No Stimulus Funding?

According to an article on JoinTogether.org, the new $819 billion stimulus package passed by the house rejected a request for $100 million towards addiction research and chose not to pursue that option. However, there was a provision towards anti-smoking research and education, and almost $6 billion for general health and wellness provisions. Hopefully we can direct some of that money towards improving treatment outcomes and helping more people find a solution to their addiction and crisis.

Here's a great video from the UK featuring Jack Osbourne talking about 12-step recovery and talking to a younger population in treatment.



For something lighter, click here.

As always, you can find me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Thanks.

Checking in on Clarity

I finished the book Moments of Clarity by Christopher Kennedy Lawford this week and was super impressed (you can get the book on Amazon here). I think Christopher did a great job talking to folks not only of celebrity status, but those who work in the field as well. I was really touched by seeing Velvet Mangan's story in the book; it's great to see people I know advocating for recovery and sharing their personal experience on such a deep level. I'm hoping this book, which is currently on the New York Times Bestseller list, can help raise awareness that addiction can happen to ANYONE.

Here's a video that Christopher did promoting his book:



For something a little more fun, click here.

And as always, feel free to add me on Twitter or LinkedIn, and make sure to support my advertisers.

Layoffs?

Coming into 2007 and 2008, healthcare looked like a great industry with good growth potential. Now, early in 2009, we keep hearing about layoffs coming in every industry, and even some of the treatment centers closing their doors. How does everyone cope with this? I'm pushing myself to develop a better referral network, be more connected, and continue to grow my resource base.

We'll see what unfolds in 2009. We've seen progress with the Mental Health Parity Act passing at the end of last year, but we still have a battle to fight.

Here's Obama's take on healthcare:



Also, check us out some folks doing good work at C4 Recovery Solutions.

A new day dawns

Hi there.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be writing on occasion to update the world on what's happening inside the treatment world, as well as research, government action, and opinions. I would love comments and questions, and look forward to seeing some good results as we move forward in new ideas in this world.

For now, check out where I work here

You can also find me on LinkedIn or Twitter.

I'll be posting links and articles as well as anything I find out while exploring the field.

Take care, and see you soon.