Addiction and Recovery Articles

©Arlene R. Taylor PhD Entering the lobby, I walked right into high drama. The principle actor was a slim young woman who was fairly vibrating with emotion. “That’s insulting, demeaning, sexist, racist, and you WILL pay for it!” she screamed, her long pony tail racing in circles.

If you have had strong cravings, you may not need a description of one! Like hunger (which is what we call craving for food), craving is a complete (cognitive, emotional, and physical) experience. Your mind is distracted. You feel tense and/or frustrated. You get physically uncomfortable. Craving motivates us to engage with whatever we are craving. Craving is specific, although we may gain some relief by using a substitute. If you are craving red wine, beer would be a (poor) substitute! If you are just craving alcohol, beer or wine will do.

Many people who have been involved in any type of personal growth or self development work and have subsequently sensed a real change in their inner world, will often forget the real difficulty and fear involved in doing any type of work that necessitates change.

rnTherapists and Psychologists are discovering that this is a lot easier said than done. It’s not like other addictions- like alcohol- where you can without a doubt identify if someone is sober or not. It’s more like food addiction than anything else. When you try to cure porn, the lines are not so apparent. What does that mean? It means that for the recovering addict who desires to restore to health porn, it’s not simply about never seeing a stripped image again. For t

It’s been suggested that you can improve the quality of your life by cultivating compassion. Compassion has been described as 1) a feeling of deep sympathy for another person, 2) to suffer together, or 3) conce for the misfortune of others. Not only is compassion praised as a desired human quality, studies suggest that engaging compassion can increase the hormone DHEA and reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for managing stress. It’s also been suggested that people who l

Quite recently there was television footage of a politician surrounded by his advisers, listening to a voter telling him what she thought about a particular subject. The commentary was about how this politician had been listening to this woman, and was designed to show him in a more human light in paying attention to and listening to what people were telling him.

Addiction is a subtle disorder, that can swiftly hold quickly in some of the cases, mainly after long-term substance abuse and affects the addicted person’s body and mind. So, treatment to addiction is obligatory. As addicted individuals have certain similarities but each case is unique. Any addiction will cause changes to your body and brain as well. Your body and mind need time to heal from the addiction and adjust your life without substances. There are many things that

Depression, Anxiety and Panic Attacks are very similar and in some ways interconnected. Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. A true clinical description is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended period of time. Symptoms Include: -Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping -A dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss -Fatigue and lack of energy

Self-Esteem–My Lifetime Battle to Accept Myself Self-esteem. Two simple words. But they can dramatically affect how we feel about ourselves and how they can control our lives. Having positive self-esteem enables us to live an inward life of security and self-respect. Having negative self-esteem forces us to live a life of doubt, insecurity, and anxiety about who we are as people and where we fit in society. Unfortunately, negative self-esteem is what I have had to battle wi

The Perfect Storm Our Role In Healing Dramas

You’ve made the decision to quit smoking you say? Make sure you really want to quit this time. Decide you’re going to quit no matter how scary you think it will be or how much you think you’ll miss smoking. Some people say “I really would like to quit but (you can fill in the words here)….” ...

Over the course of my career, I have helped many clients pursue a sense of personal power and emotional health sufficient enough to be safe, strong, and healthy while working through relationships with aggressive and/or abusive partners.

When addictions expert Scott Gallagher visited as a school speaker, he asked teens he worked with to list their top “addictions”. Learn more about what they said and how Scott’s program helps kids eliminate and prevent addictions - everything from bullying to video games. More than that Scott teaches practical ways to replace bad habits with healthy ones. By Scott Gallagher 1. Junk Foodrn2. Internet/Computer Usern3. Marijuana and/or Hashrn4. Alcoholrn5. Tobaccorn6. Suga

We are looking around at a vision of lacking. Do we see ourselves in that same light? We are so quick to judge, and we are so quick to identify what is missing in our own lives. There is an epidemic of more money than we know what to do with in the world, and yet we are unmoved by this fact. We are writing a story that has no happy ending. But, there is no story, and there is no ending. Isn’t that the best news? Can you imagine yourself in all of your glory, maybe a little

A woman comes in depressed and anxious after a recent divorce; another woman comes in after a divorce but is more hopeful and eagerly wants to move on with her life. Should these women see a therapist or life coach or perhaps both? Hopefully, this article will clarify the differences and ...

