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I am an addict. I know it is hurting my relationships and it is certainly stopping me from getting a promotion at work. I am afraid to seek professional treatment because I am not sure how my employer will respond. I am afraid that they will fire me. I cannot afford treatment on my own, but if I use my insurance my employer will find out. I feel like I am in a no win situation. Any ideas for me? 
Answered by: Sandra Knowles
I hate to admit this, but I think I may have an addiction to prescription medication (OxyContin). I had surgery a few months ago and I haven't been able to stop using. I keep finding excuses to have my prescription refilled. I am scared because it feels like this drug has taken over my life. Can you do something to help me? 
Answered by: Sandra Knowles
My daughter is dating a guy who I don't like. I know he has a history of drug abuse. He says that he is sober now, but I don't believe him. I know he and my daughter have been fighting because he continues to drink with his friends. I wish my daughter would dump the guy, but she won't listen to me. Is there anything I can do or say to her to help her realize the danger she is in? 
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Skinner
How can I help my children avoid addictions? 
Answered by: Sandra Knowles
What is drug paraphernalia? What should I be looking for? 
Answered by: Sandra Knowles
Dr. Skinner, your answer to my first question was very helpful and I have read your article Addiction and Intimacy. Although I have acknowledged that I still have feelings for him, still my heart cannot rest safely in my ex. However, now I want to address another problem. As background, when I was supplying my husband with those types of pictures (as explained in my first question to you) it was demoralizing to me. The demoralization manifested itself in various ways, but most particularly by a desire to know what it was like to love a righteous man. My heart traitorously went to another man. Inappropriate association and behavior (talking/sharing, kissing, eventually upper body petting at my offering 3 times) ensued progressively for just over a month. It was wrong. I was like a moth drawn to a flame/light. To me it was sweeter than things I had known with my husband. This man helped me to stop. For my part, I confessed it, came forth voluntarily to receive church discipline and fought the spiritual and mental battles to reject it and be unyielding in my commitment. (After a year of working with my current church leader, I am now in good standing. As an interesting side note, it was discovered that the leader who held the court in another state did not submit any paperwork although it was indicated that it had been.) This false step in me, however, is what "caused" my husband to expose those pictures of me meant just for him and just for the moment. (He promised not to keep them.) He explained that he did it out of anger. I think he did it out of revenge. Does it even matter why he did it? My problem is this: That part of me had only been given/shared with the man who was once my husband - no one else (aside from medical attention) - and now I've been exposed most cruelly and I feel raped. I once had access to his email as part of his behavioral change agreement established through a prior counselor when his secret first came out. In an email to one of his online buddies after sharing those pictures, my husband referred to me as "the slutwife." I read how this online buddy felt about my body using very, very disgusting terms. HOW does one get over this type of betrayal? I've tried shoving it out of my mind, refusing to dwell on it, turning it over to my Savior - and still it pierces. It's not constant. I'm functioning, I even have several days of gladness! However, I'll find myself crying suddenly - not just over that, but mourning losing a marriage I once believed I had and worked hard to develop - then I work to get beyond it and I'm ok again. Do I just need more time? More education? Have other women's husbands done this to them? 
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Skinner
My husband lies all the time about quitting smoking dope. 
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Skinner
What can I do to keep my house safe from anyone stealing our prescription medications? 
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Skinner
I am so worried about my sister's addiction to prescription painkillers. I love her so much, but every time I bring up her drug use she gets so furious with me. How can I get her help without her hating me? 
Answered by: Dr. Jared Maloff
My younger brother has been duping my parents for years. I know he is an addict, but they cannot see it. I haven't dared to talk with my parents because they already have so much stress. My biggest concern is for my brother, I think he is getting into heavier drugs. I need some thoughts besides my own on this issue. 
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Skinner