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Nicotine really is a “Gateway Drug” Says New Study
The idea of “gateway drugs” has been a subject of controversy and ridicule for decades. It’s an argument aimed often at people who use marijuana and are told that pot leads to the use of “harder” drugs. It has also been a handy weapon to aim at teenagers who smoke tobacco. A new study suggests…
“Why I Can’t Drink”
One of the hardest things in recovery is simply to remember how bad life was when drinking. Time passes and the painful memories become blurred and they disconnect themselves from the act that brought them about. In a recent note, an e-mail pal sent me a list she had made of why she can’t drink.…
New Study: “Moderate” Drinking Causes Cancer
An article in the Wall Street Journal provides a good response to those who insist that “moderate” alcohol consumption is good for you. See the article here . While the article acknowledge some health benefits, a new study points out that there are also negative effects, including an increased chance of cancer of the breast,…
Alcohol Marketers Target Youth
Here’s part of a piece from an HIV/AIDS blog with information that we’re all probably vaguely aware of, but which bears repeating: While the popularity of various illegal substances rises and falls, alcohol consistently remains the granddaddy of recreational drugs. New forms of alcoholic drinks began appearing in the 1980s, first with wine coolers and…
A LifeRing Keeper: When Relapses Keep Happening
Here’s a recent posting from LSRmail, the first and largest email group in LifeRing. It’s a response to a member who wrote in after experiencing another in a series of brief relapses. It’s a fine example of the type of response that comes from our online venues. Hi xxxxx, It’s good to ‘see’ you again,…
Medicare, Medicaid to Cover Screening for Alcoholism, Depression
Here is news that may be of interest both to older readers and ones with older relatives and friends. It’s from the medpagetoday.com website. The article does assume that alcohol abuse is a “disease,” which some may find off-putting. WASHINGTON — Medicare will pay for annual screenings for alcohol misuse and depression, the Centers for…
A Vaccine against addiction?
It’s years in the future if it ever happens, and alcohol and marijuana present special problems that prevent them from being included even in the current research, but w0rk is continuing on efforts to create vaccines that prevent drugs like heroin or cocaine from having much, if any, effect on the user. Such a vaccine…
LifeRing Recovery and Procrustes
A LifeRing supporter recently posted to another website a good description of what sets LifeRing apart. Writing to the forum of www.psychcentral.com, a poster identified as Willcat wrote: In ancient Greek mythology there was a roadside bandit named Procrustes who had a bed in which he forced all travelers to lie. Those who were shorter…
Book Review: After the Crises …Second-Nature Sobriety by K.M. Cusack
A LifeRing convenor, K.M. Cusack, has written a book that brings together many themes that will be familiar to those who have been involved with LifeRing meetings. Even the chapter headings will be recognizable from discussions: Barriers to Change, Relentless Self-Honesty, and Commitment, for example. These and other topics are discussed along with revealing insights…