Latest news with #AlcoholicsAnonymous
Epoch Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Medusa Protocol': Hugs, Not Guns
'The Medusa Protocol' is the second in a series of thriller novels about professional assassins attempting to forge better paths in life by using the Alcoholics Anonymous model. The novel isn't a satirical commentary or a Frederick Forsyth or Gregg Hurwitz-style thriller. Mined for Memories The first book in the series, 'Assassins Anonymous,' centered on Mark, professionally known as 'Pale Horse.' He tries to redeem himself and avoid being killed by people from his past. Its sequel, 'The Medusa Protocol,' shifts back and forth between the perspectives of Mark and his would-be love interest, another assassin named Astrid. 'The Medusa Protocol' begins with Astrid waking up in a cell, having been roughly abducted and shipped to an unknown international location. Stoic professional henchmen are everywhere; the newly constructed cell suggests they are looking to hold her captive for a long time. They also blare 'Come On, Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners from hidden speakers for hours on end. The future doesn't look promising for Astrid.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
David Geffen accused of paying thousands for sex, forcing cosmetic procedures on estranged husband in bombshell lawsuit
David Geffen's estranged husband, David Armstrong, filed a bombshell lawsuit, accusing the billionaire of paying him thousands for sex and 'grooming' him. Armstrong, who also goes by Donovan Micheals, claims he and the film producer, 82, met on a website the 32-year-old alleges rich men like Geffen 'shop for the vulnerable,' according to court documents obtained by Page Six. Armstrong claims in the suit, filed Tuesday, that Geffen paid him $10,000 to have sex on the first night they met. After that night, the former model claims Geffen — who vehemently denies all the claims in the lawsuit — began treating him 'as a living social experiment – a trophy to show off to his wealthy friends, under the guise of benevolence.' 'It was a sick game. Michaels became a prop in Geffen's theater of virtue, paraded around as evidence of Geffen's supposed altruism, while privately used as a sexual commodity,' the lawsuit claims. Armstrong, who grew up in the foster care system, alleges Geffen eventually professed his love for him and told him they were in a 'genuine and enduring' relationship. The former go-go dancer, who married Geffen with no prenup in March 2023, says in the docs that he 'believed he had finally found someone' who cared about his 'traumatic upbringing' as a foster kid. Armstrong claims in the lawsuit that Geffen 'used [Armstrong's] tragic story not as a reason to offer genuine support, but as a grooming tool – casting himself as savior, 'white knight,' mentor, and gatekeeper to a better life.' Armstrong alleges that the record executive 'began transporting [Armstrong] across the globe as his paid sex worker,' taking international trips, 'many of which took place aboard Geffen's private superyacht,' according to the suit. He claims that Geffen would often hire sex workers, both men and women, throughout their 'sexually-open marital lifestyle.' Additionally, Armstrong alleges that Geffen 'critiqued every aspect' of his appearance and 'carefully controlled [Armstrong] with respect to all aspects of his body hygiene.' Per the docs, Geffen would allegedly make Armstrong undergo 'painful' laser treatments and dental treatments and would allegedly become enraged over the mere 'existence of an ingrown hair.' Armstrong claims that Geffen 'plied' him with drugs — including cocaine, molly, and cannabis — and allegedly expected the former to partake with the Asylum Records co-founder's A-list friends. Due to his drug usage, Armstrong says in the court docs that he underwent treatment to become sober and followed a 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous program. Once Armstrong told his partner that he wanted a 'new beginning' and to 'develop an independent identity that he could be proud of,' the Geffen Records founder allegedly cut him off and demanded a divorce. As Geffen, who filed for divorce from Armstrong in May, was gearing up to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Venice wedding last month, the DreamWorks Records co-founder allegedly 'demanded that [Armstrong] immediately vacate the New York residence,' which would effectively make him homeless, he claimed. 'In addition to evicting Michaels, Geffen also cut him off from his status quo financial support, making it impossible for Michaels to secure an appropriate living situation and provide for his daily necessities,' the lawsuit claims. Armstrong is seeking damages, as well as a home that Geffen cannot reclaim and 'adequate support necessary to pay [Armstrong] reasonable general living expenses for the rest of his life. Geffen's attorney Patty Glaser denied Armstrong's allegations. 'There was no contract — express, written, oral, or implied — that has ever existed,' she told Page Six in a statement. 'We will be vigorously and righteously defending against this false, pathetic lawsuit,' she added.
