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SelfGrowth.com Recommended Articles:
Coming Out of Our Comfort Zones: Recovery From Addiction - by Candace Plattor- How Do You Work with Anger While in Recovery? - by Submitted on Aug 17, 2009 from Keith Bray"Character isn't inherited. One builds it daily by the way one thinks and acts, thought by thought, action by action. If one lets fear or hate or anger take possession of the mind, they become self-forged chains." -- Helen Douglas How do you feel about anger, in yourself and in others? How do ...
Views: 1421(1 vote) - ***Addiction: How to Recognize It and What to Do about It - by Submitted on Aug 16, 2009 from Garrett CoanAddiction to alcohol and other drugs is a chronic disease. It is progressive, continuous, and long-term. Alcohol or drug abuse means that a person has control over whether he or she drinks or uses. Alcohol or drug dependence means that a person has lost all control over his or her drinking or ...
Views: 1453(3 votes) - A Path Back From Addiction & Mental Health Problems - by Submitted on Aug 25, 2009 from Byron RichardsGroundbreaking research on a brain protein called kalirin is opening a new door for novel ways to address serious mental health disorders, addiction problems, as well as another angle on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Within your brain is a dense network of information highways. ...
Views: 1805(6 votes) - What is Addiction? - by Submitted on Aug 10, 2009 from Andre BrinkWhat is addiction? Addiction is only the result of abuse. Abuse is the imbalance of how you live. Too much of something, is imbalance. We are all addicts of some sort, some sociably acceptable and others sociably unacceptable. Part of the problem lies within the derogatory attitude ...
Views: 1103(1 vote) - Energy Psychology Heals Addiction - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2009 from Julie Roberts, Ph.D.Addiction results from using a substance repeatedly to cope with emotional and/or physical pain. Family history of addiction is a factor in the severity of the problem and one’s ability and willingness to stop, but using substances to deal with emotional pain prevents us from learning effective ...
Views: 4801(5 votes) - Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Anna Nicole Smith: Death is the Prescription, How Many More? - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2009 from Brian GreenPrescription drug abuse, which I term medical drug addiction, like all addictions including alcoholism, (addiction to ethyl alcohol), though more widely recognized nowadays, is still not widely understood. And of course, combining the abuse of prescription drugs, (obtained legally or not), with ...
Views: 2817(2 votes) - The Role of Group Therapy in Primary Addiction Rehabilitation - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2009 from John DerryGroup therapy is complementary to, but distinct from participation in Twelve Step groups. Through the group process, growth is facilitated, isolation is reduced, and the concept of sobriety as an interpersonal experience is fostered. Indeed, group therapy is frequently considered the treatment ...
Views: 2215(2 votes) - Existential Dimensions of Alcoholics Anonymous - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2009 from John DerryRecognizing an existential vacuum, the drug abuser experiences unhappiness and, as a maladaptive response, turns to drugs or alcohol for relief of emotional pain. In the tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), it is through the recounting of life stories that the addict learns how to interpret ...
Views: 2968(2 votes) - Relationship Between Spiritual and Existential Dimensions in Addiction - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2009 from John DerryAddiction has been referred to as a disease of mind, body and spirit. The role and affect of mind and body are relatively self evident, whereas the spiritual dimension seems more difficult to conceptualize. Yet, if it is believed that alcoholism or other addiction does indeed affect all aspects ...
Views: 2443(2 votes) - Is Addiction a Family Disease? - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2009 from John DerryThere is a growing body of research focused on the dynamics of addiction within the context of family relationships. Drinking parents have profound and lasting effects on their children's physical, social, and psychological development. Children of alcoholic parents are twice as likely as those ...
Views: 2235(2 votes) - What Causes Addiction? - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2009 from John DerryAlcoholism and other forms of addiction were once considered to be a problem of morality or weak will. Unfortunately, much of society still holds these archaic views despite increasingly overwhelming evidence that addiction is a complex, multifactorial disease including biological, psychological ...
Views: 1530(2 votes) - The Anger Mantra - by Submitted on Aug 08, 2009 from Michael PaulPeople wish to be settled. Only as far as they are unsettled is there any hope for them. --Ralph Waldo Emerson Two monks were traveling down a road beside a river. They came upon a woman sitting on the bank with her head in her hands and tears streaming down her face. One monk asked what ...
