All hands on deck – August 31, 2020 – Sandy Yawn opened up to Showbiz Cheat Sheet about her struggles as a young adult. “I was a mess,” she shared. “By the grace of God, I’m alive. No matter how much money you have, it’s not going to save your life if you are an addict or an alcoholic. And I was a major addict and alcoholic.” She said she was constantly getting arrested for drinking and driving. “I always got bailed out,” she said but reflected on her dangerous behavior. “But I could have killed someone. My life…
Author: Leonard Buschel
Obituary – A most famous anonymous man – Sept. 3, 2020 – Along the way, he left a lucrative career with a Beverly Hills marketing firm to become managing director of the Midnight Mission in downtown Los Angeles’ skid row, returning as a transformative leader to an institution that had once kicked him out for bad behavior. Under his hand, the soup kitchen and housing facilities grew with programs to address the social needs of skid row, said its president and chief executive, G. Michael Arnold. “He’s probably the first person to bring substance use treatment to people living on…
“Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.” ―Arthur Miller
Everyone knew! – August 24, 2020 – “Revelations concerning Walmart are not emerging because Walmart somehow chose to ‘come clean’ on its deplorable refusal to control how its nationwide pharmacies distributed opioids,” the complaint says. “Despite federal prosecutors contemplating an indictment of Walmart, Walmart failed to disclose this information to stockholders.” The lawsuit is the second filed in Delaware Chancery Court by pension funds seeking access to the retail giant’s internal files under a state law giving corporate shareholders broad records inspection rights if they credibly suspect wrongdoing at the top. Walmart didn’t immediately respond to a request for…
Feast or Famine – August 28, 2020 – The study traces 129 people in recovery or treatment, providing a detailed look at a common scenario, and it joins growing indications that those with eating disorders are struggling. Beat, the UK charity, reportsroughly double the crisis hotline calls and online group attendance since the pandemic began. And a similar recent study of over 1,000 people in the UK and the Netherlands, published last month, reported that the pandemic is having “strong and wide-ranging effects” on eating disorder behaviors. The study participants reported feelings of being out of control, upended routines,…
Prejudice, Knowledge, or Ignorance? – August 28, 2020 – As of 2018, only about 5% of physicians had a license to prescribe buprenorphine — despite increasing demand for the drug and an overdose crisis that killed 70,000 people in the United States last year alone. “[Bupe] can be prescribed for pain without any of these regulatory requirements. When prescribing it for opioid use disorder, it’s layered with all these barriers. There’s a stigma around the medication,” said Beth Connolly, the project director of Pew’s substance use prevention and treatment initiative. ”It was really important to study what some of the…
WATCH – Die Suckers Die – August 29, 2020 – The pharmaceutical industry’s opportunism — enabled by the backing of politicians and federal regulators — along with the emerging medical consensus that opioids were highly effective for pain management, led to opioids taking hold in American society. Furthermore, money pouring in from Big Pharma and a green light from D.C. provided American doctors with a financial incentive to prescribe more opioids. “People have blamed all sorts of things, heroin from Mexico and fentanyl from China and economic decline and so on and so forth,” Dr. Janet Currie, a professor…
LISTEN – They’ll always take your action at G.A. – August 20, 2020 – But after reopening in mid-June, business is booming again, and counselors are concerned. “Since they’ve reopened, our calls to the hotline number and to the agency have been on a steady increase,” says Bruce Jones, who heads the gambling program at Maryhaven. That demand is reflected in big profits for casinos and racinos around the state. “Keep in mind that because of COVID, they reduced numbers of availability on the machines and some of the poker rooms were closed, and they still set records, so they’re…
Listings and Recommendations – August 23, 2020 – Some people don’t want to live in holes anymore and want to see the light of the day. Every addict’s story is something like that. However, beating addiction isn’t as easy. There are multiple ways to deal with addiction and work for sobriety. Recovery homes are places where people can find a semblance of peace and work on being sober. Sober living homes are pockets of goodness where addicts can work on their growth. But finding good sober living homes or recovery homes isn’t easy. That’s why an app called Taste…
WATCH – Hear the crack of the bat? – August 23, 2020 – A team consisting of officers from local law enforcement agencies in Washington County took on a team of individuals involved in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The two teams squared off on the softball field Saturday night at the Canyon Softball Complex on West 2000 North in St. George. The event was organized as a way to demonstrate the positive relationship between two groups of people that are sometimes viewed as mortal enemies, and to break the common stereotypes that can come with active addiction. The…
