Crack Addiction: No Longer A 'Cheap' High
By Bill Urell

Crack addiction affects people of all ages throughout the United States. The number of people suffering from crack addiction continues to rise, in part, because supporting a crack addiction is initially relatively inexpensive. That makes it easy to get hooked. Unfortunately, crack is highly addictive, making it very easy to develop a crack addiction even for someone who want to try it 'just once.'

Crack addiction is also on the rise because it is the 'poor man’s' version of the powdered form of cocaine, which is very expensive. Crack addiction does not, however, only affect poor or lower class people.

Crack addiction crosses all races, classes, and socio-economic backgrounds. No matter the background or social status, a person who develops a crack addiction finds it to be nearly impossible to stop and recover from the crack addiction.

Crack addiction can result in a whole array of physical problems. One physical problem that can result from crack addiction is an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Crack addiction can also cause the eyes to become dilated, anxiety, and a decrease in mental alertness and clarity. In addition, crack addiction can cause hot and cold flashes and sleeplessness. Eventually it often leads to paranoia and psychosis.
A person coping with a crack addiction will ultimately develop a tolerance to crack. This makes it more difficult for the person suffering from a crack addiction to get high. Therefore, he has to take increasingly larger amounts of crack. The initial low cost now becomes less of a factor because the overall amount used continues to increase.

Yet, crack addiction is treatable. A crack addiction treatment program can help a crack addict recover from crack addiction when he is ready to be helped. Usually, the most difficult part of recovering from a crack addiction is the pain, both physical and psychological, associated with crack withdrawal.

For this reason, it is important for a person receiving crack addiction treatment to do more than go through a detoxification process. The person suffering from a crack addiction also needs to learn how to handle temptation and how to handle problems without turning to crack for help. The person then needs guidance and support after receiving treatment for a crack addiction to ensure he puts his newly learned skills to use. Engagement in long term continuing care and lifestyle change is neede to insure any degree of success.

Crack addiction is potentially fatal, but through qualified, professional help, the chances of recovery are incresed.

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==> http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com

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Oxycodone Addiction - It's Just Medicine Right?
By Bill Urell

Oxycodone is an narcotic analgesic used to control pain and an anti-cough medication. A common brand name is Oxycontin. Oxycodone addiction and use has been increasingly dramatically in the past ten years. In fact, the average use of oxycodone in the United States has increased by 300% of the past decade. Likewise, the number of emergency room visits related to oxycodone addiction and use has increased by 500%.

Since oxycodone is meant to be taken orally, it has become an attractive drug of choice for people suffering from addiction to opiates that normally are taken via needle. The saftey factor of the fact that it is a timed release drug, is gotten around by crushing it up and snorting it or disoloving it and shooting it up.To satisfy their need for oxycodone, people suffering from oxycodone addiction call in phony prescriptions and steal hydrocodone from pharmacies.

Oxycodone addiction affects people of all ages. Pill addiction is often looked at as a white collar problem that is used only by professionals. In reality, oxyocodone addiction is steadily increasing among all groups of people. Yet, the most likely group of people to suffer from oxyocodone addiction is 10-40 year old white women.

Recovering from hydrocodone addiction can be difficult because hydrocodone creates both a mental and a physical addiction. In the person suffering from hydrocodone addiction, the hydrocodone stimulates opiate receptors in the brain. For the person with a hydrocodone addiction, this results in feeling extreme pleasure.

A feeling of relaxation and satisfaction that can last for many hours then follows the initial high created by oxyocodone in the person with a oxyocodone addiction. Along with the feeling of relaxation, the respiratory system is affected causing a decrease in the rate of breathing. This slow down in the person with the addiction can be fatal.
Traditionally, oxyocodone addiction treatment dealt with both the psychological side of addiction and the symptoms of hydrocodone addiction withdrawal. This method, however, has not proven to be a highly effective method for treating this addiction.

A newer method for dealing with oxyocodone addiction withdrawal is called Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR). ANR looks at hydrocodone addiction as disease that needs to be treated with medical techniques. This method has shown a greater effectiveness in the treatment of oxyocodone addiction.

No matter the method used to treat oxy addiction, it is imperative for the person suffering from hydrocodone addiction to get help with his problem it can be a matter of life or death.

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==> http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com

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A Look At Cocaine Addiction Treatment
By Bill Urell

Treatment for cocaine addiction is of the utmost importance for anyone suffering from cocaine addiction. Cocaine addiction treatment is often the only way someone suffering from cocaine addiction can overcome his dependency on cocaine. It is a very addictive drug and difficult to shake off on your own.

Cocaine addiction treatment can come in a variety of forms. The most intense type of cocaine addiction treatment is staying at an inpatient cocaine addiction treatment facility. At an inpatient cocaine addiction treatment facility, the person suffering from a cocaine addiction is monitored 24 hours per day as he lives and engages in a course of treatment within the treatment facility.

At the addiction treatment center, the person suffering from the addiction will receive counseling, most often in both a group settings and in a one-on-one situation. The staff at the center will also provide the person suffering from a cocaine addiction with the necessary tools to be successful after leaving. Treatment actually continues long after they leave the inpatient program. Some skilss such as relationship, drug refusal skills and conflict resolution skillsare taught and experienced in groups.

As one of the highest levels of treatment care, a cocaine addiction treatment facility will offer 24 hour monitoring of withdrawal symptoms as long as is needed. Stopping cocaine use can often lead to both psychological and physical problems that are difficult to overcome without assistance.

The treatment facility might also offer outpatient care. It is usually recommended wherever it can occur. With outpatient care, the person coping with a cocaine addiction can receive the assistance he needs while still living at home and working. Unfortunately, an outpatient cocaine addiction treatment facility is usually not intensive enough to help the person dealing with a cocaine addiction in the initial stages. Cocaine addiction is simply too powerful.

Regardless of the form of cocaine addiction treatment, the person suffering from cocaine addiction will also receive aftercare treatment from the cocaine addiction treatment center. Through aftercare, the professionals a the cocaine addiction treatment facility will monitor the patient’s success and ensure the patient is utilizing the skills he learned while at the cocaine addiction treatment facility.

Receiving a course of treatment from a qualified, professional cocaine addiction treatment facility is often the level of intensity a person dealing with cocaine addiction needs to overcome cocaine. If you or someone you know suffers from cocaine addiction, it is imperative to receive qualified help. The disease only gets progressively worse.

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==> http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com

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Stop Gambling Addiction
By Howard Keith

Compulsive gambler finds a stop gambling addiction website they believe meets their needs after numerous failed attempts. They finally realize their gambling addiction is totally out of control and they have lost respect from family and friends.

Stop gambling addiction website understands what the compulsive gamblers need in order to over come their gambling addiction. Here is a list that Stop Gambling Addiction Website offers to the compulsive gambler:

1) Stop Gambling Addiction website was created by a compulsive gambler.
2) Stop Gambling Addiction website understands what the compulsive gambler has gone through and is currently going through.
3) Stop Gambling Addiction website has various stop gambling addiction resources
4) Stop Gambling Addiction website has a private anonymous chat room available seven days a week twenty four hours a day.
5) Stop Gambling Addiction website offers one on one telephone assistance for their members.
6) Stop Gambling Addiction website can help the family and friends of a compulsive gambler to understand what they are going through.
7) Stop Gambling Addiction website offers numerous articles related to stop gambling addiction for the compulsive gambler.
8) Stop Gambling Addiction website has over two hundred members ready and willing to help the compulsive gambler
9) Stop Gambling Addiction website has a self help manual that is easy to read with the end result you will start your road to recovery.
10) Stop Gambling Addiction website allows its members to post messages to other members.
11) Stop Gambling Addiction website has a section on stop gambling addiction poetry, stop gambling testimonials, stop gambling addiction resources and other compulsive gambler stories.
12) Stop Gambling Addiction website has helped thousands of compulsive gamblers beat their addictions. This could be you if you give yourself the chance.

The future is your choice. Remember the times you didn’t gamble and had cash in your wallet. Look forward and this can be true again if you take the time to understand your addiction and be proactive in your quest to stop

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers.Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program.
For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out

Stop Gambling Addiction website has the useful resources and links on how to stop gambling. http://www.istoppedgambling.com/

You can also check out Mr. Keith’s Stop Gambling Addiction Books. Stop Gambling Addiction Books help's compulsive gamblers and family members find resources to help with there gambling addiction.

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Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Domestic Violence
By Sean Winter

Alcohol and drug abuse can have serious tolls on the physiological and psychological health. Not only for the addict buy for family and friends as well. The situation becomes something beyond control, especially when things get abusive for everyone. The addict can't break free from the addiction for the obvious reasons.

When this happens you will need to get help, you probably can’t do this on your own. Unless your Superman or Wonder Woman.

Drugs and alcohol are directly related to domestic violence. Addicts often find themselves without their drug. When this happens they can get very irritable, and many times abusive. They also become abusive when using their drug of choice. Most likely if you’re reading this, someone you care about is addicted to something. Have you ever tried to come in between an addict and their drugs? Not a pretty sight. They will argue with you, tell you they hate you, and of course abuse is also a major factor.

Why do they need help?

These reasons alone are enough to get this person some help, and not to mention you. This will continue until someone takes initiative, and you know an addict won't do this. A lot of times it seems that this person does not care about you, and that they would choose their addiction over you. They will but that is just the drugs talking. You have to jump over or push through the obstacles to handle this situation, it will take some time but it is worth it. Don’t you think?

Sean has been a writer for 10+ years and is knowledgeable in many different areas.
Sean Winter is also webmaster of http://www.findaddictiontreatment.com

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Pain Pill Addictions
By S. Wagner

Probably one of the worst addictions to have is an addiction to pain pills. In this article I am going to tell you my own story of pain killer addiction and how I personally got over it. Hopefully, this will give you the courage and the strength to do the same.

First of all, I am speaking from personal experience. This isn't something I got from a medical journal. Many years ago I had terrible sinus problems. Well, they got to the point where one morning I woke up with such a blinding headache that I had to take 2 extra strength Bufferin to rid myself of the pain. Little did I know, that was the start of a 10 year addiction to pain killers.

The next morning I woke up, same headache, but not as bad. I decided to run for the pain killers before my headache got any worse. Instead of going to a specialist for sinus problems, and getting to the root of the problem, I decided to just treat the symptoms.

Well, over time, I started to notice that even though the headaches were not as bad, and sometimes even ever so slight, I would immediately run to the pain killers at the slightest hint of pain, even if it was almost non existent. I was starting to wonder if the pain itself was in my head, no pun intended.

Long story short, I was on these pills for 10 years until I had become so anemic from them, due to internal bleeding from them, that I had to stop cold turkey or I would have died. Oddly, the fear of death literally killed the "phantom" pain that was in my head. It was then that I realized that I was indeed addicted.

It has now been quite a few years since I have taken an aspirin. It wasn't easy at first. My allergy symptoms, which were under control because of the aspirins, became quite severe, to the point where I had to start taking allergy shots. Over time, however, the shots began to work, which was something I should have done long ago, and the allergy symptoms were gone as well as the headaches.

Combining that with a healthy new way of living, new diet, and new outlook on life, I have been pain free and pain killer free for years now. By simply saying no to pain killers, you can lick this terrible addiction. It won't be easy, but it just may save your life.

To YOUR Health,

Steve Wagner has been pain free for many years now because of a clean way of living. Why not visit his website at http://www.natures-healing-remedies.com/ and get your free report on how the drug companies are killing us. You will also get a weekly series on a number of natural treatments for a number of ailments.

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Addiction - When Gambling Becomes a Problem
By Jack Reider

While most people enjoy casino gambling, sports betting, lottery and bingo playing for the fun and excitement it provides, others may experience gambling as an addictive and distractive habit. Statistics show that while 85 percent of the adult population in the US enjoys some type of gambling every year, between 2 and 3 percent of will develop a gambling problem and 1 percent of them are diagnosed as pathological gamblers.

Where can you draw the line between harmless gambling to problem gambling? How can you tell if you or your friend are compulsive gamblers? Here you can find answers to these questions and other questions regarding problem gambling and gambling addiction.

What is the Meaning of Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling or compulsive gambling is defined as an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the destructive effect of gambling on the gamblers life and despite feelings of guilt and remorse. Problem gambling tends to have a negative effect on the gamblers financial state, relationships and daily life. Severe cases of problem gambling can be defined as pathological gambling.

Am I a Compulsive Gambler?

1) Do you gamble until your last penny runs out?

2) Do you gamble to win back your former losses or debts?

3) Did you ever had to borrow money to continue gamble?

4) Did your gambling habit ever made you lie to your friends or family?

5) Did you ever skip work or other obligation to gamble?

6) Do you tend to gamble to forget about your personal problems or to celebrate happy occasions?

7) Does gambling have a negative affect on your daily life or relationships?

If you have answered yes on at least one of the questions listed above, then you have a problem.

Can Anyone Become a Compulsive Gambler?

Theoretically, yes. Any gambler can develop gambling problem regardless to the type of gambling he is occupied with, the amount of money and time he is spending on gambling. Researches show that slot machines that can be found in bars and convenient stores are the most addictive type of gambling activity, while lottery draws and bingo games are located on the other end of the scale. Gambling addiction is an emotional problem; its symptoms, causes and treatments are similar to any other form of addiction.

How Can I treat Gambling Addiction?

1) Group Therapy:

Gamblers Anonymous offers a 12 step self help program similar to the one offered to alcohol addicts in Alcoholics Anonymous. Group therapy also offers gambling addicts advice and support from professional counselors and other gambling addicts in different phases of their recovery process. Gambler Anonymous centers are available in more than 1,200 locations statewide.

2) Individual Therapy:

Cognitive or behavior therapy can help gambling addicts to identify their unaware thinking and acting patterns, which led them to gamble compulsively, and to replace them with controllable and healthier ways of thinking.

3) Psychiatric Medication:

It has recently been proven that antidepressant medications from the family of SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be affective in treatment of gambling addicts.

As the editor of a guide to online casinos Jack Reider has had to deal with gambling addictions in all forms. He has helped users and Gamblers Anonymous organizations connect.

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What You Should Know About Dealing With Addiction, Part 1
By Gabriel J. Adams

Whether you love chocolate or can’t stop watching reality television shows, there are certain addictions that bring danger to your health, livelihood, or emotional stability. When one gets into the habit of abusing substances, displaying caustic behavior, and/or following negative lifestyle patterns, they will need extra support and help to break the cycle of self-destruction. Below you will find a variety of signs that arise when one needs help dealing with addition.

Different Types of Addiction

When the word “addiction” is mentioned in a conversation, many people tend to think of drugs and alcohol as the main source of the problem. There are plenty of other factors that can lead to the loss of control over substances, behavioral patterns, or habits. When addicted, an individual feels as if they have to possess, use, or take advantage of whatever circumstance or substance is consuming their life. Addiction can take over the psychological stability of a person or attack their physical well being. In many cases, both instances are involved.

Physical addiction encompasses the body’s dependency on a specific substance (whether it is cocaine, alcohol or heroin). Over time, a person may build up a tolerance to this substance, making smaller doses obsolete. In turn, an individual needs to consume or intake larger quantities of the drug to continue feeling the same high they are accustomed to. When a physically addicted person ceases the use of their drug of choice, they may undergo withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, quitting their physical addictions becomes even harder.

Psychological addiction occurs when one displays a craving for a drug or activity that affects their emotional stability. It is the desire to have the drug or participate in an act that moves one to continue, which often leads to desperate actions, such as lying or stealing. Eventually, the need for the drug or activity begins to surpass the initial longing to have fun. A dependency develops and quitting the habit becomes very hard.

Physical and psychological addiction may occur when one becomes dependent on alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, sex, food, and other illegal drugs. Dealing with addiction is rather difficult to master, but recognizing and knowing the signs will help immensely in eradicating the dependency. Drug addicts may use illegal substances to forget their daily problems and relieve stress. Sex addicts may place themselves in dangerous situations to bring someone home with them. Gambling addicts may steal money from family and friends so they can visit casinos or play the lottery. Those addicted to food may display the signs of eating disorders, such as bulimia. Alcoholics may exhibit anxiety, anger, depression, and/or mood swings.

Opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the view of Addiction Help which the author would like for you to visit.

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Instant Advantages Of Quit Smoking Why is It Necessary To Curb On Your Smoking Addiction?
By Charles Greg

Eager to know the benefits of smoking cessation! Ask someone who had remained a smoker for a pretty long time and is now successfully out of the grip of cigarettes. A wealth of people fall in the grip of cigarette addiction on a daily basis due to their happy-go-lucky attitude to life and also for the reason that they are utterly oblivious to the drastic consequences that addiction to cigarettes unleash in the life of a person!

And when the quit smoking brigade achieves success, they experience a plethora of positive changes in their health and hygiene. It is a plain truth that once a person successfully gets rid of smoking addiction, within 15 minutes the high blood pressure that he was suffering from on account of smoking addiction reaches the normal stage. And dear buddy, this is not the only benefit to be derived from cigarette addiction!

There are other striking advantages also which are equally beneficial. To inform you on some of them, here is a brief glimpse on the instant benefits which you can avail of once you quit smoking effectively:

- After you succeed in inducing smoking cessation, the nicotine remnants are ejected out of your body in 10 days.

- Just within 70 minutes, the oxygen level in the blood improves drastically and as it happens; your health condition significantly develops.

To add to this list, after you are out of the shackles of cigarette addiction, erectile dysfunction, cancer and other smoking induced ailments would remain far distant from you. So, isn’t it a necessity to pile up all your resources and get rid of smoking addiction at the earliest?

The author writes articles on smoking related issues, especially on the causes, consequences and cure of smoking addiction. For more tidbits on these matters, visit the website http://www.chantixhome.com

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Coping Emotionally With Overcoming Addiction
By Serhat Pala

Overcoming addiction, particularly drug addiction (like the one mentioned in the recent HBO documentary Addiction), is perhaps one of the most difficult physical challenges we as humans can surmount. Our body's dependency on a substance can lead to physical side effects from withdrawal, as our organs become used to life without addiction. The repercussions are multi-dimensional, and can be physical torture. Invariably it's will power and professional help that's needed to rectify the situation. But seldom when we think about overcoming addiction do we consider the mental and emotional impact of giving up. Arguably addiction is as much a physical dependency as a mental dependency, and it can be particularly hard to find the mettle to live in the face of addiction.

In order to have the first chance of success in overcoming an addiction (like in the documentary HBO Addiction), the addicted (the patient) must be personally willing to do so. The single most common reason for post-rehabilitation lapses is a lack of appreciation for the end goal. It is absolutely imperative that the patient understands the consequences, and actually wants to give up. Without that personal determination, the best medical and professional drug addiction treatment in the world wouldn't stand a chance. With this hurdle out the way, its important to make sure the patient understands the process, and never loses sight of the aim. Demonize as far as possible, but understand that drug addiction is a lot more than lack of will. Regardless of the subject of a given drug addiction, the process is the same – gradual and awkward. It is therefore important for healthy recovery to present a balanced appreciation for the patient's circumstances. Keep them busy, and give them a shoulder to cry on when they need it. Tough love is good, but it’s also essential you provide support and guidance.

If you're addicted, or you think you might be addicted (to any substance including drug addiction), the first thing you should do is come to terms with the fact that you are indeed physically and mentally reliant on the subject. You need to stop, and put your life into perspective – understand the damage addiction can do, and understand your body's needs throughout your treatment program. Try to ignore what your body tells you in the early days. for Addiction can cause biological confusion, so don't worry about cravings. In fact, many recovering addicts find they gain weight rapidly as they try to compensate for their lack of the subject with food and drink. If this applies to you, take comfort in the fact that your health will significantly improve without addiction over time, and remember that your weight gain should level out soon enough. Keep your eye on the ball, and make sure you cry when you feel like it, laugh when you feel like it, and talk when you feel like it. Indulge yourself socially and talk about your problems. Others might get sick of listening, but at the end of the day social, hence mental reassurance is pivotal to a successful drug recovery, even more so than the best of drug abuse recovery programs.

This article is prepared by Christy Berger who writes for Drug Addiction as in HBO's Documentary - Addiction. A longer version of this article can be found at Overcoming Drug Addiction. Main resource of this article is Drug Testing Kits: Urine Test Kits - Home Hair Drug Testing.

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Accelerated Detox and Rehabilitation
By Stephanie Loebs

Just as various drugs of abuse and alcohol differ in their effects, so too does the withdrawal from these drugs differ. This doesn't mean, however, that treatment needs to be a frightening or painful process. Any healthcare professional who specializes in drug rehabilitation will recognize the need for effective treatment, and know that the process can also be safe and comfortable for all residents. Medical withdrawal, which used to be referred to as "Detoxification" or "Detox" is a comprehensive, medically managed approach to managing the transition from physical dependence to abstinence.

Such treatment for healing the mind and body of drug dependency requires medical oversight, careful monitoring, medications and sometimes alternative approaches. Most medicated withdrawal protocols have a proven track record of providing the most comfortable treatment possible, while ensuring a safe transition from drug and alcohol use to early recovery. Accelerated programs designed to help addicts overcome dependence are effective, thorough and don't skip any steps on the path toward comfortable sobriety.

Medicated withdrawal begins the process of safely, comfortably, and quickly freeing intoxicants from the body, and is frequently required when people begin their journey in recovery. Abruptly discontinuing some drugs can be damaging to the brain, and/or body, and in some cases specialized treatments are required to help the brain heal in early recovery. Each drug of addiction - be it alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs, "club drugs" or any of the other addictive chemicals of abuse - requires a specialized approach to medical withdrawal.

Medical withdrawal may involve one-on-one assessment by nurses and members of a rehab clinic's medical team. Careful attention is paid to signs of intoxication and withdrawal, as well as potentially complicating medical or psychiatric conditions. Vital signs are measured as part of a comprehensive, holistic, initial and ongoing assessment of the withdrawal process. Medications and other treatments are administered for comfort and safety, and patients complete the "detox" process as rapidly as possible.

Because everyone is different, complications can occur. That's why it's helpful to have a medical staff that is trained in managing complicated withdrawal, as well as medical and psychiatric concerns. If you suspect somebody you love is abusing drugs or alcohol and is in need of detoxification, consult with a physician immediately to learn where you can find an effective program.

Stephanie Loebs is the executive director of Williamsburg Place, one of the top drug rehab clinics in the nation. Williamsburg Place aids those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction, and specializes in caring for health care professionals. For over twenty years Williamsburg Place and its joint rehabilitation center, the William J. Farley Center, have helped thousands of people from all walks of life take back their lives and overcome substance abuse.

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Classifying Drugs of Abuse
By Stephanie Loebs

When you plan to confront an employee or loved one about drug and/or alcohol abuse, it is important to know the all the facts, not just about the addiction, but about the drugs involved. Health professionals who specialize in addiction and recovery are aware of the damage drug and alcohol abuse can do to a person's health, finances, and personal and professional relationships. When you contact somebody for help in these matters, you will be made aware of the consequences if immediate action is not taken.

