Life is a voyage with its share of highs and lows, and for some, the road is lined with the trials of substance use.

There is so much emphasis on the birth process, or the adoption process, that once babies arrive new parents are scrambling to adapt to their new reality. It is important to think about the time after the baby arrives before the baby arrives. In this article, we plant some seeds for helping your partnership bond become strong through times of stress rather than devolve.

Have you ever told yourself to stop thinking about something or someone? Maybe it’s an ex-partner, the drawer full of candy, the pack of cigarettes in your purse, or the wine in the fridge. Maybe it’s the anxious feeling in the pit of your stomach you fear, or the work day that you’re dreading in the morning.

It is often said that the opposite of addiction is connection and during these uncertain times many of those who are in recovery are struggling with feelings of disconnection. So often being in recovery entails having a strong support network, going to meetings, talking to a counsellor, spending time with sober friends, etc. And yet these opportunities have been limited during COVID-19. So how can you support someone you care about?

It can be difficult to care for yourself as you try to care for someone who is abusing alcohol or drugs. San Samra shares five ways that can help you navigate a relationship where someone you love is struggling with substance abuse.