Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

11/14/2025

Earlier I wrote about seeking medical supervision and support if detoxing from alcohol, especially if a heavy daily drinker.

If by chance that person is admitted to hospital it is important that the health-care professionals have as honest an understanding of daily consumption as possible.

If the person admitted will be in for a few days, they will be going through withdrawal. That can adversely affect treatment and recovery from whatever they are there for.

If the alcohol consumption and risk of withdrawal is known, then the person's care can be better managed.

The difference can be life or death.

11/14/2025

Of course Trump has hired unqualified people with remarkably questionable pasts.

He is the only one who would hire them, especially for roles so far beyond their capacity.

And they know it.

They also know that if he goes, they go.

That's why they continue to do his bidding and outright lie for him.

They are truly dependent on him.

Trump loves people he has such power over in these scenarios.

However, the moment any of them speak against him, they're dead to him.

11/14/2025

Making friends in line at Afiyet Shawarma
(This place is in North York, on Finch, 1 light west of Dufferin, north side.)

11/14/2025

We had seen each other several times. He was alcoholic. Seriously alcoholic.

There was the one time he came for an evening appointment. I let him in.

He was pale, sweaty, shakey.

He looked unwell. I said so.

He said he hadn't had a drink in two days.

Clearly he was detoxing right in front of me. It wasn't going well. I sat him in my meeting room and went out for a moment.

I returned with a stiff drink of rye and told him to drink it. He did. It didn't take long for him to settle and get some color back.

I didn't want him dying in my office and told him so. He understood. He didn't die that night but a few years later. Alcohol.

Look, you may want to stop drinking cold turkey, but if you have been a heavy daily drinker, don't. You put yourself at risk of death.

Speak with your doctor. Withdraw with medical supervision.

If withdrawing quickly the doctor can prescribe a medication to ease withdrawal, typically a three to five day supply.

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine is a common medication for this purpose.

This medication has a molecular structure similar to alcohol, as such it eases the symptoms of withdrawal.

We want you sober.

We also want you to survive getting there.

11/14/2025

I can't imagine following the matter of the Epstein files in the US if one is a survivor of sexual exploitation.

If triggering, I hope you have support and I hope you can pace yourself with regard to following the story.

My thoughts are with you.

11/14/2025

Most people are expert on catching the mistakes of others.
Those who are expert on catching the successes of others have a special gift.

11/13/2025

No dear. It's nowhere near 9:00(pm). It's just a bit past 6:00.

Seriously?

Yep.

11/13/2025

When adult children cut off contact with their parents, what's going on. This podcast explores the issue from several angles and ends with tips for managing..... My conversation with David Cooper.

Podcast Episode · The Last Show with David Cooper · 2025-11-13 · 21m

11/13/2025

I am a social worker.

I run towards the pain of others.

I stand amidst trauma.

I sit with anguish of loss.

I provide a safe space for exploration.

I seek to repair relationships.

I help people feel better about themselves.

I speak for those whose voices are not heard.

I am a social worker.

11/13/2025

I love the spirit of the coming holiday season.

However, I don't expect it to be long before divisive memes come out polarizing seasonal greetings.

Please, don't buy into racism, white supremacy, Christian nationalism.

At this time of year multiple religions celebrate holidays meant to spread joy, prosperity, well-being.

Act in a manner consistent with the spirit of the greeting.

As my mother would say, "Spread love, not hate."

11/13/2025

Wow. The rats will soon all be running from a sinking ship. The is hitting the fan.

11/12/2025

What a cliffhanger.
The files.
Are they really going to be released?