Best of the Week Your Addiction and Recovery Update

Best of the Week: May 11–17 the fix interview// David Sheff’s Addiction Manifesto The acclaimed author of Beautiful Boy and Clean expounds on the disease model, AA and the recovery movement, the failures of US addiction treatment and drug policy—and our reasons for optimism. By Will Godfrey on the contrary// "Gruff Love" in AA vs. "Tough Love" in Rehab Some things done in 12-step meetings may be humiliating or hurtful—but when done in treatment programs, they’re toxic to mental and physical health. The difference is about power. By Maia Szalavitz out of the rooms// How I Caught Alcoholism It takes a lot for some people to realize that addiction and alcoholism are the same thing: A sleazy date finally taught me what even a wise counselor could not. By Anna David 12-step// Secret “Sober” Pot Smokers Can you can be sober in AA and still smoke pot? Some members believe it’s possible, but are they getting away with it? By Laura Barcella history// Sen. Joe McCarthy’s Startling Morphine Source During the 1950s Red Scare, America’s first drug czar fed the opiate addiction of America’s most feared senator. Loved or hated, McCarthy remains a legend. Why is his drug habit so little known? By Matt Harvey sober living// Being a Lesbian in AA How do you manage terminal uniqueness when you are in fact unique? A minority AA member from Portland reports. By Michaela Miller Q&A// Slam Dunkin’ Sobriety: The NBA’s Chris Herren Speaks Out Clean and sober since 2008, the former Boston Celtics star tells The Fix about the extremes of his addiction to Oxy and heroin, and the joys of an honest paycheck. By McCarton Ackerman Best of the Quick Fix Christine Quinn Comes Out as Bulimic, Alcoholic Lawmakers Unveil Drug War "Exit Strategy" Montreal Cops Seize Drug "40X Stronger Than Heroin" Rob Lowe Celebrates 23 Years Sober Rastafarian Minister Says Selling Pot Is His Divine Right Is the Drunk Driving Threshold Too High? COMMENT OF THE WEEK Sheff’s Choice Author David Sheff spoke with The Fix at a special event in California about his experiences with the treatment industry as the father of recovering addict Nic Sheff. Many agree with him that the industry must do more to tailor its programs to individual clients’ needs: Thank you, David Sheff, for saying what so many know about treatment centers. So many insist on a one size fits all approach and won’t allow any leeway for the clients who are paying their bills, really. You’re quite right, they do simply leave. They leave and end up resisting rehab again and again, thinking there’s no help available. This must change. I’m just glad that more people are finally discussing it. Addicted people and their families are the ones who should be driving this industry, not the other way around. People spend a fortune, yet this industry remains one of the least consumer-driven in the country, even while demand keeps growing. It’s absurd. -Persephone MORE »