As a drug counselor, I receive many questions. This next one is typical: Q: I think my spouse may be addicted to his pain medication. He had knee replacement surgery several months ago and has gone back to work, but says he still needs to take pain pills. I think he is actually taking more now than he did right after the surgery. I'm not sure about all of this, and I don't know what or how to say something. His dad is a recovering alcoholic.

Treatment for people with addiction problems, particularly in a residential rehab, is notoriously expensive. The fees for such treatments often run into thousands of pounds or dollars a month. Unfortunately, most people who have addiction problems cannot afford such expensive treatments, and so have to go without this kind of help. Recent developments on the internet have brought a new range of treatments that are more within the price range of those who need them.

Long-term sobriety requires personal engagement in your recovery. Real engagement goes beyond just attending meetings or calling your sponsor. Engaged recovery requires that you constantly learn new, concrete skills which support long-term sobriety. When I think of concrete skills that support recovery, several things come to mind: Resilience - This generally refers to a person’s ability to cope with adversity, or the ability to bounce back from problems and setbacks. Resear

The Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation network is one of the fastest growing types of treatment in the world. Narconon treatment is also different from most other drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers available to those struggling with addiction. The philosophy of Narconon has always been simple; to - Free the individual from the physical effect of drugs. - To rehabilitate the spirit and help one to become a drug-free, ethical and productive member of society. Na

Although individuals will view addictive behavior in many ways, based on their own beliefs and situations, society needs a comprehensive view of it. Addiction is one of the compelling problems of modern life. Almost all individuals need to manage desire better in a world increasingly filled with tempting activities and substances, and decreasingly filled with counterbalancing forces. Rather than just relying on individual self-control, perhaps our larger communities and society itself can help us respond better to our desires. Addiction affects nearly everyone.

Starting a new job can be exciting. You still feel the honor associated with being chosen (which in this economy has become more selective) and you are optimistic about the journey ahead. During your interview, you asked exceptional questions about benefits, salary, future opportunities, and even about your job description. You have decided that you are prepared to deliver your best and know that you are a great fit for this position.

New Need for Comprehensive Christian Recovery Planr Dick B. © 2011 Anonymous. All rights reserved Tens of thousands of alcoholics, addicts, A.A. members, conce ed Christians, professional recovery workers, old-timers, and desperate family and other conce ed friends and associates have contacted me over the past 20 years. They usually ask how they or their loved ones can get God's help. And do so within existing A.A., Christian, treatment, and counseling boundaries. Twenty ye

Often when I teach an alcohol class I tell my students to think about their drinking. I want them to think about going beyond their historical drinking patterns, but study how it affects their mood and happiness. Have you become more unhappy since your consumption of alcohol has increased? Are You Happy Now?

Belief Systems

As I reviewed the recent articles on the Expert Pages, I ran across articles by Kathy Williamson, whom I have not met. And her articles stand out like a beacon. Here is someone who seems to have grasped what the early A.A. Christian Fellowship was doing when it insisted that every member must believe in God--the Creator, Yahweh, Almighty God, "The God of the Scriptures" as Bill Wilson described Him after his famous white light experience at Towns Hospital. Also, every member

Reflection is one of those terms that can sound a bit pompous, but actually has a lot of value in it in for many people for different reasons. Most of the major religious and spiritual traditions advocate a sort of review of the day, where people take a bit of time out to look back over their day and assess what had been going on, what happened to them , how they reacted etc.

