When we begin our journey in recovery, we come in feeling broken, alone, and beaten down. We have removed the drugs and alcohol from our system and have to find a way to cope with feelings we haven’t had to face in a long time. While taking your recovery seriously is important, it can be […]
It is never easy to admit you need help as a parent. Somehow, we think we should innately know how to parent well. So, when I made the decision to attend my first Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) meeting, it was many years later than it should have been.My daughter started drinking and using
The Power of Grieving Read More »
Families of Addiction: Change to Prevent Change Substance Use Disorder changes a family. Dad is still dad but with a hint of whiskey. Brother is still brother but with marks on his arm. Daughter is still daughter but with a pill bottle at the ready. The silence at family get-togethers is loaded but absent of
Families of Addiction: Change to Prevent Change Read More »
Jay Lloyd, a counselor with The Center for Executive Leadership, has over 30 years of experience guiding individuals and families. He began his career helping those with substance use disorders and continues to work with families dealing with all types of struggles, including addiction. Below are some of Jay’s thoughts for parents based on his
Addiction is a Mirror Read More »
Since 1944, American families have been subjected to the cartoon image of a bear in a Stetson hat. His large brown eyes and authoritative pointed finger force individual accountability on every person that sees him. His slogan, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires,” reinforces his mission: Prevention. Smokey the Bear is the mascot for the
Smokey: The Bear Truth About Prevention Read More »
Step outside your bubble… Not physically. But for one moment try to put yourself in someone else’s place. Over the past few months I’ve been feeling heavy because I’ve heard so many people discount another person’s experience because that’s not how it happened to them personally. I’ve met veterans who say there’s no such thing
A Different Experience Read More »
I’ve never gone to jail. I’ve never had a DUI. My husband has never left me. My children have never been taken away. But I WAS guilty of the actions that warranted these consequences. I think this lack of consequences allowed me to sit in my internal chaos a little longer. I started drinking early
In recent years, there has been great progress in reducing cigarette use among teenagers in the United States. According to the CDC, from 2011 to 2018, current (past 30-day) cigarette smoking was nearly halved among middle school (1.8%) and high school students (8.1%).
Partying Under the Influence Read More »
In recent years, there has been great progress in reducing cigarette use among teenagers in the United States. According to the CDC, from 2011 to 2018, current (past 30-day) cigarette smoking was nearly halved among middle school (1.8%) and high school students (8.1%).
How to know if you have a Problem with Alcohol? Read More »
The little girl was as cute as they come. About 2 years old, she sat up in her stroller laughing and waving at everyone in sight. Her carriage was decorated with bright ribbons and a balloon, and on the front was a homemade sign dedicated to “Daddy.” Everyone who saw her couldn’t help but
Writing a New Story Read More »
