When a family member is in serious trouble, many families will go to any length to help the one they love. It's as if their battle cry, whether spoken or unspoken, is, "All for one, and one for all." Unfortunately, with the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction (Substance Use Disorders), this desire to be helpful can become unhealthy for both the helper and the addict. 

Family members are confused by the change occurring in the one they love. They don't understand the increasing…

Mental health problems of college students get more media attention in the fall months when grade pressures, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues pile up. How to cope with stress can be learned, but not all students learn adequate coping skills from parents, caregivers, and siblings. If you have a college student plowing away, be sure to inquire about campus sport resources when you hear "how awful everything is going." Discourage isolation and counsel your student to strive for…

Spark your child's interest in entrepreneurship with exposure to small self-employment ideas like a lemonade stand, small e-commerce website, or other retail concept. When your child wanders into your home office, don't shoo them off, but instead provide an easy task with a pleasing result so they make the connection between effort and outcome. Model positivity and excitement about self-employment, and you'll generate "stickiness" for entrepreneurship. To learn more, take a look at Emmanuel…

Alcoholism has existed for thousands of years, as has advice for family members seeking help for an alcoholic in the home. This help has come from friends, coworkers, next-door neighbors, professionals, clergy, self-help groups, and books. Although much advice is misguided, there is a common dynamic for successful intervention - insisting the alcoholic accept responsibility for getting help, and not making him or her feel guilty for having the disease. The better approach emphasizes using every…

Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It is highly addictive, illegally manufactured, and sold on the street as a powder or in crystal form called "ice". It can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or smoked. Meth destroys lives - both the addicts' and their loved ones'. If your life is affected by a loved one's addiction to meth: 1) learn about meth and seek guidance and support from an addiction expert, and 2) join a self-help group to give you the strength and…

Childhood obesity has exploded in North America - up to 400%  in the U.S. since the 1960s. In Canada, 31% of children are now obese, with an increased risk of health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for parents: Any increase in activity can help - a bike ride, playing at the park, or a family walk after dinner. Limit screen time - time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games - to prompt other activities.…

Here is a brilliant way to get kids to eat the healthy lunch you pack for them and send to school. Experts say that the more you can get a child to participate in the planning and shopping for and preparation of his or her lunch, the more likely it will be eaten. Sit down with a list of options in each of the main food groups -- fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Allow your child to pick favorites in each category. The technique teaches balanced meal planning,…