The Taste of Things to Come

I can remember as a child my first taste of beer and wondering what is all the fuss about. I was expecting some wondrous flavor, to be much better than orange juice, even better than strawberries and cream, but no it was to be a bitter disappointment indeed, bitter being the operative word.

This new drink was SO bitter it would make you screw your face up as if you were entering a gurning competition, it was I thought maybe some sort of blend of sand, soap, salt, petroleum, sulphuric acid, and maybe some embalming fluid. It seemed to me that someone was having a joke at my expense and somewhere along the line someone would pop out and give me a glass of the REAL BEER, the one everybody else was drinking and enjoying. But no this was it, the all powerful elixir of life, the drink of champions and solver of the worlds problems. How could I now be a champion, King of the land, leader of the pack, save the world from all that is evil and bad if I couldn't even drink this crap. Something would have to give. Ah! Lemonade, English lemonade that is,Sprite to you here in the colonies, ops! Sorry USA. The sweet addition made the whole thing more palatable and now I could join the party of life with the big boys chugging pint after pint until the early hours.

The whole point was to look around the pub and see who was doing the best in the game of life, this could be assessed by watching who drank the most volume wise, had the most expensive taste, bought the most drinks for every one of his friends or indeed other people not friends, and still managed to appear in control of the situation or in fact not if he just spent enough and you got your share. Real big shots drank what we call shorts gin and tonic, vodka and orange, whiskey dry so on. The elite drank these on their own straight up. While I was in this early stage of development I was allowed to nurse my sugary elixir of beer and lemonade "SHANDY" or lager and lime, the next step up, followed by a gut retching powerful alcoholic dynamite drink called scrumpy, "CIDER".

This three year scholarship was an incredible experience touring drinking establishments around the Midlands and of course getting to know where the bathroom was in each and every one of them. This was all in the aim of finding my ACQUIRED TASTE for the wonderful array of devilish liquors called BEER. The progression to beer straight up was just this, acquiring the taste for this fluid called beer, it had crept up on me without me noticing all the effects, my palette had changed and now accepted this dry bitter bland fluid, I had been tricked and now moved onto experimenting with the other stuff, again adding sweeteners to ACQUIRE the taste. Did I like it, who knows, it wasn't about the taste, it was all about looking the part and appearing affluent and affording it. The more I could drink and buy the more successful I was, or so I had been led to believe. On a desert island with only the option of one fluid to drink of sound body and mind the sane person would pick water over alcohol, given the choice of all the drinks in the whole world I can honestly say that if I were asked of my favorite drink for taste alone, it would be orange juice with the vodka and orange coming second only because of affect.

I am now in a prolonged period of my life where I am alcohol free, my brain has suddenly jumped into gear spurred on by my respect for the aging process and advancing years, I am guarding my health by eating and drinking healthily and finding an ease in doing so by thinking back at the disgust of the taste of beer in my early youth and logically saying to myself "WHY NOT" orange juice, why would I drink a sort of blend of sand, soap, salt, petroleum, sulfuric acid, and maybe some embalming fluid or should I call it BEER!

Original article

Handling Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol is one of the mild drugs consumed by many people at parties and other social meetings. However, some people make alcohol their sole socialization tool. Typically, such a person will pass by the bar every evening and also have some bottles of wine or spirits at home to satisfy his craving for alcohol. This normally leads to addiction, which can be just as dangerous as dependence to other substances. To deal with the problem, the affected person should look into alcohol addiction treatment.

The Process

This process is usually a long one. The patient might even feel like it is not possible to overcome the problem. Therefore, a great deal of willpower is necessary. One also needs support to help him or her overcome temptations. However, the most important thing for the person is to admit that he or she has a problem. This admission is the key that will ensure that the help offered works.

The Professionals

To deal with your addiction properly, you need a number of professionals or treatment experts who can help you overcome the problem quickly. These people usually evaluate one's problem and also determine the emotional position one is in. Remember, alcoholism is similar to other common diseases and it is important to establish the severity of one's illness to determine the proper treatment.

The Program

With this knowledge, the expert can suggest different ways of dealing with the problem. Remember, what some consider best option may not necessarily be the one favored by your patient and it is very important the each patient is comfortable and confident with the program chosen. Such a method should offer both knowledge and the support needed for one to accomplish his or her goals.

The Plan

You must always remember that there is no medication that can stop the habit altogether. Therefore, sobriety it is an ongoing process and you must take specific steps to ensure the desired results are obtained and then maintained. For instance, it is very import to specific goals.

Make It Public

If you want to stop drinking in a week, a month or within six months, this should be specifically stated. You should even announce this to your friends and relatives so they can offer you support or avoid drinking in your presence.

Avoid Temptation

You must also ensure that all temptations to continue with the habit are eliminated. Even if you will be going to an addiction center to get help, you must ensure that you remove all forms of temptation from your house. Be aware of situations that encourage your desire to drink and remove them from the house or office.

One thing people undergoing alcohol addiction treatment will agree on is that one attempt to kick the habit might not work. Therefore, when one decides to go for the process, it is important to take it seriously like medical detox. It is also a good idea to look at the past if you have ever tried and failed. Look at what worked and what did not. This will help you avoid pitfalls as you undertake this noble step afresh. This is the only way you can expect good results.

Original article

Effects of Alcoholism on Partners of Alcoholics

Many alcoholics are so-called functioning alcoholics, holding down jobs and functioning in a 'normal' family situation with a partner and/or children. The effects of alcoholism on those sharing a home with alcoholics is rarely discussed. The stigmatization of society creates an atmosphere of shame and isolation. The Alcoholic, in moments of despair and in need of venting their frustration often project their feelings about themselves onto their partners, leaving the latter in a state of confusion leading to a lack of self-esteem and wondering whether it is all their fault.

There seems to be no logic in and/or explanation for the transformation of the alcoholic from a kind, loving and caring partner into an insulting, bullying aggressor. Partners are made to feel worthless and inadequate and want to do everything to make things right, turning into carers and organizers, and more often than not, deny the awful truth in order to keep up the façade of a happy family.

But are they right to do so? Have they unwittingly become the enabler for the alcoholic? Alcoholics frequently feel attracted to very caring people who in their turn seem to attract people in need of help. The basis is shaky but looking through the glasses of love, things might not be that clear. Having fallen in love with the soft side of the often sensitive, intelligent alcoholic, the partner feels unable to break up a relationship that has, no doubt, many wonderful, happy and special moments. It becomes easy to forgive and forget but the problem, unless recognized and help sought, goes from bad to worse.

The dark moments creep in and become more frequent. The apologies fade away into a difficult reality where moments of being sorry are quickly replaced by moments of projection and anger. The partner unknowingly and unwittingly becomes an enabler by trying to mend, excuse and heal the situation.

Pleading with reason, with tears, threats and ultimatums that are impossible to stick to, only makes matters worse, aggravating the alcoholic and turning their short fuse into a ticking time bomb. Partners, having to tread on eggshells so as not to say or do the wrong thing, try to avoid discussions and situations of anger, feel increasingly isolated and misunderstood. The ill alcoholic seems to have a need for conflict, apparently looking for a reason to start the drinking session or to continue their drinking spree. There is no logic and arguments can start over trivial matters. Words are interpreted incorrectly and taken totally out of context and proportion; translated into an unwanted situation of mothering and smothering.

Partners are forced to be cruel to be kind with achievable ultimatums as the only way to remain sane and to give the alcoholic an option to reach so-called rock bottom. The latter the only hope to find a way out of a disease so widely misunderstood and for the partner to find a way out of the effects of alcoholism on their lives by seeking help for themselves.

Dutch born author and artist Renate van Nijen has herself experienced the complexity of living with an alcohol-addicted partner. The secrecy surrounding alcoholism in society as a whole and the non-acceptance and judgemental comments from family, friends and outsiders that she experienced have driven her to write about the subject of alcoholism and alcohol abuse from an holistic approach. Renate invites you to visit her website where you will find a wealth of helpful information. http://www.renartsbookworld.com/

Original article

The TWELVE STEPS As I See Them Today

Step 1 - We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable

At the time of my traffic stop I remember the surrender to the officer that I had been drinking. I believe I knew my fate at that moment and thought at last the time had come to stop the madness

Step 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

The law is definitely a higher power this would serve the purpose for now

Step 3 - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God

The lawyer and all the therapy consultants I saw over the next few months helped to make all the relevant decisions in order to redirect my life for the next few months I do not believe in GOD per say

Step 4 - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves

Professional analysts prepared a defense for my case and after many consultations my story was put together for the judge or higher power to see

Step 5 - Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs

Agreed to a plea bargain with the judge, the prosecution, and of course the defense and myself. We were all in agreement

Step 6 - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character

The judge agreed on a sentence including a 12 month suspension, 12 month probation, and to complete the 12 step program, surely while serving my penance within the confines of the 12 everything's I might even find 12 defects. A good number 12, I hope Tom Hanks can get a conspiracy movie out of it like angels and demons.