The more you know about controlled substances, the better equipped you will be to help those in need of rehabilitation and recovery. Drugs of abuse typically fall into specific categories:


Cannaboids - marijuana, hashish
Depressants - barbiturates and various prescription drugs
Dissociative Anesthetics - ketamine, PCP
Hallucinogens - LSD, peyote
Opioids - morphine, various prescription drugs
Stimulants - cocaine, methamphetamine
Inhalants - nitrites, aerosols
Alcohol - beer, wine, spirits

The sources for these drugs may vary. They may be purchased illegally from dealers, obtained through forged prescriptions or theft, and in some case bought legally. Certain household objects, like model glue and aerosol sprays, may also be abused to achieve a dangerous, addictive high. Regardless of whether or not a drug is legal, the fact remains that any substance with addictive properties can be abused, and if addictive behavior is not treated it can lead to health and mental problems, perhaps permanent brain damage or death.

If you believe somebody you love is abusing drugs, you are encouraged to learn more about the various narcotics and controlled substances that keep thousands in addiction each year. Know what to look for, then contact a physician or rehabilitation clinic today to learn more about the intervention and detox services.

Stephanie Loebs is the executive director of Williamsburg Place, one of the top drug rehab clinics in the nation. Williamsburg Place aids those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction, and specializes in caring for health care professionals. For over twenty years Williamsburg Place and its joint rehabilitation center, the William J. Farley Center, have helped thousands of people from all walks of life take back their lives and overcome substance abuse.

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Crack Addictions
By Jimmy Sturo

From its original use as a local anesthetic in various types of surgeries, cocaine has come a long way. Crack is a highly addictive form of cocaine that is typically consumed by smoking, though it is sometimes injected. The reason it's called crack is because of the crackling sound that one hears when the substance is heated.

Talk about drug addicts and the first picture that comes to your mind is that of a person (commonly a younger person) with long hair sitting in a dirty, smoke filled room and inhaling some sort of a white powder. Though it is true that some drug addicts fit this image, the vast majority don't.

Cocaine was quite expensive when it was first introduced and was considered a high-society drug. By the 1980s, the inexpensive crack was introduced, which increased the availability of the drug and crack became the choice of drug for many users. This was particularly true for the youth of the inner-city, mostly poor, unemployed youth.

There are many reasons that contributed to the popularity of crack. The facts that it is inexpensive, can be concealed easily, has relative ease of use, and enjoys wide availability are some of the major ones.

Crack has some serious health effects on the body. Physical effects include increased heart rate, temperature and blood pressure, dilated pupils, and constricted blood vessels. Other effects include irritability, restlessness, and anxiety.

In extreme cases, high usage of crack for continuous periods can cause a period of full blown paranoid psychosis. During this period, the addict loses total touch with reality and experiences visual and auditory hallucinations.

Since people addicted to crack will do almost anything to get the drug, the major side effect of the habit include mugging, robberies, theft or even murder, all to get the money required to finance this habit. This makes this drug particularly dangerous to society, especially innocent individuals.

This powerfully addictive stimulant has resulted in the breakup of many families. Most people connected with crack users live in a state of confusion and chaos, since they are unable to understand the effects that crack has on a person's mind, body and psyche.

Luckily, a lot of help is available. There are plenty of treatment centers that help crack addicts get rid of this habit and lead normal, healthy lives once again.

Addiction provides detailed information on Addictions, Addiction Recoveries, Drug Addictions, Addiction Treatments and more. Addiction is affiliated with Alcoholism Addiction Treatment.

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Young Adults and Addictions: 5 Ways a Parent Can Support Their Child
By Ann Bruno

1. Of course, stop using whatever chemical has been the drug of choice.

2. Get involved in a 12 recovery program as it is essential to keep the recovery process in action. What involved means is more that just going to AA meetings but that is a part of the process. Usually 90 and 90 is suggested for a newly recovering alcoholic and that means going to 90 meetings in 90 days. With that much intensity and saturation into a new way of thinking, it will be significant in creating new pathways in the brain for the change in behaviors. Get a sponsor as soon as possible. Pick a same sex sponsor and one who you determine has something that you want. And start working the steps of AA with your sponsor.

3. Make sure if there is a dual-diagnosis involved, it is addresses with the appropriate professional. Many times, depression, ADD , bipolar disorder and others are part of a person’s recovery and if not treated, can lead to using drugs and alcohol to self medicate. In the past, the recovery process was just focused on staying sober and everything else will take care of itself but today that is proven not to be true.

4. Get into therapy to work on the developmental and social problems that have occurred. In my experience, the emotional age of an addicted person is immature and needs to be matured and therapy can assist in this process. Therapy should also be directed to guide the individual to identify feelings and state what they are and what situations are eliciting the emotional state.

5. Develop a new set of friends who were not apart of the previous addictive life style.

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Overcoming Addictions - Have The Desire To Overcome Them
By Kelly Price

Overcoming addictions can be a hard task to accomplish for anyone battling various personal demons.

Addictions are common and ruin lives particularly to substances and recreational drugs from drinking to drug abuse.

They ruin lives

Addictions are a strong and damaging force that tears apart the personal and professional lives of those it affects.

Overcoming addictions is essential for the welfare of those involved because it can destroy all of the things that are important.

Addictions evolve into this all-consuming demand within a person's life where they may do anything to satisfy the urge to "feed" and satisfy the addiction that has taken over their life.

The sort of behavior that was once normal for a person suffering from an addiction no longer takes precedence over what is believed to be needed to indulge in the addiction.

An individual may resist overcoming their addictions because they find pleasure in whatever relief the addiction provides for them during the time being.

The consequences of their actions are not taken into consideration until after the damage is done (if acknowledged at all) and they never achieve happiness and their addition causes them to be miserable

Why You need to overcome additions

Overcoming addictions are important because it drains an individual of the energy that they once used to accomplish normal and necessary tasks within everyday life.

An addiction can absorb the physical, as well as emotional energy that a person possesses, as well as ravish their resources, time and bonds between family, friends and co-workers.

Once this powerful lifestyle change has entered ones life, it is quite difficult to spend time and energy overcoming the addictions that influence the way they think, act and live.

Overcoming addictions also involves an understanding and recognition that someone is exhibiting a compulsive behavior involving the need for or ongoing use of a substance or engagement of a particular activity.

One of the most common addictions that is the hardest in overcoming is the use of drugs and/or alcohol.

The emotional and physical factors regarding a continued use of a drug is quite hard to shake. There are many resources and agencies created to help those who are overcoming these addictions, such as drug DETOX centers and support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Other common addictions

An addiction does not always have to involve drugs or alcohol; there are many people who are overcoming addictions that simply deal with overindulgence in a particular activity, such as gambling.

Overcoming gambling additions is difficult for those it affects because many see gambling as a recreational outlet with the prospects of making extra money.

Although a gambling addiction does not physically harm an individual, the financial consequences for those who are unlucky in their endeavors have resulted in a loss of family, friends, job, home and trust.

Other vices that lead to a desire in overcoming addictions include:

Heroin, morphine, amphetamine, cocaine addictions, including tranquilizers

Addiction to nicotine and caffeine

Steroid addiction

Addiction to sugar

Addiction to acts, such as theft, working, as well as exercising

Sex addiction

When someone needs help in overcoming their addictions, they may turn to the help of professionals, such as psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, doctors, therapists, as well as medication, group or family therapy, hypnosis and meditation.

Sometimes it takes a process of tough love for someone to overcome the addiction they are battling.

A distinct desire to beat the demon within is a must when overcoming addictions.

If you have the desire

You can overcome your addiction. You may need help and support but that is nothing to be ashamed of and if you acknowledge you have a problem with addictions and are prepared to seek help ( whatever the addiction may be ) you are on the road to recovery and a happier and more fulfilling life.

MORE FREE INFO

On all aspects of health and more on illness prevention and cure visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html

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Dual Diagnosis and Depression
By Jonathan Huttner

What is Depression in a Dual Diagnosis?Dual diagnosis is a condition that is comprised of two components; a psychiatric disorder and drug addiction or alcohol addiction. While many people understand drug addiction or alcoholism, a great deal are confused when it comes to depression. Depression is best described as a mood disorder with a wide range of symptoms such as a loss of pleasure, feelings of worthlessness or suicidal thoughts, The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, lists nine symptoms for major depression, five or more which must be present over the same two-week period, including one of the first two:

1) Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, or 2) Markedly diminished pleasure. The other seven symptoms include: 3) Significant weight gain or loss, 4) Insomnia or hypersomnia, 5) psychomotor agitation or retardation, 6) Fatigue or loss of energy, 7) Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, 8) Diminished ability to think or concentrate, 9) Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thinking, suicide attempts.Is Depression a person’s fault?Depression is a medical illness which affects brain, which in turn affects the rest of the body. One can no more snap out of depression that one can snap out of diabetes or heart disease. It would help to have a positive outlook, but the very nature of depression is a lack of positive outlook. Unfortunately, having depression still carries a stigma, though not nearly as bad as in the past. If there is any consolation, you are in good company: Winston Churchill and Mike Wallace, just to name a few, all had crushing depressions.The same holds true as it relates to drug addiction and alcoholism. Both of these are diseases, which are diseases of the brain, which can not just be wished away. Drug addiction and alcohol addiction must be treated in conjunction with the psychiatric disorder.

That is why treating a dual disorder or a person with a dual diagnosis is so challenging. Is there more than one type of Depression?Yes, there are several types of depression. Dysthymia, melancholic depression, atypical depression, bipolar depression, psychotic depression, catatonic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression all fall under the category of depression. Along with the emotional aspects of depression, there is also a physical component. Mind and body are very much connected. The risk of heart disease is doubled in people with depression, and a previous depression is often the greatest risk factor for heart disease and other ills, over smoking, drinking, high blood sugar, and previous heart attacks. Depression has also been connected to diabetes, bone loss, stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, and possibly cancer. In addition, people with depression have much higher rates of alcoholism and drug abuse than the general population.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the US population age 18 and older in a given year, have a depressive disorder. According to the World Health Organization, depression is presently on track to becoming the world's second-most disabling disease (after heart disease) by the year 2020. In addition, depression is responsible for some $87 billion a year in lost productivity in the US (a conservative estimate), and according to Bank One, is responsible for most lost work days in its employees after pregnancy and childbirth.

Additionally, one million people worldwide die by their own hand, most as a result of a mood disorder. Finally, the linkage between depression and a host of physical illnesses makes it arguably the world's greatest killer. Where should I get treatment? If you are suffering from depression and it is part of a dual diagnosis, meaning there is a drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem associated with it, you can look into an addiction treatment program, drug rehab or alcohol rehab. All the above, should have the ability to treat your depression and substance abuse issues. If you do not have a drug addiction or alcohol addiction in conjunction with the depression, than you should in accordance with your attending psychiatrist, locate a psychiatric hospital nearest you.

Take a look at www.lakeviewhealth.com if you are looking for a dual diagnosis treatment program or call 1-800-511-9225

Jonathan Huttner is a principal owner of Lakeview Health Systems, a drug rehab and alcohol rehab with a dual diagnosis treatment component.

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Compulsive Gambling, More Than Just Greed
By Peter Birlea

Most people think that people suffering from gambling problems have an addiction to money. Maybe they are just greedy right? Wrong, compulsive gambling has very little to do with money as most people think. Compulsive gambling is about a feeling that gambling produces for the individual.

Just like any other addiction, a compulsive gambler feels a ‘rush’ or ‘high’ when they have a win. The high that they feel creates a rush of good feelings in their brain that makes them feel great! They feel on top of the world, and life could not be any better. But that high does not last; the feeling only lasts as long as the win, maybe a few seconds, maybe a few days. Either way, the addict will crash again, and feel lower than before, leading them to seek out the next win. This is often called chasing the win.

The addict craves the feeling that is produced when they win, the rush of endorphins that makes them feel great. However, this is not a real feeling; gambling cannot create feel good endorphins in the brain. It can only mimic the feeling, which will lead the individual into a cycle of gambling addiction that will only worsen over time.

Of course, the compulsive gambler enjoys the wins because of the monetary benefit as well .However, the money will not last long, typically a gambling addict is drowning in debt and often has to resort to borrowing or stealing, and often selling possessions to pay the bills or find the next bit of money to gamble with.

Like any addiction, gamblers need their ‘fix’ they need to feel good and to create that feeling. And often they will need to resort to measures that they never would have in order to find the means to that end. 65% of compulsive gamblers will spend time in jail for committing a crime. Why? Because like other addicts, gamblers become desperate to feed their addiction and often resort to illegal activities to accomplish this.

Compulsive gambling needs to be treated like other addictions. Cocaine, alcohol, heroin, are all the same as compulsive gambling. All of these addicts need help to break free from their addictions, they cannot just walk away and quit. Addiction lies much deeper than that.

Peter is the author of Your Life Beyond Gambling" - a completely FREE minicourse that will tell you everything you need to know about "problem" gambling and how to get rid of it. If you or someone you care about is susceptible of having a gambling problem, you can visit Peter's website at http://www.lifebeyondgambling.com for help and advice.

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Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction
By Xavier Gallery

The abuse and addiction of prescription medications is a growing problem in the United States. The FDA recently reported that more than 48 million people have abused prescription drugs at least once in their life. Abuse occurs under a number of different scenarios, and these include exceeding the recommended dosage, use of a drug outside of the prescribed intent, and prolonged usage. In most cases, the victim initially uses the drug within the prescribed manner. The problems tend to arise once the body builds a tolerance to the medication. Victims are then tempted to use higher doses to counteract the tolerance. It is at this point where addictions can be formed leading to physical and behavioral changes with the body.

While all medications have the potential to be abused, three categories of medicines are more likely to induce addiction behavior.

Opioids are drugs prescribed for their pain-relieving qualities. Commonly refereed to as narcotics, they include codeine, morphine, and oxycodone. Opioids work by attaching themselves to opioid receptors and blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Because the body builds up a tolerance to opioids, abusers often have to consume increasing quantities to achieve their desired effect. Long-term abuse of opioid prescriptions can lead to significant withdraw symptoms (dizziness, vomiting, sweating, etc).

CNS depressants are used to alleviate anxiety and sleep disorder symptoms. The most commonly prescribed CNS depressants are diazepam, alprazolam, and pentobarbital sodium. These drugs interact with the body by decreasing the activity of the brain in order to produce a calming or drowsy effect. Long-term abuse of CNS depressants can lead to a physical dependence that can be dangerous to brain activity if the drug is withdrawn.

Another commonly abused category of drugs are stimulants. These drugs are prescribed to increase brain activity. Stimulants increase a family of brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which in turn increases body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose production. The effects of these drugs can create a psychological dependence for the user. Consistent abuse can cause dangerous side effects such as paranoia, cardiovascular failure, and seizures.

The key to treating prescription drug abuse is to recognize the problem signs. Doctors and pharmacists must be keen observers of any sporadic activity by their patients. This can include abnormal refill cycles, prolonged symptom complaints, and incessant requests for additional medication. Friends and family members can also play an important role in early detection. Identifying behavioral changes and a perceived reliance on medication are reasons to be concerned. If you are unable to confront the victim directly, report the behavior to their doctor or pharmacist.

More information on this topic can be found at http://prescriptionaddiction.info

Xavier writes for a number of informative websites concerning health care and weight loss. You can read more tips and resources at Prescription Addiction.info and Experimental Medicines

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How To Help Yourself Find Freedom from Alcoholism and/or Drug Addiction
By Carl-Peter Lehmann

What is the Secret Formula to recover and free yourself from alcoholism or drug addiction?

In fact it's not really a secret at all. You've simply forgotten. And that is to remember WHO YOU REALLY ARE.

And who might that be?

That you are first and foremost a spirit (soul, call it what you like) being who has chosen a human experience to further your spiritual development and evolution.

And as a spirit being, your essence is pure love, light and freedom. You just have to look at a newborn baby to get a sense of that.

Problem is, the human experience does everything but help you remember that. The collective consciousness of society as a whole breeds fear and doubt - and together with being conditioned to think and act like everyone around you; you therefore forget your true nature.

So what's this got to do with Alcoholism and Drug Addiction?

Living in a 3-dimensional reality, i.e. body, mind and spirit, all this fear and doubt which you inevitably adopt as your own, means that instead of these 3 dimensions of yourself combining to radiate wholeness, you begin to reflect dis-ease.

This dis-ease may begin to manifest subtly as a form of stress or disharmony, but pretty soon if these warning signs aren't addressed, it will turn into full blown illnesses, which can be anything from cancers to heart attacks to alcoholism, drug addiction, or even combinations of these.

So the secret to overcoming these isn't to look for the latest in medical technology as your saviour (of course this shouldn't be totally ignored and still has a very important role to play), but to remember your true nature, your very essence, and realign with that.

You read stories all the time from people who have overcome the worst illnesses like cancer, where they haven't been given a chance to live by those in the know in the medical profession, to having completely healed themselves totally naturally. (Two great and well-known books to read by people who have done this are You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay and The Journey – Brandon Bays.)

Because by again making whole what you've temporarily 'broken' and getting body, mind and spirit in alignment again, will mean that any form of dis-ease simply won't be able to survive in your body. You will radiate your essence – love, light and freedom – and alcoholism, drug addiction or any other form of dis-ease will be banished from your body forever.

(Now I know there are many of you who will reject what I'm saying because it has no scientific basis and it doesn't make sense to your rational, thinking mind. That's fine. I'm not trying to prove a point or win any arguments. Choose to believe what you will.)

I also don't buy into the belief that many alcoholics and addicts in recovery choose to adopt, which is you always will be an addict or alcoholic and are thus only ever in recovery from your addiction.

Look, if that's an attitude that works for you, that's fine. Because ultimately use what works.

But for me that's an attitude that comes from fear, and since I don't believe fear is our true nature, I choose to believe differently. I believe our true nature is love and thus our aim should be to free ourselves from all dis-ease, including alcoholism and drug addiction.

Of course that isn't easy, but that's the work we were put here to do. That's our purpose, to remember who we really are and reconnect with our true essence. There are many people who have done it in the past like Jesus and Buddha – and there are many less well-known people who continue to do so today. Should we not aspire to be like them? Jesus put it beautifully – 'What I can do, you can do – and more.'

So on a practical level how can you begin doing that?

See your body as a temple and stop polluting it with all the crap you consume on a daily basis – obviously drugs and alcohol is a good place to startJ, but you can take that much further to include processed, dead, non-natural/non-chemicalized foods.

Try eating mostly raw, live organic foods and liquids for a month. See how you feel? I promise you, you'll feel like a totally brand, new person. Sure, have an 'off' day once a week, but stick to eating that way for the rest of the month. You won't look back, I guarantee you. Oh, and some form of exercise once in a while like a brisk walk won't hurt either.

To harmonize your mind, revamp your thinking. Begin to train your mind and watch your thoughts rather than have them run around on you like scattered machine gun bullets. Is this easy? Absolutely not! But changing your thinking so that the majority of your thoughts begin to reflect peace and harmony rather than fear and doubt is probably the hardest, yet most rewarding job you'll have while you're alive. Remember, I've said this before – your outer world is simply a reflection of your inner world.

To make this easier and to harmonize mind and spirit, begin to practice meditation. Practising the art of meditation is the biggest gift you can ever give yourself and is the secret to lasting happiness, peace and harmony. It will help you break through years of negative conditioning, and lousy thinking habits, but more importantly help you get back and reconnect with your true, loving essence - and with a bit of luck you may even reach full enlightenment like a Jesus or Buddha J

Alcoholism and Drug Addiction aren't part of the real you. Dedicate yourself to leaving them behind you for good. For me, they were a blessing because they forced me to re-look at myself and helped me reconnect with my true nature. Maybe they can do the same for you.

Carl-Peter has been free from his addictions for the last 5 years. He is author of the book – Addiction Uncovered – in which he shares his experiences and knowledge to help others free themselves from the shackles of alcoholism and drug addiction. More on this, as well as a Free 10-part educational course and eBook can be found at his website, http://www.addiction-uncovered.com/index.html He also contributes regular articles to his blog, http://www.addiction-uncovered.com/blog

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Drug Addiction or Eating Disorder: Which Came First?
By Jonathan Huttner

When a person enters drug rehab or an addiction treatment facility and is diagnosed with a drug addiction and eating disorder, the question arises which addiction developed first and how do you treat two addictions?

First, let us define an eating disorder as the quality of one’s thinking as it relates to food and weight and not how much someone weighs. Then, we may take a look at various behaviors and address other criteria. In most cases, one’s thinking regarding food and weight became distorted way before they ever began using drugs or alcohol. It is not uncommon that after a period of time of trying to achieve certain self determined goals through binging, purging or restricting and not achieving those goals, that the person would turn to drugs as a means to accelerate the process or deal with the emotional whirlwind of depression, shame or self hatred. At this point we have an eating disorder and drug addiction going full throttle in an attempt to by the person to gain control. It rarely happens and is described as the “great illusion” by most treatment professionals.

How To Treat Drug Addiction And Eating Disorders

When entering a drug rehab or addiction treatment program with an accompanying eating disorder, the goal should always be patient safety. If the patient is not in a life threatening situation due to their disordered eating, then the individual usually enters detox for their drug addiction. After detox is completed, the person’s behavior as it relates to their eating disorder will be addressed. Whether it is binging, purging or restricting, the patient must be willing to address the behavior to achieve recovery. Realizing that abstaining from the eating disorder behavior will initiate cravings for drugs, the clinical staff at the addiction treatment facility must be acutely aware of the possibility of relapse. During this process, the addiction treatment facility must also address the issue of whether they are the appropriate setting for the patient and if not make a referral to another drug rehab or eating disorder facility.

You can find useful information regarding drug addiction, addiction treatment or eating disorders at www.recoveryconnection.org.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the the principals at Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment,

alcohol and drug rehab facility.

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Relapse Prevention and the Pink Cloud
By Jonathan Huttner

The “pink cloud” is best described as a period of time where the addict or alcoholic experiences a reprieve from the struggles associated with early recovery. These struggles are generally associated with the feelings of depression, anger, resentment, self pity and the realization of where their drug addiction or alcoholism has taken them.

Upon experiencing this phenomenon for the first time, the addict or alcoholic is understandably excited. They begin to believe they now “hold the key” to their recovery. This is where the seed for relapse is planted. They begin to believe more in themselves than in the process they have been following. Without the pain as a daily reminder, they tend to forget about what it took for them to embrace recovery. Denial rears its ugly head and they minimize how devastating their drug addiction and alcoholism really was and that they have a disease of drug addiction and alcoholism that requires attention on a daily basis. Relapse prevention becomes an afterthought as the person becomes defiant and rebellious regarding suggestions contrary to their desires. Without resorting to drugs or alcohol, the individual in recovery is one step away from relapse. Remember, relapse is not an event, it is a process.

Relapse Prevention versus the “Pink Cloud”


The relapse prevention plan that is designed while in addiction treatment or drug rehab is a plan for recovery when a person is feeling elated, depressed or anywhere in between... The relapse prevention plan is comprised of recognizing one’s triggers, unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors with recommendations on how to best address them. The addict and alcoholic are not used to feeling good about themselves. While most individuals would cherish high self esteem, the addict / alcoholic relishes self pity and low self worth. When there is no shame, they create it. So, when a recovering person starts feeling good about themselves, they need to work harder and practice what has been working for them. This will provide them the opportunity to break an old pattern of self sabotage and establish a new pattern of developing self worth. No matter how one is feeling, rely on the relapse prevention plan that has been developed for you.

