Latest news with #AlcoholicsAnonymous
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
12-Step Programs Explained: Do They Really Work?
Conceived in 1935 by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs have evolved into a global framework for addiction recovery. Their influence spans cultures, faiths, and treatment centers, becoming a cornerstone of countless recovery narratives. Yet amid their ubiquity, one question remains persistently relevant: Do they actually work? A New Era in Accessible Recovery Care With the growing need for flexible and discreet treatment options, virtual healthcare is transforming how patients manage opioid use disorder. Individuals can now consult with online Suboxone doctors from the comfort of their homes, eliminating common barriers such as transportation, stigma, and limited local availability. These licensed professionals offer comprehensive care, including diagnosis, medication management, and follow-up support, all through secure digital platforms. This modern approach ensures continuity of care while maintaining the privacy and convenience many patients seek. As telemedicine evolves, it continues to enhance access to life-saving treatments for those on the path to recovery. The Foundational Principles of 12-Step Philosophy The architecture of 12-step recovery rests on three central tenets—surrender, accountability, and spiritual awakening. Individuals are urged to admit powerlessness over their addiction, surrender their will to a higher power, and engage in rigorous self-examination. These principles are not merely philosophical. They serve as scaffolding for moral clarity and behavioral change. Equally vital is the communal aspect. Unlike solitary self-help efforts, 12-step programs thrive on collective experience. Meetings offer a sanctuary of shared struggle, where members bear witness to each other's progress without judgment. This fellowship cultivates belonging, reducing isolation—a known accelerant of relapse. Structure and Sequence: What the 12 Steps Involve The 12 steps form a sequential journey of transformation. From admitting one's flaws (Step 1) to making amends (Steps 8 and 9), and finally carrying the message to others (Step 12), each stage is designed to dismantle denial and rebuild integrity. These steps are not just confessions—they are cognitive recalibrations that shift behavior at its core. Integral to this process is the sponsor—a mentor figure who offers accountability, guidance, and emotional ballast. The sponsor-sponsee relationship is informal but profound, often becoming a critical lifeline during moments of vulnerability. Meetings reinforce these connections, providing both rhythm and ritual to the recovery process. Effectiveness: What the Evidence Tells Us Research on 12-step programs reveals a nuanced picture. Studies show that consistent participation correlates with increased rates of abstinence and decreased relapse frequency. In particular, individuals who fully engage—attending meetings, completing steps, and acquiring sponsors—tend to fare better than passive attendees. However, scientific scrutiny is complicated by methodological challenges. Participants are often self-selecting, introducing bias. Furthermore, 12-step programs typically discourage formal data collection, preserving anonymity at the expense of measurable outcomes. Despite these limitations, meta-analyses suggest that for motivated individuals, the model can be as effective as—or more than—certain clinical interventions. Criticism and Controversy Detractors point to the program's spiritual underpinnings as exclusionary, especially for atheists or agnostics. While the 'higher power' concept is open to interpretation, critics argue it can border on coercive. Others highlight the program's insistence on powerlessness, which some interpret as disempowering rather than liberating. Concerns also arise over its rigidity. The uniform application of the steps may not resonate with those whose addictions stem from trauma or co-occurring disorders. Critics suggest that the model, while helpful for many, should not be regarded as a universal remedy. Variations and Modern Adaptations In response to these critiques, new iterations have emerged. Programs like SMART Recovery and Refuge Recovery emphasize science-based and mindfulness-driven approaches, respectively. These alternatives strip away religious overtones while retaining group support and self-reflection components. Many treatment centers now employ hybrid models, combining 12-step meetings with therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic care. This integrative approach enhances flexibility and broadens appeal, especially for individuals who may not identify with traditional recovery language. Who Benefits Most From 12-Step Programs? Not all individuals engage equally with 12-step frameworks. Those who thrive tend to value structure, community, and introspective dialogue. Extroverted personalities often benefit from group interaction, while those with internal motivation find the stepwork profoundly cathartic. Recovery outcomes also hinge on the presence of supportive environments. Individuals embedded in recovery-oriented social networks experience fewer triggers and greater emotional resilience. When 12-step programs are part of a broader ecosystem of care, their impact magnifies. Understanding a Common Treatment Option for Opioid Dependence One medication frequently used in the treatment of opioid addiction is a suboxone round orange pill, which combines buprenorphine and naloxone. This combination works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery journey. The orange color and round shape help distinguish it from other medications, making it easier for patients to identify. Suboxone is typically taken sublingually and must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. With proper use, it can be an essential component of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan, supporting long-term sobriety and improved quality of life. Conclusion 12-step programs remain a formidable force in addiction recovery, blending ritual, reflection, and fellowship into a path toward sobriety. Yet their efficacy is neither monolithic nor magical. They work best when personalized, when chosen freely rather than imposed, and when complemented by professional support. As the landscape of recovery continues to evolve, the 12-step model endures—not as a panacea, but as a potent tool in the broader tapestry of healing. Choice, respect for individuality, and adaptive care remain the pillars of effective, lasting recovery TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Oklahoma death row: Could Stacy Drake be state's first death sentence in three years?