Step 7 - Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings

Asked the judge for leniency with the plea bargain and to understand that I might change my ways with help from the program.

Step 8 - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all

I had already started doing this step before the incident maybe some preconceived knowledge of the events, the end is nigh, tempting fate, written in the tea leaves and all that sort of stuff. I knew my destiny. Nicolas Cage would like this plot for a movie maybe

Step 9 - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others

In my case long distance apologies are my only option and judging by the fact that I have gotten a response I think I am on the right road.

Step 10 - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it

Attending meetings everyday listening to all the suggestions and readings and applying it to my new lifestyle where applicable.

Step 11 - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out

I don't believe in GOD! However I have been inspired by the beach meetings, seeing the sunrise on every Saturday Sunday morning. This has given me a new consciousness. In fact I am coming to the belief that my conscience maybe the higher power that I need to answer too. I now seem to be questioning myself on a regular basis with every issue of goodwill to all others and my tardiness, laziness personal cleanliness and general anal retentiveness. I see the laziness in myself and others as a real source to the problems we all have, I find links to every problem we talk about in the meetings, in the news, on the web in the world. Never mind the drugs and drink let's all get busy so we don't get the time to indulge in these problem pastimes.

Step 12 - Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs

If anyone agrees with these ideas or has any input please let me know? This is my interpretation and only applies to me. I realize this might not be for everyone else or in fact anyone else.

Original article

Drug Rehab For Young Adults

If you are a young adult and have a drug problem or have a family member who is suffering from addiction, an option would be to attend a residential young adult drug rehab clinic. There, you or your relative can start to make roads into recovering from dependency on drugs. Rehab clinics can offer the encouragement and support needed to be able to conquer this habit.

Adolescent Years

The teenage years and early adulthood can sometimes be a traumatic part of a person's life. They are much more emotionally vulnerable than people in their thirties and this can sometimes manifest as extreme mood swings. Many turn to drugs for different reasons, from emotional problems to peer pressure, and can easily become addicted. A rehab clinic can offer an ideal environment to deal with not only their addictions but also any associated problems.

Health Insurance

The cost of the stay could be covered by health insurance, so it is worthwhile to check this with the provider. These privately run clinics are comfortable and clean and the patient will be made to feel secure that they are going to receive the best possible treatment. All staff at the clinic is supportive and sensitive to each person's needs.

Peers

All the other patients are suffering from similar experiences and peer-to-peer support from people in a similar age group is an important part of the treatment. Group sessions can give the patient an opportunity to express their feelings and exchange ideas on how to overcome their cravings. They will also receive one to one counseling to try and get to the root of the problem.

Mental Illness

Sometimes, addictions can be indicative of mental illness and there are psychiatrists and psychologists at these residential care homes to provide any extra help needed. This could be through the use of medications. Other therapies can also be discussed.

Holistic Treatment

A much more holistic approach is taken by many clinics. For example, there are places that could offer treatments based on alternative therapies. These can deal with the stresses caused by cravings without the need for medication, or as a complementary therapy in addition to them if needed.

Recreation

Recreational activities are also on offer to ensure that the patient has something to keep him or her motivated in their recovery. They can take part in sports such as swimming or basketball. Other leisure activities on offer at many of these residential clinics are horse riding, fishing and even the occasional outing to the shops.

Life Skills Training

Young adults will also receive life skills coaching. This will help to prepare them for their future and get the ball rolling on their future plans such as education or career options. This is a very important part of treatment as it gives the young adults options and helps them think about their future enabling them to get better to achieve their goals.

Family

The family is also very much involved in the patient's recovery program. They can receive advice and education on recognizing emotional triggers that could lead to a relapse. They also get emotional support and family counseling. Families are also encouraged to get involved in some leisure activities with their loved ones.

Staying at a young adult drug rehab clinic can be a positive experience. Young adult rehab centers cater to any addiction and provide treatment for all drugs. From weed treatment to heroin detox, a young adult is sure to find a program that will hep them get their lives back on track. Once the patient is ready to leave, they will receive ongoing support. Addictions can be conquered is you seek the right help.

Original article

Exercise Addiction: Harmful Health Habit

To be perfectly honest we could all stand to be a bit more healthy, particularly when it comes to getting exercise. There is, however, a point when a good, healthy habit turns into a harmful addiction that is actually doing damage to the person with the addiction instead of improving their life.

What Is Exercise Addiction?

At it's most basic, exercise addiction is a behavioral addiction, but it really stems from body image issues that can drive the afflicted to push their exercise regime past the point where it's healthy and beneficial to where it can have lasting long-term destructive effects on the body of the person.

While the point at which exercise moves from healthy habit to harmful addiction will vary from person to person, the standard for the shift is when exercising starts having a detrimental effect on the addicts life, including having an impact on their body, mind, work, and social interactions. Whereas a person with a healthy exercise routine will skip a session if work or their personal life impedes their ability to exercise, an addict will eschew work or social interactions just to work out, and will actually have withdrawal symptoms if something prevents them from exercising.

Effects of Exercise Addiction

Unlike addictions to things like drugs or even alcohol and gambling, the ramifications for exercise addiction are different because the addiction can easily progress to dangerous levels before being noticed. In addition to avoiding social and professional obligations in an effort to exercise more, those afflicted with exercise addiction also face real health problems associated with the disease.

While a healthy work out schedule factors in time to let the body recover from the activity, those with an addiction will not only push their bodies past the point of exhaustion within their work out, but will not allow their bodies to recover from the work out before doing another one, which can cause damage to muscle and joint tissue. In addition to damage to joints and muscles, lack of sleep and eating disorders are also closely related to exercise addiction as the addict will not take in the nutrients they need or get a healthy nights sleep.

Treatment

Treating exercise addiction is much like treating an addiction to gambling, as both are focused on the release of endorphins within the brain. While there are no medications approved for the treatment of exercise addiction, exposure and response prevention treatments are the most popular way to help those with the addiction. Those with both an exercise and eating disorder will often receive treatment concurrently since the conditions are often linked and treating them both allows the mental health professional to get to the root of the problem.

If you or somebody you know has an exercise addiction, the best thing you can do for yourself or your friend is to have them reach out to a professional that specializes in behavioral addictions before they do irreparable damage to their bodies.

Aiden Owens has battled his own addictions, including a gambling addiction that pushed him to visit Williamsville Wellness, a leading Virginia substance abuse treatment center. To learn more about Williamsville Wellness and how they can help you with your addictions, visit them online at: WilliamsvilleWellness.com.

Original article

Preparing For Alcohol Treatment

Alcohol treatment can be the result of your journey in discovering that you no longer can manage your drinking. The warning signs of problem drinking can be subtle at first and grow more overwhelming as your loss of control plays a bigger role in your life. Knowing the warning signs can help you ward off the risk of alcoholism and return you to a more balanced, healthful existence.

Are You Addicted

You might not instantly see yourself as a problem drinker. High-functioning people in demanding, successful careers who drink in excess may not realize that they, too, have a drinking problem. You might see that you are losing connection with a life you once led as a result of your drinking, and wish to change course.

Signs

As part of a loss of connection to the outside world, you might notice you are spending more time at home drinking alone, maybe for hours at a time. You also may find yourself going to bars more often and drinking after work or other times of the day. During these drinking sessions, you can easily lose track of how much you have consumed, which is another sign that you may need treatment.

Why You Drink

You may think that drinking is required for you to feel outgoing or at peace with your surroundings. You might drink to get ready for a social event, and wind up not attending because you have become drunk. You may arrive at the event intoxicated or become drunk shortly thereafter and not remember the event the next day.

The Toll

Mood swings and depression may take hold of your life as your alcohol intake grows, prompting you to seek treatment. You may become upset with others for reasons you do not fully understand. You also may feel guilt if you are unable to control your drinking or become depressed over how you have treated others or yourself.

Increased Need

You may begin to have cravings for alcohol at certain times of the day or begin to have physical reactions in times when you go without alcohol. This can develop into obsessive thoughts about obtaining liquor and keeping a supply on hand at all times. You also may carefully note when someone else drinks from your supply or you may not understand why others do not feel the need to drink as much as you do as a warning that you need help.

Family and Friends

As your drinking progresses, many friends and family members may begin to avoid you. They may be uncertain as to how you will act around them or be unsure as to whether you will become a danger to yourself or others in an outburst or while driving intoxicated. You might experience an intervention or confrontation from those close to you as a way to show you what is happening in your life.

Deciding to seek alcohol treatment may come as a huge relief to you and as a way to take back your life in a positive way. The work you do for rehabilitation can help put you on track to regain control of your health and your way of interacting with others. You may need more than just treatment and may have to go to a residential treatment center. You may soon find that you are able to reconnect with what is most important to you without using alcohol to cope.

Original article

Residential Prescription Drug Rehab Centers

Considering the idea of going to a residential prescription drug rehab center can be a hard choice for many people. It can also be confusing for some individuals, since there are often a number of different programs, facilities and methods to choose from these days. Even so, many find that this type of approach can be the ideal way to get back on track again, so that they're better able to fight their addiction in general.

