Question: What is my prescription drug addiction doing to my family and relationship with my spouse?

Debbie: No one is an island. When a member of a family has a drug addiction, everyone in the family is affected. Addiction is a bio-psycho-social problem. Addiction brings with it chaos and co-dependence in the family, where members of the family take on different roles such as:

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by Debbie Tretiak

Question: How did I get to where prescription drugs are controlling my life?

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By Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: Once again we are setting goals for our family this year and we really want to try and keep them. We do the typical thing: make a goal, do it daily for a week or two, occasionally for a few more weeks, and then stop doing them all together. How can we do better?

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By Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: I am a shy person and feel very guilty that I don’t talk about the church with others. I have a hard time ordering food at a restaurant, let alone talking about religion. Is there anything I can do to be more comfortable talking with others?

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by Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: My husband was seriously disabled two years ago. It has been a big challenge for the whole family, especially since I now work and we all have to take care of him. Sometimes when we try to help we get snappy. Other times it brings so much sweetness. How can we stay close as a family with this trial?

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By Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: My husband was injured at work and is at home for a few months. To help make ends meet I have gotten a part time job, so I’m gone during the day. I get home about a half hour after the children return from school. My husband helps the best he can at home but has to stay mostly in bed. It seems we are all on edge and arguing has increased. What can we do to help settle things down?

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by Steve Tracy, MA, NAFP, MFT

Question: I am so tired of being weak! No matter who asks me, I do what they want and I’ll do it even if they don’t ask. My kids take advantage of me at home and the same happens at work. I need to change so I can gain some respect. What can I do?

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By Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: My teen graduated from high school this year and refuses to go to college. No matter what is said or what we offer as incentives he says that he doesn’t like school and will never attend again. I know if he doesn’t he will be frustrated and stuck in a few years and wishing he had done more to educate himself. Right now he seems happy just working part time in a video game store. What can we do to encourage our son to continue his education?

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by Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: I am sick and tired of living at home. I am 17 and hate being treated like a little kid by my parents. It is like they have no respect for me and how old I am. I want to move out but am not old enough to do it. Is there something I can do so they will recognize my maturity and independence or do I just have to suffer until I can leave?

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By Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: We are a good family but need to help everyone get healthy. While we do everything we are supposed to I worry about the amount of sitting we do between home, school, TV, games, and the types of food we eat. We have tried in the past to eat and exercise regularly but it never seems to last. Do you have some suggestions for helping us make it work this time?

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By Steve Tracy, MA NAFP MFT

Question: My family has been going through our one year and 72 hour supply kits. It has been interesting to see what we have versus what we really use. While doing this we have been wondering what we can do to prepare for a crisis emotionally and as a family. What are some things we can do?

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