'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
 

           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 includes videos about one thing and one thing alone:

          Here are some wonderful talks and videos that might help explain, answer, and motivate. 
          I will be placing audio and video presentations on this web site that I believe are interesting, educational, thought provoking, and always Pro Bono Publico 'For The Public Good' to some degree.
          Some will be right for you, others might not.  Be open.  Each person with a substance addiction must find their own solution; it will never be found alone.  Each counselor must find the right approach for each individual client; they can not do it alone.  Each community must put together  a health network that will serve and save their communities; no community, local or global, is alone with this challenge.
          I'm starting with the 12 Steps because I have seen their restorative effects, and I have the mp3s.  I've also included a video of Dr. Helen Fisher.  Her work has cast light on the relationship of romantic love and addiction, obsession and addiction, and how they playout in the brain.  You can find much more about Dr. Helen Fisher at Ted.com.  I've also included a link to HBO.com to watch the special they did no addiction.  It is very much in line with the book I reviewed by Dr.Urschel.
          My point is that healthcare professionals, family members, addicts, and friends must look at the gains that have been made in the area of psychology, medicine, fellowship and giving a dawm, and then take action to save lives.
          Open your minds and hearts; read, listen, learn, and accept.
          Let's be there for each other.

          In this video, Dr. Helen Fisher (Anthropologist - Rutgers University) discusses addiction to love and its effects on the brain.  This is important for people in recovery because so many relapse in early recovery due to Cupid's Arrow.  Love challenges people in the same way and in the same places in the brain as do drugs.