A Hard Fight

People commonly have a hard time fighting their addiction, regardless of what it might be. However, those who suffer from an addiction regarding medically prescribed products often have a more difficult time in most cases. Sometimes, this is due to the easy access they have, for the most part, and because it is technically legal.

Easier Access

Oftentimes, the difficulty that people have when it comes to working on their addiction with prescription-based medication, along with it being so legally accessible, is the fact there are fewer things to stop them. Granted, the person prescribing such medications may often limit their patient on how often they can get a new one but it's not always possible for professionals to recognize when a situation may be headed in the wrong direction for someone. In the end, it's up to the individual, their willingness to accept their addiction, as well their ability to fight against it.

A Good Fit

Although there are several types of programs available, it's important to make sure that you choose something you can feel comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable or pleased with the approach that you choose to use then you may not have the ideal results. Either way, many find that there are flexible options, depending on what one might prefer in general.

Choose A Center

Despite the different programs you can decide on, many people have found that treatment centers can generally provide the most success, depending on one's circumstances. These centers tend to vary in nature when in regards to the type of treatment that they provide. Most, however, tend to focus between group and individual care, so it's key to choose what may be more appealing to you.

Different Approaches

Even though some programs may focus on certain beliefs and religion, many centers use a psychological approach. This is usually something that is based on cognitive behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be ideal for those who not only want to work toward their recovery, but also to be able to survive the temptation that can be involved when in regards to everyday life.

The Right Tools

Many individuals find that they can gain the most success when they're able to gain the right tools to be able to do so on their own. This generally involves being able to dig deep into their own mindset so they're able to assess their life, choices, and behavior more effectively. This is because many addictions tend to be based around such factors.

Since one prescription drug rehab may vary from another, it's important to do your research before deciding on one. This is because it's important to find one that will suit your needs and personality so you're able to find use and comfort with that particular environment,especially when going through drug detox. Some may provide a strict or structured environment for those who feel they need it while others may offer male or female-only living situations, which some people may prefer as well.

Original article

Ten Tips To Help You Quit Drinking

The decision to quit an alcohol addiction is a hard one, so let's take a look at ten useful tips and hints that will help you walk down the path of a life without depending on alcohol.

1) Undertake it for your own benefit - You need to want it to be successful. Your good friends, family, or whoever might be suggesting that you stop shouldn't be the only element in your final decision to quit. If you do not undertake it for yourself, you'll only find yourself starting out with a setback.

2) The Benefits of Physical Activity - Many studies have shown that people who keep fit whilst attempting to remain sober are usually unlikely to backslide. Exercising tends to reduce tension whilst keeping an individual in a far more peaceful state, and that is a real benefit when making an effort towards sobriety.

3) Reward yourself - Sometimes men and women get so concentrated on establishing targets, that they fail to treat themselves for the ones they have already reached. Incentives are necessary to recuperate, as they really encourage you to stick to any sobriety plan you're on. So the more frequent the incentive, the more effective quitting alcohol becomes.

4) Do not guilt trip yourself when unsuccessful - Getting irritated with yourself for a momentary drawback will be non productive, and will make people more prone to not give up. If you do slip, just forget it and move on. This is alcohol addiction we're talking about here, one of the greatest problems that you are ever going to have to deal with.

5) Get Outside Support - No matter whether it's Alcoholics Anonymous, some type of therapy, or another established technique to get sober, be sure to find something beyond your normal span of thinking and viewpoints. Doing it alone is in all possibility not the very best idea, as a lot of your own thoughts and ideas might very well have been a contributing factor to your alcohol dependency during the early stages.

6) Spend as little time by yourself as you possibly can - For single people this can be a tall order. If you're unable to surround yourself with people, go outside more as this will help give you a fresh new mind-set with regards to daily life.

7) Make an alcohol free day to day program - Wake up earlier, include some physical activity in your schedule, the possibilities are endless. After all, to end drinking alcohol is to create a clean beginning on its own.

8) Defeating alcoholism is a distinct challenge for everyone that will come with its very own steps and timetable. There just aren't any rules or time limits for the change from alcohol addiction to sobriety.

9) For those who do have a problem with alcohol, then the very best action will be the first one mentioned. Decide to quit drinking today and you're be closer than before to an alcohol free life.

10) Just what support do you need to stop drinking today? - Make sure you take a peek at an amazing FREE guide to quit drinking titled "A Practical Approach To Understanding And Dealing With Alcoholism", which reveals a personalized plan for you to remove alcohol from your life permanently.

Learn More About How To Quit Drinking With This Tried And Tested Quit Drinking Guide Written By Ed Philips. You Will Discover How You Can Quit Drinking In Just 21 Days.... And Find Out For Yourself The Real Benefits Of Quitting Alcohol!

Original article

Alcohol Addiction Treatment - Which Program Is Best?

Alcohol addiction treatment helps thousands of alcoholics across the United States make lasting recoveries each year. Although laypeople often still view alcoholism as a matter of willpower, clinical alcohol addiction treatment is required for long-term sobriety. Like every other addiction, alcoholism is a neurological disease.

There are three primary types of treatment plans for alcoholics - inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient. They each have their advantages and disadvantages, and certain programs are better for certain life situations. Here are the details on the different programs offered for alcohol addiction treatment.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient rehab programs are designed to quickly produce radical lifestyle changes. They are the most effective way for severely addicted people to become sober, but they also require the most time and effort. Inpatients spend thirty to ninety days living full-time at their treatment facilities, and they receive fifty or more hours of intensive therapies per week.

These therapies primarily include evidence-based treatments such as individual counseling, group discussions, and family therapy. Overall, these therapies are designed to uncover the root causes of alcoholics' addictions and teach them strategies for coping with future temptations to drink. They also help alcoholics form healthy friendships, repair old friendships, and crate positive home environments. Such long-term strategies are what make alcohol addiction treatment so effective.

Partial Hospitalization

Also called day and night programs, partial hospitalization is a transitional treatment method for alcoholics who have already undergone an inpatient stay. Recovering alcoholics are sometimes not ready to face the challenges and responsibilities of living on their own full-time, so they continue to receive therapies during daytime hours.

In the evenings, they are free to return home under the supervision of clinic staff. They practice clean living and prepare to make their transitions to more independent, sober lives. Although partial hospitalization is less involved than inpatient treatment, participants still receive intensive, evidence-based therapies when they attend their clinics.

Outpatient Treatment

Some alcoholics suffer only short relapses. Others may not have the time to dedicate to an inpatient program. Careers, families, and financial obligations make it impossible for some people to set aside one to three months of their lives to focus on recovery. For these alcoholics, outpatient programs are often the best choice.

Outpatient alcohol addiction treatment involves the same intensive therapies as other programs. However, patients are only required to visit their clinics for a few hours per day. Once they have received treatment, they are free to use the rest of their time as they see fit. Although this level of freedom may not work well for people who are still physically dependent on alcohol, outpatient treatment allows relapsed addicts the opportunity to seek help without disrupting their daily lives.

If you or someone you love is currently struggling with addiction, click the links below to find a treatment center near you. Alcoholism is a crippling disease, but inpatient alcohol addiction treatment can help you achieve sobriety and get your life back on the right track.

Get alcohol addiction treatment right now.

Click here to to learn more about our professional drug rehab. We're available 24 hours per day for a free, confidential consultation.

Original article

The Physical and Psychological Effects of Meth Addiction

Meth addiction is one of the uglier chemical dependencies you'll run into on the street in terms of the physical toll it takes on the body. We've all seen the billboards, methamphetamine is highly addictive and it can happen very quickly. Users report feeling an incredibly intense high and rush of euphoria when ingesting the drug. Additional reported side effects are increased energy, focus, confidence, sexual prowess and feelings of desirability. Just like many other illicit substances, more and more of the drug is required to achieve that same high that was experienced in the beginning, and before you know it, you've succumbed to the nasty disease of meth addiction.

Meth is a very versatile drug as it can be dissolved and swallowed, smoked, snorted or injected. The psychological and physical effects of prolonged meth use are equally versatile, quickly damaging the brain, skin, tissue, teeth and mouth as well as countless other organs in the body.

Meth Addiction and the Brain

Drug abuse almost always becomes habitual simply because the user likes the way the drug makes them feel. Pleasurable, euphoric feelings are produced in our brains by the chemical dopamine. Every single drug that's abused including alcohol and cigarettes causes excess dopamine to be released from our brain. No other drug on the market causes your brain to produce more dopamine that methamphetamine. It produces such a windfall of the chemical that over time, excessive meth use actually destroys the part of your brain that creates dopamine, making it impossible for those afflicted with meth addiction to feel pleasure. In addition to the complete destruction of the dopamine receptors in the brain, chronic meth abuse can also lead to psychotic behavior including paranoia, insomnia, anxiety, intense aggression, delusions and hallucinations and even death.