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Kent recovering alcoholic urges others to 'try and get help'
William Fleming says his drinking and drug use was once "so out of control" - but now he's eight months clean and is encouraging others to seek said he lost his job a decade ago and found himself homeless as a result of his told the BBC he is currently being supported in his recovery by the Kenward Trust, a Kent-based alcohol and drug misuse during alcohol awareness week, Mr Fleming said: "If you're hiding [drinking] then you know that you need helping". "You need to reach out to organisations like [Alcoholics Anonymous] and try and get your support and try and get help with your drinking," he added. Support and information for anyone affected by these issues can be found at BBC Action Line. The 53-year-old told the BBC he drank whiskey and beer to "block things out" after traumatic experiences earlier in his life."Alcohol was like a big crutch for me and basically it got so out of control that I could not even work," he Mr Fleming said, he felt he had to keep drinking to avoid shakes and seizures and ultimately ended up living on the said: "After a year and a bit I had a caseworker who helped me to go into a hostel."But I was still fighting my demons, fighting my drink, fighting my alcohol."When I got into the hostel it was not a good environment because there was so many people in there drinking and using drugs that it was all around me 24 hours a day."Mr Fleming added he now feels "so, so good" about being eight months sober."I just, I've got the freedom, I've got the love, I've got the support back in my family, and I just feel that, with this rehab, it was a lifesaver," he said. 'That's it, it's got you' Another recovering alcoholic, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said her addiction began during the Covid-19 pandemic."We were doing home schooling, my husband at the time was out to work, and it just became everyone contacting each other saying 'time for wine'," she said."It just goes from that to something a bit more - one glass, two glasses - and then the stress escalated and it turns into bottles."She added: "After an amount of time you can't stop the shakes, feeling really ill, so you top yourself up to stop that happening and that's it, it's got you." Penny Williams, chief executive of Kenward Trust, said the charity's alcohol awareness week campaign was "about helping people spot those early, silent signs and know they're not alone, help is here, and recovery is possible".
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
12 Steps, Many Paths: Modern Alternatives to Traditional Recovery
Introduction The 12-step program, popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939, has long stood as the gold standard in addiction recovery. Rooted in spiritual awakening and communal accountability, it has offered solace to millions. Yet, as society becomes more diverse and clinical understandings of addiction deepen, many are turning to alternative paradigms. Recovery is no longer a monolithic journey. It is a mosaic—individualized, evolving, and replete with varied routes toward wholeness. In today's landscape of mental health and addiction recovery, combining medications requires careful consideration. One such example is the use of Suboxone and Adderall, which can present both therapeutic benefits and potential complications. Suboxone is commonly prescribed to manage opioid dependence, while Adderall is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When used together, these medications can interact in complex ways, affecting mood, energy levels, and overall treatment outcomes. Medical supervision is essential to ensure safety, minimize risks, and monitor effectiveness. Personalized treatment plans can help patients achieve stability and maintain progress in both recovery and mental health. Limitations of the Traditional 12-Step Framework For all its historic success, the 12-step model is not universally resonant. Its core principle of surrendering to a higher power, though comforting to some, alienates others who seek a secular or scientific approach. Spiritual overtones can feel dogmatic, particularly to those from non-religious or marginalized spiritual backgrounds. The prescriptive nature of the program—twelve linear steps applied to diverse life stories—can feel inflexible. It presumes uniformity where variance exists. Moreover, the emphasis on powerlessness, while intended as a means to humility, may undermine self-efficacy for individuals in need of empowerment over submission. Accessibility also remains a barrier. Meetings may not align with the cultural, gender, or linguistic needs of all participants, limiting its reach in a pluralistic society. Secular Recovery Programs: Rational and Evidence-Based Models Modern recovery increasingly gravitates toward secular, empirically grounded models. SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) epitomizes this shift. Grounded in cognitive-behavioral science, it rejects the notion of powerlessness, advocating instead for self-directed change. Through disputing irrational beliefs and cultivating resilience, participants learn to regulate their impulses and reshape thought patterns. LifeRing Secular Recovery offers an abstinence-based but spiritually neutral space. Meetings are conversational rather than didactic, focused on building what it calls the 'Sober Self.' Its ethos promotes mutual respect and individual sovereignty. Such models attract those who value critical thinking, personal agency, and evidence over faith. They are neither superior nor inferior to 12-step—they simply serve a different psychological and philosophical temperament. Therapeutic and Clinical Modalities Professional treatment models have expanded dramatically. