Gia Carangi became one of the most recognizable fashion models of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Often described as one of the first supermodels, she appeared in major fashion magazines and worked with leading photographers. Behind her rapid rise to fame, however, Carangi experienced severe substance use problems, particularly heroin addiction. Her health, relationships, … Read more
Love should provide safety, respect, trust, and the freedom to be yourself. Yet some people remain deeply emotionally attached to partners who repeatedly hurt, manipulate, intimidate, or control them. From the outside, friends and family may wonder, “Why don’t they just leave?” The answer can be complicated. An abusive relationship can contain periods of affection, … Read more
Have you ever reached for cookies, candy, ice cream, or another sweet food after an emotionally difficult day? Sometimes hunger is responsible. Sometimes it is habit, convenience, poor sleep, or simply enjoying something sweet. But for some people, cravings can also become connected with stress, difficult emotions, and past traumatic experiences. The relationship between trauma … Read more
When we hear an inspiring addiction recovery story, it can sound as though one dramatic moment changed everything. Someone entered rehab, stopped using substances, rebuilt relationships, and created an entirely different life. But successful recovery stories are rarely that simple. There is no single secret medication, therapy, treatment center, or motivational speech that guarantees lasting … Read more
Recovery information is everywhere. Social media posts promise instant cures for addiction. Influencers promote supplements that supposedly eliminate cravings. Videos claim that one treatment works for everyone, while other posts insist medications for opioid use disorder are simply “replacing one drug with another.” Some recovery information is helpful. Some is incomplete, exaggerated, commercially motivated, or … Read more
Charlie Sheen was once one of Hollywood’s highest-profile actors, known for movies such as Platoon and Wall Street and television successes including Spin City and Two and a Half Men. Behind the fame, however, Sheen experienced a long and highly publicized struggle involving alcohol, cocaine, and other drug use, repeated treatment, damaged relationships, professional consequences, … Read more
Lindsay Lohan became internationally famous at a remarkably young age. Movies such as The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls transformed her from a child actor into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young stars. But behind her professional success, Lohan experienced years marked by substance misuse, legal problems, rehabilitation programs, intense media scrutiny, and … Read more
Stephen King is known worldwide for novels such as Carrie, The Shining, Cujo, and It, but behind his extraordinary literary success was a serious struggle with alcohol and drugs. His experience demonstrates an important reality about substance use disorders: professional success does not protect someone from addiction. King has spoken publicly about heavy drinking, cocaine … Read more
Paula Abdul became internationally known as a singer, dancer, choreographer, and television personality. Behind her energetic performances, however, she has publicly discussed years of injuries, surgeries, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties. Her experience offers an opportunity to discuss an important issue in addiction medicine: the complicated relationship between chronic pain, prescription medications, physical dependence, and … Read more
Cravings can feel powerful, especially when someone is hungry, tired, stressed, or adjusting to new routines during recovery. One simple strategy that may help some people start the day with greater stability is eating a breakfast that contains adequate protein. Protein is not a cure for addiction, and breakfast cannot eliminate substance cravings. However, a … Read more