For further information on relapse prevention, addiction treatment, drug addiction or alcoholism, you can visit RecoveryConnection.org – a web site dedicated to helping people overcome alcohol and drug addiction.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the the principals at Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment,

alcohol and drug rehab facility.

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Getting Rid Of Your Psychological Addiction To Help You Quit Smoking
By Tony James R.

Most of the time, it is the psychological addiction that triggers the need for smoking. Yes, the lack of nicotine is an obstacle to quit smoking but it is not the hardest obstacle. The fact is overcoming the psychological addiction can be even more challenging than trying to overcome the physical cravings.

Perhaps you may quit smoking in 1, 2 or 3 weeks, and you know the physical addiction is no more. But the tobacco addiction still remains in your mind tempting and reminding you how good it feels to smoke.

Upon having psychological smoking addiction, you feel the need and desire light a cigarette especially if you visit places that is highly associated like a pub or bar. Although you may quit smoking physically, but your chances of smoking will still be very high if you visit a bar regularly. The psychological addiction is stirred up from the environment and friends.

You can break this psychological addiction by seeking professional help. You can easily find contacts nowadays with the Internet. There are more and more programs nowadays to help you with your psychological and physical addiction.

In these programs, there will be a step by step action plan that you can follow everyday, ranging from little exercises to mental exercises to more vigorous exercise. The aim of these programs is to first get rid of your physical addiction and then slowly move on to your mental addiction.

So just sit down, relax and think about whether you seriously want to quit smoking. If you are still wishy-washy about your decision and hope that programs can help you decide “automatically” to quit smoking, then I suggest you continue smoking.

Because nobody will succeed to quit smoking without a firm 100% that they want to quit. Next is to look for what programs are available to you and suit you the most and follow the plan step by step. I ensure you will be on your way to successfully quit smoking.

Tony James is an ex-smoker for 15 years and is currently helping smokers to quit smoking with ease without the discomfort of cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

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Drug addictions are destroying our country, little by little. The families that suffer from having a family member addicted to drugs are increasing in numbers.We as the family of the addict, need to rise up in arms to be heard.

I personally have a family member that has been an addict for 13 years, half of his life. When he is sober and not using, he is the kindest most wonderful person you would ever want to know. But when he is using, you cannot trust him or anything he says or does. He has no money for drugs, so he obtains them by giving everything that is not nailed down away to the dealers that prey on his weakness.

In the last two weeks he gave away his cell phone twice, his wedding ring, his baby stroller and car seat and even his car, just to obtain drugs. He is newly married with a six week old baby. His addiction has destroyed his immediate family and now is working on destroying his new family.

Somehow, he has managed to keep his job, even though he has only been going to work two to three days a week. Why he has not been fired, I will never know.

During his latest challenges, I have kept this secret from other family members in hopes that we could get him the help he needs. I have contacted hospitals and authorities and unless he checks himself into a facility, there is nothing anyone can do. So my family must wait to see if he wakes up and goes to a facility, or gets arrested or dies from an overdose.

In the last two days, he has packed up his wife and baby and asked them to leave. We monitored his comings and goings on the toll road to get an idea when he would be back at this apartment. Finally, last evening, when we were sure he was back at home, we went to his apartment and disabled his car so he could not drive to get more drugs. We did this in the hope that he will be forced to get sober and realize what he is doing and get some help. I also finally called and shared all of this with his sister, not only for help for him but support for his wife and baby.

This family member is my youngest son. As his mother, I am heartsick and exhausted from trying to get him the help he needs. They talk about tough love but to me the tough love means the hurt as a parent or friend or family member, experiences as you watch your loved one slowly demise, is the real description of tough love.

Addicts do not care about themselves, the consequences, their families or their friends. Their only friend is the drug the idiot dealer that feed their habit.

In the past I have personally driven to the drug infested areas of my city, looking for my son to get him to come home. I have replaced money he has wasted using drugs so his family could eat and pay their bills. I have researched the places that can help him and given him those resources. I now have been a part of trying to stop him by disabling his car to give him one more chance to wake up and make a decision to get clean.

If you have had this experience remain strong. Don't give up on your loved one. Fight until there is no more fight left, to get your loved one the help they need. We, as an American people, must continue the war on drugs for our future generations. Addictions breed addictions. If you know of someone going through a similar situation, remain compassionate. Someday you could be faced with a similar situation and will need compassion and love returned. None of us are inoculated from this horrible disease.

If you are the addict, please seek the help you need. You are breaking your familys' heart.

Michele Graham-CEO and owner of Professional Healthcare Management has 41 years in the healthcare industry. She writes about business issues in all businesses and the healthcare field as well.

http://www.phmnetwork.com

http://www.healthcarenewsonline.com

http://phmnetwork.blogspot.com

Most of have some type of addiction, whether it be watching TV or over-eating, or compulsive behavior when cleaning and organizing, smoking or even talking on the phone.

Unfortunately, the worst addictions are drug and alcohol related. More and more families are affected by this terrible disease. It knows no class: you can be poor or rich, black or white or any race for that matter: you can come from a religious background or no religious training at all.

Drug and alcohol addiction ruins families, destroys lives, causes job losses and many more losses too many to discuss here.

The people that encourage drug addiction are self centered and out to make a buck. They could care less about the people they are furnishing with drugs. In my town, Dallas, Texas, there are homeless people on the corners in certain neighborhoods, that will furnish drugs just to ride around in someones' car all day. These people are the worst kind of trash. They feed on the addict for their own selfish reasons.

Our children, our husbands, our wives, our nephews and nieces, our mothers and fathers, if addicts, will sell or give away all of their possessions for that next hit. They have no concept of reality nor do they care at that moment.

Tough love is not for the recipient but for the giver. It hurts to be the tough one and put your foot down more than it hurts to be out there doing your thing, smoking crack or getting drunk.

Trying to get the addict to admit they need help is one of the hardest things to do. They all think they can get okay on their own. Not so! It takes counseling and sometimes medications, to set them back on the right track. And even then, it may take several bouts of being at that lowest point to get through to the addicts and have them make a change.

The folks that hurt worse in this scenario are the children of the addict. They offer unconditional love for the parent/user and do not understand. They love the parent and just want them to be well.

If you are an addict or alcoholic, think about it. How many people are you hurting every time you use. Is it worth losing them? Is it worth living on the street or losing a good job? Is is worth losing a marriage or privileges to see your kids? Who do you see when you look in the mirror?

You are a precious human being. Get some help. Help is everywhere and most of the time, it is free. Start over today! Fight like you have never fought before! There is a world of people hoping and praying for your safe return from the world of addiction. Pick up the phone now and seek help. There is a whole new life waiting for you on the other side.

Michele Graham-CEO and owner of Professional Healthcare Management has 41 years in the healthcare industry. She writes about business issues in all businesses and the healthcare field as well.

http://www.phmnetwork.com

http://www.healthcarenewsonline.com

http://phmnetwork.blogspot.com

Cash Advances: Addictive, And Dangerous
By Nicola Kennedy

Cash advance is a hassle-free way to emerge unscathed from a temporary financial problem. Acquiring cash advance is easy, since the approval process does not involve much verification. A simple proof of income is enough to bag a cash advance, which can be used to pay off your financial debts or purchase that much needed stuff. However, cash advance is not a panacea. An imprudent trend of using cash advance to satisfy extravagant shopping sprees would lead to nothing but bankruptcy.

The fact that a cash advance can be acquired rather easily may lead you to believe that cash advance is the answer to all your financial troubles. But this is where the addiction steps in – you tend to believe that a cash advance can bail you out of any financial crisis. However, the truth is that cash advance itself is a kind of debt that ought to be repaid. The cash advance firm sets stringent requirements as far as the repayment schedule is concerned. Defaulters are dragged to court and made to pay each penny of what they owe to the cash advance firm.

It might be the case that you were in need for immediate cash in order to buy a much needed accessory. With no other source of funds available, you planned to acquire a cash advance. Then, for once, you might have been able to repay the loan amount to the cash advance firm. But, invariably depending on cash advance for even the most trivial things could land you into trouble. Over dependence on cash advance could land you into a downward spiral of debt with no end in sight. You must avert from developing a habit of acquiring cash advance.

Since it appears to be an easy way to get immediate funds, cash advance can be addictive in a true sense. But, how does it feel to have a constant, overwhelming burden of debt? Acquiring and using cash advance in a reckless fashion could eat away all your funds and render you insolvent. Therefore, avoid taking cash advance on a regular basis.

Nicola publishes an informational site about loans and cash advances, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Online Cash Advances at http://www.PayDayLoansInformation.net

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright http://www.PayDayLoansInformation.net

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The 12 Step Program Guide Provides Honest Help
By Paul I Etkin

Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization well-known for helping people with addiction problems. The 12 step program is the operational basis for the organizations program. Countless people attribute their success to the program. Many individuals have incorporated the 12 step program into their lives for all kinds of addictions besides alcoholism and drug problems. Anyone who wants to take control of his life and behavior may benefit from following a 12 step program.

As suggested by the title, there are twelve levels to the program. The first step is to surrender power. In other words, the persons life spins out of hand when alcohol, drug or other damaging elements take control. People like to pretend that they can manage the situation. However, there are certain cases in which trying to effect any kind of control is impossible. Admitting that cold hard fact is the first step towards success.

The next two steps urge the person to attempt to reach a higher power. Many critics of the 12 step program claim that in this respect, the system is too religious in nature. The second step asserts that the person needs have faith in a higher power and the third insists that the person needs to hand his life over to God.

The forth step is the moral inventory. This step is another one closely affiliated to religion as anyone who has attended a confessional session will testify. The moral inventory leads to the fifth level of the 12 step program in which the individual honestly confesses his wrong-doing to himself, those close to him and to God as well.

The sixth step is ironically similar to step one. The individual surrenders power. Instead of being powerless to the harmful element, he admits himself to be powerless to God. The higher being is entrusted with the responsibility of removing the negative aspects from the individuals character. This passive approach to recovery has been under heavy criticism as well.

The next three levels involve making apologies and trying to compensate for the wrong doings the individual had committed. From there, the tenth level seeks another moral inventory and the eleventh step encourages prayer and sense of oneness with God. The twelfth level of the 12 step program promises a spiritual revelation and encourages the individual to spread the word of his success to others.

Critics of the 12 step program claim that the system is too religious in nature. Others criticize the program because the individual is viewed as helpless instead of pro-active. He does not really take matters into his own hands when he surrenders and leaves everything up to the mercy of an invisible higher power.

http://Healthcare-Resource-Guide.com provides our readers with the latest reviews, articles and write-ups on all health and health-care related issues.

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Troubled Teens
By Stephen Graham

Most of us have a deep love for our children. We dream of the heights that they will attain
while they are still small children. We inevitably believe that our children can somehow do
better on the road of life than we could have ever achieved. We have dreams for our children
and try to prepare them as best we can for the bumps in the road of life. We somehow forget
the many stumbling blocks that we have encountered on our own journey through life. Life in
our society can be a very humbling proposition. There are more drugs available to our
children than ever before. The pressures to excel and achieve are at a higher level for our
kids than we might imagine. All that you have to do is to attend a youth baseball game in
order to establish the high priority we put on the achievements of our youth.

Some kids inherit mental problems from their parents and have no real chance of coping in
todays' society. They may fall into a trend of enacting negative thoughts and habits that may
not be in the norm for our society. Their mental capabilities may not allow them to function
in a normal fashion. The more that these kids struggle to find their niche in life the deeper
they fall into mental oblivion. Psychiatric help and counseling is sometimes required to aid
these individuals. The use of psychiatric drugs and tools can help to alleviate these
problems. Chemical imbalances can usually be corrected through the use of proper
therapy. Depression along with many mental imbalances can be minimized through the use
of psychiatric aids.

Teenagers are undergoing a metamorphosis. Changing from childhood into adulthood can be
a recipe for disaster. Kids are faced with changing into a form in which they have no life
experience. Kids are influenced by their parents and peers in both negative and positive
fashions. Any upheaval in the family can result in negative responses and confusion on the
part of the teenager. The bad acts of family members, friends or strangers can
send teenagers lives spiraling into chaos.

Peer pressure can influence the actions of teenagers. Following the lead of peer groups
which indulge in the practice of alcohol and drug abuse can lead to serious trouble. Getting
hooked on drugs or alcohol can lead to many problems. Health problems lead the list. Drug
and alcohol overdoses have killed many teenagers. The effects of these substances can
lead to a reduced mental capacity. The need to feed these habits can lead to other
problems. Theft by these teenagers in order to feed their habit can be felt by the immediate
family and by everyone the teen comes in contact with. Usually the result of these practices
by teens leads to their lives spirally out of control. It is difficult to overcome these addictions.
Neither drug or alcohol recovery programs or the mightiest efforts of family and friends can
have positive results in many cases. Even though the experience of life threatening
situations such as drug overdoses and comas can be serious to family and friends the teen
is most often drawn back into this disabling circle like a moth to a flame.

School work suffers and sometimes cessation of school activities is the end result of drug
and alcohol abuse. Teens sometimes acquire police records as juveniles that carry over into
adulthood. The lure of drugs and alcohol is too much of a temptation to resist. While their
peers are graduating from school and preparing for college the troubled teen is stuck in a
quagmire of negative realities. The use of drugs can mentally disable a teen. The need to
take the drug overpowers any reason for conquering it and returning to a normal life.
Repetitive reinforcement by drug and alcohol abuse sets a precedent for lifes future
activities. Teens cannot see the reality of recovery and many remain in a drug induced haze
with all of its unpleasant problems for many years. Religious tutoring and admissions
to religious based schools are sometimes of little encouragement and help.

Maturity can sometimes bring the problems to an end or at least mitigate their effects.
Teenagers go through rough waters which involve both physical and emotional changes.
Negative influences can detrimentally affect a mental and emotional state which is at its
best precarious for teenagers. Teens are the future of the world and our best hope for a
better tomorrow. They are more affected by distractions than at any time period in history.
Bad videos, bad role models and bad life experiences which involve the use of drugs and
alcohol can contribute to the breakdown in the lives of our children. They need all of the help
that we can give to them whether it be in the form of mental health or other recovery
programs which are designed to improve their chances for success in the future.

Stephen Graham- He has a degree in Psychology and writes from his own life experiences and studies.

http://buckskinnews.blogspot.com

http://goodstuffintexas.blogspot.com

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Christian Drug Treatment Centers
By Alison Cole

Drug addiction is considered a disease that can be cured through medical intervention. However, even with proper medical attention and psychiatric therapies, several patients regress into their addictions. Failure to recover is sometimes attributed to poor follow-through programs that should include reintegration into society and family support.

There are groups however who believe that drug addiction is an indication of a far-reaching human condition that can be dealt with spiritual intervention as well. Treatment of addiction incorporates medical methods, counseling and spiritual intervention based on Christian beliefs and principles.

Bible-based Interventions

People who suffer form drug addiction often point at depression as the reason why they resort to the habit. They want to escape their realities and create new ones where they do not have to deal with their problems.

A feeing of isolation is also a factor that pushes people to use mind-altering drugs. They want to feel elated and blissful. And because they cannot get those emotions from normal, ordinary interaction with their families or peers, they take drugs to sustain that high.

These are just two of the reasons why people jump into the treacherous path to self destruction. But they clearly show that drug addiction starts from emotional and mental conditions - a feeling of hopelessness.

The Bible offers hope and help to those who need them. And applying those teachings to help drug addicts pick up the pieces of their lives is at the core of Christ-centered rehabilitation programs.

Principles of Christian Intervention

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on Christian principles. Rehabilitation of alcoholics follows the 12 steps to recovery. In today’s drug rehabilitation centers, the 12 steps are at the core of their treatment programs.

In Christian rehabilitation centers, patients are also treated using those principles but with more emphasis on spiritual healing through sharing, prayer, and application of Christian values. Patients are assigned partners and support groups and spiritual leaders that guide them through the whole ordeal.

Drug Treatment Centers provides detailed information on Drug Treatment Centers, Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers, Residential Drug Treatment Centers, Christian Drug Treatment Centers and more. Drug Treatment Centers is affiliated with Drug Treatment Programs.

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The Key To My Success In Losing Weight (82 lbs. / 37 kg. lost in 6 months)
By Heidrun Bergdottir

During the time I have been loosing weight, I have wondered how do I do it? How am I able to stick with the portions of food I am supposed to eat? Why am I able to avoid eating sweets now? Why have I gained such control over my appetite and cravings for foods? How am I able to persist in every aspect of the diet? Why can I achieve this now, when I couldn’t gain any control of my diet before? I think the reasons are many, and some aren’t very obvious but have had a major affect on my success. I think that the least of it are physical factors, and I am certain that most of it lies in my mind. My experience tells me that weight loss is not solely a physical thing. To be able to achieve goal weight and keep it has much more to do with the mentality and values towards food that you have or evolve during the weight loss process.

The thing that was crucial for me in the beginning of my emotional success in life, is that I acknowledged that it was my responsibility to do something about the things that were negative in my life. Before I started the weight loss process I had fought many demons, especially the addictions I had evolved towards many things. I had mental problems that I also won over so the weight was/is the only major thing left in my life make-over. The reason for my very serious obesity (400+ lbs / 183 kg, - I am 5’5 / 165 cm) was that very early in life, in my childhood, I had evolved addiction to food and in fact that addiction got to be very similar to my later-in-life substance abuse. Whenever I felt bad or depressed I used to eat and eat and eat, that caused me to gain more weight that made me feel worse and depressed and so on and so forth. I simply got stuck in a habit, a vicious circle I couldn’t get out of, even when I started to feel better emotionally, my out of control food habits continued, making me gaining all that excess weight. Finally I got fed up with this situation. I was so overweight that people close to me feared for my life. In fact I think I was only 25-50 lbs from getting to the point where I couldn’t live a normal life. I was sick and tired of my eating habits, I even didn’t like the junk-food anymore but I kept stuffing it in my mouth. Luckily I met the right people at the right time saying all the right things, so I got into a food-program that I have been on ever since (I have lost 82 lbs / 37 kg in 6 months).

What I realized very early on in my weight loss process was that I had to change my attitude to food. I had to train my mind to like the healthy food. I had to stop linking sweets and junk food to emotions. I think many of you recognize this; you see f. ex. a chocolate bar and automatically you think "Wow, if I eat that chocolate, it will make me feel so good, the taste of chocolate will make me feel nice all over". When you think like that, you are linking happy emotions to a chocolate, so in fact you are training your mind to crave chocolate, because it links happiness to the experience of eating chocolate. The fact is: Food is food, taste is taste and food really doesn’t have small molecules of "happy-atoms" lodged in it, it is all in your mind. And believe it or not, you are able to control your own mind and feelings!

What I started to do to stop this pattern of thought towards junk food was to be grateful for every piece of healthy food that I ate. I simply repeated to myself every time I ate my meals "mmm, I am so lucky to be able to eat this great tasting food, it makes me feel so much better, it makes me loose weight, it makes me reach all my goals, it makes me feel so good about myself, it gives me self confidence etc.". Then every time I had cravings for sweets and junk food, I started a thought process where I debated with myself why it would hurt me to give in for the craving. An example of this thinking could be something like this: “Is it really worth it to throw away everything I have worked for, to lose the belief in myself, to feel out of control, guilty, a loser, failure, just to have the taste of ice cream in my mouth for few minutes? Is the taste of ice cream more important then my success in life? Is the taste of ice cream more important then my health? Is the taste of ice cream more important then feeling good in my own skin? Is the taste of ice cream worth having people stare at my fat ass every time I go out in public? Is the taste of ice cream in my mouth for a few minutes worth having people point at me and making fun of me? Is the taste of ice cream more important then gaining confidence and gratification with every pound I lose? Is the taste of ice cream good enough to risk my own health and ultimately my own life? Wouldn’t it be better to have a piece of fruit instead, they taste just as great and they don’t ruin my life either”.

After some time this mentality had become automatic and it really worked! Now I love my healthy food, and believe or not, sweets, cakes and junk food don’t move me a bit any more. I can look over a whole table filled with sweets and cakes and the feeling it gives me is similar to look at a flower decoration, it simply doesn’t move me at all, because I have cut off the emotion connection. Before that kind of food would have screamed at me from the table "eat me, eat me" but no more, because it all lies in my mind. Now it is just food that I don’t eat, I know how it tastes but I have no craving to eat it, because taste is taste, food is food, no more no less. I simply don’t feel it’s worth it to eat this food. To ruin my success, my goals and happiness just to taste some certain flavor. I would rather taste the healthy food and keep on feeling so darn good.

I have heard criticism towards this method of mine. That food, such as chocolate, really made us feel good through chemicals it triggered in the brain and therefore this method wouldn’t work. I know that food can have an effect on our body, that they can release chemicals that make us feel good. But if that was the whole issue why aren’t everyone overweight? Why doesn’t everybody have a food addiction? The answer is that when you are addicted to food then you are in the same situation as a drunk. You have linked your food to a range of emotions and gratifications; you subconsciously think that certain food will make you happy, even when it is in fact making you fall into a misery. Your emotions that you link with certain food when you eat it to feel emotionally better, condition you to feel that by eating this certain food is the same as feeling good. As the drunk you just can’t have one bite of that candy, you have to have the whole box and some more, because your craving is to feel better. As certain food, alcohol has huge effect on the chemicals in the brain, but not everyone becomes addicted to it, the same way as some people can handle eating in moderation, and never have any problem with their weight, probably because they haven’t been eating (or drinking in that matter) to feel emotionally better.

To fight against all my addictions I have used this method and have found it extremely helpful, and in fact I think it is the essence of my success. When I had cut out the links that alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and food had to my own emotions, it got so much easier to control them. It is a fact that it is so much easier to deal with facts then your own emotions. Your emotions can make you do so many stupid things because it is so hard to ignore them. They are the essence of your soul and heart, so we all tend to fall for their reasoning’s, even when it means the loss of everything we have achieved. When you set your emotions aside, then the only thing left is reasoning, and it isn’t hard at all, when the consequences are obviously misery and failure, to deny yourself of that ice cream cone, or whatever food you deny yourself from having.

My blog/journal in English: http://www.123.is/weightloss
My blog/journal in Icelandic: http://www.123.is/heidrun

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Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 2004
By Bob Howard

Banning muscle building prohormones

On October 22, 2004, President George Bush used his legislative power to sign into law the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. The acts was ratified by the U.S. Congress earlier in the month, and expanded upon the original Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990. At the center of the law was the addition of 26 new steroid compounds to the previous list of substances that are legally defined as "anabolic steroids" and placed under Schedule III of the list of controlled substances.

While some of the “new” muscle building compounds are true anabolic steroids that were missed in the original legislation of 1990, many are actually pro-hormones that were developed to cash in on the banning of anabolic steroids over a decade before. The new addictions include:


• androstanediol

• androstanedione
• androstenediol
• androstenedione
• bolasterone
• calusterone
• *1-dihydrotestosterone (a.k.a. "1-testosterone")
• furazabol
• 13b-ethyl-17a-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one
• 4-hydroxytestosterone
• 4-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone
• mestanolone
• 17a-methyl-3b,17b-dihydroxy-5a-androstane
• 17a-methyl-3a,17b-dihydroxy-5a-androstane
• 17a-methyl-3b,17b-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene
• 17a-methyl-4-hydroxynandrolone
• methyldienolone
• methyltrienolone
• 17a-methyl-*1-dihydrotestosterone (a.k.a. "17-a-methyl-1-testosterone")
• norandrostenediol
• norandrostenedione
• norbolethone
• norclostebol
• normethandrolone
• stenbolone
• tetrahydrogestrinone

Where the old law of 1990 required the use of the phrase “promotes muscle growth”, the new act dispenses with this. No longer would the Attorney General have to prove that a compound had anabolic properties. The revised criteria states that the compound only needs to be “chemically and pharmacologically-related” to the male hormone testosterone. Such creative language effectively places most of the newly-developed prohormones in the banned category.

