Where Science Meets the Steps

The new science of addiction
by David Sack, M.D.

5 Myths about Addiction that Undermine Recovery

Even with three decades of myth-busting research behind us, some of the most damaging beliefs about addiction remain. Read More

The Misunderstood Wolf Meets the Misunderstood Addict

Most people have never had the opportunity to experience a close cousin to canine therapy: wolf therapy. At first, wolves may seem like an unusual choice of therapy animal, but history suggests otherwise. Read More

5 Signs It's Time to Seek Therapy

Although severe mental illness may require more intensive intervention, most people benefit from short-term, goal-oriented therapy to address a specific issue or interpersonal conflict, get out of a rut or make a major life decision. Read More

Dating a Recovering Addict: Match-Maker or Deal-Breaker?

After evaluating all of the pros and cons, the real question isn't whether you should date a recovering addict, but whether the person has the qualities you want in a romantic partner. Read More

The Below-the-Radar Addict

Similar to the high-functioning addict, the below-the-radar addict has a problem that’s often overlooked by their friends, family and coworkers, but is a serious problem nonetheless. This is the person who jumps from compulsion to compulsion, getting one mildly under control only to act out in another way. Read More

Why the Hostility Toward the 12 Steps?

It’s unfortunate that 12-Step recovery is widely misunderstood and under-researched. Even less fortunate is the fact that these misconceptions drive people away from the process before they can evaluate whether the program might make a difference in their recovery from addiction. Read More

Does Willpower Play a Role in Addiction Recovery?

Although addiction is not caused by a lack of willpower, that doesn't mean willpower is a useless concept in recovery. In fact, willingness is central to addiction recovery. Read More

Why Relapse Isn't a Sign of Failure

As with chemical addiction, patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension frequently fail to comply with their ongoing treatments—relapsing, if you will, oftentimes with dire consequences. Read More

The Great Addiction Divide

We need an approach to addiction treatment that includes the latest scientific research, as well as one that is informed by what 12 Step and other peer support programs have to offer. Read More

Will There Ever Be a Cure for Addiction?

Despite our national obsession with quick fixes, there’s no simple solution to our country’s drug problem. We have to recognize that addiction, like many other chronic diseases such diabetes and cancer, is here to stay. Read More

Rethinking Everything We Thought About Addiction

Activation of the brain’s pleasure center is the primary starting point of addiction. But once a person takes drugs habitually, their use affects other brain regions. Read More

An Introduction: Where Science Meets the Steps

Diverse and often conflicting perspectives have created confusion about the most effective ways to treat addiction—a disease that affects more people now than any other time in history. Read More

David Sack, M.D.

David Sack, M.D. is board certified in Addiction Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine and serves as CEO of Elements Behavioral Health and Promises Treatment Centers.

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