I read this interview with Libby Cataldi, author of “Stay Close: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction.” 
She talks about how she feels that interfering with her son’s failures – bailing him out of jail, paying for his fine when his car was towed, etc – actually enabled him and prolonged his period of drug use. She found it impossible to turn away, to not help him when he needed help.
Cataldi: I blame myself all of the time. Absolutely I felt like a failure, like a failure as a mother. I should have been able to fix it. I should …read more

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. …read more

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 …read more

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. …read more

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 …read more

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 …read more