Author: Alexandra Nyman

In Finding Tess, Beth Macy once again demonstrates her profound ability to explore the depths of America’s opioid crisis, bringing empathy and journalistic rigor to a heartbreaking narrative. In this audio documentary, Macy revisits the life of Tess Henry, a young mother from Virginia whose opioid use disorder ended in tragedy when she was found murdered in Las Vegas. Tess’s story, initially touched on in Macy’s Dopesick, becomes the central focus here, unraveling in gut-wrenching detail. Macy doesn’t simply chronicle Tess’s struggles with substance use but goes a step further, performing what she calls a “psychosocial autopsy” of sorts, tracing…

The 2025 Grammy Awards delivered a red carpet filled with high notes, fashion risks, and a few style choices that had us hitting the proverbial skip button. Starting with the best-dressed stars, Gracie Abrams floated in like an ethereal dream in a Chanel bridal-inspired gown—delicate, soft, and perfectly balanced, much like her music. Madison Beer stunned in a beaded Miss Sohee creation with a mint duster that whispered luxury and elegance, proving she’s not just hitting high notes in her recovery journey but also in haute couture. Chrissy Teigen—two years alcohol-free and absolutely thriving—turned heads in a custom Christian Siriano…

David Sheff’s Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction is a searing exploration of addiction’s devastating impact—not just on the individual but on the family caught in its relentless wake. Chronicling his son Nic’s descent into a methamphetamine addiction and the accompanying cycles of hope, despair, and recovery. One of the most heart-wrenching quotes of the memoir that perfectly illustrates this cycle is where Sheff writes: “Fortunately I have a son, my beautiful boyUnfortunately he is a drug addict.Fortunately he is in recovery.Unfortunately he relapses.Fortunately he is in recovery again.Unfortunately he relapses.Fortunately he is not dead.” David Sheff,…

Blink-182’s I Miss You is more than a melancholic pop-punk ballad—it’s a deep exploration of themes that resonate with the human experience: loss, longing, and the complex interplay of emotions in the aftermath of heartbreak. Beyond its catchy melody and evocative lyrics, the song captures the emotional turbulence associated with mental health struggles, making it a relatable anthem for many listeners. Here’s a closer look at its mental health implications. Lyrical Analysis The lyrics of I Miss You are steeped in imagery that evokes feelings of isolation and disconnection. Lines like: I cannot sleep, I cannot dream tonightI need somebody…

Fashion and advocacy collide this season as the Sky Eagle Collection takes center stage at the Break Free Foundation’s “Recovery on the Runway”, happening on February 8th at Judson Memorial in New York City. This groundbreaking partnership between designer Dante Biss-Grayson and the Break Free Foundation promises to redefine the runway, weaving together cultural heritage, resilience, and a powerful message of recovery. Founded by Dante Biss-Grayson, a Native American artist, veteran, and advocate, the Sky Eagle Collection is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Created in collaboration with his wife…

In a world where fashion is often synonymous with glamour and exclusivity, the Break Free Foundation is shaking things up with a mission that goes beyond couture. On Saturday, February 8th, during the height of New York Fashion Week, Break Free will host its highly anticipated “Recovery on the Runway”. This groundbreaking event merges high fashion with advocacy, shining a spotlight on mental health, substance use, and the power of recovery. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill runway show—it’s a revolution. Since its inception, the Break Free Foundation has been redefining what it means to take the spotlight, using the runway as…

In 99% Sober: Improve Your Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Taking Control of Your Drinking, Patrick Ruddy delivers a refreshingly pragmatic take on tackling alcohol dependence. Eschewing the all-or-nothing dogma often associated with sobriety, Ruddy introduces a nuanced approach designed to resonate with readers who may find it difficult to fully abstain, but are ready to redefine their relationship with alcohol. Combining memoir, scientific insights, and actionable advice, Ruddy provides a roadmap that feels both realistic and empowering, carving out space for those who see sobriety not as a binary but as a continuum. The strength of Ruddy’s approach lies…

