Public Health Education

darnold1975

Addiction Awareness: The Lover That Cuts Deep and Comes for Everything

“Addiction is a quiet predator. It’s patient. Calculated. Always hungry. And waiting for the moment you’re weakest to take the biggest bite out of your life.”

-This Puzzled Life

 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Because when we talk about addiction awareness, the air needs to be thick with truth, protection, and the kind of courage that makes your voice shake but keeps going anyway. This isn’t a pretty conversation. It’s not a gentle unveiling. It’s not polite. It’s not something you whisper behind closed doors like a family secret wrapped in shame. It’s the kind of truth that shakes the floorboards and rattles the bones of anyone who’s ever lived it. Loved someone through it. Or buried someone because of it. This is a front porch, bare soul, trembling‑hands kind of truth. And today, we’re telling it out loud.

Addiction doesn’t walk into a home quietly. It barges in like a storm. It tracks mud across every memory. It rearranges the furniture of your life. And convinces you that chaos is normal. It teaches you to apologize for things you didn’t break. To shrink yourself so its shadow can stretch across the room. And to pretend you’re fine when your insides feel like shattered glass. And the cruelest part? Addiction doesn’t just take from the person struggling. It takes from everyone who loves them.

Families learn to tiptoe. Children learn to decode moods like weather patterns. Partners learn to carry burdens that were never meant for one set of shoulders. And the person battling addiction, learns to hide their pain behind a smile that fools everyone except the people who know them best. Addiction awareness isn’t about statistics or slogans. It’s about the people who wake up every day fighting a war no one else can see.

There are the battles fought in bathrooms, parked cars, and bedrooms with the door locked. The battles fought in silence because shame is louder than the truth. The battles fought by people who are terrified to ask for help because they don’t want to be judged. Dismissed. Or treated like a problem instead of a person.

Addiction awareness means saying, “You are not alone. You are not broken beyond repair. You are not the worst thing you’ve ever done.” It means recognizing that recovery isn’t linear. It’s messy. It’s painful. It’s full of relapses, restarts, and revelations. But it is possible. I tasted that freedom many years ago, during a moment in life that now seems like it never existed. 

Let’s talk about the people that love them too. The ones who hold the line when the person they love can’t. The ones who pray. Cry. Scream. Hope. And repeat. Addiction awareness means honoring their resilience. Their heartbreak. Their bravery. Loving someone through addiction is its own kind of battle that deserves to be seen.

Addiction is not a moral failure. It is not a character flaw. It is not a sign of weakness. It’s a neurological hijacking. And once it gets inside, it takes the controls and refuses to give them back. It’s a thief. A liar. And a weight that no one should carry alone.

Awareness is the first step toward compassion. Compassion is the first step toward healing. Healing is the first step toward freedom. And freedom? Freedom is the birthright of every single person touched by addiction. It doesn’t matter whether they’re fighting it. Surviving it. Or loving someone through it.

I have been an addict in one form or another since I was a very young teen. That’s the part people don’t see. The way it starts before you even understand what “coping” means. Before your brain is fully formed. Before you know that one decision can echo for decades. Some things I let go of and never touched again. But others? Others I’m still married to. Still controlled by. And still waking up beside like a partner I never meant to vow my life to. I’ve stood on every side of this issue. I’ve been a patient, professional, survivor, and witness. I’ve buried friends and family. And I’ve found the bodies of patients. I’ve even sat in classrooms learning the science. And I’ve sat on bathroom floors learning the consequences. 

One of the biggest debates is whether addiction is a disease. And honestly? I see both sides. But I can attest to this. What I know in my bones is that addiction will pick up exactly where it left off. It doesn’t forget you. It doesn’t forgive you. And it doesn’t loosen its grip just because you got tired.

It progresses like a slow-moving fire. Consuming everything until it shuts down every functioning cell in your body. It’s the lover that kisses your forehead while holding a knife behind your back. And it’s like trying to pet a rattlesnake and hoping it suddenly cares about your well-being.

There are no social crack users. No social heroin users. No social meth, fentanyl, or “just once in a while” users of the things that hollow you out from the inside. I’ve known too many who didn’t make it. Too many funerals. Too many empty chairs. Too many stories cut short. And the truth is brutal. Addicts are not the type who typically live to be 80. The statistics confirm what our hearts already know. That many have died. And many more will die.

