Do you know the difference between Alcohol Use and Abuse? It is a fine line between having a drink after work or with friends, or binge drinking. So how do you know if you, a loved one or a friend has a drinking problem? We often see having a drink as a social occasion or as a way to relax after a particularly stressful day in the office, but are we using it as a tool to relax or as a way to cover up a much bigger problem? You may think that drinking is the solution, but it could be just covering up the symptoms of anxiety, stress or … [Read more...]
Ten Signs That You May Be In A Codependent Relationship
Recognizing you're in a Codependent Relationship is the first step There is nothing easy about relationships, ever. Let’s face it if they were easy and required no work then there wouldn’t be any single or divorced people anywhere. In every relationship, there are going to be high points and low points, figuring out exactly what sort of relationship you are in and knowing when it’s over or when it is time to work on things is the key to a happy life. If you feel as if you are always on the low points, and there are no high points, and your … [Read more...]
Addiction is not a disease?
NEUROSCIENCE and ADDICTION Marc Lewis is the neuroscientist who recently stated in an interview with the Globe and Mail that addiction is not a disease, but is, rather, an exaggerated form of learning, an example of very normal brain activity. Lewis has just written a book (to be released on August 4th), titled “The Biology of Desire” and which looks at the neuroscience of addiction, mixing personal narratives with scientific data. His interest in addiction sprang from his addiction to opiates when he was in his 20s. Lewis says that the … [Read more...]
Facing Addiction
If you are ready to face an addiction – or any other obsession – then here is my challenge to you: In order to get back to a place of trust, you will have to learn to trust in other people, trust in yourself, trust in your own definition of God, your Higher Power, or Creator. If trust is a “bad” word for you, then find your own word that means or implies reliance on another person or entity. Please answer this: What might trust have to do with the solution to your current problem? At the very least, in order to be free of an unhealthy … [Read more...]
Gambling Addictions
What is moderate risk gambling? Gambling Addictions can effect anyone. There is increasing recognition that gambling problems follow a scale, ranging from no gambling related problems to those with minor problems, to those experiencing severe problems. Moderate risk gambling refers to a level of gambling involvement that is starting to have a negative impact on the gambler and/or their family. At this point, the gambler or a family member may have some thoughts or feelings that begin to question the level of gambling involvement. The answer … [Read more...]
Obsessions Part Two
More Obsessions continued from Part One The Signs of Problematic Computer Use A person who is "addicted" to the computer is likely to have several of the experiences and feelings on the list below: How many of them describe you? You have mixed feelings of well-being and guilt while at the computer. You make unsuccessful efforts to quit or limit your computer use. You lose track of time while on the computer. You neglect friends, family and/or responsibilities in order to be online. When you are not on the computer, you think … [Read more...]