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Drew's Musings
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Unlock the Power of Being Stronger Together: Building Family Bonds
Building family bonds means creating a safe space where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
22 hours ago3 min read
The Tightrope Walk: Finding Strength and Hope While Setting Boundaries with My Addicted Child
It was natural to operate from a place of pure emotion, the ingrained belief that we are responsible for our children's happiness. My child was hurting, and my instinct was to fix it, to soothe the pain, to make everything okay.
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Jan 114 min read
Stronger Together: Family Resilience Strategies for Healing and Hope
When a family faces the challenges of substance use, the path can feel overwhelming. Yet, there is strength in unity. I believe that families can rebuild, heal, and grow stronger by embracing resilience. This post shares practical family resilience strategies that help create a supportive environment where hope flourishes. Together, we can navigate recovery with calm, steady steps. Understanding Family Resilience Strategies Family resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Jan 63 min read
My Child is an Alcoholic, Where Did I Go Wrong?
It’s a question that can haunt any parent whose child is struggling with alcohol addiction. The pain, the worry, and the helplessness can be overwhelming. You might find yourself Self Blame: What did I do wrong? replaying every moment, every decision, searching for a single misstep that led your child down this path. The truth is, addiction is a complex disease, and while your influence as a parent is significant, it's rarely a simple case of cause and effect. Understanding A
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Jan 33 min read
Building Stronger Family Connections Together: Family Connection Strategies
Families impacted by substance use face unique challenges. Healing and rebuilding trust can feel overwhelming. Yet, with patience and the right approach, it is possible to create a supportive environment where every member feels valued and understood. I want to share some family connection strategies that help foster warmth, communication, and resilience. These ideas are gentle, practical, and designed to bring families closer as they navigate recovery together. Understanding
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Jan 33 min read
What About Rock Bottom?
It’s a phrase we hear often, isn’t it? “They have to hit rock bottom.” It’s tossed around in movies, in casual conversations, and even in professional settings. But what does it really mean? And what happens when you’re watching someone you love spiral downwards, seemingly without an end in sight? For many, rock bottom is seen as a necessary evil. The idea is that a person struggling with addiction or other self-destructive behaviors needs to experience the full weight of the
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Jan 33 min read
Why Won't He Just Stop Drinking?
It's a question that echoes in the hearts of many, a plea born from worry, frustration, and a deep desire for change. When someone you care about struggles with alcohol, it can feel like you're watching a slow-motion train wreck, helpless to stop it. You might think, "Why won't he just stop drinking? It seems like a lack of self-control and weakness." But the reality of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is far more complex than that. Understanding AUD is the first step toward findin
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Dec 30, 20252 min read
Navigating Holiday Sobriety: A Guide for Families
The pressure of gatherings, the presence of alcohol, and the emotional weight of past struggles can make holiday sobriety feel overwhelming.
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Dec 22, 20253 min read
Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction
Understanding the Difference The core difference between empathy and enabling lies in the impact of our actions. Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of another. It involves offering compassion, support, and a safe space for your loved one to express themselves. Enabling, on the other hand, involves actions that inadvertently protect the addicted person from the natural consequences of their behavior. This can include: Providing financial assistance: Coveri
Andrew Perkins, CRS, CFRS
Dec 8, 20253 min read
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