A SOBER LOVE STORY – March 18, 2025 – Greg Reck and Emily Starkey met at a 12-step meeting seven years ago and bonded over their similar backgrounds and career pursuits. The two met in October 2018 in the parking lot of a shopping mall in Austin, Texas, before attending a late-night 12-step meeting. “I was newly sober at the time and spotted this cute girl who was chatting with her friends,” said Mr. Reck. “I approached the group to say hello, and we all introduced ourselves and talked about where we worked.” When Mr. Reck told Ms. Starkey that…
Author: Leonard Buschel
“Make America Healthy Again” – March 27, 2025 – The agency will cut 20,000 positions, a sweeping reduction of the agency that protects Americans’ health, oversees Medicare and Medicaid and ensures the safety of the nation’s food and drugs. Kennedy announced he will reduce HHS’s 28 divisions to 15 and create a new Administration for a Healthy America that includes several core functions. The number of regional offices will drop from 10 to five, and the focus will be on “safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins” in an effort to “Make America Healthy Again,” according…
WHAT CAN YOU DO? – March 26, 2025 – Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Chair of the Senate Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee, is raising urgent concerns following the sudden and unlawful termination of critical federal grants supporting addiction services, mental health care, and public health programs across New York State. “As Chair, I know these funds are lifelines for people fighting to survive. This sudden freeze threatens the progress we’ve made to prevent overdoses, support recovery, and strengthen our communities. It also puts jobs on the line—jobs held by dedicated professionals who show up every day to save lives. In…
NATURAL IS BETTER – March 20, 2025 – Sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners show up in many diets and “low-calorie” products, promoted as a way to help people enjoy sweet flavors without the usual calories. … Aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and sugar alcohols such as erythritol and xylitol are available in various items labeled “diet” or “low-calorie.” Some folks pick them to help manage weight goals or reduce daily sugar intake. Others look for sugar-free snacks to limit changes in blood glucose.Ω Their popularity reflects a common desire to avoid sugar-related pitfalls. Yet concerns continue to surface about how these substances…
AUDIO – DYING FOR A DRINK? – March 21, 2025 – We’ve been warned repeatedly that sugary beverages are bad for us and are associated with a variety of diseases. But the hows and whys have perhaps not been communicated clearly. So, before you reach for that next can of cola, consider this study … Although researchers in India used mice while studying the effects of sugary beverages on the body, their methods closely mimic how we consume sweet drinks and should closely mirror the effects on human organs. The scientists fed mice solutions that contained 10 percent sucrose. They…
A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN – March 21, 2025 – The actor and artist told Drew Barrymore on her show Tuesday that he’s been “100% sober” for over three years. The “Leaving Hollywood” singer previously revealed he hit “rock bottom” after going on a “three-day coke binge.” After that, he went to rehab and became sober. “I just knew, man, if I don’t change my life in a drastic way, either I’m not even going to be around or something bad, so bad, is going to happen that my life might as well be over,” he said. “I would go…
A STAR IS REBORN – Feb. 27, 2025 – For almost 40 years, since Skye made her film debut at 15 alongside Keanu Reeves, Crispin Glover and Dennis Hopper in the teen crime drama “River’s Edge,” her name has been associated with powerful people, mostly men. In her new memoir, she talks about Hollywood, bisexuality and the trappings of Gen X fame. There’s her father, the Scottish folk singer Donovan, whose early abandonment of Skye, her mother and brother, connects her experiences from “Girlhood,” as the first section of the book is called, to “Womanhood,” the second. There’s her relationship…
CRUELTY KILLS – March 27, 2025 – “Services will be dropped in the middle. Bang, the clinic is closing. It’s a brutal way to make these cuts.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is being merged into a new organization, called the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). The move to rescind funds that include addiction-care grants drew criticism from experts who warned progress reducing overdose deaths could be reversed. “DOGE is now actively cutting funding aimed at reducing overdose deaths by clawing back money from states,” wrote Regina LaBelle, an expert on drug policy at Georgetown University…
VIDEO – SOBRIETY IS A RIGHT – March 26, 2025 – At the busy intersection of 14th and U Street in Northwest, a new kind of nightlife experience is taking root. Spark Social House, a non-alcoholic bar dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community, officially opened its doors! The brainchild of co-founders Shua Goodwin and Nick Tsusaki, Spark Social House is redefining queer social spaces by offering an inviting atmosphere where connection thrives, without the influence of alcohol. CONTINUE@WUSA9
“Over a long period of time, living as if you were someone else is no fun.” – Richard Chamberlain, b. Mar. 31, 1934 – d. Mar. 29, 2025
HOW THE F**K? – March 21, 2025 – A prisoner serving a life sentence for a notorious quadruple killing in Los Angeles killed his wife during a prison conjugal visit. Stephanie Brinson, 62, died in the early morning hours of Nov. 13 while visiting her husband David Brinson, 54, at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed. David Brinson, used the family visit unit phone to notify CDCR officers that his wife had passed out during her visitation,” department spokesman Todd Javernick said in an email. “Officers immediately initiated life-saving measures and activated…
