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From Heartache to Hope

Life with the Alcoholic/Addict

Anxiety
Redefining "acceptance" vs. "I don't care"

Carole Bennett M.A. on February 11, 2013

There is a very fine line between acceptance and "I don't care". One can breed resentment over time, where the other (though sounding harsh) can allow the person a shot at neutrality and a calmer state of mind.

There is a very fine line between acceptance and "I don't care". One can breed resentment over time, where the other (though sounding harsh) can allow the person a shot at neutrality and a calmer state of mind.

Suicide
A Mother's Heartbreak: When a Child Dies Due to Drugs

Carole Bennett M.A. on January 28, 2013

The family that lives with the death of a child or sibling will surely be scarred for life. Anger, frustration and deep dispair can be a constant for years to come.

The family that lives with the death of a child or sibling will surely be scarred for life. Anger, frustration and deep dispair can be a constant for years to come.

Alcoholism
A Boundary Letter From the Parent to the Addicted Child

Carole Bennett M.A. on January 19, 2013

We all want to be supportive of our children, but sometimes we need to implement some strong boundaries regarding their respect and communication toward us.

We all want to be supportive of our children, but sometimes we need to implement some strong boundaries regarding their respect and communication toward us.

Alcoholism
Eliminating the toxic people in our life for a healthy 2013

Carole Bennett M.A. on December 26, 2012

Though difficult to do, it's a healthy path if we can start to eradicate the toxic people in our life that make us feel less than. Eight reasons why it's difficult and three communications that can help us cross that bridge.

Though difficult to do, it's a healthy path if we can start to eradicate the toxic people in our life that make us feel less than. Eight reasons why it's difficult and three communications that can help us cross that bridge.

Alcoholism
Ego...a big challenge for sobriety

Carole Bennett M.A. on November 29, 2012

The first and probably the most important step toward recovery is shedding the ego skin. Without saying "Uncle" to the addiction the alcoholic will have a sketcy initial recovery at best.

The first and probably the most important step toward recovery is shedding the ego skin. Without saying "Uncle" to the addiction the alcoholic will have a sketcy initial recovery at best.

Denial
Are you in denial about your denial?

Carole Bennett M.A. on October 26, 2012

If you are in denail about your loved ones substance abuse issues, then they will be as well. As painful as it is, face the reality and work toward a healthy solution.

If you are in denail about your loved ones substance abuse issues, then they will be as well. As painful as it is, face the reality and work toward a healthy solution.

Alcoholism
LIfe After Rehab - Stories of Success

Carole Bennett M.A. on October 9, 2012

After years of frustration, anxiety and despair, life can be very rewarding and successful after a loved one is firmly committed to their recovery and practices a clean and sober lifestyle

After years of frustration, anxiety and despair, life can be very rewarding and successful after a loved one is firmly committed to their recovery and practices a clean and sober lifestyle

Addiction
The Aftermath of Hurricane Addiction

Carole Bennett M.A. on September 27, 2012

Picking up your life after leaving the alcoholic/addict in your life is like dealing with the aftermath of Mother Nature. NOT FUN!

Picking up your life after leaving the alcoholic/addict in your life is like dealing with the aftermath of Mother Nature. NOT FUN!

Alcoholism
Are they really clean and sober just because they have stopped drinking?

Carole Bennett M.A. on August 29, 2012

There is more to recovery than not drinking or using drugs. Here are 6 concepts for the family to understand as their loved one works toward a full, healthy recovery and living life on life's terms.

There is more to recovery than not drinking or using drugs. Here are 6 concepts for the family to understand as their loved one works toward a full, healthy recovery and living life on life's terms.

Alcoholism
Are You Involved with an Alcoholic/Addict?

Carole Bennett M.A. on August 8, 2012

All of a sudden your loved one is displaying behavior that makes you think there might be a substance abuse problem. Here are 6 "tiers" to determine if it's fact or fiction.

All of a sudden your loved one is displaying behavior that makes you think there might be a substance abuse problem. Here are 6 "tiers" to determine if it's fact or fiction.

Addiction
Do You Have an Emotional Traffic Jam in Your Brain?

Carole Bennett M.A. on July 19, 2012

Life is complicated. The daily pressures of meeting deadlines, paying bills, keeping house with or without a spouse or children can often times be daunting.

Life is complicated. The daily pressures of meeting deadlines, paying bills, keeping house with or without a spouse or children can often times be daunting.

Addiction
Are We Addicted to Being an Enabler?

Carole Bennett M.A. on July 1, 2012

I have written several articles about the family and friends unhealthy involvement in their loved ones addiction and or recovery issues and process. So, if what you read sounds familiar, it probably is. But this is an area that merits revisiting over and over as it’s hard to drive home a point where denial about being an enabler is such a constant obstacle.

I have written several articles about the family and friends unhealthy involvement in their loved ones addiction and or recovery issues and process. So, if what you read sounds familiar, it probably is. But this is an area that merits revisiting over and over as it’s hard to drive home a point where denial about being an enabler is such a constant obstacle.

Alcoholism
Does Your Loved One Display Classic Addictive Behavior?

Carole Bennett M.A. on June 9, 2012

The alcoholic/addict in your life seems to present fairly constant mercurial behavior. One day grounded and staid, the next animated and unpredictable. However, the basic core of classic addictive behavior is pretty universal; so step back and look at the alcoholic/addict in your life from a non-emotional, neutral point of view and see if these characteristics hit home.

The alcoholic/addict in your life seems to present fairly constant mercurial behavior. One day grounded and staid, the next animated and unpredictable. However, the basic core of classic addictive behavior is pretty universal; so step back and look at the alcoholic/addict in your life from a non-emotional, neutral point of view and see if these characteristics hit home.

Relapse
A Love Letter After His Relapse

Carole Bennett M.A. on April 13, 2012

Living with a partner who is sometimes sober, sometimes not, is heart-wrenching. Here's what happened when one woman decided to walk away.

Living with a partner who is sometimes sober, sometimes not, is heart-wrenching. Here's what happened when one woman decided to walk away.