WHOOPS – Mar. 26, 2026 – Brenda Carol Byrd, 63, is facing felony charges of breach of trust and forgery after investigators uncovered what they describe as a scheme involving forged checks at an Oxford House.The investigation began when deputies were called to the Sober Living to look into reports of missing checks and check stubs. Detectives say their inquiry revealed that Byrd, who lived at the home and was participating in a recovery program, had access to the organization’s checkbook as part of her role as treasurer. According to investigators, Byrd allegedly forged nine checks made payable to herself…
Author: Leonard Buschel
SOMEWHERE WITH A GOLF COURSE? – April 1, 2026 – Former NFL player Randy Grimes ‘proud’ of Tiger Woods’ decision to seek drug treatment. Woods’ attorney, Douglas N. Duncan, filed a motion requesting permission to leave the country. It’s unknown where exactly Woods would travel for treatment, though the court documents included the “treatment facility will provide continuous monitoring … and the ability to rapidly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment.” Woods announced he would be stepping away from golf to seek treatment “and focus on my health” after his DUI arrest after a rollover crash. “I know…
VIDEO – REHAB BOUND – Mar. 31, 2026 – After the crash, the five-time Masters winner was “sweating profusely” and his movements appeared “lethargic and slow” as he spoke with deputies. The 50-year-old also told deputies he had been looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio before he clipped a truck in front of him. At the crash, Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but he refused a urine test, authorities said. Woods was placed under arrest, and during a search, law enforcement found “two white pills inside Woods’ left side pant…
VIDEO – CAREFULLY – April 3, 2026 – Women that use substances such as drugs, alcohol or tobacco have higher risks for stillbirths, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse. Other outcomes include a premature birth or a low birth weight. For mothers using addictive drugs, their newborn could be born with withdrawal symptoms. Gopman said doctors typically watch newborns for five days. “If that medication is necessary, we would maintain it until the symptoms are controlled, wean it down, and then watch babies, usually for about48 hours after the last dose, and then they’d be ready to go…
SALAD DAYS – April 1, 2026 – The American Heart Association’s new nutrition guidance, released on Tuesday, emphasizes a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, prioritizing plant-based protein over meat. It also suggests limiting the use of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods and replacing full fat dairy with non-fat and low-fat dairy. Donald Trump earlier this year announced a new slate of dietary guidelines that recommended Americans eat more protein from both animal and plant sources, and encouraged the consumption of full-fat dairy. In contrast to the federal government’s recommendation of use of beef tallow and consumption…
VIDEO – WHAT ABOUT WEED? – April 2, 2026 – Lizzo is feeling good as hell—and is sharing the latest reason why. The “About Damn Time” singer revealed her two-month sobriety from alcohol in the form of a meme that showed an eerie face with the caption, “When hg think getting me drunk will be fun but I genuinely give off this vibe when drunk.” As for the vibe in question? The animated person in the video says, “I feel terrible.” Alongside the meme, Lizzo added in her own note, “2 months, no alcohol.” While Lizzo has only been staying…
“I know the sky is not the limit, because there are footprints on the Moon—and I made some of them! So don’t allow anyone to denigrate or inhibit your lofty aspirations. Your dream can take you higher and much farther than anyone ever thought possible! I know mine did.” – Buzz Aldrin, b. 1930, New Jersey
HAPPY DAYS – Mar. 22, 2026 – A growing number of Americans are opting out of having a “beveragino,” with Gen-Z leading the pack on sobriety, according to a new survey by Lending Tree. The report, which surveyed drinking habits among Americans, found that Gen-Z is the most alcohol-averse generation, with 53% reporting they don’t drink. Gen-Z’s choice to put the bottle down was followed by Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, with 47% of both generations opting out. Millennials, meanwhile — adults ages 30 to 45 — were the most likely to drink, with 63% saying they do. Overall, 56%…
LIFE MATTERS – Mar. 23, 2026 – The number of overdose deaths fell by nearly 3% from 2022 to 2023, the first year-over-year decline the CDC has recorded since 2018. Preliminary estimates suggest that 76,516 Americans died from overdose between April 2024 and April 2025, representing a 24.5% decrease compared with the previous year. Experts attribute the decline to increased access to the opioid antagonist naloxone, wider distribution of fentanyl test strips, shifts in the illicit drug supply and increased public awareness, among other factors. While this progress is encouraging, thousands of Americans still die from drug overdoses every year.…
IT WORKS? – Mar. 26, 2026 – “There is no medication for cocaine or methamphetamine,” said Keith Humphreys, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. “Everything under the sun has been tested and nothing has worked.” The behavioral treatments that do exist are still largely reserved for specialty clinics and aren’t available in the primary care offices. The signs and symptoms of a stimulant habit or overdose are not the same as they are for opioids, which means people who use these drugs and their loved ones might not be as likely to recognize them. If we want…
