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

May 2022–Mental Health Awareness Month–marks a critical moment as youth mental health disorders had been rising before the pandemic, and COVID-19 pandemic has only made depression and anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidality and suicide attempts worse. In my opinion, there is momentum from all corners to change these trends as we all work together, from the federal government to the

March 10 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Fentanyl is the #1 cause of death for those aged 18-45, and is tied to about 2/3 of all drug fatalities. While many who are addicted to opioids seek out fentanyl on the “street”, other times fentanyl is included in cocaine, meth and fake prescription pills like hydrocodone and Xanax. It is incumbent

Late last month, Jacqueline, Mary and I virtually met with Lisa Arnold, Clinical Director of the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) at Fairfield University. I consider Lisa one of NCPSG’s key partners, because of her enthusiasm for recovery in general and collegiate recovery in particular. It was great to get an update, as it had been 2 and a half years

Earlier this week, I had a great virtual visit with Sandy Valentine, Leader of UConn’s collegiate recovery program which they call URC (UConn Recovery Community). Our Social Media Intern Mary and parent Jacqueline joined me. We “met” at the Cordial Storrs House, a centuries-old building dedicated to all things student recovery. The goal of URC, as Sandy described it, is

Recently, the cover of Berkeley’s Alumni Quarterly magazine caught my eye. I love the pop art from the 60’s and 70’s, but why was it being used? Because Berkeley has decided to reestablish–perhaps in tribute to the free spirits of the past like Timothy Leary–a center to encourage and encourage the use of psychedelics to “enhance well-being and deepen spirituality”.

A visit to the student recovery house at Sacred Heart University reminded us of the opportunities now available for young adults to start/finish college in recovery. James Cafran, SHU’s Collegiate Recovery Program Coordinator, gave our Intern Mary Kowal-Foley and me a house tour. James then described the background into SHU’s foray in collegiate recovery. First, there were already collegiate recovery

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) utilizes prescription medication in addition to evidence-based therapy to effectively treat substance use disorder, primarily opioid addiction. It typically combines cognitive behavioral therapy with medications to provide a more holistic and individualized approach to treatment.While methadone was the first drug utilized to treat opioid addiction, Suboxone came on the market in 2002 as a “partial opioid agonist”

I’m grateful to the CT Post for publishing an op-ed I wrote on public health safeguards for marijuana legalization. I have sent to politicians in Hartford, and can only hope they read it! 3 PUBLIC HEALTH STEPS NEEDED TO LEGALIZE ADULT-USE CANNABIS On July 15, 2015, my world was changed forever.  My beloved son Evan went to heaven.  He died