Could Ozempic Be the Key to Tackling Addiction?

You’ve probably heard all the buzz about Ozempic, hailed by many as a breakthrough weight-loss drug. But did you know its active ingredient, semaglutide, might also hold promise in a completely different area—addiction? That’s right, folks are buzzing about its potential to curb addictive behaviors, and while there’s no published research on it just yet, the anecdotal evidence is piling up. Let’s dive in.

From Weight Loss to Addiction Control?

Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone that helps you feel full faster, which is why it’s so effective for weight loss. But here’s where things get interesting: countless users on platforms like Reddit are claiming that the drug has unexpectedly helped them reduce or eliminate other behaviors, from drinking and smoking to compulsive shopping and even skin-picking.

While these are just personal stories (not hard science), the consistency of these experiences is enough to make you wonder—cou...

Running on Empty: How to Refill Your Cup When Supporting a Loved One with Addiction

Supporting someone struggling with addiction is one of the toughest roads to walk. You love them, you care for them, and you want to help them through this dark journey. But let’s be real: you’re exhausted, anxious, and maybe even resentful. You're running on fumes, and then you stumble upon advice to “stay positive” or “listen more patiently.” And you think to yourself, "How am I supposed to do that when I’ve got nothing left to give?"

The Empty Cup Dilemma

You’ve probably heard the saying: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” And right now, your cup is bone dry. In this guide, we’re going to talk about how to refill your emotional reserves so you can continue being the supportive, loving person you want to be. Your needs matter, too.

I’m Amber Hollingsworth, a Master Addiction Counselor, and on my YouTube channel, Put The Shovel Down, I focus on both perspectives: the person dealing with addic...

Unlock Self-Awareness and Transform Your Life with These 3 Questions

Too often, we move through our days on autopilot, never stopping to reflect on the motivations behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. But what if you took a few moments each day to pause, reflect, and ask yourself three transformational questions? These questions can unlock self-awareness, help you grow personally, and strengthen your relationships.

Whether you're on a personal recovery journey or navigating family recovery, self-awareness and self-honesty are essential for lasting change. These daily reflections will challenge you to get honest with yourself and build the habit of integrity over time.

Here are the three powerful questions to ask yourself every night.

1. Was I Resentful Today?

Resentment can quietly build, turning into self-pity and leading to poor decisions. It’s like a low-level anger that simmers under the surface. Identifying resentment is critical for personal growth and recovery ...

5 Signs You Might Be Enabling Your Loved One’s Addiction

Enabling goes beyond simply paying someone’s bills or letting them stay under your roof. It’s a deeper, more complex dynamic that can keep your loved one stuck in unhealthy patterns. In this post, we’ll walk through five major signs that you might be enabling someone struggling with addiction. Think about each sign as you read—does it resonate with your experience?

If you're here, you're likely concerned that you might be enabling someone you care about. 

So, let’s explore the five signs that you might be enabling:

1. Shielding Them from Natural Consequences
If your loved one isn’t facing the natural outcomes of their actions, they might not see a reason to change. Natural consequences happen when someone’s actions lead to logical results, like missing work and getting fired. On the other hand, punishment is something you impose in response to bad behavior. By stepping in and fixing their problems, they might feel like every...

How to Handle a Loved One's Relapse: Steps for Recovery and Support

Discovering that a loved one has relapsed after a period of progress can feel like a punch to the gut. It's overwhelming, heartbreaking, and often leaves you unsure of how to respond. While it's normal to feel a wave of emotions, how you handle the situation can make a big difference in what happens next. Although you can’t control their actions, your response can influence the outcome. Let’s walk through some essential steps to take that can help guide your loved one—and yourself—toward a healthier path.

1. Get Clear Before Taking Action
Before you take any steps, make sure you're confident that a relapse has occurred. If you’re only suspicious but not certain, it’s better to hold off on confronting them. I recommend watching my video on [How to Tell If Your Loved One Has Relapsed](#), which covers some clear indicators that might help you get clarity. Once you're about 80-90% sure, it’s time to move forward.

