Physical Signs of Alcohol Abuse: Do You Have a Drinking Problem?

The definition of alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse is defined as the excessive use of alcoholic beverages whether it is on individual occasions (i.e. binge drinking) or as a regular habit. For example, for certain individuals such as children or pregnant women almost any quantity of alcohol that is consumed may be considered legally as alcohol abuse, depending on the local laws of the state one resides in. Additionally, the heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to addiction and even be fatal.

Alcohol abuse symptoms

When an individual persists in drinking long after they are having health problems associated with it or they endure recurring problems as a result of their drinking, this is defined as alcohol abuse. For instance, those recurring problems include continuing to drink despite it causing problems on the job or in school, driving under the influence of alcohol, constantly getting into legal trouble, or shirking family and financial responsibilities. This is typically what alcohol abuse is comprised of.

When a person continues to drink alcohol in dangerous situations (e.g. driving while intoxicated or operating heavy equipment or machinery), or after having occupational, physical, psychological, and social problems, this is how alcohol abuse is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, IV. The harmful use of alcohol such as drinking until you have mental or physical health damage is the definition of alcohol abuse according to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases.

How can a person tell when they have a drinking problem?

The short answer to "how can I tell if I have a drinking problem?" is that if you need to ask, then there is a real possibility that you already have a problem with alcohol. If there are other people in your life who have expressed their concerns about you having a problem, then you most likely do. Finally, if you continue drinking alcohol in spite of numerous negative consequences, this could be a serious indication that a problem exists. Surprisingly, many people are able to quit drinking on their own.

When you believe that you have become addicted to or dependent upon alcohol there are additional questions that you will have to answer. It may be time to seek the professional help of an addiction treatment and recovery facility. The addiction specialists and staff members of these facilities are well-versed at dealing with alcoholism.

Recognizing the most common signs of alcohol abuse -The 7 most common

Whether you are concerned about yourself or someone close to you having a problem with alcohol, there are some very significant signs and symptoms that you need to be aware of. The following are the seven most common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse:
When you are drinking alcohol, you get hurt or you hurt others.You blacked out after drinking alcohol. In other words, you were unable to remember what occurred during your drinking episode.You continue to drink despite having health problems caused or worsened by drinking alcohol, such as cirrhosis.You drink alcohol when it is risky, such as before driving a vehicle or while you are driving.You have problems at school or work because of drinking alcohol, such as excessive absenteeism or tardiness.Your drinking has led to legal problems, such as arrests for causing injury to someone or while driving under the influence.Your family members, loved ones, and close personal friends express their concern regarding your drinking.

There are additional signs or symptoms that you should be aware of which may indicate that your alcohol abuse has elevated itself to the next level. These include:
You change from drinking beer to drinking mixed drinks or wine because you think this will keep you from getting intoxicated or enable you to drink less alcohol.You do things in order to hide your alcohol consumption such as purchasing alcoholic beverages at different convenience stores or liquor stores or make excuses to justify your drinking.You drink alone, early in the morning, and are often drunk for long periods of time.You feel guilt and shame after your drinking episodes.You have physical signs of alcohol abuse or addiction, such as gastritis (a sore or upset stomach), redness of the cheeks and nose, and noticeable weight loss.You worry that you won't have enough alcohol to drink during the evening or for the entire weekend.

Another issue to consider if you are worried about a family member or loved one is that when it comes to children or teenagers, the indicators of an alcohol problem can be completely different from those that apply to adults. If you are concerned about one of your children or teenagers having an issue with alcohol, you should research the subject of teenager alcohol abuse or addiction.

Jake B
Author for Delray Drug Rehab

Original article

Legend of Darryl Strawberry and His Battle With Addiction

Darryl Strawberry was one of the most feared sluggers in baseball in the 1980s and 1990s. He was also one of the most controversial because of off the field behavior and drug problems. In fact for many, Strawberry's widely documented off-the-field problems overshadow his career on the baseball field, a career that many have deemed Hall of Fame-worthy.

In his 17-year major league baseball career, he hit 335 homeruns (252 with the Mets) 1,000 RBIs, and FOUR World Series Championships - nearly an entire hand of rings when most major league players could only dream of winning ONE. He was named to the Allstar Team eight times, was designated as a Silver Slugger award twice, captured a Homerun Derby title, and Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Home Run Leader awards.

But away from the spotlight, and even in the spotlight, Strawberry's personal life always seemed to be in shambles. In fact, some would say Strawberry had his success on the baseball field in spite of himself. He was known for getting into physical altercations with his teammates, with uncontrollable anger issues. He overslept on more than one occasion and was often late for practice.

His personal problems seemed to surface in 1986 when he allegedly broke his first wife, Lisa's nose, the same year he won his first World Series title with the Mets. She filed for divorce one year later. He continued to put up MVP-like numbers and nearly won the award in 1988. In 1990, he was arrested in Los Angeles for striking Lisa in the face and threatening her with a handgun. Eight days later he entered rehab for alcoholism. The two divorced.

Strawberry had another violent outburst in 1993 with then-girlfriend Charisse Simons and was arrested. He later said he contemplated suicide during that time period. The two later married and had three children. In 1994, after failing to show for a Dodgers' exhibition game, he entered rehab again. That same year, he was indicted on tax evasion charges, then tested positive for cocaine.

In 1999, during a stint with the Yankees, he was arrested in Tampa for attempting to solicit a prostitute who happened to be an undercover cop. He was then diagnosed with colon cancer and began chemotherapy. In 2001, he went on a four-day drug binge that turned him suicidal again, which landed him in rehab, before a probation violation brought him back to prison. He would recover from cancer.

After retiring from baseball, he had coaching stints and currently works as an analyst, although his addiction is something he must battle constantly. Strawberry has devoted his life to serving Without Walls International Church and his foundation, which benefits children suffering from autism.

While Strawberry may never find true balance in his life, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of professional success with neglect to personal life. No matter what success you achieve in your profession, you must always work to better yourself personally, including getting help for drug addiction. It also goes to show that rehab isn't always a one time thing - it often requires several stints in treatment before sobriety can be achieved.

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

Original article

Recovery From Alcohol Addiction - How to Avoid a Relapse

Relapse does not need to happen. When you are motivated to quit alcohol addiction there are some primary things you can do to increase your chances for recovery and avoid a relapse.

Know the risk

When you have finally become motivated to get free from alcohol addiction your life will be changed. Things you did before without a second thought are now being altered because you don't drink.

Your friends will act different. It will appear alcohol is everywhere...and it really is. Thing you used to do with alcohol you are now trying to do without alcohol. It will seem very different.

There is always risk when you do familiar activities or are hanging around with family and friends who still drink. The risk is in how easy it is to pick it up again and how difficult it is to refuse it.

You can get a better understanding of what to do if you begin to...

Understand relapse

Relapse happens when you are unprepared to remain sober. If you want recovery from alcohol addiction you need to keep away from relapse.

When you return to alcohol use it is not simply when you actually drink. It's when in your thoughts you decide you're going to drink. The thought always precedes the action.

That is why you need to...

Make a sobriety plan

A sobriety plan often is called a relapse prevention plan.

In it you need to:

Identify what triggers you to drink again.

By knowing what immediately precedes your use you can begin to put in alternate behaviors.

For example, you realize when you are all stressed out you are likely to drink. An alternate behavior could be spend time journaling about what is bothering you or focus on something you can DO something about.

Make a list of the places you go where you would drink if you go.

Your drinking happened in specific places. Those places can trigger you to drink again. What you can do about it is begin to have a plan of either removing alcohol from where you go or remove yourself from where the alcohol flows.

If it is written it will be more fixed in your mind. It needs to be a living document. I mean by this you need to keep adding to it as you identify more triggers and come up with more alternative choices

Develop a specific plan for each of these circumstances.