Meth Addiction and Physical Appearance

The reason that the billboards scattered across the country with images of meth addicts depicted on them remain so vividly in our minds is because of the astounding impact that methamphetamine has on its user's outward appearances. Many physical implications of meth addiction include the following:

Acne and sores that take an excessive amount of time to heal as a result of the destruction of tissues and blood vessels in the body, rendering it incapable of properly healing itself

Pale complexion

Dry or itchy skin

Strong body odor due to a lack of personal hygiene

Skin losing its elasticity and therefore starting to appear to hang off the bone, making the addict appear significantly older than they are

Extreme weight loss

Hair loss

Discolored, rotten or missing teeth also known as "meth mouth"

Methamphetamine is a terrible drug that in addition to the psychological and physical effects listed above, increased risk factors as a result of meth addiction also include liver damage, stroke, a jump in body temperature which can cause brain damage and death.

Ben Brafman, LMHC, CAP is the President and CEO of Destination Hope, a licensed dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields, which led him to develop a combination of innovative treatment protocols at Destination Hope. He has been published on various topics including dual diagnosis and chemical dependency, and gives back to the community by educating other addiction counselors at his Academy for Addiction Professionals. If you or a loved one has found yourself with a meth addiction, please call the counselors at Destination Hope today so they can safely help you recover from this self-defeating illness.

Original article

Dual Diagnosis in Addiction Treatment

Dual diagnosis is an issue that comes up with many people who suffer with drug and alcohol addiction. Approximately 53 percent of people who have drug addictions also suffer from a mental illness. Similarly, nearly half of the people who are diagnosed with severe mental disorders also have issues with drug and alcohol abuse. This statistical data shows that mental disorder and substance abuse are directly related to one another. Therefore, in order for individuals to receive adequate and effective treatment for drug addiction, they must also receive a diagnosis and treatment for the underlying mental illness.

Relationship Between Mental Illness and Drug Abuse
In most cases, people who suffer from mental illness have difficulty maintaining emotional and psychological stability. Depression and anxiety are often symptoms associated with the mental disorder. Additionally, compulsive and impulsive behaviors are found to exist within people with underlying mental illnesses. Many individuals with existing mental disorders attempt to self-medicate by using illegal substances. These substances may temporarily alleviate depression and anxiety due to their ability to alter brain chemicals. The self-medication process quickly leads to compulsive rituals with the substances, thus causing the sufferers to have severe mental addictions as well as physical habits.

Continued use of illegal substances causes further imbalances in the brain chemicals of the users. For example, prolonged opiate usage interferes with the brain's natural production of endorphins. Eventually, such prolonged usage results in the users' complete inability to produce endorphins naturally. The lack of endorphins causes the symptoms of the preexisting mental condition to worsen. The users are then compelled to self-medicate further and the cycle continues.

Treatment and Dual Diagnosis
Proper treatment for individuals with mental illness and drug addiction issues involves a regimen of medicinal and psychological therapy. The treatment must be approached in stages, with the drug addiction taking precedence over the mental disorder. The first stage of adequate care would involve a supervised detoxification program. The patients must be carefully purified of all toxins and monitored to avoid suicide attempts and bouts of psychosis.

Once the patients are clear of all foreign substances, the caregiver can begin to assess them for the underlying mental disorder. Assessment could involve collecting data by way of question and answer sessions, psychiatric evaluations, behavioral monitoring, or a mixture of methods. Determining the correct diagnosis is crucial to the treatment process. Thorough evaluation must be conducted as the patients may have several overlapping mental disorders.

Treating the mental disorders should be handled with a blend of medication and talk therapy. Anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms after drug use cessation. However, the bulk of the mental disorder should be treated with either cognitive or behavioral therapy. The patients will have to learn coping strategies after getting the root of the psychological disturbances.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher living in Austin, Texas. Over the years he has become an authority on drug addiction recovery Texas. If you would like to learn more about this subject, then the author recommends a visit to OriginsRecovery.com

Original article

Drug Rehab Helps Addicts Overcome Addiction

Many people wonder how drug rehab works and if it is worth the cost. Anyone whose life has been changed due to successful completion of the programs can testify to its great benefit. The steps involved include physical, emotional and mental treatment to help an addict overcome the physical addiction and prevent relapse. There are many reasons a person may turn to drugs or alcohol including family, work, or general stress. To overcome the addiction, the person also needs to learn better ways of dealing with the stress as well.

Detox

Detoxification is the first step in the process. This step often involves medical treatment for the physical addiction. When your body becomes addicted to a drug, it begins to need it. Without the drug, the body can have severe physical problems. There are different medical procedures including using other non-addictive drugs to reduce the dependency. This is a very trying time in the process and patients can often become sick, depressed, and even violent as they pass through this stage.

Therapy

Therapy is the second step in the process. Most initial therapy happens in a drug treatment center. In this situation, the patient lives with other recovering addicts going through the same process. Individual and group therapy is applied. This helps people understand the struggles, build a support system and learn to overcome the stresses that caused them to rely on drugs or alcohol. Other activities include outside activities to provide encouragement and promote healthy living.

Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient therapy is usually the third step. By this point, the patient has achieved a level of control that satisfies the counselors that the person can reenter society with success in dealing with stresses the right way. During this time, the patient is in frequent contact with their counselor and will attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings for group support. Part of this time is to help promote a concept called sober living. When a person has been addicted to something, it is often difficult for them to avoid that addiction when the stress of life attacks again. Having this support available, helps them turn to people that will encourage them instead of relapsing into their previous addiction.

Time Frame

The length of treatment varies by individual needs. Many programs have set time limits, but can vary the limits depending on the types of addictions the individual experiences. Most people who enter rehab centers have a pretty long treatment plan implemented. Some last a month, while others may last many months before leaving the center.

Relapse

People relapse for various reasons. It is extremely important for a person to learn how to appropriately cope with different stresses in order to survive in life. The treatment programs work hard to teach these coping skills and provide the support needed in aftercare. However, if a person reenters life in a situation where others around them continue to use drugs and alcohol it can be very difficult for him or her to abstain.

Drug rehab treatment works by dealing with both the physical and mental portions of the addictions. Through the therapy, individuals learn coping skills to help them find better ways of dealing with the stress that life sends their way. Rehab also helps the families of addicts by providing information and family counseling. Treatment costs outweigh the negative impact, both on society and on the individual.

Original article

Guide To Cocaine Rehab

When you first recognize that you are finding it difficult to deal with your cocaine addiction, you have begun the journey towards recovery. The next step is to want to change this and start your road to recovery. That may be the time to think about how cocaine rehab could help you.

The Right Fit

You will be able to choose the sort of facility you want to stay in. For example, you may want to stay with others in the same age group as yourself or you may not want to stay in a mixed sex clinic. But one thing that all clinics will have in common is the comfortable and peaceful surroundings where you will be made to feel at home and receive all the help and encouragement you need.

Level Of Care

Wherever you go to recover from your drug addiction, you will discover the same level of care and support to help you kick the habit. The only requirement is that you do not bring any drugs into the clinic. If your habit has overtaken your life to the extent that you have lost your job or home, you will be helped with this. You can also receive skills training with math and literacy, which will help you to secure employment once you leave.

Your Surroundings

The clinic where you stay during your treatment will have all the comforts you can expect to make your stay more pleasant and help you overcome your drug problem. The staff has been specially trained to give you lots of encouragement to help you change your ways. Your family can also receive advice on the best way to help you during your stay and once you leave the clinic.

Different Treatments

Different types of treatment are available. There are some clinics that take a holistic approach to addiction problems and you could benefit from receiving some alternative therapies. This could be reflexology, massage or acupuncture. These techniques can help you cope with the stress that sometimes makes you want to give in to your cravings.

More Help

Other methods that are in use are counseling sessions, either on your own or with a group, or both. Peer support can be an excellent way to recovery, as you can share problems with others suffering from similar addictions and you can help each other along the way. Staff are also available 24 hours a day should you need help any time during the day or night.

Psychiatric Help

Sometimes, drug addictions can lead to mental health problems. Or it could be the other way around and mental health problems could have contributed to your dependence problem. The professional medical personnel you will meet during your stay in rehab will give you all the help you need, including psychiatric help and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Once you have made the decision to live a life free of drugs, it may be time for you to consider staying at a cocaine rehab clinic. Receiving support during and after your stay will help you stay free from addictions as well as continuing with drug counseling after rehab. Drugs do not have to take over your life, you can overcome this problem.

Original article

The Christian-Porn Connection Part 3

Action - Where Belief and Faith Connect

The first article in this series talked about the need to develop an awareness of the problem of pornography or lust, both as a church body as well as individually. The second article talked about the importance of accepting there is a problem if wanting to be free of lusts power.

This article looks at the importance of taking necessary action to overcome lust addiction, explores practical ways to do this, and highlights the challenges.

The way an addict acts out the fantasy manufactured by pornography is often through masturbating, so trying to give up lust while continuing to masturbate is futile. Sexual abstinence, while controversial, is often necessary before someone successfully breaks the addictive cycle and recovers.

