Talking to family members that have issues with addiction can be difficult. Here are some tips from SAMHSA to start the talk. 1. IDENTIFY AN APPROPRIATE TIME AND PLACE. Consider a private setting with limited distractions, such as at home or on a walk. 2 EXPRESS CONCERNS AND BE DIRECT. Ask how they are feeling and describe the reasons for your concern. 3 ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FEELINGS AND LISTEN. Listen openly, actively, and without judgement. 4 OFFER TO HELP. Provide reassurance that mental and/or substance use disorders are treatable. Help them locate and connect to treatment services. 5 BE PATIENT. Recognize that helping your loved one doesn’t happen overnight. Continue reaching out with offers to listen and help. If someone you know is struggling with addiction. We are here to help.

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Christmas is harder in recovery for some people. Family and friends meet up together and it can feel as if your loved ones are staring at you with judgemental thoughts. Are they thinking about the past? Are they questioning everything I say? Do they trust me? So many more thoughts that are running through our thou ghts, but are they real? I feel like it is all about perspective. Maybe those thoughts are more judgement on ourselves. By overthinking, which those in recovery tend to do, you may be projecting your own thoughts onto others. So, during this holiday season, it may be worth it to try to look at everyone you are around and imagine the good times you have had with them. Pick out the best time for each person and keep it in the forefront of your mind. Second, remind yourself how far you have come as a person. You're doing great! You're worth good thoughts of yourself! Merry Christmas!