There Is No One Size Fits All Approach to Alcoholism and Recovery
We know that Alcoholics Anonymous, nicknamed AA, works for so many people. It really does, and you’re kidding yourself if you believe it doesn’t. Thousands of people after going through some type of rehabilitation program have moved on to a 12 step program and succeeded. The problem with addiction, and alcoholism in particular, is that there has never been, nor will there ever be, a one size fits all solution for every single alcoholic. Some people respond to “the God talk”, others to a more spiritual but not overtly religious message. Others still prefer the comfort of psychology and science to aid them in their recovery. The point is, don’t knock it, but don’t resign yourself to the fact that you’re going to have to force yourself to believe in something you just can’t in order to get well.… Read the rest »
The Blue Light of Death: With the World At Our Fingertips Why Would We Look Away?
Sometimes it’s a fantastic idea to take a break. I’m taking a break right now from writing about more serious addiction issues like alcoholism and illicit drug use to touch on one of the most widespread addictions (if you consider it one) facing not just the west, but third world countries as well. Those blue lit screens we are glued to, we just can’t take the time away from them that we should because in the past few years the whole world has become available, and presented, to us on screens in varying sizes. Nearly all the world’s information is at our fingertips, the same goes for entertainment and communication, it’s truly impressive isn’t it? It is. There’s no doubt about that, but to quote an old, and imaginary friend of mine, “with great power comes great responsibility”.… Read the rest »
Should People on Social Assistance Programs Like Welfare Be Routinely Tested for Illegal Drugs?
The issue of welfare and those worthy of receiving it has always been a huge problem for governments. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that the Governor of Michigan wants those receiving welfare and other state funded assistance programs to be using the people’s tax dollars on the things they need to survive and function, instead of drugs. Of course, for the most part, people receiving such benefits are down on their luck and are living so far below the poverty line that drugs may seem something like a vacation away from their lives, lives spent worrying about what the future will hold and how to potentially raise kids or take care of themselves in general. While an addiction to drugs can affect just about anyone, the poor are often the hardest hit, and while it’s understandable that a state government would want to see it’s money go to those most in need, it could become a very cruel exercise if they do decided to crack down on welfare recipients who test positively for drugs on routine analysis.… Read the rest »
Provincial Court for Drug Addiction is Getting a Second Chance to Help Addicts Turn From Criminals to Rehabilitated Members of Society
To some, it’s a rare occurrence when the federal government of Canada does something right that should be applauded and recognized as a good idea. It isn’t a new idea, but the feds have decided to re-open and fund provincial level courts that deal with non-violent crimes committed by drug addicts. It certainly makes a lot of sense, as such crimes are usually committed out of desperation, but it is still important to remember that they are in fact crimes and that behavior cannot be tolerated. While some hardliners would see such criminals arrested and thrown in jail for years, the more reasonable thinking believes that it’s a waste of police resources and taxpayer money to keep such people locked up in an environment that offers no real rehabilitation.… Read the rest »