We would not accept from our sponsees things that President Trump does, without remorse, on a daily basis. If you go to 12-step meetings and you’re a MAGA person, here’s something fun to try. Pick a public statement of President Trump’s — one that isn’t explicitly political, as we wouldn’t want politics to sully the… Continue reading Support for President Trump is Not Sober
Tag: Features
Promising New Treatments for Opioid-Dependent Babies
Compassionate care for the mothers was crucial to positive outcomes for opioid-dependent babies. I gave birth to my daughter in late January of 2014. It was the kind of birth you see in the movies—the contractions started hard and grew closer together within moments. By the time I realized I was in labor, I was… Continue reading Promising New Treatments for Opioid-Dependent Babies
The Character Without a Credit: Addiction in "Beautiful Boy"
David is desperate to fix Nic. He researches addiction and interviews doctors. He even takes crystal meth to try to better understand. Told largely from the perspective of David Sheff (Steve Carell), the father of 18-year-old Nic (Timothée Chalamet), who struggles with crystal meth addiction, Beautiful Boy is an agonizing film adaptation of memoirs written… Continue reading The Character Without a Credit: Addiction in "Beautiful Boy"
Drug Policy and Criminal Justice Reform at the 2018 Midterm Elections
In one of the most talked-about reform wins of the midterm elections, Floridians approved restoring voting rights to most of the state’s roughly 1.4 million felons Aside from boasting impressive voter turnout, the 2018 midterm elections ushered in a number of wins for criminal justice and drug policy reformers across the country. Florida felons stand… Continue reading Drug Policy and Criminal Justice Reform at the 2018 Midterm Elections
4 Important Reasons to "Keep Coming Back" to AA, Even When We Don't Need To
Don’t underestimate just how powerful your presence at a 12-step meeting can be for another person’s recovery. More than I care to admit, my usual 12-step meeting times will pop up on my calendar and I’ll think to myself, “Can I get away with skipping this one?” A lot of folks in the rooms will… Continue reading 4 Important Reasons to "Keep Coming Back" to AA, Even When We Don't Need To
Evolution of a Beard: My Growth as Reflected Through Facial Hair
My hatred and rage grew alongside my father’s beard. Beards represented mental illness. Beards represented embarrassment. Beards represented my failed family. The last time I saw my father without a beard was the night he accused me of being an alien sent to harvest his testicles. It was the summer before I entered eighth grade.… Continue reading Evolution of a Beard: My Growth as Reflected Through Facial Hair
Blackouts and Memory Gaps: How Alcohol and Trauma Affect the Brain
Dissociation is most common in trauma that involves a betrayal of trust. This is a survival mechanism that protects our need for social support. Sober October has ended and now (hopefully sober) November begins. Fall brings the annual three-fold challenge: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. This year, the midterm elections have created a fourth stressor… Continue reading Blackouts and Memory Gaps: How Alcohol and Trauma Affect the Brain
The Perilous Journey of a Tobacco Addict
Smoking was like kicking myself down the stairs every day: There she goes again. You’re nothing. Remember that. I had no words to describe my obsession back then. I was 12 years old and I didn’t know what was happening. I would phone my friend across the street and abruptly ask her without apology, “how… Continue reading The Perilous Journey of a Tobacco Addict
How to Taper Off Suboxone: A Survival Guide
“Fear is common and normal for a number of reasons, but the fear usually gives way to a sense of confidence and optimism when a taper is done correctly…Be patient.” Note: This article is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. This is merely the experience of 21 people interviewed by the author who… Continue reading How to Taper Off Suboxone: A Survival Guide
2018 Reel Recovery Film Festival Returns to New York
The fest is the brainchild of Leonard Buschel, founder of Writers in Treatment (WIT), a nonprofit organization that helps alcoholic and addicted writers get clean. Calling all cinephiles! The REEL Recovery Film Festival (RRFF), which is celebrating its 10th year, is back for its 6th Annual New York City Edition. The festival kicks off its public… Continue reading 2018 Reel Recovery Film Festival Returns to New York