Overdose Inaction
By Tom Horvath, PhD How can we explain the widespread expressed concern about US overdose deaths, coupled with our rather ineffective response to them? US overdose deaths may be the highest in the world. I will limit the following discussion to opiates, but alcohol, meth and multiple substance use are also of concern. I suggest […]
Life and Values: Thinking Back After Thinking Ahead
By Tom Horvath, PhD I expect that you know everything I am about to write about. However, I hope this blog will be a useful reminder about life and values. A well-lived life is based on values. We act on values we are not even aware of. However, we know many of them. Becoming even […]
Does AA do More Harm than Good?
By A. Tom Horvath, PhD Is this question sacrilegious? It should not be. AA has done much good in the world, and I expect it will continue to do so, for those who freely choose to attend it. In this article I point out what harm AA can do and might continue to do. Any […]
How Alcohol Treatment Became Divorced from Alcohol Science: The Rise of the Minnesota Model
By Kenneth Anderson, MA Alcohol treatment wasn’t always divorced from alcohol science; the divorce between the two can be largely laid at the feet of Hazelden CEO Daniel John “Dan” Anderson, PhD (Mar 30, 1921 – Feb 19, 2003). Anderson’s attitude towards science was one of hubris and arrogance. The History of Alcohol Treatment in […]
Rethinking Treatment Goals, “Successful” Outcomes and Reduced Alcohol Use
By John de Miranda Innovation does not come quickly or easily to the addiction treatment sector. For example, harm reduction strategies had been employed in the public health sector for decades before their recent adoption by the federal government as a latecomer to fighting our nation’s opioid epidemic. Similarly, the Minnesota Model of addiction treatment, […]
Is Pro Football More Dangerous Than Substance Use?
By Tom Horvath, PhD Stanton Peele suggested this idea in one of his recent blogs. As we await Super Bowl Sunday (2/11/24) the question seems worth re-visiting. It would require a careful analysis of outcomes from pro football and substance use to provide an accurate comparison. The data about substance problems is easy to find. […]
Internal vs. External Mood Regulation
By Tom Horvath, PhD How well can I calm myself or energize myself using my own abilities? How much do I need to use a substance for help? Although at times a mild sedative (one drink) or mild stimulant (a cup of coffee) can be a helpful tool, the more we rely on such tools […]
The Alcenas Hospital and Lakeside Milam
By Kenneth Anderson, MA The history of alcohol treatment since the 1960s has been a history of practitioners ignoring science and the scientific method and forming conclusions based on observations of clinical populations without testing hypotheses, then self-publishing these hypotheses or publishing them in the popular press rather than in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Some of […]
The Non-Science of the Wegscheider-Cruse Family Roles Theory
By Kenneth Anderson, MA The Wegscheider-Cruse Family Roles Theory is one example of how “chemical dependency” treatment does not have the firm scientific foundation that it is suggested to have. Despite this lack of foundation, to become a certified addiction counselor today one must study Wegscheider-Cruse’s theory. Below I present the history of the development […]
Getting a Fresh Start in the New Year
By Tom Horvath, PhD Although you can embark on a new habit at any time of year, the New Year remains a popular starting time! Here are some suggestions on how to maximize your project. Decide whether to start small or start “big.” Even though your end point may evolve over time, decide at the […]