HEARTBREAKING – Aug 21, 2026 – The two friends, who had performed together under the moniker TRV$DJAM, had both struggled after surviving a plane crash in 2008. While Barker had his family to lean on in the aftermath, he said that DJ AM, whose real name was Adam Goldstein, didn’t have the same support system. As for Goldstein, who died of a drug overdose in 2009 less than a year after the incident, Barker said, “AM was suffering because he wasn’t waking up with kids. He just went back to work.” While the pair leaned on each other after the…
Author: Leonard Buschel
FAME and MORE FAME – Aug. 22, 2026 – George Jones was a masterful singer and performer. Who can listen to a soulful song like “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and not be deeply moved by the raw emotion it conveys? It was just one of his many classic hits. However, George Jones was also a tormented man. Before his death at the age of 81 in 2013, he dealt with alcoholism that nearly upended his life and work. Married a total of four times, his last wife, with whom he spent 30 years, was Nancy Sepulvado. She recently talked…
CHAT THIS! – Feb. 13, 2026 – AI-powered tools are being used to help schedule appointments, reduce paperwork, send recovery reminders, and even provide wellness check-ins. These technologies can bring real benefits — but they also raise an important question: How do we use AI in recovery services without compromising safety, ethics, or the human connection at the heart of healing? Why AI Is Entering the SUD Treatment Space Substance use disorder systems across the country are facing major challenges: Read More
AUDIO ONLY – ROCK ‘N’ ROLL – Aug. 20, 2026 – The countercultural movement of the late 1960s has long been remembered for its season of music, rebellion and social change. However, it’s also known for its personal stories. Which is exactly what author Kerri Maher is exploring in her latest novel, Summer of Love. Following three generations of women, Maher explores how the hopes and struggles of one defining era can leave a mark on the lives we lead and the stories we pass down. Our associate producer Hannah Gardoski sat down with Maher to talk more about her…
DRUNKLESS DRIVING – Aug. 20, 2026 – A Gallup survey released on August 20, 2026 shows that only 54% of U.S. adults say they drink alcohol, the lowest level on record, with health concerns driving the decline and a rise in non‑alcoholic beverage consumption. The Gallup survey, conducted in July with more than 1,000 adults aged 18+, found 54% of Americans say they drink alcohol, the same low rate for a second year. 51% of U.S. adults believe drinking one or two alcoholic drinks a day is bad for health, essentially unchanged from a record‑high 53% last year. In 2001,…
GUILT and DENIAL – Aug. 25, 2026 – Meta Platforms agreed to make major changes to Facebook and Instagram and pay up to $18 billion US as part of a settlement to resolve claims brought by states across the United States that the company designed the apps to get children addicted to them, misled consumers about their safety and improperly collected the personal data of children who used its platforms. Read More
A SWIFTIE OR A SWIFTY? – Aug. 29, 2026 – Brad Pitt revealed in an interview with Esquire that he is no longer sober after seven years. The actor got candid about his relationship and struggles with alcohol, telling the magazine, “I got back off the wagon.” But he also says he’s got it under control. This comes after Pitt was reportedly caught “imbibing” at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding… Pitt, who has also been open about his past drug use, publicly struggled with alcoholism following his high-profile split from Angelina Jolie. In 2016, he decided to address his drinking…
AUDIO – PANACEA EXTRAORDINAIRE – Aug. 20, 2026 – Scientists have found that the compounds in tea can protect your blood vessels, lower inflammation, aid relaxation and potentially boost your gut microbiome. In one analysis published in the journal Life Sciences, researchers described tea as “Nature’s gift for promoting human health.” This is in large part because a typical cup of brewed tea contains many antioxidants, polyphenols and other beneficial plant compounds, much like coffee, cocoa, fruits and vegetables, said Jenifer Bowman, a cardiac dietitian at UCHealth in Fort Collins, Colorado. LISTEN UP
YOU KNOW IT AIN’T EASY – Aug. 27, 2026 – Majur Traytowu is struggling to hold on to influence and authority amid a devastating alcohol epidemic ravaging her territory — and her own life. The choice of an unmarried trans woman was unexpected, analysts say, but not unthinkable.For decades, Brazil has ranked consistently as the world’s deadliest country for trans people … Gender and sexual diversity have long been recognized in the country’s native societies. Discrimination against trans people, according to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, was introduced “alongside European moral and religious values, particularly those tied to Catholicism, which…