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) target the underlying mechanisms of addiction—maladaptive thinking and emotional dysregulation. Unlike peer-led groups, these are facilitated by clinicians trained in psychological science. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) has also become a cornerstone in treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. Drugs like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone help manage cravings and reduce relapse risk. Though controversial in abstinence-only circles, MAT is validated by substantial empirical support. Moreover, integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders—such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder—recognizes that substance use is often a symptom of deeper psychic wounds. Addressing addiction without exploring the mental terrain beneath it is a Sisyphean task. Holistic and Mind-Body Healing Pathways The resurgence of holistic modalities signals a broader cultural embrace of integrative healing. Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) merges Buddhist principles with clinical rigor, helping individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and compassion for their triggers. Yoga and breathwork reintroduce the body into recovery. These somatic practices anchor individuals in sensation, helping to process trauma and reduce autonomic hyperarousal. Many find that healing is not merely intellectual or emotional—it is cellular. Nature therapy, eco-sobriety retreats, and even psychedelic-assisted therapies (in clinical settings) are expanding the palette of recovery. These modalities invite a reconnection not just to self, but to the sacred ecology of existence. Technology-Driven Recovery Avenues In the digital age, recovery has leapt from meeting halls into the cloud. Smartphone apps offer daily affirmations, habit trackers, and virtual sponsor access. Platforms like I Am Sober, Loosid, and Sober Grid foster online communities, breaking geographic barriers. Teletherapy and online recovery groups have proven vital, especially during the pandemic. The anonymity, convenience, and diversity of digital resources make them particularly appealing to introverts, rural populations, and those with mobility limitations. Emerging technologies now use artificial intelligence to predict relapse risk based on mood inputs and behavioral data. These tools, while not replacements for human connection, add a layer of real-time support that was previously unthinkable. Culturally-Responsive and Community-Based Models Healing must be contextualized. Indigenous recovery frameworks center on ceremony, storytelling, and ancestral wisdom. Sweat lodges, talking circles, and plant medicine rituals have helped communities reclaim sobriety and spiritual agency after generations of colonial disruption. LGBTQ+-affirming programs recognize the specific traumas faced by queer and trans individuals. These spaces do not just tolerate diversity—they are constructed around it, addressing minority stress, identity formation, and chosen family dynamics. Spiritual, but not necessarily religious, recovery centers offer metaphysical nourishment without theological constraints. They embrace pluralism—welcoming all seekers, skeptics, and souls in flux. Understanding pill identification is crucial for safe medication use. The 970 orange pill is commonly known as Tizanidine 4 mg, a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve muscle spasms caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Its orange color and '970' imprint help distinguish it from other medications. Tizanidine works by blocking nerve impulses and reducing muscle tone, offering relief from tight or rigid muscles. However, it can cause drowsiness or low blood pressure, so it's important to follow dosing instructions carefully. Patients should always confirm pill identity with a pharmacist to avoid potential medication errors. Conclusion Recovery is not a doctrine. It is a dynamic, living process—a kaleidoscope of paths converging on a shared destination: liberation. While the 12-step tradition remains a vital cornerstone, it is no longer the sole edifice. Modern alternatives, from neuroscience-informed therapies to soul-centric rituals, expand the lexicon of healing. Each path, whether secular or sacred, clinical or communal, offers a beacon to those navigating the labyrinth of addiction. In honoring this diversity, we build a recovery culture rooted in empathy, innovation, and unyielding hope. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brad Pitt Opens Up About His First AA Meeting After Angelina Jolie Divorce: 'I Needed Rebooting'
