You’ll probably never see someone try to smoke a big mac, or inject ice cream into their forearm. But recent neurological studies argue foods similar to America’s iconic burger, and the dessert we all scream for are as addictive as drugs that end up in syringes and pipes.   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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →