Addiction | Brian Cuban

04 Dec

Will Your Holiday Office Party Enable Problem Drinking?

By bcuban
In Alcoholism, Lawyers

It’s that time of the year again. Holiday Parties. Spiked eggnog and lampshades against the backdrop of a legal profession replete with problem drinkers. Almost two years after the groundbreaking study, alcohol is still ingrained in our culture. Booze centered

26 Nov

Unresolved Trauma : A Hidden Gatekeeper To Wellness

By bcuban
In Addiction, Law Practice Wellness, Law School

If I asked one hundred people how they define “trauma,” I might get eighty different answers. One person might talk about their broken leg. Another would talk about physical or sexual abused. A veteran may talk about a war experience.

06 Oct

A Lawyer’s Tragic Slide

By bcuban
In Alcoholism, Stories

I wonder how many looked at my friend and colleague Gary and said nothing as he struggled with addiction. I often replay the months leading up to his death like a feature-length motion picture. Summer 2013. A muggy, hot morning

05 Oct

What A “Blackout” Feels Like

By bcuban
In Addiction, Stories

The “Boom Boom party room” at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas seems to be swaying back and forth. The Sugar Hill Gang hit, “Rapper’s Delight”, is blasting. I grab the edge of the bar for balance. There is

13 Sep

Pledge To Lend An Ear

By bcuban
In Addiction, Depression, Suicide

It seems that at least once a month I read about a lawyer dying by suicide. Tragic but unfortunately, not-surprising in a profession that is 3rdth ranked in terms of suicide (out of professions adjusted by age). I may see

15 Aug

The Non-Traditional Recovery

By bcuban
In Addiction, Alcoholism

Now and then I come across an interesting story of someone in recovery doing it differently than the mainstream of Alcoholics Anonymous, residential treatment etc. I believe it is important to look outside of what makes us comfortable and the

08 May

Hey Media: Please Stop Using The Word “Addict”

By bcuban
In Addiction

The Chicago Tribune recently published a powerful op-ed by a woman giving her personal story with regards to her sister’s lost struggle with opioid addiction. She talked about the shame that arises from the language used to describe her sister’s

01 May

Surgery and Addiction: Dangerous Bedfellows

By bcuban
In Addiction, Recovery

Don’t be afraid of surgery because of an addiction past. Deal with the past right up front and have a plan that involves everyone in the chain. You can do it!

22 Apr

She Went From A Federal Prison Inmate To Yoga Recovery Lawyer

By bcuban
In Addiction, Lawyers, Stories

I recently had the honor of telling my story at the three Minneapolis/St. Paul law schools. During that visit, I met attorney Suzula Bidon. Suzula has a journey that personifies redemption: Addiction; federal prison; the battle as a convicted felon

02 Apr

Reflections at 11 Years Sober. Am I Still an “Alcoholic”?

By bcuban
In Addiction, Alcoholism

About six months ago, I was in a Facebook discussion with a person who was in Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as “12-step recovery.” (I am also in 12-step) Without getting into what lead up to it, at the end of