Before I get into the latest research about LSD and its possible use as a treatment for alcoholism, let me preface this post by borrowing a quote from the immortal Mr. Mackey of South Park: "Drugs are bad, m'kay?" I'm not condoning drugs or encouraging anybody to use them (particularly not any children of mine should they at some point or another during their Internet travels stumble across this post). M'kay?

That said, I'm not surprised by the findings of a recent study, which found "evidence for a clear and consistent beneficial effect of LSD for treating alcohol dependency." Basically, all this means is that scientists have finally figured out what pretty much every Grateful Dead fan learned decades ago: LSD can be -- CAN be -- a mind-opening experience. And opening one's mind is key to breaking any harmful habits or addictive patterns. But does that make LSD a cure for alcoholism?

If he were still alive, I know how my father would answer that question: NO.

Who do you think binge drinks more: people who live in affluent states with higher levels of education or those who live in less affluent, less educated states? People who live in colder states or warmer climates? People in regions that lean Democratic or Republican? The answers to those questions may surprise you. They certainly surprised me.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a report on binge drinking, which it defined as drinking five or more alcoholic drinks (for men) or four or more drinks (for women) in a brief period of time. And if you think it's a habit indulged in only by people who frequent college frat parties or spend all day at your neighborhood dive bar, you're sadly mistaken.

If you've ever had trouble deciding between a bottle of red and a bottle of white ("... whatever kind of mood you're in toooonight!"), have I got the tiebreaker for you! You know all the buzz about how wine (specifically red wine) is great for your health, because of the polyphenols that guard against free radicals, yadayada? Well, researchers thought it might be smart to check which type of wine, if either, could help us fight breast cancer.

Their study, published in the Journal of Women's Health, aimed to see if either wine could serve as an aromatase inhibitor, preventing the conversion of androgens (what we think of as "male" hormones) to estrogen, known to contribute to cancer cell growth. You might be surprised by the findings ...  

It seems like only yesterday, Heather Locklear was being called onto the set of the (now canceled) CW Melrose Place reboot to work the same magic she did when the original series' ratings weren't up to par. But today, the actress seems to have a lot more to worry about than being the Superwoman who can save a flailing prime time soap. Yesterday, she was rushed to a hospital in L.A. after her sister dialed 9-1-1.

Thankfully, Heather's whole family seems to be on the scene and her parents have reported that she's "fine," but early reports from TMZ note that the 50-year-old may have overdosed on a "dangerous mix" of prescription drugs (likely Xanax) and alcohol. However, even if that's true, there's more to the story.

Anyone who considers themselves a fan of Chelsea Handler knows that the comedian, author, Chelsea Lately host and exec producer, as well as creator/star of the new show, Are You There, Chelsea? (based on one of her books, cover to the right) has a thing for vodka ... sometimes, tequila. And who could blame her? Pinnacle Cake Flavored Vodka shots and frozen margaritas are my among my faves, too, mmmm ... But while alcohol plays a pretty hefty role in her salty and dry brand of humor, she recently dished that she's not sloshing back the vodka martinis as frequently as you might think. 

It seems inspired in part by her awesome job and the people she works with. Chelsea told Us Weekly at NBC Universal TCA Tour, "To function as I do, I can't be a mess." So, that kinda begs the question, right ... How does she get her booze fix and stay straight at the same time?

How many nights a week do you drink alcohol? One? Two? Three or four? Could you drink five days a week and still feel fit and awake and accomplish everything on your to-do list? I couldn't. But some members of the British Parliament are calling for a review of government guidelines in the U.K. in hopes of recommending just that: that people in the U.K. take at least two days off from alcohol each week.

Even if five nights of drinking, and two nights off, on any given week, probably sounds like a lot to the rest of us, it's apparently the picture of prudence in the U.K.

You drank a bit too much champagne and danced long past the countdown and well after the sound of the party horns faded. Now you're feeling it: the New Year's Day hangover. Your head is pounding. You're exhausted. You ache all over. You're seriously thirsty and those hors d'oeuvres that tasted so delicious last night are not sitting too well in your stomach this morning. Also, will someone please dim the lights and stop the room from spinning?

Yes, yes, you're filled with regret. You'll never drink to excess again. (Or at least perhaps not until next New Year's Eve.) But in the meantime, what can you do to cure your hangover -- fast? Here are a few tips:

We've all heard about how dangerous it is to drink and drive. But did you know it's also dangerous to drink and walk? Walking it off is the alternative for a lot of over-doers, especially on New Year's Eve -- and especially since it's nearly impossible to get a cab that night. But if you look at the numbers it's actually more dangerous to drunk walk than it is to drunk drive!

Scary but true -- you are 8 times likely to die if you walk a mile drunk than if you drive that mile drunk. This is according to economist Steve Levitt, who wants to be clear about something up front: he is NOT at all advocating for driving while drunk. Both are horribly dangerous. He's just pointing out that walking is not the safe alternative we think it is.