MEDIA: Book Recommendation – April 28, 2020 – Each story provides answers to the following questions: When did you start drinking or using drugs, and how did it progress? Looking back, when do you think it was mostly out of control? How are you able to not drink or use daily? What is your thought about medication-assisted treatment? Is there anything you want those struggling with addiction to know? What do you want lawmakers to know? Combining Suzanne Thistle’s 20 years of professional knowledge and 101 people with lived experience, Chem-Free Sobriety gives a practical approach to recovery from…
Community Caring – August 29, 2020 – As he did at last year’s inaugural event, Father Neal Longe of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church will lead the crowd in prayer, while candles will be provided by Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Funeral Home and both signs and stickers will be provided by Sticker Mule. “We’re looking forward to educating individuals about the stigma [of addiction],” Hill said. “It could be my family, it could be yours. It could be a neighbor, it could be a parent’s neighbor. It could be anyone, at any time, anywhere.” “It’s great that we do this…
Online for life? – August 28, 2020 – Call people: Most support groups will offer a phone list of members. If you like the way a person shares about their recovery, call them after the meeting and talk to them. This is welcome and a good way to build a support system. Connection is critical to recovery. Meditation apps: There are many apps, and even some online groups, that teach and support a meditation practice. Meditation can bring a sense of calm and connection. When part of a daily practice and used in conjunction with support groups and a…
Everyone should start an “artdiction” exhibit – August 28, 2020 – SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Tallgrass Recovery Art Show this Friday in Sioux Falls is giving people dealing with addiction to drugs and alcohol an outlet to talk about it. More than 25 pieces will be on display at Post Pilgrim Gallery Friday night. Creator Joan Zephier says everyone is welcome to attend the event. She says the pandemic has caused a lot of struggle for people in addiction and recovery. “We’re already isolated as a group and then to add something that we’re really isolated, so…
Dying for that Fentanyl Feeling – August 27, 2020 – Health officials are urging people to review the resources below and be proactive about preventing overdose deaths: Find out more about naloxone and where to get it at StoptheClockColorado.org, which lists pharmacies that stock naloxone in Denver (there may be a cost associated based on health insurance). There is a standing order for pharmacies, so you do not need an individual prescription to receive it from a pharmacy. Or, visit BringNaloxoneHome.org for more information on how naloxone works.For people who use opioids and want medication-assisted treatment, they can visit the Denver Health emergency department…
They love to drink? – August 28, 2020 – Witnessing a family member struggling with excessive drinking can be fear-inducing, heart-wrenching, and confusing – especially for those who are unsure if their relative’s alcohol misuse is a sign of a more sinister health issue: alcohol use disorder(AUD). When does social drinking become alcohol use disorder? To recognize the first stages of alcohol use disorder in a loved one, families should note the indicators of alcohol abuse, a pattern of risky or excessive drinking that can compromise a person’s health and well-being. The line between social drinking and alcohol…
Trying minds for trying times – August 28, 2020 – By all accounts, the number of relapses nationwide has increased since March, as have the numbers of accidental overdoses and suicides. There is little wonder that we are seeing more opioid overdoses countywide in San Diego. Last year, there were 152 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in San Diego County, while in our first six months of this year, there have already been 203 such deaths. Addiction is a disease of isolation; the COVID-19 pandemic created a breeding ground for such dangerous seclusion. One man “graduated” from one of our outpatient programs…
Musical Interlude – Earth, Wind & Fire – September – official video “September” is a song by the band Earth, Wind & Fire released as a single in 1978 on ARC/Columbia Records. “September” reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
Family Freedom – August 31, 2020 – Timmy, who runs the podcast with fellow recovering addict James Leonard, has been clean from drugs for nine years. For his brother Tommy, the path to a drug-free life has taken significantly longer. Nonetheless, the Knocknaheeny man now proudly tells The Echo that he has been clean for two years. Timmy said it is a huge relief to no longer have to worry about his brother. “It puts a real freeze on family life,” Timmy said of addictions and mental health issues. “You are waiting for that phone call telling you that…
Drugstore Cowboy – August 28, 2020 – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — Thursday evening, an armed robber struck the CVS in North Myrtle Beach– but not for cash; police say the robber wanted drugs. Right around 7 p.m., police were called to the store in the 4400 block of South Highway 17. The incident report states a white male with a thin build walked up to the pharmacy counter and stated he needed to pick up a prescription for “Smith.” When asked for more information, the robber said, “It’s not a prescription. Do you see what’s in my…