NEVER NEVERLAND – March 21, 2025 – The boy, who went to Disneyland with his mom, Saritha Ramaraju, 48, was scheduled to return back to his dad on the day he died. The boy, who prosecutors said was dead for several hours before his mom called 911, was found in a hotel room bed, among Disneyland souvenirs and a kitchen knife purchased the day before it was found in the room. “The life of a child should not hang in the balance between two parents whose anger for each other outweighs their love for their child,” Orange County District Attorney…
SLEEP COMES…FOREVER? – March 17, 2025 – Of the over 30 million adults who reported using benzodiazepines in the last year, over 5 million misused them (described as “any way a doctor did not direct”), per 2019 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. While some people may have taken a one-time Xanax to calm flight anxiety, for example, long-term use is what poses the most danger as it can lead to dependence. Particularly important is the appeal of “benzos” to older adults: Those ages 50 to 64 are the biggest consumers of this class of drugs,…
HOW SWEET IT ISN’T – March 25, 2025 – 1. High sugar intake leads to frequent insulin spikes, which can eventually make cells less responsive to insulin, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 2. Fructose, a type of sugar found in high-fructose corn syrup and table sugar, is processed in the liver. Excess fructose can contribute to fat accumulation in the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 3. Sugar consumption triggers chronic low-grade inflammation, which is linked to diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders. CONTINUE@AddictionRecoveryeBulletin
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION – March 18, 2025 – Scientists challenge the prevailing genetic-focused model of cancer, advocating for a shift towards more holistic views that include non-genetic factors in cancer development.Researchers should reconsider the long-held belief that cancer is primarily a genetic disease, Instead, they advocate for a broader, more holistic approach that considers biological systems beyond genetic mutations. They propose alternative models, including cancer as a disruption of gene regulatory networks (Huang) or as a breakdown in tissue organization, where disturbances in the cellular environment contribute to tumor development (Soto-Sonnenschein). According to the authors, exploring these alternative frameworks could…
14th STEP? – March 21, 2025 – Casey Mahoney, 48, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also fined him $240,000. A Hollywood Hills man was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison for paying illegal kickbacks for patient referrals to his addiction treatment facilities located in Orange County. “This defendant illegally profited millions of dollars off of addicts who desperately needed help,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Bribes and kickbacks compromise the integrity of substance abuse treatment facilities and undermine patient care. The charges relate to Mahoney’s operation of two addiction treatment…
SOCIETY’S CHILD – March 13, 2025 – The mean age of the homeless people who participated in the survey was 46. Thirty-seven percent reported regular drug use in the prior six months. A quarter of the homeless people had never used drugs. Two-thirds said they’d used drugs regularly at some point in their life. Methamphetamine use, 33%, was the most common. About a fifth of those who reported regular drug use said they wanted treatment but couldn’t get it, according to the study. “Our research shows there is an increased risk of becoming homeless if you use drugs; and that…
VIDEO – OUT ON BAIL – March 12, 2025 – Dawn Holland, the founder and former executive director of the sober living rehabilitation facility DAWNS House in Bend, will go on trial in September for charges related to allegedly embezzling $300,000 from the non-profit. Holland, 52, was indicted last year on eight counts of aggravated theft. She pleaded not guilty. The alleged thefts happened between 2019 and 2023. Her 12-person jury trial is set to begin Sept. 30 and is expected to last four days. CONTINUE@CentralOregonDaily
GRIEF – March 20, 2025 – It’s stunning that it took the death of someone I love dearly to show me how deeply fear and shame are embedded in the way we treat people with an addiction. One year ago this month, police found the body of my nephew on the front seat of a borrowed car in a gas station parking lot. Austen Smith was 29. He’d been addicted to pain pills, on and off, for more than 10 years. On some level, Austen knew the risk he was taking in those wee morning hours, but opioids had hijacked…
I DON’T BUY IT – March 20, 2025 – In her personal time, Sadie goes on buying sprees for herself. She has ordered cameras, camera accessories, scrapbooking supplies, metal-detecting equipment, lasers, board games, planners, fountain pens, tech gadgets, nail polish, computer keyboard parts and yarn. She bought everything online. Before she knew it, she was $20,000 in debt. “I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “I never told my husband how bad it was.” She has been paying the debt off, but she can’t say exactly where the total stands today. “I’m so ashamed I won’t even check the balance,” she…