Alternatives to Steroids - Prohormones and related compounds

It’s not surprising that with arrival of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, many law-abiding bodybuilders would look for legal, over-the-counter muscle-building alternatives. And recognizing the billions of dollars to be made, it wasn’t long before supplement manufacturers responded with prohormones and other closely-related products.

If Ben Johnson’s positive drug test in 1988 was the “coming out party” for muscle building steroids, prohormones got their biggest boost from former baseball slugger, Mark McGuire. During the 1998 baseball season, both McGuire and Sammy Sosa put on a tremendous exhibition of slugging power as they both chased Roger Maris’ single-season home run record of 61. McGuire smashed the record with 70 and seemed to be the perfect role model for kids, but his “idol status” was short-lived as a roving sport’s reporter spotted the supplement, androstenedione, one of the powerful new prohormones, in his locker.

Bob Howard expert on bodybuilding and steroids. Are you looking for more of his anabolic-steroids articles? http://www.steroids-help.com Article

© Bob Howard 5/5/2006

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Depression affects us all during our life time. Some are held in it's grasp to a greater degree than others. Depression can affect our sleep habits, our outlook on life and even our life. It can change the way that we think and act. It can keep us locked within dark places for long periods of time. Our functioning as human beings can be affected and curtailed by this disease. Genetics plays a role in this malady. Suicide rates are higher in some familles than others. People who suffer from this malady feel as though they are in a big and dark hole . Extricating themselves from the hole that they have dug for themselves is one big problem. Psychiatric help with the use of drug treatment is one viable alternative.

The society that we live in and the problems associated with it greatly contribute to depression. When a spouse leaves or when any other traumatic event occurs can contribute to depression. Most of us do not have the family structure available to handle these situations. We feel as if we are alone and isolated on an island. Many times the affected person can have an established family structure and still be affected by this disease. Whether it be the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, the end results can often times be the same.

Many people that enter depression do not have a viable reason for entering that dark and deep hole. Two people that are affected by the exact same dilemmas can react totally different to the same problem. Some people are not effected by problems that send many others into a life threatening situation. Many people have built in coping mechanisms that derail the onset of depression. Good ways for people to off set the affects of depression is to do something that they enjoy. A vacation or get away may be good for one person but may not be good for another. Being among people may enhance recovery for some people and send others plummeting into despair. Family members and friends should treat this as a disease and recognize the fact that one usually has no control over the matter without professional help.

Depression can lead to death. A deeply depressed person can not rationalize how to escape his dilemma. Just the act of thinking about his problem is apt to drive him deeper into that depressive state. Rely on professional help and the good sense of family members and friends who can recognize problems in a person that the afflicted may not even recognize himself. Depression is one of the leading ills that affects modern day man. Many situations may contribute to it. Sometimes it requires no trigger mechanism to initiate the feelings of hopelessness and the feeling that life is not worth living. Those who think this way often rationalize that the best solution to the problems of life is to disconnect themselves from the problem of life. The pain that they have been suffering from would finally end. There is real pain in depression. The thoughts of doom and negativity are sometimes so great that the only solution for a person in a deeply depressed state is to terminate life.

Even though all of us suffer from stress related problems there are answers for many who suffer from extreme depression. There are hot lines set up for many sufferers in crisis type situations. Help is just a phone call away. There is also help for sufferers in the medical community. Maybe a conversation with a representative of a favorite religious community can help turn the torment. Our society recognizes that it has created many of the problems that effect sufferers. There is help out there for those who suffer.

Stephen Graham-Studied and graduated with a degree in Psychology. His writings are based on his life studies.

http://addictionnrecovery.com

http://www.healthcarenewsonline.com

http://www.phmnetwork.com

How Antidepressant Drugs Work & Affect Us
By Serhat Pala

While not necessarily addictive, antidepressant drugs can cause serious side effects that lead to erratic behavior. Such side effects create a dangerous situation in the workplace, the home, while driving and in many other instances. Those antidepressant drugs of particular concern are tricyclic antidepressants.

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant drug that goes by the brand name Limbitrol. Nortriptyline is also a part of the tricyclic antidepressant family and is prescribed as Aventyl and Pamelor. Doxepin is used to treat both depression and anxiety and can be found under the names Adapin and Sinequan. Desipramine is sometimes also prescribed to treat eating disorders and withdrawal symptoms from cocaine addiction. It is sold under the name brands Norpramin and Pertofrane.

How Do Tricyclic Antidepressants Work?

Antidepressants work by helping to maintain certain levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals help to regulate mood and modes of thinking. By elevating a person suffering from depression’s mood, antidepressants alleviate the feelings of hopelessness, sadness and the general lack of interest in living associated with their condition. The medication is typically taken as an antidepressant pill, but is also available in syrup form.

Effects of Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressant drugs, especially tricyclic antidepressant drugs can cause a whole array of side effects. Side effects include, upset stomach, dry mouth, increase in skin sensitivity, insomnia, drowsiness, changes in sex drive, changes in appetite and confusion. Serious antidepressant side effects that require medical attention include constipation, difficulty in speaking, irregular heartbeat, trembling, stiffness of limbs and hallucinations. Tricyclic antidepressants also create an increased likelihood of thoughts of suicide and attempts in children and adolescents. Any sudden behavior changes, mood swings or extreme agitation should be relayed to your child’s doctor.

Signs of Tricyclic Antidepressant Overdoses

Someone overdosing on tricyclic antidepressants exhibits many signs and should be taken to a medical facility immediately. Warning signs of a potential overdose include seizures, dilated pupils, pounding or irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, and vomiting.

How To Test For Antidepressant Drugs

While antidepressant drugs are a prescription medication with legitimate uses, they can be potentially dangerous to those who work in fields that require the operation of heavy machinery and other hazardous activities. There are many different kinds of drug testing kits that test for tricyclic antidepressants in one’s system, such as urine drug tests, saliva drug tests and hair follicle drug tests.

Having an employee that is under the influence of antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline or doxepin can be potentially dangerous, not only to themselves, but to other employees and the health of your company. That is why performing drug tests at your workplace to detect antidepressant use can keep your workers safe, your reputation sound and your company producing to the best of its ability.

As a parent, the prescription drugs your child or teenager is taking is obviously of concern to you. But the potential side effects of some drugs like tricyclic antidepressants are astounding and should be carefully monitored. To test your teen for amitriptyline use, nortriptyline use, doxepin use, desirpramine use and other antidepressant drugs that have been shown to increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts in adolescents, a drug test kit can help to calm your mind and decide what is best for your child.

A longer version of this article is located at Anti-Depressant.org. The article is prepared by Serhat Pala who runs the website TestCountry.com.

Some of the information used in this article are taken from:
Common misspellings for Tricyclic Anti-Depressants

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A Look At Crystal Methedrine Addiction Treatment
By Bill Urell

Treatment for crystal methedrine addiction is of the utmost importance for anyone suffering from crystal methedrine. Crystal methedrine treatment is often the only way someone suffering from meth addiction can overcome his dependency on it. It is a very addictive drug and difficult to shake off on your own.

Crystal methedrine treatment can come in a variety of forms. The most intense type of crystal methedrine addiction treatment is staying at an inpatient methedrine addiction treatment facility. At an inpatient crystal methedrine treatment facility, the person suffering from a crystal methedrine is monitored 24 hours per day as he lives and engages in a course of treatment within the treatment facility.

At the addiction treatment center, the person suffering from the addiction will receive counseling, most often in both a group settings and in a one-on-one situation. The staff at the center will also provide the person suffering from a crystal methedrine with the necessary tools to be successful after leaving. Treatment actually continues long after they leave the inpatient program. Some skils such as relationship, drug refusal skills and conflict resolution skills are taught and experienced in groups.

As one of the highest levels of treatment care, a cocaine addiction treatment facility will offer 24 hour monitoring of withdrawal symptoms as long as is needed. Stopping cocaine use can often lead to both psychological and physical problems that are difficult to overcome without assistance.

The treatment facility might also offer outpatient care. It is usually recommended wherever it can occur. With outpatient care, the person coping with a cocaine addiction can receive the assistance he needs while still living at home and working. Unfortunately, an outpatient crystal methedrine treatment facility is usually not intensive enough to help the person dealing with a crystal methedrine in the initial stages. Ccrystal methedrine is simply too powerful.

Regardless of the form of crystal methedrine treatment, the person suffering from meth will also receive aftercare treatment from the cocaine addiction treatment center. Through aftercare, the professionals a the addiction treatment facility will monitor the patient’s success and ensure the patient is utilizing the skills he learned while at the addiction treatment center.

Receiving a course of treatment from a qualified, professional crystal methedrine treatment facility is often the level of intensity a person dealing with addiction needs to overcome the meth. If you or someone you know suffers from cocaine addiction, it is imperative to receive qualified help. The disease only gets progressively worse.

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==>http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com

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History of Cocaine
By Jack Smith

Extraction of pure cocaine was first done from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which is found mainly in the high mountain ranges of Peru and Bolivia, in the mid nineteenth century. The natives of this region used the coca leaves as a stimulant. The effect of intake was increased breathing, which led to higher intake of oxygen. Given the tough environmental conditions, namely thin air at high altitudes, the laborers were able to carry out their physical activities with more stamina. Gradually, the powerful stimulating effects of the coca leaf were duly noticed by the scientific world. Cocaine was first synthesized in 1855. The coca leaves were chemically synthesized, leaving the white crystalline powder, which is now known as cocaine. Hence, the hitherto mild stimulating effects of the coca leaves were maximized in the form of this potent drug. By the early 1900’s, it was to become the main stimulant in numerous cure-all tonics and elixirs. With the passage of time, more novel methods to intensify the ecstatic effects of cocaine were invented. These efforts led to the invention of ‘crack’, the most dangerous and potent form of cocaine.

The famous psychologist Sigmund Freud was the first to promote the drug as a cure for depression and sexual impotence. In 1886, John Pemberton, the inventor of the new soft drink Coca-Cola used it as the chief ingredient. This gave an added boost to the popularity of the drug. Coca-Cola’s status as the most popular soft drink in history can be attributed to the powerful energizing effects of cocaine.

In the second half of the 19th century, opium, heroin and cocaine were freely used in making tonics and elixirs that were broadly advocated as cures for a wide range of diseases. There was a prominent and socially approved drug culture in the American society at the time. Other famous promoters of this drug were Thomas Edison and actress Sarah Bernhart. It was widely used in Hollywood too. Such staunch support coming from role models of the time, powerfully catapulted cocaine to a cult-like status.

It was only some years later that the dangers of cocaine use came to the fore. Gradually, as the harmful side effects of cocaine became known, public protest against it reached a crescendo pitch, finally resulting in a total ban on its use. Pemberton was forced to remove cocaine from Coca-Cola in 1903. Cocaine became a banned narcotic according to The Dangerous Drug Act of 1920. Unfortunately, a market for cocaine was already created and continues to flourish even today.

Today, crack is the most sought after form of cocaine. Crack has been a part of American culture for about 150 years, although it is relatively new compared to other drugs such and heroin and opium, which have been around for much longer. Smoking crack cocaine became popular in the 1970’s. Since then, it has claimed millions of lives in America and around the world.

Jack Smith writes about various topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intact, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you - please visit drug-addict-help.info and online addiction source

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Do You Understand Crack Cocaine?
By Charles White

While I personally have never tried crack cocaine, I have talked to people, including friends, who have or still do use it. This is one of the most addictive drugs ever known.

When you first try crack, you get a high like no other! You are in a state where nothing bothers you, any pain is gone and you are on top of the biggest cloud you could be on and it is great.

Here’s the problem, you never reach that first high state again. You buy and smoke more and more crack trying to get back to the state you were in the first time you try it. It NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!

You could purchase all the crack on earth but you will never get back to that state of mind you were in when you first tried it. That is the problem, everyone wants to get back to that first high state.

I know people who spend all their paychecks just to get crack. I have seen it ruin lives, people become liars, they pawn everything they own just to have money to buy crack to get to that state of mind that never happens again. I have friends who pay tens of thousands of dollars a year just to try to get back to that state of mind they were in the first time they tried it.

They will blame their loved ones, lie to everyone about doing it and everything they are doing wrong is someone else’s fault.

I hope you never get hooked on crack but if you do please get help and get that monkey off your back.

Charles E. White has had an online business since 1991. He is an avid bass fisherman, internet marketer, and has several information sites.

His newest site is his health blog at:
http://www.factsandinformation.com/healthblog/

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Smoking Cessation Laser Therapy - #1 Strategy For People Who Seriously Want To Quit Smoking
By Phil Warren

A key strategy for living a longer, stronger, prolonged, healthier life comes as no surprise — don't smoke. If you're a smoker, you're simply more likely to die prematurely — from heart or lung disease. Scientific facts prove that smoking can take more than 10 years off your life. But there's good news. Quitting now means health benefits can start in just minutes, and your risk of heart disease is cut in half in about a year. Now, the question to be asked is: How serious are you in wanting to quit smoking?

There’s real hope for people who seriously want to stop smoking.

For more than 30 years now people all over the world have been helped with their addictions using a simple pain and drug free solution, yet it is still widely unknown in the United States. It’s a solution that has no reported side effects and is very relaxing.

Laser Therapy or LLLT (low level laser therapy) uses a cold laser on various meridian points of the body to produce endorphins. Endorphins are the feel good chemical that the body naturally produces when you do something pleasurable. That increase in endorphin levels, helps minimize cravings that one might feel during the first days after one quits smoking, or during a weight loss program to help reduce sugar / food cravings. It’s also a highly effective way to reduce stress. Most people after having laser therapy of this type report a calmness and reduction in stress levels.

The problem with the quit smoking patches and drugs sold or prescribed in the marketplace.

Until now, drugs that purport to help you quit smoking have largely ignored the root of the problem Nicotine -- the chemical that keeps you hooked to those insidious packs of cigarettes and unless you rid your body of that nasty chemical as quickly as possible the success of any Smoking Cessation treatment is reduced dramatically. This is why LLLT professionals also suggest a simple yet effective detoxification regime that includes vitamins, minerals and liquids to help rid the body of toxins such as nicotine. The vitamins and minerals in this detoxification program are readily available natural products that have been in use for many, many years and are now combined in a unique way to help rid the body of nicotine.

In conjunction with the laser therapy and detoxification program a relaxation CD is usually provided to help people keep calm and reduce stress a reason many people give as to why they started smoking in the first place or why they are unable to stop.

Studies from Asia, Canada and the United Kingdom are producing quite remarkable success rates and the emphasis on Nicotine detoxification is providing a long-term solution to this life threatening addiction.

However, this therapy is by no means a magic bullet, it takes a willingness and determination on the part of the smoker to stick with the two week detoxification program, make permanent but simple lifestyle changes and of course the desire to stop.

Phil Warren A.I.I.P., C.L.T. and his Matrix Laser Centers are at the forefront of this new and exciting laser technology to help you quit smoking -- in most instances after only one 60-minute appointment. Call 619-260-9191 today for a free initial expert consultation filled with information to help you effectively, efficiently and positively change your lifestyle. For more information check out http://www.matrixlasercenters.com.

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"American Meth: A History of the Methamphetamine Edpidemic" author Sterling R Braswell:BOOK REVIEW
By Paige Lovitt

Sterling Braswell has written a fascinating book about drug use in America. He begins with the history of amphetamines. It has been used almost 100 years. Meth was used in the 1920’s to treat asthma, hay fever and depression. At this time it was legal and did not carry a social stigma. Amphetamines were used in the military because it was believed to enhance intellectual performance and incite aggression.

Hitler was injected with it. Kamikaze pilots were injected with it before they went out on their suicide missions. JFK used it combined with steroids to treat Addison’s disease. It was attributed to contributing to his abnormally high sex drive. Today meth abusers come from all walks of life: students, soldiers, workers, housewives.

The damage caused by meth use is insidious. Dopamine nerve terminals are damaged to the point that they put people at risk for developing Parkinson’s as they get older. Some of the damage is permanent, and some can last up to three years after the use ends. Meth use triggers apoptosis which causes widespread cell death in several areas of the brain. The brain is affected in ways similar to the damage caused by Alzheimer’s and strokes. The abuser’s personality is also affected. They become paranoid, delusional and violent. Braswell refers to their reality as “Crazy Town.” This becomes the user’s world.

In this book, Braswell also includes his own personal story of the hell that he went through while he was married to Lucille, an addict. Lucille was unable to overcome her addiction and as a result of her meth addicted actions, she nearly destroyed Braswell. As I read his personal story, I kept hoping that their lives would improve and that Lucille would be able to overcome her addictions. Instead she betrayed him and his family in every way possible.

The history of methamphetamines and other related drugs is covered in great depth. “American Meth” would be very helpful for substance abuse counselors and people in recovery. For my Master’s degree program in Rehabilitation Counseling, I did not have any texts that covered the history so deeply.

I think that it is important for people who believe that drugs should be legalized should read “American Meth.” Crime is not just committed by people trying to get money for a fix, horrible crimes are committed by people who are under the influence of this drug. Families are destroyed.

American Meth: A History of the Methamphetamine Epidemic in America

Sterling R Braswell

iUniverse, Inc (2006)

ISBN 0595380212

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (5/06)

Paige Lovitt is a Reviewer for Reader Views.
http://www.readerviews.com

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Sexual Abuse Recovery—Unique Approach
By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

Have you been in therapy for three or more years for sexual abuse recovery and still have many of the same issues plaguing you? If so, you might want to consider a different approach to the healing process.

Sexual Abuse, rape and incest recovery is much easier with Hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is highly effective to heal the negative effects of sexual abuse, rape and incest.

Using a seven-phase program in conjunction with hypnotherapy to heal the emotional wounds by moving through the pain toward freedom and triumph over trauma, you will discover you can live the life you deserve. In this seven-phase program you and Dr. Neddermeyer become partners on your path to healing and creating healthy sexuality and the complete celebration of the joy of living pain free.

Healing from Sexual Abuse—Is the time right for you to finally heal sexual abuse in your life and create the life you deserve? Of course it is time! And now that you have made that decision, the rest is easier than you think - especially with the power and effectiveness of Hypnotherapy. The time is certainly right for you to heal from sexual abuse, rape, incest, or in fact any other form of mental or physical abuse. The light at the end of the tunnel is a reflection of who you really are—you are NOT the abuse! You are YOU—a unique and wondrous person. You will learn how to alter your thoughts, words and actions and triumphantly begin living a life of freedom from sexual, emotional or physical abuse.

Sexual Abuse - Victim or Survivor? You are not a victim—your abuser didn’t destroy you—you are only wounded—NOT dead. You are a Survivor—albeit—in a lot of emotional pain. Through the healing process you can transition from being a Survivor to being a Thriver.

You can be the master of your own life! The only control your abuser now has over you is a carry-over from what your perpetrator forced upon you in the past. You can stop that control. Now by your own choice you are your own master!

Sexual abuse affects your life until you complete a healing process specifically for sexual abuse recovery. Although anyone can have the following issues, they are especially prevalent among survivors of sexual and physical abuse. Sexual Abuse After Effects include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety. Do you often worry, unable to sit still or constantly on the go?
• Panic Attack--heart palpitations, shortness of breath
• Relationship Problems. Are your relationships with family, friends, and significant others full of stress, inability to truly communicate?
• Nightmares/flashbacks
• Insomnia. Trouble relaxing and sleeping.
• Addictions. Do you attempt to fill the void with food, drugs, alcohol, work, or sex?
• Extreme Emotions. Do your emotions often seem out of control?
• Depression. Do you feel that life will never be better and that as long as you are alive you will be in pain?
• Hyper-vigilant. Do you feel like you must be constantly on guard?
• Inability to trust or trusting indiscriminately.
• Physical Issues. Are you plagued by--headaches/migraines, stomach problems, MS, PMS, TMJ, Cancer, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Lupus, Lower Back Pain?
• Angry Outbursts/Road Rage. Does your anger interfere with your life?
• Shame/Guilt/Humiliation. Do you believe you are at fault—If you had only....thus you experience the ensuing shame, guilt and humiliation?

In an effort to prevent child sexual abuse, Dr. Neddermeyer also treats abusers. Child molesters, pedophiles and sex offenders have responded successfully to therapeutic hypnosis. A pioneer in this field, she is dedicated to bringing this treatment program into the mainstream. Dr. Neddermeyer recently presented this unique recovery process to professionals in New Dehli, India at the 2nd World Regression Congress. She presented the program in the Netherlands in 2003 at the 1st World Regression Congress.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, "If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or Out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

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Quit Smoking Tips
By Richard Romando

Nicotine addiction is a health hazard that affects millions of people around the world each year. Smoking cigarettes might have several purposes, but the end result usually terminates in breathing disorders, heart ailments, cancer, and in acute cases, even death. While some realize the harm of smoking early on, others carry on with the addiction till a stage of no return; when smoking related ailments are beyond cure.

Several people try to quit smoking, but most fail. The reason for this is not hard to find. Nicotine addiction affects a person dramatically. Those who try to quit smoking experience withdrawal symptoms and hence tend to revert back to the life-threatening activity. To quit smoking, one requires extreme levels of self-control. If one puts his heart and soul into it, this seemingly impossible feat can be made possible.

There are several tips, which if followed, that might help a person overcome the nicotine addiction. The first aspect one should realize is to set realistic targets for oneself. Set one goal at a time and work towards achieving that objective.

A date should be fixed for quitting and adhered to. It helps to have someone quit with you, as it provides a moral support and also sets a positive example. Keeping oneself busy is also a good deterrent. If the mind is focused on a particular activity, then the chances of weakening and having a cigarette are greatly reduced. When the urge to smoke does arise, one must try and postpone the event by at least an hour. Easy access to nicotine should be avoided. One should try leaving cigarettes at home and not carring them to work or when leaving the house.

Chewing on gum, avoiding alcohol and coffee will help one on the road towards quitting. Although several methods and therapies can be employed, the only conclusive solution is to have a firm will. This will enable one to brush off this grave addiction.

Quit Smoking provides detailed information on Quit Smoking, How To Quit Smoking, Ways To Quit Smoking, Quit Smoking Tips and more. Quit Smoking is affiliated with Stop Smoking Help.

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Addiction Treatment: Prescription Medication Abuse by Parents and Their Children
By Jonathan Huttner

Although drugs such as heroin, cocaine, crack or ecstasy seem to get all the attention, the rate of prescription drug abuse among teens has grown at a higher rate than illegal drugs.

In 2003, 2.3 million kids between the ages of 12 and 17 admitted to abusing prescription medication according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. It is reported that 83.4 percent abused opiates such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, Dilaudid, 24.6 percent tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax, 5.6 percent sedatives such as Seconal and 25.1 percent stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin.

An additional statistic reported is that teens who abuse prescription medication are twice as likely to abuse alcohol, five times more likely to abuse marijuana, 12 times more likely to abuse heroin and 15 times more likely to abuse ecstasy.