Debate exists over whether a person needs to stop the addictive behaviour first in order to deal with the underlying issues, or vice versa. The answer is both/and. Without stopping the acting out the underlying issues remain hidden, conversely ignoring the underlying issues leads to relapse.

Lust distorts a person's reality and their thinking, making it difficult to identify and address the underlying issues. Addressing the addictive behaviour and then addressing any issues that fuel the addictive behaviour is a practical and sensible approach.

Removing all pornographic material, as well as putting boundaries in place to block easy access points is necessary. Avoiding the 'old environment' where lust was purchased or consumed, such as alone with the internet, in a DVD store, newsagent, or street the brothel is on, is helpful to minimize unnecessary temptation.

Making these decisions in isolation from other people while in the addictive cycle inhibits recovery. These decisions require self-motivated accountability, otherwise 'when' temptation strikes, the boundary lines erode, and the person is back online or driving to the newsagent or brothel once more.

Lust addiction drives people into themselves, causing them to live inside their own heads. People often try to overcome lust from this position, severely compounding the struggle. This approach traps people within the addictive cycle, as they remain isolated, trying to think or white knuckle their way out of the problem.

In the early stages of the journey toward sobriety, there can often be a hypersensitivity to lust images. Driving down the road, watching TV, or sitting in the train can take on a completely new reality. People often feel lust is attacking them. Withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, or even depression are also normal and expected during this time.

Lust addiction progressively isolates people. Addressing the issue in the context of a safe community is fundamental to long-term victory. Even though a large number of people struggle with pornography, there is not often an open atmosphere to enable sharing.

Talking in a group about the challenges, difficulties, victories, and being encouraged by others that are recovering from the same issues, promotes safety and a sense of community. While not a replacement to one's faith community, identifying with other's experiences and sharing one's own experience in this context, births hope and helps remove the feeling of isolation. Once connected with other people the strategies that follow are more effective.

Acknowledging one's own powerlessness and asking for God's help, allows His grace to start operating. Praying to God whenever tempted with a lust image or situation, helps to create a connection to God, instead of a feeling of aloneness. Phoning safe and trusted people as part of the 'action' of surrender is a powerful intervention, and a vital strategy to being free from taking the lust drink.

Unfortunately, people often believe the lie that being tempted is a sin, causing them to hide from God when they most need Him. Taking the actions above, 'in the moment' of temptation, is the key, as this is where belief and faith connect, allowing God's grace to come in and expel the temptation and ultimately the obsession.

When pornography and acting out has been the main coping mechanism to deal with life's problems, unresolved issues and strong emotions such as fear and anxiety can begin to surface. For some, professional counselling may be necessary. Counselling can act as another pillar of support, enhancing a person's ability to overcome lust addiction, and the issues it masks.

While recovery is painful and difficult, it is not impossible. People who begin to experience freedom from lust start to feel a sense of wholeness, as reconciliation and healing with their true selves, others and God starts to transform the inner person. People begin to feel 'right', have self-respect, renewed confidence and self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.

Freedom from lust also allows people to experience what they were wanting all along but which lust could never deliver. This is often unwavering acceptance; power to live out their convictions, ethics, and morals; attain peace of mind and have hope for the future.

The actions outlined above help a person to walk increasing as 'new creations in Christ' (2 Cor 5:17). Walking this narrow road leads to life, allowing people's unique call from God to be reclaimed or discovered (Mt 7:14). This journey also helps lay the foundation that enables them to live out that call, dealing with the challenges along the way.

Scott has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counselling through Tabor College Victoria with a background in disability care and administration. He is a Graduate Member of the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA) and a Level 2 Member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). As well as Scott's work with the whole range of issues brought to counselling, his areas of special interest are helping people struggling with addictions, their spouses and family members, and those with co-dependency and co-addiction issues.

http://www.elijahcounselling.com.au/
http://www.lifebuilders.org.au/

Original article

The Addictive Properties of Modern Street Drugs

Drugs have been used recreationally for thousands of years. Over the past century, new technology has made several new classes of drugs available to consumers. Some drugs are minimally addictive, while others are highly addictive. The addictive qualities of a drug are based on how they interact with the human nervous system. Drugs that change or alter the reward system of the human brain are usually the most addictive.

The human brain and nervous system uses several chemicals to create a sense of pleasure in the body. These neurotransmitters are called serotonin and dopamine. They reward the body for certain behaviors, such as eating food, maintaining health, and sex. When someone eats a delicious meal, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, creating a sense of pleasure in the person eating.

Different types of drugs interact with the human reward system in different ways.

Depressants

Depressants are one of the oldest classes of drugs. Depressants include alcohol, benzodiazapines, Z-drugs, and sedatives. These drugs create a sense of relaxation and euphoria in the user. Depressants often cause the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that induces sleep and relaxation.

Depressants are highly addictive, and can have dangerous side effects. Withdrawal from depressants can cause insomnia, irritability, depression, anxiety, and sometimes death. Alcoholics should never quit 'cold turkey' due to the risk of seizures.

Stimulants

Stimulants work in the opposite way of depressants. Stimulants cause a massive release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine inside the brain. They increase heart rate, cause a sense of euphoria, and are often used as performance enhancement drugs.

Mild stimulants include drugs like caffeine found in coffee. Stronger stimulants include amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and phentermine.

Many stimulants can cause cardiac problems. Stimulants increase the metabolism of the human body, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Many stimulants will reduce one's appetite.

Stimulants can be extremely addictive. Since many stimulants cause a massive release of serotonin and dopamine, they create a sense of pleasure in the user that is not found naturally in nature. Many users report that the high they get from methamphetamine is the best feeling they have had in their lives. Stimulant use can damage the reward system of the user, creating a permanent type of depression in the user known as anhedonia.

Opiates

Opiates are a class of drugs used for treating pain. They include prescription drugs like codeine, hydro codeine, morphine, and demerol. They also include street drugs like heroin, desomorphine, and illicit fentanyl.

Opiates can be extremely addictive. They create a physical dependence in the user that can be challenging to break. Withdrawal symptoms for opiates include flu-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, diarrhea, and severe depression.

Before quitting any drug, talk to a healthcare professional. Some street drugs have dangerous withdrawal effects.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher specializing in Texas drug rehabs. For readers who are interested in learning more about this subject, Peter recommends they check out OriginsRecovery.com.

Original article

A 4th Step Inventory: One of Its Many Benefits

The Big Book figuratively describes the importance of conducting a moral inventory when it compares the 4th Step process to a business owner taking inventory of the value of salable merchandise when referring to, "A business which takes no regular inventory usually goes broke. Taking a commercial inventory is a fact-finding and fact-facing process.... If the owner of the business is to be successful, he cannot fool himself about values." When we examine ourselves through the use of the metaphor of the business that could go broke if an inventory is not taken it is clear that our own "searching and fearless moral inventory" is needed so we do not end up spiritually bankrupt and looking for our "drug of choice".

I liked the concept of rigorous self-examination but knew little about how to begin it and more importantly I wanted someone to clarify for me what I could expect to gain from this seemingly arduous task. More specifically my question, plainly put was: what was in it for me?

I had received many opinions and admonitions about what would happen to me if I shirked this task but it was not until I completed my 4th and 5th Steps that I fully understood the personal payoff for me. All of us have known individual blessings that come with the successful completion of an inventory and the sharing of it with God, another human being, and ourselves but mine was so fundamental that I was surprised that I missed it.

I had spent many years managing my hurt and other emotional challenges by formulating ways of being superior to others or developing strategies that would allow me to get even with those that had hurt me. In the end, I was still hurt by what I had become and I had managed to injure many others, who really did not deserve it. The insights I acquired as a result of completing my 4th and 5th Step work helped me to take editorial liberty with an adage that I had heard many times growing up: "hurt people hurt people." While it is true that hurt people sometimes injure others, it is not true that hurt people have to deal with the hurt by mistreating others. My Step work helped me to translate the adage into a phrase the really made sense for me:

Hurt people oftentimes hurt people but it is not required!

My inventory helped me to acknowledge the hurts that I had endured in various circumstances and at the hands of numerous others. The analysis of those injuries and the resentments that evolved from them could now be addressed and not obscured by the wrongs that I had done in the name of "getting even". I did not have to get even with those that hurt me but I did need to understand what happened and the resentments that developed over time. Likewise the wrongs that I had perpetrated in the lives of others were no longer excused by the "eye for an eye" rule that I had used in the past to deal with the injuries I suffered. The "hurt people hurt people" proverb began to take on new meaning when I came to see those who had hurt me as "sick people". Being hurt was no longer going to be an excuse or justification for hurting others or withdrawing into my self-constructed prison of isolation. I would need to understand what drove me to hurt others and I was going to get those answers in an honest examination of my own defects of character.