CANADIAN SUNRISE – March 13, 2025 – Opinion: Treatment at home is crucial for those facing barriers, such as stigma, to accessing traditional treatment or simply because there is often not a detox bed available. B.C. is facing an unprecedented mental health and substance use crisis. The human cost has been devastating, with lives lost, families shattered and communities struggling to cope. Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 4,600 people received treatment and support through publicly funded substance-use beds across all of B.C.’s health authorities, an increase of more than 1,000 from the previous year. Amidst this crisis,…
SHE’S A WINNER NOW – March 20, 2025 – Tanya started drinking. It began a downward spiral of drug and alcohol addiction that took 15 years for her to escape. Now 45, Tanya, from Cambridge, says she has never been happier thanks to her own willpower, and help from a family support project funded by Comic Relief. She has been in recovery for seven years and has another young daughter. She says the break up of her family was a trigger. “I started drinking alone which I’d never done before, and it got worse from there,” she said. “I was…
VIDEO – MUSICAL INTERLUDE – 124,971 views since Mar 12, 2011 – Absolutely beautiful masterpiece of jazz and an outstanding performance by Laura – nobody could top her vocals and the feeling she gave through them. – Secrets reside in the soulfulness of the mysteries that envelop Laura’s soul that transcends us and takes us to another place, a place where we all want to be and stay there for a while with her. She is great with her haunting piano music alone and her soulful voice that makes us sit, close our eyes and transcend us there right there…
VIDEO – MUSICAL INTERLUDE – FOR SPRINGTIME – Rare, single only, release from 1983. Although the label reads the composer as “Jon Nigro”, it was actually Laura Nyro’s brother, Jan Nigro, who wrote the song. Only a few copies were released and an album was produced, but the label went under before the album could be issued The polonaise is a stately, processional dance of Polish origin, often performed in 3/4 time, and is also a musical form characterized by a march-like rhythm and moderate tempo. CONTINUE@YouTube
AUDIO – HOW INTERESTING – March 21, 2025 – On today’s Friday 8 O’Clock Buzz, host Andy Moore speaks with Phil Saunders from 511 Alano Society, one of the oldest Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) clubhouses in the world, serving Madison since 1943. Wisconsin’s binge drinking culture and its consistently high rankings as the drunkest state in the country make the work of organizations like 511 Alano Society more important than ever. Phil shares what happens at an AA meeting, the importance of anonymity, and the commitment required for sobriety. He also discusses how stress contributes to excessive drinking and what steps…
IF THIS IS YOU—CALL TODAY – March 20, 2025 – The emotional burden of losing a job can be compounded by complex family dynamics, relationship struggles, and addiction issues. Scott Silverman specializes in crisis coaching, helping individuals and families address high-stress situations by offering FREE 10 Minute Consultations to move forward. His approach develops a concrete plan for making positive change. Call or text 619-993-2738. Crisis coaching provides immediate, actionable solutions for individuals facing difficult situations. “No two crisis situations are alike,” said Silverman. “Each one involves unique family dynamics, emotional distress, or even substance abuse issues. I know how…
THE OLD GUARD PASSING – March 21, 2025 – It is with great sadness that the Stepping Stones Foundation and the Murphy family share news of the passing of Debbie D. Murphy (September 19, 1933–January 21, 2025). Debbie was a dear friend of Bill and Lois Wilson. She touched many lives through her music and through her message that family recovery is possible. We remember Debbie’s extraordinary 91 years, including 63 years of sobriety. Debbie’s legacy as a musician, devoted mother and wife, passionate alcoholism recovery educator and advocate will continue to inspire. CONTINUE@SteppingStone
STICK WITH THE WINNERS! – March 25, 2025 – Brette Taylor is an acclaimed actress and filmmaker. She actively works as a writer, producer, actor, and director on projects that highlight her connection to strong, straight-shooting women. “Creating characters like these, on and off screen, is what I crave”, Brette says. Brette grew up in a creative world, influenced by her mom, actress and screenwriter Christine Parks, and her Stepdad, music producer and filmmaker Bob Fries. One of Brette’s recent passion projects, “Babs” (based on her own addiction) has garnered multiple awards. Her current producing credits include the feature film…
WATCH – LISTEN – March 20, 2025 – Wale has always been one of Hip Hop’s most introspective artists, unafraid to explore love, success and the struggles that come with both. His Wednesday (March 19) release, “Blanco,” sees him peeling back another layer by candidly addressing his battle with alcoholism. This vulnerability raises questions about what his upcoming album will bring and how Wale’s overall journey fits within rap’s broader conversation about addiction and mental health. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a man grappling with his demons, using alcohol as both an escape and a burden. Lines like,…
EVEN THE STONED DIE YOUNG – March 18, 2024 – The retrospective study found that cannabis users under 50 were more than six times as likely to experience a heart attack compared to non-users. Meanwhile, the meta-analysis, the largest pooled study on this topic to date, found that marijuana use was associated with a 50% higher risk of heart attacks. While the mechanisms through which marijuana or its components may impact the cardiovascular system are not fully understood, the researchers hypothesize that it can affect heart rhythm regulation, heighten oxygen demand in the heart muscle, and contribute to endothelial dysfunction,…