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Addiction and Recovery Articles
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SelfGrowth.com Recommended Articles:
Coming Out of Our Comfort Zones: Recovery From Addiction - by Candace Plattor- Why Love Addicts Are Truely Like Any Other Addict - by Submitted on May 09, 2013 from Jim HallUsing a practical definition, addiction is characterized by the repeated, compulsive seeking or use of a substance, behavior, or activity to reach euphoric states in the brain, despite negative consequences (harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life). ...
Views: 2020(2 votes) - Women and Alcohol - by Submitted on Sep 30, 2013 from Lara SchusterThere was a time when excessive drinking was an activity that was associated with men, but today, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one in eight women struggle with binge drinking and alcoholism. Additionally, in 2012 there was an increase in alcohol related ...
Views: 805(2 votes) - ***Marriage Stress, Blame and Alcohol - by Submitted on Mar 17, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillLife is full of events that lead to personal distress. And stress can build upon stress which can lead to marriage problems. If one of you drinks to reduce stress, in time the drinking itself causes stress and becomes a major roadblock to solutions. Quite naturally, you look around to see ...
Views: 3265(7 votes) - ***Addictions: Talking as a Form of Resistance - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2010 from Margaret PaulI am sitting with Bryan at one of my 5-Day Inner Bonding Intensives. Bryan is talking about one thing after another, and I cannot follow him at all. Nor can I connect with him. My loneliness in sitting with him is giving me important information - that he is in his head, in his wounded self, ...
Views: 5266(3 votes) - ***Anger Issues: What makes me Angry? - by Submitted on Apr 20, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillAnger is a normal healthy emotion, albeit a negative one. We all have anger issues at one time or another. When you experience anger, it is your body trying to tell you something is wrong, that “something is rotten in Denmark.” But what? Not understanding your body’s message can lead to ...
Views: 2216(3 votes) - ***Avoiding Your Feelings by Focusing on Your Partner - by Submitted on Nov 25, 2009 from Margaret PaulWe all have many addictive ways of avoiding feeling our painful feelings and taking responsibility for them. Some of the ways are obvious, such as using substances and processes. Some of the ways can be very subtle.Leon often struggled with feeling empty inside. Inner emptiness is a symptom of a ...
Views: 5539(3 votes) - ***Healing Love and Approval Addiction - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2010 from Margaret PaulAre you love or approval addicted?Do you often feel empty inside if you are not in a relationship?Do you often feel empty inside even if you are in a relationship but your partner is not paying attention to you?Do you get anxious when a person you are dating does not contact you when you expect ...
Views: 5083(3 votes) - ***How Much Alcohol Is Too Much? The Facts Might Surprise You - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillJackie asked me how many drinks could her husband have in a day before she should worry. She says he drinks three or four beers in the evening on work nights and a lot more on weekends when he doesn't have to go to work the next day. She thinks he may be a functioning alcoholic. Kevin worries ...
Views: 2339(3 votes) - 7 Steps to Overcome Withdrawal from a Break Up of an Addictive Relationship - by Submitted on May 09, 2013 from Jim HallAre You a Love Addict? Are you in a Break-Up from an Addictive Relationship? There is no doubt that for most people, “breaking up is hard to do”… for love addicts, breaking up is especially difficult. One of the most disturbing and defining features of addiction is withdrawal and obsessive ...
Views: 14686(3 votes) - Addiction to Distractions - by Submitted on Apr 12, 2010 from Margaret PaulWhen we were growing up, we experienced many life situations that caused us deep heartbreak. Any time we lost someone we loved, or we were yelled at, ridiculed, shamed, ignored, not seen or connected with, physically or sexually abused, or treated in any other unloving ways, our little hearts ...
Views: 5866(3 votes) - Alcohol Awareness Classes Could Help With Peer Pressure - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2011 from Mike MillerHave you ever felt the effects of peer pressure? If you answered no to this question you obviously have lived on an island your entire life without ever having had human interaction! As a counselor for both in class and online drug awareness classes, I often discuss the nature and power of ...
Views: 2793(3 votes) - Being Aware that Alcohol Affects Your Mood - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Mike MillerOften when I teach alcohol education classes I like to ask my students, "Have you sensed whether alcohol is affects your mood?" I hope to address how alcohol and drinking can have a great impact on your mood. I'll also show you some real world examples of the way alcoholic beverages play a ...