GOAL! – Mar. 26, 2026 – A recovering alcoholic has made his childhood dream come true by getting tickets to watch every England match in this year’s World Cup after going sober. Darren Thompson funded the tournament traveling around America, Canada and Mexico by using money he would have spent on alcohol. The 53-year-old said he was “out of control” and ended up in hospital before turning his life around after rehab three years ago. The England fan, who continues to get support to stay sober, hopes to inspire others suffering from alcohol addiction. Thompson, who has also been a…
AT THE START – Feb. 27, 2026 – Emerging research suggests that people who meet physical activity guidelines tend to have lower mortality and liver disease risk than inactive drinkers. But exercise doesn’t erase alcohol’s harm—it may reduce risk, not remove it. Yet alcohol remains deeply embedded in how we celebrate, socialize, and relax. Despite the risks, many people still feel it’s worth drinking at least occasionally. “The recent guidelines clearly say that if you avoid alcohol like 100 percent, that is the best for you,” says Javaid Nauman, a professor at the Institute of Public Health at the United…
JUST A HEADACHE – March 23, 2026 – A young dad was told he had just days to live after doctors spent a decade dismissing his symptoms. Luke Taylor endured severe headaches for 10 years. They were so bad that he would experience nausea and vomiting for days on end. He went to his general practitioner multiple times but was told that they were “just migraines” and he was a “healthy” young man. However, Taylor’s condition worsened in July 2025. During another doctor’s visit, he demanded an MRI and that his symptoms be taken seriously. “I was fed up with…
SOBER BACHELOR – March 25, 2026 – Bachelor Nation fans first met Hunter Montgomery on Season 17 of “The Bachelorette,” and he has continued to share his journey with followers on social media. While Hunter often posts about his Bachelor Nation friends, his wife, and his dogs, he’s also candid about more vulnerable topics, including his sobriety. He first opened up about his sobriety during his time on the show, and now he’s sharing that he reached a major milestone. This week, Hunter took to Instagram to share his 19 years sobriety chip and wrote, “19 years today. Crazy. Grateful.”…
TOASTS DON’T CLINK FLUTES? – Mar. 26, 2026 – Alcohol, once a defining feature of wine, is now being removed by brands large and small, premium and entry level, in response to the growing thirst for no- and low-alcohol wine on the market. Non-alcoholic beverages overall experienced 22 percent growth year-over-year. For many, switching to a no- or low-alcohol wine, beer, or spirit does not preclude enjoying alcohol on other occasions—about 92 percent of non-alcoholic beverage buyers still purchase alcohol, NIQ reports. Given this overwhelmingly inclusive approach to beverage consumption, led often by occasion-based preference, many producers no longer see…
PROGRESS – Mar. 26, 2026 – (photo-Massapequa resident Tricia Ragusa, a mother and educator, is in recovery from opioid addiction) Far fewer people are using opioids than a decade ago, surveys indicate, and substance use experts and former opioid users say that — along with increased use of the anti-opioid nasal spray naloxone — has led to a sharp drop in the number of Long Islanders dying of overdoses. addiction experts say the decrease in people using opioids and dying from them shows that years of efforts to tackle the opioid crisis are bearing fruit. “It took a long time,…
AUDIO – MAKE UP YOUR MIND – STOLI or FINLANDA – Mar. 26, 2026 – Scientists have argued that individuals with more severe substance use become less sensitive to negative consequences such as health problems or financial loss. However, real-world decisions are rarely that simple. People often face competing costs—for example, the discomfort of withdrawal or loneliness if they stop using versus the long-term harm of continuing. These decisions also take place in environments that can be stable or constantly changing, adding another layer of complexity. Hence, the researchers behind this study wanted to move beyond simplified models of decision-making.…
CHAT WITH A LAPTOP – Mar. 27, 2026 – “It would have been virtually impossible to analyze so many treatment records without AI/ML assistance,” Becker said. Based on the findings, Becker recommends that state governments prioritize behavioral health services and work collaboratively to expand access to longer-duration, clinically appropriate treatment programs. Increasing availability—especially in states with limited treatment infrastructure—could significantly improve recovery outcomes nationwide. Becker, who recently received a pilot project award from PIKO (Center for Pacific Innovations, Knowledge and Opportunities), plans to build on the research by examining local data on addiction treatment and recovery among Native Hawaiians and…
BUT WILL THEY? – Mar. 27, 2026 – Two court verdicts this week spotlight the risks for teens from using social media — focusing on not just the content but the design of the platforms. A California jury held Google and Meta responsible for depression and anxiety in a woman who used social media as a child. The jury concluded the tools — including Instagram and YouTube — were deliberately built to be addictive. Another jury in New Mexico said Tuesday that Meta violates state laws and harms children’s safety and mental health with its platforms including Facebook and Instagram.…
DR. DONNA MARKS – March – 2026 – Rising addiction and mental health challenges worldwide are prompting new questions about what is truly driving the crisis. While many solutions focus on treatment, a growing conversation is shifting toward the root cause. According to licensed psychotherapist and revered author Dr. Donna Marks, one of the most overlooked factors is a lack of self-love. Dr. Marks says addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, food, or other compulsive behaviors, is often not the primary problem, but rather a symptom of deeper psychological struggles. “Unhealthy habits are at the core of most mental and physical…
