I grew up in a rather large family and like most brothers and sisters we roughhoused a little. Our dad always warned us, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” We thought, “Dad, we won’t get hurt.” Sometimes we were smart enough to stop, but other times we would just get injured--clunk heads or fall on the floor too hard. Read More →

You’re stuck with it. Your brain has changed. Addictive substances have re-structured the inner workings of your mind, and the squishy stuff beneath that head of hair (or lack thereof) has taken on a new challenge: the challenge of addiction—and all that comes with it.   Read More →

Most of us share a common goal: we want to make a difference in this world or impact someone’s life in a positive way. Even though that sounds like a daunting task and we scramble about where to even begin, we can be inspired by those who have gone before us. Read More →

Have you ever chased something—a person, a job, or an idea—only to discover that that wasn’t really what you wanted or thought it would be? Sometimes we alcoholics and addicts chase being “clean” and “dry” in the same way. We say, “If I could just get dry” or “If I could just stay clean.” But then we get dry for a few hours or days, and discover we’re miserable. If we’re honest with ourselves, just being dry and clean didn’t cut it for us—so, we easily go back to what made us happy—drinking and Read More →

Are you taking sleeping pills (like Ambien, Lunesta, Rozerem, Sonata, Silenor, Halcion, Restoril)—even as few as 18 in a year? If you are, you have a much higher risk of dying than your friends who don’t take sleeping pills, according to a recent study, published in the British Medical Journal Open. Although several major news syndicates have also reported on this study, many are glossing over the report’s seriousness or 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 →

Duffy's is a family business for a family issue. And the stories prove it. Periodically, we like to share these stories with you on our blog. Today's story comes from a Dec 19th entry in our online guestbook:    Read More →

I pushed through a revolving door a few years ago, went all the way around and ended up going out the entrance again. My full 360-degree turn was embarrassing, humiliating, and to be honest, a little confusing—I ended up back where I started! In the fog of confusion my inconsiderate friends laughed from the other side, where they boasted in their superior revolving-door navigation abilities. Ignoring my companions, I carefully pushed through the door again, this time successfully breaching the exit and joining my friends. In America, over three million teens discover themselves stuck in the revolving door of Read More →