Addiction is a devastating condition that no one wants to find themselves dealing with. Who says as a child that when they grow up they want to be an addict? nnIt sneaks up on you before you know it and can wreak havoc on your life and that of your loved ones. It can seem hopeless when you are in the depths of the disease but I'm here to prove to you it's not. nnYou can overcome your addiction. nnYou are not doomed to an unhealthy life and believe it or not, addiction can be

Whether it’s a job interview, an examination or even sport, for most things in life, the key component to doing well is preparation and when it comes to alcohol treatment, it’s no different. If you or a loved one is addicted to alcohol and have just decided that getting professional help is the only way that you will get better, you may have just made one of the most important decisions of your life.

Rita was married to Jimmy for twenty years before she finally “got it.” She had begged Jimmy to stop drinking many times, but words did not change his behaviors. Words such as, “if you want a relationship with me, you will have to stop drinking,” or “If you keep drinking, you will die young” appeared to be a waste of breath. He seemed to crave alcohol as much as hungry people crave food. She realized that she was powerless to change Jimmy. It was not fair that she

Sobriety is a lot more than not picking up a drink or chasing that drug. It is a constant process of preventing relapse. The reason that the process is constant is because there are certain factors and obstacles that cannot be avoided and only stand to complicate the process of recovery. This makes recognizing triggers that much more important. Recognizing will help to avert the problems associated with triggers and relapse.

n“Despite that we’ve learned a lot about healthy exercise practices, healthy diets, and good medical care, the bottom line is that the most significant way of contributing to our own good health is through the quality of our thought processes. This power is a valuable gift, in light of the lack of control we have over other aspects of life,” ……Every thought and every perception you have changes the homeostasis of your body. Will it be the brakes or the accelerator, a health a

Check out this quick list of alcoholism facts. I'm sure you'll be surprised at some of the items in this list. Alcoholism cuts across gender, race, and nationality. Learning about the disease and how to protect yourself from it is essential.rnHere are the ten facts on alcoholism you should know (at least in my opinion). The Top Ten Facts on Alcoholism: 1. For most adults, moderate drinking is considered to be - up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

We meet people everyday who have recovered or are in recovery from a major life changing event. Some deem themselves as survivors, and some just positively live their lives looking forward to the future (a thriver). What are the differences between a thriver, a survivor and a person in recovery? A thriver is someone who grows vigorously, flourishes, or realizes goals despite circumstances. Thrivers are active agents in creating their futures. They look forward to an ever better future. They have a knowing that when setbacks come, they will land on their feet.

With a choice between literally thousands of rehab center facilities across the country, it’s vital for any addict to make a choice that can change their lives. Here are three very important factors to consider. For anyone who has suffered through the anguish and despair caused by drug abuse, they may finally get to a point in their lives when they are ready to enter a rehab center in order to deal with their addiction. When they have reached that ultimate decision, the nex

Here are five tips that I have received from people who are struggling with binge eating disorder. When I was bingeing I used some of these exact tips. The tricks really helped to curb a binge or two. Try them out ad let me know how they work out for you. 1. Become a vegan. I’ve heard ...Here are five tips that I have received from people who are struggling with binge eating disorder. When I was bingeing I used some of these exact tips. The tricks really helped to curb a binge or two. Try them out ad let me know how they work out for you. 1. Become a vegan.

As I have been studying men and recovery from addiction off and on for more than 15 years, I have arrived at some nascent ideas that I am sure are not unique to me, but are compelling nonetheless. In essence, something happens to us as men and women during the process of recovery from addiction that changes how we express ourselves at the foundation of our very identity, our gender.

This is a beautiful 11th step prayer. Although compact and seemingly simple, it is one of the purest ways of working this step. In the first part, "God, help me to go from where I am," I am strengthening my conscious contact as I partner with my Higher Power and invite Him to guide me on my ...

The term prior authorisation has a specific meaning within the concept of health care and health insurance, and has a fundamental effect on virtually all of the procedures and clinical assessments that an individual is likely to come up against in the context of their health insurance policy.

