I was reading a health blog in one of the addiction forums the other day and the author was explaining some basic routines for staying healthy. “Exercise. Try to eat right. Do the best you can to take care of yourself, etc. And if you are a drinker or use drugs, try to stay healthy anyways”. He said something along those lines and even though I’ve given up … Read More
I find myself now at age 52 quite happy, though definitely not content. I grew up in a privileged home, and after spending 20 years on Wall Street and working my way into the million dollar club, I fell into a deep depression. I was in a bad marriage and when I started on Wall Street before the internet, it was fun and I enjoyed it. As the internet boomed and the public’s confidence … Read More
I have included a video presentation about depression, because I believe that most alcoholics and some drug addicts are simply depressed. I say “simply depressed” — but nothing is simple. Convincing an alcoholic or addict they need help is very difficult. Make no mistake about it, however — the disease of addiction is as bad and as serious as having cancer. If you let it go long enough and don’t “catch” it, like cancer, it … Read More
While I only mention alcoholics in the title, the theory applies to addicts as well — as I believe they are one and the same anyhow. I began this as a response to an author who had said that addiction began as pure escapism from life. I ended up writing out my main message to those who suffer from addiction, and think perhaps some professionals may … Read More
In Hollywood, it seems almost accepted that a certain number of stars will die because of drugs or alcohol. While I didn’t follow Giraldo, I do find it amazing that days before he relapsed he was scheduled to do a recovery gig. I can’t emphasize in this blog enough how badly addiction really needs to be seen as a disease — just like cancer — and more attention needs to be given … Read More
You were probably discussing the subject at some point in the past when someone remarked “oh, he’s an addict” or “she’s an alcoholic” in an accusatory tone. If they had been talking about almost any other medical problem and said “he’s diabetic” or “she’s got cancer”, however, their tone would probably have been different — likely more sympathetic. This is because addiction is generally not viewed as a disease, unfortunately, but is perceived by many … Read More
The key to long term successin recovery is beginning with a solid treatment program. It is critical that you develop a solid foundation from which you can start working to get better, and proper treatment is the only way to build that foundation. Simply detoxing to break the addiction cycle cannot substitute for a longer term treatment plan, and by just detoxing and then installing yourself in a sober living you are putting … Read More
Suboxone is becoming a somewhat controversial treatment for anybody who is trying to kick an opiate addiction. It almost completely removes the awful pangs of withdrawal and powerful cravings from opiates (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Heroin. etc). The controversy is arising over the fact that people are saying even though you do not experience the euphoria with Suboxone, you can get addicted to it. Worse, the withdrawals from Suboxone are supposedly harder to deal with than … Read More
My name is Tom Rees and I have been invited to introduce myself to the group. All of life’s other “stuff” you can find on my Linked page; I joined you all because I was adopted at birth and thought it would be interesting to share with other adoptees or people in the field.
I was 6 years old when I understood what adoption meant. My … Read More
I never knew who Cory Haim was until I saw the A&E Special – The Two Coreys. It was themed on these two extreme once A-level teen stars, Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Feldman was married to a fairly normal and nice girl who couldn’t stand the fact that Corey Haim had moved into their house. Haim was a slob, the Feldman’s were neat. Haim had no respect for Feldman’s wife — he lived in … Read More