Alcohol Use Disorder: Easy to Meet Criteria

Alcohol Use Disorder: Easy to Meet Criteria

A lot of patients I see don’t really know they may meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder. I can tell you that it’s not that hard to qualify, and more and more people are entering the ranks. From 2001 to 2012, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) increased...
The Connection Between Mental and Physical Pain

The Connection Between Mental and Physical Pain

My trauma occurred in February of 2011. As I stood in front of the podium and spoke at a state summit in Michigan, I recounted my trauma — my past — in front of a room filled with strangers. I shared my vulnerable story and my transition from victim to thriving...
What Does It Mean To Hit Rock Bottom?

What Does It Mean To Hit Rock Bottom?

I came across this quote on my Instagram feed the other day. I thought it was so profoundly true that I wanted to share it with you. “I don’t believe in rock bottom. I’ve had a lot of what I thought were rock bottoms, only to discover another, rockier bottom...
PART 5: What Feels Better Than Heroin?

PART 5: What Feels Better Than Heroin?

The 4th and final law in James Clear’s Atomic Habits refers to the final part of the habit loop, the reward. In order for a new habit to form and be sustained, any reward must be satisfying. The difficult thing about this step speaks to our biology and evolution. As...