If you would like to gain a richer understanding of Step 4 and learn more about what we feel are both the challenges and benefits to completing a 4th Step inventory I invite you to review Surveying the Wreckage: A Guide to the Fourth Step: www.facebook.com/surveyingthewreckage

To learn more about the author and Leadem Counseling & Consulting Services please go to: http://www.leademcounseling.com/

Original article

Why Alcohol Counseling Is Important

When someone is suffering with an addiction to alcohol, it is not easy for them to talk to just anyone about their feelings. Getting alcohol counseling from someone trained to help people get sober and stay sober is important. Many alcoholics have feelings of guilt and shame that can cause them to be depressed. While they may recognize a need for change, they do not always know how to deal with the struggles they face.

The Professionals

Trained counselors have the expertise necessary for guiding individuals to and through the process of recovery. These professionals are non-judgmental and genuinely want their clients to succeed. There are several options for individuals who are ready for help. The counselor listens to the alcoholic without being critical and makes every effort to help the person find the process that works best for them.

The Evaluation

The substance abuse counselor will complete a comprehensive evaluation with the individual seeking help. It is important for the counselor to get to know the person's history, family history, any medical issues he or she may be having, about their relationships with family and friends and what has brought them to counseling.

The Plan

The trained professional will develop a case plan based on the information gathered during the assessment. Because there are a number of approaches the professional can use, it is important to gather as much information about the client as possible. With any type of addiction there are issues that will need to be identified and addressed so that the individual can overcome the addiction.

Confidentiality

Seeking help for alcohol addiction is handled with confidentiality. You can be assured that what is said in your sessions is between you and the counselor. Confidentiality is extremely important for building a trusting relationship between the counselor and the client. The client must feel safe in order to open up and deal with his or her issues successfully.

The Root Of The Problem

A good counselor will be able to help the person not only get sober but learn to appropriately cope with the problems that drinking to excess has caused. The professional will assist the alcoholic to take control of their life and learn to live without alcohol. Following the goals and objectives that were set up before counseling began, the individual will gain confidence as they see their progress.

The Decision

It is important that the person seeking help contacts a trained substance abuse counselor as soon as they feel ready. Making the decision to make changes that will help you lead a sober life is the first step to getting better. Once the person is able to identify what triggers lead them to want a drink, the counselor is able to help them learn healthy coping skills to prevent relapse.

Remember that a trained professional has experience in providing alcohol counseling. Based on each individual's assessment, the counselor will develop a treatment plan that will work best. They help the individual develop goals and objectives and assist with learning alternative coping behaviors so they can maintain their sobriety. Remember that there are a number of problems that a person will be dealing with that are a direct result of excessive drinking they may even need to be in an alcohol rehab program to overcome their addiction.

Original article

Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Post Acute Withdrawal

Alcohol addiction treatment has come a long way over the last several decades. Now that doctors understand the neurological basis of addiction, clinical alcohol addiction treatment centers are able to help thousands of alcoholics achieve lasting sobriety every year.

Unfortunately, a condition called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS, threatens almost all rehab patients' recoveries. Setting in immediately after detox, PAWS makes it extremely difficult for addicts to effectively engage their therapies. PAWS can also linger for months or even years, making it difficult for alcoholics to avoid relapse. The following are some of them most common symptoms.

*Continued alcohol cravings

*New cravings for food or other drugs

*Depression, paranoia, and anxiety

*Mood swings

*Constant overreaction or under-reaction to daily situations

*Loss of motor skills

*Short-term memory loss

*Inability to focus

*Exhaustion

*Hypersensitivity to physical pain

Some of these symptoms are the same as those experienced during withdrawal itself. Although PAWS is less severe than withdrawal, the long-term continuation of these kinds of mental, physical, and emotional problems makes it extremely difficult for alcoholics to avoid drinking.

PAWS sufferers often appear to be under the influence, as well. Because of this phenomenon, many recovering alcoholics have been dubbed "dry drunks." This term has contributed to society's stigma of alcoholism and is extremely frustrating for people who are struggling to avoid relapse.

A vast majority of recovering alcoholics report at least some of these symptoms. Many medical experts actually believe that all addicts experience PAWS, and that current statistics are inaccurate. Because this condition is so common, alcohol addiction treatment centers have begun makings its PAWS mitigation a top priority in their recovery programs. Here are some of the most effective strategies for dealing with the symptoms.

*Self-Reflection: During individual counseling sessions, alcoholics uncover the causes of their addictions and learn the people, places, and objects which trigger their compulsions to drink. To avoid succumbing to PAWS and relapsing, alcoholics must constantly reflect on their thoughts and behaviors, remember what they learned during treatment. By avoiding the negative thought patterns which lead to drinking, they can avoid temptations before they even occur.

*Purposeful Living: Depression, isolation, and other emotional PAWS symptoms can give alcoholics the impression than clean living is hardly worth the effort. They can avoid such feelings by finding meaning and purpose in their lives. Setting daily goals, making long-term plans, and engaging in spiritual quests for greater meanings in life are crucial.

*Frank Communication: Trusted friends or family members can make an enormous difference in recovering alcoholics' abilities to overcome PAWS and avoid relapse. These people provide healthy outlets for venting, and they can give gentle but honest feedback about alcoholics' irrational behaviors.

*Medication: In some cases, rehab clinicians will prescribe medications for dealing with certain PAWS symptoms. These are most effective in cases where alcoholics suffer from depression or other hormonal imbalances.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, click the links below to find a rehab facility near you. Alcoholism is a life-threatening disease, but alcohol addiction treatment can help you get back on your feet.

Get alcohol addiction treatment right now.

Click here to to learn more about our professional drug rehab. We're available 24 hours per day for a free, confidential consultation.

Original article

Pranayama - Breathing Exercise for Overall Health and Prosperity

Most of us are of the view that breathing is an involuntary action and doesn't require to be done in a particular way. However, most of us tend to breathe in a wrong way like taking shallow breaths, breathing through the mouth and using our chests instead of our diaphragms.

Made up of two words Prana + Ayam, Pranayam is a simple breathing exercise that involves controlling or giving rhythm to the flow of prana within the body. This particular breathing exercise involves voluntary control of breath i.e. breathe more slowly and deeply which in turn can have positive effects on the body, mind and soul.

By practicing pranayama, you train yourself to improve your breathing. Consequently, you will witness lower stress level, better blood circulation, and better functioning of autonomous body systems. Though the benefits of Pranayama are innumerable, some common benefits that improve the quality of our lives include the following.

• Healthy heart and improved Blood Circulation- Many of the heart problem arises due to heart getting insufficient oxygenated blood. Deep Pranayama breathing fills our lungs with enough oxygen. Freshly oxygenated blood travels from lungs to the heart which ultimately is pumped to every part of the body improving blood circulation.

• Effective Relief Against Stress - Pranayama is great defense against stress. Our mind is very unstable and pranayama controls the fluctuating mind and allows it becomes more focused. This deep breathing exercise provides liberation from negative thoughts, anger, depression, greed and other such depressing thoughts.

• Better Functioning of Body Organs - This sort of slow and deep breathing exercise helps in removal of toxins from the body and better distribution of oxygen to all parts of the body including the lungs, heart, diaphragm, abdomen, intestines, kidneys and pancreas. Consequently, the inception of many diseases is prevented.

• Increases the Longevity as well as Quality of Life - As a person grows in age, the lung capacity decreases as lung tissues tend to grow less and becomes less elastic. Pranayama being a low and deep breathing exercise increases the life of a creature. It lowers blood pressure and eases muscle tension.

Pranayama aims at preparing people to extend and regulate their breathing in simple way, thus providing both physical as well as mental benefits. So next time life seems to be taking a toll on you, just stop, and take a deep breath by making use of your entire lung capacity.

Chamunda Swami Ji practicing spiritual healing in USA as well as in India. Swami Ji also conducts world tours of his spiritual seminar wherein he gives discourses on Meditation Techniques, Mantra and Tantra followed by a live question and answer session. - Indian Spiritual Healing

Original article

Alcohol Awareness and MIP Classes Help Address Peer Pressure Issues Among Teens

Peer pressure is the number one influence in a teenager's every day life. Many parents might think that their teens actions are mainly influenced by the parents, but in today's society this just isn't as true as it once was. Much of a teenagers behavior, especially behavior like drinking alcohol, can be caused by peer pressure from the wrong types of "friends." Alcohol awareness classes can help teens fight peer pressure and be prepared to be their own person.

The biggest reason that teens drink as a result of peer pressure is simple, they want to be accepted by the group he or she is trying to fit with. This influence can cause many teens to become fully dependent on alcohol before they hit 17 years old. The best way to counteract this dangerous path isn't just by removing the negative types of peer pressure, but reinforcing your teen with positive types of peer pressure, such as the learning challenges of alcohol awareness courses.

Alcohol awareness classes or "Minor in Possession Classes" as they are often called, are great for young teens just entering high school, or even middle school. These classes will help them learn effective techniques that will assist them to fight off the peer pressure they'll surely encounter. The type of education that an alcohol awareness class can offer will show them the proper application of positive peer pressure. It can give them the ability of helping him or herself that may not have been achieved on their own.

There is more than one way to get your teen enrolled in alcohol awareness classes. First, there are the traditional live classes, then, there are also the more modern in-home classes that are done online. In the traditional live classes, there are several down falls but one sure positive.

