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Archive for June, 2009

The Addiction of Overspending

Monday, June 29th, 2009

overspendingThe recession may find shopping addicts hitting rock bottom sooner. How do you know if you’re out of control?

You can’t turn on the TV news or a morning show without hearing how people are cutting back during the current economic downturn. One story that isn’t getting much coverage, though, is how the recession is helping to create (or exacerbate) a new generation of shopaholics.

Retail Therapy

While many people are cutting their spending during this economic downturn, shopping addicts aren’t cutting up their credit cards. Just as with any other addiction, the harmful behavior escalates during times of stress. So while you’d assume that someone facing a job loss or foreclosure would swear off the mall, those difficulties may cause them to rely on retail therapy even more. (more…)

Harold’s Blog: Never Say Never

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Never Say NeverPutting an end to “no, never!” thinking makes for lasting recovery.

Many people enter the recovery process with the attitude, “there are certain things I’m not going to give up or change.” I felt that way. But I’ve since learned that when the pain is great enough, I’m going to do whatever I have to do to stay sober. That’s the ultimate goal: maintaining my sobriety.

To me, when someone makes the statement that they’re never going to give up something that is obviously a character defect (see Step 6 in A.A. for more on character defects), that person is not 100 percent willing to recover. The good news is, sometimes we don’t need to be 100 percent willing — if you’re certain you can handle the result. For example, say a recovering alcoholic has a penchant for gambling. (more…)

Avoiding Burnout

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

burnoutSubstance abuse and mental health professionals are at risk of “compassion fatigue.” How do they stay healthy so they can be there to help for years to come?

Professionals who work in the fields of mental health and substance abuse (especially those who deal with dual disorders and confront both on a daily basis) are at a particularly high risk for professional burnout. A phenomenon known as “compassion fatigue” can occur when the pressure from their daily work begins to erode their outlook and attitude, interfering with their personal life and overall well-being.
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Kiddie Gambling

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

A child gamblingYour child has impulse control issues or can’t get enough of swapping trading cards on the playground. Could it be a sign of a future addiction?

In our accelerated culture, we see increasingly younger children facing very adult problems. The latest vice to become an issue for kids is gambling addiction. Of course, you don’t see the under 12 set hanging out in Vegas on the weekends, but there are plenty of options for kids to get a gambling fix. Lottery tickets, football pools and trading cards are just a few possibilities. Online gambling is another way or even using non-gambling games to place wagers with friends.

How do you know if your kid’s at risk of gambling addiction?

A Canadian study that followed kids from kindergarten to sixth grade found that the biggest factor that indicated a risk for future gambling addiction is impulsivity. The Canadian study found that kids who were inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive in kindergarten, were more likely to develop symptoms of risky gambling behavior by the time they reach middle school.
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Harold’s Blog: Me, me, me!

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

I love meIn recovery, it’s no longer all about us – and that’s a good thing.

As an alcoholic, I was selfish. It was all about me, me, me. I didn’t put my family first. I wasn’t a good steward of my money. I would overspend and buy things that made me look good. Instead of taking my daughter on vacation, I would buy a new car (without consulting my significant other, of course!). I didn’t give a thought to how to pay for it until the first bill came, and I didn’t think about how my actions would affect or hurt those around me. At the time, I never thought I was selfish or self-centered. That’s just what the disease wanted.
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Sex Addiction’s Overlooked Victim

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

sexaddictpartner_w200The partner of a sex addict is often lost in the shuffle during treatment, causing new problems.

Compared to other addictions such as chemical dependency or eating disorders, sex addiction is still somewhat of a mystery. There’s less talk about the topic, less understanding and less support, often because the topic makes us uncomfortable. Even more forgotten is the partner of a sex addict.

When someone discovers a spouse or partner is battling a sex addiction, the first question they often ask is should they stay or should they leave? (more…)

Star Struggles

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

paulaabdul_h150Coverage of celebrity addictions like Abdul, Eminem and Steve-O give us an inside look at the damage done and the triumph – and ongoing struggle — of recovery.

After years of speculation, American Idol judge Paula Abdul finally came clean with Ladies Home Journal about her dependence on painkillers – well, sort of. “I could have killed myself,” Abdul admits in the homey mag’s June issue. “Withdrawal – it’s the worst thing.”

Abdul has since disputed some of the information in the article, clarifying that she checked herself into the La Costa Resort and Spa, in Carlsbad, Calif., not a rehab or detox facility.
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Harold’s Blog: Justification

Friday, June 5th, 2009

noahjustifyThis tricky technique lets us feel okay about doing things we never imagined possible.

We’ve all done it, tried to justify or rationalize a behavior we knew was wrong. “If you only knew how I felt.” “If you had the wife I had.” “If you had the job I had.” We justify.

When I was a kid I never dreamed of going to jail, that was a fear. But then it happened and I went through the shame, fear, etc. that goes along with getting arrested. But as my drinking continued to lead to trouble with the law, something strange happened: (more…)

Craigslist Makes a Change

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

craigslist_w2001An alleged murder by a med student with a gambling addiction has changed Craigslist forever, but are we focusing our efforts in the right place?

Addictions can lead people to do many things they never imagined themselves capable of. The latest shocker is a crime spree with a possible addiction connection: that of the so-called Craigslist Killer. Did a gambling problem really lead a mild-mannered med student to commit robbery and murder? The justice system moves slowly so it may be years before we see a final verdict in this case, but the changes to America’s favorite online classifieds are already being felt.
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Campus Cats

Monday, June 1st, 2009

catCan animals aid in addiction recovery? Science shows pet therapy offers positive results, but La Paloma’s feline friends are just plain fun to have around.

Animal-assisted therapy is nothing new. We’ve all seen companion animals used to help people with special needs. Animals can benefit more than just those with physical issues, though. Psychiatrists, psychologists and physicians have begun prescribing pets to combat loneliness, depression, inactivity and even stress. The unconditional affection pets offer can be helpful in a variety of settings — including treatment for chemical or process addictions.
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