Archives for Author: Dana Hinders

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Dana Hinders

For nearly a decade, Dana Hinders has written about addiction, mental health, and recovery—not as an outsider looking in, but as someone who's lived it: as a researcher, a survivor, and a worried family member watching someone she loves struggle. That's what gives her words their weight. She writes to cut through the stigma, not around it, so readers walking a similar road feel a little less alone and a lot more understood.

Articles by Dana Hinders

Two men, one older and one younger, sit on grass outdoors, smiling and hugging each other in a park on a sunny day.

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction Through the Generations

Environmental risk factors associated with a parent who abuses drugs or alcohol can also perpetuate the cycle of addiction, but it’s important to keep in mind that there is always hope for a brighter future. With treatment and a strong support system, this cycle can be broken.   How Addiction Is Passed Down from Parent to Child For many people, addiction begins in the early teen or young adult years. Young people who abuse drugs

A person comforts another by placing a hand on their shoulder during a group therapy session, with several people sitting in a circle in the background.

6 Alternatives to 12-Step Groups

6 Alternatives to 12-Step Groups: If you’re looking for alternatives, consider SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, LifeRing Secular Recovery, Refuge Recovery, or Women for Sobriety.

A woman sits on a couch holding her head in distress while a healthcare professional in scrubs talks to her, holding a clipboard. A table with a tablet and medication bottles is in the foreground.

Can Withdrawal Be Fatal?

While not all substances can be dangerous to withdrawal, many pose significant health risks that can lead to severe emergencies or even death.

A man sits on the floor in front of a couch, covering his face with both hands. An open book lies beside him, suggesting he may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Victim Mentality and Addiction

Overcoming victim mentality is crucial for addiction recovery. Learn how to break free from the victim mindset at Waypoint Recovery Center.

A man sits on a couch holding a glass of water and touching his head, looking like he has a headache. There are green potted plants around him.

Alcohol’s Damaging Effects on the Brain

The brain is a complex web of connections controlling bodily responses, cognitive function, and mood. Even just a few drinks can affect the brain by changing how neurotransmitters relay information, but long-term abuse of alcohol can have severe consequences for your overall health and wellbeing. Someone who drinks heavily for an extended period of time can develop noticeable deficits in brain function. The risk of brain damage related to alcohol abuse varies depending upon a

A smiling couple walks outside holding hands and eating ice cream cones. They look happy, dressed casually in jeans and shirts, with greenery and a bike in the background.

8 Tips for Dating Someone in Recovery

It’s natural to be a little apprehensive about dating someone in recovery, but it’s important to keep a healthy perspective on what your relationship will involve. This post outlines 8 helpful tips to consider as you’re getting to know your partner.   8 Tips for Dating Someone in Recovery 1. Take It Slow Jumping headfirst into a new relationship is never a great idea, but it’s especially important to take it slow when you’re dating