With all of these statistics comes an awakening of sorts, as it is relatively simple for children of all ages to gain access to prescription medication. Medicine cabinets or dresser drawers where parents generally store their medications are easily accessed. Prescription medications are also readily available on the internet. In 2004, CASA found hundreds of web sites selling prescription medication and only 6 percent of them even required a prescription. In 2005 opiates were being made available on a higher percentage of sites than 2004 and 95 percent of the sites that sell steroids, did so without a prescription.

When it is all said and done, parents need to pay close attention to how much access their children have to their prescription medication and to what internet sites their children are visiting. While you can’t monitor every move your children make, learning how to effectively communicate to them about such topics can make a profound difference.

If you have any questions concerning prescription medication contact an addiction specialist. If you know of anyone who needs immediate intervention, learn more about addiction treatment options or get a drug rehab referral from a reliable source.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the the principals at Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment, alcohol and drug rehab facility. Addiction treatment information and free live help 24/7 is being provided online at http://www.RecoveryConnection.org

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Obesity In Children
By Zach Thompson

Obesity is a condition that can shorten your life and can seriously affect you mentally and physically. It often has its roots in childhood. Obesity in children is growing at a frighteningly fast rate. There are more obese children now than ever before. Parents are letting their carelessness with their own diets spill over into their children’s lives.

Here are a few points to think about when trying to prevent obesity and health problems for your children.

Small children are normally energetic and often require snacks in-between meals. It is most important to choose healthy snacks for your children.

Alternative snacks can include:

Vegetable snacks like carrot sticks and celery boats are a good and fun alternative to chips and “junk food” snacks.
Fruit can be substituted for candies and sugar snacks.
Soda and sugar snacks like candy produce hyperactivity in many young children and will sow the seeds for problems later in life. It also leads to dental problems and the beginnings of obesity. It is good to keep these foods in check and use alternatives if possible. Sugar is a known addictive food in that the more you eat the more you want to eat. This can quickly escalate into a serious eating problem and can lead to obesity as the body stores excess sugar as fat.

Breakfast cereals are perhaps the biggest problems in children’s diets. Everyone is in a hurry in the morning and it is easy to reach for the cereal packet for a quick family breakfast. However be careful of these presweetened cereals as they give unnecessary large amounts of sugar to your child’s system laying the grounds for sugar addiction. Now there are many alternatives to presweetened cereals. There are many good tasting “healthy” cereals providing added fiber and less if any sugar. These are good for your children as they will provide them with a much more nutritious breakfast and not just fill them up with sugar and excess carbohydrates.

Fast food habits also begin when children are quite small. This is reinforced by extensive TV advertising and propaganda for these foods. It is almost inbred in us to eat hamburgers chips and other fast food. Children have an inborn liking for these foods and can easily become quite addicted to them. It is wise to try to keep these foods in limit, as they are not the healthiest foods to eat, especially for children who are growing and need nutritious foods to develop properly.

Good eating habits begin when children are very young. It can start from the time they first start to eat. It is very important to a child’s health to start good eating habits at a young age. It is possible to lay the foundations of good and healthy eating habits when children are still quite small. It is just a question of educating ourselves and passing on good habits to our children. When you do this you reduce the possibility of obesity in your children and all the mental and physical risks involved.

Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Consultant. His clients range from pro athletes and actresses, to cancer patients and children with Learning Disabilities. Learn the truth about nutritional supplements at: http://nutritionalreview.com/79.php.

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Detox: Science, Quackery and Everything In-Between!
By Stephenn Nelson

This article is meant to outline and educate you on the different types of detoxification. Detox can refer to several different processes including diets to lose weight, drug and alcohol addiction, and the process of eliminating the harmful buildup of assorted toxins in the body. Hopefully you will find some useful information that will guide you in your quest for the right Detox.

When you are on a so-called Detox diet you are trying to achieve several things including improving health, mental state, energy, resistance to disease, digestion, as well as aiding in weight loss. This type of diet consists of changing your consumption habits in an attempt to detoxify the body by removing toxins or other contaminants. Some proponents of detox diets would insist it is a lifestyle, not just a diet.

Detox Diets range widely in variation depending upon the desired effect:

Food combining.

Increased consumption of fish such as salmon

Fasting, water fasting and juice fasting.

Caloric restriction.

Herbal detox.

The word “Detox” also refers to the process of purging the body of toxins accumulated by drug use. It all begins with ceasing use of the drug or what is more commonly known as “withdrawal”. The dictionary’s relevant definition is: “the discontinuance of administration or use of a drug” or “the syndrome of often painful physical and psychological symptoms that follows discontinuance of an addicting drug”. It is definitely a difficult process but imperative if someone want to successfully detox his or her body. The main purpose of detoxification is to diminish the uncomfortable symptoms of drug withdrawal.

There are many different forms of Drug Detox depending on where you decide to receive treatment. The best facilities will not just use treatment to relieve the physical symptoms of withdrawal; but will include counseling and therapy sessions during the process to aid recovery from the psychological distress.

While this brief article can’t answer all your questions, at least you are more informed about the different kinds of Detox. I have listed several good resources at the end of this paragraph. You can also find a lot more on the subject at www.detoxdetails.com/.

You can find more information on the subject of Detox in these quality books:

The Detox Book: How to Detoxify Your Body to Improve Your Health, Stop Disease, and Reverse Aging, 2nd Edition -- by Bruce Fife

The Fast Track One-Day Detox Diet: Boost metabolism, get rid of fattening toxins, safely lose up to 8 pounds overnight and keep them off for good -- by Ann Louise Phd Cns Gittleman

Chapman Medical offering rapid drug-detox treatment : An article from: Orange County Business Journal -- by Chris Baiocchi

Prescription Drug Addiction: The Hidden Epidemic -- by Rod Colvin

Stephen Nelson is a freelance author that writes for the medical community. You can find out more at http://www.detoxdetails.com/

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Christian Drug Rehab
By Ken Marlborough

Faith based drug rehab is one approach to drug rehab that is slightly different from secular drug rehabilitation. The Christian religion based programs have at their core the belief that religion plays a critical role in the rehabilitation process. Therefore, all programs are designed to emphasize the primary role of religion in the life of the addicted individual.

The study of scripture, religious services, and group discussions may all play a part of Christian drug rehab. As with other programs that are specialized funding and sustenance may depend on client payments and grants. Other aspects of rehab such as medical and psychiatric evaluations as well as duration of therapy may be similar to secular rehab programs. Often the treatment is done in an inpatient setting and may last one month. Drug addictions as well as alcohol abuse are huge problems for society and their treatment requires committed individuals. Christian drug rehab has at its root the belief that faith heals and these programs are spearheaded by volunteers and altruistic individuals.

One program’s website states that they believe that God provides wholesome healing and overcomes the destructive power of drug addiction. These programs recognize Jesus Christ as the Higher Power referred to in 12 step programs. Christian drug rehab aims to rehabilitate the individual in a comprehensive manner by changing their view of the world and stressing the primacy of faith in the healing process. The philosophical basis of Christian drug rehab programs may not be well known to healthcare providers. It includes the concept that addiction arises from an attempt to fill a spiritual void through substance use and recovery through the process of salvation and a sustained relationship with God.

Christian drug rehab may be a model other religious or faith based organizations can use to develop drug rehabilitation programs.

Drug Rehab provides detailed information on Drug Rehab, Drug Rehab Programs, Drug Rehab Centers, Drug And Alcohol Rehab and more. Drug Rehab is affiliated with Drug Detox Rehab.

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Prescription Drug Addiction: An Overview
By Damian Sofsian

It seems that prescription drugs are being prescribed more than ever. Doctors prescribe drugs for pain, for mental health, and for insomnia. The majority of the people who are prescribed these drugs use them responsibly, taking the correct dose just until the problem is gone. However, there is a growing trend for people to misuse prescription drugs. Many people use prescription drugs to get high or to feel good. What they often don’t know is that many of these drugs are highly addictive, and can have dire consequences if used improperly.

The three most commonly misused types of prescription drugs are opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants.

Opioids are usually prescribed for pain relief. Some well-known opioids are codeine, morphine, and pills such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Darvon. Opioids are the most commonly misused of all prescription drugs, and are among the most dangerous.

CNS depressants are used to slow down brain functions. They are frequently prescribed to relieve anxiety, stop panic attacks, and cure insomnia. Some of the most common CNS depressants are Xanax, Valium, and Nembutal. Many users enjoy the calming effect these drugs have and continue using them when they are no longer needed. Misuse of CNS depressants can lead to addiction and other serious long-term problems.

Stimulants are another commonly abused class of prescription drug. Stimulants speed up brain functions and are commonly prescribed for people with ADHD. Some well-known stimulants are Ritalin and Dexedrine. Although stimulants are less addictive than some other types of prescription drugs, they are still addictive and can lead to serious health problems when abused.

Prescription drug abuse is becoming a large problem. Even as many celebrities’ battles with prescription drug addiction have been in the news, many people continue to believe that these drugs are harmless.

Prescription Drugs Addiction Info provides detailed information about prescription drug addition symptoms, treatment, statistics, and forums, as well as personal prescription drug addiction stories. Prescription Drugs Addiction Info is the sister site of Drug Testing Web.

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Prescription Drug Rehab
By Jason Gluckman

Prescription Drug abuse can be defined as compulsive use of mood-altering Prescription Drugs that have not been authorized by a medical practitioner. These drugs that are easily available through doctor’s prescriptions are abused by any people who grow addicted to them after the disease has been cured.

The symptoms of addiction are a constant physical craving for the medicines and withdrawal symptoms when not in use. In such a condition, the person uses all means, legal or illegal, to obtain these drugs. This addiction, which afflicts millions of Americans, is as serious as illegal drug and alcohol addiction. It should be treated carefully under medical supervision by medics or Rehab centers.

To free yourself from Prescription Drug addiction, you need treatment, counseling and Rehabilitation. The patients must be referred to Rehabs that treat drug, alcohol and substance abuse, where they will receive a thorough treatment and counseling therapy to make an effective recovery.

Prescription Drugs are as potent as street drugs. They start out as prescriptions for genuine pain or sleep complaints, but later become addictive. There are three main classes of Prescription Drugs that can be abused: Opioids (used for pain treatment), CNS depressants (used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders) and Stimulants (used for sleep disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders).

Opioids are narcotics and commonly prescribed pain relievers such as Morphine and Codeine, used for symptoms from surgery pains to cough disorders. The drug attaches itself to opioid receptors and stops pain messages to the brain. Addiction is common after a stipulated dosage and results in legal and illegal activities to procure this drug.

CNS, or central nervous system depressants, are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They are used to slow down brain activity. CNS medicines include Barbiturates (Mebaral) and Benzodiazepines (Valium and Pro Som). Continued use of these drugs can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when usage is stopped. Since CNS depressants work by slowing brain activity, stopping them will lead to the brain’s racing out of control, or even seizures. Using these drugs with alcohol can lead to death.

Stimulants enhance brain activity. Stimulants such as Ritalin or Dexedrine increase the amount of stimulating chemicals like dopamine in the brain. Short-term abuse can lead to paranoia. It may also cause high body temperature and irregular heart beat. This may lead to a fatal cardiovascular failure or seizure.

Research reveals that Prescription Drug abuse is most common among the elderly, adolescents, women and health care professionals. The misuse of Prescription Drugs is the most common form of drug abuse among the elderly. Adolescent use of drugs like Ritalin has increased in recent years. Studies also show that women are more likely than men to get prescriptions for drugs that can be abused, like narcotics and anti-depressants. They are also more likely to get addicted than men.

Rehab for Prescription Drug abuse consists of two methods--behavioral and pharmacological treatment. Behavioral treatment teaches the patient how to cope without the drug, how to handle cravings, how to avoid situations that encourage drug use, and how to prevent and handle relapse. It consists of counseling, group therapy, family therapy and occupational therapy intended to totally Rehabilitate the patient.

Pharmacological Rehab includes use of medications such as Methadone and LAAM, which is especially useful for treating Opioid addiction. This can be administered at the stage of detoxification. Detoxification relieves withdrawal symptoms while the patient learns to be drug-free. This may be followed by behavioral therapy, where the patient learns to alter his thinking and handle stress factors that led to the addiction.

The ultimate aim is to lead the patient away from harmful addiction to Prescription Drugs and regain a normal and healthy life without suffering any relapse.

Rehab provides detailed information about rehab, alcohol rehab, cardiac rehab, drug rehab and more. Rehab is the sister site of Medical Alert Bracelets.

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Alcohol and Drug Rehab: Binge Drinking and Alcohol Poisoning
By Jonathan Huttner

Binge drinking, which at least 44% of the college population has taken part in between the years of 1994-2004 takes the lives of about 50 college students every year. In excess of 1400 college students die each year from alcohol related injuries. Binge drinking is defined, by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, as five or more drinks in a row for men and four or more alcohol drinks for women.

Alcohol poisoning generally occurs when a person consumes a large quantity of alcohol over a short period of time. Alcohol is a central nervous system
depressant, which can definitely be lethal and is capable of producing various physical, emotional and behavioral effects as it acts upon different parts
of the brain.

At a low level of alcohol consumption, inhibitions are reduced with vision, movement and speech impaired. With a greater amount of
alcohol coordination, reflexes and balance is affected and after that the consumption of more alcohol affects a person’s brain to the point where it’s
ability to control respiration and heart rate is impaired. Lastly, a person’s heart rate can drop extremely low and breathing can cease resulting in
coma or death.

To better understand alcohol poisoning, the body generally oxidizes about one ounce of alcohol (one drink) per hour.
Depending how much one drinks, what they have in their stomach and how quickly they drink, it may take 45-90 minutes after a person stops
drinking for them to reach their highest level of intoxication. This is why the person who has been abusing alcohol and has passed out must
be watched very closely.

Some of the symptoms of alcohol poisoning are unconsciousness, vomiting (often without awakening), shallow
breathing and clammy, pale skin. If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. If you suspect the person may have a problem with
alcohol or is alcoholic, do your best to get them into an alcoholism
treatment center or drug rehab for a thorough evaluation. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the the principals at Lakeview Health Systems,
an addiction treatment, alcohol and drug rehab facility.

Addiction treatment information and free live help 24/7
is being provided online at RecoveryConnection.org

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Teens and Drugs -- 7 Must Ask Questions
By Ali Bierman

The following questions may save the life of your teenager. These seven critical questions will get him talking about his experience and knowledge of drugs. I suggest you have the resources in place to provide the solutions and answers you may need.

*To start, simply ask your child, “Do you know that most people get high on drugs to escape feeling bad? Sometimes they feel really great for a while. Then they come down and the same problems are still there, only now some of those people, even after just one experience, have new problems caused by that one-time drug use.”
You will certainly grab his attention.

*Continue, “What kind of questions do you have, or what do you want to know more about, regarding drugs?”
The object here is to get your child talking—or at least willing to talk. He may tell you he knows everything he needs to know. Where do you go from there?

* Be blunt! Come right out and ask, ”Are you now using, or have you ever used, drugs?”

If you observe that he is uncomfortable tell him you noticed his discomfort and ask what is bothering him. If your child is experimenting with drugs, you need to know the details to help him.

*Continue, “If you needed it, do you know where to find help?”

Listen to him -- pay attention to what he says and to the words he does not speak. Notice his body language, hear the underlying message, the words between the lines, his tone, word choice, and pace. Note his emotions, eye contact, and whether he is at ease or trying to conceal any discomfort.

Teens know drugs are dangerous. Some kids use them anyway. Let your child know you are not here to judge him. Live that truth to gain and maintain his trust. You can only help him if he is honest with you.

Most importantly, let him know you are having this talk because you love him and no matter what he has done, or is thinking about doing, he is safe talking with you. Tell him nothing can change your love for him.

*Once you have opened the lines of communication, go on to ask, “Do you know that alcohol, cigarettes and over-the-counter medicines can be as dangerous as illegal drugs? Or that beer and wine pack the same wallop as hard liquor?"
Watch his face and body for acknowledgement, disagreement, or confusion.

*Follow up with, ”Even sniffing markers changes the brain. Are you aware that years after they stopped using drugs, some people experience a recurrence of symptoms?”

*Ask your child, “Have you ever been in a car with someone who is high on drugs or alcohol? Were they driving?” Regardless of his response ask, “What did you do, or what would you do, in that situation?”

Knowledge is always the best way to live a happy, healthy and successful life. Facts are key. If he has unanswered questions, where can he go for accurate information? The streets, his friends, and the media may not be the best place to find what he seeks on the subject of drugs.

* Since drug use is often connected to sex, throw in, “Do you know that alcohol, rather than improving sexual performance, impairs it? And drinking often leads to careless sex and teen pregnancy?” Be sure he knows the consequences of the actions he may or may not take.

Drug abuse happens in all kinds of families and all kinds of neighborhoods. If your child wants drugs, he will find them. Know the signs to look for and -- please -- do pay attention!

When peer pressure kicks in, a wise and educated youngster who has previously given thought to and made decisions about his actions, has a better chance of living the life he chooses than someone who has not prepared himself for the situations that will come up in life.

Actions and results, desirable and undesirable, reflect self esteem. To change behaviors, treat the cause not just the symptom.

In some people, addiction and bad reactions, even death, can happen with the very first use. Do you want your kid to take that chance?

Ali Bierman, parent, psychotherapist and author of the popular ebook, Parents, You Gotta Ask Questions: How To Build Adolescent Self Esteem, poses 189 questions for you and your teen covering nine areas of life.
To find out more and grab your gift, the e-course, Parents, Are You Making These 6 Mistakes With Your Teen? click here http://www.saveyourchildnow.com

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Hairy Drug Test
By William Teleo

Employers in the last decade found it hard to rely on drug testing to ensure that they are hiring employees that are free from banned substances. However, the adoption of more stringent rules and restrictions at drug test sites and laboratories have made it harder for drug users to cheat. The variation of drug testing programs also allow choices and more certainty about the test results.

Urinalysis has been the most common and often used drug testing method. However, this is also the easiest to trick and cheat. Diluting urines with water or other colorless fluid is enough to make the drug traces virtually undetectable. To reinforce security on this kind of testing, most companies and drug testing laboratories prefer on-site specimen collection. A drug test technician either visits the site to collect and test samples from workers or candidates for testing visit the laboratories where their urines are collected and tested immediately. Candidates are not allowed to leave the testing room until the test is finished. This ensures that the urine samples collected are not tampered or diluted. However, on-site collection is awkward especially for women because the candidates are actually supervised while collecting their samples. The testing of oral fluid or saliva is also implemented but not popular. Though oral fluid can be collected easily and are not susceptible to alteration, results based on this test are still suspicious. This is because drug traces in saliva can be undetectable after a day. Hence, if a user stops taking drugs a day or two before the test, he may be given a negative mark and pass the test.

Newer technology in drug tests now allow for hair testing. In the present, this is regarded as the most foolproof drug test. Drug residue from drug use, whether ingested or injected, remains inside the hair cuticle. Even if the user bleached, colored, or cut his hair, the residue would still be present and can be detected. This is also very popular since the collection of samples is not difficult and possible without embarrassing the tester and the candidate. Candidates do not need to worry about ruined hairstyles since the snips are done in inconspicuous places and are not noticeable. The latter kind of drug testing are also more cost-efficient for employers. Though the fees for the test is pricier than urinalysis, the company saves more because hair testing can effectively weed out drug abusers from the company's ranks. This is because a drug-dependent employee cost a company as much as $10,000 in terms of unproductivity, absences, and benefits. They are usually the perpetrators of office theft. Plus, the employees would be deterred from using drugs because they know that is cheat-proof. All in all, investing in drug and hair testing are worthy expenses for the employer.

For more valuable information on drug testing, please visit http://www.adrugtest.com.

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From the Street to a Tropical Paradise With the Help of a Trusting Therapist
By Richard Singer

I woke up in a dark, gloomy, dungeon like hotel room in northern Florida trying to figure out how my life had gotten so out of control. I hadn’t changed or showered in a few days and I felt like all my humanity had been suddenly sucked out of me. I abruptly realized what had happened as I rolled over and had no idea who was lying next to me. Once again I relapsed and spent close to two thousand dollars on cocaine, for what reason I’m not sure. In the past 13 rehabs they told me I had a disease but my mind didn’t want to believe this. I could control this malady they called addiction, I could save myself, I believed I was all powerful and all knowing. I was an omnipotent being that didn’t need the help of anyone.

Well on this day, something was different. I was beat up, jobless, penniless, and I had just called my mother for help and she said she wanted nothing to do with me. This was her way of helping me to realize I needed help desperately. My heart sunk and I contemplated suicide once again. At this point I had two options available to me. Surrender to this disease like I was being suggested by the treatment professionals and begin recovery or end my life. Fortunately I chose recovery and began my path toward growth and a quality of life that I could never imagine.

Early recovery was difficult, however I was determined to stay sober a day at a time and make something of my life. With the help of addiction professionals who were genuine, caring, empathetic, and real I was able to make progress on a daily basis. I trusted them and this is what made recovery possible. I didn’t know what I wanted to do but I did know that I wanted to stay sober and those around me helped in every possible way they could.

Throughout the growth process of recovery I decided and was urged by my higher power to enter the field of addictions and to guide others to the life that I was given through the miraculous process of recovery. I ended up going back to school and accomplishing great feats that I could never imagine. I graduated with my undergraduate degree and pursued my master’s degree in clinical psychology. During these years I continued to work in the field of addictions and was mentored by incredible individuals in this field. I was taught to work with passion and care and to advocate for clients no matter what.

I have grown since the day I stepped in recovery. I have been blessed with a gift to be a therapist that cares about one and only one thing, helping clients improve their lives a day at a time. This thing many of us call work is my life. Therapy and helping others enjoy a better quality of living is my life and I continue to be blessed on a daily basis with clients who want the help to get better. Little do they know, that they help me more than I could ever help them. They give me strength to keep going on a daily basis and they share with me there personal lives and world. That is truly a gift.

I’ve come from the depths of insanity , sleeping on the street to working with individuals much like myself who want to live a better life. The best part of it is my new position that I recently accepted is in the Cayman Islands. Who would have thought, an alcoholic and an addict with an advanced degree in psychology helping other human beings better their lives in a tropical paradise. Its not something I would have ever imagined 6 years ago when I entered recovery. As a therapist I urge other therapists in this field to continue to have hope for your clients, because my therapists had hope for me and now I’m able to impact countless lives across the globe. Life for me is all about helping other human beings, which is the one pertinent key for the evolution of humanity and the universe we live in. Never, Never, Never, Never give up on a human being. It took me many tries , but eventually I succeeded.

About the Author
Richard A. Singer Jr. is a practicing psychotherapist living in the
Cayman Islands. He is formerly of Pennsylvania and has a Master’s
Degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently working on his Doctorate Degree in Psychology at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center. His daily inspirations have been included as part of Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul, from the best selling Chicken Soup series. His own recovery from addiction and depression impassioned him to help others find courage, determination and peace, and has made what some would call “work” the love and purpose of his life. To learn more about Mr. Singer and explore updated information, visit his Web site http://www.yourdailywalk.org or E-Mail him at RAS9999@aol.com. In addition, please join the him for down-to-earth interactive discussions about the suggested monthly readings, daily quotes, meditations affirmations, and journaling sections of the book on his Amazon.com Blog.

