I have been blogging about mental illness and addiction for two years. I have covered a wide variety of topics that, at times, have been very intense and revealing. One subject I have not touched on at great length is suicide. It is something that I have not been willing to disclose, but I do believe there is healing in the process of sharing one’s feelings, even if it is about something so personal.

Many myths about 12-step programs have grown up since Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935. Since that time, numerous fellowships have patterned themselves after the humble beginnings of AA. These 12-Step programs have enjoyed success over the years; however, they have also been criticized for their practices. Many of these criticisms, I feel, are somewhat misguided and have fed into the myths about 12-Step programs. I say this from the perspective of someone who found freedom from addiction using 12-step recovery. What are the myths about 12-Step programs that keep people away?

Co-Dependence is often the silent partner of the addictive relationship.  There are several characteristics of addiction including denial, compliance and control.  With the proper help, recovery is possible.

The so-called “War on Drugs” has been going for almost as long as I can remember. For years, the US government has poured billions of dollars into programs designed to help decrease America’s dependence on illicit substances. While I typically do not get into public debate on this topic, I felt the need to share my thoughts on this controversial issue.

Last week I had the distinct (snicker) pleasure of having to visit my dentist due to an abscess. After a brief consultation I decided to have the tooth extracted. It was at this time that the hygienist recommended a narcotic pain killer. I declined and said I would take Extra Strength Tylenol.

What do you think of when you hear the word “addict?”  Do you visualize someone with a crack pipe, syringe, or bottle of pills?  Or what about the perp standing in the courthouse being convicted of felony DWI?

Addiction is an epidemic but, unfortunately, many barriers to drug addiction treatment exist. Fortunately, for some, there is help available in the form of outpatient/inpatient treatment and/or 12-Step programs. Despite this many individuals do not seek the help they need to recover from their addictions. This is possibly due to several reasons, and we call those reasons barriers to drug addiction treatment

There’s a lot of stigma regarding drug addiction. After all, look at the many problems are associated with it: legal issues, financial problems, health and relationship concerns, etc. I mean a recovering addict just can’t catch a break these days.

For many people, drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness go hand-in-hand.  There is hope however for overcoming these issues.  This video on overcoming a co-occurring disorder touches on some of these methods.

The War on Drugs is a multi-billion dollar industry, if you take into account law enforcement and drug prevention/treatment.  I’m sure we can all agree that it is a major problem in the US, not to mention worldwide.  Substance abuse affects every sector of our society.  In addition to the War, mentioned above, there are untold billions spent on healthcare costs as well as workforce-related addiction problems.