Views: 3716(3 votes) - Children Of Meth - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2012 from C BowsterA child living at a meth lab is exposed to many dangers and to the ongoing effects of chemical contamination. The chemicals used to cook meth produce toxic fumes, vapors, and spills. A child living at a meth lab may inhale or swallow toxic substances or inhale the secondhand smoke of adults who ...
Views: 3668(3 votes) - EATING DISORDERS - STILL A MYSTERY - by Submitted on Feb 17, 2024 from Marty LernerLet’s begin this article with an important “disclaimer” – namely no one has a definitive answer as to what causes an eating disorder and, more importantly, one definitive approach to treatment that offers a cure or is “superior” to another. Although I tend to subscribe to the belief a blend of ...
Views: 1937(3 votes) - Family Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery - How Can I Tell If My Partner Is Serious About Recovery? - by Submitted on May 24, 2009 from Peggy FergusonMost spouses of alcoholics or addicts have been down this road before. Something has happened. Some crisis has gotten the attention of the alcoholic/addict and now he is motivated to get clean and sober. This time he is going to AA/NA and going to counseling. Promises made by the addict to stop ...
Views: 2706(3 votes) - Holistic Living-Spiritual Awakening - by Submitted on Mar 01, 2011 from Keith BrayHolistic Living-Spiritual Awakening For something to have an “AWAKENING”, it must have been asleep. Now isn’t that the most brilliant thing you’ve ever read. For me, I made the changes in my life for one big reason, to live abundantly with peace with in. I was an unhappy person and knew that ...
Views: 1237(3 votes) - How to Overcome Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2012 from Fariborz ArbasiWhat is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop following a traumatic event that some people saw or lived through it. Traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include: • War • Natural disasters • Car crashes • Unexpected death of a loved ...
Views: 2941(3 votes) - I Think My Spouse May Be Addicted To His Pain Medication - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekAs a drug counselor, I receive many questions. This next one is typical: Q: I think my spouse may be addicted to his pain medication. He had knee replacement surgery several months ago and has gone back to work, but says he still needs to take pain pills. I think he is actually taking more ...
Views: 1763(3 votes) - Inpatient Drug Rehab - by Submitted on Aug 13, 2008 from Robert JohnsonWhy is it so important to enter into an inpatient drug rehab rather than an outpatient? For one, the alcoholic or drug addict will be committed to staying for the duration of the rehab program and not be able to use drugs or alcohol. Also there is no outside environmental condition like drug ...
Views: 10120(3 votes) - Insider Tips on Addiction Recovery During a Recession - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekWhat can a person do to help a loved one who really needs to be in recovery? Can you afford to pay for an inpatient program? What are the options during these stressful times? Treatment providers across the country are feeling the effects of our weakened and unstable economy as well. We asked ...
Views: 1447(3 votes) - Only One Out Of Ten Will Make It - by Submitted on May 07, 2011 from Patt MannaDid you ever hear this statement made around the rooms of recovery? Did you ever wonder where those statistics came from? Well I have a revelation for you. Read this and receive it. Ask your self where the other nine are? Go to the lost sheep! This is where the sponsor should come into your ...
Views: 2354(3 votes) - Quit Smoking - Don't Let this Myth Sabotage You! - by Submitted on May 02, 2010 from Barry MooreIt is a common belief that nicotine addiction is the reason it’s hard to quit smoking. However, talk to any smoker who has tried to quit using the patch or gum (maybe you’re one of them), and most will tell you they still want to smoke. So why would do you still want to smoke when you are ...
Views: 3266(9 votes) - Relapse Prevention - Staying Clean & Sober - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2010 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenDrug and alcohol addiction recovery is a process, and a process that continues for life. Unfortunately, because no one is ever "cured" completely from the temptations of addiction, relapse is too often a part of the recovery process. A drug or alcohol relapse does not mean the end of ...
Views: 3538(3 votes) - Relax and recover part 1 - by Submitted on May 12, 2011 from Tom DiffenderferAs someone who has spent the last 20 years trying to help people recover from alcoholism and other drug addictions, I whole heartedly support the 12 step programs of AA and NA. They are the best and most successful support groups out there for those in recovery. If utilized on a regular basis AA ...
Views: 1616(3 votes) - Step One: What's the Big Deal About Step One? - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Joe HerzanekWe admitted that we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. --"Step One, AA 12-Steps After many years in recovery, I know that I must not forget this one principle: "I will always be an addict. --Joe Herzanek Whether you are a fan of twelve-step ...