Claire Rudy Foster’s novel The Rain Artist, released in 2024, delivers a dystopian vision of our planet’s not-so-distant future, where the global water crisis has reached a devastating crescendo. The novel opens in a world where the rich host opulent “rain parties” and control Earth’s last natural resources. At the same time, the rest of humanity grapples with environmental degradation and corporate greed. Through the story of Celine Broussard, the world’s last umbrella-maker, Foster presents a harrowing commentary on climate change, capitalism, and the fragility of art in a commodified world. Set against the backdrop of a planet ravaged by…

October marked the 16th anniversary of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), also known as the Parity Act. This landmark law mandates equal treatment in insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. Enacted in 2008, the Parity Act was a significant step toward addressing the discrimination faced by individuals seeking mental health or addiction care, aiming to level the playing field by ensuring these services are covered comparably to physical health treatments. However, despite the promise of equitable access to care, the journey has been fraught with challenges. Many families still face complex obstacles when…

Despite having deleted X from my phone, my partner hasn’t. Today, while he was screaming into the void, he brought to my attention this tweet (or post as Musk renamed them) from Elon Musk: “In most cases, the word ‘homeless’ is a lie. It’s usually a propaganda word for violent drug addicts with severe mental illness.” As someone who was homeless for nearly three years, this couldn’t be further from the truth. My story isn’t unlike that of many others. I left home as soon as I graduated from college and tried to make a name for myself in the…

In the ever-evolving world of non-alcoholic beverages, TÖST has carved out a space that feels celebratory without the buzz. Their sparkling drinks—crafted from white tea, ginger, white cranberry, and elderberry—promise a sophisticated alternative to traditional sparkling wines, and they largely deliver, with just enough panache to make teetotaling feel like an indulgence rather than a compromise. TÖST’s original flavor, with its delicate blend of white tea and ginger, strikes a balance between dry and subtly sweet. The effervescence is crisp, delivering a soft burst of bubbles that pairs beautifully with a restrained hint of citrus. The white cranberry adds an…

Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream is not a film—it’s a visceral experience, a plunge into the suffocating abyss of addiction where every gasp for air is stifled by desperation. Based on Hubert Selby Jr.’s novel of the same title, the film examines the disintegration of four lives connected by love, unraveling under the weight of their addiction. This is not a cautionary tale; it’s a requiem, a mournful ode to dreams corrupted and consumed by insatiable hunger—whether for drugs, validation, or fleeting happiness. At its core, Requiem is a masterclass in storytelling, transforming familiar themes of addiction into something…

In the realm of smoking and vaping cessation products, Füm markets itself as a pioneering “flavored air device,” offering a natural, nicotine-free alternative. With its sleek maple wood and stainless-steel design, Füm promises to address hand-to-mouth fixation, nervous tension, and bad habits using essential oils. But does this elegantly simple concept deliver on its lofty claims? My experience revealed a product as divisive as it is intriguing. The Unboxing: Aesthetic Charm Meets Practical Questions Füm arrives in an attractive package, its tactile wooden body paired with polished stainless steel. The device feels premium in hand, a rare nod to elegance…

Today, I am sad. And sadness sits heavy, like fabric draped over my shoulders, pulling me inward. It’s a feeling I often try to deny, to stuff into the seams of my life like leftover fabric scraps from a garment I no longer wish to wear. But today, I am letting it breathe. About a year ago, I wrote about how the man who was basically my Grandfather, Pete, was dying of cancer (you can read the article here: Grief, But Make It Fashion). Today is the one-year anniversary of Pete’s passing, and I would be lying if I didn’t…

In American Fix, Ryan Hampton delivers a raw, impassioned, and deeply personal account of the opioid crisis that has ravaged America. As a former White House staffer turned recovery advocate, Hampton’s journey through addiction, relapse, and ultimately recovery serves as a powerful backdrop for a broader conversation about the systemic failures that fuel the addiction crisis. The book moves seamlessly from his struggle to a well-researched critique of Big Pharma, political inaction, and the stigma that surrounds addiction. What makes American Fix stand out is Hampton’s unflinching honesty and ability to translate his experience into actionable advocacy. His story isn’t…