Don't try...just do it

I'll try is just a delay of action. If you really want to stay in recovery from alcohol addiction it is important for you to become a doer.

There are many actions you can do to prevent relapse:

Go to support meetingsGet a sponsorBe honest to yourself and othersStop excusesTake responsibility for your actionsMake your sobriety planGet professional help when you need it

Never stop quitting

Relapse happens even if it is preventable. The most important thing you can do is have a resolve within yourself to never stop quitting. Those addicted to alcohol don't have a problem with quitting...it the starting up again that is the real problem.

Nearly 30 years working with those who are addicted and their families. Owner of Great Divide Technologies, LLC the home of http://www.freemyaddict.com/, http://www.addictionrecoverysupports.com/ and other websites.

Original article

Alcoholism Over the Holidays - When Moderate Drinking Becomes Problem Drinking

Alcoholism is a serious issue that we as a society need to be conscious of all year round. That said, the holidays can make it tough to be as aware of it as well as problem drinking as we should be. It's no secret that alcohol is a part of many holiday traditions from drinking hot spiced rum in front of the fireplace to champagne toasts at midnight on New Year's Eve. The holidays can bring about excessive drinking and a serious increase in alcohol related accidents and deaths. For example, many people who don't normally drink will engage in some alcohol consumption over the holidays. This can be alarming as many of these people have a low tolerance and therefore an increased vulnerability to the harmful effects of alcohol. At the other end of the spectrum are those who suffer from alcoholism and therefore normally drink to excess, but during the holidays feel less inhibited about their drinking thanks to parties filled with free flowing alcohol, so they can be even more over the top than they usually would be. Both of these scenarios can threaten one's safety when you consider the likelihood of passing out and being unaware of your surroundings, getting behind the wheel of a car or even severe alcohol poisoning.

Liquor billboards across the United States are reminding their citizens to be responsible during this holiday season. If you are over the age of 21 and choose to consume alcohol, know your limits, drink in moderation and always have a designated driver. If you suffer from alcoholism and are in recovery, do whatever it takes to remain sober whether it be attending extra meetings, having a set schedule or taking some time for yourself every day to reflect upon your recovery efforts and how far you've come. While alcohol can be an addition to a holiday party, it should never be the focus. Because when alcohol becomes the focus of any event and you equate it with your ability to have fun, problems are almost certainly abound. Alcoholism is a terrible disease that is in much closer reach for those who chronically abuse alcohol than they realize.

The holidays are intended to be a time to get together with those important to you to celebrate and give thanks for all that you have, yet too often these celebratory times are met with tragic endings by individuals who do not behave responsibly. The statistics speak for themselves; during the holiday season, two to three times more people die in alcohol related car crashes, and 40 percent of traffic fatalities involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol.

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for the recovering addict as well as an incredibly dangerous time for someone with an active addiction. If there's someone in your life who's developed a drinking problem, please don't wait. The sooner you get them help the less danger they'll be exposed to.

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.

Original article

How to 'MAINTAIN' Your Sobriety This Holiday Season

HOW TO THRIVE THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS

'MAINTAIN' your sobriety
FOR THE RECOVERING BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

I am a Sober Professional. I live in a world where I primarily interact with those who like to partake in the Holiday Cheer! There have been numerous times where I would go to a party, and feel isolated amongst a throng of people. Many would discourage you from going to parties, and if you do feel that you will put your sobriety at risk, then by all means, please don't risk it! I would like to share with you my MAINTAIN STRATEGY FOR STAYING SOBER, and enjoying the party!

MOCKTAIL! This is your nonalcoholic social drink, a.k.a. "what you hold in your hand at business functions." I suggest seltzer, tonic water, or juice. For those of you watching your caloric intake, try seltzer with just a splash of juice for a treat. Only you will be aware of the contents in your glass. While you may feel that everyone is inspecting, chances are they are concerned about their own selves.

AWAY! Drive yourself - whenever possible. This way you can leave when your time is right. Making an appearance does not mean you have to close the place.

INVOLVE - Check in with your support and share your concerns. Don't go it alone.

NETWORK - Do your job! Remember your purpose is business, so maximize your business opportunities. You will be amazed at how you can set yourself above the others when your purpose is to use this time for relationship building with a specific plan. This equals more business.

TELL ONLY WHAT YOU WANT - Do not feel compelled to over explain. Many people do not drink at business functions. Some find it helpful to have a few scripts as explanation. A few examples: I don't drink, I am driving, I am all set for now, thank you.

ANTICIPATE QUESTIONS AND HAVE PREPARED ANSWERS - Again, no need to over explain. Practice your answers with your trusted ally. Don't forget, you don't owe anyone an explanation for why you don't want to drink with them

INITIATE REDIRECT - Turn the conversation over to their favorite topic...themselves! If appropriate, find something to compliment them on, and start there. Get out of your own way!

NO THANK YOU - Perfect response. Enough said.

If you are newly sober, going to social and business functions can be especially challenging if there is going to be alcohol served. If you don't feel strong enough to be around it, by all means don't risk your sobriety. If you plan to go, however,these coping skills will help you maintain your wellness and your professional position. You may enjoy yourself more, and even climb a few rungs of the corporate ladder!

Living One Day at a Time can be so much more festive when you apply the BOLD day principles to your life, like our MAINTAIN tool. If you liked this Report, you will love our more comprehensive plans for BOLD WELLTH. Please visit http://boldday.com for more information on Business Success in Sobriety, including the all new ebook:"BOLD 'WELLTH', Business Success in Recovery.

Make it a BOLD day!

Kate Lanagan MacGregor
BOLDday.com
Life and Business Development for the Entrepreneur in Recovery and Beyond!
http://boldday.com/

Original article

Addiction Has a New Definition

The April 12, 2011 policy statement by the American Society for Addiction Medicine known as ASAM proposed a new definition of addiction. Long version: Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.

Studies have been quite clear about the effects of alcohol and other drugs on brain function. Special attention is focused on how dysfunctions of the brain, as it relates to motivation, memory and brain reward centers, appear abnormal. This helps to explain addiction behaviors.

Stigma

There have been periods of time when the stigma of addiction has been quite profound. This new definition of addiction helps in making the connection between brain research and the common experience people go through with addiction. There is no need to stigmatize an individual who is addicted anymore than a person who has a chronic disease such as diabetes.

What it means

This new definition will take time to filter through the professional community. Immediate treatment will not be impacted. Research should be one area influenced by this definition. There has always been hope for possible biochemical interventions. With this new understanding of addiction, categorized as a brain disorder there may be new or expanded efforts in the future to find new ways to treat or prevent addition.

Over the years there have been suggestions of someday finding the magic pill to cure addiction. This pill doesn't exist. It may be decades off. It is much more promising today.

ASAM reports genetic factors account for half of all addictions and environmental factors account for the balance of the individual's biology. Another factor is the resilience a person toward addiction. It is clear two people given the same exposure to characteristics of addiction respond differently. This is personal resiliency.

The characteristics of Addiction according to ASAM are:
Inability to abstainImpaired behavioral controlIncreased cravings for rewarding experiencesRecognition of significant problems with behavior is diminishedDysfunctional emotional response

The recommendation from ASAM in representing the new definition of addiction suggests recovery is achieved best achieved through:
Mutual SupportSelf ManagementProfessional Care

The future is very encouraging because of this new understanding of addiction. I believe it is a remarkable step in removing the stigma brought on by labeling it a moral issue and accepting addiction as physical issue changes everything...in time. This new definition is likely to open up many doors for those who are addicted and those who treat them.

Nearly 30 years working with those who are addicted and their families. Owner of Great Divide Technologies, LLC the home of http://www.freemyaddict.com/, http://www.addictionrecoverysupports.com/ and other websites.

