Imagine you’re at work, sitting at your desk, struggling to meet an unrealistic deadline. Before you can deal with the matter in front of you, a text arrives from your husband or wife about an unfolding drama at home. You sit up straight and try […]
One of the most stigmatized mental disorders in the United States is Schizophrenia. Much of the population associates this severe, chronic and disabling illness with violence, drug abuse and even homelessness. It’s then startling to find out that the National Institute of Mental Health estimates […]
In San Francisco last month, more than 600 former NFL players, led in part by hall of fame quarterback Jim McMahon, filed a class action complaint against the National Football League in U.S. District Court. The players claim that they were regularly administered addictive pain […]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop in victims or even witnesses of a traumatic event. It is believed that as many as 8 percent of Americans are suffering from PTSD at any given time. That means if you’re traveling on a […]
Is it time for a coffee break yet? Thanks in part to a designer coffee house on every block, America is the now largest consumer of stimulants, both legal and illegal, in the world. Our relationship with these drugs is a complicated one, too. Air […]
Imagine your hands are sweaty and your heart is racing. You feel lightheaded as if you’re going to pass out at any moment. There’s a pain in your chest, and it’s difficult to breathe, and all of this is happening while you’re sitting at your […]
More prevalent among teenagers, inhalants are a growing drug abuse problem. Products that are readily found around the house, such as paint, glue, aerosols, and cleaning solvents, all have mind-altering properties and therefore the potential for abuse. Also known as “huffing”, most inhalants can cause […]
Recovery from drugs and alcohol is a difficult challenge for anyone. It’s therefore a good practice for those learning to live a drug and alcohol free lifestyle to set goals for their recovery. Goals are important for staying on track, and measuring success, but it’s […]
There’s a great line in the film, American Beauty, where Lester Burnham (played by Kevin Spacey) is talking about his daughter Jane (Thora Birch). He says, “Janey is a typical teenager – angry, insecure, confused. I wish I could tell her that will all pass. […]
Dear Alcohol, This is a difficult letter to write, and I should have written it years ago. I’m as much to blame as you, and I’ve finally decided that we can’t go on like this any longer. You didn’t force yourself on me…I was just […]
