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- In the Playhouse of Your Mind - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2011 from Richard (Dick) WarnBrian Tracy, Canadian-born American trainer and author, said, “Our mind is the most valuable possession we have. The quality of our lives is, and will be, a reflection of how well we develop, train, and utilize this precious gift.” It has been said that 2% of the people think, 3% of the ...
Views: 1490(2 votes) - 10 Benefits of Quitting Marijuana - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2011 from Sean BurrowsI'm not at all shy to admit I was a regular pot smoker for over 7 years of my life. I smoked almost everyday because I enjoyed it. It was something that eased my mind and gave me a sense of relaxation. Over time however, I began to see that everything I thought I enjoyed about it was only an ...
Views: 37302(5 votes) - ***Is your brain sabotaging your weight loss? Get it in shape first. - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2011 from Erin McClellandLike so many people, I bet you have a vacation, reunion or wedding to slim up for. And just like every other year, you will map out a diet and exercise plan complete with visualizations of the many jealous onlookers noticing your toned physique as you jog down the beach in a Baywatch montage, ...
Views: 4259(5 votes) - ***Addiction, nutrition and . . . . you?? Getting in touch with your inner addict - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2011 from Erin McClellandAddicts are known for their clichés like “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired” or “one is too many and 100 is not enough.” But how often do health professionals get to the bottom of the “feeling crappy syndrome” and the seemingly insatiable physical cravings that addicts and chronic ...
Views: 3049(4 votes) - ***Let’s talk about non-consensual sex - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2011 from Erin McClellandIf you are not aware that the topic of non-consensual sex has yet again found its way onto the front page of Pittsburgh’s local news, then perhaps you should stop re-watching the Stanley cup finals on your DVR and check out a newspaper or two. The topic is again, as always, drenched in ...
Views: 4470(2 votes) - Alcoholism Facts - Ten You Should Definitely Know - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Charles SomerCheck 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. Here are the ten facts on alcoholism you ...
Views: 1621(1 vote) - What to Do About Tactics to Avoid Accountability - by Submitted on Jan 13, 2011 from Tim GrayI started this article as a reply to a question related to these two articles: * Tactics Used to Avoid Accountability 1 * Tactics Used to Avoid Accountability 2 There are more tactics coming in the near future. Here is the Question. "So when we notice these things in a ...
Views: 3527(2 votes) - AT THE END OF YOUR ARM - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BrayAT THE END OF YOUR ARM The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. --Swedish proverb Every now and again a quote comes to you that is just so obvious but true! There are so many looking for help, looking to others to “fix” them and take responsibility for ...
Views: 4429(1 vote) - Tactics Used by Addicted People to Avoid Accountability 2 - by Submitted on Dec 20, 2010 from Tim GrayThis is the second post in the series of tactics used by addicts and alcoholics to avoid accountability. Accountability is necessary for all of us. People in recovery need to do everything in their power to remain accountable—this will help them deal with temptations and triggers when they ...
Views: 3532(2 votes) - Tactics Used by Addicted People to Avoid Accountability 1 - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2010 from Tim GrayThere are many ways people with addictions avoid accountability. Here is the first of several articles discussing these tactics. These tactics are what addicts and alcoholics use to to take the focus off them and continue doing what their addiction wants them to do. These tactics are used by ...
Views: 5520(2 votes) - Work the Program - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Tim GrayI think one of the main reasons people relapse is they stop working their program of recovery. In my years as an addictions counselor I have heard it over and over again when I ask what led up to a relapse…”I quit working the program.” There are many ways you can quit working the program. ...
Views: 2044(2 votes) - Check List – 9 Things that Lead to Relapse - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayRelapse prevention is an ongoing requirement to maintain recovery. Some will say that you will get to a place in recovery where you don’t need to “work at it” anymore—that it becomes automatic. I have known a few people who seemed to put down their drug or behavior of choice—what they were ...
Views: 4221(3 votes) - Four Ways We Justify Use - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayI am going to share 4 defense mechanisms that are frequently used by people in addiction to justify or substantiate their drug or alcohol use. I’m sure you have heard of some of these—you might have even heard of all of them. I hope to share some insights you may not have considered ...