Original article

Story of Dwight Gooden, A Cautionary Tale of Dangers of Drug Abuse

Dwight "Doc" Gooden achieved what few people who ever set foot on a baseball mound could ever imagine - Rookie of the Year honors, the Cy Young Award, and multiple World Series rings. But there is a darker side to his story - some tarnishing on what could have been an incredible baseball legacy, a story that reveals inner turmoil so bad that he was too strung out on drugs and too paranoid to attend his own team's World Series celebration.

He spent the day of the 1986 World Series celebration watching his Mets team parade around Manhattan while he sat and watched from the projects - a place he would normally go to get high. Except he didn't know the people he was with and barely remembers how he got there. He just sat and watched, too anxiety-ridden to move, too numb to care, or if he did, he couldn't feel any emotion.

He tested positive for cocaine in 1987 and served a league-mandated drug suspension that year. He would continue playing baseball and would win more championships, but he was never fully in the moment because of his drug use. His personal life took a downward spiral and it occasionally showed on the mound in his stints with the Yankees, Indians, Astros, Rays, and Yankees again, before his retirement in 2000.

It culminated into several arrests, as his personal struggles only escalated when his playing days were done - a DUI in 2002, driving without a suspended license in 2003 (from the DUI), misdemeanor battery charges after an altercation escalated with his girlfriend in 2005, a 2006 arrest for cocaine intoxication (which ultimately led to a prison sentence), and a 2010 car crash while under the influence of an undisclosed controlled substance. Gooden's five-year old son was in the back seat of the vehicle. He also took part in the realty TV show "Celebrity Rehab."

So how did one of the most feared pitchers in the 1980s, with a blazing 98 mile-per-hour fastball and a sweeping curveball, who spent just one year in the minors before making an unprecedented leap to the big leagues at just 19 years old, the youngest player to ever appear in an all-star game, succumb to drug addiction?

You could say it was his astronomical success at such a young age. You could also say it was the era he lived in - the 1980s, when President Ronald Reagan deemed street drugs were becoming an "epidemic" in claiming the lives of America's teenagers. He skyrocketed into the majors at a young age in an era when young people all across America were experimenting with cocaine if they were wealthy and privileged enough to get their hands on it.

At just 21 years old, he won the World Series and became the youngest player to start a major league baseball all-star game - something most people, even major leaguers themselves, can only dream about. In other words, he had achieved the ultimate dream at a young age, so where to go from there? What was his motivation after that?

If anything, Gooden's story teaches us that young people who achieve an enormous amount of success at an early age need to be kept grounded, must always be on the lookout to set new goals, and need trustworthy people in their corner to guide them away from potentially bad situations. It also illustrates how drug experimentation at a young age can seriously impact a person later on in life.

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

Original article

The Drunks at the Christmas Party Should Take an Alcohol Class

Hey all you drunks out there at Christmas parties! Yes, I am talking to you and you know it! We all know the "drunks" at both company and private Christmas parties, they really tend to stand out year-in and year-out. I should know, I was one for most of my life!

No one will deny that large quantities of alcohol are consumed in November and December. The winter, holiday season provides ample opportunities and social occasions where alcohol is both present and prevalent. Those who choose not to drink are often in the minority.

Why Do People Drink More During the Holidays?

Is that the million-dollar question? Not really, people drink more alcohol for two primary reasons: first, to celebrate the season or to drown worries and sorrows. In either situation, adding alcohol to the equation, with emotions running high, can become dangerous.

Your Keys Please!

Those who drink to extreme success at Christmas parties are noticed. The happy drunks are part of the life of the party. Others' recognize and appreciate their gregariousness, until it is time to leave.

Of course there is always the compulsory question at the end of the evening, "are you sure you're OK to drive?" How often do you hear the driver, who you know is obviously over the legal limit if not totally blasted say they are fine? If I had a dollar for each time one of my friends or I said this I would be able to take a nice vacation!

Tis' the season for driving under the influence (DUI). With all of the social engagements, virtually involving alcohol, it is no surprise that the holiday season is rife with DUI behavior and arrests.

Make a Plan

One of the keys to not become another negative statistic this holiday season is to make a plan. By that I mean make sure if you plan on drinking away from the home make sure you have sober transportation. If you have a designated driver - make sure they are keeping responsible and staying sober. All too often the designated driver has "just a few" and winds up getting a DUI or worse an accident.

Of course the best plan is not to drink alcohol. Make sure you have the phone numbers of local taxi companies so that you can arrange for a sober ride home. Even if the cab ride is $50, it is certainly a better deal than a DUI arrest which will cost thousands of dollars.

If you are hosting people, make sure they are aware that you have a strict drinking and driving plan, that they will not leave your home behind the wheel if they are intoxicated. Have a plan for your guests.

Remember that alcohol is a drug, and a dangerous one at that. If you or someone you love is an alcoholic or has other substance abuse problems, I urge you to seek help immediately. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are online alcohol classes as well.

Mike Miller is the Education Director at Online Alcohol Class, a website specializing on online alcohol awareness classes and minor in possession classes.

Original article

Stay Aware of Holiday Alcohol Abuse

While the holiday season is a time of joy for many, it can also be a dangerous time, especially if you tend to drink too much or are around others who may overdo it on the alcohol.

The suicide rate always goes up during the holidays, and studies indicate that alcohol is involved in one third of the completed suicides.

Motor vehicle accidents and impaired driving charges increase... The consequences of drinking and driving, however, often go far beyond the fines, the car impounding and the loss of driving privileges. Children, passengers and other motorists are often the ones killed. US statistics indicate that half of all traffic deaths are alcohol related.

When alcohol is used to excess, (causing alcohol abuse) all sorts of unhealthy conditions and behaviors emerge. There are higher rates of mental illness, especially depression. There is increased domestic violence. There are more incidents of stalking behavior. In a survey of 40,000 women in over 20 countries, one in five admitted to becoming romantically involved with a colleague during an office party. One third of these admitted to a brief affair. Do not ignore the fact that if several thousand women admitted to having affairs, there were probably a few men involved too. At what cost to marriages and families?

The fact is that most people do not want to keep on drinking after they have had a couple of drinks. If you are hosting a holiday party, however, do keep an eye on those who continue to drink. They may be among the alcohol-dependent segment of the population, that is, they may be alcoholics. (We politely call them functioning alcoholics if they are still working.) Being able to tolerate large quantities of alcohol, and being unable to stop drinking or to remember events the next day are all signs of alcoholism. Some even appear to take on a different personality when they drink.

Have nonalcoholic beverages readily available for everyone. Serve sweets, because part of the craving for alcohol is the craving for sugar. Sweets can help reduce that craving. Be ready to stop someone who is unsafe to drive home. I know this is hard, but you might be saving someone's life.

Every year hundreds of children are sexually abused by relatives and friends at holiday house parties. Social class is irrelevant, so hire a babysitter to look after your children, even though you are there.

If you are at someone else's party, always have an escape route. Prearrange with someone to pick you up if you call. If you are not going to drink yourself, drive your own car rather than accept a ride. If your partner has a tendency to drink too much, have a discussion in advance of the party to plan an intervention and the escape route.

If your teens are going to a party where there will be drinking, ask them about their escape route, should things turn bad. Talk with them about the importance of a designated driver. Remind them to call home for someone to pick them up, no questions asked.

I invite you to reflect on the role alcohol will play in your holiday season. Let's make Christmas both fun and safe this year.

Happy holidays to all my readers.

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/.

Original article

My Spouse Is a Drunk - What to Do If Your Are Married to an Alcoholic

Never thought you would end up in a situation like this? All the good times, when your spouse was the life of the party; they could really hold their booze. These early signs suggest things were not going in the right direction from the beginning. Now you realize your spouse is a drunk.

