Self Improvement Site
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
Addiction and Recovery Articles
Candace Plattor is The Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to "Addiction and Recovery". You can find complete information on Candace Plattor and her products by visiting Candace Plattor.
SelfGrowth.com Recommended Articles:
Coming Out of Our Comfort Zones: Recovery From Addiction - by Candace Plattor- Drug Addiction - The Self Esteem Trap - by Submitted on Sep 30, 2011 from Ray BakerMany people suffering from low self esteem turn to drugs to alleviate the feelings associated with low self worth. Feelings of inadequacy, poor self image, and inability to cope with the demands of day-to-day life prove too much, and a means of escape is sought. Apart from my own personal ...
Views: 3123 - Restoring Dignity - by In dealing with those individuals from addiction, codependency, and other dysfunctional behaviors, a common thread runs through each story I hear. These people give up and give in. This behavior eventually leads to loss of personal dignity. Each person performs and puts on an act, while hiding ...
Views: 3119 - Treatment for Spouses and Other Family Members of Alcoholics and Addicts - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2009 from Peggy FergusonOne of the most frequent questions that I hear from family members is, “Why do I need to be in counseling, when she is the alcoholic/addict? The family members that do come into treatment willingly and eagerly at the beginning are most often motivated to “help” the addict. The idea that ...
Views: 3118(1 vote) - ***What Makes a Truly Holistic Recovery Program? - by Submitted on Sep 30, 2016 from Dean TaraborelliWe Have Living Proof that You Can Re-write, Re-experience and Re-create Your Life The Sanctuary at Sedona is a non-12 Step holistic addiction recovery program. We were founded by Dean Taraborelli who was a self-proclaimed ‘chronic relapser’, unsuccessfully seeking addiction recovery for 30 ...
Views: 3117 - The Secret for Becoming a Non-Smoker - by Submitted on Jun 07, 2007 from Nenad MolerovicThe secret for becoming a non-smoker From many of the well known methods on how to quit smoking, I will share with you the biggest discovery that will make you feel powerful enough to start the process of becoming a non-smoker. This discovery will power you up day after day. You will enjoy the ...
Views: 3116 - Treating Love Addiction - by Submitted on May 09, 2013 from Jim HallPeople looking for the answers to overcoming their love addiction often ask two questions, “What does recovery really mean when it comes to breaking this problem”? ... and “What are key things I need to work on to successfully recover from love addiction”? When we are new to recovery, we may ...
Views: 3116(1 vote) - Drugs becoming easily accessible at schools - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2012 from Steven ThomsonAs time has gone by over the past ten to fifteen years there has been a steadily increasing rate of drug use by teens and at schools. This problem is not inherent of only a few countries, but is rather a global trend that has never experienced a true decline. CNN has recently published a survey ...
Views: 3108 - Love Addiction: What is it? - by Submitted on May 09, 2013 from Jim HallLove Addiction is an unhealthy obsessive and dysfuntional dependency to another person in relationships. Love Addiction is finally being recognized as a serious problem and a serious addiction in the media and mental health professionals. Some have difficulty believing "love" can become an ...
Views: 3105(2 votes) - The Hard Facts On Drugs - Crack/Cocaine - by Submitted on May 03, 2009 from SelfGrowth.com ArticlesThe devils drug; as it is known by most users; crack/cocaine is one of the most addictive and destructive drugs ever created. A former user quoted, “I would never wish this upon my worst enemy.” This drug will create an overwhelming desire to experience the feeling of the first high over and ...
Views: 3103 - How To Let Go Of Addictions - by Submitted on Aug 06, 2009 from Ryan RandolphDo you ever find yourself pushed by some invisible force to do something that you know is unhealthy? Perhaps you've been battling with this habit for a long time and have not found any reliable way to overcome it. You know what you should do but when you are in the moment, you can't help ...
Views: 3100 - Communication in Recovery - Ten Steps to Fair Fighting - by Submitted on May 24, 2009 from Peggy FergusonUse the following ten steps to replace old, ineffective arguments with an effective fair fighting session: 1. Fight to resolve an issue or solve a problem. 2. Identify the problem to be solved. 3. Take turns stating your case, using I messages. 4. Practice active listening. 5. Generate ...
Views: 3089(1 vote) - What Defines A Holistic Drug Detox Rehab Program? - by Submitted on Feb 15, 2013 from Corey AveryHolistic Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers take many different approaches to treating drug addiction, as there are drugs. The holistic drug detox philosophy involves the transformation of the total person, as opposed to only dealing with the symptom, which is the addiction. Underlying the addiction ...
