One of my favorite series in recent years is HBO’s drama “Succession,” about the Roy family, led by the hugely flawed and highly successful aging patriarch Logan Roy. He is a media and entertainment mogul much like Rupert Murdoch. Logan is emotionally manipulative, pitting his adult children against each other to determine his successor. His moral … [Read more...]
Your Partner’s Addicted to Gambling: What Do You Do Now?
One of the most important foundations of any relationship? Trust. Sadly, that trust can be shattered by addiction. If drugs or alcohol come immediately to mind, that’s not unusual. Yet, gambling addiction can just as easily tear apart an otherwise loving couple. Gambling addiction is less commonly discussed and often, less obvious. … [Read more...]
Calculating Math of a Good Time!
You may be great at math, but not so accomplished at calculating math of a good time. What does calculating math of a good time even mean? This is the second part of a look at alcohol or substance use or misuse. (See “The 5 Stages of Intoxication.”) Calculating math of a good time Have you ever had a fun night out with friends, drinking some … [Read more...]
The 5 Stages of Intoxication
Are you over-drinking? Some people say there are 5 stages of intoxication: jocose, verbose, bellicose, lachrymose, and comatose. Others add grandiose, morose, and adios! Let’s take a closer look. Understanding the 5 stages of intoxication Jocose means humorous or playful, joking. When you’re in this state, you’re friendly, engaging, fun to be … [Read more...]
Substance Use Disorder and “Nurse Jackie”
Season Five of Showtime Channel’s darkly comic “Nurse Jackie” proves my contention that “if you deal with the behavior without confronting the underlying issues, you’re just switching chairs on a sinking ship.” I was referring to substance abuse in the quote, but it really holds true for the behavioral approach to all psychological problems. Yet … [Read more...]