Verified by Psychology Today

From Heartache to Hope

Life with the Alcoholic/Addict

Alcoholism
Resentment toward the alcoholic-still after all these years?

Carole Bennett M.A. on October 5, 2014

Resentment is an experience we all have at some time in our lives. It can be healthy to keep us from participating in the same mistake with the same situation again, or it can control our everyday life. Neither extreme is healthy, but a little dose of both is good for the soul.

Resentment is an experience we all have at some time in our lives. It can be healthy to keep us from participating in the same mistake with the same situation again, or it can control our everyday life. Neither extreme is healthy, but a little dose of both is good for the soul.

Alcoholism
Five drug myths on campus

Carole Bennett M.A. on September 20, 2014

As parents, we rarely know what happens on our college and university campuses today. Here are some thoughts first hand from a young woman who shares her findings on drugs and alcohol,

As parents, we rarely know what happens on our college and university campuses today. Here are some thoughts first hand from a young woman who shares her findings on drugs and alcohol,

Addiction
Addiction on our college campuses

Carole Bennett M.A. on September 14, 2014

College campuses seem to be hot beds for our youth to explore the world of alcohol and/or drugs. With no real supervision these kids only have themselves to answer to and some do with great respect and dignity, while others run rampant thinking they are invincible.

College campuses seem to be hot beds for our youth to explore the world of alcohol and/or drugs. With no real supervision these kids only have themselves to answer to and some do with great respect and dignity, while others run rampant thinking they are invincible.

Addiction
Too Smart For Recovery?

Carole Bennett M.A. on August 12, 2014

Robin Williams died of apparent suicide stemming from depression and drug addiction. It is a vicious circle as one feeds the other. If depression and addiction represent the door, the door frame and accoutrements then ego represents the key and lock and it can stay closed forever or opened to another world.

Robin Williams died of apparent suicide stemming from depression and drug addiction. It is a vicious circle as one feeds the other. If depression and addiction represent the door, the door frame and accoutrements then ego represents the key and lock and it can stay closed forever or opened to another world.

Alcoholism
Should One Reward for Clean and Sober Behavior?

Carole Bennett M.A. on August 3, 2014

We all want to be supportive when our loved ones come out of a residential rehab program or are clean and sober for an extended period of time, but it's important not go over board on that gift. I think that being clean and sober is a gift in and of itself, so share something meaningful for all to enjoy and not just the one in recovery.

We all want to be supportive when our loved ones come out of a residential rehab program or are clean and sober for an extended period of time, but it's important not go over board on that gift. I think that being clean and sober is a gift in and of itself, so share something meaningful for all to enjoy and not just the one in recovery.

Alcoholism
The Importance of Checking In With Yourself

Carole Bennett M.A. on July 25, 2014

Taking time to check in with ourselves twice a day (morning and night) is a great way to process the little annoyances and large ones. Processing what is in our control and not, what is important and what is not is a good way to keep things under control and not to fester and build resentments.

Taking time to check in with ourselves twice a day (morning and night) is a great way to process the little annoyances and large ones. Processing what is in our control and not, what is important and what is not is a good way to keep things under control and not to fester and build resentments.

Alcoholism
Choosing the Right Residential Rehab Program

Carole Bennett M.A. on July 8, 2014

Your loved one is finally going to a residential rehab. Due the diligence in finding the right program together. Don't get caught with a spur of the moment decision because everything comes to a head quickly.

Your loved one is finally going to a residential rehab. Due the diligence in finding the right program together. Don't get caught with a spur of the moment decision because everything comes to a head quickly.

Media
Are we afraid of our children?

Carole Bennett M.A. on June 16, 2014

Our kids today seem to have more freedom than ever before. The world of social media is great, but has it trumped the old fashioned ways of healthy and proper behavior from our youngsters?

Our kids today seem to have more freedom than ever before. The world of social media is great, but has it trumped the old fashioned ways of healthy and proper behavior from our youngsters?

Friends
The beauty of getting older...and lovin' it

Carole Bennett M.A. on June 10, 2014

if we are lucky, we can't avoid getting older. Embrace that time of your life with new challenges, friends and opportunties. Work jobs you only enjoy and become creative and bold with your own budding business. HAVE FUN! YOU'VE EARNED IT!!

if we are lucky, we can't avoid getting older. Embrace that time of your life with new challenges, friends and opportunties. Work jobs you only enjoy and become creative and bold with your own budding business. HAVE FUN! YOU'VE EARNED IT!!