Views: 4556(3 votes) - 10 Common Dangers in Recovery - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayHere are ten common situations that are very dangerous to a person in recovery. Recognizing these dangers will help you avoid a possible problem in the future. 1. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. This is a dangerous form of denial. The lie is that you either are finally ...
Views: 2860(3 votes) - Are You Addicted? - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayAs a substance abuse counselor I have worked with many clients who were on the fence about their addiction. They would have some issues in their life that made then think they were addicted but they would also have some reasons why they couldn't be addicted. I have found it helpful to explore ...
Views: 1846(2 votes) - What Qualities to Look for in a Sponsor - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayHere are some qualities to look for in a sponsor. I have set the standard high since this is a very important relationship for you and your recovery. You may not be able to find someone with all the qualities I suggest due to many factors including the size of your town, number of people who ...
Views: 4154(2 votes) - Standing At The Crossroads: Trying to Quit Using Drugs - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2010 from Peggy FergusonPeople do not easily come to the conclusion that they have an alcohol or other drug problem. The telltale signs have been there quite some time. Addiction carries with it its own camouflage devices. It can look like a lot of other illnesses from the perspective of an outsider looking in. ...
Views: 2247(2 votes) - Anxiety Disorders - Drug and Alcohol Abuse - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2010 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenAnxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults. These disorders fill people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear. Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event such as a business presentation or a first date, ...
Views: 2248(1 vote) - Bipolar Disorder - Good News - by Submitted on Nov 22, 2010 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenBipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of Bipolar are severe. They can result in damaged ...
Views: 2707(2 votes) - Signs Of Alcoholism In Men - 5 Times More Likely - by Submitted on Nov 22, 2010 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenIt is estimated that about three-quarters of the population drink alcohol. Of this number, about 10% will find that their alcohol consumption leads to serious problems involving their health, work, finances, and relationships with family and friends. When a person uses alcohol despite ...
Views: 3975(1 vote) - Rehab Guide - Online and DVD Treatment - NEW Trend In Recovery - by Submitted on Nov 22, 2010 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenDetermining the right time for drug and alcohol treatment is different for each person. Some individuals will go and get help as soon as they feel like they're developing a problem. Others seek treatment when they feel they're becoming dependent on drugs or alcohol to cope with life. Still, ...
Views: 1816(1 vote) - Over-the-Counter Abuse - Beware! - by Submitted on Oct 26, 2010 from Dr. Mark AgrestiNot too long ago, four local elementary school children ended up on respirators in the ICU after they each took 20 Coricidin tablets to get high. It was a good 36 hours before they were out of the woods. What started out to be an afternoon of fun, turned out to be a life-and-death struggle for ...
Views: 2024(1 vote) - A Brief History of the 12 Step Program by Alcoholic Anonymous - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2010 from addiction professorIf you haven't heard of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12 Step Program, you are a rare individual. AA started the 12 Step Program in 1935. The 12 steps collectively make up the methodological approach developed for fighting alcoholism, as well as other addictive behavior patterns. Dr. Bob ...
Views: 1711(1 vote) - Receiving Help from a Substance Abuse Professional - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2010 from addiction professorThere are many substance abuse professionals who are trained to help others to overcome substance abuse problems. It doesn't really matter how your addiction started, what matters is what you're willing to do about it now that you're in its grip. It can be very difficult to release control of ...
Views: 1134(1 vote) - Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Centers - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2010 from addiction professorJust as drug addiction has been on a steady rise throughout the United States, so has a steady growth in the number of drug abuse rehabilitation centers to help those struggle with drug addictions. As long as people can get their hands on alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, ...
Views: 1361(1 vote) - One Drink Too Many? - by Submitted on Oct 26, 2010 from David OttWhen Is One Drink, One Drink Too Many? A growing number of individuals in our society are being born with, or have developed, an inability to tolerate alcohol. If, for genetic reasons, an individual lacks the natural enzymes and chemicals necessary to metabolize (break down) any food ...
Views: 3357(1 vote) - What psychological and physical problems develop after stopping opiates? - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2010 from Dr. Mark AgrestiLet’s look at the opiates first. An opiate is a narcotic pain killer like Roxycodone, Oxycodone, Loratabs, Loracet, Methadone, Vicodin, Actiq, and Stadol. The action of these drugs may last varying amounts of time and has varying doses. For example, some people can be on 100mg a day of Oxycontin ...
