Substance Abuse

The Kids Are All Right -- They Didn't Become Addicts

Stanton Peele | Posted 12.28.2009 | Living


Stanton Peele

The Kids Are All Right is a joint memoir by four Welch children after their parents died in the 1980s. The book is spearheaded by the second eldest daughter, Liz, a journalist who now lives in Brooklyn.

Brittany Murphy and the Hollywood Fishbowl

Ruth Fowler | Posted 12.22.2009 | Living


Ruth Fowler

If I ever started abusing substances again it will be because I have an irresistible and distorted urge to enjoy illicit substances 'recreationally,' 'without harm.' The sad thing is River, Heath, DJ AM and Brittany probably thought the same.

Shelter To Give Long-Term Care To Women And Children

Huffington Post | Julian Hattem | Posted 11.19.2009 | Impact


Bryan Anderson and Kathy Allen took a home in Salina, Kan., originally built in 1910, fixed it up, and are turning it into a shelter for pregnant and ...

Veterans: Casualties of the Drug War

Daniel Robelo | Posted 11.11.2009 | Politics


Daniel Robelo

It's a sad day in America when, instead of being offered compassion and treatment, veterans struggling with substance abuse and PTSD as a result of their service are locked up for these conditions.

Project Prevention Encourages Addicts Not To Have Children

Huffington Post | Jonathan Daniel Harris | Posted 10.31.2009 | Impact


An estimated 11-15% of babies are exposed to drugs or alcohol in utero. Many of these babies are born with addictions or physical disabilities. For ye...

Phoenix House Helps Troubled Teens Rise From The Ashes With Music

Kara DioGuardi | Posted 10.16.2009 | Impact


Kara DioGuardi

As I've seen how music has changed my life and that of others, I'm energized and want to do more. I believe music can build self-esteem and deal with problems relating to anxiety and depression - which often underlie substance abuse.

Is Relapse Part Of Recovery?

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 10.15.2009 | Living


Carole Bennett, MA

Relapse is common when the alcoholic/addict has not had enough recovery under their belt through 12-step meetings, sponsorship, counseling or their own personal determination to rely on an arsenal of "tools" to ward off the relapse demon.

Where is Mental Health in Health Care Reform?

Lloyd I. Sederer, MD | Posted 11.24.2009 | Politics


Lloyd I. Sederer, MD

Have you heard a word about mental health in the deluge of discussions that populate health reform communications on TV, radio and newspapers? Have you seen any mention in Federal legislative offerings?

The Roller Coaster Relationship With An Alcoholic/Addict: When Do You Get Off the Ride?

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 11.24.2009 | Living


Carole Bennett, MA

I have compiled what I call The Pyramid of Change; 6 phases of the alcoholic/addict from the beginnings of irresponsible behavior to full blown wreckage.

Like Lottery Winners, Pro Athletes Also Blow Big Money

Don McNay | Posted 11.21.2009 | Business


Don McNay

Even as a structured settlement consultant, I was stunned to learn that within two years of retirement, 78 percent of NFL players are bankrupt or under financial stress.

Kids and Self Esteem: The Real Deal

Donna Fish | Posted 11.21.2009 | Living


Donna Fish

How do you as a parent help give your kids the skills to do their best, which involves trying over and over and over?

8 Million Americans Consider Suicide

Yahoo | Associated Press | Posted 11.17.2009 | Living


More than 8 million Americans seriously consider suicide each year, according to a new government study. About 32,000 suicides occur in the United St...

Marijuana Use By The Numbers

Paul Armentano | Posted 11.10.2009 | Politics


Paul Armentano

By age 25, 54 percent of the population has admittedly used marijuana. Does anyone still believe that marijuana prohibition is working -- or that all of these people deserve to be behind bars?

Al-Anon 12-Step Recovery Program: Love It Or Leave It

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 11.10.2009 | Living


Carole Bennett, MA

As a professional family substance abuse counselor, I encourage my clients to attend Al-anon and find out if it is something they wish to incorporate in their recovery. Some swear by it, others are shunned.

It's Not Only the Alcoholic/Addicts Problem; 8 Reasons Why Families or Friends Don't Get Help, Don't Get Involved

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 09.14.2009 | Living


Carole Bennett, MA

To pretend this disease doesn't exist makes us as irresponsible as the alcoholic/addict. We can and are obligated do our part by using whatever means available to thwart the downward spiral.

Tackling Integrated Care Is Key to Health Reform

James R. Knickman | Posted 09.11.2009 | New York


James R. Knickman

In New York, an initiative is underway to align efforts across the public and private sectors to address integrated care.

The Road To Addiction: One Reader's Story

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 09.10.2009 | Living


Carole Bennett, MA

Having an entire department of Mental Health professionals pounding everyday to convince me that I was wrong and I was simply a hopeless addict actually hindered my recovery by years. It made the mountain so much harder to climb.

The Road to Addiction - How Trauma Can Lead To Addiction

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 09.01.2009 | Home


Carole Bennett, MA

Everyone has varying degrees of trauma in their life. Similar to depression, trauma can lead to self medication (prescription or otherwise) to numb the pain in an attempt to dilute the reality of the occurrence; which in turn can lead to dependency and/or addiction.

Breaking Our Addiction to Prison

Gen. Barry McCaffrey | Posted 08.27.2009 | Politics


Gen. Barry McCaffrey

It has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Drug Courts work. Drug Courts significantly reduce drug abuse and crime and do so at less expense than any other justice strategy.

Driven To Drink By Marijuana Laws?

Reuters | Posted 08.23.2009 | Politics


ough marijuana laws are driving millions of Americans to a more dangerous mood-altering substance, alcohol. The unintended consequence: violence and t...

Playing the Hand that Life Deals You

Don McNay | Posted 08.22.2009 | Living


Don McNay

I've dealt with hundreds of parents of special needs children. They take the hand that is dealt to them. And usually turn that hand into aces.

Health Class No Longer Required In Texas High Schools

Associated Press | Posted 08.08.2009 | Politics


AUSTIN, Texas (AP)-- Health class will no longer be a state requirement for high school students this fall, making Texas one of the few states in the ...

14 Addiction Triggers: Why, When and How it Starts Part 2

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 08.03.2009 | Living


Carole Bennett, MA

Strong family structure guided in responsible, honest and/or religious values are no guarantee to thwart the constant barrage and temptation of a neighborhood with abundantly available drugs.

The Road to Addiction: 14 Triggers -- Why, When and How it Starts

Carole Bennett, MA | Posted 07.27.2009 | Living


Carole Bennett, MA

The more you understand about substance abuse, the better your chances are of coping with the situation successfully.

Ohmigod! Drinkers Think Better for Longer! Hide This From Children AND Adults!

Stanton Peele | Posted 02.09.2009 | Living


Stanton Peele

How much is less than 1-2 drinks? Maybe put a touch of alcohol on your tongue every other day with an eye dropper -- no cheating and putting two drops while we're not looking!