Do you need to WANT to get well for treatment to work? We have all heard the line… “You can’t force someone into treatment, they have to want to get well for it to work”. I must say, I wholeheartedly disagree and I believe this fallacy has lead to devastating consequences for people who really needed help.r

Holiday survival? You better believe it!! With the holidays round the corner, most of us find ourselves searching survival skills. About two to three weeks into the season we feel we are ready to collapse. Thanksgiving, Christmas – even if you celebrate nothing, you end up involved in the hype: Shopping, parties, buying gifts, cooking, gift wrapping, writing, mailing or e-mailing cards, baking, planning and a whole lot of deadlines cause big stress – not good for anyone with addictive behavior.

Eating disorders in men are more common than people think. Unfortunately, they often go undiagnosed for many years if diagnosed at all. The reasons for this vary from professionals in the field being uninformed about signs of eating disorders in males, to men being resistant to seek help due to the perception that eating disorders are a “female” problem. The fact is that many men suffer with eating disorders yet we as a society tend to normalize the behavior and it is never addressed as an issue.

Of course with all the news of Jesse James & Tiger Woods and of course Dr. Drew Pinksy’s new Celebrity Sex Rehab show, the question most often asked is, Is there such a thing as sexual addiction? As I have stated in other articles addiction is a complex issue. People find themselves doing behaviors, which they feel great shame and remorse about. The traditional definition of addiction has always been connected with physical addiction and withdrawal. But what kind of withdrawal comes from a process, like sex or food, not drugs or alcohol? If you did watch Dr.

With diabetes, an attitude of 'ignore it and hope it goes away' can kill you. Literally. Diabetes is basically a disease that interferes with the ability of our bodies to use food for energy and growth. One thing that happens when we digest food is that some of it is converted into glucose ...

Many people will hear the word boundaries and immediately think that it only applies to someone who works in or understands the world of therapy or counselling. In fact healthy boundaries are something that hopefully will be developed in most families with kids, and are essential for any children or growing adolescents to have in order to feel an inner sense of security that allows them to grow.

In the early 1900s when drug and alcohol addictions were first studied, they were thought to be simply a result of moral failure and a lack of willpower. Today, many scientific studies have brought about a new train of thought. Most organizations that deal with additions now acknowledge that there are many more factors that can fuel an addiction. According to NIDA, the National Institute of Drug Abuse in America, addiction is a disease that affects behavior as well as the bra

When most of the people hear the word Hypnosis, they will automatically imagine a person waving a pocket clock in order to make another person to act like a chicken, dog or walk like’s zombie or even do action against their will (kill someone, rubbing people). But the reality is different; hypnosis is a mental state (according to "state theory") or imaginative role-enactment (according to "non-state theory"), in which the hypnotized person is not in a semi-sleep state but b

Drug abuse is rampant and the drug of choice is changing. The onslaught of abuse of prescription drugs is being done by teens and young adults by the thousands, if not millions. So, can this new drug of choice be stopped? Besides taking prescription pills out of medicine cabinets of parents and grandparents, how do you stop the sales from the street venders? Is it the supplier whom we need to stop – or the buyer? Well, there’s the law of supply and demand. Reduce the demand

I currently see millions of dollars being spent on rehab, counseling, drug courts, and other resources to try and stem the tide of drug addiction among teenagers. Unfortunately, these are all 'after-the-fact' repair mechanisms and do not deal with the root cause. In my opinion we do not give ...

Imagine if you saw the following headline in the mornings paper. How would it make you feel ?nn' LANDING ON THE MOON WAS A HOAX 'nnVirtually all adults not only in the U.S but all over the world accept that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the 20th July 1969 walked on the moon, everyone has built up a belief system around that fact and that people can travel in space and comeback again. But what if I was to tell you that it was a hoax. There are many conspiracy theories abou

Top 10 Best Alcoholics Anonymous Alternatives List Over the past few years, I have examined the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous and a lively discussion has followed these posts. AA is a group that many have very strong feelings about - both positive and negative. For some, AA has been a life-saver and allowed them to manage their addictions, while for others, the experience has not been as positive, and, in fact, has been quite horrible. Based on all of the heated discu