Views: 3070(3 votes) - Addiction - Surviving the Holidays - by Submitted on Nov 28, 2010 from Lisa EspichThe holidays can be a magical time for families. It is a time for wonderful parties, great food, bonding, reminiscing about the past, and gift giving. Family members often travel great lengths to be together. For many people, it is the only time of year that their family is all together as ...
Views: 3069(3 votes) - Anatomy of a Relapse - by Submitted on May 12, 2012 from Todd BranstonA random poll among newly sober clients, recovery counselors, and people who have achieved years of clean time would probably produce a varying consensus about the most pressing need for successful recovery. Most respondents, however, would likely agree that relapse is often an indicator of ...
Views: 3065(1 vote) - What To Expect From An Alcohol And Drug Rehab Center - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2007 from Terje EllingsenChecking into an alcohol and drug rehab center is for most addicts one of the most frightening times they experience. All the components that made your life predictable and safe is all of a sudden turned completely upside down. You will be isolated from your family and friends and spend your ...
Views: 3062 - Johnny's Re-Entry Story - by Submitted on May 01, 2011 from Abraham Rose and Johnny L. EllisI had hoped to be able to return to Illinois upon my release, but found out I was mandated to Madison, where the offense was committed. I wanted to get out of Wisconsin. I felt I had paid my debt. My last week in prison, tension was building. I felt like I was suspect, as if I was going to steal ...
Views: 3061(2 votes) - ***Prescription Drug Use and Psychological Dependence - by Submitted on Dec 29, 2016 from Dean TaraborelliThe Deep Attachment of Psychological Dependence with Prescription Drug Use Prescription drug use is a public health epidemic in the U.S. with addiction and overdose rates at an all time high. At the heart of these issues is a powerful and double-pronged compulsion to use them—a dependency ...
Views: 3046 - Creativity and Madness - by Submitted on Feb 18, 2010 from Paul HoodMuch has been written and discussed about the relationship between creativity, particularly creative genius, and insanity, mental illness. Shakespeare wrote, in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: “The lunatic, the lover and the poet are of imagination all compact.” Still, there is to this day no ...
Views: 3042(1 vote) - Myths About Drug Treatment - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2012 from Christopher LowryMyth #1: Drug addiction is voluntary behavior. A person starts out as an occasional drug user, and that is a voluntary decision. But as times passes, something happens, and that person goes from being a voluntary drug user to being a compulsive drug user. Why? Because over time, continued use ...
Views: 3037(4 votes) - Solutions To Dealing With Sociopathic Behavior - by Submitted on Jan 19, 2008 from Stacy Kamala WaltmanIn my previous article called, Living with a Narcissist, I wrote about my desire to provide people with solutions to pathological behavior like narcissism, sociopathic behavior and co-dependency issues. In my research on this subject, I ran across this helpful article from Snow Lions ...
Views: 3016(1 vote) - The Psychological Underpinnings of Sex Addiction - by Submitted on Mar 23, 2013 from Dorothy HaydenThe diagnosis of sex addiction is the same as every addiction: loss of control and continued behavior despite adverse consequences. Sexual addiction differs from other addictions, however. Our sexuality reflects unconscious conflicts, longings and wishes of which we are not aware. In essence, ...
Views: 3016 - The Cape Town Tik Problem - by Submitted on Jul 06, 2012 from Steven ThomsonMethamphetamine or more commonly known in South Africa as “Tik” has caused Cape Town to have one of the worst drug problems in the world. Every single aspect of this drug is completely devastating, from its short-term to long-term effects and from its physical and mental effects on the body. ...
Views: 3012 - Stop Face Picking By Getting Rid Of Your Need To Be Perfect - by Submitted on Aug 17, 2012 from Sophia BrooksTo stop face picking the first thing that you need to address is your issues with perfectionism when trying to stop picking. When You think to stop face picking you think of picking acne or compulsive pimple popping. Sometimes you start face picking at stuff that is not noticeable or is not ...
Views: 3005(2 votes) - BREAKING THE NEAR-IMPOSSIBLE CYCLE OF ADDICTION - by Submitted on Sep 17, 2009 from William CottringerBREAKING THE NEAR-IMPOSSIBLE CYCLE OF ADDICTION by Bill Cottringer “In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.” ~Aldous Huxley. A drop dead handsome, smart young man gets a good education and ...
