The Coleman Institute Blog

For those of you interested in learning more about how addiction specifically affects the brain, I encourage you to watch Dr. Kevin McCauley’s movies and YouTube presentations. Dr. McCauley was an Air Force surgeon who became addicted to pain medications after he went through a surgery himself. Rather than receiving treatment, he was sent to Leavenworth Prison.

He took advantage of his time in prison to learn everything he could about this incredible condition that was so powerful it compelled him to continue to take drugs even though he knew it was jeopardizing everything he valued.

I had to laugh when Miriam (not her real name) told me the best thing about sobriety is that her husband is not so annoying to be around. The hardest thing: dealing with cravings.

The growing prevalence of opioid addiction has made seeking treatment especially important for people and their loved ones. But knowing what to expect from withdrawal and your detox program can clarify what the experience is like so that you’re in control of your own recovery and sobriety.

People often schedule consultations with our office to explore questions about their alcohol use. Drinking is so ubiquitous and our culture is so alcohol-centric, that frequently people aren’t sure whether their drinking is “normal” or if they are developing a troublesome and dangerous relationship with alcohol.

I had a conversation with my 30-year-old daughter the other evening. I said some things that she thought were entertaining and she decided she needed to start a reverse baby-book for me, writing down things I say that she thinks are funny. (When they were little, I did a good job of capturing on paper their quips and questions and witty musings. One of their favorite things to do on visits now is to re-read these vignettes.)

I had such a profound feeling of gratitude that we could be so present with each other, and enjoy each other's company. Connection for humans - and other species - is vital.