Views: 1578(3 votes) - What Defines A Holistic Drug Detox Rehab Program? - by Submitted on Feb 15, 2013 from Corey AveryHolistic Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers take many different approaches to treating drug addiction, as there are drugs. The holistic drug detox philosophy involves the transformation of the total person, as opposed to only dealing with the symptom, which is the addiction. Underlying the addiction ...
Views: 3192(3 votes) - What Do You Do and When - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2012 from Christopher LowryWhen you have a suspicion your teen is doing drugs, what do you do? First, learn as much as you can. Check out all of SelfGrowth.com for information on drug and alcohol use by teens. Know that there is help available for you and your child. In most communities, you can get help from your ...
Views: 2175(3 votes) - ***Core Sadness vs. Wounded Sadness - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2010 from Margaret PaulVery often, in my work with my clients, when I ask them what they are feeling they say, "I feel sad." Often, they do not know why they feel sad.Sadness comes from two very different sources.Core SadnessCore sadness is sadness that is in reaction to something that is happening or has ...
Views: 6033(7 votes) - Quit Smoking Tip: Use this Stress Buster to Help You Stop Smoking - by Submitted on May 06, 2010 from Barry MooreOne of the things I hear a lot from smokers in my Toronto (Ontario, Canada) hypnosis quit smoking clinic is "I smoke to relax". If smoking really was relaxing then the more you smoked the more relaxed you'd be and chain smokers would be the most relaxed people on the planet. Do you know anyone ...
Views: 3684(11 votes) - Not a Perfect Ten? Stop Beating Yourself Up Now! - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Beverley GlazerNot a perfect ten? Don’t beat yourself up. Being perfect is an impossible goal. Humans can never be perfect but there's nothing wrong with self improvement. We all have things that we would like to change about ourselves. However, in the quest for perfection we can get blindsided by our ...
Views: 2130(4 votes) - Recovery Happens - by Submitted on Sep 18, 2010 from Peter StoneI recently saw a banner — set in place for Recovery Month — that read: “Recovery Happens.” My question is: “What is implied here?” Words have meaning, and when those words are demonstrative of a process to behavioral change, people either simply disregard, are motivated by, or are intimidated by ...
Views: 2367(4 votes) - Stop Smoking Hypnosis--The Best Way to Stop Smoking Without Gaining Weight - by Submitted on Dec 29, 2011 from Nancy PhilpottIf you’re a smoker, whether you’ve been smoking for weeks, months, or years, then you’ve probably looked for the best way to stop smoking. Maybe you’ve considered, or even tried, the reduction method or just quitting cold turkey. What is Stop Smoking Hypnosis? Have you ever considered ...
Views: 5646(4 votes) - Talking About Drugs - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2012 from Christopher LowryFor many people, bringing up the subject of drugs is difficult. Your teens may try to dodge the discussion, and you yourself may feel unsure about how to proceed. To boost your chances for a productive conversation, take some time to think through the issues you want to discuss before you talk ...
Views: 2555(4 votes) - The Culture of Addiction: A Strategy for Dealing with the Stress of Life - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2009 from Aila Accad, RN,We live in a culture where the definition of addiction is our motto: ‘More is better and there is never enough’. The drive for more, bigger, faster does not allow for a state of satiety, a place of feeling full, satisfied, sustained. Addiction comes in diverse packages yet underneath, all ...
Views: 4216(4 votes) - The Health Benefits of Giving Up Alcohol - by Submitted on Apr 16, 2011 from Mike MillerOften when I teach alcohol awareness classes clients query me , "Is drinking really that bad for me?" This article will talk about some of the main physical benefits of abstaining from alcohol, and then will discuss the mental and psychological advantages of ...
Views: 9908(4 votes) - Living with an alcoholic – Shame - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from John McMahonIf you live with an alcoholic you will almost certainly feel shame. Some people will experience it to a very high level others less so but almost everyone who lives with an alcoholic experiences it to some degree. You will probably feel anxious that people will discover your secret, that they ...
Views: 3099(5 votes) - ***Your Relationship Comes First - by Submitted on Feb 10, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillRelationships are the heart and soul of our society. If our relationships with others were to disappear, most of us would feel all meaning slipping away from our lives. Our husbands, our wives, our children, our parents and extended family, our co-workers and our friends help to create what we ...
Views: 4871(7 votes) - 10 Stop Smoking Self-Hypnosis Affirmations to Help You to Quit Smoking - by Submitted on Dec 29, 2011 from Nancy PhilpottAs you begin your smoke free life, it is important to constantly remind yourself of why you quit smoking. An excellent and effective way to do this is to use a form of self-hypnosis. Stop smoking hypnosis can be used at all stages of consciousness. You don’t have to be in a deep trance in order ...