Addiction
Mother's Day 2014; painful or pleasant?

Carole Bennett M.A. on May 10, 2014

Most holiday's are difficult, sad and challenging when a loved one is strill struggling with addiction, but somehow Mother's Day can be particulary tough. I received a moving and heartfelt poem from a reader dedicating it to Mother's all over the world that are facing a day that is empty due to their child's current addiction livestyle.

Most holiday's are difficult, sad and challenging when a loved one is strill struggling with addiction, but somehow Mother's Day can be particulary tough. I received a moving and heartfelt poem from a reader dedicating it to Mother's all over the world that are facing a day that is empty due to their child's current addiction livestyle.

Race and Ethnicity
Do you believe in fate?

Carole Bennett M.A. on May 5, 2014

When all the elements come together for greatness, is it fate, luck, a higher intervention or none of these? I enjoy believing in a higher power and fate and experiencing what the day brings as I face it head on...good or bad.

When all the elements come together for greatness, is it fate, luck, a higher intervention or none of these? I enjoy believing in a higher power and fate and experiencing what the day brings as I face it head on...good or bad.

Addiction
Boundaries with ourselves

Carole Bennett M.A. on April 24, 2014

When our child is once again asking for assistance to get clean and sober, it is vital that we step back and make sure we are taking care of ourselves before putting our heart and soul on the recovery line once again. Boundaries for oursevles are important for our own health and well being.

When our child is once again asking for assistance to get clean and sober, it is vital that we step back and make sure we are taking care of ourselves before putting our heart and soul on the recovery line once again. Boundaries for oursevles are important for our own health and well being.

Alcoholism
Finding Comfort in Our Beds at Night

Carole Bennett M.A. on April 14, 2014

Going to bed at night should be something to look forward to. But, if the alcoholic/addict in your life doesn't allow the Sandman to do his thing, a peaceful, healthy slumber can be a challange.

Going to bed at night should be something to look forward to. But, if the alcoholic/addict in your life doesn't allow the Sandman to do his thing, a peaceful, healthy slumber can be a challange.

Addiction
Are others judgmental about your relationship with the a/a?

Carole Bennett M.A. on March 26, 2014

We all can be judgmental of others. It's human nature. But be careful that your judgment doesn't step on toes or over boundaries.
Being supportive is a far better approach and can lead to a happier outcome.

We all can be judgmental of others. It's human nature. But be careful that your judgment doesn't step on toes or over boundaries.
Being supportive is a far better approach and can lead to a happier outcome.

Alcoholism
The Passive-Aggressive Nature of the Alcoholic/Addict

Carole Bennett M.A. on March 15, 2014

Fasten your seat belts as it's always an unexpected ride when communicating with the alcoholic/addict. The passive-aggressive disposition is cloaked in darkness and one never knows when it's going to rear it's ugly head.

Fasten your seat belts as it's always an unexpected ride when communicating with the alcoholic/addict. The passive-aggressive disposition is cloaked in darkness and one never knows when it's going to rear it's ugly head.

Alcoholism
A New Look at Detoxification

Carole Bennett M.A. on February 7, 2014

The first step in a total and healthy recovery is going through a detoxification program. Whether it is under strict medical supervision or a more holistic approach, a clean and sober lifestyle is hard to obtain without this first step.

The first step in a total and healthy recovery is going through a detoxification program. Whether it is under strict medical supervision or a more holistic approach, a clean and sober lifestyle is hard to obtain without this first step.

Relationships
Do You Continue to Make Excuses for Unacceptable Behavior?

Carole Bennett M.A. on January 26, 2014

Sometimes the old adage of, "Well, it's family so what can you do," or loving unconditionally can get old and spawn resentment. Looking at family members that continue to make excuses for unacceptable behavior of another (or themselves) can be difficult.

Sometimes the old adage of, "Well, it's family so what can you do," or loving unconditionally can get old and spawn resentment. Looking at family members that continue to make excuses for unacceptable behavior of another (or themselves) can be difficult.

Friends
Eliminating the not so nice people in your life for 2014

Carole Bennett M.A. on December 28, 2013

Sometimes there are people in our life other than the alcoholic/addict that make us uncomfortable or not fulfilled. Friendships are important and should be taken seriously and with respect and dignity.
If they are not, then it's time to re-evaluate the relationship.

Sometimes there are people in our life other than the alcoholic/addict that make us uncomfortable or not fulfilled. Friendships are important and should be taken seriously and with respect and dignity.
If they are not, then it's time to re-evaluate the relationship.