Views: 12520(2 votes) - What are the intrapsychic mechanisms of a drug-dependent individual? What are addicted people thinking? - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2010 from Dr. Mark AgrestiInitially the attraction is euphoria taking a mini vacation. Someone once told me getting high is like God putting a warm blanket around you and rubbing your temples telling you everything will be alright. This is a powerful draw. The mini vacation to escape life’s hardships becomes more ...
Views: 2620(2 votes) - Are there any Prescription Drugs that will Block the Cravings of Alcohol? - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2010 from Dr. Mark AgrestiIt’s the Holy Grail in the world of addiction to find drugs that will block the craving for alcohol. There are three medications on the market that have been studied and show some benefits. Pros and Cons of Drug Used for Alcohol Dependency or to Block Craving Campral, also known as ...
Views: 9073(1 vote) - The Most Important Relationship Is With Yourself - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2010 from Dr. Mark AgrestiI want to share two stories to help those with drug problems -- or those with loved ones who have drug problems -- see how addiction works and how it can be overcome. My clients, Belle and Bob, were both addicts. Belle managed to dig herself out. Bob did not. At the most basic level, these ...
Views: 2579(2 votes) - How and Why to Test Your Teen for Alcohol and/or Drug Use - by Submitted on Feb 26, 2011 from Thomas ReesDrugs are presented to every teenager at one point or another. No matter what the discussions at home have been, no matter what a “good boy or girl” that your kid really is, the curiosity of what drugs are about will likely grab him or her at some point in time because here is what the trend ...
Views: 3800(2 votes) - Do You Have to Want to Get Well for Treatment to Work? - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2010 from Amy LashwayDo 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 ...
Views: 1609(1 vote) - What to ask when choosing a treatment center - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2010 from Amy LashwayWhat Treatment Coordination and Advocacy Suggests you Ask When Choosing a Treatment Center Choosing a treatment center can be an overwhelming and confusing process for anyone, let alone someone who is scared, anxious and may be seeking treatment for the first time. This is one reason why ...
Views: 1180(1 vote) - Addiction and the Brain - by Submitted on Sep 25, 2010 from Lisa EspichHow can he be so selfish? He can clearly see how much pains he's causing - why doesn't he care? I can't take the stress any longer. He's destroying all of our dreams. Our lives have become Hell. Isn't he tired of living this way? These are the typical thoughts that run through your mind when ...
Views: 1877(2 votes) - How to Separate the Help From The Hype In Addiction Treatment - by Submitted on Sep 22, 2010 from Peggy FergusonThere is so much "information" on the internet about addiction and recovery and unless you already have some knowledge about addiction and recovery, all resources may appear equal to you. This is not the case. There are advertisements, articles, and blog posts about addiction recovery ...
Views: 1937(2 votes) - Asthma Decrease because of Smoking Bans - by Submitted on Sep 28, 2010 from Donna MartinNew research shows that smoking bans spare many children with asthma from being hospitalized, a finding that suggests smoke-free laws have even greater health benefits than previously believed. Other studies have charted the decline in adult heart attack rates after smoking bans were adopted. ...
Views: 1316(2 votes) - How to Scare Your Kids Into Avoiding All Drugs - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2010 from Scott & Stephen PetulloA very concerned mother recently wrote to us because she had discovered that her 17 year-old son was smoking pot. She was worried about addiction and asked us what we would do in her situation to help him realize the spiritual and other consequences of his choices. Even though we intuitively ...
Views: 3662(2 votes) - How Drug Abuse and Addiction Affects the Brain - by Submitted on Sep 10, 2010 from addiction professorDrug addiction and abuse can be prevented. Research has shown that prevention programs that involve families, schools, and communities can help reduce drug abuse. It is important for the youth and general public to understand the real risks of drug abuse and addiction. Community leaders must ...
