Died by Suicide – Language Matters
It is died by suicide. Not committed suicide. This distinction matters, and it personally matters to me. I had a relative who died by suicide. “The phrase ‘committed suicide’” …ignores the fact that suicide is often the consequence of an unaddressed illness (like depression, trauma or another mental health issue). It should be regarded in…
Read MoreWhen Brain Development Views Risk With Reason
When brain development views risk with reason was in the news in 2021 – thanks to Simone Biles. Her withdrawal from the women’s Olympic gymnastics team final to take care of her mental health was met with huge support by some and huge condemnation by others. I find the condemnation reactions absurd. I mean seriously,…
Read MoreCo-occurring Disorders Require Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
Co-occurring disorders require co-occurring disorders treatment. So what are they? Co-occurring disorders means having a substance use and two or more other mental health disorders (aka mental illnesses) at the same time. (Substance Use Disorders are commonly referred to as alcoholism, addiction or drug or alcohol abuse.) A person with anxiety, depression and alcoholism (aka…
Read MoreChildren of Alcoholics | Guest Author Darlene Lancer
Children of alcoholics grow up – obviously. But what is not fully understood is the trauma they may have experienced growing up with a parent with severe alcohol use disorder (aka an alcoholic) and how that trauma affects their lives unless treated. Frequent guest author, Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT, explains this in her post below,…
Read MoreEarly Trauma Can Change a Child’s Brain
Early trauma can change a child’s brain. These brain changes can alter the physical and emotional health of that child across their lifetime. Seriously. And why might readers of BreakingTheCycles.com be interested in this topic? Because trauma – also referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – is often at the root of alcohol and…
Read MoreThe Boundaries We Keep
The boundaries we keep and the kinds of boundaries we make can return our lives to sanity. That’s a bold statement to be sure. Yet it’s the only thing that can help someone coping with a loved one’s drinking take back their life — their physical and emotional health and the quality of life they…
Read MoreKey Information About Alcoholism
How many times has your loved one promised to stop or cut down their drinking only to relapse – again? How many times have they looked you straight in the eye and said, “No,” when you ask if they’ve been drinking? How many times have they driven, ruined a family gathering or hurt your feelings deeply…
Read MoreUnderage Drinking – How Teens Can Develop an Alcohol Use Disorder Before Age 21
Underage drinking is one of the key risk factors for developing an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is the umbrella term for drinking patterns that include binge drinking, heavy drinking, alcohol abuse and alcoholism. It is often considered a right of passage; something most teens and young adults under 21 go through. As such, the…
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