Views: 2991 - Drug Rehab: Do You Need It? - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2006 from Abhilash PatelDo you have an addiction? The question shouldn't be hard to answer. There are fairly clear lines between an addiction and a casual behavior. According to substance abuse experts Chris and Pax Prentiss, founders of Passages Malibu, a residential drug rehab program, addiction is caused by ...
Views: 2977 - EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - by Dr. Donald Goldman? 1995 book Emotional Intelligence brought to public awareness research on the cluster of emotional skills which predict later life success. A typical research scenario has a researcher offering 4 year olds the choice betweenreceiving one marshmallow immediately, ortwo after ...
Views: 2976 - HOW TO STOP GAMBLING: The 7 Immutable Laws To Stopping Gambling Dead In Its Tracks - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2009 from J CIf you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem or addiction, then please read this article very carefully. You can win the battle against gambling. Everyday hundreds of people do just that. And there are thousands more maintaining their gamble free lifestyles. This ...
Views: 2972(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) - Living with an alcoholic – Shame - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from John McMahonIf you live with an alcoholic you will almost certainly feel shame. Some people will experience it to a very high level others less so but almost everyone who lives with an alcoholic experiences it to some degree. You will probably feel anxious that people will discover your secret, that they ...
Views: 2968(5 votes) - Mediical Model versus Spiritual Model for Treating Addiction - by Submitted on Jun 22, 2011 from Robert GoulardMedical and Spiritual Model of Drug Rehabilitation Like cancer, heroin addiction must be treated. Two existing fields of treatment for addiction are the spiritual model and the medical model. Both conceptualize that addiction is a manifest symptom of an underlying biochemical disorder. ...
Views: 2963 - Serentity Prayer - by Submitted on May 07, 2011 from Patt MannaFrom Chapter 6 of my book Spiritual Infusion:Twelve Step Recovery and Revival Inside and Outside The church, you will find my study and commentary into the depth of this marvelous prayer and what it offers us in recovery. This is the long-form of the Prayer and warrants study of the words so ...
Views: 2961(2 votes) - Hot and Cold Love Addicts: A Lethal Combination - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2012 from Susan PeabodyA lot has been written about love addiction and yet it is still a misunderstood disorder. For instance, many people believe that love addicts only run hot (passionately pursue someone who is unavailable like in the movie Fatal Attraction.) However, many love addicts also run cold (appear ...
Views: 2954 - How Do You Forgive an Addict - by Submitted on Aug 15, 2013 from Lisa EspichAs an author and speaker on co-addiction, and as a wife of a recovering drug-addict, one of the most common questions I get is how do you forgive? It is understandable that after all of the lies, betrayal, and pain that come with addiction that loved ones would have a difficult time forgiving. ...
Views: 2953(1 vote) - Your emotional journey in the early days following your relationship break up or separation-What to Expect! - by Submitted on May 07, 2011 from James RichardsonFollowing your divorce,relationship break up or separation,you may be surprised and alarmed to experience both the strength and range of emotions that you are currently feeling. You may notice that your emotions are different to other people who are separated. This appears, in part,to depend ...
Views: 2950(1 vote) - Eeg Neurotheraphy In The Treatment Of Alcoholism Aan Addictions: Brief Overview - by Introduction
Alcoholism is a disease that afflicts at least 12 million Americans. It leads to approximately 250,000 premature deaths a year, disrupts the lives of some 45 million family members and costs an estimated $120 billion a year in medical bills, property damage and lost time and ...
Views: 2944 - The Name of the Game: How to Revive Your Ailing Self-Respect - by Submitted on Jul 16, 2010 from Candace PlattorMost of us are aware that we want to be treated with respect by other people. You probably find yourself becoming upset, angry or hurt when someone acts in a disrespectful way toward you, because it feels as if that person does not value you enough to treat you well. SELF-RESPECT: WHAT ...
Views: 2938 - Cosmetics - An unseen dependence - by Submitted on Aug 16, 2012 from Steven ThomsonMany women who wear makeup may think that the concept of cosmetics actually being addictive is absurd, however they don’t realise how addictive something that alters out appearance can be. Some women will admit that they are not willing to even step out of their front door without makeup on. ...
Views: 2937 - Do You Need To Quit Gambling? - by Submitted on Mar 02, 2008 from Shawn JordanThere is a very fine line between problem gambling and gambling too much. The critical sign of problem gambling, is often hidden from awareness, with denial. Many gamblers typically do not know or realize they have a problem. "Admitting you have a problem, or may have a problem" is the ...
