Image (c) John Evans

It's getting to that time of year when many of us are shopping for gifts. But some gifts can be problematic, embarrassing or redundant for someone with an addiction, someone overcoming an addiction, or the loved one of someone with an addiction.

Even if addiction isn't in the picture, the common gift of wine or other alcohol is often inappropriate (I'll never forget receiving a bottle of wine while I was pregnant!)

While gaffes like these might seem easy to avoid, you cannot always be aware of whether family or friends are trying for a baby, in early pregnancy, or are attempting to cut down or quit alcohol. Read more...

Image (c) Sanja Gjenero

Addictions programs, and notably, 12 step programs, often have a component of spirituality. Many people find this off-putting, for a whole host of reasons.

But many of the reasons that people want to stay away actually reflect an inner need to discover your own spiritual truth. Those who are athiest or agnostic, for example, may feel strongly about not being inconsistent with their own belief system. So although they might not be a believe in a God, they know what is true to them. Read more...

Image (c) Mateusz Stachowski

According to CBC News, a man who sexually assaulted a woman was recently found "not criminally responsible" because he was asleep at the time of the attack. He suffered from a rare sleep disorder, known as sexsomnia.

Apparently, he was considered not a significant threat to public safety, and was discharged without restrictions. I feel there is something very wrong with the outcome of this case, and here are some of the reasons why. Read more...

Image (c) www.taatgen-fotografie.nl

According to MedPage Today, the American Medical Association has changed it's policy on medical marijuana.

They are asking for marijuana to be moved out of Schedule I, in which drugs considered to be unsafe, highly risky for abuse, and having no medical use are placed -- without specifying the schedule under which it belongs -- for more research to be conducted into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, and for funding to be made available for research. Read more...