If you’re an addict, like me, then you probably started to experiment with drugs and/or alcohol in your teen years.  I remember the first time I drank vividly when I was 15.  It seemed like fun until I woke up with a wicked hangover the next day. But that didn’t stop me.  I ended up continuing to drink and eventually go on to abuse other drugs.  This early use was the first step to my becoming an addict.

Have you ever seen Reefer Madness (1936)?  This (very) old school tale of marijuana-based debauchery leads viewers to believe that marijuana is truly a tool of the devil designed to lead our youth astray. Well, here we are in 2012 and has this argument remained true?

I have a good friend who has an expression that describes someone who you can truly trust.  He says that if we were to jump out of an airplane would we trust that person to “pull the rip cord.”  This is an interesting thought to ponder.

Addiction is both a societal as well as an individual problem. We have tried to tackle this issue for eons but have not discovered the true root cause of addiction.

Yesterday I was thinking about the nature of addiction on a road trip I was on. The drive served to provide me with a few thoughts I’d like to share.

Addiction affects literally millions of individuals across the United States. Its consequences are felt on a variety of levels.  Healthcare and workforce productivity are but two of these areas.  But one of the primary issues with addiction lies at the level of the family.  Families are often at the front of any number of ancillary issues.

“I won’t go to rehab. I said no, no, no!” Amy Winehouse This refrain has been spoken by many an addict for years.  What is it about inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation that is so bad anyway?  I mean, you’ve got three meals, a roof over your head, and the companionship of other addicts, all of whom are dealing with similar (but not the same) issues that you have.  Who could want more?

Addiction has been featured in the movies since the 1936 film "Reefer Madness."  Many of these films serve as entertainment however there are those that can educate viewers as well. The key is that they can open a dialogue that can serve to break the stigma that surrounds addiction.

For me, active addiction was a time fraught with risk.  I repeatedly subjected myself to any number of dangerous situations.  Whether it was driving under the influence, taking unknown substances, or mixing illicit drugs with pharmaceuticals, I was taking chances every time I could.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have helped save the lives of literally millions of people over the years. There are 2,133,842 AA members worldwide according to a January 2012 published report on the AA website and approximately 280,000 members in the NA fellowship worldwide.