One of the defining pioneers of 80s pop culture was Boy George, flamboyant leader of the band Culture Club, formed in London in 1981. Known for its contributions to new wave, pop and what the media of the time called "blue-eyed soul," Culture Club helped shape the era's sound. In the background, though, band members ... Read More
Whitney Houston’s Drug Use: The Tragic Story
Updated November 23, 2022 The late Whitney Houston is a pop culture icon, so much so that even without using her last name, people know who you're referring to. Her legendary vocals have left a lasting mark on the music industry, even in the wake of her tragic death in 2012. While her life looked glamorous to an ... Read More
Recovery Insights: How to Build a Better Life in Recovery
In this month's Recovery Insights Q & A column, Alumni Director, Molly Mammen, shares personalized advice and specific ways to build a happy and successful life in recovery. Here are her specific responses to recently submitted alumni questions: How will I come back from this? Of course you will come back ... Read More
The Secret Pharmacological Life of Marilyn Monroe
Few figures of 20th century popular culture fit the definition of "iconic" quite so completely as Marilyn Monroe. Idolized for her beauty and charisma, the silver screen legend and definitive sex symbol inspired both fascination and fervor during her life and even after her death. Her life and exploits still captivate ... Read More
Dethroning the Stigma of Suicidal Thoughts, a la Meghan Markle
In a 2021 exclusive interview, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, sat down with Oprah Winfrey to discuss Prince Harry, mental illness and their exit from the royal family. The two-hour interview was packed with shocking reveals that left even Oprah, the queen of prime time, nearly speechless. Among these ... Read More
Overcoming Codependency
If you're using drugs or alcohol, it can be difficult to support yourself and meet your own needs while sustaining your substance use. Addiction is a disease — it can affect anyone, and no one is immune to the damage it does. On the other hand, leaning too hard on the people around you for help can be unhealthy for ... Read More
How Hemingway Never Met a Martini He Didn’t Like
The author of classic works like The Old Man and the Sea, For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway is looked upon as a literary titan. But in many circles, his writing isn't what he's best remembered for. Hemingway's drinking and macho reputation are revered long after his death — but what ... Read More
Relapsing in the Public Eye – What Dax Shepard Learned
Dax Shepard is an American actor turned podcast host. Born in January 1975 near Detroit, Michigan, Dax shot to stardom with films like Let's Go To Prison (2006), Hit and Run (2012), This Is Where I Leave You (2014) and The Judge (2014), among others. In 2018, he launched his successful podcast, Armchair Expert, with ... Read More