Articles & Resources

This podcast explores the hidden trauma loved ones experience while caring for someone struggling with addiction. We discuss how PTSD and complex PTSD can develop through ongoing emotional and physical trauma, including overdoses, manipulation, fear, abandonment, and chronic stress. The episode highlights common triggers, long-term impacts on mental and physical health, and the silent battle families face behind closed doors. Through real-life stories and education, we remind listeners that healing is possible through support, boundaries, self-care, faith, and trauma-informed recovery tools.

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Hope for the Incarcerated

You may be incarcerated, but you are not forgotten. Here is two weeks' worth of hope, including devotions and encouraging testimonies from former inmates in a reading plan developed by Hope is Alive Ministries, with the assistance of Beth Niestemski, LCSW, former Associate Director of Mental Health for New York City's Rikers Island.

Start the plan here: Hope for the Incarcerated

The Role PTSD Plays in Addiction Recovery

What many people don’t realize is that emotional triggers are often connected to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and unresolved trauma. PTSD can develop from firsthand experiences like witnessing an overdose, abuse, or crisis situations, but it can also come from prolonged exposure to trauma or repeatedly hearing about painful experiences.

Loved ones of those struggling with addiction often experience PTSD. While addiction affects the individual, it also deeply impacts parents, spouses, and family members who live through ongoing stress, fear, and uncertainty. This can show up as anxiety, emotional flashbacks, or waves of depression. Watching someone you love put themselves at risk can create both direct and indirect trauma over time.

This trauma can be both physical and emotional. Some have witnessed overdoses, called the police, or faced the heartbreak of separation, jail, or loss. Others carry the quieter weight of emotional pain stemming from manipulation, broken trust, and the loss of healthy communication. Over time, these experiences leave a lasting impact.

One mom shared that after witnessing her son overdose, even the sound of a siren now causes panic. Others experience symptoms like trouble breathing, exhaustion, or strain in relationships after years of chronic stress. Many also carry the heavy burden of not knowing if their loved one is safe.

The good news is that healing from PTSD and trauma is possible. Support groups like Finding Hope, trauma-informed counseling, and resources like Codependent No More can all play a role in healing. Journaling, self-care, and learning to recognize your triggers are important steps forward.

You don’t need to live in fear of PTSD. Instead, recognize that it is real and that healing is possible when you’re willing to face it. Invite God into that process, and allow Him to walk with you each step of the way.

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Understanding Triggers in Addiction Recovery: Healing from Trauma

A smell. A date. A song. A holiday. A landmark. A late night call. A knock at the door. 

These can all be triggers. You can be doing great, and then all of a sudden, out of the blue, you hear a song that takes you right back to where you once were. For those affected by addiction, relapse, trauma, or family dysfunction, triggers are a very real part of the healing journey.

For me, the date February 23 can be a big trigger — some years more than others. This is the date when everything began to come crashing down in my husband’s addiction. It’s also my niece’s birthday, so I’m reminded of it each year. Some years I need to have my full support system and tools ready, while other years I can celebrate the growth in both myself and my husband through addiction recovery and sobriety.

Another trigger for me is seeing my husband’s truck in the driveway when he comes home early from work. During the years of active addiction, there were countless times I would walk into the house and find him passed out in his recliner or asleep in our bed. Those moments created deep fear, anxiety, and emotional trauma. Even now, after years of sobriety and recovery, those feelings can still rise up unexpectedly.

The difference today is that we face those triggers together. Recovery has taught us the importance of communication, honesty, and emotional safety. I can now openly say, “I get anxious and fearful when I see that you’re home early from work.” And because my husband understands the impact addiction once had on our family, he responds with compassion instead of defensiveness. Even 11 years later, he still texts me when he’s coming home early or working from home because he wants to help protect the healing we’ve fought so hard for.

Sometimes people think triggers mean they haven’t healed or moved forward from addiction trauma, but that simply isn’t true. Triggers are not signs of weakness or failure. Often, they are reminders of what you survived, what God carried you through, and how deeply you love and care. Addiction recovery is not about pretending the past never happened — it’s about learning healthy ways to respond when painful memories resurface. The key is not to ignore them or feel ashamed of them.

When a trigger comes, pause, acknowledge it, and lean into the tools and support you’ve built — whether that’s prayer, setting a boundary, reaching out to someone you trust, or simply taking a moment to ground yourself. Healing doesn’t mean the absence of triggers; it means you no longer let them control you.