The down falls of the traditional classrooms are commute time, rearranging work and school schedules, and even the group aspect of it all. It can be very embarrassing to sit in a big group with other students. The embarrassment and shyness can be keep them from learning the most important information in the class.

There is one big positive in going to a traditional classroom alcohol awareness class, it's the live instructor. Few things can beat a professional and knowledgeable alcohol awareness instructor, but sadly, few are that knowledgeable. That fact make the second option a sure fire way to learn.

When considering online alcohol awareness class, the student will be at ease when absorbing the lessons he or she will need to know to effectively fight peer pressure when faced with option of drinking alcohol and even drugs. If your teen is comfortable and at ease with the learning environment, he or she will be ready to learn.

If you combine that with the fact that no will know, he or she will be much more likely to remember and utilize what the lessons are designed to teach. These goals of these lessons will be achieved step by step, culminating in a final goal. With the lessons your teen learns heading toward this goal, their alcohol awareness certificate, they will be able to apply their own means of self-control over unpredictable situations. This will give them the power to make the right decisions with certainty.

This class isn't just for raising a teens confidence level, but the parents confidence in their teen as well. After a teen has completed an alcohol awareness class the parent can start to build, or rebuild a trust but verify relationship. That will allow the child to earn more freedom back as he gains more space. It is possible to effectively educate your teen about the threat of alcoholism and how to avoid the peer pressure, which can causes many to repeatedly drink and possible end their life in jail or in a casket.

Dr. Ari Novick is the President of AlcoholDrugClass.com. A website dedicated to educating people about alcohol awareness. Click here for more information on Alcohol Awareness Classes

Dr. Ari Novick also provides world class online Minor in Possession Classes

Original article

Natural Approaches To Drug Addiction

Breaking bad habits is hard to do, but breaking free from drug addiction is exponentially harder. Whether it's popping pills or falling prey to illegal drugs, drug addiction is no joke. People sometimes develop addictions to prescription pain medications like Oxycontin, Percocet, morphine, and Tylenol with codeine. Patients may start out merely trying to get some pain relief, but over time their bodies develop a tolerance and require higher doses for pain, which may lead to addiction.

Illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are also very addictive. When using these drugs over a long period of time, the body, brain and nervous system are damaged and affected in ways that are sometimes irreparable. Drug addicts' bodies are already ravaged by mind- and body-altering drugs, so a safer solution to help them quit would be a natural one.

Popular Treatments for Drug Addiction

Where do addicts typically turn when they want to quit? There are various rehabilitation programs available that may include treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, hypnosis, support group therapy, spiritual enrichment, and administration of drugs that help to counter withdrawal effects, etc. You can search for and learn about programs like these on the internet or by checking in the yellow pages.

Natural Remedies for Drug Addiction

Outside of these usual methods of treatment, there are other natural solutions that will aid in an addict's recovery. At natural rehabilitation centers, only natural means are used to detoxify the body and no new drugs are administered since it seems counterproductive to the goal of eliminating drug dependence. Drug addicts are usually very malnourished and lacking in certain vitamins, minerals and nutrients, so nutritional therapy is used to eliminate toxins and restore and repair the functions of the body that rely on proper diet and nutrition for physical and physiological health. Herbal medicines can be administered to help dull withdrawal symptoms, get rid of toxins, help patients relax, and cleanse the blood. Some great herbs that serve these purposes are chamomile, St. John's wort, Echinacea, Valerian, and milk thistle. Acupuncture has also been known to lessen withdrawal symptoms.

Other natural treatments include hypnotherapy, which helps to guard the subconscious mind from cravings and promote abstinence; chiropractic therapy, which helps to correct any physical problems in the body that may contribute to withdrawal symptoms; meditation, which assists in relaxation and lessens withdrawal symptoms; and physical activities such as yoga or Pilates, to relax and detoxify the body. Natural treatments such as these are safer, encourage positive lifestyle changes and have lasting effects; and natural is better.

Original article

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Romantic couple drinking a toast to their many years together

The Good

A cool drink is so refreshing and mellowing on a hot day! It melts away the busyness of the day. It's a great relaxant after a stressful day at work. It's the universal social lubricant when people get together for fun or celebration.

It also helps you postpone having to face present realities like an unhappy marriage, a dead-end job or feelings of guilt about something you've done...or not done. Alcohol can help you keep past traumas in the background, rather than in-your-face.

In general, alcohol helps to reduce fear, the universal emotion underlying all other negative emotions.
Stats Canada estimated that drinking was responsible for saving over 2500 lives in 2006.

Drinking alcohol is an isolating activity. When drinking, talking increases and listening decreases. Genuine communication and intimacy all but disappear. As time passes your drinking reduces your emotional connections to your spouse and family. Family needs are neglected.

Alcohol can kill you in 60 different ways. With ongoing overuse of alcohol, there is increased risk of deteriorating health and death. My daughter enjoyed her alcohol. She worked and she stayed married, but she died suddenly at 51 when her liver and other organs shut down.

Alcohol impairment begins with the first sip, and the first casualty is usually your judgment. You rapidly become less able to judge your level of impairment. This could lead to a decision to get behind the wheel. Sober, you could probably handle a difficult life situation, but impaired, you attempt suicide. Alcohol is involved in a very large proportion of suicides.

Ongoing alcohol abuse, whether via daily drinking or weekend excess, can lead to becoming alcohol dependent, which is, becoming an alcoholic.

Stats Canada estimated that drinking was responsible for over 9000 deaths in 2006.

The Ugly

"But I can't help it." "Alcohol runs in my family." "My wife doesn't understand me." "I have a chronic disease called alcoholism." "My life sucks, so it's my only pleasure." "It's not my fault." "She made me do it." "We were just having fun." "I'm a functioning alcoholic, so there's no problem." "I was okay, but the cop was out to get me." "No one can help me." "But everybody drinks." "I work and support us, so my drinking is your problem, not mine."

The alcoholic, from the high functioning alcoholic professional to the skid row alcoholic, has every excuse in the book for continuing to live as a victim of life, rather than taking charge. The thought of not being a victim is loaded with fear for the alcoholic.

The alcoholic who refuses to give up victimhood is saying in effect, "If I were to stop drinking and really clean up my life, I would have to give up all this 'poor me' stuff and take responsibility for my attitudes, feelings, emotions, beliefs and behaviors. I would have to make a lot of choices and changes, and the thought of all that at my age (30? 70?) is terrifying. It's easier to just stay a victim of life. Where's the beer?"

I invite you to reflect on the role alcohol plays in your life and your spouse's life, good, bad or ugly.

Psychologist Dr. Neill Neill maintains an active practice on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, with a focus on healthy relationships and life after addictions. He is the author of Living with a Functioning Alcoholic - A Woman's Survival Guide. Get a copy of his free report "Codependency and Alcohol Addiction" at http://www.neillneill.com/.

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Benefits Of Alcohol Treatment

The information that's circulating in regards to alcohol treatment can vary at times. In truth, there's a lot of misinformation and this often leads individuals to put off the idea of seeking help when they may need it desperately. Even so, those who do try this method often find that it can help for a variety of different reasons.

12-Step Program

When people think about this particular type of treatment, they sometimes automatically think about a 12-step program. Even though these programs can be effective for some individuals, it's not always something what will work or appeal to others. Many of these programs also tend to focus on a higher power or religious aspects, which is also something that may not appeal to everyone.

Some Resistance

Since some people may have other religious beliefs or are agnostic by nature, 12-step programs will often put them off. Since people often perceive treatment centers as being similar, many also tend to avoid these as well. As a result, many tend to go without getting help, whiles others may try to handle things on their own, often with very little success as a result.

Psychological Methods

Rather than focusing on religious beliefs as a 12-step program might, these centers focus more on psychological methods in order to help their clients get on their feet. This is because many people within the field view the addiction of drugs, such as alcohol, as a cognitive behavior. Because of this, cognitive behavioral therapy is usually practiced.

Cognitive Therapy

In short, cognitive therapy focuses directly on a person and their beliefs as well as their overall philosophy on life. This approach tends to be highly effective since it allows individuals and counselors alike to isolate any irrational thinking or beliefs that may lead to their initial addiction problem. Without being able to do this, people may not be able to cope or assess their everyday lives properly.

Support And Independence

Many 12-steps programs also tend to focus their treatment on those with codependency when it comes to others and mentors have been very helpful in this regard. Although this can be a wonderful support system in some cases, it doesn't always allow individuals to be able to work with their own problems independently. Not being able to do so can potentially prevent them from being able to stand on their own two feet.

Self Examination

Centers and programs that focus on this type of treatment help individuals gain the tools that they'll need to survive in the real world. They also help people to assess their lives, habits and behaviors so they can work toward self-improvement. Either way, people are generally given a safe, distraction-free environment so they are able to get where they need to be on a mental note, rather than a spiritual one.