It can feel very helpless when you try to do something about your situation. Here are some things you can do if you are married to an alcoholic.

Learn to end enabling behavior

You can become an enabler without even realizing. The alcoholic rarely takes responsibility for their own actions. Their behavior is irrational and impulsive. This leaves you in a very vulnerable position. If it's going to get done YOU do it.

Staying an enabler doesn't have to happen. There are peer groups like Al-Anon where you can talk with others who are in the process of learning how not to enable.

Pick up a book like "Co-dependency No More" written by Melody Beatty. It tells of her personal journey and how she stopped enabling.

Set boundaries and keep them

Decide about what you will and won't accept. Establish some healthy boundaries that will work for you. Then you need to keep them.

Let me give you an example. I will no longer buy your booze. This is clear and to the point. It does not change the alcoholic but it removes you from any responsibility of getting alcohol.

As you can see, when you begin to establish boundaries you become less and less responsible until eventually you have shifted all of the responsibility to the person where it belongs...the alcoholic.

Make healthy choices for yourself

What are some of the healthy choices you have neglected? I've seen it so many times where the spouse is a drunk and personal issues are put on the back burner.

When is the last time you had a physical? Do you need to start that exercise program you always promised yourself? Maybe it is a new hobby you always wanted to do. This is the time for you to do those things that care for who you are and what you need.

Initially you may feel a little guilty. This feeling will go away as you understand your spouse is making choices and YOU need to make choices as well. The primary difference is you are planning on healthy choices.

Re-Discover YOU

Your identity can get lost in caring for and about an alcoholic. Time spend just trying to survive the chaos can now be devoted to finding out what YOUR priorities are both now and into the future.

Spouses of alcoholics often stop dreaming because they keep getting their ideas destroyed by the drinking. It is time to begin recognizing your dreams are dependent on what you choose to do and where you choose to put your efforts.

Remember the person you were and what you wanted for your life? Take control of your dreams, re-discover who you are and begin the step by step effort to realize what you really want.

If you or someone you know is looking for addiction support for families and friends of addicts visit FreeMyAddict.com to get them the help they need.

Original article

Online Drug Classes Help Create Awareness on a Serious Topic

Drug addicts have a need to hide their habit out of misplaced shame. They do not yet see it as the disease that it is. The joke of highly priced online drug abuse and alcoholic classes are of no help. In most cases they are simply for those trying to meet a requirement given to them by the court in order to regain access to their driver's license. Instead of their focus being on licking the problem, taking the online course is often just a means to an end... to legally drive again. However, sometimes there is a silver lining...

Though the initial focus is to please the court, in the midst of the teaching it may come to light of the student that they, indeed, do have a drug problem. The topics may begin to hit home changing the format of thinking of why they are taking the course. They begin to see themselves in some of the situations given in the course... and they do not like what they see. In essence, they do not like that part of themselves and a desire to want to truly quit may be the outcome. Though the online course by itself will not make them quit, it does bring awareness that they do need help. And admitting it is the first step toward seeking a cure. Regardless of whether you live in California or in North Carolina, these classes are available to anyone.

These online drug classes may be responsible for guiding them to offline help. This kind of serious problem needs people helping people. Possible empathy from others who have walked in the same shoes and have had the victory over a long span of time. A trained specialist to help them emotionally, mentally, and physically beat the disease. And, yet, others that are excellent at simply lending an ear... or sharing their own stories.

The first step to a final cure of drug addiction is to be made aware that you have a problem in the first place. This first step is truly the hardest step to take. Without it, the disease will win and ultimately take the life of its' victims. However, once the first step is taken, a life can joyously be saved.

All drug addicts know deep inside of himself that he has a problem, but refuse to admit it to himself let alone to others. But the fact that he has a problem never leaves him for the short number of hours that he is sober. To keep it hidden, he may opt to "check out" an online course out of curiosity... though he is really crying out for someone to please help him.

The online course brings to light some things about his habits that he knows to be true. That glimmer may be all that is needed to want to do more than complete an online course by himself, but to seek professional help in person. In that, the online course can be a huge help to bring awareness and wellness to someone with drug addiction. In essence, an online drug course can be the first step to saving a life. Those requiring classes related to alcohol, the an alcohol awareness class might also be a good fit.

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

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

Original article

The Christian/Porn Connection Part 1

Awareness - Lust A Hidden Pandemic

By the time a person reaches 21 years of age, Barna's research estimates they will have viewed more than 2,000 hours, on average, of pornographic images that reduce the dignity and value of human life. (Barna, 2010, Media Exposure, Addiction). There is no distinction between Christian and non-Christian, except that it is something Christians are loath to admit.

Unlike drug or alcohol addictions, which have obvious physical evidence and consequences, a person addicted to lust can appear to be 'all together'. What makes lust much more powerful and insidious than other addictions is that lust is consumed through the eyes and creates a 'hit' through the thoughts. Like other addictive agents, lust causes a drunk-like state resulting in disconnection from self, God and others.

In 2003, Charles R. Swindoll, a notable church leader, wrote 'Our church is in significant trouble...This trouble concerns a severe disease that is eating away at our congregations, perhaps even some of our own leadership, from the inside out...The problem is pornography.'

It is difficult to identify any response to Swindoll's observation because very few talk about the issue of lust, and it is this lack of openness that enables the problem to persist.

Lust is like a plague that has broken out around the world. It affects men and women, young and old, both Christian and non-Christian alike. The church is not immune.

All forms of technology promote sexual images. It is everywhere: T.V., magazines, internet, billboards, mobile phones, iPads, and in people's thoughts. It is unavoidable and relentless. While technology brings positive change in the way we communicate, it has a downside: anonymity and easy access to an endless supply of pornography. This makes everyone, particularly young people, extremely vulnerable.

Yesterday's lust does not satisfy today's appetite. A person struggling with lust will at some point find they need more of it and different kinds, in order to achieve the same effect. It is not uncommon for a person to feel disgusted at the sight of certain kinds of pornography and say 'I will never look at that or do that' but then find they engage in it at some later stage.

In order for a person to maintain the illusion that they are still in control of their lust, they try to create a new invisible line they vow never to cross, only to find themselves pulled across this line. Crossing 'the line' often contradicts a person's values, morals and spiritual beliefs, causing intense shame and guilt that pulls them further into themselves, and leaves them further exposed and vulnerable to lust temptation.

Because the male brain, in particular, is wired 'visually', pornography is very powerful. Some find themselves hooked from the very first pornographic image they see.

Persons addicted to lust lose the power to say no. They become powerless over what the image does to their thinking, emotions, and self-esteem. Left to their own devices, they continue to progress into more destructive forms of lust and 'acting out', leading to ever worsening consequences. They may be able to stop for a period of time in their own strength; however, the mental obsession to lust will eventually win. Once a person opens themselves to that 'one' lust image, it sets off an unstoppable craving for more that has to be satisfied, sometimes leading to hours and hours in front of the computer looking for the perfect image.

Unfortunately, some Christian teaching adds to the problem. Scriptures like 'we are more than conquerors through him who loved us' (Rom 8:37) and 'forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead' (Phil 3:13), are used as 'faith' statements to cover up or deny the behaviour and guilt, as though it did not exist. This results in the underlying issues of the addiction remaining unresolved, and leaving the person a target for the next image that eventually comes along with further destruction.

It is not uncommon for people trying to overcome lust temptation to try and 'fight' lust. However if a person has lost power over lust, no amount of fighting will prove successful. Lust will always win.

If there is no human means to overcome lust successfully, then ultimately God's power is the only source of progressive victory. Yet these people earnestly pray and seek God's help, seemingly with no effect.