Today, I want to encourage you to identify the triggers in your life and make a plan for how to work through them. Invite God into that process, and allow Him to guide you each step of the way.

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With hope,

Amy LaRue, Director of Family Support Groups

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Surviving a Relapse: Practical Tips for Loved Ones of Addicts

Written by Finding Hope, this seven-day devotional was created for those walking the painful, confusing road of loving someone who struggles with addiction. Relapse can stir up grief, fear, anger, and exhaustion — but you are not alone, and this season is not without purpose or hope. Regardless of how you’re feeling, this reading plan is a chance to remember that you are not alone, it’s not your fault, and there is hope.

Start the plan here: Surviving a Relapse: Practical Tips for Loved Ones of Addicts

Signs My Loved One is a Functioning Alcoholic

An alcohol addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect. Not everyone who struggles with alcohol loses their job or their relationships. In fact, many individuals maintain careers, families, social lives, good finances, and daily routines while battling dependency behind the scenes. This is often referred to as functioning alcoholism. Because of the high-functioning nature of those impacted, it can be difficult to recognize that your loved one has a substance use disorder.

At Hope is Alive, we understand how confusing and painful it can be to suspect a loved one is struggling with alcoholism. Knowing the signs is the first step toward helping them — and yourself.

What Is a Functioning Alcoholic?

A functioning alcoholic is someone who appears to manage daily responsibilities while still having a problematic relationship with alcohol. They can still perform well at their job and some can even appear sober to those who don’t know them well. Generally, they seem “in control” of their alcohol consumption. Nonetheless, alcohol still plays a central and unhealthy role in their life.

Because things may look “fine” from the outside, the issue often goes unnoticed or is minimized.

Common Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic

They Rely on Alcohol to Cope

Your loved one may turn to alcohol to manage their emotions. If they are stressed, they are more likely to drink. If they are anxious, they are more likely to drink. If they are in physical pain, they are more likely to drink. Essentially, instead of using controlled medications or healthy coping habits like journaling, they turn to alcohol to solve all of their problems.

Drinking Is a Daily or Frequent Habit

Even if it’s “just a few drinks,” consistent daily use or an inability to skip drinking days can be a sign of alcoholism. If they do manage to go a few days without drinking, you might notice that they are shaky and moody — this is because of withdrawal.

They Justify or Minimize Their Drinking

You might hear things like:

• “I deserve this after a long day.”
• “At least I’m not as bad as others.”
• “I can stop whenever I want.”

These rationalizations help them avoid confronting the issue. They are a form of denial.

They Maintain Responsibilities (at a cost)

Functioning alcoholics often keep up appearances, but they can’t hide everything. Alcohol can affect emotional regulation. As such, you may notice:

• Sudden irritability
• Fatigue 
• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Defensiveness when drinking is mentioned

They Hide or Downplay Their Drinking

They may:

• Drink alone or in secret
• Hide bottles
• Underreport how much they’ve consumed

Secrecy is a major red flag.

Their Tolerance Has Increased

Over time, they need more alcohol to feel the same effects. This can escalate consumption without obvious outward signs.

For instance, three beers might have given them a buzz previously, but now it takes five. If they drink hard liquor, they might opt for drinks with a higher alcohol percentage to get the same effect without noticeably drinking more liquid.

How to Help a Functioning Alcoholic

Recognizing the signs of alcoholism in someone you love can feel overwhelming. You may wonder if you’re overreacting or if things are “really that bad.” But the truth is, functioning alcoholism is still alcoholism, and without help, it often worsens over time.

The good news is that recovery is possible, especially with professional help.

That’s where Hope is Alive and The Healing Center can help.

Hope is Alive is dedicated to transforming lives impacted by addiction through a holistic approach that includes recovery homes in six states, an innovative Healing Center for personalized recovery support, and compassionate support groups for families and loved ones through Finding Hope.

The Healing Center operates sober living homes that provide a structured, substance-free, trauma-informed recovery environment. Homes focus on peer-led recovery support, accountability, wellness, nutrition, life skills, and community. We do not provide counseling, therapy, medical care, diagnosis, or treatment for trauma, PTSD, substance use disorders, or mental health conditions. Residents may choose to access licensed third-party medical or counseling providers separately at The Stable.

Reach out to our HopeLine today to see which of our services is the best fit for you and your loved one. Call 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW or click here to fill out a contact form.

