For anyone who has ever struggled with addiction, this bit of news may be of interest. The doctor who oversees research at the National Institute on Alcoholism says, “alcoholism has reached a point similar to one depression reached 30 years ago — when the development of Prozac and other antidepressants took mental health care out of the asylum and put it in homes and doctors’ offices.” In other words, there might be drugs available now that can help.

One drug, Topamax, reportedly “reduced the number of days on which alcoholics drank heavily” more than with just therapy alone. Topamax is currently used to treat epilepsy and migraines. Another study says people that took naltrexone and attended therapy were more likely to stay clean, and drink less when they did fall off the wagon.

Obviously, these results are preliminary and much more research is needed. But any strides in the treatment of addiction are a good thing.

Image: sxc.hu.

Recently I mentioned that a new tax had been accessed to smokers. A per pack tax went from 39 cents to $1.01. That’s per pack!  I asked if it was a fair tax. I also wondered how many smokers would not quit as a result. Here’s what some of you had to say.

Kathy said:

“Enough already! Seriously, doesn’t anyone out there see that there are more health problems associated with alcohol abuse than with smokers? Not to mention the pain and suffering caused by drunk drivers, drunken brawls and just plain stupidity. It’s time for us to realize where the bigger problems are and get that extra revenue by increasing taxes on alcohol.”

Dorothy, in response to whether someone should quit, said:

“I say it’s for us to decide, not the government.”

As an aside, I don’t think the government is raising the tax to encourage people to quit. I think they are doing it because smoking is a strong addiction and they know people will pay to have their cigarettes. But at least one reader felt this tax might also help nonsmokers:

Cherila said:

“When are people going to wake up smoking is bad for your health. and second hand smoke is worse. And so if the smokers are going to care about the people around them then the lawmakers have to do something to protect us. Why do non-smokers have to suffer because smokers decide to kill themselves. Get a grip and stop the madness.”

One thing is for sure, it’s a touchy subject. What’s your opinion?

Image: sxc.hu.

Just caught the news report that Howard Stern, attorney and friend to Anna Nicole Smith, was brought up on charges that he helped give her prescription drugs. Basically, prosecutors said, he enabled her.

Stern is charged, of course, with being part of a ring of conspiracy. He’s suspected of helping Anna Nicole become more and more addicted to drugs so that he could possibly get her money. But what if Anna Nicole was just a regular girl?

I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if enabling became a crime all around. Not just for famous people. Not just for the wealthy, but for everyday folks where drugs and alcohol cause the breakdown of their family.

What if all the mothers out there who not only support their husband’s drinking but become a part of the abuse they direct toward their children received the same fate as Howard Stern? What if the fathers of the world could actually be charged with covering up behavior when the mother of their children went on tirades so big that broken dishes and scared children were the only thing left standing at the end?

What if?

Image: Newscom

What Is The CMA Program?

“Crystal Meth Anonymous is a fellowship of people for whom crystal meth has become a serious problem. The members of Crystal Meth Anonymous meet regularly, share support and fellowship, and create a safe environment in which to stay clean.

The fellowship advocates complete abstinence from crystal meth, alcohol, illegal inhalants…medication taken not as prescribed, as well as all other mind altering substances.

Prayer and meditation are important parts of our program. Some of us are suspicious at first, fearing that we will be made to believe certain things. We may also react to our past experiences with organized religion.

This is a spiritual program, but we can define for ourselves the nature of our personal relationship with spirituality. For now, we can accept that something has helped many people stay clean and sober. We will begin to define our relationship with spirituality as we work the Twelve Steps with a sponsor.”

Crystal Meth Anonymous

Meetings of Crystal Meth Anonymous

Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.

We use the Twelve Step Recovery Program, because it has already been proven that the Twelve Step Recovery Program works.

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