Brad Pitt has opened up about his journey to sobriety, explaining how his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting led him to work on his drinking problem. The "Fight Club" star's drinking problem is understood to have contributed to his split from Angelina Jolie, following a 2016 airplane incident where he allegedly hit her and one of their child. Brad Pitt has since moved on with girlfriend Ines de Ramon, and has also finalized his divorce from Angelina Jolie. Pitt recounted what transpired during his first AA meeting as he began his journey to sobriety. During Monday's episode of the "Armchair Expert" podcast, the 61-year-old actor detailed how it was an "amazing" experience that got him "pretty much on [his] knees" and needing "to wake the f-ck up in some areas." "I was trying anything and everything, anything anyone threw at me. … It was a difficult time. I needed rebooting," Pitt explained, per Page Six. Alcoholics Anonymous is usually held in a safe and private space where members sit in a circle and take turns to pour their hearts out as part of efforts to quit drinking. While on the podcast show, Pitt admitted that it felt daunting as his turn to speak during the AA meeting drew near, but he felt inspired after watching "everyone [being] so open." "It gives you permission to go, 'OK, I'm gonna step out on this edge and see what happens.' And then I really grew to love it," he explained. Pitt has previously hinted at his struggles with alcohol, telling the New York Times that he went for a year and a half following his 2016 divorce from Angelina Jolie. Elsewhere during their conversation on the "Armchair Expert" podcast, host Dax Shepard praised the "F1" star for being "so f-cking honest" at the time. This prompted Pitt to return the favor, noting that witnessing Shepard's own honesty "meant a lot to" him. "Dax was usually near the end because he's been there awhile," Pitt said, comparing the former "Punk'd" prankster to "an elder statesman" who injected "humor" into his wisdom. He called the AA meeting "a really special experience coming from the Ozarks," where he grew up hearing men insist that "everything is great." "I just thought it was incredible, men sharing their experiences with their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches, and a lot of humor with it," he added. Pitt's struggle with the bottle came after a "difficult" split from ex-wife Angelina Jolie following a 2016 private jet incident where he allegedly assaulted her. In court documents filed at the time, the "Maleficent" actress alleged that the actor "choked one of the children and struck another in the face" and "grabbed Jolie by the head and shook her," per Page Six. "At one point, he poured beer on Jolie; at another, he poured beer and red wine on the children," the documents also read, adding that Jolie tried to de-escalate the situation and "grabbed" him from behind to stop him. "To get Jolie off his back, Pitt threw himself backward into the airplane's seats, injuring Jolie's back and elbow," the documents allege. "The children rushed in and all bravely tried to protect each other. Before it was over, Pitt choked one of the children and struck another in the face. Some of the children pleaded with Pitt to stop. They were all frightened. Many were crying," the statement claimed. Pitt and Jolie were both declared legally single in 2019 and settled their divorce last year 2024. During the premiere of his "F1" movie in Mexico City, Pitt shared a thoughtful message about the importance of learning from one's mistakes. "No matter the mistake, you know, you just learn from [it] and move on," the actor told Entertainment Tonight. "It'll lead to the next success." Pitt had issued the response after he was asked about what had helped him "feel grounded" amid the challenges and achievements in his life. And while he gave no details about some of the mistakes he has made in his own life, the actor hinted that family was also part of what has helped him navigate these moments. "At my age, I see how important it is to surround yourself with the people you know, the people you love, the people that love you back," the 61-year-old shared further. "Friends, family, and that's it. From there, we get to go make things. It's a pretty simple, I think, equation." Pitt has since moved on with girlfriend Ines de Ramon, who was by his side last week as he attended the New York City premiere of his new movie "F1." Coincidentally, Jolie was also in New York during that period, prompting a source to accuse her of "haunting" her ex-husband. "Angelina said she was going to move to New York two years ago, but didn't quite get the glowing reception she thought she deserved, so she went back to LA," a Hollywood insider told News Nation. "It's just insane that Angelina would show up in the city the same week of Brad's premiere," the insider added. "She just can't stand for him to get any good press. It's like she's haunting him."