OR GREEN FLAG – Aug. 24, 2026 – People who use weed in nearly every form — smoking, vaping, eating and dabbing — are nearly three times as likely to get stoned every day or have cannabis use disorder, researchers reported in the journal Addictive Behaviors. “Our findings suggest that using cannabis in multiple forms may be a red flag for … heavier use and symptoms of addiction,” said lead researcher Dr. Omar El-Shahawy, an assistant professor of population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. “Asking patients not only whether but how they use cannabis…
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!” ― Dolly Parton, 1946–2026
AUDIO – WHO ISN’T? – Aug. 18, 2026 – As we mentioned earlier, the big question at the heart of the Meta lawsuit is whether the company designed its platforms in a way that risks addiction by young users. And there is some debate about social media addiction. So we asked health correspondent Rhitu Chatterjee to explain it to us. Hey there. And other symptoms can include, you know, knowing that too much time on social media is unhealthy for you but not being able to cut back, or you cut back but have withdrawal symptoms. However, I should add…
WATCH OUT AA – Aug. 13, 2026 – The number of people who drink in a way that crosses the line into a medical disorder decreased substantially over a five-year period. The Survey released late last month, found that the share of people 12 and older who qualified for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder fell to 8.9 percent in 2025 from 10.6 percent in 2021. The methodology of the annual survey, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, was updated during the pandemic, so its results cannot be compared to years before 2021, the agency said.…
VIDEO ONLY – PROTECTING ADDICTS – Aug. 10, 2026 – DeWine announces changes to Ohio’s addiction recovery services. WATCH
LOCK HIM UP – Aug. 12, 2026 – An eyewitness told law enforcement that he saw the male victim purchase narcotics from Darian Glover on June 20, 2024. Per the witness, the victim began making phone calls to Glover in order to buy what was believed to be cocaine. The victim got off work around 5:30 p.m., and met Glover at a gas station located in Bartlett, TN. Glover walked up to the victims truck and got into the backseat. They then shook hands, which is when the drug transaction occurred. The victim then drove Glover to a liquor store…
AUDIO – IN PLAIN SIGHT – Aug. 13, 2026 – In this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay talks with a filmmaker whose recent movie What We Hide focuses on the collateral damage of addiction on children. And as part of the training symposium, Kay hears from professionals who work with people affected by addiction about the cost on our medical system, social service networks and child protection workers. his episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the CRC Foundation. Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, the NPR app and…
FROM ZERO to HERO – Aug. 11, 2026 – Joanna Warner, 43, was taken on shoplifting trips by her alcoholic father from age seven and began drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis aged 12, after she says she was given it by the families she babysat for. Her father passed away when she was 17, causing Joanna to start using crack and heroin, eventually, turning to prostitution to fund her habit. Joanna was sent to prison nine times for shoplifting, and became suicidal whilst in jail, convinced she would never be able to get clean. She was hospitalized 10 times for…
DRUG ADDICTION SUCKS – Aug. 10, 2026 – Married at 18, she began using herself, experimenting with meth and was eventually prescribed Percocets and a form of promethazine after a painful surgery at 19. Not only did it take away her physical pain, but the emotional pain as well. But some news from her then-husband would be the start of a tragic spiral. … “I got pregnant, and I felt like I thought when I was pregnant that that would make me stop using, that I would want the baby to have that power over me or give me that…
A FAMILY AFFAIR – Aug. 11, 2026 – The model and actress, 24, made rare comments to Vogue about how her family, including her parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, handled the 27-year-old’s journey, including what the outlet reported as a “decade-long struggle with drug addiction.” “When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” Kaia said before explaining how she started putting her own needs on the back burner. “I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much…
EXCUSES EXCUSES – Aug. 19, 2026 – Back in June, Justin Moore recently announced that he would be taking a break from touring, forcing him to cancel some upcoming shows as he steps away to focus on his health. The “Small Town U.S.A.” singer made the announcement in a post to his social media on June 8th. “I’ve made the decision to take some time to focus on my health. As a result, I’ll be stepping away from touring for a short period and will be unable to perform some upcoming shows. This is the right decision for me and…
VIDEO – HOME SWEET HOME – Aug. 18, 2026 – The partnership with the federal government will allow eligible Iowa families to receive substance use treatment and parenting services at home. State officials said the goal is to help keep children with their families when it can be done safely, rather than placing them in foster care.“I’m 26 years into recovery and I’ve not been shy about sharing my story,” Reynolds said. “I think it’s important calling this a chronic disease as it is is a game changer. You know, it’s not a choice but I think by me sharing…