The problem is 'how' to make a connection with God, so that His power is available to overcome the compulsion to view and, then act on the lust images. A key is to admit the powerlessness over lust to one's self and others (James 5:16), and start surrendering the addiction, and self, to God who has the power to overcome the spirit of lust. God's 'power is made perfect in weakness' (2 Cor 12:9). God promises hope and a future (Jer 29: 11-13). Those who 'seek' Him with all their heart find him (Jer 29: 13-14).

Acknowledging the truth is the first step toward recovery. Jesus says, 'you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free' (Jn 8:32). Acknowledging that truth and being honest with God and a trusted friend, mentor, pastor, or counsellor, is the first step.

Charles Swindoll suggests that this 'severe disease' is eating the body from the inside out. Facing it from the inside out is paramount.

By surrendering to God's goodness, and journeying with Him in the area of lust, we can move into true freedom and intimacy with Him, others, and ourselves.

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

Is Social Network Addiction A New Clinical Disorder?

Internet addiction disorder has been officially added to Wikipedia. The resource website defines it as Internet overuse, pathological computer use, or problematic use of the computer that interferes with daily life. Although Internet addiction disorder is not officially included in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the so-called disorder shows signs of similarities with pathological gambling disorder, which is included in the manual. The new version of the manual is set to come out in 2013, and debates as to whether IAD should be included are in full swing. Psychologists say, however, that whether IAD should be classified as a psychological disorder is an issue that requires further research.

Many experts, however, support the said classification. According to the director of the Computer Addiction Study Center at McLean Hospital in Harvard University, between 5 to 10 percent of web users are, in one way or another, dependent on the web. A study conducted by the Center for Internet Behavior and ABCNews.com in 1999 also showed that some Internet services have unique psychological properties that can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals. These factors include time distortion, dissociation, and instant gratification. These therefore lead to compulsive actions.

Another strong supporter of the IAD classification is the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery. The Center says that Internet addicts tend to suffer from emotional problems such as anxiety and depression, and often use the Internet to escape their stressful situations, which further aggravates the problem. The Center cited studies that showed how 60% of people being treated for Internet addiction say that they were involved with online sexual activities or conversations and that more than half of them are also being treated for alcohol or drug addiction.

Another study conducted in 2009 also suggests that those who were addicted to the Internet showed some signs of structural changes in the brain - changes that were also present in those who are chemically addicted. Another study specified what the changes were. They included reduced sizes of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, rostral anterior cingulate cortex, supplementary motor area, and about 10 to 20 percent of the cerebellum. Theories show that these changes are linked to impaired short-term memory and decision-making abilities. And once such abilities are impaired, the resulting problems lead people to want to stay online rather than be involved in the real world.

There seems to be striking evidence that excessive use of the Internet can negatively affect a person's mental health. Despite the fact that Internet addiction disorder is not yet part of the manual of psychological disorders, parents and Internet users should be warned of these negative effects.

Meet crazy friends and explore great social network by clicking the links.

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Facts You May Not Know About Painkiller Addiction

1) One in ten high school seniors in the United States has admitted to misusing prescription painkillers.

2) Prescription painkiller addiction costs our society an estimated $484 billion annually. This includes the cost of rehabilitation programs, lost productivity at work, and accidents caused by persons impaired by painkillers.

3) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 10 to 22 percent of car crashes involve drivers who have been using some type of drugs, both prescription and street drugs.

4) Nearly two-thirds of people in prescription drug rehabilitation programs say they were physically or sexually abused as children. Studies are finding more and more people who are suffering from painkiller addiction are actually using these drugs to numb a "different" kind of pain, that of emotional turmoil.

5) In 2006, over 10 million people 12 or older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the past year.

6) Of the seven million-plus people ages 12 and older who reported using prescription drugs non-medically, 5.2 million of those people used pain killers.

7) Prescription drug use has been linked to over half of the major crimes committed in our country - these crimes include assault, rape, and murder.

8) Prescription pain killers, when mixed with alcohol and other depressants such as sleeping aids, can be deadly. In fact, many coroners for prescription drug fatalities report several drugs in their autopsy reports, stating that a mix of drugs magnified the effects of all the drugs.

9) While there is a certain stigma associated with street drugs, many of the people who abuse prescription drugs and develop addictions are working professionals who never intended to abuse drugs. Their addiction started out as getting a simple prescription or two written up by a doctor and progressed from there.

10) The withdrawal side effects from oxycodone and other prescription drugs can be just as debilitating as those coming off heroin or crystal meth highs. In many cases, those withdrawing from prescription painkillers actually need medical treatment to monitor their bodies rid the drug from their systems. They also need medical support to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal.

11) There are over 250 self-help recovery groups nation-wide modeled after the Alcoholics Anonymous famous "Twelve Step Program." This does not include residential drug treatment programs and medical detox programs.

12) As pain pill clinics around the country continue to get busted by law enforcement, emergency rooms around the country are receiving an influx of patients who have nothing physically wrong with them but are suffering physically from prescription painkiller addiction.

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

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Veterans Among Those at Risk for Drug and Alcohol Abuse

We've heard the horror stories from Vietnam and the Korean War - how young, vibrant, men went overseas and seemingly never came home, instead replaced by emotionless, empty vessels, too stunned to talk about the terror they had witnessed.

So for many years, they didn't. They kept quiet. Perhaps you have a grandfather, uncle, or a brother who went overseas to serve. Then when he came back, he was never the same. Many of these veterans suffered and still suffer today from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Back then there wasn't a diagnosis for post traumatic stress disorder, or if there was, it didn't have a name and wasn't a common-known thing. So veterans, many of them wounded, turned to drugs and alcohol to self medicate, even though they couldn't identify themselves what they were experiencing.

Many of them still can't explain it. They wake up in the middle of the night or can't sleep at all. There are flashbacks. They lash out in anger at loved ones. Then they turn to their fix - their only source of comfort and only way of easing the pain. The fact that many of these veterans were once groomed to believe that showing emotion or revealing feelings was a sign of weakness only compounds a problem that experts are still seeing today.

Recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health suggest that veterans are more at risk than the rest of the general adult population for suffering from substance abuse problems. Specifically, veterans are more likely to drink alcohol, binge on alcohol, and abuse alcohol heavily. They are more likely to use illicit drugs and smoke cigarettes. They are also more likely to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol than the rest of the population.

It's important to note that drug and alcohol abuse is merely a symptom of real, underlying issues and mental illnesses such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. While some of these disorders are more severe than others, they all require professional help.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from any of the above mental issues or may have a problem with substance abuse, contact a local drug and alcohol treatment center. You can discuss treatment options which include both residential and outpatient treatment programs, group counseling, individual counseling, and more. The problems suffered by veterans can be devastating. Don't let them continue another day when you can get immediate help.

Are you suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism? Get the help you need with Tampa Drug Abuse Treatment and Tampa Alcohol Addiction Treatment. Get the help you need today from Gulf Coast Recovery.

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Definition of an Alcoholic 1

In modern society in general there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding with regard to what an alcoholic actually is. In order to come to a definition of an alcoholic the first step is to find out what a "typical alcoholic" is regarded as being. A US study amongst 1,484 people who complied with criteria for alcohol dependence, carried out by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has resulted in the identification of five subtypes of alcoholics:

- Young Adult alcoholics: Young, but adult drinkers, with a relatively low rate of mental disorders, co-occurring substance abuse, and/or alcoholism within the family.

- Young Antisocial alcoholics: People in their mid-twenties with habitual drinking patterns from early on combined with alcohol problems. More than half of this group comes from families with a history of alcoholism, and approximately half of this group has a psychiatric diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

- Functional alcoholics: Usually middle-aged, well-educated alcoholics with stable jobs and families. Approximately a third of this group has a multigenerational family history of alcoholism.

