People ask me all the time if I ever take a vacation. Yes, in fact I do. And you have the opportunity to join me. March 10-22, 2015, I will help to lead a trip to Israel. On this adventure, we will visit Israel “From End to End.” If you want to know more about […]
Alcohol and marijuana are two drugs commonly used by people at the same time. New information indicates that combining the two may cause individuals to over-use both substances and in some cases, can result in death. The danger of drinking before smoking is severe illness. A side effect of smoking marijuana, called “greening out”, is […]
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is from the same family as the coffee tree. The leaves of the kratom tree have been used medicinally by herbalists for millennia as both a stimulant (low doses) and sedative (higher doses). It is a painkiller, anti-diarrheal, traditional treatment for […]
Researchers are currently experimenting with ways to erase distressing memories with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as electroshock therapy. Mental trauma, psychiatric disorders and addiction are some of the possible therapeutic uses. How does it work? Scientists once believed memory was permanently stored in our brains and although forgotten or replaced by new memory, could […]
Often family members are hesitant to confront an addict about the problems associated with her addictive behavior, out of fear that the addict will dissociate herself from the family. “It’s better that I know where she is…” is a comment made frequently by family members. However, if there are never any consequences in the family […]
The book, “Ending Addiction for Good,” which Cliffside Malibu Founder and CEO Richard Taite and I coauthored, is now available for purchase. I received my promotional copies a few days ago. Holding the book in my hands is an amazing experience. “Why was writing this book so important to you?” is a question I am […]
Someone I recently met called and asked me if I could help a loved one of hers who is an addict. She told me about his history abusing prescription pain medication and other substances. I’ve seen the man. He’s obviously high most of the time. This woman and the man’s mother both enable him to […]
Johnny Lewis, who played roles on the TV series “Sons of Anarchy” and “O.C.” was found dead in the driveway of a Los Feliz, California home yesterday. Allegedly, Lewis was high on either methamphetamine or PCP when he assaulted two men and presumably beat his 81-year-old landlady and her cat to death before either jumping […]