News & Views
Colorado House approves regulation of THC concentrate
Colorado House lawmakers today approved a bill to regulate concentrated THC, the active ingredient of the cannabis plant strongly associated with development of psychosis and several other mental health problems. The bipartisan effort, led by Democratic Rep. Yadira...
Thurstone speaks with The Economist about overdose deaths
The headline above the May 15 report in The Economist gets straight to the point: "Last year, more people in San Francisco died of overdoses than COVID-19." As reported: "While covid-19 rampaged across the country, America’s other epidemic has quietly boiled over....
Get to know Johnny’s Ambassadors
Today, we caught the vision for a new effort to raise awareness about the potential health harms of marijuana use and the importance of seeking mental healthcare for addiction and a wide range of mental health problems, including depression, suicidal ideation and...
Recommended reading: Jesus and Mary Jane
My wife and I are always honored when someone seeks our help with the treatment of addiction and mental health. The call we received from Charlie Granade, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Rogue River, Ore., was certainly no exception. He and the Rev. Barnabas...
Thurstone talks mental health in the days of COVID-19 with 9News
Today, KUSA 9News in Denver helped advance the mission of Mental Health Awareness Month with a panel discussion examining things to consider about mental health during in these days of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. I am honored to have been invited to...
Resources for those affected by COVID-19
I am based in Colorado, so this roundup of resources offering help during the COVID-19 outbreak is state-specific. However, I hope it provides some ideas for others compiling similar lists. Regardless of where you are, please contact me if you have a link to share....
Reframe COVID to manage emotional stress
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing much stress and distress as it disrupts so many things at the core of our lives, including our education, finances, health and social interaction. Stress specifically affects our mental health. It leads to biological changes in the...
Introducing impACT for Canine-Assisted Therapy
I am pleased to share this treatment guide, "impACT: Animal-Assisted Therapy Manual", which can be used in conjunction with “impACT: An MI/ACT Trans-Diagnostic Manual for Substance Use and Co-occurring Problems.” Both are yours, free for the download. About...
Vaping victim: ‘We’re going to end up on oxygen in our 20s and 30s’
Vaping rapidly has become one of the most troubling addictions for a generation of adolescent Americans.
Thurstone named 5280 ‘Top Doc’ for 9th consecutive year
I am deeply grateful to all of the Colorado physicians who took the time to recognize my work with a ninth consecutive "Top Doc" award in 5280 magazine. Thank you. Substance Use Disorder is one of our country's most damaging and pressing public health problems, and...
Read the book
Clearing the Haze is a guide designed to help parents determine whether their child may have a substance problem and, if so, how to begin to address it. This book includes the voices and insight of experts in substance abuse counseling, young people in recovery, and parents who have lived the nightmare of adolescent addiction.