- Intermediate Familial alcoholics: Middle-aged drinkers of whom about 50 percent comes from families with multigenerational alcoholism. Almost half of this group suffer or have suffered from clinical depression, and 20 percent from bipolar disorder.

- Chronic Severe alcoholics: This group are mostly middle-aged individuals who experienced drinking and alcohol-related problems early on in life, with high rates of Antisocial Personality Disorder and criminality. About 80 percent of this group come from families with multigenerational alcoholism.

In all the subtypes we find a relatively large percentage of so-called cross-addiction (simultaneously addicted to, for example cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, etc.). The young adult subtype is not likely to seek any help for their problems and cries for help by the other groups vary.

The most common form of help-seeking for drinking problems are through Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs, but generally speaking we can come to the conclusion that help-seeking remains relatively rare. However, from the five subtypes the Chronic Severe alcoholics are the most prevalent type of alcoholic in treatment, as two-thirds of these alcoholics seek help for their drinking problems.

The study found that the largest group of alcoholics are young adults. Twenty percent are highly functional and more than half do not have a family history of alcoholism. The study was conducted by Howard B. Moss, M.D., NIAAA associate director for clinical and translational research, and a team of researchers.

However, in my opinion, the only meaningful and helpful definition of an alcoholic must include the fact that it is an illness.

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/

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How to Let the Monster Go

In becoming aware of my restless mind in a new way a different way, I've noticed that from time to time my mind tells me to do something, to buy something to make something. This for purely entertainment purposes-for the idea of fun, to simply fill-in the gap. I'm often aware of the idea building up deep down in my mind. It's saying things like let's go there or let's buy that or let's find some fun. What I'm really noticing is this conception of needed amusement. I've become aware of this silent voice of discontent- it pops up a good deal of the time. It seems to override the moment and insists I seek some fun or pleasurable activity. By doing something, going somewhere or buying something the idea that I will somehow find a happier place through this action. I've so conditioned my mind and body that I feel the need to- constantly seek a state of action. Of searching for an activity that I think will deliver a level of satisfaction. I've had fleeting pleasure from this or that in the past. I find myself drawn back to repeating them in an effort to find that excitement and entertainment again.

However I'm noticing this in a different way than I've ever noticed before. You see, as my mind clears - I've found some peace of thought a quiet place and a quiet awareness of my thinking. I've begun to notice this nudge for entertainment as more of a distraction of thought than as an "Only Thought" - my mind clouded before had an impossible time distinguishing these separate thoughts. I never before could notice it as a new or different thought- I was always in pleasure seeking mode and restless. The search was forever on. And in so, I could never recognize that it was new, a new idea. Because my mind was racing from one pleasure chase to another; so it was the norm. It was exhausting and energy consuming. Leaving me drained and burnt out.

I never came off the chase. My mind was unable to see that it truly operated in an altered state. My standard condition I lived in mentally was greed. It was so conditioned into my mind that that's all I could think of. It was all I thought of. How next to find that entertainment that next ride. I lived in an intoxicated state. My awareness was controlled by intoxication or the pursuit of such.

Unfortunately, as I chased all these things that excited me; I found that I needed more. More of each item was required to reach a new level of excitement. Each time more was needed to feed the monster. This created a terrible escalation in my mind. I had to have more to surpass the old memory of that high or it just wasn't good enough. Satisfaction was but unattainable. I needed a bigger level to top the previous purchase. I looked everywhere in life for it, in every dark corner and every seedy alley. Not a single rock was left unturned - my never ending search for gratification. I found that it had entered all that I did. In the simply way I interacted with people. In the way I lived my life. It was all designed to somehow obtain that feeling of pleasure. It was a curse.

Today as my mind clears, as I'm able to think- to notice and be aware of controlling addictions and thoughts. These Addictions that often masquerade as normal activities as ordinary ways of thinking. I've begun to recognize them as they really are. I've started to recognize the little voice that creeps up in the back of my mind- prodding me to look for pleasure to find something of excitement. I never before was able to notice this thought as new, as a stand-alone notion. A desire that was not a part of my natural thoughts- this idea of excitement is not a normal thought. It's a man-made craving for entertainment, a yearning for a physical stimulation or a mental stimulation. This idea of stimulation has been revealed. It is no longer the format of my mind. It is no longer the voice of my mind.

It is by freeing my mind by truly letting it think without a controlling direction, without a governing pattern. That I have become aware of this memory - this notion- this desire to find a stimulated state called wanting. By seeing the mind wanting, to be clear headed enough and honest enough to accept this thought as unnatural. I've been able to not act on it. Too reserve my impulse to act. To allow this wanting to pass and it does. It will pass. The wanting will pass if you just accept it as a notion and do not act on it. By seeing one's "wanting" as a learned behavior distinctly apart from the natural biological actions such a hunger or being tired. One is able to not act, to gently allow the mind to re-set. Too allow this idea to pass from attention. This is done through awareness and not control. Please understand this for yourself, that you cannot control away wanting. You can't wish it away. You cannot create an idea or force an idea to remove an idea. This will only add to the idea. You can't push the idea out of your mind- with a new idea.

The way is to do nothing and let it dissolve on its own. It will. Your mind will clear. You will have energy, clarity and awareness. It is in this awareness that one can decide how to act. No longer controlled by addictions one can see. One can choose to let go.

Original article

Are You Truly Motivated to End Your Emotional Eating?

Of course you want to end your emotional eating. Yesterday, thank you. And while you feel motivated to give it the boot, somehow, somewhere you lose hold of your motivation most days and find yourself grabbing those cookies or that bag of chips or going for seconds. Perhaps you've convinced yourself that you're weak-willed, undisciplined or just plain lazy.

Most of the emotional eaters I work with are not lazy or weak-willed. In fact, they are quite strong-willed and disciplined in many areas of their lives. But one thing most do have in common is that their desire for quick comfort, soothing, ease, distraction, reward and excitement is much stronger than their motivation to end their emotional eating and lose weight.

We all have competing desires. Perhaps you would like to have a life partner but don't feel like being physical at your present weight or required to regularly meet someone else's needs. Maybe you'd like to go back to school, but don't want to burn through all your savings or study every weekend. You'd like to have a slim body and fit into your jeans, but at the end of the day, your desire to comfort or reward yourself with food "wins the cake." In order to succeed at your goals, be it weight loss or that college degree, you'll have to be willing to be "consciously uncomfortable" more often than you already are.

Don't worry: I'm not talking about restrictive dieting, counting calories or white-knuckling it. When I talk about being "consciously uncomfortable" I'm referring to your willingness to:

• begin eating only when you feel true physical hunger
• stop eating before you're full and put the food away or have the waiter wrap it up
• feel all the emotions that surface when eating time is over without going back for more food
• process through difficult emotional states without "using" food or acting out in some other way
• practice self-soothing statements and behaviors
• take time to replace limited, self-defeating thoughts with positive, energizing new thoughts
• set aside time to quiet your mind and turn down the volume on the mind chatter
• eat a serving size only of your favorite, junky, drug-like addictive foods
• choose to abstain, if need be, for periods of time, from those drug-like addictive foods when you are out-of-control with them
• add healthy wholesome foods (like fruits, veggies, lentils, beans and whole grains) to your eating plan even though they are not exciting or soothing
• do some form of exercise most days of the week, even though you don't feel like it and
• cut your evenings short so you can get adequate sleep.

The bottom line is that you'll need to access your willingness to be uncomfortable long enough to practice some healthy self-care skills, like being present to your emotions, working through them, replacing limiting beliefs, and the like. These skills will eventually replace your emotional eating.

If you truly want to stop your emotional eating, try writing the following affirmations down on a piece of paper:

"I am motivated to end my emotional eating."