Getting Mom Back: An Unforgettable Mother's Day for Many

Some mothers thought they’d NEVER hold their children again.

From mothers praying their child would survive addiction to children praying their mothers would break free from addiction, countless families have experienced the heartbreak of substance abuse — especially on Mother’s Day.

But this year, countless mothers were given the best gift imaginable: the chance to hold their children again.

We asked several women in our recovery program what this Mother’s Day meant to them, and their stories are a powerful reminder of the life change your support makes possible for families every single day.

“Recovery gave me more than sobriety. It gave me the chance to reconnect with my children. Every sober day is another opportunity to rebuild trust, create memories, and become the parent they deserve.” —Annie Hufford

“This was my first Mother’s Day present and sober with my kids! Being able to take them places by myself and bond with them is a huge blessing!” —Leura Garner

“This was my first Mother’s Day sober with my mom after spending four years in prison. Getting to honor Mama Wendy at our Sunday night meeting meant everything to me — she was the mom to my boys when I couldn’t be, never gave up on me, and believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.” —Janell Miller

“My son and daughter-in-law celebrated me over breakfast with my grandkids. I was able to be present with a sober mind, and it meant everything to me and gave me so much hope for many more celebrations.” —Zabrina Farmen

“Being a mom is such a beautiful gift. My boys teach me so much about myself every day. They help me want to be a better person and keep fighting.” —Mackenzie Fitzgerald

Separation from children and loss of custody is a major driver of relapse and a significant barrier to long-term recovery. That’s why Hope is Alive focuses on reuniting parents with their children.

So far, we have helped reunite 2,460 children with sober parents. And this is only the beginning.

Next year, The Healing Center will open its doors to women and families through the launch of a Women’s Recovery Lodge and two Family Retreat Lodges. As a result, more mothers will have access to life-changing recovery support and more families will be restored.

Help Us Reunite More Families

How to Help a Loved One Through Addiction Treatment

Q&A with Finding Hope Coordinator Darcie Stephens

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What’s the most important thing to know when helping a loved one with addiction?

‍The motto of Finding Hope is simple but powerful: You're not alone, it's not your fault, and there is hope. When people come to our meetings, we throw a lot of information at them and we don’t expect them to hear or remember everything. But if they can at least hear and remember the motto, they have a great start. 

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When a loved one is an addict, how do you help them without hurting them?

Boundaries. 

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How do you draw the line between helping an addict and enabling them?

Enabling is doing something for the addict that they can do for themselves. This includes setting appointments, running errands, and so much more. It isn’t easy to draw the line between helping and enabling, but if it is something they can do themselves, stop doing it. We like to think that we're helping them by saying yes to everything, but saying no is okay too. “No” can be a complete sentence, and it is all you have to say. 

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When is the right time to involve outside help such as a counselor, church leader, or even law enforcement?

You should wait to involve a counselor or church leader until the addict is ready. Forcing it upon them can cause them to shut down. 

As for law enforcement, they should be involved anytime the addict imposes danger. It doesn’t matter if they are endangering themselves, their family, or strangers — if danger is present, law enforcement should be involved. 

It is also important to reach out for help and prompt them to seek help with substance detox. It’s important if they decide to detox on their own for them to know that they need help because it can be very dangerous. 

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What are healthy ways to approach the topic of addiction with a loved one — especially when it’s time to involve outside help?

One of the healthiest ways to approach a loved one’s addiction is through the use of “I feel” statements. When you only share how you are feeling, it can open their eyes to see that there is a problem. But, when you come at them with statements that start with “You” or “Your addiction,” they automatically shut down.

As for talking with them about getting help, you have to wait until they are ready. You can’t make them want their recovery more than you want it. That being said, you should have resources readily available to them for when they decide they are ready. 

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How do you navigate being open about your loved one’s addiction while still respecting their privacy and dignity?

First and foremost, when you are ready to share your story, focus on sharing your perspective and your side only, rather than speaking negatively about your loved one. 

Second, Finding Hope meetings create a safe space. This means that if/when your loved one questions you about what you said in the meeting, you can say that what happens at Finding Hope stays at Finding Hope. Period. 

Third, social media can be a grey area. If your loved one is in active addiction and denying their addiction, posting on social media can cause a sticky situation. However, if you can share your story in a healthy way, you can reach people that have no outlet so they can know that they're not alone. A lot of people look to their phone for help, making social media a powerful tool. 

