Beyond Addiction

Grief

The Differing Shapes of Grief

Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D., and Kenneth M. Carpenter Ph.D. on January 24, 2025

Loss in the context of substance use can yield a special type of grief for families.

Relationships

On Changing the Texture of Tough Love in Addiction

Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D., and Kenneth M. Carpenter Ph.D. on April 2, 2023

When it comes to treating loved ones with addictions, tough love is not the only option.

Denial

Denial Might Work a Bit Differently Than You Thought

Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D., and Kenneth M. Carpenter Ph.D. on February 6, 2023

The urge to label a person as being in denial may be a reflection of our own frustration and struggles to understand them.

Motivation

Motivational Optometry

Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D., and Kenneth M. Carpenter Ph.D. on January 16, 2023

Struggling to understand why your loved one is using substances? Trying a new set of lenses may help.

Stress

How to Help Your Loved One During the Holidays

Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D., and Kenneth M. Carpenter Ph.D. on December 21, 2022

Here are five tips to help you help your loved one abstain from substances or maintain a moderation goal.

Addiction

Words Matter: Addiction and Stigmatizing Language

Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D., and Kenneth M. Carpenter Ph.D. on November 29, 2022

Stigmatizing terms like "addict" reduce the life of a person down to a label and impact our ability to be compassionate helpers who see them in their wholeness.

Addiction

Why Open Communication Is Vital When a Loved One Is Using Substances

Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D., and Kenneth M. Carpenter Ph.D. on October 31, 2022

How to keep the door to connection open when addiction is involved.