During my early days of advocacy, there was one law that was on the tip of everyone’s tongue: H.R. 5210. Otherwise known as the infamous Anti-Drug Act of 1986. Based on the name, you would think, “Wow, that sounds great! how could a law that is anti-drugs be a bad thing?” And while that train of thought has the right spirit to it, it requires a deeper look. I will break down this law for you and the associated laws and bills aimed at correcting the deeply flawed piece of legislation. As well as the road blocks this law has…

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe is a meticulously researched and profoundly unsettling exposé of the Sackler family, the dynasty behind Purdue Pharma, and its role in fueling the opioid epidemic in the United States. The book delves into the greed, moral bankruptcy, and ruthless ambition that led to the creation and marketing of OxyContin, a drug responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Keefe skillfully chronicles three generations of the Sackler family, beginning with Arthur Sackler, the eldest of three brothers born to Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn. Arthur’s innovative approach to marketing pharmaceuticals laid the…

When I was first invited by the team supporting the production of Another Shot, written by Spike Manton and Harry Teinowitz, I was both honored and then a bit annoyed. There was some pushback to my limited availability and originally, I was set to see the show with my colleague and dear friend from TYSA, a coalition made up of 75 providers on Staten Island dedicated to substance use and mental health prevention and education, Makeda, on Wednesday, November 20th. Thinking the show would be open until January 4th, 2025, I didn’t feel an urgency to see the play. I…

The Crime of the Century is a gripping two-part HBO documentary directed by Alex Gibney that delves deep into the origins and impact of the opioid epidemic in the United States. Focusing on the powerful pharmaceutical companies that fueled the crisis, most notably Purdue Pharma and Insys Therapeutics, Gibney meticulously unravels the complex web of corporate greed, political corruption, and regulatory failures that allowed the situation to explode. The documentary provides a sobering account of how America became a nation devastated by opioid misuse, with over 500,000 lives lost to opioid-related overdoses since 2000. In the first part, the film…

Ripple is more than just a vape—it’s a nicotine-free, plant-based aromatic inhaler designed to help people quit smoking and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Having used Ripple for nearly a year, I’ve been impressed with its soothing natural ingredients, which leave none of the usual aftereffects of nicotine vapes like a sore throat or bad taste. Instead, Ripple offers a smooth, enjoyable experience that aligns with wellness goals, especially for someone who used to smoke nicotine myself. What Makes Ripple Different? Ripple stands out because it doesn’t just imitate traditional vaping; it redefines it. The compact device is about twice the…

Grüvi’s Non-Alcoholic Sangria is a refreshing twist on the classic Spanish favorite, balancing authenticity and creativity. This canned mocktail, a departure from Grüvi’s glass packaging for their dealcoholized wines, offers a zero-alcohol alternative without sacrificing the bold, fruity flavors that make sangria a popular choice. During college, I could never understand the appeal of alcohol due to its taste and the effects it has had on my family. Beer, to me, tasted like bread and water. Most wines, especially red wines, had a taste that was too strong for me ever to find enjoyable. A sangria, however, beaconed to me.…

In the sea of mini-series documentaries, Netflix’s The Pharmacist emerges as a rare and profoundly human narrative, blending personal tragedy with a broader societal crisis. What begins as a father’s relentless pursuit of justice for his son unravels into an expose of America’s opioid epidemic. Directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, The Pharmacist turns the microscope on the quiet heroism of a small-town pharmacist from Louisiana, Dan Schneider, whose grief becomes a moral crusade. The story begins in 1999 when Schneider’s life is forever altered by the senseless death of his son Danny in a drug-related shooting in…

In I’ve Never Done This Before, Claire Rudy Foster invites readers into a raw, deeply human world of characters shaped and scarred by addiction, fractured relationships, and the relentless pursuit of meaning amidst chaos. This collection of short stories pulses with gritty realism, portraying lives on the edge with striking vulnerability. Foster, a nonbinary trans author in long-term recovery, brings an intimate understanding to the narratives, crafting each one with an unsettling and profoundly moving clarity. Foster’s characters—whether grappling with a failing marriage to a porn-addicted spouse, a Hell’s Angel at the end of his rope, or a heroin-addicted escort…

