Gene Duffy, founder of Duffy’s, consistently used to say that “Duffy’s was a family business for a family problem.” Addiction doesn’t affect just the addict or alcoholic–it affects his or her entire family and circle of friends. The following are a collection of blog posts and articles designed to help you understand the disease of addiction, so you can better support and encourage your loved one during this difficult time.
Our founder Gene Duffy consistently used to say that “Duffy’s was a family business for a family problem.” And he’s right: the disease of addiction doesn’t just affect the addict, but all those in contact with him. Addiction can change the lives of everyone—hurting those who are closest to the addict and leaving them bewildered … Read More
Just getting your loved one to rehab doesn’t necessarily guarantee lifelong recovery. You still need to support your loved one in recovery and when she returns home. It is true that the most difficult part of working with your loved one might be over, but supporting them while they discover and re-discover themselves in rehab … Read More
She’s on call virtually all day, every day. She does the impossible. She’s the real superhero. And she goes by “Mom.” In celebrating Mother’s day, we often show our appreciation and love through an emotional card, beautiful flowers, and a phone call. We thank her for giving us life, for caring for us—changing endless diapers, … Read More
Today, May 9, is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the climax of the week on mental health awareness. This year’s theme is Out of the shadows: Exposing stigma. Stigma is a mark of shame and disgrace, a negative judgment placed on someone or something. Too often, people are quick to judge and assume the worst in a person … Read More
Question: Should I pressure someone struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction into rehab? Do people who are forced into treatment get anything out of it? Answer: Yes, and yes. People who are not initially willing or ready to go into treatment have the same chance of recovery as those who come voluntarily to treatment. … Read More
I’m grateful . . . . . . for a family who forgives, encourages, cooks for, laughs with, (and occasionally annoys) me. . . . that I can watch my children grow up, and that I can actually be a part of their life. . . . for parents who aren’t afraid to tell me … Read More
The school year is racing upon us. Parents of new or returning high school students are probably as apprehensive as their kids are excited. Because no matter how great the school is, there are always those things notorious in high schools: drinking, drugs, sex, and other risky behaviors. Of course, all the bad stuff tends … Read More
We’ve all been there–Our friend is struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction, and we’re not sure how to help without inflicting hurt or offense. At first, our friend’s indulgence was occasional but now it has become so much more. The addiction has changed them, and the problem is impossible to ignore. But how do … Read More
For a man of 88 years, my grandfather is pretty healthy. Besides being confined to a wheelchair, he doesn’t have cancer or heart disease. His diabetes is under control. Mentally, he is still pretty sharp. However, my grandfather suffers from a disease, a sickness, that will plague him until death. . . My grandfather is an alcoholic. … Read More
A research study done by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health proved what thousands before have believed to be true: that the 12 step program works, specifically for adolescents. Researches studied 403 participants between ages 13-18 who were enrolled in a treatment programs in northern California and followed their progress for over 7 … Read More
