'The Case for Rational Optimism'
By Frank S. Robinson

          Here is a wonderful read.
         'Healing The Addicted Brain' by Harold C. Urschel, III, M.D. is well written, understandably readable, and cutting edge current.  It is right in line with the HBO special 'Addiction' offered as a link on this site.
          Now we have great books, concerned authors, fabulous documentaries, medical and therapeutic tools, you, and me to get the message out and help.  All that is needed now is governments to fund like they mean it.

Kind regards,
Tony Ballatore

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Announcing two new pages:

Personal Growth & Laughter

           On the Personal Growth page, you will find videos that speak to our effort at spiritual enlightenment, psychological health and comfort, self-awareness, and self-actualization.  Great stuff.

           The laughter page is about one thing and one thing alone:

           When we hear of someone suffering, we suffer.  When we can help, we help.  These are two of the most noble of human characteristics.  They have been woven throughout our history by men and women just like you and me.
            The public's perception of substance addiction, and how that perception influences the way we treat each other is at the heart of this site.
            A population of people who want to help those addicted to substances is more likely to help.  Simple?  Yes.  So what is it that bonds our wants to our efforts?  I believe understanding is the adhesive and communication is the catalyst.
           Let's communicate.
          What is a substance addition?  How is it treated?  How should it be treated?  Can it be cured?  Is it a disease or a...?  How many of us are addicted, and to what?  What do the experts say?  What do those addicted say?  What can be done?  What is being done.  How to help?
           I am offering you this site as a place to share perceptions, opinions, ideas, and suggestions.  I offer it as a place to promote and acknowledge individuals and group, funds, and foundations that help.
           Here's a thought that just came to me.  Tell me what you think.
           I find my bottomline perspective regarding recovery from substance addiction to be a simple and workable one.  An individual's recovery begins the instant one considers abstinence.  It may only last as long as it takes to light a match, or open a bottle, but there is recovery in each and every one of those moments.  The rub is...  How to expand that moment?  How to take that consideration and make it last a lifetime?  How does society help in this effort?  Does it do enough?
           So what do you think?

           How can we help others continue to recover from a substance addiction?

           I'm pretty sure that substance addiction has plagued humans for as long as there have been humans.  Dr. Benjamin Rush (Founder of the American Psychiatric Association & signer to the United States' Declaration of Independence) was one of the first to describe alcoholism as a disease.  Substance addiction as a disease was adopted by the medical establishment during the middle of the 20th Century by such organizations and individuals as the APA in the 1952 publication of the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual (DSM), the World Health Organization's International Classification of Disease (ICD-8), Jellinek's work, Jaffe's, Trotter's, and many more.
           What are your thoughts on these publications, organizations, and people?

           What do you think of the Disease Concept of Addition?

           Outside of an A.A., N.A., C.A. function, and the clinician and client relationship, would it help for people to 'come out' about their struggles with addiction?

           What are some cultural perspectives regarding addiction?

           How are addicts treated in different parts of the world?

           Are there differences in how various religions view substance addiction.

           Suggest some good books, sites, articles, research, or researchers.

           What are your ideas and perspectives.