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Loving an Addict and Caring for Yourself

When was the last time you did something for yourself?

Last week, I spent over an hour on the phone with someone who has poured their whole self into finding the perfect treatment facility for their loved one. She has done all the research and isn’t stopping, but what I mainly heard on the other side of the phone was pure mental exhaustion. And I know many of you are there, too.

When you love someone struggling with a substance use disorder, it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos. Families navigating addiction recovery often carry the emotional weight of trying to save the person they love while neglecting their own mental health and well-being. It’s all about how to help your husband get sober, how to help your son get sober, and so on.

We do it all. We call the rehabs, we make the spreadsheets, we talk to the doctors, we Google until there is nothing left to Google, and in the midst of making all those decisions, we worry about making the wrong decision. Before long, we can’t even remember who we have talked to, what place has what, or even what day it is.

You are driving yourself crazy and don’t even know how to stop! Why? Because you are exhausted, drained, and running on adrenaline. Caring for someone battling addiction can take a serious toll on your emotional, physical, and mental health.

(Side note: I want you to know… There is no “perfect” treatment facility, counselor, or addiction recovery program. BUT there are VERY successful addiction treatment centers out there. So don’t make yourself crazy trying to find the perfect one — it doesn’t exist!)

If that sounds like you, please hear my heart today. You are going to make yourself physically and mentally sick if you haven’t already. I know this because I have been there. During the peak of my husband’s addiction, I was sicker (strep, fevers, etc.) than any other year. I was also mentally and emotionally drained. I wasn’t a present mother, daughter, employee, or friend. I was completely consumed by fixing my husband. But the thing is: my husband didn’t want to be fixed, so all that time and energy were wasted.

One of the hardest lessons families in addiction support learn is this: You cannot force someone into recovery. Healing begins when the person struggling with addiction chooses help for themselves.

I could easily make a long list of things you should be doing, but I know that can be overwhelming. So, today I want to ask you to do two things each day this week:

1. Find 30 minutes just for YOU.

Go for a drive, read a book, watch a show, get some ice cream — whatever you enjoy doing and have been neglecting to do. Now here is the harder part: do it with your phone turned off. It’s just 30 minutes. If there is a true emergency, someone can call 911.

Practicing self-care while loving someone with addiction is not selfish — it is necessary.

2. Set a time boundary for your research.

12:00pm–1:00pm, 5:00pm–6:00pm, 7:00pm–8:00pm — whatever works for you. But be sure to set a timer and STOP when the timer goes off. You will begin to get your day back while still having time to learn more about addiction treatment and recovery resources. Just don’t let yourself go down that rabbit trail.

Remember, Hope is Alive has a team dedicated to helping your loved ones find addiction treatment and recovery support. Their job is to meet with treatment facilities and learn the ins and outs of all of them. Let our team take this BIG load off your shoulders.

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With hope,

Amy LaRue, Director of Family Support Groups

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Rakin's Road to Christ

He came to The Healing Center Muslim. He left a baptized Christian.

“I’ve been to 10 different rehabs…”

We hear these words every single day. And every single day, we see lives like Rakin’s radically change.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rakin’s story and how The Healing Center helped set him free.

Ask Rakin. Ask the 10 residents who’ve been baptized. Ask the 18 who’ve completed our 45-day program since we opened 90 days ago. Freedom is real, and it’s possible.

Will you help us set all the captives free?

The Importance of Grace When Dealing With Addiction

Supporting a loved one through addiction, substance abuse, alcoholism, drug dependency, or mental health struggles can be incredibly challenging, both emotionally and mentally. Many times, we are in the middle of the storm and just don’t know what to do, so we do the best we can with what we do know. We may look back and wish we did things differently, but we must give ourselves grace.

Remember: You don’t know what you don’t know. There is no manual for loving someone with a substance use disorder, opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorder, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution; if there were, this would be so much easier for all of us. So give yourself grace.

We do our best with what we know, and many times, all we know is that we are just in survival mode while trying to help someone battling addiction, relapse, recovery challenges, or destructive behaviors. We may wish we did or said something differently, but in those moments, we must forgive ourselves, avoid self-blame, and be patient with ourselves. Give yourself grace.

Remember: You don’t have to go through this alone. There are over 165 million Americans affected by substance abuse and addiction recovery, so that means millions of friends and families understand what you are going through. Connect with Finding Hope, a support group full of others who understand.

