As addiction continues to prevail in our society we experience more and more this disease being the topic through the media, and even portrayed through the storyline of several of our favorite television series.

As I watch, and yes sometimes critique, I have come to the opinion that some do a fairly good job with depicting the overall systemic (dys)function involved and barriers to long term recovery success. And although these programs are fictional, it allows the conventional viewer to identify many areas of treatment and transition that are glaringly disastrous in the addict's authentic desire and plan to sustain recovery.

Now those of us with years of experience in the treatment industry may initially rebuff the storyline line for being dramatized for increased ratings, true. But for a parent or loved one of an addict with "no idea where to begin" and under their conceived timeline to "save him/her", where do they begin?

This leaves me to ask you, my friends and colleagues, is this increasing storyline hype and media spotlight a gift or consequence to us as an industry? Could it be both? Could it possibly be a door opening for our expertise to be heard in a new forum?

Today may we approach the doors opened to us with sincerity in our hearts, honesty in our smiles and professional ethic that penetrates uncertainty.

All our best,                                                               

Your Ally in Good Health!