The death penalty is still being sought in Oklahoma but no one new has been sentenced to that punishment in the state in over three years. It is the longest gap in more than 50 years in a state known for having the highest per capita execution rate in the country. Oklahoma last saw no new death sentences in a year in 2011, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. "That's consistent with a nationwide trend," said the Rev. Don Heath, chairman of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. The latest request for the death penalty came Wednesday, May 21, in a triple murder case in Sequoyah County District Court. Prosecutors gave notice that they will seek the punishment at trial for Stacy Lee Drake. The 51-year-old drifter is suspected of being a serial killer responsible for two fatal shootings in Alabama and three in Oklahoma last year. He was caught on June 20, 2024, in a wooded area in Morrilton, Arkansas, after a manhunt. The evidence against Drake includes his YouTube watch history showing that on June 8 he viewed video compilations of the "greatest" movie one-liners before and after killing scenes. Prosecutors allege he killed a fellow Alcoholics Anonymous member in El Reno between June 9 and 14 and then killed two employees of a propane store outside of Sallisaw on June 18. In the notice, District Attorney Jack Thorp listed four reasons for seeking the death penalty for the Oklahoma murders. The key claim is that Drake represents "a continuing threat to society." Jurors can vote for death only if they unanimously agree on at least one of the reasons. The last time a death sentence was imposed in Oklahoma was on May 13, 2022. A judge sentenced David Ware, 37, to die for the fatal shooting of a Tulsa police officer during a traffic stop. Jurors agreed on that punishment in under three hours. The lull in new death sentences comes at the same time Oklahoma is carrying out executions again. Sixteen convicted murderers have been executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester since lethal injections resumed in October 2021 after a long hiatus. The next execution is set for June 12. The lull has been reported on before. "Oklahoma's death row is dwindling with each execution," the online news site Oklahoma Watch reported in December. The death row population dropped to 29 after inmate Wendell Grissom was executed in March and inmate Richard Glossip won on appeal at the U.S. Supreme Court in February. Nationwide, there were 26 new death sentences imposed in 2024, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. In 2010, there were more than 100. The nonprofit does not take a position on the death penalty but is critical of problems in its application. It reported Florida imposed the most new death sentences last year with seven. Texas imposed six. Death sentences have dropped in Oklahoma in part because of last-minute plea deals, even in cases with multiple victims court records show. Also, many murder cases are still taking longer to get to trial as prosecutors and defense attorneys continue to work to catch up from pandemic shutdowns. Defense attorneys who specialize in capital punishment cases report they are juggling three at the same time. Last October, Jarron Deajon Pridgeon, 30, pleaded guilty days before trial to six counts of first-degree murder to avoid the death penalty. He fatally shot his brother and five children in Muskogee in 2021. Under his plea deal, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In 2023, Mario James Normore was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for going on a killing and robbery spree in Oklahoma City in 2017 that left four people dead. Prosecutors said the deal sparing him from the death penalty was made "to satisfy the desire of the families for a conclusion." Oklahoma County's new district attorney, Vicki Behenna, has dropped death as a possible punishment in seven other murder cases that were pending when she took office two years ago. In another death penalty case, she dismissed the double-murder charge all together, without alerting police first. Some death penalty cases are several years old. In one high-publicity case, Oklahoma City defense attorney Keegan Harroz and client Barry Roland Titus II are accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2019. They also are accused of murdering the ex-girlfriend's parents. Harroz, 41, and Titus, 43, became lovers after she began defending him in a domestic abuse case. They were not even charged until 2021. Since then, the jury trial for Titus has been delayed twice. No new date has been set. The most recent delay came in March when his attorneys accused the trial judge of bias. Their complaint about the judge is now before the Court of Criminal Appeals. Harroz was to have had a separate trial. She now has a deal to testify against Titus in exchange for prosecutors dropping their death penalty request against her. In Tulsa County, Derrick Wayne Stith, 31, is accused of beating his girlfriend to death with a hammer in 2017. Prosecutors made their request for the death penalty a year later. Up next in his case is a jury trial to determine if he is mentally competent for prosecution. It is set for September. "This one's gone on forever," Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said. "It's gone through multiple defense attorneys. He's represented