Fentanyl, which is an opioid, has quickly become one of the biggest problems the United States is facing. The potency of the drug coupled with the ease of getting it has made it the first choice for many people suffering from substance abuse disorder. The rise of eCommerce and social media has made it very difficult for law enforcement to stop its abuse. Information is power! Learning about the current drug crisis can help you protect and inform those that are close to you about Fentanyl. It can also help you understand how to help those who are already addicted to this dangerous drug. We all ..read more

One of the challenges of having a family member struggling with a substance abuse disorder is the feeling of alienation from your community. You feel that people are judging you negatively because of what your loved one is going through.  That is why support groups for people who are in the same position are important. They help you feel supported and accepted despite what you are going through. Aid fellowship groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) allow those struggling with addiction to feel loved and supported without judgment. Their program is based on those struggling with addictio ..read more

If you cannot take care of yourself first, you cannot take care of someone else! If you are taking care of someone with a substance abuse disorder, remember to create enough space for self-care. Give that person you are taking care of an opportunity to see you enjoy life and have fun without using any drugs. You are a role model and you need to paint the other side of addiction as a stable, fulfilling place. Sometimes, constantly worrying and taking of a person fighting addiction can make you forget about the things that brought you joy. However, you should work to reclaim that joy because y ..read more

When is it okay to say enough is enough? Many people who have families or loved ones struggling with substance abuse disorder have asked themselves this question many times. That’s because it is very frustrating to watch an addict spiral when it feels like they are intentionally working against themselves and the hope you have for them. When love doesn’t seem to work and it starts to feel like enabling, most people opt for tough love. This involves setting boundaries and letting the addict face the consequences of their actions with the hope they’ll find redemption one way or the other. Howev ..read more

Giving grace is going out of our way to show compassion and kindness to someone else even if they may not appreciate it. To friends and families of people who are fighting a substance abuse disorder, this is something they can’t do without. At times, the only thing better than yelling, cutting off financially, or kicking out someone, is just giving grace. None of us is perfect and yet God still gives us his grace without expecting anything in return. Even though it is difficult, I suggest you do the same to someone else too because everyone needs to feel loved. It'll lighten your load and let ..read more

The Zero Stigma Podcast with Donna Hughes. Coming April 21st! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

Being a caregiver to someone fighting a substance abuse disorder is very difficult and can sometimes be overwhelming. You need to find people who have experience in it and can offer you essential advice on how to approach that role. There is a thin line between being a helper and an enabler, and such people will teach you how to stay in your lane. You also have to practice self-care because your life is just as important - your mental and physical health matters.  Keeping the conversation on substance abuse alive is important because it increases the support options for all those who ar ..read more

Substance abuse is a complex problem that impacts the person with the disorder as well as those close to them. It is painful to watch a person you love deal with addiction knowing that the best you can do for them can’t save them. Yes, you can be there to offer support but ultimately, recovery is a process that only they can take and commit to. It is important to remember that, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself by being present, being in the moment, and having gratitude for each today.  Do things that bring you joy and laughter because you deserve to als ..read more

Welcome to Zero Stigma! I am your host, Donna Hughes, and I am excited to connect with you and have no-judgment conversations about the difficulties and lessons that come with loving someone with a substance use disorder.    In this first episode, I am sharing with you why I am incredibly passionate about creating an open conversation about loving someone who struggles with substance abuse. Substance use disorder does not discriminate; it has touched every single socio-economic class, race, gender, age – you name it. I hope that speaking about my journey will help others in a similar ..read more