By Maia Szalavitz Ms. Szalavitz is a contributing Opinion writer who covers addiction and public policy. After rising exponentially since 1979, overdose rates have finally begun to decline, falling more than 29 percent since 2022. President Trump has repeatedly claimed that stopping these fatalities is a priority. But recent moves by his administration threaten to stall or even reverse this progress. The Trump administration is now enforcing an executive order against what ar

Originally appeared on the Moderation Management website on October 8, 2025 by Madeleine Zimmerman, MSW, LCSW If you’ve ever thought, “I know I need to stop drinking, but I don’t want to,” you’re not alone. As a therapist, I hear this phrase often: “I know I need to stop, but…” It’s usually followed by: “I don’t want to.” “…I can’t imagine my social life without it.” “…I’m afraid of failing.” That little word—but—carries a lot of weight. It’s the sound of ambivalence. And he

September 6, 2025/by Madeleine Zimmerman, originally appeared on the Moderation Management website One of the most powerful tools for managing alcohol cravings is urge surfing. Paired with grounding techniques, urge surfing helps you feel calmer, more in control, and less reactive when cravings strike. Have you ever felt a craving come out of nowhere, that sudden pull toward a drink that feels impossible to resist? You’re not alone. The good news: cravings are a lot like wave