"I intend to be fully conscious of my emotional eating."

"I am willing to be more uncomfortable, some of the time, than I already am, in order to end my emotional eating and practice different self-care skills."

Now, make a list of some specific intentions regarding being "consciously uncomfortable," for example:

"I am willing to be "consciously uncomfortable" in the following areas:

• I intend to only eat when I feel true physical hunger
• I intend to stop eating at the beginning sensation of fullness and put the food away
• I intend to pull out my journal and write about my emotions when I want to eat and I'm not hungry, or I'm already full
• I intend to walk three times this week, for twenty minutes or more.

You may want to attach your affirmations and intentions to the refrigerator or someplace where you'll readily see them. You'll have to remind yourself regularly of your willingness to be uncomfortable for brief periods. You can do it. After all, we're not talking root canal without anesthesia or childbirth! It's just a brief period of time where you do something different from your usual knee-jerk comfort activity.

Keep in mind that you're already uncomfortable (in your body, socially, etc.) but this level of discomfort is very familiar. In a way, it's a comfortable level of discomfort. Now, you will be consciously choosing to be uncomfortable in new ways. This is what it takes to end emotional eating.

Take it slow. Choose one small baby-step at a time. There is no rush. Overwhelming yourself with too much discomfort is counter-productive.

Stay focused on the goal: " I am truly motivated to stop my emotional eating!" Repeat this daily as your mantra.

And feel free to let me know how it's going.

Julie M. Simon, MA, MBA, MFT is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Life Coach with a full-time private practice specializing in the treatment of overeating and associated mood disorders. In addition to her education and twenty years experience as a psychotherapist, she is a Certified Personal Trainer with twenty-five years of experience designing personalized exercise and nutrition programs for various populations. Julie is the creator of The Twelve-Week Emotional Eating Recovery Program, an alternative to dieting that addresses the mind, body and spirit imbalances that underlie overeating. Julie offers individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy as well as classes and seminars. In addition to overeating, Julie offers psychotherapy and coaching for the following issues: relationship challenges, including marriage and couples, career development and transitions, work related stress, self-esteem, childhood dysfunction and trauma, grief and loss, co-dependency, self-care skills, and assertiveness training. Visit her website at http://www.overeatingrecovery.com/.

Original article

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Is a Bigger Problem Than Most Realize

It is wonderful to live in a nation where you are free to exercise your rights. It is nice to have a government that establishes laws that protect the overall population. It is nice to know that you could be born and raised in one of the worst city ghettos or country swamp land and end up living in high class urban society or suburbia. However, with all of these freedoms come consequences for those that will 'push the envelope' for their own gain.

Many have learned the system that was created for good and use it for evil. Thus, America has a hard time making sure that all laws are enforced. Many of the problems are of a domestic situation such as illegal drug use and alcohol consumption by minors (those less than twenty-one years old). Illegal drug and alcohol use are a huge problem in America for several reasons:

Latch Key Children Coming Home Daily to an Empty House

Not Strict Enough on the Mexican Boarders

Making of Fake Identification Cards

Easy Access to Legal Drugs and Abusing The Use of Them

The terminology, "Latch Key Children," in America refers to school aged children that come home daily to an empty home instead of a home where adults are home. The key is typically on the person of the child or left in a hidden place that only family members know about. After school hours, the child simply lets himself in to his home with no restrictions whatsoever. Sure, the legal guardian or parent may have, "laid down the law," orally or even written it down on paper. However, nothing takes the place of hands on daily guidance. Thus, many with up to four or more hours before their guardian is to be home has much time to complete their homework, and get themselves into unfortunate situations using liquor and/or drugs where none is the wiser... until it is too late.

Many drugs still enter the United States of America via the Mexican Boarders, such as through Texas and San Diego. America has made it very easy not only for Mexicans to enter the country without the proper credentials by not having the necessary military in place to protect the land from intruders. This being the case, bringing in illegal drugs to sell and use is as easy as taking a trip to the tobacco shop and buying a pack of cigarettes.

The ring of fraudulent identification card makers make it very easy for minors to gain access to alcohol. The average twelve year old American can easily pass for a twenty-one year old in most cases. For whatever the reason (hormonal products in our food, etc.), preteens and teenagers have a much older appearance than they did back in the 1950's or 60's. It is nothing for them to purchase their own alcohol and go home to an empty house and drink it... or worse, invite their friends over as well.

One of the latest crazes amongst our youth is abusing legal prescription drugs or household products in such a way that they can "get a high" off of the chemicals. Something as common as a can of hair spray has been inhaled to get a high, instead of on the hair to create a style. Who is at fault? Whoever is consistently leaving that child alone to fend for himself or herself. Idle time with no provision is bound to lead to problems in most cases... and it has been proven.

These are highly unfortunate circumstances that happen daily in America from city to city... suburb to suburb and rural to rural areas. It doesn't matter where you live. What is missing is a human being in the home of these youths exemplifying a lifestyle that would desire their children to execute, and not just told what to do in their absence. An idle mind gets weary of being idle and will eventually find "something" to do. More often than not, it ends up not being a good thing. Alcohol Awareness Education is certainly a good place to start.

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 MIP Classes Online

Original article

Obama Administration Taking Unprecedented Approach to Drug Addiction

In the 1980s, when President Ronald Reagan was in office, he implemented an anti-drug crusade also known as the "War on Drugs," which stressed harsh, harsh penalties for those convicted of drug possession and the intent to sell drugs. They were sentenced to lengthy prison terms and were stigmatized by society. But nothing was done to help them get clean and sober. So when they re-entered society, they succumbed back into old habits and addictions.

Now, after extensive scientific research has linked drug addiction with medical and psychological problems, including genetic mutations that make certain peoples' brains more susceptible to addiction, the Obama administration is taking a different stance, one that favors rehabilitation rather than just corporal punishment. This was evident when the Office of National Drug Control Policy briefed the media this month.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy spoke of the Obama administration taking an unprecedented approach to addressing addiction problems pertaining to drugs, including both street drugs and prescription drugs. Obama's chief theory is that you cannot "arrest away the nation's drug problems."

The problem with taking a treatment-oriented approach rather than corporal punishment is that it's costly. Addiction treatment is something many people, especially those in lower and even median income brackets, can actually afford. Rehabilitation centers aka "rehab" have always had a reputation of luxurious, plush facilities - the complete opposite of prison wards and even sterile institutions.

Obama's plan and more importantly, public tax dollars, can't possibly pay for every drug addict to attend these types of treatment centers, but perhaps his attitude can make addiction treatment more accessible and affordable for lower income populations and working-class people. Perhaps his plan can give people more chances to get clean rather than throwing them behind bars for ten years because the nature of their disease has become a "burden" to society, creating crime that the police can't contain.

The Obama Administration has already spent $10.4 billion on drug enforcement and treatment programs, designed to help people get sober and maintain sobriety. The previous administration spent $9.2 billion. That's $1 billion more in an economic recession going towards helping people who really need it.

While some may not agree with spending public tax dollars on helping people get sober, it goes a long way in helping change public perception of drug addiction. Obama's approach is helping to foster a compassionate attitude towards addiction, that addicts are, in fact, suffering from a disease and prison sentences aren't logical means to curtail a problem, just a short-term band-aid solution.

Are you suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism? Get the help you need with Tampa Drug Abuse Treatment and Tampa Alcohol Addiction Treatment. Get the help you need today from Gulf Coast Recovery.

Original article

Am I a Recovering Alcoholic or Did I Just Quit Drinking?

I had a recent e-mail discussion with an ex-girlfriend-turned-friend-and-confidant over my recovery from alcohol addiction. She is a recovering alcoholic, too. We had a close but volatile relationship in the late '70s. Our e-mail conversations became very intense. Some of the things she wrote were quite interesting and deserved further analysis.

