AA membership has been declining steadily over the past decade, even as substance misuse continues to affect millions of individuals and families across communities. Having spent years involved in addiction recovery spaces, I’ve watched these trends closely and reflected on what they may signal for people who are considering Alcoholics Anonymous as a pathway to … Read more
Addiction recovery can be a long and challenging process, not just for those facing it firsthand but also for their families and communities. While many people hope for a straightforward path toward lasting sobriety, the reality is a lot more complicated. Addiction consistently ranks as one of the toughest health issues to treat, with lower … Read more
Teen drug use is something I’ve spent a fair bit of time thinking about, mostly because it comes up so often in conversations among parents, teachers, and people working with young folks. Plenty of stories and headlines seem to focus on “hard” drugs, but the real picture is a little different. The most commonly used … Read more
The 1-2-3 drinking rule is a handy guideline for moderating alcohol consumption and keeping social drinking in check. This simple formula, created by addiction experts and encouraged by some health organizations, helps people track how much they drink in a way that’s easy to remember and put to use in real-life settings. I’ve seen this … Read more
Coffee holds a unique place at the heart of American culture, from the buzzing city cafes to slow, peaceful mornings at home. Everywhere you go, folks have a fresh cup nearby. I’m right there with them—coffee is more than just a beverage. It shapes daily routines, creates connections, and sometimes even sparks the best conversations. … Read more
Mental health can feel like a tough puzzle to sort out, but there are some simple ideas that can really help build a stronger foundation. When I think about what makes up good mental health, I always come back to four main things: Connection, Communication, Coping, and Confidence. I call these the 4 C’s of … Read more
Addiction is a topic that gets a lot of attention, but most conversations focus on substances, behavior, or biology. There’s another side that’s just as important to think about—what I call the “7 sins” in addiction. These aren’t traditional sins in a religious sense but more like thinking patterns and habits that pull people deeper … Read more
Addiction risk is influenced by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors, with personality playing an important role in how individuals respond to stress, regulate emotions, and make decisions. The Big Five Personality Traits—neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness—provide a widely used framework for understanding these patterns. While no personality trait causes addiction … Read more
Physical addiction occurs when the body adapts to repeated substance use and becomes dependent on that substance to maintain normal functioning. This process is driven by changes in brain chemistry and physiological regulation, leading to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings when use is reduced or stopped. Most physical addictions fall into three main categories—depressants, stimulants, … Read more
The misuse and abuse of drugs remain significant public health challenges worldwide, affecting individuals across all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Substances such as alcohol, prescription medications, cannabis, stimulants, and sedatives are among the most commonly misused and abused due to their availability, social acceptance, or perceived safety. While some of these substances are legal … Read more