Did you know that about 100 billion neurons (that is—100,000,000,000) are hard at work in your brain as you processes the content of this post? That’s a lot happening at once in the ol’ melon if you ask me.  As trillions of synapses occur between these neurons, info is processed at speeds exceeding 250 miles/hr, and we are allowed to function and live because of it. No one can fully appreciate or understand the amazing human mind—but anyone can abuse it. Of course there are obvious ways you could abuse your brain, like hitting your head against a wall or reading about fiscal USA. But it’s a more creative and subtle method of abuse that hurts nearly 20 million Americans Read More →

“Hey. Did you hear what I did at the party last weekend? It was crazy awesome.” In society today, teens view drinking as normal and cool. They will boast about the crazy things they do while drunk. But while they view drinking as cool, new drinkers haven’t learned to like the bitter taste of alcohol. So what do they drink instead? Alcopops. Read More →

Innovative psychiatry studies performed between 1966 and 1970 suggested careful LSD use could be a unique way to help alcoholics sober up. According to the findings, one dose of the powerful drug could help alcoholics give up their drinking obsession for as long as six months.   The counter-intuitive method recommended 40 years ago by Krebs and Johansen, a pair of American scientists, seems suspect. But a re-examination of the study seems to view LSD as a Read More →

We’re still waiting on the toxicology tests for the cause of Whitney Houston’s death. Many speculate that the cause will be a combination of prescription drugs and alcohol. Frank Bruni, in his February op-ed piece on Whitney, brought up an interesting point about the lack of emphasis on alcohol in Houston’s death. He points out that we like alcohol too much to notice the damage, and we often lack the Read More →

I just watched the movie My Name is Bill W, and I was really impacted by this brief representation of Bill W’s life. It was so hard to watch him get drunk over and over again and to apologize over and over again. One of the best scenes is when Bill W explains his thoughts to his wife, Lo (see video clip). He wonders outloud why he drinks---he argues that he wants to be normal and explains how he tries to stop--but he ends with the insane reality that despite all of that--he still really just wants Read More →

Former NBA star and stand-out Fresno State point guard Chris Herren talks about his drug addiction and recovery. “Truth is, I should be dead,” he says in the interview with CNN. “[I am alive] by the grace of God, 12 steps, and my recovery program. If it wasn't for people extending their hand and offering me treatment and staying in treatment, I probably wouldn't be here today.” Read More →

We’ve all heard the tragic news about Whitney Houston’s death. Sadly, she is being added to the list of countless others who have died from drug overdoses--Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, North California teen Takeimi Rao… The sadness we sense at their loss, though, might cause us to reflect on some important reminders in our lives. Read More →

Remember the first time you walked in and heard your oldest child explaining something to her younger sibling—maybe like where Santa Claus really comes from? Did you get a twinge of pain when you realized your child was no longer running to you with her questions? But I’m guessing that pain didn’t last too long. In fact, it was probably quickly replaced with pride and joy that your little child was growing up (at least enough to be able to explain away Santa Claus). Sometimes authority-to-teen relationships are effective, but sometimes, teen-to-teen relationships are more effective. Right here in Napa Valley, California, teens aren’t waiting for adults to tell them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Rather, they’re warning their peers and friends to live healthy, successful lives.  And they’re being recognized for their efforts. In 2011, the County Alcohol and Drug Program Administrator’s Association of California (CADPAAC) named Napa County the recipient of their 2011 Alcohol and Drug Prevention Award. What are they doing to make a difference in their friends’ lives? Read More →

The romantic and stereotypical image of our grandparents sitting in their rocking chairs on the front porch enjoying the sunset is just that—romantic. And not reality. The reality is that the number of senior citizens who have been treated for addiction over a recent 5-year period (2004-2009) has risen nearly 50%, according to a January 2012 Data Spotlight, released by the government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The same report also cited experts who believe that the number of senior citizens needing substance abuse treatment will reach 5.7 million people by 2020. Read More →

Being addicted to something isn’t always bad. In fact, sometimes addiction to a noble goal or cause can push us to accomplish what we never thought was possible before. The other day, someone sent me this YouTube video about Todd Crandell who spent 13 years in a drug and alcohol addiction spiral. But in 1993, Todd chose a new addiction—the Ironman Triathlon. Read More →