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Drugs: Prison Or Probation
By Thomas Gallagher

Introduction

Many people have opposing views on how the drug problem should be tackled, with the epicentre of any debate focusing on two differing solutions to tackle the problem. These two solutions consist of imposing a sanction such as prison, or tackling the problem from a different angle by offering probation to an offender coupled with drug treatment programs. This article will assess to the effectiveness of the two systems. Firstly, the drug crisis and its effects on society will be examined. Following from this will be an assessment of each of the systems, focusing upon there effectiveness. Finally, some alternatives will be advocated that depart from the present system. After assessing all of the evidence available, the conclusion that will be reached is that if society is to curtail the exponential rise in drug abuse, a far more informative system must be implemented, before another generation is lost to drug abuse.

The Drug Conundrum

Drugs have been around in some form or another since 4000BC (Egyptians with wine and marijuana used for medicinal purposes in China). Although drugs were widely used, it was not until the 19th century that the active substances in drugs were extracted and used as a lifestyle choice.

The addictive nature of drugs was immediately apparent, although there was a gradual recognition of this property with the passing of the first national drug law, the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. The destructive nature of alcohol in society led to the prohibition period in America. Therefore, the drug problem has been around, and more importantly, been acknowledged for some time.

The experimentation period of the 1960’s had a profound effect on society. The ethos was love, drugs, social ideological rebellion, more drugs, and then more drugs. The administration was rocked to its very foundations, which culminated in far more draconian police force. Whether proliferation in state interference was inevitable, a position advocated by Orwell, or whether it was a result of drug taking, one can only surmise. Nevertheless, the position is conclusive, drugs have had a significant effect on society. How society has chosen to deal with this crisis will now be examined.

The Threat of Prison as a Deterrent for drug Use

For an addict, the threat of prison is about as effective as a chocolate teapot in the desert. It relies on the premise that the addiction is controllable. Anybody who smokes or drinks coffee on a regular basis should be in a position to bear testament that the addictive nature of these two substances, once removed, can have severe effects on their day to day lives. So, what about heroin or crack cocaine?

Heroin addiction and crack cocaine addiction are possibly two of the most severe drugs for creating dependency and also tolerance. As higher doses are used, over time, physical dependence and addiction develop. With physical dependence, the body has become used to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms may occur if use is reduced or stopped.

The symptoms that a person going through withdrawal process are cravings, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhoea and vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), kicking movements, and other symptoms. Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and subside after about a week. Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users who are in poor health can prove to be fatal. Prison cannot be an effective deterrent against such symptoms.

Effectiveness of Probation

Probation is a term that can have a multitude of meanings, and, may be imposed after a prison sentence, although for drug users, this is often too little too late. The interpretation given in a dictionary is ‘the act of suspending the sentence of a person convicted of a criminal offence and granting that person provisional freedom on the promise of good behaviour’. This provisional period can entail many things for a convicted drug user, with impositions such as involuntary drug programmes and drug testing.

Involuntary drug programmes can entail taking substitute drugs to wean a person off a specific drug, resulting in a lower dependency and a reduced level of tolerance. The problems that can emanate form these programs consist of a lack of secondary support for drug users. This can result in an individual being drawn back into a cyclic situation which ultimately results in that individual taking the very drugs that the substitute drug was supposed replace. Involuntary drug tests emanated from America and involve a person being requested to take a drug test within a specific period of time. If the person tests positive, then the suspended sentence is then imposed, these will often lead to a custodial sentence.

Whilst the two systems do have their own merits, it is possible to adduce from these two alternatives a far from satisfactory conclusion. Both systems rely heavily on the circumstances that the drug user finds themselves in once the probation period has been imposed. Those who have funded their habit through criminal activities will often have a criminal record, and thus will be unable to find employment. They will often still exist in the very same peer groups where the original problems emanated, therefore, there must be a more viable solution to this drug quandary.

A Possible Alternative

The buzz word at this present moment in time is decriminalisation. Decriminalisation, in its most severe form would involve a complete removal of all criminal sanctions that are currently imposed for drug use. This would then remove drug users from the criminal process and would focus attention on treatment. There is staunch opposition to this concept in some quarters as people believe that it would create an environment for experimentation and lead to an exponential rise in drug taking. Advocates for decriminalisation point to alcohol as an example of a drug that, under correct supervision, can be controlled.

Conclusion

Any problem that involves an addiction will never be able to be tackled by easy solutions. This article has, however, highlighted to difficulties that society faces if it wishes to address this problem in organised concerted fashion. There is, however, a realisation that the draconian legislative measures, that have been, as of today, highly ineffective, being replaced with more suitable measures of tackling the drug issue. As a friend once said, ‘education, not incarceration’ is the only viable alternative.

Thomas Gallaggher
Llb John Moores University
LLM Liverpool Univeristy

If anyone is interested in this topic then please visit http://www.criminal-information-agency.com/drugs/ and http://www.criminal-information-agency.com/prison/ and http://www.criminal-information-agency.com/probation/

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A Look At Crystal Methedrine Addiction Treatment
By Bill Urell

Treatment for crystal methedrine addiction is of the utmost importance for anyone suffering from crystal methedrine. Crystal methedrine treatment is often the only way someone suffering from meth addiction can overcome his dependency on it. It is a very addictive drug and difficult to shake off on your own.

Crystal methedrine treatment can come in a variety of forms. The most intense type of crystal methedrine addiction treatment is staying at an inpatient methedrine addiction treatment facility. At an inpatient crystal methedrine treatment facility, the person suffering from a crystal methedrine is monitored 24 hours per day as he lives and engages in a course of treatment within the treatment facility.

At the addiction treatment center, the person suffering from the addiction will receive counseling, most often in both a group settings and in a one-on-one situation. The staff at the center will also provide the person suffering from a crystal methedrine with the necessary tools to be successful after leaving. Treatment actually continues long after they leave the inpatient program. Some skils such as relationship, drug refusal skills and conflict resolution skills are taught and experienced in groups.

As one of the highest levels of treatment care, a cocaine addiction treatment facility will offer 24 hour monitoring of withdrawal symptoms as long as is needed. Stopping cocaine use can often lead to both psychological and physical problems that are difficult to overcome without assistance.

The treatment facility might also offer outpatient care. It is usually recommended wherever it can occur. With outpatient care, the person coping with a cocaine addiction can receive the assistance he needs while still living at home and working. Unfortunately, an outpatient crystal methedrine treatment facility is usually not intensive enough to help the person dealing with a crystal methedrine in the initial stages. Ccrystal methedrine is simply too powerful.

Regardless of the form of crystal methedrine treatment, the person suffering from meth will also receive aftercare treatment from the cocaine addiction treatment center. Through aftercare, the professionals a the addiction treatment facility will monitor the patient’s success and ensure the patient is utilizing the skills he learned while at the addiction treatment center.

Receiving a course of treatment from a qualified, professional crystal methedrine treatment facility is often the level of intensity a person dealing with addiction needs to overcome the meth. If you or someone you know suffers from cocaine addiction, it is imperative to receive qualified help. The disease only gets progressively worse.

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==>http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com

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A Look At Cocaine Addiction Treatment
By Bill Urell

Treatment for cocaine addiction is of the utmost importance for anyone suffering from cocaine addiction. Cocaine addiction treatment is often the only way someone suffering from cocaine addiction can overcome his dependency on cocaine. It is a very addictive drug and difficult to shake off on your own.

Cocaine addiction treatment can come in a variety of forms. The most intense type of cocaine addiction treatment is staying at an inpatient cocaine addiction treatment facility. At an inpatient cocaine addiction treatment facility, the person suffering from a cocaine addiction is monitored 24 hours per day as he lives and engages in a course of treatment within the treatment facility.

At the addiction treatment center, the person suffering from the addiction will receive counseling, most often in both a group settings and in a one-on-one situation. The staff at the center will also provide the person suffering from a cocaine addiction with the necessary tools to be successful after leaving. Treatment actually continues long after they leave the inpatient program. Some skilss such as relationship, drug refusal skills and conflict resolution skillsare taught and experienced in groups.

As one of the highest levels of treatment care, a cocaine addiction treatment facility will offer 24 hour monitoring of withdrawal symptoms as long as is needed. Stopping cocaine use can often lead to both psychological and physical problems that are difficult to overcome without assistance.

The treatment facility might also offer outpatient care. It is usually recommended wherever it can occur. With outpatient care, the person coping with a cocaine addiction can receive the assistance he needs while still living at home and working. Unfortunately, an outpatient cocaine addiction treatment facility is usually not intensive enough to help the person dealing with a cocaine addiction in the initial stages. Cocaine addiction is simply too powerful.

Regardless of the form of cocaine addiction treatment, the person suffering from cocaine addiction will also receive aftercare treatment from the cocaine addiction treatment center. Through aftercare, the professionals a the cocaine addiction treatment facility will monitor the patient’s success and ensure the patient is utilizing the skills he learned while at the cocaine addiction treatment facility.

Receiving a course of treatment from a qualified, professional cocaine addiction treatment facility is often the level of intensity a person dealing with cocaine addiction needs to overcome cocaine. If you or someone you know suffers from cocaine addiction, it is imperative to receive qualified help. The disease only gets progressively worse.

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==>http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com

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Are You Emotionally Addicted To Food?
By Michael Bens

You might overdose on potato chips or even perhaps tortilla chips once in a while, but did you ever consider that you might be addicted to food? The answer is very important, because it could be the key to determine what steps you need to take in order to lose weight. A significant number of medical experts say that food addiction is just as serious as nicotine or cocaine addiction, and it can potentially be just as deadly.

An indicator of food addiction is when you find yourself with overwhelming desire for a particular food. The desire is so strong, and you are unable to consume that particular food, you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and depression. Food addicts desire the comfort that a particular food gives them. They also experiences bouts of binge eating of that particular food. The cravings may be physical as well as psychological.

It should be noted that several varieties of food addictions exist. For example, there is compulsive overeating, where an individual goes on an eating binge that may last several days. The addicts do however lose weight, but tend to gain it back over time. Other symptoms include eating quickly, compulsively eating alone, and also eating when there is no evidence of hunger.

Another common form of addiction is bulimia, in which the individual overeats, than purges the consumed food through vomiting or by taking laxatives. Signs of this condition include isolating oneself when eating, consuming huge portions of food rapidly, and being over conscious as well as preoccupied with one’s weight.

Food addiction also comes in the form known as anorexia, in which the individual attempts to starve oneself in order to achieve an unrealistic weight loss In a short amount of time. Anorexics tend to be around 15 percent below normal body weight and have a phobia about being fat and gaining weight. They often have difficulty eating with other people and appear to be obsessed with their weight. They also may suffer depression.

There is good news! Food addiction can be successfully treated. Treatment can come in variety of forms. A food addict may work with a psychotherapist in order to develop new ways to deal with food and their emotions. The therapist might be able to identify the origin of individuals’ food addiction, and also discovers the reasons for the condition. In the majority of cases, the psychologist will help the individual develop a treatment plan which structures expectations and short and long term goals. In more serious cases an individual may chose to undergo in-patient treatment at a psychological facility. Treatment often involves helping the individual to return to a healthy eating lifestyle, deal with underlying emotional issues of food addiction, and learn to develop new coping techniques.

Food addicts often follow the structure of the same kind of 12 step program used by alcoholics. By admitting their powerlessness over food, their belief that they could be restored to normal state of mind and an admission of their faults and failings. In addition food addicts often draw strength from support groups who have similar difficulties dealing with food. Knowing that there are other people who face the same challenges can be incredibly therapeutic.

At this point, it is unclear whether food addiction is a genetic-based illness. Although there is evidence of eating patterns being passed down throughout generations. In fact, many food addicts many food addicts only seek help after they have concluded that their illness could adversely affect their children.

It is entirely possible that in the long run food addiction can never be cured and only be treated. In other words, the recovery period can last a lifetime, yet one should never lose hope of beating food addiction. With patience and time, individual addicts can adopt behavioral skills which will enable them to keep their weight under control. Of course, there will be times when individuals will be tempted to indulge in food; however knowing the pain that they will undergo if they continue their harmful eating habits could be the incentive to fight against food addiction.

For more great information visit Gabae Weight Loss the premiere resource for weight loss, diets, nutrition and living a great healthy life style!

Also if you're looking for more informative articles check out Gabae Weight Loss Articles.

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The Causes And Solutions For Drug And Alcohol Addiction
By Sandy Sizemore

The causes of drug addiction are something that everyone should know about. Even if you have never used drugs, you should know in case someone you love is in trouble. Your child may need to you to know this too, when he is young and needs to be educated. From teen drug addiction to life threatening severe cases in adults, the causes of drug addiction are indications that your condition needs attention. In fact, once you learn the causes of drug addiction, drug and alcohol addiction recovery can begin.

How Does It Happen?

If you are someone looking in from how drug addiction happens, do not be too harsh to judge. All it takes is one experiment, one time of wanting just see what the big deal is to make a serious problem start. The high that people get from drugs is something that draws them back for maybe just one more time. Soon it becomes something that they can no longer shake. The experiment is now out of their hands.

The causes of drug addiction are not the things that we can control, like that experiment. Although it may seem harmless, within just a few times of trying it out, it can become lethally addictive. That is where the problem truly lies. Once the experiment has gotten to this level, it is out of the person's control.

What you will learn about alcohol and drug detox is that it is not about the person's will to stop doing what they are doing. It is more so about the actual problem that lies within the brain during an addiction. What you will learn through your drug and alcohol addiction recovery is that the brain needs to be retrained from the addiction. The brain will demand the drugs. That is because the brain is now much different, transformed even. It is different in both its functions as well as its structure.

Every time you reach that high from a drug, you are in fact changing your brain's chemistry. This is what causes drug addiction and this is what makes it inevitable that those that continue to use drugs will in fact become addicted to it. Drug abuse is not something anyone sets out to do, but once that one experiment leads to a few more; it is a sure path to becoming addicted.

With this being the cause of drug addiction, the brain's ability to function is severely limited. Every time things can be worsened. You should consider drug addiction a disease of the brain in which over time it becomes more and more damaged by the toxins. Eventually, if the user does not seek drug and alcohol addiction recovery, he or she will experience a range of health problems including the slow destruction of the brain.

The good news is that with a successful drug and alcohol addiction treatment program, the user can put a stop to this destruction.

Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including mental health. You can find info on addiction recovery solutions and a drug and alcohol rehab center and more by visiting our mental health website.

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How To Select A Drug Rehab Clinic
By Sandy Sizemore

A drug rehab clinic can be the ideal place to detox from the unhealthy lifestyle that is being lead. It is essential that careful planning of which drug or alcohol addition treatment program is selected though. There are many programs around the country that can be beneficial. In most cases, they will treat all substance abuse including alcohol addiction recovery, drug abuse, teen drug addiction, prescription drug rehab and even tobacco recovery. But, further investigation is necessary.

Since you will be spending a good deal of your time at the drug rehab clinic that you attend, it should be a place that you are okay with going to. While no one wants to be here, it should provide you with the necessary program to treat your condition. One important consideration here is for those teens in need of help. Teen drug addiction is much different than the drug addiction of an adult and should be handled not alongside an adult but in a separate facility.

In some cases, the program itself should be considered. Often, there is a need for alcohol/drug detox to happen before the program can be taught. In this case, finding a drug rehab clinic that allows for aid in detoxing is necessary for a program that will work. Other things to consider include the method in which the program is taught. Some are much milder in their treatment programs. A drug rehab clinic should provide the highest level of commitment to you, no matter what the program is.

Of course, the cost of the drug rehab clinic is necessary too to consider. Some programs do cost much more, especially private institutions. Sometimes, their programs are more sophisticated and can be more beneficial, but their rate of recovery is likely to be the same as the recovery that you are facing. To detox from drugs, you need to seek out the best rated program available to you and your budget. A drug and alcohol rehab center can be just as beneficial in your local area as one that is privately funding quite on the other side of the country.

Selecting the right drug rehab clinic should be something that you do if you are using any sort of illegal, prescription or otherwise addicting medication. The first thing to know is that it happens to many people and it is not your fault. But, it is your responsibility to find alcohol addiction recovery in any way that is possible. Some of the best opportunities for this to happen is through a drug and alcohol rehab center.

Selecting the right drug rehab clinic for your needs is important. Take some time to determine if the program is ultimately right for you. Apply for and get into the drug rehab clinic, then. And, work your best to make it happen by following the plan that you have committed too. A drug rehab clinic can be the ideal place to go to find help.

Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including mental health. You can find info on addiction recovery solutions and a drug and alcohol rehab center and more by visiting our mental health website.

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Top Drug Rehab Principles
By Michael Rad

The basic principles of the drug addiction treatment start from considering each case a particular and individualized expression of the medical condition. Based on this fact, the specialized doctors build a complex treatment that includes each patient’s individual needs and problems, in order to succeed the reintegration in the healthy and normal life of the society. Even more, the drug addiction is not a unidirectional condition, as it concerns multiple medical, affective, social, personal, and legal problems.

The second most important principle when discussing drug addictions is the flexibility of the therapy. This implies changing the therapy, medicaments and alternative methods, regarding the patient’s evolution, problems and difficulties that might occur during rehabilitation. A major part of the rehabilitation program is the strict supervision of the patients, in order to assure the abstinence from drugs during the time of treatment and the optimum counseling that provides reasons and principles that stop the patient from restarting to use mind-altering drugs in the future. In most of the drug addiction cases, there is the need to combine the classical medicine therapies that use drugs (like levo-alpha-acetylmethadol - LAAM) with the intensive counseling and psychological therapies, in order to provide a complex and successful treatment with long term effects. Motivation is an important factor in the drug rehab process. Although before beginning the treatment, the inner motivation and admittance of the severe condition might be hard to achieve by the patient, further motivation is essential for a complete rehabilitation. During the advanced stages of treatment, the patients share their experience, motivation and needs that stimulate them to overcome the situation.

Our bodies are continuously exposed to several toxins and unwanted substances that might develop serious illnesses or health affections. A full body detox should consider all types of therapies, diets and exercises that are supposed to fasten the toxins releasing process. The detoxifying foods and drinks are operating from inside, taking action directly on the liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, bowels and the whole digestive tube. The recovery from drug addiction is a permanent process that, in most of the cases, requires various steps of treatment, as it is considered similar to a chronic illness. The specialized doctors in drug rehabilitation sustain that, during these multiple episodes of treatments and in between, patients should be constantly supported and encouraged by close family members and friends, in order to avoid relapses and to assure the safe and healthy reintegration in the society.

You can get more free detox program tips and gather more facts about full body detox plans on http://www.detoxhub.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Rad

Out-of-Control Habits
By Michael Russell

Today, addiction and compulsive behavior of all kinds seem rampant. Many people are concerned not only with losing control over their use of alcohol and drugs, but over food, smoking, gambling, and even shopping. But what is the nature of addiction, and how do we explain its hold over certain individuals? Smoking-related illnesses, for example, kill more than 100 people a day in Canada, yet though warned of the hazards of smoking, nicotine addicts are frequently unable to kick the habit - despite numerous attempts. Or consider the alcoholics who trade away family and career rather than quit drinking.

Chocolate, exercise, coffee, work, sex, indeed almost everything these days has been labeled as being addictive. But when and how does simple experiment or indulgence spiral into a full-blown addiction?

The Nature of Addiction - One theory is that some addicts have abnormally low levels of some of the body's naturally occurring neurochemicals which affect mood and behavior, and when the balance is tipped, an addicted person may try to compensate by ingesting a substance that produces the same, or a far more intense, feeling. In this light, addiction seems to stem from an effort to self-medicate. A user's first attempts to medicate himself with drugs or other substances usually lies within his control. Gradually, however, he loses control, and choice becomes compulsion.

A disease? How does compulsive shopping, gambling, or other non-chemical addictions fit the self-medication model of addiction? Some experts believe that every addiction is a search for wholeness or inner peace, and compulsive behavior is yet another misguided attempt to fill an internal void. If this is true, then any effort to conquer an addiction must be accompanied by an exploration of what has created this feeling of incompleteness in the first place.

But Alcoholics Anonymous and other self-help groups with a similar approach argue that the substance itself creates the need. The important thing is absolute avoidance - a goal achieved through the group support of people with the same addictions, along with recognition of self-destructive behavior patterns, and assistance in overcoming them.

In fact, Alcoholics Anonymous (as well as many medical experts) consider addiction to be disease. The disease concept of alcoholism is an old one, the idea being that the individual is powerless over his or her drinking due to a biological vulnerability. This theory is now applied very broadly not just to alcoholism, but to every conceivable form of addictive or compulsive behavior.

Overwhelmed by Outside Forces - Some experts support the view that addiction is influenced by a external factors - that family environment plays a part, as do cultural norms, peer pressure, and other factors. Another view is social problems - for instance, the rising divorce rate. And still another group suggest that our over-reliance on drugs and medical technology to cure everything from bad breath to bad moods has made us too ready to try to "fix" every twinge and unpleasant feeling we experience.

Most experts agree that addicts need to do more than just kick their habits. For lasting recovery, they need to think about rebuilding their lives, to find meaning and motivation to move ahead. And all addicts need to learn how to enjoy life without their substance of choice.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Addictions

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Miracle Drugs
By David Knowles

Of course there is no magic pill for drug addiction. The only magic pill comes in the form of dedicated treatment providers, unbending will and hard work over time. There have been some significant advances of the drug antagonist pharmaceutical variety and they can be a powerful tool in fighting some addictions.

Certain opiate antagonists like Naltrexone and the Naltraxone implant have been ill received by some treatment providers largely because of the almost immediate misuse of the drug. Naltrexone when introduced into the body of an opiate addict in appropriate levels will make it virtually impossible for the individual to get high from an opiate based drug, Heroin, Oxycontin, Lortab etc. It is known as an opiate antagonist in that it has an antagonistic reaction with the drug and negates the euphoric effect.

Almost immediately following the release of the Naltrexone implant certain people felt to capitalize on the drug by offering it as a cure all to opiate addiction. Weary parents and loved ones of opiate addicts were more than willing to fork out a lot of money for the touted miracle implant. However disappointment would soon follow as they found that the implant did not stop the addiction. Addicts usually have fostered the ability to do anything it takes to get high and the implant alone did not and could not stop that from happening. Some addicts would remove the implant themselves just long enough for the levels to drop and then they could use. Others would simply switch to Cocaine, Methamphetamine or even abuse Zanex. So what could have been and still is a great tool to treat opiate addiction has met with some degree of criticism because it didn’t cure the addiction all by itself.

Opiate addictions are particularly insidious because the physical addiction to the drug is so powerful it makes addressing psychological addiction issues extremely difficult, this is especially true in an outpatient setting. Keeping the addict sober long enough to break down thinking errors and self defeating behavior patterns can be a daunting challenge. This is where the Opiate antagonist comes in, not as a miracle drug but as a powerful tool to place in your treatment tool belt.

In my opinion putting a Naltrexone implant in an addict with no well structured treatment regimen in place is just setting them up for yet another failure. And worse than that what could have been a boon for their overall treatment strategy is now dismissed as just another attempt at sobriety.