She brought up my recovery from alcoholism. I have over eight years of sobriety. I indicated that my sobriety did not include AA attendance, but rather a spiritual awakening of my own. She did not buy this type of recovering from a deadly disease on my own without an AA sponsored program guiding my way. I told her that she was wrong, but after thinking about it, I thought she may be right about my sobriety in question. She had a really good point I must admit. At first, I didn't know how to respond.

After all, I do take pain medications for my back pain since 1995. The doses I take have increased through the years. And I do believe I am addicted to this pain medication, so how can I claim I am in recovery since addiction of another type is present in my current life. Also, I admit on occasion I do drink a non-alcoholic beer from time to time. The difference in the pain medication addiction is that I do not take it for the thrill. I honestly take it for pain relief. I have injured my back because of industrial accidents, car accidents, and home-related accidents. I also suffer from degenerative discs of my spine. And I don't drink non-alcoholic beer on a regular basis, rather than rare occasions, and when the real stuff is present in company. It makes me feel accepted by the drinking crowd. I usually bring my own. I must admit that these non-alcoholic beers contain 0.05% alcohol. With that said, I do question my recovery from alcoholism or addiction since my ex-girlfriend brought it up for discussion. She may be right. Maybe my recovery isn't genuine. Maybe I should claim I just quit drinking. It is debatable. How can I be recovering if I do not do the program 100%? To me, what I have been achieving these past eight years has been nothing less than a miracle. My mission has been staying sober whatever it takes. And so far It has worked well for me. The truth is, I guess I just quit drinking.

Earl D. Erickson is a self-published and internet author. His main writing projects include alcoholism and drug addiction, depression, suicide, and grief. He has recently written and self-published a memoir entitled, The Journey of an Incorrigible Alcoholic: The Paths I Chose and the Ones I Didn't. His memoir tells of one man's story of his struggles with alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, suicide, grief, recovery, and hope. His book is available online at Amazon or your favorite online retail bookstore. Also, it can be purchased at his website: http://www.SerenityLighthouse.com. His other articles can be viewed at EzineArticles.com. He encourages and welcomes receiving comments and e-mails from his readers.

Earl's hobbies include writing, reading, music, photography, gardening, fishing, camping, and the great outdoors. He is a native and lifelong resident of Tacoma, Washington.

Original article

Is Outpatient Drug Rehab Right for Me?

Outpatient drug rehab can be an invaluable tool for those struggling with a substance abuse problem. But how do you know if it's the right fit for you compared to the other treatment options that are available? Well, there are a couple different things to consider when answering that question. If you have an active addiction which means that you are currently abusing and dependent on illicit drugs or alcohol, typically a residential treatment program would be recommended for you. This level of care provides the 24 hours a day supervision that you need. If you are a recovering drug addict who still needs assistance staying sober while transitioning back to your pre-rehab life, then outpatient drug rehab will often be the recommendation.

What Do You Learn in Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Outpatient drug rehab is a great follow up to a residential program. It's often not realistic to think that a recovering addict can leave rehab and jump headfirst into their old life without a serious risk of relapse. While inpatient treatment will help us learn why we started abusing drugs or alcohol, outpatient drug rehab places the vast majority of their focus on relapse prevention.

If you are in an outpatient drug rehab then you are most likely living at home, possibly heading back to work and are therefore exposed to all of the old risk factors that influenced your substance abuse in the first place. A large part of relapse prevention is learning additional and fine-tuning existing coping strategies. Coping strategies are what we as individuals utilize to help us deal with stress and anxiety. For many former addicts, drugs and alcohol were their coping strategies so they need to learn new, healthier ways to process their emotions. Inpatient treatment will help start that education but outpatient drug rehab is really where those concepts are expanded on and put into practice.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Outpatient Drug Rehab?

The plus side to outpatient treatment is that the recovering addict gets to go back home and start assimilating back into their old routines. In this instance however, the plus side is also the risk factor as these individuals now have access to all of the substances that they used to abuse. They also have access to their old friends and acquaintances they used to abuse with. In outpatient drug rehab, the individual is not under any sort of supervision (other than possibly family) after they leave their scheduled meetings at the facility which is why their risk for relapse is increased. It's because of this that a recovering addict should have a very organized and scheduled life for the first several months after they leave residential treatment and should absolutely enter an outpatient program to support their recovery efforts.

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. Destination Hope offers 30, 60 and 90 day residential treatment programs as well as intensive outpatient drug rehab and aftercare as well.

Original article

Keeping Teens Out of Trouble Through Drug and Alcohol Awareness Programs

Today's society has become so liberal that there are few if any absolute right or wrongs anymore. Everything is relative to the person and circumstances. This has become increasingly confusing for children, preteens, and teenagers. Undefined lines as to what is good for us and what is not causes many to stumble. Two of many areas of which confusion arises is the abuse of drugs and alcohol to the body. Not to fret.

There are positive ways to keep your teen from going down the wrong path that leads to alcoholism and/or drug addiction. You can discuss with your teen the consequences of substance abuse, or even better - you can enroll them into substance abuse awareness class. There are online classes available, and these classes are just as effective as the live coach classes. At the same time, they give your teen a lot more privacy and they can keep their names secret from others if they want to.

One of the main causes that lead to one or both of these substance abuse problems is stress. A stressful lifestyle needs an outlet. Today it is common for the average teenager to take on too many task's during one season. He/she may be involved in athletic sports, music, drama, and high school governmental leadership programs while trying to maintain their grades to stay on the honor roll.

While having too much idle time causes problems, over doing it causes stress that must have some sort of relief. Unfortunately, some take it by way of escape through using drugs or alcohol.

While some drugs may be used to exit the real world for a very short while, other drugs may be used to alter the physical fitness of an athlete's body. Both have the potential to lead to death. Your teens will learn more about this in any substance abuse awareness class they choose to attend ( or you choose to enroll them into).

Using alcohol is typically used to relax and unwind as a form escape of one's circumstances for a moment. This can be masked as a form of entertainment for a while and may remain as such all of their lives with no problem. For others, it may escalate to over use and lead into poisoning one's body from alcoholism.

So, if too much idle time can lead to problems, and business leads to need from unnatural relief, what is the answer to keeping our teenager's drug and alcohol free?

First, keep in mind that the teenager is not an adult no matter their physical size. They are still children in quickly developing bodies that need continual guidance. A place to come to and know that they are accepted just as they are without conditions. Make sure that they know that they do not have to be an over achiever to have the positive attention and respect of their parents. If they are into too many activities at one time, help them decide which would be most beneficial for them for that season and which to pick up at a later time.

If they show no interest in anything, encourage and explore with them until he or she learns something new about themselves in regard to what they enjoy. Show them your interest in that you support whatever direction they tend to be pulled (as long as it's a good thing). There a correlation between underage drinking and teenage theft and shoplifting.

Most would be shocked to know that Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming allow minors to consume alcohol as long as the minor is on a private, non alcohol selling premises, with parental consent.

The main thing to remember is that teenagers need the advice and guidance of an adult whether they ask for it or not. The trick is to help guide them in such a way that they almost think it's all their own idea. That is possible if you are truly helping them discover their own strengths and weaknesses. Help them maintain a healthy balance between over exertion and laziness. If they maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle, there will be no need for substance abuse.

You should also encourage them to attend drugs and alcohol awareness classes or minor in possession (MIP Classes), by telling them that there is no shame in attending such a class. After all, it is for their own good to learn about the dangers and dire consequences of substance abuse. Asking them to attend such classes online will not make you look like a bad parent - you will actually prove that you are a responsible one.

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 MIP Classes

Original article