Views: 4135(1 vote) - I Have a Reason to Be PO'ed - by Submitted on Aug 06, 2009 from Keith BrayIt is true for all of us, there are times when S..T happens. It is how we respond to it that counts. I love to play golf. The golf course is such a window on life and an insight into the people who play the game. Spend four hours plus with a seemingly intelligent and balanced human being, let ...
Views: 1290(1 vote) - Addiction As Disease Does Not Equal "Get Out of Jail Free" - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Peggy FergusonSometimes family members have a hard time with the idea that addiction is a disease. When this is the case, it often has to do with the issue of responsibility. Sometimes family members believe that "disease" is equated with a "get out of jail free card" or not being held responsible. This is ...
Views: 2156(2 votes) - Addiction Recovery: 12 Do's and Don'ts For the Family While the Alcoholic is in Rehab - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Peggy FergusonYour significant other finally went to rehab. With all the events leading up to his agreeing to go to treatment, it may feel like a let-down. You may have breathed a big sigh of relief as you drove away from the airport or the treatment center after dropping him or her off. You may feel hope. ...
Views: 4412(2 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: Drinking or Using Dreams as a Normal Part of Recovery - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Peggy FergusonWhen you have a drinking or using dream, you may wake up not really knowing if it actually happened. Many people in early recovery find it disturbing and frightening when they experience a "using" dream. Drinking and using dreams are those dreams where the central theme or experience is about ...
Views: 4746(2 votes) - *** A Story of Hope - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Debra Norton“Before I came to Amistad, nobody ever took time to teach me how to do something. I just had to figure it out on my own. Now I have mentors who are like me. They have been drug addicts and they have been incarcerated but they are doing something different with their life today. I could ...
Views: 2442(1 vote) - *** Amity Foundation’s Annual Acknowledgement Ceremony - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Debra NortonWe need to send a message to the world. Let it be known that the people in our penal institutions are not invisible; they are not to be thrown away. There is redemption that can be had in the lives of every human being. We stand here in solidarity today with Amity Foundation to say that we ...
Views: 2653(1 vote) - I Think My Spouse May Be Addicted To His Pain Medication - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekAs 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 ...
Views: 1647(3 votes) - Step One: What's the Big Deal About Step One? - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekWe admitted that we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. --"Step One, AA 12-Steps After many years in recovery, I know that I must not forget this one principle: "I will always be an addict. --Joe Herzanek Whether you are a fan of twelve-step ...
Views: 1459(3 votes) - Parent-Sponsored Teen Drinking at Graduation Parties - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekA question I have been receiving a lot lately is: Is it a good idea for my teen to drink at home under my supervision? The short answer: No. Some parents have come to believe that their teen is better off drinking or even smoking pot at home rather then out driving around with friends. Lately ...
Views: 1467(2 votes) - Meth Myths - Can Meth Addicts Really Recover? - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekMethamphetamine is much different from regular amphetamine pills. Without going into a chemistry lesson, meth is simply a more refined or condensed form of amphetamine. It is much more powerful than what some people might think of as diet pills or speed. It produces both an intense feeling of ...
Views: 11960(4 votes) - Insider Tips on Addiction Recovery During a Recession - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekWhat can a person do to help a loved one who really needs to be in recovery? Can you afford to pay for an inpatient program? What are the options during these stressful times? Treatment providers across the country are feeling the effects of our weakened and unstable economy as well. We asked ...
Views: 1316(3 votes) - 12 Steps And The Bible - by Submitted on Aug 01, 2009 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenThe 12 Steps are tools that have helped millions of people overcome their addictions, whether it be to alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling or even food. Originally, the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous were developed by Bill Wilson in the 1930's after he had a spiritual awakening and overcame his ...
Views: 3381(3 votes) - The "Rock Bottom" Myth - Learn How to Raise the Bottom - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekYeah, when he hits bottom he'll be ready. A user has to hit bottom before he will change. Sooner or later she will hit bottom. Then she'll be ready to get some help. Raise the Bottom. This whole idea of "hitting bottom" is out of date. Some people will wait years-even decades-for their ...
Views: 5278(4 votes) - EGO RUNNING WILD! - by Submitted on Jul 31, 2009 from Keith BrayEGO RUNNING WILD! Thought to Ponder . . .The ego seeks the destination; the soul seeks the journey What a deadly conflict I had going on for so many years, my ego searching for the destination and my forgotten soul seeking a journey! It made it hard to live in this skin of mine; seeking and ...