himself sometimes." Other death penalty cases are pending across Oklahoma. In Oklahoma County, prosecutors have decided to go ahead with the death penalty against Josh Christian Brown, 39, of Spencer. He is accused in his murder charge of killing his wife "by engaging in a continuous physical attack" over two days in 2020. In Caddo County, a caretaker accused of willfully torturing 4-year-old Athena Brownfield to death still faces the maximum punishment. Alysia Adina Adams, 33, backed out of a plea deal in November that would have spared her from a death sentence. In Cleveland County, Chace Cook, 21, is accused of raping and murdering a Moore High School senior at her home in 2023. Prosecutors gave notice in December 2023 they would seek the death penalty, saying the decision was not made lightly. Also in Cleveland County, convicted murderer Paul Newberry, 44, is accused of killing another inmate at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington in 2023. His death penalty case has been delayed by questions about his competency. He is serving life without the possibility of parole on a 2015 murder case. In LeFlore County, Alex Nathaniel Davis, 34, of Poteau, is accused of torturing and murdering an Arkansas woman and dumping her body in a lake in 2021. Prosecutors sought the death penalty last year. His jury trial is set for September. In Cherokee County, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Robert Edwin Lewis, 64, of Stillwell. He is accused of killing two people in 2022 and then killing his girlfriend to cover it up. The death penalty was sought in Pontotoc County District Court in March for the first time in more than 20 years. Richard Dewayne Chambers, 42, is accused of murdering three people in December. "The defendant shot and killed Annie Brown in Midwest City," District Attorney Erik Johnson said in his notice. "The defendant then drove to Pontotoc County ... and shot and killed Robert Peliti and Jackie Peliti demonstrating a continuing threat to society." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lull in new death sentences in Oklahoma hits three years
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
This overlooked Florence Pugh drama movie is about to leave Prime Video — and it deserves way more love
Florence Pugh has delivered some incredible performances in everything from 'Midsommar' to 'Little Women' to 'We Live in Time,' but it's her quiet, unassuming role in 'A Good Person' that hit me hardest. And I'm willing to bet it's one performance you haven't seen. Released in 2023 and written/directed by Zach Braff, 'A Good Person' went unnoticed. It didn't make a big splash at the box office, and despite Pugh's deeply affecting performance, it never quite reached the level of attention it deserved. Which is why it's a shame that this emotionally layered drama is about to disappear from Prime Video on May 29. The first time I saw it, I didn't expect it to stay with me the way it did. Pugh plays Allison, a young woman whose life is derailed after a tragic accident. What follows isn't a neatly wrapped redemption arc but a story that's messy and painfully human. Her scenes with Morgan Freeman, who plays a grieving father navigating his own demons, are among the most emotionally honest I've seen in years. So before it leaves Prime Video, give 'A Good Person' a chance. It might not be the Florence Pugh movie people talk about most but it just might be the one that lingers the longest. Allison (Florence Pugh) is a vibrant young woman with a promising future, engaged to her high school sweetheart, Nathan (Chinaza Uche). However, her life takes a tragic turn when she causes a car accident that results in the deaths of Nathan's sister, Molly (Nichelle Hines), and Molly's husband. Allison survives but is left grappling with immense guilt and physical injuries. A year later, Allison is battling a severe addiction to painkillers and living with her mother, Diane (Molly Shannon), who struggles to support her daughter's recovery. Meanwhile, Daniel (Morgan Freeman), Nathan and Molly's father and a former police officer, is raising his teenage granddaughter, Ryan (Celeste O'Connor), who is dealing with the loss of her parents. The lives of Allison and Daniel intersect at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, leading to an unexpected and complex friendship. Together, they confront their shared grief and personal demons, seeking forgiveness and a path forward. I'm a very sensitive person, so it doesn't take much for a movie to get a few tears out of me. But 'A Good Person' had me full-on sobbing at one point, which just proves how emotionally powerful this drama really is. There are so many layers that slowly peel back over the course of the story, it naturally pulls you through the motions, meaning one minute you're feeling hopeful, and the next, your eyes are puffy from crying. 