In the end, a person's success in alcohol treatment will depend entirely on them. However, most people find that this method in particular can be quite beneficial. This is because most centers allow people to find their own way without having to depend on others to guide them along but they also offer the kind of support to help them get there and achieve success.

In the end, a person's success in alcohol treatment will depend entirely on them and perhaps a residential treatment program. However, most people find that this method in particular can be quite beneficial. This is because most centers allow people to find their own way without having to depend on others to guide them along but they also offer the kind of support to help them get there and achieve success.

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Methods and Ways to Quit Smoking - Learn 4 Ways to Finally Stop

There is a single thread that runs through people who smoke, all these people know that smoking is terrible for one's health, and at some point in their life, they have to stop and stop completely. While few may have been successful, the others are grappling to end the bad habit and are on the lookout for effective measures to kick it for good.

1. GO COLD TURKEY, it is obvious that these words scare almost anyone who is addicted to smoking, so first thing is to start believing it is actually possible. The body works in mysterious ways and one of them is it has amazing healing powers. Within the first few days your body has already begun to remove the nicotine in your blood stream and heal the lungs. If you can make it past the pain you will be closer than ever to being a non-smoker.

2. EXERCISE, experts say ten minutes of cycling or jogging can significantly help people quit smoking. Researchers have shown that changes in brain activity by physical exercise, may help reduce the cravings for cigarettes. Although still unclear, it is believed that completing exercise raises mood prosperity giving people the motivation internally to finally quit.

3. ASK FOR HELP, being out in public with your goal to quit smoking is very crucial. If your family and friends know that you are wanting to quit then they will at first probably say, "sure you are", but when you ask them for help this time they will be more likely to accept your goal and be there to help you. Having someone by your side will give you the strength to quit and know you are not alone in your efforts.

4. LOWER STRESS, too much time in the office, deadlines to meet, unhappy personal life? Is anyone really free of complete stress free life? I think everyone knows that answer, which is no way!! Picking up a cigarette is no way to end your blues. In fact it will actually escalate your problems. Once you know that smoking actually does the opposite of what you are trying to achieve that you are on your way to success quitting. Take a deep breath every time you are having the urge to smoke. Take a few seconds to realize that adding health concerns to your already busy life is no way to reduce your stress.

Here is how to find more information and products that can help you finally quit that smoking habit and become healthy once again. Start Learning about more products and information today.

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Facts About Prescription Drug Addiction

1) Oxycontin is a prescription painkiller first introduced to the market in 1995. Within just a couple of years since it first came out, it spread like wildfire and gained a reputation for being highly addictive and even deadly.

2) The drug's reported side effects include shallow breathing, slowed heartbeat, muscle weakness, dizziness, and cold, clammy skin. Some patients taking oxycontin may also experience sweating, itchy, constipation, and nausea.

3) The majority of Oxycontin-related deaths have come from individuals ingesting Oxycontin with other central nervous system suppressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

4) Oxycontin is designed to have a controlled release, but people who abuse it will either chew or crush the tablets, then snort them for a quick high. Users can also inject the drug intravenously with a syringe.

5) People who inject oxycodone or any other drug intravenously are at high risk for contracting Hepatitis and HIV because of sharing needles.

6) Approximately 1 million U.S. residents 12 years old and up have used Oxycontin at least once in their lifetime for non-medicinal purposes

7) People who frequently use the drug and abuse it will develop a tolerance to it, meaning they will have to consume larger quantities to get the same high as before. This is one of the tell-tale signs of dependence.

8) People that develop an addiction to Oxycontin will go around and partake in "doctor shopping," meaning they'll visit multiple doctors for the same prescription. Many of these doctors knowingly enable their patients to get ahold of these drugs without helping them.

9) In the last few years, several Florida laws have been passed designed to curtail prescription drug abuse, including busting doctors operating "pill mills," limiting the number of prescriptions that doctors can write for the drug, and limiting the number of prescriptions pharmacies can fill.

10) Chronic use of opiates like Oxycodone can interfere with the body's ability to produce hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

11) People who are attempting to detox from opiates like Oxycodone often have to seek medical detox treatment because the physical effects of drug withdrawal can be very difficult to deal with. They can also be dangerous. If you are attempting to detox from opiates, especially substances like morphine, you should contact a medical doctor who specializes in treating addiction.

12) Think those using prescription drugs are purchasing drugs out on street corners? Think again. In a recent survey of people age 12 and older who reported using painkillers for non-medicinal purposes, the most common way of obtaining Oxycontin or Oxycodone was through a friend or relative for free.

Do you or does a loved one need Tampa Prescription Drug Abuse treatment? True Path Recovery offers Tampa Residential Drug Treatment and an outpatient treatment program.

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Dangers of Using Crystal Meth: 10 Facts and Statistics

1) Crystal methamphetamine, otherwise known as "Crystal Meth" is an odorless, colorless form of d-methamphetamine. It is a crystallized version of methamphetamine and is considered much more pure than powdered form of the drug.

2) Crystal Meth is considered to be longer lasting than methamphetamine. It can be smoked using a glass pipe similar to crack cocaine or can be injected intravenously.

3) Those who use Crystal Meth experience a high that can last 12 hours or more, longer than any other drug. For comparison, the longest a high from cocaine will last is 30 minutes.

4) Approximately five percent of the nation's high school seniors have reported using meth at some point in their lifetime, with three percent reporting they've used the drug within the last year. This compared to two percent who have used Heroin and six percent who have tried Cocaine.

5) Crystal meth is an illegal drug classified as "Schedule II" which means it is in the same category as Cocaine and PHP. These drugs have no medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.

6) Crystal meth goes by many nicknames including Crank, Speed, Chalk, Blade, Cristy, Crystal Glass, Hot Ice, L.A. Ice, L.A. Glass, Quartz, Tina, Shards, and Super Ice.

7) Crystal meth is considered one of the most devastating illegal drugs because of its physically devastating effects on the human body, which include developing chicken-pox like markings on the face from users spending hours at the mirror picking at themselves.

8) Meth is a very dangerous drug not only because of its physical effects on the body but because of the process of making the drug. The ingredients used to make this drug are highly explosive and can seriously harm, even kill people not only in the home but in nearby homes and buildings. This is why law enforcement remains so committed to busting "meth labs," as they're called.

9) Users have a very low quality of life and cannot typically keep jobs because of the lengthy duration of their highs, their violent, erratic behavior, and their incessant desire to find the drug to get their fix. Because of this, you should seek professional help when staging an intervention with a crystal meth user. Intervening without professional help can be very dangerous as users can seriously harm themselves and other people.

10) Meth labs are most commonly found in rural areas throughout the United States, particularly the Midwest.

Do you or does a loved one need Tampa Prescription Drug Abuse treatment? True Path Recovery offers Tampa Residential Drug Treatment and outpatient treatment.

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Understanding Sex Addiction and Its Causes

It is never easy for a person to admit he or she is sexually addicted. At the same time, the thought itself is never a piece of cake to deal with. You might be wondering what reasons lie behind a person's sexual addiction. Hence, the purpose of this article is to give light to your questions.

By nature, there are a lot of factors which may trigger sexual addiction in a person. Such compulsive behavior which is otherwise referred to as sexual compulsivity or sexual dependency, roots from a myriad of factors. Professionals attribute it to a series of conditions that have piled up over time. Among which are the individual's early exposure to malicious materials, orientation, emotional trauma, familial abandonment or physical abuse, which he or she has experienced at such a premature phase of his or her life.

The causes of sex addiction are basically divided into three phases - biological, psychological, and spiritual.

Taking a look at its biological root, it is important to know that the brain processes some biochemical reaction, thereby triggering sexual obsession. According to studies, abused drugs, food, and sexual interests take place in the same pathway. It is sex which activates the dopamine and opioids, that tends to intensify the pleasurable feeling, and hooks a person so much that it results to addiction.

Psychological-wise, sexual compulsion is used as a person's means to cover up whatever form of abuse he or she has gone through. Many of those who have opted to go through medication confess to experiencing traumas and abuses in their younger age. Sometimes, such addiction is likewise utilized as a coping mechanism to fight off stress, emotional problems, and other forms of psychological battles.

Spiritually, sex addicts seem to use the act as their scapegoat in getting that delusional fulfillment of attaining love and comfort, which is normally obtained from God alone. Thus, a person fixates at sex to fill the void within him or her.

And of course, you must be curious if there is any way that such an addiction may be cured. The answer is, YES.

Abstinence is pointed out by therapists to promote a major change in the sufferer. It is through this period that the person is able to explore all possible reasons that have led to the addiction. Rehabilitation centers welcome everyone who is willing to get treated. As part of the treatment of sexual addiction, the person is taught the ways to develop a healthy sexual relationship.

Christina is a freelance resource writer for various subjects on Sexual Addiction.

If you would like to ask questions regarding Sexual Addiction contact Jeffrey Schultz, LPC, CSAT. He is a counselor in private practice with The Sonoran Healing Center in Phoenix, Arizona who specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and process addictions with an expertise in treating compulsive sexual behaviors (sex and love addictions)... There is help for you.

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