Views: 2932 - Beating Alcoholism and Beating Boredom - Ways to Stay Sober Once You've Quit Alcohol - by Submitted on May 12, 2011 from James FrithMany alcoholics live structured and full lives while they drink; this is because their days are spent drinking and their life revolves around the pursuit of inebriation. Once this destructive cycle comes to an end some find this sudden lack of purpose and newly found free time to be quite ...
Views: 2929 - Why Would Someone Choose a Non-12-Step Recovery Approach? - by Submitted on Jul 15, 2009 from Tom HorvathIf you were a woman with breast cancer, you’d probably want to know that there were several treatment options you had: radical mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, holistic services, nutritional approaches, some combination of these options, or doing nothing, with new options ...
Views: 2929 - Gambling Addiction: That Horrible Drive Home From The Casino - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from Michelle TeeWhen you have a gambling addiction, there is nothing worse than that trip back from the casino. When you are addicted to gambling, there is probably no feeling of despair worse than that. Driving home broke, depressed, guilty, and disgusted with oneself is something that you may understand if ...
Views: 2928 - Marijuana Addiction Symptoms and Signs - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2009 from Crystal SmithPerhaps no drug has invited as much heated debate and ferocious argument as marijuana. Marijuana has been a source of fierce pro and against positions mainly because it is considered by many to be the least harmful of drugs; and whether or not marijuana addiction is an actual threat is debated ...
Views: 2928(2 votes) - Why Grown Ups Need to Read Fairy Tales (Part Three) - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2009 from Glenn BergerWHAT THE TALES TELL US WE NEED TO DO What do the tales tell us we need to do to find our hearts and become what we are meant to be? What Bruno Bettelheim says for children is equally true for adults. “Fairy tales, unlike any other form of literature, direct the child to discover his ...
Views: 2925(2 votes) - How Top Stop Gambling Tip #4 - by Submitted on Dec 27, 2010 from Michelle TeeThis is the next section of my series on how to stop gambling tips. Just to review the first 3 tips. Stop Gambling Tip #1: Admit that you have a gambling problem first, and make the decision to want to stop gambling. Stop Gambling Tip #2: Make a decision each morning that you will not ...
Views: 2924 - Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Heal Sex Addiction? - by Submitted on Mar 23, 2013 from Dorothy HaydenThe philosophical basis for cognitive therapy goes back to the Stoic Philosophers who taught that it is not the external event that causes our distress, but rather our perception or interpretation of the event that is distressing. According to the Stoics, people are capable of considering ...
Views: 2915 - Addiction and Recovery: "Treatment" and "Recovery" Are Not The Same Thing. - by Submitted on Jun 03, 2010 from Peggy Ferguson"My spouse went to recovery. Now they tell me that he needs to go on to additional counseling. What is that all about?" "Recovery" and "treatment" are not the same thing. Inpatient treatment, detox, or outpatient treatment, in and of itself, is not "recovery". Recovery is generally a return ...
Views: 2909(2 votes) - BABY BOOMERS AND ADDICTION - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2008 from sherry gabaA woman enters my office disheveled, thin, mid forties, with hollow eyes. It is as if the sparkle in her eyes ceased to exist a very long time ago. She tells me she has been drinking and is using methamphetamines. I am not surprised to hear this because lately my practice has been filled with ...
Views: 2905 - Siblings - The Forgotten Ones - How Siblings Get Hurt - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2010 from Judy HerzanekThe Parable of the Prodigal Son While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with compassion the father ran to the son, threw his arms around him and said, "Welcome home." His son had come to his senses. "Let's have a party!" His brother refused to come ...
Views: 2903(5 votes) - The Most Difficult Drugs to Detox From - and Why - by Submitted on Nov 20, 2012 from James DavisThe hardest drugs to detox from depend on your perspective. If by "difficult" you're referring to the severity of dangerous medical symptoms that occur during withdrawal, then the obvious answer is alcohol and benzodiazepine. Both of these drugs could kill you during detox. But if you're ...
Views: 2900 - Everyone Can Overcome Any Kind of Addictions - by Submitted on Jun 01, 2012 from Fariborz ArbasiPeople who have addictive behaviors feel frustrated when they relapse in the recovery stage. With each relapse the feel of frustrated will be highlighted more, to where they believe that cannot be overcome their addiction. The root cause of inability to overcome any addiction is including: false ...
Views: 2893