Understanding The Case For Cannabis; It Is Not Harmless
Twenty-four States have legalized recreational cannabis. It would seem likely that public opinion concurs. However, to the extent that public opinion holds that cannabis is a harmless or relatively harmless drug that is incorrect. Further, the argument that use is widespread is incorrect as about 17% of American adults use cannabis versus 70% who use alcohol. Here we argue that we should recognize the dangers of cannabis that is more harmful that alcohol. Medical uses are researched, effective in many cases and should be legal. At the same time, we recognize that prohibition has failed and regulation seems the logical next step.
We Need To Think About Binge Drinking and Heavy Drinking Too
While we have focused mainly on the disease of addiction and specifically alcohol use disorder, we should not ignore other, abusive and dangerous behavior with alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control reports that there are 55 million binge drinkers and heavy drinkers in America. Their behavior is harmful to themselves, those around them, and is a drain on our healthcare system. We should attend to this behavior as well.
Stop Using A Behavioral Health Disease As A Core Justification For Tariffs
Today we return to essays about important topics in alcohol and other drug use, abuse and addiction. Our point in this essay is that using illegal drug supply as a core justification for tariffs seems disingenuous. Certainly, stopping demand is worthwhile. The problem is twofold. First, stopping opioids at the border is very difficult. Second is that demand accounts for only one-third the drug problem in America. Two thirds of the problem is driven by demand and there we are doing a terrible job at treatment — curbing demand. Until we get serious about demand let’s stop using drug abuse, a disease as defined by the AMA, as a cudgel for the larger economic and geopolitical purposes of tariffs.
You Will Be Rich and Not Know It
We shared Sharon’s story before as she wondered if she had a spiritual experience. Now Lamont and at a different point in his recovery. In recovery circles it is common to hear about gratitude. To the outsider it may seem odd. To the members they understand that they have a heightened awareness of spiritual matters. For most it is a deeply held, unshakable belief in a deity. Others aren’t so sure. For all though they have gratitude.
Too Few To Mention
As we have noted previously, we will not ignore the issues and concerns of our loved ones, the codependents. No matter the debate about including this condition in the DSM-V, the lives of millions are changed and their mental health burdened by their loved ones with substance use disorder. Here is the story of how life ended for one of those codependents.
Yes, We Have A Teen Drug Problem
The headline is tragic — a teen suffers an overdose from a fake pill. Yes, we have a teen alcohol and drug problem. Yet, with empathy for the families who experience accidental overdose, this headline is only the tip of the iceberg.
We Don’t Understand The Problem of Substance Abuse
Until we have a better, more informed awareness of alcohol and drug abuse too few people are motivated to find the support they need for themselves or their loved one. The result is 200,000 American deaths every year. Let’s see if we can change that and let’s start here.