And process addictions? Eating disorders, self-harm, gambling, sex addiction, etc. are not softer versions. They are simply different roads to the same grave. Addiction doesn’t care about the method. It cares about the destruction. And it will be done in totality emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically.

It strips you down until you’re a shell of what once resembled a human being. It destroys your life and the lives orbiting yours. That’s the goal. It wants no interference. And no one slowing its roll. It wants you wrapped around its finger in a relationship so co-dependent it feels cellular. It doesn’t care how many relationships are ruined as a result. Addiction is about the next fix. Whatever that fix is. And you will chase it until the line between living and dying blurs. 

The saddest part is that you don’t know you’re susceptible until you’re already in it. Addiction does not discriminate. It shows no mercy to clergy, billionaires, politicians, Hollywood actors, musicians, doctors, lawyers, nurses, or the people just trying to keep the lights on and food on the table.

And the idea that you can outthink addiction? Outsmart the chemical, emotional, and neurological machinery it hijacks? That’s the thinking of fools. And I say that with compassion. Not judgment. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching someone, yourself included, need their “drug” so badly that they would burn down every good thing in their life for another taste of something that is killing them.

Let the truth rise with the smoke. Addiction is not romance. It is not rebellion. It is not escape. It is suicide on an installment plan. And for every person who struggles, it has a bullet with their name on it. Even mine. Speaking the truth out loud is how we start breaking the cycle that wants us silent. Awareness is the first crack of light. Awareness is the first act of rebellion. Awareness is the first step toward choosing life. Even when the addiction whispers otherwise. It’s a story of survival in a world that doesn’t teach us how to hold our pain. 

Your days of hiding in silence are over. We’re speaking your name. Shine light in your corners. And refusing to let shame be your shield. This is awareness. This is courage. This is the moment we stop whispering and start healing. And it’s for every soul who deserves a life bigger than their battle. Thanks for reading! And ask for what you need.

Affirmation: I honor the battles I’ve survived, and I refuse to let the shadows that once claimed me write the rest of my story. I rise with clarity, courage, and a spine made of truth.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife

darnold1975

Alcohol Awareness: The Gospel According to My Cats

“Awareness saves lives. Snacks save morale.”

-The Feline Public Health Department

Light the sage. Hide the breakables. My three cats, Piper, Coco, and Tinkerbell, have decided they are the official spokes‑animals for Alcohol Awareness. And they came prepared with statistics.

They just held a household meeting complete with a gavel, a flip chart, and Coco eating the pointer. And they are about to inform me that we are now hosting Alcohol Awareness Week. I didn’t volunteer. I wasn’t consulted. Piper simply slapped a pamphlet on the table like she was serving a warrant and said, “Mother, it’s Alcohol Awareness time, and the people need us.” If anyone can talk about risky behavior, it’s the animals who sprint across linoleum floors at 3 a.m. like they’re late for a rave.

Piper jumps onto the table like she’s chairing a congressional hearing.

“Mother, while adjusting her imaginary glasses, did you know more than half of adults in the U.S. drink alcohol? And 17% binge drink?” She pauses for dramatic effect. “That means 17% of humans are out here acting like me when I see an unattended plate of chicken. Also, 178,000 people die each year from excessive alcohol use. That’s more than the number of times Coco has tried to steal your snacks.”  Source: CDC — Excessive Alcohol Use Data 

Coco waddles in dragging a bag of treats like she’s smuggling contraband.

“Listen, I’m here to talk about underage drinking. But first, do we have chips? Because this is heavy.” She informs the room that in 2022, 5.9 million youth ages 12–20 drank alcohol beyond ‘just a few sips’. Mother, that’s too many. Even I know that. And 19.7% of youth ages 14–15 have had at least one drink. At that age, I was still learning how to jump on the counter.” Source: NSDUH / Alcohol Infographic 2024 

Tinkerbell perches on the highest shelf, looking like she’s about to assign homework.

