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(JD) · Feb 12, 2011, 07:25 PM

For some areas, tough love definitely works, and sometimes is the only thing, whether it's called that or not.

In fact, The Biggest Loser I think just showcased someone whose son pulled the Tough Love card by saying he would not be in contact until his father took control of his eating issues and lost the weight. The father says it was the reason he finally took action.

It, "Tough Love" doesn't heal anyone. What it does do is force the other person to realize that they're in a serious issue that needs their serious attention. It also allows the one who's caring to find some rest while still caring about their ill/addicted family member or friend.

When it comes to mental illness and any addiction, it's important to remember that tough love is used to bring the problem to the forefront and cause the person to make a choice to heal or not. But it doesn't work if the person is high on drugs or drunk, or even too out of touch with reality to assess the situation. It isn't used to punish. I think it works well as a last resort, too.