Oh no! Needed now more than ever – August 26, 2020 – The result is a historically underfunded system buckling under the weight of dual pandemics: addiction and the coronavirus. Since March, 10 facilities have closed, though it’s unclear if the coronavirus was to blame, according to the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Without more funding, that trend will continue, those at the hearing said. “In my 30-plus years of doing this work, I have never seen programs closing at the rate that they are right now,” said Bill Stauffer, executive director of the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance,…
“Sisters are doin’ it by themselves” – August 28, 2020 – From my work at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, I have seen, first-hand, the danger of heightened risk for alcohol and drug abuse that has resulted from COVID-19. Social isolation coupled with job losses, financial frustrations, and health concerns have caused many people to look for new outlets to relax, relieve stress, and provide entertainment. While substance use disorder (SUD) has always been a global health concern, never in my 14 years as a licensed clinician have I seen such a concerning impact upon my field. Due to the…
Cartoon character needs AA – AUGUST 28, 2020 – Nicolas Cage will play an alcoholic, TV-loving dragon in Amazon’s TV adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s Highfire novel at Amazon, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed today.Davey Holmes (Epix’s Get Shorty, Shameless) is writing the series and will serve as an executive producer alongside Cage and Andrew Mittman of 1.21. Colfer is known for writing the Artemis Fowl series of YA novels, which recently received a film adaptation from director Kenneth Branagh (the movie is now streaming on Disney+). Highfire was published in January of this year. more@SyFy
And the young shall lead them… – AUGUST 31, 2020 – As Rumer explains now, she’s learned that it was never in her power to fix her mom. And she credits communities like Al-Anon, a recovery space for friends and family of alcoholics, with helping give her the support she needed to move on. These days, Rumer and Demi (and Scout and Tallulah and Bruce) are all on the sober train, and find great strength in each other. In fact, Rumer says it was mom Demi in part who inspired her to get sober herself: “I was the last one…
Fly the 420 Friendly Skies – August 25, 2020 – The percentage of working Americans testing positive for drugs climbed last year, particularly for marijuana, according to a new report, indicating employee drug use was on the rise just as the coronavirus pandemic created new stresses. Overall, the proportion of U.S. workers who tested positive for drugs in urine in 2019 rose to 4.5%, the highest level in 16 years, according to Quest Diagnostics Inc., one of the largest drug-testing laboratories in the U.S., which analyzed approximately nine million tests last year on behalf of employers. That percentage was…
WATCH – A Webinar Affair to Remember Chasing the News…Stone Cold Sober! with Dr. Tian Dayton, William Cope Moyers, Ryan Hampton, Courtney Friel, Alonzo Bodden, Tio Hardiman and Leonard Buschel. Maintaining sobriety in an era of uncertainty. Astute and spirited conversation about the pandemic, resilience and ZOOM rooms! More@YouTube
Doing Good by Doing Good – August 24, 2020 – The building was put up for auction in July with Fisher Auction Co., with a $5.5 million minimum bid. It was previously asking $12.9 million. According to information provided for the auction, the building is on 2 acres and was updated in 2001 and retrofitted into an Everest University career college. After Everest opted not to renew its lease, which expired in 2017, Meyers Group bought a portion of the property, and in 2019 turned it into a 144-unit apartment building with monthly rents starting at $1,750. That apartment building,…
The Majesty of Marriage – August 26, 2020 – Brett Favre is marred to Deanna Favre. Deanna is an author. She’s written two books: “Don’t Bet Against Me” and “The Cure for the Chronic Life: Overcoming the Hopelessness That Holds You Back” (co-written with Shane Stanford). The first was written about her battle with breast cancer. They both grew up in a tiny town called Kiln, Mississippi, and began dating at Kiln Hancock North Central High School. Deanna graduated in 1986 and played basketball on scholarship at a nearby community college. Brett finished up high school a year later,…
WATCH – Life’s Struggle – August 29, 2020 – YouTube star and young father Landon Clifford hanged himself after struggling with depression and drug addiction for years, his heartbroken wife told their nearly 1.4 million subscribers. Camryn Clifford, 19, talks about her husband’s death in a 36-minute video that she posted to their popular Cam&Fam YouTube channel Thursday. He was only 19, too. The emotional video, titled “My Husband Passed Away/Telling His Story,” details how Camryn found Landon hanging in the garage after he’d told her was going to take a bath – and how she cut him down with…
Sobriety is the best defense – August 26, 2020 – For this superpower, I have to thank Alcoholics Anonymous. I joined AA at 19 mostly because I loved cocaine, truly loved cocaine, but also because I loved vodka and cheap white wine and diet pills and valium in enormous quantities. I wanted to not die, so joining was an easy decision, helped along by the knowledge that I came from a family of female alcoholics: My mother had written novels about her drinking, and my grandmother was famous for her drunken vomiting at various fine restaurants throughout Manhattan. So, on…