Views: 2054(1 vote) - Step One: What’s the big deal about Step One? - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2010 from Judy HerzanekWe admitted that we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. —Step One, AA 12-Steps After many years in recovery, I know that I must not forget this one principle—I will always be an addict. —Joe Herzanek Whether you are a fan of twelve-step programs or ...
Views: 1714(4 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: Prevent Relapse By Making Good Choices - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2009 from Peggy FergusonRelapse is a process that occurs over time, in the context of significant decisions. Many people who relapse say that drinking or using was the furthest thing from their mind just before they consumed the chemical. In reality, most of the time, relapse was in process some time before the ...
Views: 4478(2 votes) - Guide to Eliminating Deception and Dishonesty - How to Get Real in Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2009 from Peggy FergusonMany people, while active in addiction, engage in deceptive, dishonest behavior, and diversionary tactics. These are part and parcel of addiction and the need to keep the extent of their problem hidden. It is difficult to juggle all the demands of being addicted with all the "normal" demands of ...
Views: 7164(2 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: Cross Addiction and Relapse: 5 Cross Addiction Relapse Prevent Tips - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2009 from Peggy FergusonAlthough definitions of "Addiction" seem to be continuing to evolve, addiction is still "a primary, chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease". The last decade of research has led to a refined definition of addiction as a "brain disease which is manifested by compulsive behavior". Cross ...
Views: 3766(1 vote) - Cross Addiction and Relapse - Examples and Relationships - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2009 from Peggy FergusonCross addiction is one of the leading causes of relapse in early recovery. Cross-addiction involves being addicted to all mood altering drugs. The following are illustrations of cross addiction. 1. Some people become cross-addicted in their efforts to camouflage their addiction. ...
Views: 4751(2 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: Understanding The Nature of Addiction to Understand Cross Addiction - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2009 from Peggy FergusonEarly addiction recovery is a fragile thing. One of the most frequent contributing factors in relapse is something we call "cross-addiction". Essentially what cross-addiction means, is that if you are alcoholic or addicted to other mood altering drugs, you a potentially addicted to all mood ...
Views: 2754(1 vote) - Please like me? - by Submitted on Jul 28, 2009 from Keith BrayPLEASE LIKE ME? I don’t know how many years I went through life deep down just wanting people to like me. Can you relate? As a kid, I had friends, but never felt that I was anyone’s “best friend”. I longed to be the person who got that first phone call or had people knocking at my door on ...
Views: 1265(4 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: Ten Common Myths about Alcohol and Drug Addiction - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonPeople who don't know much about alcohol and other drug addiction, often buy into common myths and stereotypes about addiction and addicts. It is important to replace mistaken assumptions and judgments about addiction, so that you can approach those afflicted with the illness, with compassion ...
Views: 4062(1 vote) - Addiction and Recovery: Do You Really Have to Hit Bottom to Recover? - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonThere is a generally misguided notion that you have to "hit bottom" to be able to get sober and stay sober. "Hitting bottom" is usually seen as the loss of the things that you value in your life. It is an individually defined event and the concept has probably hindered the recovery efforts of a ...
Views: 2675(1 vote) - A Relapse Prevention Tool - Emotional Cues for Cravings in Relapse Worksheet - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonWe experience sensory, emotional/psychological, cognitive, environmental, and physical cues on a daily basis in early recovery. These cues or triggers, if left unchecked can turn into powerful cravings for the chemical. Cravings can lead to relapse. In order to avoid relapse it is crucial that ...
Views: 13957(2 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: The Social and Environmental Triggers Worksheet - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonAssociations between particular feelings, people, places, and events becomes intertwined with the alcoholic or addicts drinking and drugging behavior. When alcoholics and addicts find their way to recovery, the old associations between the drinking and drugging and the old feeling, people, ...
Views: 10513(2 votes) - Family Dynamics of Addiction And Recovery - Deciding What to do about an Adult Child's Addiction - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonWhen an adult child with addiction problems lives with his parents, those parents are faced with hard choices. The addict believes that he is only harming himself, yet the truth is that the addiction is hurting everyone and is typically tearing the family apart. Parents and significant others ...