Views: 13455(8 votes) - HOW TO STOP GAMBLING: The 7 Immutable Laws To Stopping Gambling Dead In Its Tracks - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2009 from J CIf you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem or addiction, then please read this article very carefully. You can win the battle against gambling. Everyday hundreds of people do just that. And there are thousands more maintaining their gamble free lifestyles. This ...
Views: 3076(2 votes) - "I'll Quit Tomorrow" - Dealing with Co-Existing "Addictions" - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2011 from Marty LernerCross addiction or multiple addictions are a fact of life inherent within the eating disordered community. Many of us come to the rooms of a 12-step program, treatment facility, or related support group intending to tackle our "primary problem" such as alcoholism, drug dependency, or an eating ...
Views: 2191(2 votes) - ***An 'Addictive Personality'- The Alcoholic's Convenient Myth - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillPeople addicted to alcohol drink compulsively and often claim to have an addictive personality. It is a convenient myth. I heard of a dentist who approached his dental work with compulsive attention to detail. His crowns had to fit perfectly. He was fanatical about bite adjustment and his ...
Views: 3939(3 votes) - ***Can the Functioning Alcoholic Last?: Part Three - by Submitted on Jun 30, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillThere is a third critical factor to bear in mind when questioning the functioning of a so-called “functioning alcoholic.” The first factor to consider was whether the alcoholic is functioning generally in life, or just in one aspect of life, like his job. The second factor was whether the ...
Views: 2946(2 votes) - ***The Functioning Alcoholic and Achievement: Part Two - by Submitted on Jun 17, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillIn The Functioning Alcoholic: Gaps in Functioning I argued that doing one’s job is not one’s only function in life. For the alcoholic to consider himself to be “functioning” he has to function in various areas of life, not just on the job. In Can the Functioning Alcoholic Last?: Part Three I ...
Views: 1990(1 vote) - ***When Is a Marriage Beyond Help? - by Submitted on Jun 30, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillOne time in a land far away a client asked me if I could help her save her 15-year marriage. Her husband was threatening to leave her, was stonewalling and was generally emotionally cold, but she said he was willing to see me. I worked with him for several months, and they stayed ...
Views: 2610(3 votes) - ***You’re Married to an Alcoholic: What to Do? What to Do? - by Submitted on Feb 10, 2011 from Dr. Neill NeillBeing married to a functioning alcoholic can cause many problems in a family. Tens of thousands of families in North America alone are struggling with this issue. A drinking problem can begin in many ways. For some people it begins with social drinking. Social drinking can gradually ...
Views: 4841(5 votes) - 5 Reasons not to Detox from Alcohol at Home - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2013 from Lara SchusterMany people believe that detoxing from alcohol use is something they can do from home without any help. However, there are many different things to consider when you are ready to break an alcohol addiction. For many individuals, it can be dangerous, even fatal to quit cold turkey without medical ...
Views: 981(1 vote) - 6 Steps to Alcohol Awareness and Education - by Submitted on Apr 16, 2011 from Ari NovickGetting alcohol and drug addiction or abuse under control is no easy task. Most addicts tend to minimize their addiction and state they can stop any time they want, its simply a choice they are making. Here are a few suggestions to make yourself more aware of what you need to look out for in ...
Views: 1329(2 votes) - A Beginning to a Better You: The 12 Step Program - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from addiction professorOnce you begin a 12 step program, your battle with alcohol or addiction recovery is not over, and it is certainly not won. The program is merely the launch pad; you will have to travel a lifelong journey, to complete your recovery. The Time Frame of the 12 Step Program All 12 step ...
Views: 1100(1 vote) - A FREE GIFT-LIFE CHANGING-NO STRINGS - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2011 from Keith BrayWANT A SHOT OF HOPE? (How’s Your Spiritual Life?) Someone sees that word “spiritual” and the mind says “oh no, more religious crap”. That someone, back then, was me. For those who are familiar with my blogs, you’ll know I like simplicity and often turn to the good book written by Mr. Webster ...
Views: 1586(1 vote) - A Path Back From Addiction & Mental Health Problems - by Submitted on Aug 25, 2009 from Byron RichardsGroundbreaking research on a brain protein called kalirin is opening a new door for novel ways to address serious mental health disorders, addiction problems, as well as another angle on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Within your brain is a dense network of information highways. ...
Views: 1927(6 votes)