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
Recovery from substance use disorder involves more than stopping alcohol or drugs. Physical health, mental health, relationships, medications, reproductive health, and access to healthcare can all influence a person’s recovery journey. For people who can become pregnant, birth control may be an important part of that larger picture. Birth control does not generally cause or … Read more
Sir Anthony Hopkins is known worldwide for his extraordinary acting career, but one of the most significant stories of his life unfolded off-screen. Hopkins has spoken openly about his past struggle with alcoholism and the decision that led him toward lasting sobriety. His experience demonstrates how recognizing a problem, asking for help, accepting support, and … Read more
Jada Pinkett Smith has spoken publicly about periods in her younger life when alcohol, drugs, and other compulsive behaviors became problematic. Her story provides an opportunity to discuss how addiction does not always look the same from one person to another. Someone can maintain a career, relationships, and public success while privately recognizing that certain … Read more
Celebrity life is often associated with wealth, success, glamorous events, and seemingly unlimited opportunities. Yet behind the carefully managed public image, celebrities can experience the same substance use disorders, mental health challenges, trauma, grief, relationship problems, and emotional distress as anyone else. In some cases, the pressures surrounding fame can create additional barriers to recognizing … Read more
Feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, unmotivated, or desperate for relief can make someone wonder: Am I burned out, or is something more serious happening? Burnout and addiction can sometimes look similar from the outside. Both may involve changes in mood, declining performance, withdrawal from other people, disrupted sleep, irritability, and difficulty managing everyday responsibilities. They are … Read more
Actor, comedian, and podcast host Dax Shepard has spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol and other drugs, as well as the challenges of maintaining recovery. His experience provides an important reminder that addiction recovery is not always a straight path. Even after many years without alcohol or illicit drugs, vulnerability can remain, and relapse … Read more
Diabetes is usually discussed in terms of blood glucose, insulin, nutrition, exercise, and medications. Yet another issue can sometimes remain hidden behind unstable glucose levels: problematic substance use or compulsive behavior. Alcohol, nicotine, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and other substances can complicate diabetes management in different ways. Eating disorders and recurrent binge-eating behaviors may also interfere … Read more