VIDEO – SONG OF THE WEEK – 31,000,000 in views in 11 months – For centuries, poets have given voice to the human heart, shaping the language of love. #ArzKiyaHai carries that legacy forward as an intimate tribute rooted in India’s poetic tradition, embracing the unguarded honesty of speaking your heart. At its helm is India’s most popular independent artist, Anuv Jain, pairing delicate guitar work with achingly tender vocals that distill this very emotion into melody. Joining him is Indian electronic duo Lost Stories working their magic on the production of the track as well as performing on the…
STICK WITH THE WINNERS! – August 25, 2026 – Kim Bellas is the Founder of Sober is the New Cool. She’s a global wellness advocate; Founder of International Recovery Walk (40 countries annually); Founder, White Heart Initiative; Host, White Party NYC—women worldwide; Featured on 150+ podcasts; Contributor, The Sober Curator; 13 years sober, turning one personal choice into a global movement. Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date? A. My sobriety date is January 12, 2013. I chose to stop drinking alcohol to support my son, focus on wellness, and…
IT’S THE DRUMS – AUG. 16, 2026 – When Collins eventually had a near-death experience, it took him a while to realise the seriousness of the affair: “Kidneys and liver were waving the white flag. I was close to dying, and I hadn’t realised. I just thought I was sick.” Elsewhere iCollins admitted that he is open to making new music at some point in the future: “I’m never gonna say no now,” he said. He added, “I’ve got my little studio still, and I’d like to get down there and just mess about and see what happens. There are…
VIDEO – Bruce Lipton Tea Time – Dr. Lipton is perfectly right. It’s a great scientist. He has really understood in a scientific way the Buddha words “We are what we think … If the only prayer you said your entire life was ‘thank you’, that would be enough.” – Meister Eckhart 1. The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton2. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay3. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy4. Love, Medicine & Miracles by Bernie Seigel WATCH
HOLLYWOOD TERRITORY – Aug. 12, 2026 – A movie star, a filmmaker and a chemical dependency counselor are halfway through a road trip around Ohio and things are starting to get a little goofy. British actor Will Poulter, Ohio-born and Brooklyn-based writer-director Adam Meeks and Annette Deao, the program director of an adult recovery court in west-central Ohio.. were close enough before, having made the indie film “Union County” just last year. But nothing is quite so bonding as spending hours upon hours together packed inside a Chevrolet Traverse as they bring their film, a raw but hopeful portrait of…
COMPLICATED CHAOS – Aug. 12, 2026 – One of the alleged demons is 57-year-old Melinda Clarkson Isley, a married grandmother and small business owner who lives near Anastasi’s 30-person faith-based New Life Dream Center Anastasi sees Isley as an “enemy” out to shut down an institution he says has helped countless people overcome drug addiction.. Isley said she only wants to know how an unlicensed rehab center ended up in her rural single-family zoned neighborhood — and why so many local politicians have thrown their support behind it, including Congressman Byron Donalds, who recently toured NLDC and is currently the…
VIDEO – VALET PARKING? – Aug. 18, 2026 – It’s a story of overcoming addiction, only to continue a slide into deep depression. Penny Kryfka shares her journey in our latest Hear me. See me. podcast. Penny said she remembers, even as a child, wishing she would die. It lead to using illegal substances as a teen. She says she quit using drugs when she had her children, but still could not shake her depression. However, with the support of family, she never gave up and finally found the right help. WATCH
COMPASSIONATE CARE – July 15, 2026 – “My mother has been in treatment for alcohol five times in the last three years.” “My son is so intelligent and driven, but he’s been so different these last few years on drugs.” “I don’t recognize my child.” “Nothing has worked thus far.” As a law firm specializing in mental health law, this is the type of testimony we hear from clients every day. We listen to the most desperate stories from family members who have tried everything for their loved ones to help them get clean and sober. Families that have invested…
AUDIO – READ THE FINE PRINT – Aug. 15, 2026 – Investors said they were told Gomez, one of the biggest celebrities on social media with more than 500 million followers, would be actively involved in building the company as head of marketing. They argue that Gomez and other company leaders failed to deliver on promises…”Gomez purported to sign a contract obligating her to perform and then ignored it,” the lawsuit said. “There was no legitimate enterprise in the works, much less a lucrative one,” the plaintiffs added, saying that the company failed to meet “even its most basic obligations,…