2. A...

The Subtle Danger of Alcoholic Denial: Why It’s Different and How to Recognize It

Denial is a common trait among those struggling with addiction, but alcoholic denial is a unique beast altogether. It's trickier to identify and even more challenging to confront. If you're wondering why someone with a drinking problem doesn't see it—or if you suspect you might be in denial yourself—understanding these nuances can be the first step toward change.

In this post, we’ll explore 6 reasons why alcoholic denial differs from denial in other types of addiction and how it often goes unnoticed.

1. High Functionality Masks the Problem
One of the biggest reasons alcoholics often don’t realize they have a significant problem is because they’re highly functional in many areas of life. Unlike other addictions where the effects are more immediate and visible, alcohol can allow a person to maintain a seemingly normal life for years. They might hold down a demanding job, manage their household, or even ...

Are You Addicted? Discover the Criteria Used by Professionals to Find Out

Marijuana addiction is a sneaky, often overlooked issue that can be hard to identify. In fact, of all the addictions I treat, it's probably the hardest for people to recognize. In this post, we'll delve into the clinical criteria for marijuana addiction, officially known as Marijuana Use Disorder, and explore how these criteria can stay hidden under the radar.

Understanding Marijuana Use Disorder

Before we jump into the criteria, it's essential to understand that the clinical criteria for Marijuana Use Disorder are the same as those used for other substance addictions, like alcohol or methamphetamine. The only difference is the substance involved. By understanding these criteria, you can learn to recognize potential signs of addiction in yourself or someone you care about.

The 11 Criteria for Marijuana Use Disorder

Let's break down the 11 criteria used by professionals to diagnose Marijuana Use Disorder. A...

Understanding the Stages of Alcoholism: Why Early Recognition Is Crucial

Alcoholism is a progressive condition that can lead to significant physical, emotional, and relational difficulties. Many people don't realize they're dealing with alcoholism until it's in the later stages, making it much harder to address. Recognizing the early signs can save you from a lot of heartbreak and hardship.

In this post, we'll break down the stages of alcoholism so you can identify where you or a loved one might be on this continuum. Early intervention is key to overcoming alcoholism before it leads to more severe consequences.

Early Stage Alcoholism: The Warning Signs

In the early stages of alcoholism, you might not drink every day, but binge drinking becomes more frequent. This means that when you do drink, you often overdo it. You might not experience blackouts every time, but when you do, it's disorienting and embarrassing. Waking up with no memory of the previous night, checking your phone t...

Why More People Are Choosing to Ditch Alcohol (And Why You Might Want to Consider It, Too)

Have you noticed a growing trend lately? More and more people are choosing to stop drinking alcohol—not because they think they’re alcoholics, but because they’re rethinking the impact alcohol has on their lives. One notable example is fitness influencer Chalene Johnson, who recently shared her decision to quit drinking.

This isn’t just about giving up alcohol; it’s about being honest with ourselves about how it affects our health, relationships, confidence, and even our careers.

Why Quit Drinking When You're Not an Alcoholic?

For a long time, society has told us that unless we have a problem with alcohol, there’s no reason to stop drinking. Some of us even hold onto the idea that a little alcohol is healthy. But research tells a different story—one that’s worth paying attention to.

Alcohol is a toxin. No matter what type you choose, it’s still harming your body. Even the idea that a glass...

The Real Reason You Can’t Stay Sober—And How to Overcome It

Staying sober is a battle that varies depending on what stage of recovery you’re in. If you’ve ever wondered why it seems impossible to stay sober even when you genuinely want to, the answer lies in the specific phase of sobriety you’re currently navigating. Over my 20+ years of helping people get and stay sober, I’ve identified three distinct phases of recovery, each with its own unique set of challenges and hidden obstacles.

In this post, I’ll break down these phases for you, revealing the common pitfalls at each stage and offering practical advice to help you stay on track. If you’re serious about overcoming addiction, whether for yourself or a loved one, this information is invaluable.

Phase 1: The First Few Days—Overcoming Withdrawal

If you’re struggling to stay sober for more than two to three days, the issue might be related to withdrawal. In the first 48 to 72 hours, withdrawal symptoms can hit their peak, making...