American Addiction Centers Blog
What no one tells you about burnout when loving someone with addiction
September 10, 2026
Addiction acts as a wrecking ball not only for the life of the person struggling but to their entire family unit. Author David Sheff summed up the experience in his memoir “Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction”: “Anyone who has lived through it, or those who are now living through it, knows […]
January not only marks the beginning of a new year, but it seems to be deeply imbedded in the human psyche that we all have new opportunities because of the new calendar year. And although any time in a twelve-month period is a great time to seek help when battling an addiction to alcohol, making […]
It seems the pandemic has contributed to changes in substance use with both teenagers and adults alike, but perhaps not necessarily in the manner in which we would expect. Nearly two years into this airborne virus, and it more than likely feels just as daunting now for many of us as it did in the […]
Certain experiences become pivotal moments that change the course of an individual’s life forever. It may be as tragic as a car accident that leaves the driver permanently paralyzed. Or as inspiring as meeting a musician whose work you admire. Or as empowering as it is to walk each day in sobriety after years of […]
It would be so much easier if life was black and white. Good and bad. Hot and cold. Clear and vivid sides. However, there is so much gray area in the middle that it bleeds into the opposing sides, blurring the bridge between perceptions of right and wrong choices. Helping an individual addicted to drugs […]
Whether you’re a celebrity, a bank teller, or a teacher, if you’re battling an addiction to alcohol, the challenge is difficult just the same. The addiction doesn’t care about what you do for a living. Oftentimes, many may feel that they are the only ones in their fight against alcohol or substance misuse. The truth […]
The end of the year brings people together with Halloween parties in October, Thanksgiving dinner in November, and a plethora of holidays in December such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. These events can be exciting and sometimes overwhelming. The latter is especially true for those battling a substance use disorder or an alcohol use disorder. […]
There’s nothing like gathering for the holidays. Spending time with loved ones. Giving and receiving gifts. Eating all of that delicious food. And drinking too much bourbon-infused eggnog and other alcoholic beverages is often part of the holiday experience. Consuming alcohol in excess can cause tensions to escalate, removing all the fun out of the […]
The holidays are about enjoying time with family and other loved ones—especially for Thanksgiving. We can all use this togetherness and comradery after the last two challenging years we’ve faced. And depending on who you ask, this holiday enjoyment may include drinking alcohol over dinner conversation or in front of a football game on TV. […]
Suicide and mental health impact all of us but affect men in particular at higher rates. Men are less likely to seek mental health treatment than women. As a national leader in the addiction space, American Addiction Centers (AAC) would like to acknowledge International Men’s Health Week. The purpose is to raise awareness of men’s […]
Veterans Day is a day to honor those who have served in the United States military and is celebrated annually on November 11th. These dedicated men and women have put their lives on the line for their country, and inevitably, for all of us. And unfortunately, after being discharged, many, especially those who have served […]
In addition to Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day, November is home to Transgender Awareness week, which is observed between the 13th-19th of this month. The purpose is to address the issues faced by the transgender community, in addition to raising visibility about them as well. And visibility is definitely needed. Misinformation, as well as limited information […]
Many individuals in the United States struggle with depression and anxiety. As a result, many of those who have been appropriately diagnosed by a licensed therapist, or some other licensed medical professional, have been prescribed antidepressants in an effort to curtail the symptoms. And with October being Antidepressant Death Awareness Month, this is a great […]