“Research shows that people who start drinking before age 15 are 3.5 times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder later in life. Which is why I supervise the boys. They need guidance. And boundaries. And fewer snacks.” Source: Alcohol Infographic 2024 

This household stays loud, proud, and educational, the cats insisted on adding:

  • Alcohol misuse affects every organ in the body. Source: NIAAA Alcohol Facts & Statistics 
  • Underage drinking remains a major public health issue. Source: NSDUH 2024 / SAMHSA 
  • Accurate, stigma‑free information saves lives. Especially in LGBTQIA+ communities and the Deep South. Where misinformation spreads faster than Piper can knock over a cup.

Piper: “Moderation is key. Also, naps solve more problems than alcohol ever will.”

Coco: “Alcohol slows reaction time. I cannot risk missing a falling snack.”

Tinkerbell: “Knowledge is power. And power is knowing where the treats are hidden.”

Piper stands on her hind legs like she’s giving a TED Talk.

Piper: “Stay informed. Stay safe. And stop believing your cousin’s Facebook posts.”

Coco: “Stay hydrated. Preferably with water. Or gravy.”

Tinkerbell: “Stay fabulous. And for the love of all things holy, lock the liquor cabinet.”

Piper, Coco, and Tinkerbell gather themselves on the couch like a furry Supreme Court. And ready to issue a ruling on the family hypocrisy they’ve witnessed for years. Piper clears her throat first, because of course she does. “Mother, we simply cannot understand how certain humans in this family will clutch their pearls over you using medical cannabis. A literal plant. But somehow quote the Bible like it’s a coupon code to excuse drinking and driving, and every chaotic decision that would get us grounded for nine lifetimes.”

Coco nods solemnly with crumbs on her chin, “They called you a ‘druggie,’ but then hopped in the car after communion wine like Jesus Himself was the designated driver.”

And Tinkerbell, perched high like a judgmental librarian, adds, “If scripture can be stretched far enough to justify a DUI, then surely it can handle a little THC for pain relief. We’re cats, Mother, but even we know the math isn’t mathing.”

And that’s how my cats continue to point out and educate on the dangers of alcohol. And the hardcore hypocrisy in the south. And, yes, specifically in my own family. Thanks for reading! And never let them silence you.

Affirmation: I honor my body, my boundaries, and my community by choosing knowledge over shame.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife

darnold1975

CBD Awareness: My Cats Said I’m Legally Required to Calm Down

 “My cats said CBD won’t get me high. But it will keep me from acting like a Walmart parking lot Greek tragedy. And honestly, that feels like growth.”

-This Puzzled Life

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Let the ancestors lean in the doorway with their arms crossed. The moment that smoke hit the ceiling fan, my household convened an emergency session of the Feline Administration to discuss CBD Awareness Month. And the cats had notes.

Piper, Coco, and Tinkerbell marched in like three county commissioners who did not read the briefing packet. But absolutely intend to argue about it. Piper arrived first. She’s was dragging a legal pad she stole from my desk. She hopped onto the coffee table. Cleared her throat and announced, “CBD Awareness Month is important because humans are stressed, chaotic, and prone to hollering at inanimate objects. We must intervene.”

Coco strutted in next. And late on purpose. She believes time is a social construct. And also because she was busy knocking something off a shelf. She plopped down. Tail flicking and said, “CBD is fine. But why do y’all keep buying the expensive treats and then acting surprised when I eat the whole bag?”

Tinkerbell arrived last with the energy of a Southern auntie who already decided the meeting was foolish. But came for the snacks. She sat like a sphinx and declared, “CBD is the plant spirit that keeps y’all from crying in the Walmart parking lot. We support it.”

The Cats’ Official CBD Purposes

According to the Feline Administration, CBD has three sacred functions.

  • Stress & anxiety relief-“Because y’all vibrate like a microwave on popcorn mode.”
  • Chaos reduction-“In theory, though, I’ve seen no evidence.”
  • Increased compliance with feline demands- Tinkerbell insists this is scientifically proven by staring at me until I give her treats.

Then they expanded the list like they were reading off a menu.

  • Calms the humans-“Because y’all vibrate like a cheap motel air conditioner.”
  • Inflammation & pain-“Your knees sound like a haunted rocking chair.”
  • Sleep support-“You need it. We need you to need it.”
  • Mood regulation-“You get dramatic,” all three say in unison.
  • General human foolishness-“Self-explanatory.”