Views: 1786(2 votes) - Family Members Know You are Going to Relapse in Your Addiction Before You Do - Listen Up - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonThe family dynamics of recovery is rarely smooth sailing. Relapse, which is a process, has a tremendously negative effect on significant others. Family members who have labored and struggled to remain with the addict through all the active years of addiction, to assist them in finding their way ...
Views: 4677(1 vote) - Working Through Feelings in Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonOne of the most important tasks necessary for maintaining abstinence and growing in recovery is learning how to appropriately work through feelings. Many people use alcohol and other drugs in place of dealing with or managing emotions. Alcoholism/drug addiction often involves skill deficits. ...
Views: 8101(1 vote) - CHOICE-Cleaned Up, Locked Up, Covered Up or Broken Up - by Submitted on Jul 24, 2009 from Keith BrayCHOICE-CLEANED (sobered) UP, LOCKED UP, COVERED UP or Broken Up I don't know when I first heard this, but since I have chosen a process of life recovery and the coaching profession, the truth of this "choice" has become very real. I hope that those of you who have taken the time to read this ...
Views: 2007(1 vote) - In Praise of Differences! - by Submitted on Jul 21, 2009 from Keith BrayMy Life Coaching mentor, Dr. Randin Brons, Has once again hit a chord with this week Idea Generator. Celebrate differences. "Souls don't have races or sexes or religions. They are beyond artificial divisions." -- Brian Weiss Intolerance of differences always exists in people who don't know ...
Views: 1241(1 vote) - More on the God Thing... - by Submitted on Jul 17, 2009 from Keith BrayI am not, today, a religious person, but to move from a low start point to a life I love today, I had to understand what god is to me. It is safe to say, at my lowest hour, I was spiritually bankrupt. I was the centre of my own universe and I tried to control all within it. For a long period it ...
Views: 1136(1 vote) - The Culture of Addiction: A Strategy for Dealing with the Stress of Life - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2009 from Aila Accad, RN,We live in a culture where the definition of addiction is our motto: ‘More is better and there is never enough’. The drive for more, bigger, faster does not allow for a state of satiety, a place of feeling full, satisfied, sustained. Addiction comes in diverse packages yet underneath, all ...
Views: 4062(4 votes) - Court Ordered 12-Step Attendance is Illegal - by Submitted on Jul 15, 2009 from Tom HorvathThis article is not intended to convey legal advice, which can only be provided by an attorney licensed in your state. What follows is an addiction psychologist’s summary of a legal issue he has been following for over a decade. The “establishment” and “free exercise” clauses of the US ...
Views: 2043(1 vote) - How to Stop Drinking in Four Manageable Steps - by Submitted on Jul 15, 2009 from Carl-Peter LehmannIf you want to know how to stop drinking – there are a few things you need to do. But first you need to understand that if you have a serious drinking problem – there is a big difference between stopping - and staying stopped. With a bit of will power, almost anyone can stop drinking for a ...
Views: 3153(2 votes) - From Psychology of Disease to Psychology of Choice - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Intent.com AuthorsAddictive or compulsive behavior is experienced as feeling un-free: a substance user feels compelled or driven to use. Compulsion is experienced as a state of being enslaved in a pattern of repetitive behavior. This forced, driven, un-free nature of the compulsive experience is reflected in ...
Views: 607(1 vote) - Do You Believe in Yourself? - by Submitted on Jul 13, 2009 from Keith BrayDo you believe in yourself? "We cannot rise higher than our thought of ourselves." -- Orison Swett Marden Each week I receive an idea generator from my coaching mentor, Dr. Randin Brons. Seldom does Randin send something that does not provoke thought within me and usually it takes me back ...
Views: 907(2 votes) - Playing Life Forward - by Submitted on Jul 06, 2009 from Keith BrayPlaying Life Forward (and loving you). Life moves forward whether we want it to or not. It never plays in reverse. The past is past. Over. Finished. Our job is to move with the flow of the present. We are propelled by what went before, but we do not try to swim against the current of our ...
Views: 1257(2 votes) - Talking About Drugs - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2012 from Christopher LowryFor many people, bringing up the subject of drugs is difficult. Your teens may try to dodge the discussion, and you yourself may feel unsure about how to proceed. To boost your chances for a productive conversation, take some time to think through the issues you want to discuss before you talk ...
Views: 2403(4 votes)