VIDEO – MUSICAL INTERLUDE – The BIG 3, A Love Supreme (Coltrane) – The Creator Has a Master Plan (Pharaoh Sanders) and Call to a Higher Consciousness. Transcend your mind. Larry Coryell was an innovator and guitar genius. He always played with the best musicians. WATCH
STICK WITH THE WINNERS? – March 31, 2026 – Dr. Sonnee D. Weedn is a clinical, forensic and neuropsychologist. She has been in private practice for 46 years with offices in Novato and Newport Beach, CA. She is the author of several books, including, “Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women,” featuring interviews with 30 amazing contemporary women, and a workbook series, “8 Ways To Wellbeing for Recovering People,” “8 Ways to Sustainable Wellbeing for Teens and Families,” with Jamison Monroe, and “8 Ways to Wellbeing for Reliance Vitality,” with Jan Kingaard, all based on the research of…
ONE UPDATE AT A TIME – Mar. 24, 2026 – “Proud to report this kid is doing a whole lot better & back on her feet. Want to thank our recovery communities & the fans who stood by & were so supportive,” the “Russian Doll” star penned on X. ‘Heart is with everyone ever going through it’ She continued: “Aiming to keep the journey somehow private, but look forward to sharing my experience, strength & hope as makes sense. My heart is with everyone ever going through it.” Lyonne first revealed that she relapsed earlier this year. The copper-haired actress,…
LIFE WINNING ASSIST – Mar. 27, 2026 – Lamar Odom is “56 or 57 days” sober, the former NBA star exclusively tells Page Six. “No alcohol, no pot, no marijuana. And I’m just [continuing] to grow mentally and spiritually. I do try to be my best self and practice the Mamba mentality, which has been passed down to me by my late brother [Kobe Bryant].” Odom is reflecting on his near-fatal 2015 drug overdose for the new Netflix documentary, “Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom.” Premiering Tues. on Netflix, the doc covers the former NBA player’s career, his…
INSTA-DANGER ZONE – Mar. 25, 2026 – “This is not over — we know this is a long game,” said Juliana Arnold, the mother of 17-year-old Coco, who died in 2022 of fentanyl poisoning after trying to buy Percocet on social media. “We don’t want any more hearings. We don’t want any more loopholes in these bills. We don’t want lawmakers shielding Big Tech. We want them to do their jobs and keep American families safe.” The families were there representing a nationwide group of victims of social media, including sextortion scams, dangerous viral “challenges,” and predatory grooming. Most of…
PUTTS – Mar. 27, 2026 – During the investigation, law enforcement said Woods showed signs they described as impaired behavior and failed multiple field sobriety tests. However, an alcohol breath test reportedly registered 0.00%.The sheriff’s office said it believes alcohol was not a factor in the crash, pointing to possible medication use, though no specific substances were identified. The sheriff’s office said it believes alcohol was not a factor in the crash, instead pointing to possible medication use, though no specific substances were identified. Woods was taken into custody at the scene and later booked on DUI charges, along with…
BRAT PACK ALUMNI – Mar. 14, 2026 – Robert Downey Jr. was born on April 4, 1965, in Manhattan, New York. He grew up in a household deeply connected to filmmaking. His father, Robert Downey Sr., was a writer and underground filmmaker, while his mother Elsie Downey was an actress. Because of this background, Downey was introduced to films and acting very early. He made his screen debut as a child in the film Pound in 1970, which was directed by his father. During his childhood, he also spent time studying performing arts, including training at the Stagedoor Manor Performing…
GRIEF HURTS – March 24, 2026 – Faced with grieving the tragic death of a close friend and bandmate a few years after losing her father, Chris Cornell, mental-health advocate Lily Cornell Silver explains how she turned to inpatient therapy to face her fears. Lily Cornell Silver, daughter of the late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, grew up feeling shy about making her own music. “There’s such a looming shadow that it felt like pressure I’d never be able to live up to,” she says. “It felt really sacred.” But in the fall of 2021, while attending college in Southern California,…
VIDEO – REPAIRING YOUR SELF – Mar.23, 2026 – Tune in to In the Mix for an empowering and timely conversation! Recovery Expert & Author. Marci Hopkins, an award-winning TV host, nationally recognized motivational speaker, mental health advocate, and creator of the acclaimed Wake Up with Marci podcast and streaming series… joins us to launch her new book, Wake Up, You’re Not Broken: What to Expect in the First 30 Days (releasing April 7, 2026, available for pre-order now). This compassionate guide offers a structured, day-by-day framework to navigate early sobriety, challenge stigma around substance use disorder, and affirm that…
WARNING SHOT – Mar. 23, 2026 – The comedian says that Lowe’s comments helped him understand that there are different levels of alcohol use disorder beyond just “waking up drinking shots of vodka” “The level where you have a problem with it, what I liked when Rob said it wasn’t just this extreme thing where you’re like, ‘I’m drinking 24 hours a day.’ I never drink at home. When I was at home, I would never crack a beer open and have a beer or something. Never in a million,” the comedian explained. “But it’s like, when I was out…