Benjamin Franklin is remembered as a Founding Father, inventor, writer, diplomat, and advocate for self-improvement. Less often discussed is his complicated relationship with alcohol and the drinking culture of eighteenth-century America. Franklin drank wine and other alcoholic beverages and occasionally recorded occasions when he drank more freely than he thought was wise. However, historical evidence … Read more
Eric Clapton is regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock music, but behind his extraordinary career was a prolonged struggle with addiction. During the 1970s and 1980s, Clapton experienced serious problems involving heroin and alcohol that affected his health, relationships, personal life, and music. His recovery did not occur in one perfect … Read more
Samuel L. Jackson is recognized worldwide for roles in Pulp Fiction, Jungle Fever, The Avengers, and many other films. Long before becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, however, Jackson experienced serious problems with alcohol and drugs. Jackson has spoken publicly about years of drinking and drug use while building his acting career. His experience … Read more
Most people occasionally return to make sure they locked the door, turned off the stove, or unplugged an appliance. With obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), however, checking can become an exhausting cycle. A person may check the same lock repeatedly and still walk away thinking, “But what if I didn’t check it correctly?” OCD is not simply … Read more
Recovery stories can be powerful. Hearing someone describe overcoming addiction may provide hope to people who are struggling and remind families that meaningful change is possible. Social media has made these stories more visible than ever, with celebrities, influencers, treatment advocates, and everyday people sharing their experiences publicly. But not every recovery story should automatically … Read more
Celebrity recovery stories are often presented publicly as inspiring transformations. What audiences do not always see is that recovery can include setbacks, and relapse may occur privately long before anyone outside a person’s inner circle realizes something has changed. For celebrities, maintaining privacy may be even more complicated because careers, contracts, public expectations, financial responsibilities, … Read more
Dementia is commonly associated with memory loss, confusion, and changes in thinking, but its effects are not limited to the mind. Depending on the type and stage of dementia, people may also experience noticeable changes in walking, balance, coordination, swallowing, continence, sleep, and their ability to complete everyday physical activities. These physical changes do not … Read more
Starting a diet can feel surprisingly easy. The first few days may bring motivation, careful meal planning, and confidence that this time will be different. Then hunger increases, stress takes over, cravings set in, a social event disrupts the plan, or one unplanned meal leads to thoughts of giving up completely. Why is sticking to … Read more
For someone recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD), the thought “I’ll just have one drink” can seem harmless. A person may believe that after weeks, months, or years without alcohol, drinking is now something they can control. But for people whose recovery goal is abstinence, that first drink can represent an important relapse risk. Not … Read more
When a controversial public figure experiences a personal crisis, people may be tempted to describe the situation as “karma.” Perez Hilton’s recent mental-health crisis has prompted exactly that kind of reaction online. But a life-threatening mental-health emergency is not an appropriate moment for celebration, punishment, or amateur diagnosis. It is an opportunity to discuss compassion, … Read more