'A Good Person' begins with a happy moment, where Allison and her fiancé, Nathan, are having the time of their lives at their engagement party, with their family and friends surrounding them. It's a heart-warming moment, but also a bittersweet one, considering you know something bad is about to happen. But that's one of the movie's strengths. It doesn't drag out these happy scenes, because tragedy can happen at the most unexpected times, and it makes the car crash scene even more devastating. The emotion really stems from its central characters and their personal journeys, especially Allison, who not only shatters her own life, but the lives of those around her. That includes Daniel, who would've been her father-in-law. Both of their stories interconnect in a powerful way. But what's most impressive about 'A Good Person' is that none of these characters are actually good, they're just broken. Allison is in denial and spiraling into addiction, while Daniel is struggling to reach his rebellious granddaughter. They are fractured people, and fate brings them back into each other's lives. While most of the movie is quite heavy — especially the scenes of Allison falling back into a bad habit and not receiving the proper help she needs (including a mother who doesn't support her in the right way) — there is hope buried beneath the tragedy. And as a viewer, when you're made to witness the character's worst moments, you can't help but latch onto any sliver of promise. If you're someone who can't watch a movie that's harrowing all the way through, I can say that it gets lighter, and the ending definitely brings back a sense of warmth (which is much needed after such a heavy story). How unique this movie feels will probably depend on how many similar emotional dramas you've already seen and, as with many stories like this, personal experience plays a big role in how it resonates. That said, Braff does lean into melodrama at times, where a more restrained touch might have worked better. (The emotionally intense midpoint, in particular, feels a bit overdone.) But even with those moments, he still delivers enough raw, authentic scenes between characters to balance things out. I'm surprised that 'A Good Person' received the green splat on Rotten Tomatoes. It has a rating of 57% from over 100 critics, but I'm happy that audiences gave it a much stronger score of 96%. The viewer consensus reads: 'With a profound story and some really great performances, A Good Person is a tear-jerking drama with tons of heart.' Unfortunately, this drama did get severely overlooked, and so I hope people get the chance to watch it before it leaves Prime Video this month. Florence Pugh delivers one of her most nuanced roles to date, showing a different side of her talent that's both vulnerable and deeply compelling. So if you're in the mood for a movie that's both hopeful and heart-wrenching, stream 'A Good Person' while you still can, as you might be surprised by how much it sticks with you. For alternate streaming recommendations, see what's new on the streaming service in May 2025, or check out our general guide on the best Prime Video movies. Stream "A Good Person" on Prime Video until May 29.
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
The Role of Faith Communities in Addiction Recovery
Addiction hollows out more than the body—it carves away at the soul. As individuals spiral into cycles of substance dependence, they often experience a profound disconnection from purpose, community, and hope. Faith communities occupy a singular position in addressing this existential desolation, offering spiritual restoration, compassionate fellowship, and moral guidance. Where traditional clinical models often prioritize neurochemistry and behavior, the spiritual domain—long ignored—finds a sanctuary in the heart of the church, mosque, synagogue, or temple. Exploring the Line Between Treatment and Risk In discussions about attention disorders, some people question the effects of certain substances on focus and behavior. While approved medications like Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed, there's ongoing curiosity about unconventional substances. For example, some wonder, does meth help with ADHD ? Though methamphetamine is chemically similar to some ADHD medications, it is a dangerous and highly addictive illegal drug. Using it without medical supervision poses serious health risks and is not a safe or approved treatment. Legitimate therapies exist that are both effective and regulated, ensuring safety and long-term support for managing ADHD symptoms. Addiction as a Spiritual Crisis Chemical dependency frequently masks a deeper yearning. Beneath the surface of addiction lies a quest for transcendence—a desperate attempt to soothe internal wounds or fill an aching void. This dimension of suffering transcends mere biology; it speaks to the metaphysical dislocation of the human spirit. Addiction thrives in isolation, shame, and despair—the very antitheses of spiritual flourishing. Faith traditions have long recognized this: from ancient prayers for deliverance to modern psalms of sobriety, the battle against addiction has always been a spiritual endeavor as much as a physical one. Overview of Spiritual Recovery Frameworks Several recovery frameworks draw directly from religious tenets. Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based program, integrates biblical teachings with the twelve steps, placing Jesus Christ at the center of the healing journey. Similarly, Alcoholics Anonymous, while not overtly religious, was founded on the belief in a 'Higher Power' that restores sanity. These models thrive on the premise that spiritual surrender catalyzes transformation. The rhythm of confession, repentance, and renewal found in sacred texts mirrors the arc of recovery itself. They offer rituals of restoration that resonate on a soul-deep level. The Role of Fellowship and Belonging One of the most potent antidotes to addiction is connection. Faith communities offer more than services—they offer sanctuary. Within these gatherings, individuals rediscover identity not as addicts, but as children of God, worthy of love and restoration. Weekly meetings, communal prayers, and support groups create a rhythm of accountability and grace. It's in these spaces that addicts are not shamed, but embraced; not stigmatized, but seen. This communal infrastructure provides not only encouragement but a framework of accountability that nurtures long-term sobriety. Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Mentorship Faith leaders often serve as first responders to personal crises. Their offices are sacred confessionals where brokenness is met with nonjudgmental compassion. Unlike therapists, spiritual mentors may operate outside the clinical model, allowing them to speak directly to questions of meaning, guilt, forgiveness, and destiny. Pastoral counseling, when done well, helps individuals make sense of suffering within the broader narrative of divine purpose. Many churches train lay leaders to support recovery ministries, multiplying their impact across congregational life. Bridging the Gap Between Theology and Therapy True healing lies at the intersection of spirit and science. Increasingly, faith-based organizations are forging partnerships with licensed counselors and treatment centers to create integrated models of care. These collaborative approaches respect the integrity of both the sacred and the scientific. A patient may attend a clinical detox program while receiving spiritual counseling and participating in religious rituals. The goal is synergy: treating not just the symptoms of addiction, but the soul that suffers beneath them. Respecting Pluralism and Avoiding Coercion The integration of faith into recovery is not without complexities. Not all individuals resonate with a religious framework, and coercing belief can hinder healing. Faith communities must tread carefully, ensuring their doors remain open to all, regardless of creed or conviction. Sensitivity to trauma, doctrinal diversity, and mental health challenges is paramount. It's not dogma, but empathy that should lead. A wise faith community knows when to offer prayer—and when to refer out to clinical care. Understanding the differences between illicit substances is essential for awareness and prevention. Although both drugs are powerful stimulants, are meth and crack the same ? The answer is no—meth, short for methamphetamine, is a synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system, producing intense euphoria and energy. Crack, on the other hand, is a form of cocaine that is smoked and delivers a rapid, short-lived high. While both can lead to addiction and severe health consequences, their chemical compositions, effects, and methods of use differ significantly. Knowing these distinctions is crucial when discussing drug abuse and recovery options. conclusion In a society often defined by disconnection and despair, faith communities possess an extraordinary gift: the ability to speak to the whole person—body, mind, and soul. Their role in addiction recovery is not peripheral—it is essential. Through compassionate presence, sacred rituals, and unwavering hope, these communities restore what addiction steals: dignity, purpose, and belonging. The future of recovery may well depend on this sacred partnership—where theology meets therapy, and healing becomes holistic. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Spectator
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
A psychopath on the loose: Never Flinch, by Stephen King, reviewed
Stephen King, 77, is a writer of towering brilliance whose fiction appeals to a reading public both popular and serious. His 60th novel, Never Flinch, unfolds in Buckeye City, Ohio, where a serial murderer is on the loose under the alias of Bill Wilson – the name of the man who co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous. Wilson has sworn to kill 14 people in revenge for the death of a friend and former alcoholic who was framed and convicted for child pornography offences. The plot is steeped in AA lore ('Honesty in all our affairs') and an awareness of the deleterious effects of drinking to excess. It's no secret that King is himself a recovering alcoholic. His scariest novels – Carrie, The Stand, The Shining – were written in the mid-1970s when his life was dangerously tipped by booze. Never Flinch, a superior crime thriller, opens a window on to the world of smalltown American AA meetings and the vexing devil of substance abuse among the Ohioan poor. In pages of heart-pounding suspense Wilson targets various innocent people, among them even AA old-timers he has known (one of whom is called Big Book Mike for his habit of quoting verbatim from the AA handbook). Parallel to this is an equally disturbing campaign of violence against a feminist activist called Kate McKay, whose bookshop signings attract unwanted crowds of angry white men disgruntled by all things woke. The private investigator Holly Gibney, who made her debut in King's 2014 novel Mr Mercedes, offers to help the Buckeye City Police bring the AA killer to book and lend McKay the bodyguard protection she demands.
