Tag: family

Their First Day of School Was My Last Day of Drinking

That day was the last time I bought into the lies that one drink will somehow not send me on that downward spiral to insanity and destruction of everything I love and care about. The kids were still sleeping when I woke up early just to start drinking. The wine was hidden in its usual… Continue reading Their First Day of School Was My Last Day of Drinking

How Pregnant Women with Substance Use Disorder Are Criminalized

“The more we double down on the idea that pregnant women who struggle with addiction are terrible people and terrible mothers, the easier it becomes for… everyone else to treat them terribly.” Pregnant women in at least 45 states have faced criminal charges for abusing drugs while pregnant, stemming from the idea that they are… Continue reading How Pregnant Women with Substance Use Disorder Are Criminalized

7 Reasons Not to Bring Your 12-Step Program Home for the Holidays

Shouldn’t you help your sister address her character defects? Isn’t it time to take your father’s inventory? And wouldn’t it be perfect to make amends to your mom at a family dinner? Regardless of whether you are newly sober or have many years of sustainable sobriety under your belt in 12-step programs, what is true… Continue reading 7 Reasons Not to Bring Your 12-Step Program Home for the Holidays

The Empty Chair Campaign Highlights Loss and Sorrow Caused by the Drug War

The families of people incarcerated, distanced, or deceased because of the drug war live year-round with the unique suffering of loving someone whose pain you do not have the power to heal. During the holidays, that loss rises to the surface. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day, or something else this winter,… Continue reading The Empty Chair Campaign Highlights Loss and Sorrow Caused by the Drug War

A Christmas Gift from the Dopeman

You know what sucks about being an addict? A ten mile walk in the freezing cold to get pills on Christmas morning because you have no other options. You know what sucks about telling your family you’re an addict right before the holidays? Everything. I come from a very large Puerto Rican family. So usually… Continue reading A Christmas Gift from the Dopeman

Can Medical Marijuana Help Alzheimer’s Patients?

After nothing but marijuana edibles seemed to offer his Holocaust survivor father reprieve from Alzheimer’s, Greg Spier began funding medical marijuana research through the Spier Family Foundation. When Greg Spier’s father Alex was dealing with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he was prone to experiencing delusions and irritability, behavioral problems that are common in dementia patients. For… Continue reading Can Medical Marijuana Help Alzheimer’s Patients?

My Journey from Heroin to Prison

As soon as I was out of prison, it took one argument with a girlfriend for me to go running right back into the arms of the one that always made me feel better: heroin. I have been a man of many realities. I’ve been a son, a student, a friend, a lover, a brother… Continue reading My Journey from Heroin to Prison

One Simple Decision: Gratitude and Sorrow

My sobriety cost too much; I have always believed this and now, after 15 consecutive years, I am sure that I always will believe this. It’s eight o’clock in the morning and I am sitting at the desk in my office. I’m not at work officially yet, won’t be for another hour or so. Then… Continue reading One Simple Decision: Gratitude and Sorrow

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