A craving rarely announces itself honestly. It shows up disguised as “I just really want a drink tonight” or “I need to order takeout again” or “I can’t deal with one more thing today.” It can feel like it came out of nowhere. It didn’t. Most of the time, it came from somewhere very specific: […]

Substance use exists on a spectrum. Some people occasionally use alcohol without significant consequences. Others develop problematic use patterns that affect relationships, finances, work performance, physical health, or mental health. Still others develop substance use disorders that involve cravings, loss of control, withdrawal symptoms, and repeated attempts to quit without success. Because the severity of […]

One of the most painful things I hear from patients in recovery is, “Why can’t I just stop?” That question usually comes with shame. It comes after a craving hits hard, after a near relapse, after a relapse, or after someone finds themselves thinking about a substance or behavior they truly do not want controlling […]