As a lifelong fan of Hayao Miyazaki, I had a hunch that his second “retirement” wouldn’t last very long. And thankfully, I was right. Hayao Miyazaki returns from “retirement” with a contemplative and visually breathtaking narrative in The Boy and the Heron, known to international audiences as “How Do You Live?” and named after the main inspiration for the film, the book 1937 How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino. The Boy and the Heron weaves war, loss, and magical realism together in a way that only Miyazaki can. This latest offering from Studio Ghibli is as enigmatic as it…

FX’s Shōgun, a retelling of James Clavell’s 1975 novel, is not just a historical epic—it is a profound exploration of honor, death, and mental health. At the heart of the series is the depiction of seppuku (ritual suicide), a practice deeply ingrained in Japan’s samurai culture, which becomes a thematic anchor for understanding the mental strain that societal expectations can impose on individuals. The historical practice of seppuku, though foreign to many Western audiences, is meticulously portrayed in Shōgun and offers an opportunity to delve into the complex relationship between suicide, honor, and Japanese history. Seppuku was more than just…

The Resident, a medical drama set at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital, offers gripping narratives on various medical and personal issues, including addiction and recovery. One of the standout storylines revolves around Nic Nevin (played by Emily VanCamp) and her family, particularly the complex dynamics with her sister, Jessie (played by Julianna Guill), and their father, Kyle (played by Corbin Bernsen). Both Jessie and Kyle struggle with addiction, with Jessie battling substance use disorder and Kyle grappling with alcohol misuse and codependency. Through this arc, The Resident powerfully portrays the impact of addiction on family dynamics and the crucial role of…

In Emily in Paris season 4, episode 3, titled “Masquerade,” the show taps into a cultural shift that’s been quietly bubbling up for years—the sober curious movement. In a brainstorming session at her boutique marketing firm, Emily suggests that their wine client, Champére, create a non-alcoholic version of their product. This sparked a conversation about the rise of alcohol-free alternatives and wellness-focused lifestyles. As Emily explains, it’s not just about sobriety; it’s about mindfulness—a shift led by Gen Z and millennials who are redefining their relationship with alcohol. Naturally, the French scoff, calling Emily’s idea “the antithesis of French culture.”…

With initial reviews like “Fentanyl Nation is a gripping, powerful, and profoundly useful book about a truly historic crisis” by Dr. Carl Erik Fisher, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University, my interest was piqued. As someone who has been a fan of Hampton and his way of taking facts and statistics and humanizing them, I was excited to dig into his latest book. A few months went by after I squealed with delight at hearing about Hampton’s post about his book release. And then, one night, while I was doom-scrolling, I saw a review that stopped my thumb in its…

In Pain Hustlers (originally published as The Hard Sell), Evan Hughes weaves a true crime narrative with a scathing exposé of the American pharmaceutical industry. Hughes takes readers deep into the underbelly of Insys Therapeutics, a small, Phoenix-based pharmaceutical company that achieved staggering profits by pushing a potent fentanyl spray called Subsys onto the market—at the cost of countless lives. Now adapted into a Netflix movie starring Emily Blunt and Chris Evans, Hughes’ investigative work offers an unflinching look at the greed and power that fueled one of the recent most flagrant examples of corporate malfeasance. Much like its predecessors…

In recent years, the opioid crisis has provided fertile ground for filmmakers to explore America’s most devastating health crisis, producing works like Dopesick and The Crime of the Century that shine a light on corporate greed and human suffering. Netflix’s Pain Hustlers, directed by David Yates and adapted from Evan Hughes’ book Pain Hustlers (originally The Hard Sell), seeks to join this canon. With a sharp cast led by Emily Blunt and Chris Evans, the film tackles the rise and fall of a shady pharmaceutical company at the heart of the crisis. Yet, despite its clear ambition and flashy execution,…