It is enticing to addicts and their loved ones to think that they can recover months and years of addiction by just popping a pill, but nothing could be farther from the truth. In most cases there has been a great deal of change in their lives, attitudes, habits, and in reality every facet. I had a client that had graduated from my program, once tell me that he expected absolutely nothing out of life until he had spent as many years clean doing good things as he had spent as an addict being a criminal. I think there is a lot of truth in that statement, you cannot recover ground in a day, week, month or even year that has taken you years to lose.
In short the Opiate antagonist could be of great benefit in the recovery process as long as it is used in conjunction with competent treatment methods, not as a miracle drug but a tool in the miracle of recovery.

http://www.oinksolutions.com/cms/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Knowles

Hypnosis—Frequently Asked Questions
By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis is a natural state of the mind that is between the aware state and sleep. Driving a route you are familiar with and not being conscious of every turn you make is similar to the hypnotic state. Hypnosis allows you to access your subconscious mind, which makes up 90% of your brain that stores all your memories. With hypnosis, you release, reframe and reprogram thought patterns and habits to make desirable, lasting change in your life.

What is the benefit of using hypnosis?

Hypnosis is more effective and works more quickly than traditional talk-therapy. In a hypnotic state, you are more receptive to new ideas and you can more effectively process the emotions linked to the experiences, which created pain, fear, sadness, anger, guilt, shame and low self-esteem.

The hypnotic state is a special form of communication to the subconscious mind, where all habits are established and memory is stored. Because the language of the subconscious mind is visual, the more detailed your image is of your goal, the faster your subconscious mind will create the changes you desire. Once your subconscious accepts a new idea, you automatically accept it at a conscious level.

What type issues would hypnosis help?

Weight Management, Smoking Cessation, Addictions, Insomnia, Eliminating Stress and Anxiety, Creating High Self-Esteem, Enhancing Spiritual Connection, Increasing Performance--Golf, Tennis, work related, Improving Relationships, Eliminating Panic Attacks, Fears and Phobias, Obcessive Compulsive Behaviors, Eliminating Chronic Illness, Eliminating Chronic Fatigue, Pain Management, Eliminate Arthritis, Post Traumatic Stress, PMS, Lupus, Impotence, Infertility, Fibromyalgia, Eliminate Migraine Headaches and more...

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis is a pleasant, peaceful state of mental and physical relaxation. It is similar to the moment when you are almost asleep.

How many sessions are needed?

Every issue and person is unique. Three to five sessions are recommended and more sessions may be needed to achieve a complete resolution for your particular needs.

What if I can’t be hypnotized?

Anyone who has the ability to concentrate can be hypnotized.

Are there any dangers of being hypnotized?

Since hypnosis is a part of your natural state of mind, it is completely safe. There have been no cases of anyone being unable to return to their aware state of mind.

Does hypnosis cause people to behave in ways that they would not normally behave?

During hypnosis the aware state of your mind is present. Therefore, you will behave according to what you do in your natural aware state of mind.

Various authors have reported projects of the CIA to research or use hypnotic techniques for mind control. All reported failure rates are consistent with the experimental findings. Some people in some situations are apparently vulnerable to sudden confusion techniques of suggestion, but the use of classical hypnosis as 'mind control' is entirely unreliable in general. Think of the speeches of a powerful orator or evangelical preacher to be a form of hypnosis, this seems to be the type most powerful in influencing the minds of people. This situation is perhaps as well described in terms of social/group psychology as individual response to hypnotic suggestion.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, international speaker and inspirational leader specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_M._Neddermeyer,_PhD

Acupunture Points Map
By Jamie Lynn

Practitioners of the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture rely on the acupuncture points map to free trapped energy in the body and restore health.

You might have spotted this type of chart of the human body on the wall of your holistic doctor’s office or during a visit to a natural health store. It depicts numerous points on the body where the body’s energy, also known as qi, often accumulates. In fact, there are over 2,000 points that conduct energy throughout the body!

Because of their direct connection to the flow of energy in the body, the acupuncture pressure points depicted on the acupuncture points map help to regulate body function, mood, emotional and spiritual well-being. You might find it surprising that acupuncture has been used for over two millennia to help relieve headaches, skin conditions, digestive disorders, and asthma. And, that’s just the beginning. Acupuncture has been known to help with depression, phobias, addictions, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and other ailments caused by energy imbalances in the body.

The traditional acupuncture points chart shows fourteen main channels, also known as meridians, which exist in the body – one meridian for each of the twelve organs, one along the spine and another along the abdomen. Acupuncture pressure points are located along these meridians, and some points have more than one function. This means that an acupuncturist might use them to cure more than one type of illness.

For example, there is a commonly-used point on the acupuncture points chart, which is located on the back side of the hand between the thumb and first finger. Acupuncturists use it mainly to relieve pain and to treat constipation or other intestinal disorders. This point, however, is also used to treat illnesses which cause inflammation and fever. Because the large intestine meridian runs from the hand to the face, these symptoms often manifest in the throat and head.

Another point on the acupuncture points map is located at the base of the skull along the gallbladder meridian. This is a valuable point to know around cold and flu season, because it helps treat these annoying illnesses. It also helps relieve headaches, neck pain, and fever. Additionally, it may also lower blood pressure and relax tension in the region around the eyes. There are a multitude of points that may hold the key to better health for you.

How does an acupuncturist use these points on an acupuncture points map? He or she utilizes small needles and places them at the specific point on the patient’s body to help relieve illnesses caused by disrupted energy flow. By manipulating the flow of qi at these points, the two forms of energy in the body, yin and yang, are brought into proper alignment. It may require several visits to your acupuncturist to bring your body’s energy into harmony.

Encouraging the proper flow of life energy at specific acupuncture pressure points will help bring your body into physical and emotional harmony, in addition to proper diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. Visit a licensed acupuncturist who has studied the acupuncture points map in detail to ensure a beneficial session.

http://www.meditationandmore.com

Compulsive Gambling and Gambling Addiction
By Ralf Vinogradov

Not many people argue that gambling and playing at casinos is great fun, especially when you have hit a winning streak and feel yourself confident. Some casino games require skill besides luck, so you may think that more you learn these games the more you're going to win, depending on what's your game. Compulsive gambling and gamblind addiction makes you realize that only thing you will ever master is skill of losing your money, besides that bigger skill often means more money lost... in the long run.

Blinking slots, blackjack and baccarat tables mixed with humble atmosphere and attractive female dealers creates a mixture of seductive environment, I admit. And if you are not prepared or don't have the knowledge of the games and the odds, you can get addicted quickly and your addiction may become a compulsive need. It does not mean you are retarded, it's actually quite "human" and coded into us.

Gamblers Anonymous homepage describes compulsive gambling as an illness that is progressive in its nature, which can never be cured, but can be arrested. Before coming to Gamblers Anonymous, many compulsive gamblers thought of themselves as morally weak, or at times just plain 'no good'. The Gamblers Anonymous concept is that compulsive gamblers are really very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other men and women with a gambling or compulsive gambling problem.

Gambling can be compared with addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or junk-food. It's very often as destructive and dangerous as other addictions, often ruining relationships, careers and even ones life. It's very important to start seeking help ASAP when you think you can't control your gambling habit anymore!

Gamblers Anonymous say that compulsive gambler needs to be willing to accept the fact that he or she is in the grip of a progressive illness and has a desire to get well. Their experience has shown that the Gamblers Anonymous program will always work for any person who has a desire to stop gambling. However, it will never work for the person who will not face squarely the facts about this illness.

Gamblers Anonymous offers the following questions to anyone who may have a gambling problem. These questions are provided to help the individual decide if he or she is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling.

TWENTY QUESTIONS

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?

2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

3. Did gambling affect your reputation?

4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

5. Did you ever gamble to get money to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?

6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?

7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?

8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?

10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?

12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?

13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?

14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?

15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?

16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?

17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?

20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

Ralf Vinogradov is a part-time journalist in a newspaper and an editor and webmaster of gambling related website Best Online Casinos and Online Gambling - GamblingRalf.COM, that introduces wackiest online casino bonuses. He also runs infamous newsletter called "Club Hundredaire".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralf_Vinogradov

Writing Tools for Compulsive Overeating
By Annette Colby

Do you keep a journal? Many people don’t because they would not know what to write or perhaps they don’t see the value of writing down their thoughts. Why bother taking the time to write when life is so complicated already? Maybe it’s time to take another look at just how much you will gain by this simple process. The very act of regular writing allows us to tap into ourselves, regain our sense of identity and regain power in our lives. Writing allows us to see ourselves in a new light and begins to answer the question “Who am I?” by noticing “What do I regularly think about?”

Journaling is the practice of regularly connecting with thoughts, feelings, frustrations, and real life experiences. It is a valuable and powerful means for personal growth and self discovery. Reflecting upon personal experiences, and our relationship to our thoughts, emotions and experiences, can help us uncover hidden strengths and passions.

Writing provides a way to put thoughts down on paper where they can be seen, read and reflected upon. A journal provides a place to express and explore innermost thoughts, feelings, ideas and concerns, and later return to reminisce or re-examine. It can be a place for to talk and be honest in a way that may be difficult under other circumstances. The practice of journal writing can allow us a safe place to get in touch with parts of ourselves normally hidden from view.

Journaling and Addictions

Many people turn to food to cover up a tugging of the soul. We become convinced that there is nothing really wrong. Just this thing with the food. If only our bodies were just right, then somehow everything else would be joyous and wonderful. We try diets, programs, and in the process release and regain countless pounds. Or we just stay in a place of numbed out nothingness, not knowing any other way to take care of ourselves. We condemn ourselves, filled with self-loathing at our bodies and our inability to get a grip on this food thing. We can sometimes spend our entire adulthood being angry at ourselves because of this food issue.

Keeping a personal journal can be a very effective tool in learning to make peace with food or other addictions. If you are the kind of person who habitually turns to undesired coping strategies, addiction, eating or food restriction in response to stress or emotions, you might start simply by reflecting on what seems to stress you. No need to give up the coping strategy just yet. Instead, become curious. Investigate.

1. A journal provides a safe avenue for anger.

Sometimes we find ourselves trapped in compulsive goodness, unable to speak what is real. We may encounter situations in which we have difficulty standing up for ourselves and respecting our inner truths and feelings. We may act compulsively good because we are unskilled at the practice of expressing effective, appropriate anger. A journal gives us a place to vent and to explore new possibilities for self-growth, worthiness and self-expression.

2. A journal relieves stress.

A personal journal is a marvelous tool for releasing emotions stuck in your body. In terms of spiritual growth, a journal can be a place where we explore our doubts, where we confront our perceived character defects, where we address resentments. A journal can help quiet a racing, out of control mind. It can calm emotions. Writing has the power to put things into perspective. We can focus thoughts, release anxiety, soothe ourselves and perhaps even prevent a major binge or other undesired coping strategy. Instead of immediately suppressing a wild mind or chaotic feelings, try sitting down first and expressing what is being felt at the moment: “I feel . . .”, “I need . . .”, I want . . .”

3. A journal affirms the reality of your life.

Learning to have compassion for self, without judgement, is a difficult task to undertake. Journaling aids in the journey toward loving self as it allows us the courage to acknowledge who we are, where we have been, and where we are going. This journey is about looking into the shadowy secrets deep within. It is about facing inner feelings about who we are. It means letting go of blame, and no longer agreeing to play victim. Writing allows an avenue to see self in a different way. We can confront the often less than empowering thoughts we hold about ourselves. We can “see” the self-critical thoughts are not motivating . . .will not create peace or happiness . . . and will not go away by themselves. Writing about life adds purpose, power and new direction.

4. A journal will help recover a lost sense of identity.

Using food or additions to cope with life separates you from yourself. Exploring with pen and paper allows a process to unfold of reconnecting with hidden aspects of ourselves. It helps us speak out, allowing ideas to become tangible words. It allows vague ideas to take shape in the safety of a journal. Writing is a power tool that allows what is often locked away inside to have access into the world. It allows us to feel into our physical body and connect with intuition, creativity and imagination. Writing allows the time to find precisely the right word or the most powerful image to express self. It takes fuzzy or confusing images and brings them into sharp focus.

5. A journal will clarify dreams.

For many of us, what is missing is a relationship with ourselves. We need time to get to know ourselves, time to nurture our spirits, and time to create. If we take the time to write a few thoughts each day, our ideas about what is important and meaningful will become much clearer. We will begin to discover what we really want in life.

Simple Journal Exercises

1. Start a journal in your daily organizer. At the end of each day write one word to describe your day. Then jot down one word of how you want the next day to be. At the end of month see the words you wrote and review your month!s

2. Write while you wait. Get a small journal to keep in your briefcase/purse. This can be a place to keep a success list, write down an inspiring affirmation, or write down a goal. Use it when you find yourself waiting in line, waiting at a long stop light, or waiting for an appointment to begin.

3. Ask others to write something in your pocket journal. Hand it over to your friend at lunch and say, “Could you write something in my journal?” Or perhaps ask your significant other for some words. You may be surprised at the written words that come to support you, inspire you, and give you valuable information.

Positive Notes

As I write and listen, I will come to know myself.

Writing leads me to my inner truth and love.

It is safe to open myself and explore my emotions,
thoughts, and feelings on paper.

Helping people let go of self-destructive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors has been the life work of Dr. Annette Colby. Her fascination with the power of the mind, emotions, spirituality, and physicality has led her to become a leader in the field of personal growth and consciousness. She is a valued counselor, and an inspiring teacher, as well as an independent writer, mentor, and guide. She is a highly sought-after trainer with a unique ability to inform and inspire individuals to open their hearts, love more openly, and pursue their dreams.

Dr. Annette Colby, RD

Nutrition Therapist & Master Energy Therapist

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Overweight Kids
By Nan Andrews

Childhood obesity is making the papers. The numbers are up. Is it any wonder?

By: Nan Andrews Amish

Phys ed classes are not funded in many public schools, they are ineffective in many others. Fat is the last legal bias. Kids make fun of anyone different, and the fat kid is fair game. Heaven help the fat kid in a shorts, where the fat can hang out for all to see. Bullies will take aim and not let up.
Kids spend hours in front of computers, and their neighborhoods are unsafe.

Here are some strategies for growing strong, healthy, mentally and emotionally stable kids.

Emotionally

1. Acknowledge that you know that it hurts when kids make fun of them because of how they look. Help them build emotional intelligence by acknowledging how they do feel, and help them build empathy for others who are different and also made fun of.

2. Acknowledge that you know that there are kids who eat worse than they do, and who do not have the struggle they have with weight. The message is that you appreciate it may not be fair and that getting healthy is not easy, and it is not necesarily their fault, but that they still are responsible for doing what they can to manage it. Watching a skinny minny eat cookies and milk shakes and sandwiches and french fries and never gain a pound is discouraging as you eat your lettuce, carrots and lean chicken or tuna.

Food and Diet
3. If the kid is eating alot of junk food, see if you can modify these habits. Junk food stacks the deck against kids, because the processed white sugar, the processed white flour and the food additives are DESIGNED to be addictive and DESIGNED to increase appetite. Deprivation is not the key, but choosing treat foods wisely helps. Give them messages like their body is their temple, they need to treat it well. Offer metaphors like would they put lard in a sports car. No, they would put the best fuel in it they could afford. Bodies are like that.

4. Invite overweight kids to shop with you, and teach them to read labels. Have them become the experts, so they have the tools to choose wisely and or splurge, but understand the meaning of the splurge.

5. Invite (as opposed to force or punish) overweight kids to try various foods that might help them eat less junk. For example, fresh fruits. A burrito with filling protein like beans, as opposed to totally empty calories. Nuts as opposed to chips. Baby carrots, even.

Exercise
6. For most overweight kids the best way to assist them is to crank up their metabolism. Exercise is the best way to do this. Fit kids get bullied less. Fit, strong kids rarely get bullied. Fit, self confident, strong kids with an exceptional physical skill never get bullied. If the kid has rhythm, get them into dance, t'ai chi, akido. If they have two left feet, have them try kick boxing or wrestling. If they like team stuff, soccer is great and there are teams available for all skills and all genders. If they are particularly "round" and have lots of soft baby fat, try swimming, they will float better than any of their thinner buddies. Weight lifting for boys can be a win.

7. Martial arts is always a win. It builds discipline, muscle, aerobic capacity and confidence. Choose according the child's capabilities, or try what their friends or geographic locality has available. Kids who know martial arts know how to breath, they know how to focus, they have strength both internal and external. They do not get bullied.

8. Health is the best revenge. So use every opportunity to be active with your child. Walk to the video store. Walk with them to talk about what is up at school. Put music on and dance. Have exercise options in the house, like rebounders, trampolines, swings for the younger ones, jungle gyms, etc.
Special Programs

9. If your child is significantly heavy, consider summer camps designed to do all of the above with lots of other kids struggling with the same. Not all camps are the same, so check them out. But an 8 year old who spend 4 weeks being healthy and active during the summer, loses as little as 10 pounds, grows 2 inches has a great way to start back to school in the fall. They are stronger, leaner, more confident, tan and met tons of new friends.

10. If your child is significantly heavy, consider working with a naturopath, homeopath or holistic nutrition person. Why holistic? Often, children who struggle more than a few pounds, have other things going on, that if they are not addressed, will make this an uphill battle. They may be deficient in a nutrient. Vitamin C is a common deficiency with kids who crave sugar for example, potassium is often lacking in kids who like salt. Kids who have had lots of antibiotics may not have good intestinal flora and need acidophilous, bifidus. Kids who seem to be eating all the time and are always hungry, may have something more severe going on. Sugar addictions, wheat allergies, pre-diabetes, or even a parasite.

11. If you have an overweight child and have other children who are not in the same space, having a family meeting where the entire family decides how they will help each other address EACH of family members issues helps. Calling out the fat child's issues is humiliating, but if the family helps one child with spelling mastery and another child with food, it all evens out and engenders family (team) spirit. If the family decides that to help the child struggling with food that there will be no Oreos in the house, the support is strong.
Give them an edge

12. Go for the organic. Skip the Costco and Wallmart specials. Kids who are overweight are sensitive to stuff other kids are not. Organic foods will have less additives, less hormones (designed to help cattle and chicken GAIN weight), less genetically modified foods to be allergic too, less chemicals to create immune responses to. Organic produce tastes better too, and it might be less of struggle to get a child to snack on cherry tomatoes that melt in your mouth than on tomatoes that taste like cardboard.

13. Grow other kid strengths. If they are great at spelling, encourage them to compete in the spelling bee. If they are musically inclined, find them places to sing, play. If computers or video games are their thing, help them get very good at these skills, so they will have confidence from these other perspectives.

14. Be empathetic about their looks. Appreciate that a plea from an overweight child to "blend in" or "fit in" is more charged than a plea from a child who is more mainstream looking. Help them choose clothes that are flattering and really fit them well. Make sure that they have clothes they can move in which are not uncomfortable. (I knew one teen who hated to walk until she got some shorts and slacks that did not chafe, for example. Then she walked everywhere, because the pants were not rubbing a hole in her thigh!) Make sure they find clothes which are age appropriate, and have enough style that they are not the butt of more bullying because of their clothes. This will cost more than you would prefer, since most larger sizes cost extra, and alterations are always on top. Know a good place to get stuff altered too, so if you have to buy a larger size to accomodate a larger tummy the rest of the garment is not so big there is room for Aunt Matilda in there too. Here is where you can REALLY help your child fit it. By buying slightly better quality, fabrics that do not show fat bulges for example, or a garment that is made really well and hangs great, will make your child look smaller than they are. Good undergarments count too, especially for girls. Find a way to make them feel special with accessories for example, or shoes.

15. Back to basics, they are not alone. Let them know, that they are beautiful inside. Appreciate all the unique and special things that they are. Give messages of beauty often. Compliment best features, extra efforts, exercise and food victories. Take them to movies like Shrek, Harry Potter and others where there are heroes who are not all stick thin. Show them art depicting ancient cultures when thin was not so in. (Botticelli, Rubens, african tribes for example). Give them unconditional love and acceptance regardless of their success or failure in any of these areas.

16. Be spiritual.

Nan Andrews Amish, the Business Healthcare Contrarian is the founder of Big Picture Healthcare a strategy consulting firm which provides expertise in consumer directed healthcare, healthcare marketing, and strategies to decrease benefit costs by 20-30% while improving talent management. Nan offers Management Consulting, Facilitation, Workshops. Contact her at nan@bigpicturehealthcare.com or (650)560-9800.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nan_Andrews

Recovery From Addictions, Part 4
By Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:
1. I can’t handle my pain.
2. I am unworthy and unlovable.
3. Others are my source of love.
4. I can have control over how others feel about me and treat me.

Part 2 was about the first of these beliefs – learning how to handle pain. Part 3 addressed the second and third beliefs – “I am unworthy and unlovable” and “Others are my source of love.”

This section, Part 4, explores the fourth belief, “I can have control over how others feel about me and treat me.”

If I had to choose one false belief that causes the most pain for most people, it would be the belief that we can control how important people in our lives feel, think and behave.
In my work with individuals and couples dealing with addictive behavior, I encounter this belief and the many ramifications of it over and over. It seems very difficult for most people to accept the truth about their lack of control over others. The pain, frustration, loneliness and aloneness that result from not accepting your lack of control may be the underlying cause of your addictions.

Take a moment right now to reflect about what you think and do that is a direct result of this belief.
• Do you judge/shame yourself to try to get yourself to act “right” so that others will like you? If you do, you are operating from the false belief that you can control how others feel about you by how you act. You are also operating from the false belief that self-judgment will work to control your own behavior. Judging and shaming yourself can lead to addictive behavior to avoid the resulting pain.
• Do you act “loving” to others with the hope that others will act loving to you? If you do, you are operating from the false belief that your behavior controls others’ behavior. It is wonderful to be loving to others because you feel good when you are loving, but when you have an agenda attached of being loved back, then your “loving” is manipulative – you are giving to get. The hurt you feel when others don’t love you back can lead to addictive behavior.
• Do you get angry, judgmental and critical of others? If you do, then you are operating from the false belief that anger and judgment will have control over how others feel about you and treat you. You can certainly intimidate others into complying with your demands as long as they are willing to do so, but you cannot control how they feel about you. And they will comply only as long as they do. At some point they might leave, so ultimately you have no control over them. Your resulting stress may lead to addictive behavior.
• Do you give yourself up, going along with what another wants of you, such as making love when you don’t want to, or spending time in ways that you don’t want to? If you do, then you are operating from the false belief that giving yourself up will have control over how another feels about you and treats you. A loss of a sense of self can lead to addictive behavior.
• Do you withdraw from another or resist another’s requests? If you do, you are operating from the false belief that you can change/control another’s behavior toward you by punishing them through withholding love. The deadness of withdrawal can lead to addictive behavior.
In important relationships, most people do some or all of the above behaviors, resulting from the false belief that you can control how others feel, think and act.
If you really accepted the truth of your lack of control over others, what would you do differently? If you deeply, totally, completely accepted the truth of your lack of control over others feelings and behavior, you would be left with what you CAN control – yourself.

I have seen over and over that people finally take loving care of themselves only when they fully accept the truth of their lack of control over others. It is truly amazing the rapid progress the people I work with make when they finally accept this truth.
Shifting out of this one false belief and into the truth will go a long way toward healing your addictions.