Views: 1857(2 votes) - Alcohol Rehab Center - by Submitted on Sep 07, 2010 from addiction professorFor someone who has never had a problem with alcohol, it can be difficult to understand why someone cannot simply stop drinking. Doing battle with a true addiction is never going to be easy, which is why an alcohol rehab center can be so beneficial. What to Expect from an Alcohol Rehab ...
Views: 1440(1 vote) - Cognitive Behavioral Techniques for Abstaining from Alcohol - by Submitted on Sep 01, 2010 from Kenneth AndersonWhether you plan to abstain from alcohol for a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime, the use cognitive behavioral strategies has been proven to greatly increase your chances of success. Dr. Jeffrey Brandsma's (1980) classic study showed that people who learned cognitive behavioral strategies were ...
Views: 4432(1 vote) - Is Your Loved One Ready For Alcohol and Drug Treatment? - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from addiction professorJust because you want your teenage son to quit drinking, that does not mean he is ready for an alcohol and drug treatment program. The odds are he does not even think he has a problem. Most addicts do not. An addict has to desire change himself. If he’s not ready to change, then he will make no ...
Views: 1162(2 votes) - Is Alcoholics Anonymous Effective? Get the Facts Here First Before You Make Any Decisions Regarding Your Drug or Alcohol Treatment Plan - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2010 from Melanie SolomonBy Melanie Solomon http://www.aanottheonlyway.com The product is copyright © by Melanie Solomon. No part of this product may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any other means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written ...
Views: 3152(2 votes) - How to Choose Your Most Effective Drug or Alcohol Treatment Program - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2010 from Melanie SolomonHOW TO CHOOSE YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE DRUG OR ALCOHOL TREATMENT PROGRAM (A Chapter from “AA Not the Only Way” By Melanie Solomon http://www.aanottheonlyway.com Note: This is NOT a free product. You do not have the right to give it away or sell it without proper written consent from the ...
Views: 1846(2 votes) - Alcoholism and Drug Addiction: A Disease or Not? - by Submitted on Jul 09, 2010 from Carl-Peter LehmannAlcoholism and drug addiction are two maladies that have severely afflicted scores of people across the globe. Now, whether these two should be categorized under diseases like cancer or heart disease is a debate that seems to rage on and create great controversy. The medical community today ...
Views: 2388(1 vote) - Addiction Recovery Worksheet For Identifying Healthy Replacements for the Alcohol and Drugs - by Submitted on Jun 16, 2010 from Peggy FergusonOne of the most important tasks of early recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction is learning to replace the chemical with health living skills. When you have taken the chemical out of your life, it leaves a big gaping hole, where something of substance was. Alcohol or other drugs have ...
Views: 11107(2 votes) - Oprah, Women, Food, and God and Skinny Thinking - by Submitted on Jun 03, 2010 from laura katleman-prueI just watched Oprah interview Geneen Roth about her new book, Women, Food, and God (written for men as well as women). Oprah experienced many breakthroughs reading the book and is recommending it to anyone who has ever struggled with weight. It seems that however Oprah goes, so goes the ...
Views: 3949(3 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: Who Will Enable Your Addicted Loved One When You Quit? - by Submitted on Jun 03, 2010 from Peggy Ferguson"Enabling" can be described as a behavior pattern of the significant people in the life on an addict or alcoholic. "Enabling" involves rescuing the alcoholic/addict from the negative consequences of his or her behavior. When the addict has those negative consequences of his/her addiction ...
Views: 3298(4 votes) - 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: 2911(2 votes) - Staying Sober After In-Patient Treatment: Ten Reasons To Follow Through With Continuing Care Even If You Don't Want To - by Submitted on Jun 02, 2010 from Peggy FergusonThe majority of patients who successfully complete inpatient and have the desire to stay clean and sober relapse in the first year after acute care treatment. Anyone who has been to inpatient treatment has noticed that the among the other patients around them, that there is a large percentage ...
Views: 2876(2 votes) - Quit Smoking - Don't Let this Myth Sabotage You! - by Submitted on May 02, 2010 from Barry MooreIt is a common belief that nicotine addiction is the reason it’s hard to quit smoking. However, talk to any smoker who has tried to quit using the patch or gum (maybe you’re one of them), and most will tell you they still want to smoke. So why would do you still want to smoke when you are ...
Views: 3132(9 votes)