They also want it noted that CBD helps humans stop doom scrolling. Stop overthinking texts. Stop reorganizing the pantry at 3 a.m. and stop crying at dog food commercials. It gives you the ability to forgive yourself for eating an entire sleeve of cookies. And the mystical moment when you realize you are the drama. But also the solution.

Piper hopped onto the table with a binder labeled CBD: A Non‑Psychoactive Situation. Coco dragged in a whiteboard she absolutely cannot read. Tinkerbell arrived late again, ready to deliver a TED Talk titled Calm Down, Human: The Plant Is Legal Now.

Piper began: “CBD is federally legal as long as it comes from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. Which means, human, you can stop whispering like you’re buying contraband behind the Piggly Wiggly.”

Coco: “It does not alter your mind. It alters your attitude. And frankly, we support that.”

Tinkerbell: “It’s non‑psychoactive. Which means you’re not getting high. You’re getting functional. You’re getting emotionally moisturized. You’re getting less likely to cry over a dropped chicken nugget.”

The Guidelines (Because Apparently I Needed Rules)

Piper, now self‑appointed Director of Human Regulation, laid out the official policies.

  • Do not give CBD to cats without a vet’s approval. “We are perfect as‑is.”
  • Humans should use CBD responsibly. “Meaning don’t take it and then try to assemble furniture.”
  • CBD is not a personality trait. Tinkerbell says this while staring directly at me.
  • If CBD helps you chill, hydrate, and mind your business, the cats approve. Especially the “mind your business” part.

Then they sat me down like I was on trial.

Piper said, “We’ve observed the pacing. The muttering. The dramatic sighing. And the emotional support snacks. Clearly, CBD awareness is overdue.”

Coco added, “And while we support your journey, we would also like to know why you get the calming treats and we get vibes.”

Tinkerbell stared at me unblinking, like she was reading my aura and finding overdue library books in it. She then hopped onto the altar (my coffee table). Placed one paw on my forehead, and proclaimed:

“May your joints be loose. Your sleep be deep. Your snacks be plentiful. And your spirit be unbothered. May CBD soften your edges but not your boundaries. And may you never, ever forget to refill the treat jar.”

The sage crackled. The ancestors nodded. And the cats declared CBD Awareness Month officially adjourned. Piper knocked over a plant. Coco demanded lunch. Tinkerbell stole my pen. The plant is innocent. The human is the problem. Thanks for reading! Keep medicating.

Affirmation: “I am calm, collected, and legally compliant. I soften my edges, not my boundaries, and I do it with the confidence of a cat who just knocked something over on purpose.”

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife

darnold1975

Bless This Mess: The Cats Take Over Cannabis Awareness Month

“If God didn’t want us learning about cannabis, he wouldn’t have made half my cousins impossible to tolerate without it.” 

-Mavis “Two-Puffs” Delacroix

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go on and get. Today, we are gathered here in this living room that smells like lavender spray, and cat hair. This will officially kick off Cannabis Awareness Month under the watchful, judgmental, and wildly unqualified leadership of my three feline board members.

Piper has already climbed onto the podium wearing a green tutu like she’s the spiritual advisor of the entire Gulf South. Coco is in the corner eating something that is absolutely not food. And Tinkerbell is perched high above us all. And blinking slowly as if to say, “I cannot believe I share a mortgage with these people.” And she has no mortgage. So, take a breath. Set your intentions. Hide your snacks. The cats are ready to educate the public. And Lord help us. They have prepared statements.

Welcome back to the only blog on the internet where Cannabis Awareness Month is celebrated with the same energy most families reserve for Easter Sunday and tax refunds. In this house, the educational programming is run by three cats who have never once read a law. Paid a bill. Or respected personal space. Piper is already wearing a green tutu like she’s the patron saint of responsible consumption. Coco is pre-gaming with the emergency snacks. And Tinkerbell is in the corner judging everyone’s life choices with the quiet authority of a Southern grandmother. If you came here calmly, you’re in the wrong place. If you came here for chaos, education, and a sprinkle of cat-led activism, pull up a seat.

