, and shattering trust. In clinical terms, we say addiction is a family disease because the pathology of substance use disorder […]
Growing up with an alcoholic parent is an experience that rarely stays in the past. It shapes your identity, dictates how you navigate relationships, and profoundly influences your emotional health. For many, being the son of an alcoholic means carrying an invisible burden of responsibility and hypervigilance into adulthood. If you grew up in this […]
Recovery is far more than simply the absence of substance use; it is the presence of a new way of living. For many, addiction began as a survival pattern, a way to numb pain or quiet the noise of a chaotic world. To move forward, these old patterns must be replaced by a toolkit of […]
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it sends shockwaves through entire families. In Connecticut, families are bearing the emotional, psychological, and financial strain of addiction, with many feeling overwhelmed by the ripple effects. The challenges of emotional distress, broken trust, financial burdens, and disrupted roles often leave families feeling isolated and powerless. However, it’s important to […]
Addiction is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide. Whether it’s a substance use disorder or behavioral addiction, the impacts are far-reaching, often straining relationships and creating a ripple effect throughout the family unit. As challenging as recovery can be, family support in addiction recovery is one of […]
Growing up with an alcoholic parent can deeply affect a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. In Connecticut, where over 11 million children are impacted by alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2026, it’s crucial to understand the long-term emotional challenges and how families can play an essential role in the healing process. Children of alcoholic parents […]
Addiction is a complex issue that affects not only the individual struggling with substance use but also their entire family. In Connecticut, families are facing increasing emotional strain due to addiction, with 63% of family members of addicts reporting significant distress. As the impact of addiction continues to grow, families are often left feeling overwhelmed, […]
For people in recovery, the holidays can be one of the hardest times of the year. Everywhere you turn, there’s pressure to celebrate, drink, or just “loosen up.” But if you’re committed to staying sober during the holidays, you’re not alone, and it’s okay if this season feels more stressful than joyful. Between family expectations, […]
The holidays are often portrayed as joyful, relaxing, and filled with celebration, but for many individuals and families, this time of year is anything but easy. Drinking during the holidays is not just common; it’s widely encouraged through parties, family gatherings, and social expectations. While some can navigate it without issue, for others, it becomes […]
Watching a loved one suffer from alcohol addiction is never easy, and when that person is your mother, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Feelings of guilt, confusion, fear, and helplessness are common, especially when you’re unsure what steps to take. If you’re searching for how to help an alcoholic mother, you’re not alone, and […]
Music: “Deep” Performed by Peter Sandberg (p) 2019 Phases, Courtesy of Believe and Phases, Used by permission of Sony/ATW Music Publishing