Recovery is a long process — not just for your loved one but for you as well. Healing from addiction, trauma, relapse, codependency, and emotional exhaustion takes time. Give yourself time to heal, and don’t expect perfection from yourself. You’re human, and you’re navigating a difficult situation as best as you can. So give yourself grace.

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.

Hope is Alive Celebrates Women in Recovery

Some of the strongest women we know almost didn’t make it.

Before the healing, before the laughter, before the restored families and renewed purpose — there were moments filled with fear, addiction, heartbreak, substance use, and hopelessness. But at Hope is Alive, we’ve seen what can happen when women are given a safe place to heal and people who refuse to give up on them.

Recovery isn’t easy, and it definitely isn’t one-size-fits-all. But every woman who walks through our doors carries a story worth telling. This week, we’re celebrating the women in recovery who continue to fight for freedom every single day — and the incredible strength it takes to choose hope when life has tried to take it away.

Sunday Night Meetings Across the Country

The following recaps were written by our program managers and shared internally with all Hope is Alive staff so we could celebrate the wins, too. Now, we are sharing some of them with you!

Wichita Women Wins

We got to celebrate three ladies phasing up: Crissy and Susan are now on phase two of the recovery program, and Janell is on phase three! We also celebrated Kristen, who reached two years of sobriety!

Goal Achievements 

• Janell saved $100 and listened to worship music on the way to work 
• Heather paid her insurance on time and improved the relationship with her children' s step-mom
• Echo read the entire book of Proverbs 

Sobriety Celebrations

• Janell: 68 months 
• Kristen: 24 months 
• Amanda: 20 months
• Crissy: 7 months 
• Ally: 2 months 

We celebrated a total of 121 months of sobriety in the Wichita women’s house! That’s over 10 years!! 

Our speaker shared an incredible message about Mother's Day — how it holds so many emotions that none of us experience in the same way. She covered many mothers in the Bible, sharing how God never asked us to be perfect and that’s why He didn't put perfect stories in the Bible. Joel 2:13 encourages us to return to God and reminds us of His character. 

She told us our recovery and sacrifice do not define us, it is our semi colon. We are simply in the middle of our story.

Tulsa Takes Recovery By Storm

What an incredible Sunday night in Tulsa!

Thank you to the Finding Hope ladies for the amazing food and fellowship!

This Sunday night, we welcomed home Andrea and Marina (two new residents!), celebrated Christina’s two years sober, and cheered on three phase ups: Erica is now on phase three, and both Kara and Mackenzie are now on phase two of Hope is Alive’s recovery program.

We also celebrated goals reached by Erica and Kim, plus an incredible 98 months of sobriety among our women this week! 

• Ann: 22 months
• Julia: 14 months
• Amy Jo: 9 months
• Teagan: 9 months
• Marina: 9 months
• Kim: 9 months
• Katie: 9 months
• Lily: 7 months
• Brooke-lyn: 6 months
• Krista: 2 months
• Talyn: 2 months

A special shoutout to Don from Gateway Financial for teaching us practical steps toward financial peace. We’re grateful for all who pour into our ladies and support what God is doing in Tulsa!

Oklahoma City Overcomes Addiction

We got to celebrate two of our ladies phasing up! Shelby phased up to phase two and Lauren phased up to phase three! What a milestone for them both!

Goal Achievements 

• Joanna became a certified interventionist
• Brenda talked to mom for the first time since 2022 and made her amends
• Lauren’s sister texted her that she was proud of her after years of no contact 
• Shelby’s mom is supporting her on her journey

Sobriety Celebrations

• Kennedy: 16 months
• Zabrina: 16 months
• Dalynne: 15 months
• Michelle: 9 months
• Madeline: 2 months
• Jenny: 2 months
• Mart: 1 month

We celebrated a total of 61 months of sobriety in OKC!

Our speaker, Shae Gregston, delivered a message that resonated deeply with everyone. She explored how attachment shapes our trust, self-worth, and relationships, explaining the different attachment styles and their impact. Shae offered guidance on healing through self-awareness, setting healthy boundaries, and leaning into discomfort, all while trusting God as the ultimate caregiver. She concluded with the inspiring metaphor of Kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — illustrating how embracing our brokenness allows God to transform us into something stronger, more beautiful, and more whole.

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There is hope in the fight against addiction! There is hope for those in recovery, and there is hope for the families of addicts and alcoholics!