The bad news: I am hearing more and more of our parents talking not only about addiction to THC, but also cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP). While in some cases the psychosis is temporary, in others–including many in their teens and twenties–the disorder transitions into a spectrum of schizophrenia disorders. Sadly, there are limited resources to help relieve families of the burden

At our August 29 New Canaan Vigil, I introduced the concept of Power of Story. By this, I meant that recovery stories told, in a courageous, vulnerable way, saves lives. I have even quantified it, even though–as I mentioned–I have no academic or work-related credentials. I said that every story told openly results in at least one life saved. Why

I first met Aidan C. at one of our parent support meetings. At his mom’s invitation, he came to the meeting to share his story and give hope to other parents in the room. During his talk, he mentioned how 12-step meetings and service to others was important to his long-term sobriety and recovery. He also mentioned that the meetings

I recently had a conversation with Joe Feldman, who is the Founder of CoverMyMentalHealth.com and mental health care advocate. While we all know there is supposed “parity” for insurance coverage of mental health and substance use disorders, in practice that is not the case. In our conversation, Joe brought up an important idea that can forestall the agonizing appeals process

A recent article brought to light the risks of self-medication to address mental health issues. While most people know that benzodiazepines like Xanax purchased on “the street” may contain fentanyl, I was surprised to learn that people are injecting themselves with compounded versions of ketamine for a non-FDA approved indication that has FDA-listed risks. (CLICK HERE for FDA alert.) The

The New Canaan Parent Support Group was founded on the concept that addiction is a family disease —one that affects every member, including parents. Personally, I find immense gratitude in knowing that our support meetings offer a safe, confidential space where parents and families can find community and solace. NCPSG is also based on authenticity and getting real. Too many

Parents with loved ones struggling with mental health and addiction disorders face tremendous financial challenges, despite the mental health insurance parity laws that have been passed at both the state and national level. Insurance coverage varies by insurer, the specific plan, and the state. The appeals process for overturning denied claims differs as well. There are several organizations who for

This is great news. Access to NARCAN will get even better, as the drug will be distributed through drug stores over-the-counter, without a prescription. Our support group already offers free NARCAN to family members who request it, through one of our strategic partners. Just contact us on our website or by email. Here is the link to the news article.

Several of our support group parents have been concerned about THC sales in New Canaan post the legalization of the retail sale of marijuana on July 1, 2021. While cannabis dispensaries have indeed been banned locally in New Canaan, two retail stores have been unethically selling THC gummy bears. Why? A legal loophole. The RERACA Act, which legalized the retail

Self-care has been a growing theme throughout the year for NCPSG. In recent meetings, a common question is: “okay, and how has this week gone for your own personal self-care”? Why all this focus on self-care? Because Self-care is an important component of recovery–for both the loved one AND family members and friends. Many parents feel like they’ve signed have