Every April, the rest of America politely acknowledges Cannabis Awareness Month like it’s a PTA meeting. Meanwhile, down here in the Deep South, my household treats it like the Met Gala of Mindfulness. Except the outfits are Dollar General pajamas. The snacks are missing (because Coco). And the educational portion is led by three cats who have never paid a bill in their lives. But bless it, they try.

Piper “The Tootin’ Tutu Tornado”  kicks off the month by dragging a green feather boa across the living room like she’s the Beyoncé of harm reduction. She hops on the table. Knocks over a brochure and says, “Cannabis Awareness Month means education, mother.”

She’s not wrong. Cannabis Awareness Month is all about understanding safe, responsible use. Reducing stigma. Learning the difference between THC, CBD, and “whatever your cousin grew behind the shed in 1998.” Knowing your limits. And for the love of Mississippi, not mixing edibles with a church potluck.

Piper then tries to teach the household about terpenes but gets distracted by her own tail. Awareness is a journey. Coco, the Snack Lobbyist, takes a different approach. She sets up a “Cannabis & Munchies Preparedness Station.” Which is really just an empty bag of Doritos. A half-chewed cat treat. And a sticky note that says, “PLAN AHEAD.” She insists it’s educational. Coco’s key message is ,“If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” She’s basically a Southern auntie in a fur coat.

Tinkerbell, the dignified conductor of this circus, takes Cannabis Awareness Month very seriously. She sits everyone down for a lecture titled “Cannabis, Calm, and Why Y’all Are Doing Too Much?” Which covers setting intentions. Respecting your body. Understanding dosage. Avoiding the “I’m fine” spiral that ends with you reorganizing the pantry at 2 AM. And the importance of not letting Piper run any more workshops. She ends her presentation by flicking her tail and walking away. Which is cat for “class dismissed.”

Piper stands on the arm of the couch like she’s delivering the State of the Union. Coco is eating something he absolutely should not be eating. Tinkerbell is judging us all. Together, they recite the official household pledge, “We promise to consume responsibly, stay hydrated, respect the plant, and never, ever let Piper be in charge of snacks.” Amen.

And that concludes this month’s household seminar on cannabis awareness is brought to you by Piper’s unlicensed enthusiasm. Coco’s snack-based curriculum. And Tinkerbell’s unwavering belief that everyone else is doing it wrong. As we wrap up, remember to stay informed. Stay responsible. And never let a cat who can’t even find his own tail be in charge of dosage discussions. May your month be calm. Your snacks be plentiful. And your cats be slightly less dramatic than mine. But honestly, I wouldn’t count on it. Longest “Big Beautiful affirmation” in the history of our country. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Thanks for reading! Stay informed.

Affirmation: “I move through this month with clarity, humor, and a heart unbothered by chaos. I honor the plant. Protect my peace,l. And trust myself to stay grounded even when Piper is preaching. Coco is crunching. And Tinkerbell is judging from above. I am calm. I am capable. And I am fully prepared for whatever foolishness this household delivers.”

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife

darnold1975

Science, Snacks, and Sass: The Feline Takeover of Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

“Facts don’t care about feelings, but feelings care deeply about snacks.”

 — The Feline Public Health Department

 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. It’s National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week. My cats have decided they are the official spokes‑animals for science, safety, and whatever chaos they can stir up before breakfast. Welcome back to This Puzzled Life. Where the trauma is seasoned. The humor is medicinal. And the cats are convinced they’re running a public health campaign.

Piper busts into the room wearing a lab coat three sizes too big.

“Mother, did you know the National Institute on Drug Abuse says misinformation spreads faster than I can knock a cup off the counter?” (Which is fast. Very fast.)

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)  “National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week” https://nida.nih.gov.

Coco is dragging a bag of snacks like she’s smuggling contraband. 

“I’m here to talk about addiction. But first, do we have chips? Because the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says alcohol affects judgment. And I’m about to make a bad decision if you don’t hand over the Doritos.”

Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) “Alcohol’s Effects on the Body” https://niaaa.nih.gov.

Tinkerbell is sitting on the highest shelf like a judgmental librarian.

“Actually, according to the CDC, substance use can affect brain development. Especially in teens. Which is why I supervise the boys. They need guidance. And snacks. Mostly snacks.”