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" and “Healing Your Aloneness.” She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com/ or email her at margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available.
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Out-of-Control Habits
By Michael Russell

Today, addiction and compulsive behavior of all kinds seem rampant. Many people are concerned not only with losing control over their use of alcohol and drugs, but over food, smoking, gambling, and even shopping. But what is the nature of addiction, and how do we explain its hold over certain individuals? Smoking-related illnesses, for example, kill more than 100 people a day in Canada, yet though warned of the hazards of smoking, nicotine addicts are frequently unable to kick the habit - despite numerous attempts. Or consider the alcoholics who trade away family and career rather than quit drinking.
Chocolate, exercise, coffee, work, sex, indeed almost everything these days has been labeled as being addictive. But when and how does simple experiment or indulgence spiral into a full-blown addiction?

The Nature of Addiction - One theory is that some addicts have abnormally low levels of some of the body's naturally occurring neurochemicals which affect mood and behavior, and when the balance is tipped, an addicted person may try to compensate by ingesting a substance that produces the same, or a far more intense, feeling. In this light, addiction seems to stem from an effort to self-medicate. A user's first attempts to medicate himself with drugs or other substances usually lies within his control. Gradually, however, he loses control, and choice becomes compulsion.

A disease? How does compulsive shopping, gambling, or other non-chemical addictions fit the self-medication model of addiction? Some experts believe that every addiction is a search for wholeness or inner peace, and compulsive behavior is yet another misguided attempt to fill an internal void. If this is true, then any effort to conquer an addiction must be accompanied by an exploration of what has created this feeling of incompleteness in the first place.

But Alcoholics Anonymous and other self-help groups with a similar approach argue that the substance itself creates the need. The important thing is absolute avoidance - a goal achieved through the group support of people with the same addictions, along with recognition of self-destructive behavior patterns, and assistance in overcoming them.
In fact, Alcoholics Anonymous (as well as many medical experts) consider addiction to be disease. The disease concept of alcoholism is an old one, the idea being that the individual is powerless over his or her drinking due to a biological vulnerability. This theory is now applied very broadly not just to alcoholism, but to every conceivable form of addictive or compulsive behavior.

Overwhelmed by Outside Forces - Some experts support the view that addiction is influenced by a external factors - that family environment plays a part, as do cultural norms, peer pressure, and other factors. Another view is social problems - for instance, the rising divorce rate. And still another group suggest that our over-reliance on drugs and medical technology to cure everything from bad breath to bad moods has made us too ready to try to "fix" every twinge and unpleasant feeling we experience.
Most experts agree that addicts need to do more than just kick their habits. For lasting recovery, they need to think about rebuilding their lives, to find meaning and motivation to move ahead. And all addicts need to learn how to enjoy life without their substance of choice.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Addictions
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Addiction Has A Root Cause Which Will Soon Be Common Knowledge To All, As Humanity Evolves

By Monique Louise Hill

Addiction has been influencing man since Adam. It can have such an affect on him or herself and family members and friends that the destruction it brings does look like the victim of addiction is doomed powerless, hopeless, helpless and unworthy. BUT THEY'RE NOT, AND THE ADDICT IS NOT.

It's only through connecting with other addicts that one can even believe there is a way out. Plenty has been written and there is plenty of opinions, however to truly recover from this lifelong dis-ease it takes bloody hard work. The work I'm referring to is not pleasant because hey, if the victim of addiction had really tried thoroughly he or she would not still be using.

Addiction separates us from what we were intended for, from what our purpose is, as human be-ings. I once heard, "No man is an Island......" it was well intentioned. It is this connectedness with each other that fulfills all our deepest needs. The issue is that addicts do not know what they need basically. All they know is the need for the next fix to dull the pain, which is really SHAME in its purest essence.

SHAME is the root cause of addiction. The pain of SHAME is buried by the substance the addict chooses to use. That SHAME comes from childhood and was not felt, processed or acknowledged back then. Not to mention the SHAME from the consequences of abusing any substance which is piled on top of the childhood SHAME. Addiction does not cure this SHAME, if only the addict real-ised that. It lies dormant only to be triggered by a word, a touch, a situation, a picture or a feeling in the present tense. The pain returns, the addict reaches out for pain relief. The cycle starts all over again.

The addict hates themselves, ab-hore's themselves. Their SELF-ESTEEM is nil no matter what their outer appearance shows. Nothing changes until, the 'GREAT ROCK BOTTOM'. Thank God for the 'great rock bottom'. In each and every addict there is but 'one value' that could be threatened. When this value is, an opportunity for recovery is at hand.
Now every addict is different and the moment of the 'value threat' is different. The key for loved ones is to find out what this value is, and set Boundaries accordingly to unmask the addict. A successful intervention will occur.

There are exceptions as in every rule. In extreme cases of sexual or violent abuse the SHAME is so grand that the value is very deep to find. The loathing of oneself is so profound that the addict is seeing death(self-destruction) as a nice alternative rather than accepting their powerlessness over their substance of choice and embracing the pain within, SHAME.

And so the human malady will continue as long as their is people dying in their dis-ease because it is a family dis-ease and untreated abuse/addiction is hereditary. Treated, the hereditary lineage can be broken as with sexual-abuse also. Re-parenting is required as the child within is the one holding the be-ing to ransom in his SHAME

SHAME must be faced and yes it is painful. The addict has tried to avoid this pain (SHAME) all his life. There are no short cuts yet the payoff for facing this SHAME and being healed is far greater an experience than the 'normal' persons experience of life is.

Funny that hey.

The addict requires a spiritual path, a spiritual energy that equals the high of the substance of abuse. The substance of abuse was always a counterfeit to the true spiritual energy at all human be-ings disposal.

One more thing, Prayer helps as does Grace from a Power Greater but not less than us hu-mans. The choice to recover and face our demons(SHAME) will be met by GRACE, HEALING and best of all FREEDOM and UNSELFISH LOVE.

Monique Louise Hill http://www.wounded-healer-support.com
Monique Louise Hill is happily residing on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. As the Director of Motherlode Pty Ltd my story is one of rags to riches in the spiritual sense. Spiritually and financially bankrupt as an alcoholic/addict 8 years ago I have worked my butt off to overcome the emotional and spiritual immaturity that addiction clouded. A talented Singer and Entertainer as well as an Astrologer I have since completed a 'Diploma in Christian Ministry' and then a 'Certified Life Coach and Business Diploma'. I now spend my time sharing my journey with others to Support and encourage those who are seeking to live happily in this lifetime with purpose. My vision is Unselfish Love and the attainment of enlightenment for all be-ings. My vehicle is http://www.wounded-healer-support.com and speaking engagements in Australia Nationally. I love humanity and have a child-like idealism that is timely in this materialistic pained world. An optimist at heart that desires only to be my potential in this lifetime. In love and service Unique Monique...
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Addictions - Work
By Michael Russell

We all kid around about somebody being a workaholic. The truth is, being a workaholic is nothing to joke about and is a very serious addiction. Addiction to work, while still something that affects people with addictive personalities, has different underlying causes than your typical addiction, which is why work addiction isn't taken as seriously as other addictions, resulting in fewer support groups and treatment.

A person addicted to work may become so for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is boredom and sometimes borderline depression and anxiety. These people find their minds are in constant turmoil. The notion of just being able to sit and watch TV or listen to the radio doesn't even occur to these people. They have no real interests other than the work they do. Being away from that work, no matter how stressful it may be, is like being a fish out of water. The only time they feel like themselves is when they are working, especially if they have a job of authority where people look up to them. This is very common among professional athletes and the reason many have such a difficult time retiring. Suddenly, the fanfare is gone. They are no longer special. They no longer feel important. This is why we have professional athletes playing well beyond the years where they are still productive.

For a factory manager, while the prestige certainly isn't the same, there is still that feeling of your workers looking up to you, especially if you are a personable kind of manager. The times at work are special because of this, and it is because of this that you'll put in double shifts or work weekends; anything to stay on the job.

It is said that many of these people literally work themselves into the grave. This is actually quite true as these are the kind of personalities that have a very difficult time retiring and unless they are forced to retire will continue to work right until their very last breath.

But there is another type of work addiction that is probably even more sad. These are the people who work constantly because they are afraid that they will lose their jobs and be poor. Most of these people probably had difficult childhoods and came from poor families. They know what it was like to be poor and the last thing they want is to go back there. But then there are those who grew up in rich families and possibly they were told by their rich folks that they had to make it on their own. These people are petrified that they won't be able to do it and because of this fear work around the clock to make sure that they succeed. Many of these people actually become very well off and yet always live in the fear that they will wake up one day and it will all be gone.

Unfortunately, there is little help for the workaholic. Society views them as go getters and successful. We don't, as a society, view it as a problem. But it is a problem, one that will continue to grow as it becomes more and more difficult for people to pay their bills at the end of the month.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Addictions
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Addictions - Alcohol
By Michael Russell

Alcohol is one of those addictions that unfortunately starts off very early in a person's life. Most people who become addicted to alcohol have addictive personalities to begin with but usually it takes more than that to send them over the edge to a full blown drinking problem. We're going to examine some of the factors involved in turning someone into an alcoholic.

Most people who start drinking begin to do so when they are very young, even under legal drinking age. This happens when older friends sneak alcoholic beverages into parties. At first the youth will just have a couple of drinks. After the party is over this person may not drink again for months until the next party. Then, after a while, they begin to realize that when they are drinking they feel pretty good. They usually haven't begun heavy drinking yet, but when legal age hits they may hit a bar on the weekends as a regular routine. Still, they aren't even close to becoming an alcoholic.

Unfortunately, the real problems don't begin until things either go wrong or the person is put into a situation where they are around alcohol a lot. Let's examine the latter first.
A common problem as a youth is that many young people love the idea of playing in a band. We've all had fantasies of being in a big rock band. Many of these kids actually pursue this dream. Unfortunately, most bands start off playing at bars. That is pretty much the norm. Most bands will play as much as three times a week. This places them in the presence of alcohol on a regular basis. If you're playing in a band then you know that you play multiple sets in a night and the only thing to do in between sets is to sit around and drink, especially if you're trying to impress the groupies. After doing this routine for a while it is very easy to get into the habit of drinking constantly. It doesn't happen overnight but in many cases it does happen. The only difference between early on and later drinking is that the music has stopped, unless you're the Rolling Stones, but the drinking hasn't.

The even more tragic onset of alcoholic behavior is when a person's life takes a drastic turn for the worse. Usually this kid who has already started drinking socially will have something terrible happen like the loss of a parent. Maybe the kid had a bad romantic breakup. The number of terrible things that we are subjected to in life are too numerous to get into and it only takes one event to put a social drinker with an addictive personality over the edge into full blown alcoholism. For these people, drinking is an escape. They drink because they feel bad and want to feel good again.

As the late John Spencer, a recovering alcoholic at the time said on a great episode of West Wing, "I don't understand people who take only one drink. I don't understand people who can leave a half a glass of scotch. How can you only take one drink? How can you not want to feel like this longer?"

Of course there are those people who are alcoholics because their mother or father was an alcoholic. Yes, alcoholism is inherited.
This is one of the worst addictions there is and can only be treated with professional help such as AA. There is hope for an alcoholic.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Addictions
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Drug Rehab: Outpatient vs. Inpatient - What's the Difference?
By Steven G

When an addict finally decides to seek out the help he so desperately needs, he will have two primary types of addiction treatment programs to choose from: inpatient and outpatient.
Understanding the differences and similarities of these two programs will help make it easier for the addict and his loved ones to identify which is best for his individual needs.
Similarities Between Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs

Inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs have many characteristics in common. For instance, both types of programs generally utilize individual and group therapy. Because addiction has an effect on the entire family, most provide couples and family therapy. Inpatient and outpatient programs also educate the addict and the family about the nature of addiction while guiding the addict through goal setting and monitoring of those goals.

Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs

The most obvious difference between an inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment program is the location of the patient during treatment.

As the name implies, those who receive help through an inpatient treatment program remain at a treatment facility 24 hours per day. The exact number of days the patient remains at the inpatient treatment facility depends on the policies of the rehab center and the individual needs of the patient.

In general, these programs last three to six weeks. After the intensive inpatient treatment is complete, it is generally suggested that the patient receive extensive outpatient treatment.
An outpatient addiction treatment program, on the other hand, allows the patient to remain at home while undergoing treatment.

This makes it possible for the addict to continue working and to be with his family while undergoing care. In an outpatient program, the patient attends treatment during the day.
As with inpatient treatment, the number of days the addict attends treatment per week and the length of the program depends on the rehab center policies and the individual needs of the addict. 85% of people participating in an addiction recovery program opt for outpatient treatment.

Another option some addicts choose to follow is partial hospitalization.

With this type of treatment, the patient remains home at night, but attends treatment more frequently than a person undergoing standard outpatient treatment. Generally, a person in a partial hospitalization program attends the program three to seven days per week for three to twelve hours per day.

Advantages of Outpatient Treatment

When it comes to choosing the right addiction recovery program, there are many factors to consider. For example, an outpatient treatment program may be best for a person that:
* Needs to continue working every day while undergoing treatment
* Cannot afford to pay for inpatient treatment, which tends to be quite costly
* Needs to remain near to family
* Has a supportive household that will ensure he attends treatment programs and carries through with program goals while at home

It is important to note that a person utilizing outpatient treatment needs to be able to deal with the real world while recovering from addiction. For some, this is too much to bear, while for others the daily tests they encounter can help to strengthen their commitment and their methods of coping with addiction.

A partial hospitalization program has many of the same advantages of an outpatient addiction treatment program. It does, however, provide more structure and more intensive programming than outpatient treatment. Partial hospitalization is usually more costly than outpatient treatment, but less costly than inpatient.

Advantages of Inpatient Treatment

There are many reasons to consider inpatient addiction treatment rather than outpatient. These reasons include:
Read the rest of the article on Drug Rehab: Inpatient vs Outpatient on CalRehabGuide.

The California Rehab Guide lists and reviews drug rehab and alcohol rehab facilities, lawyers and interventionist and has articles on addiction recovery and addiction treatment.
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Pornography Addiction: What Can A Man Do?
By Angie Lewis

1. Recognize The Cause of Your Addiction:
First of all the most important thing you can do is figure out why you are addicted to pornography by recognizing what the root of the problem is. Do whatever it takes to bring it out in the open with yourself and then take the necessary steps to eradicate the sexual cravings from your mind. Do you think you can stop at anytime on your own free will? Easier said than done, right?
Do you have negative feelings towards someone or about something bad that happened in your life? If negative issues don't get resolved within your mind your sub-conscience will bring them back out in your actions. Only you can know for sure what it is that has caused pain and suffering within you. And only you can do something about it! Make it right for yourself in your mind, and do whatever you need to do to fix the problem.

2. Take the Blinders Off and Open Your Eyes:
I know this sounds harsh but look what closed mindedness towards God does to you! What you think and believe on a continual basis brings you into a life based upon those thoughts and beliefs. If our mind is not on God then what is it on?
Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? Luke 6:39

Have you ever stopped to think that you're addicted to pornography because of your unwillingness to base your life upon a spiritual and moral foundation? Simply put, your philosophy is with the world and not God. Some of you have even been conditioned into believing that viewing pornography is acceptable for you life. But I encourage you to break free from this kind of thinking, which leads to sin, and seek out the true source and foundation for your life.

Believe that you are a child of God! It is not too late to accept God's light into your world and come out of the darkness. Stop feasting from satan's dinner table and feed on God's truth for your life.

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46

Grab onto that light and do not give up on yourself. Stay true to God and your faith will lead you to do what is right. Don't let pride stand in the way of earnestly seeking God. Pray that God deliver you from temptation and know that He hears your appeals and feels your suffering because He loves you. Study and read the bible daily. Find out what it is that God wants you to do with your life and work on doing His will in your life. You are a child of God and He is your true source for comfort and peace!

3. Have Faith in God:
Have faith to know that God will keep you from being tempted. If you believe in God, then start doing something with your beliefs! This is where the application of faith comes in. God has given us His great and marvelous gift of faith. The question to ask then is, are you applying faith from God into your life or are you living under the deception of human faith to live your life under?
Because He himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
We have choices in life, and sometimes we have to choose what's right rather than what feels good. But know this, God's ways always feel good, after a time, because we have chosen to take care of ourselves by doing what is right in our heart rather than what gives us worldly pleasure.
In other words, when we start feeling good about who we are, and the choices we make in life, is when we begin acting on our faith and living the truth. This is what makes us feel good inside all the time!

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8
Real faith takes action to complete its purpose. Erroneous faith is only a feeling. Make your faith be something by putting it into an action!

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds it dead. James 2:26

Angie Lewis is the author of two informative marriage books. Journey on the Roads Less Traveled is a book about love, life, addiction and marriage. Love The Man You Married is an informative and biblically centered book tackling such issues as adultery and learning to completely forgive.
For more information on these books, visit Angie's marriage ministry at http://www.heavenministries.com and while you're there, sign up for the monthly marriage newsletter.
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Do You Understand Crack Cocaine?
By Charles White

While I personally have never tried crack cocaine, I have talked to people, including friends, who have or still do use it. This is one of the most addictive drugs ever known.

When you first try crack, you get a high like no other! You are in a state where nothing bothers you, any pain is gone and you are on top of the biggest cloud you could be on and it is great.

Here’s the problem, you never reach that first high state again. You buy and smoke more and more crack trying to get back to the state you were in the first time you try it. It NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!

You could purchase all the crack on earth but you will never get back to that state of mind you were in when you first tried it. That is the problem, everyone wants to get back to that first high state.
I know people who spend all their paychecks just to get crack. I have seen it ruin lives, people become liars, they pawn everything they own just to have money to buy crack to get to that state of mind that never happens again. I have friends who pay tens of thousands of dollars a year just to try to get back to that state of mind they were in the first time they tried it.

They will blame their loved ones, lie to everyone about doing it and everything they are doing wrong is someone else’s fault.
I hope you never get hooked on crack but if you do please get help and get that monkey off your back.

Charles E. White has had an online business since 1991. He is an avid bass fisherman, internet marketer, and has several information sites.
His newest site is his health blog at:http://www.factsandinformation.com/healthblog/
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Recovery From Addictions, Part 5
By Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:
1. I can’t handle my pain.
2. I am unworthy and unlovable.
3. Others are my source of love.
4. I can have control over how others feel about me and treat me.
In Parts 2,3 and 4, I explored in depth each of these false beliefs and how they contribute to addictive behavior. In this final part of this series, I address the way out of addictions.

Recovery from addictions is based on two major shifts in your thinking and behavior:
• Shifting your intention from avoiding responsibility for your feelings to learning about loving yourself. This means shifting from your wounded self/ego/mind having dominion over your choices to your loving Adult/spiritual Guidance having dominion over your choices.
• Learning to access your personal spiritual Guidance so that you can fill yourself with the unconditional love and compassion of Spirit rather than turning to addictions to fill the emptiness and take away the pain.

As long as getting love and avoiding pain is your highest priority, you will not be able to recover from your addictions. When you decide that being loving to yourself and others is your highest priority, you are on your way to healing from your addictive behavior.

Your intent is everything – it completely determines your actions and the resulting outcome.

If your intent is to get love and avoid pain in order to feel safe, you will continue to resort to addictive behaviors as a way of having control over getting love and avoiding pain.

When your intent is to be on the spiritual path of evolving in love and fully manifesting yourself, then you will bring the following Six-Step Inner Bonding® process into your life throughout the day.
1. You will stay tuned into your feelings throughout the day so that you know the minute you feel anything other than peace and joy. You will be present within your body to your feelings just as you would be present to the feelings of a baby.
2. You will immediately move into a compassionate intention to learn about what you are thinking or doing that is causing your distress – your anger, fear, anxiety, depression, hurt, guilt, shame, stress, emptiness, aloneness, loneliness, and so on. You will become a loving Adult by opening to your spiritual Guidance – the wise and loving presence that is always here for you - allowing that love and wisdom to come into your heart.
3. You will explore with your Inner Child – your feeling self – about what you are thinking, doing, or believing that is causing the distress. You will discover your false beliefs and your resulting unloving behavior that are causing your pain.
4. You will open to learning with your spiritual Guidance, asking “What is the truth about these beliefs?” and “What is the loving action?” You will allow the answers to these questions to come when they will, not trying to control the process.
5. You will take the loving action you are guided to take, which can take many different forms – from lovingly holding your Inner Child, to getting more exercise and eating better, to speaking your truth or moving into compassion with someone else.
6. You will evaluate your actions to see how you feel now. If you are not feeling better, you will seek another loving action until you feel peaceful within.

If you do these steps each time you feel any distress instead of turning to your habitual addictions, you will gradually move beyond addictive behavior.

You always have these two choices regarding your intent – to control or to learn. You – only you - are in charge of which of these you choose. If you do not consciously choose the intent to learn about loving yourself, you will unconsciously and automatically choose to try to have control over getting love and avoiding pain through your addictive behavior.
Choosing the intent to learn about loving yourself and practicing Inner Bonding® throughout the day is a powerful path to becoming addiction-free.

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" and “Healing Your Aloneness.” She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or email her at margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available.
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Addiction Recovery: Satisfying Natural Needs And Drives Is Necessary For A Permanent Cure
By Dennis Marcellino

What defines an “addiction”? More specifically: when does a “normal action” become an “addiction”? That happens when we override the fact that the deepest part of our being either wants us to not do a certain thing or it wants us to do a certain thing... and we either continue in doing the thing that it doesn’t want us to do, or we don’t do the thing that it wants us to do and we do something else instead. That “something else” is what we can be said to be addicted to.

So a simpler phrase could be: addictions are things we do instead of what we are naturally inclined to do. Now “naturally inclined” doesn’t mean “everything we feel” because our feelings can also be triggered by pathological programming in our subconscious. For example, we might feel like binge eating when in fact the deeper feeling is to be romantic.

Therefore, an important part of regaining health and eliminating addiction is to develop a keen sensitivity to the deepest part of our being.

A song once said “Wonderful is what you’ll feel in you when you do the things you’re made to do.” That means being in harmony with and living out the design of your being and the purpose of your life.

Another factor here though is the difference between intoxicating addictions and non-intoxicating addictions. That is, with non-intoxicating addictions we still can be in touch with all parts of our being, including the deepest part. So even though we may choose to override certain internal messages with an addictive behavior... seeing and acknowledging them is still possible for us, and therefore we can move in the direction of correcting that.
But once we imbibe an intoxicant, we now mask our ability to see all of our internal workings and therefore lose sensitivity and control over them (which actually is a big reason why people uses intoxicants…that is: they don’t want to be shown certain feelings that are going on within them and be pressured to have to act on them or let them “ruin their fun”).

An example of this would be: the body saying it doesn’t want to have sex or is not inspiring sex and then using alcohol to override that resistance or lack of inspiration. Whereas the emotional component of sex would try to drive us to the complete natural way of the sex drive which is within a marriage relationship with a safe, mature, committed partner.

Therefore, in order to be able to resolve any addiction, there ultimately can be no masks.

(c) Lighthouse Publishing

Dennis Marcellino is the developer of a new at-home addiction recovery program called “Addiction Free Forever” which offers a natural, permanent cure for addiction and helps a person find deep personal fulfillment. He is recognized as an innovator in addiction recovery by some of the top administrators in this field and is the author of highly acclaimed books. His breakthrough addiction recovery and life transformation program can be seen at http://www.AddictionFreeForever.com
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