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  “Substance Use and Youth” https://cdc.gov.

Here are a few clean, accurate, all‑ages‑appropriate facts from reputable organizations:

1. Alcohol affects every organ in the body.

Source: NIAAA  Alcohol’s Effects on the Body https://niaaa.nih.gov.

2. Most teens who misuse substances get their information from peers, not professionals.

Source: NIDA National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week https://nida.nih.gov.

3. Substance use can impact brain development into the mid‑20s.

Source: CDC Substance Use and Youth https://cdc.gov.

4. Addiction is a medical condition. Not a moral failure.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://samhsa.gov.

Piper’s Lesson: “Drugs don’t magically make problems disappear. That’s what naps are for.”

Coco’s Lesson: “Alcohol slows reaction time. Which is why I don’t drink. I must remain ready to sprint toward any dropped food.”

Tinkerbell’s Lesson: “Knowledge is power. And power is knowing where the treats are hidden.”

My household stays loud and educational. The cats insisted on adding this. Science supports people making informed choices. Science supports harm reduction. Science supports LGBTQIA+ folks having access to accurate, stigma‑free information. Science does NOT support Aunt Barbara’s Facebook posts. Piper said that last part. I’m just reporting.

Piper climbs onto the table wearing a tiny pair of reading glasses she stole from somewhere.

“According to NIDA, over 20% of 12th graders reported using an illicit drug in the past year. That’s too many. That’s also the percentage of times I listen when Mother says, ‘get off the counter.’”

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Monitoring the Future Survey https://nida.nih.gov.

She flips a page dramatically.

“And nicotine vaping among teens is still one of the most common forms of substance use. Which is wild because I can’t even get Mother to let me sniff the humidifier.”

Source: NIDA Teen Vaping Trends https://nida.nih.gov.

Coco waddles in carrying a bag of treats like a briefcase.

“Listen up. The CDC says alcohol is the most commonly used substance among youth in the United States. Which explains why teenagers make decisions like climbing on roofs. And dating boys who wear Axe body spray.”

Source: CDC Youth Substance Use https://cdc.gov.

She pauses to eat a treat.

“And get this. About 1 in 5 high school students reported binge drinking. Meanwhile, I binge eat kibble and nobody gives me a national awareness week.”

Source: CDC  Underage Drinking https://cdc.gov.

Tinkerbell sits on her throne (the top of the fridge) and clears her throat like a disappointed professor.

“According to SAMHSA, over 46 million people in the U.S. met the criteria for a substance use disorder in 2021. That’s a lot of people needing support, compassion, and maybe a cat to sit on their chest and purr aggressively.”

Source: SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health https://samhsa.gov.

She adjusts her imaginary pearls.

“And here’s a big one. Only about 6% of people with a substance use disorder received treatment. 6%! That’s lower than the percentage of times Coco shares snacks.”

Source: SAMHSA Treatment Statistics https://samhsa.gov.                                                                                                                                                              As National Drug & Alcohol Facts wraps up, my cats would like to remind you to

Piper: “Stay curious, not chaotic.”

Coco: “Stay hydrated and snack‑positive.”

Tinkerbell: “Stay informed. Stay fabulous. And stop believing memes your cousin posted at 2 AM.”

And honestly? That’s the most scientifically accurate advice you’ll hear all week. Because the current administration doesn’t believe in science.

And that, my friends, concludes National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week as interpreted by three cats who have never paid taxes, never followed a rule, and yet somehow run this household like a federally funded research lab. Piper has knocked over every myth she could reach. Coco has eaten every statistic that wasn’t nailed down. Tinkerbell has judged the entire nation from the top of the fridge.

We’ve cited the CDC, NIDA, NIAAA, and SAMHSA. Because around here, we believe in facts, snacks, and queer‑centered harm‑reduction education. In that order. Take what you learned, Take what you laughed at. And take a deep breath. Because knowledge is power. Compassion is necessary. And humor is how we survive the South. Class dismissed. Sage extinguished. Cats victorious. Thanks for reading! Drop a comment about what you thought about the girls in this blog.

Affirmation: I choose knowledge over fear, compassion over judgment, and humor over everything else.

 ***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife