MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'alcohol'. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:33:12 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378737&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-addictive-personality%2F Second Edition For nearly a decade, The Addictive Personality has helped people understand the process of addiction. Now, through this second edition, author Craig Nakken brings new depth and dimension to our understanding of how an individual becomes an addict. Going beyond the definition that limits dependency to the realm of alcohol and other drugs, Nakken uncovers the common denominator of all addiction and describes how the process is progressive. Through research and practical experience, Nakken sheds new light on: Genetic factors tied to addiction Cultural influences on addictive behaviors The progressive nature of the disease Steps to a successful recovery The author examines how addictions start, how society pushes people toward addiction, and what happens inside those who beco... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378737 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:25:39 +0100 3378737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374094&cid=t_91809_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fyou-know-youre-unwell-if-4%2F …TLC picked you to appear on tonight’s premiere of its new docu-series “Addicted“. (10 p.m. ET) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374094 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:38:35 +0100 3374094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374386&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fa-vision-for-you-2%2F ‘A vision for you’ is the title of chapter 11 of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. This phrase is often used to refer to the last three paragraphs of chapter 11 and is sometimes read at AA meetings. “Our book is meant to be suggestive only. We realize we know only a little. The Higher Power will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us. Abandon yourself to Higher Power as you understand Higher Power. Admit your faults to Him... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374386 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:01:57 +0100 3374386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370683&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FiNXOZa5ypII%2F ‘A vision for you’ is the title of chapter 11 of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. This phrase is often used to refer to the last three paragraphs of chapter 11 and is sometimes read at AA meetings. “Our book is meant to be suggestive only. We realize we know only a little. The Higher Power will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us. Abandon yourself to Higher Power as you understand Higher Power. Admit your faults to Him... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370683 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:01:57 +0100 3370683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366381&cid=t_91809_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ffrom-green-beer-to-guinness-stout-champagne-and-more-%25e2%2580%2593-tips-to-sip-it-safely.html Alcohol and diabetes. Never a more timely topic than this week. Please enjoy today’s guest post responsibly A Guest Post by Hope Warshaw, nutrition expert and CDE St Paddy’s Day 2010 is just days away. Thinking of gulps of green beer or Guinness Stout, or sips of Irish whiskey or Bailey’s? Alcohol, in its [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366381 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:08 +0100 3366381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370674&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FNYwsLgFAPac%2F Alcohol dependence is a chronic, relapsing bio-behavioral disease mediated by various parts of the brain, including reward systems, memory circuits, and the prefrontal cortex. It is characterized by loss of the ability to drink alcohol in moderation and continued drinking despite negative consequences. The alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common but not universal diagnostic feature of alcohol dependence. Benzodiazepine assisted detoxification of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome prevents the development of withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens, and makes patients more comfortable, which promotes engagement in treatment. Symptom-triggered dosing, based on a withdrawal rating scale such as the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised, is optimal for minimizing the ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370674 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:57:57 +0100 3370674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370675&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FM-070nxmOqA%2F Conclusions  AA attendance was associated both concurrently and predictively with improved alcohol outcomes. Although AA attendance was associated additionally with subsequent improvements in depression, it did not predict such improvements over and above concurrent alcohol use. AA appears to lead both to improvements in alcohol use and psychological and emotional wellbeing which, in turn, may reinforce further abstinence and recovery-related change. Research; John F. Kelly, Robert L. Stout, Molly Magill, J. Scott Tonigan & Maria E. Pagano, Addiction, Volume 105 Issue 4, Pages 626 – 636 See also Disturbing Denial Strategies for Dealing With Denial Addiction & Recovery Books The Dual Disorders Recovery Book Acceptance and Surrender Related Reading: Share/SaveCos... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370675 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:39:00 +0100 3370675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366434&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fdoes-aa-lower-alcohol-use-by-reducing-depression%2F Conclusions  AA attendance was associated both concurrently and predictively with improved alcohol outcomes. Although AA attendance was associated additionally with subsequent improvements in depression, it did not predict such improvements over and above concurrent alcohol use. AA appears to lead both to improvements in alcohol use and psychological and emotional wellbeing which, in turn, may reinforce further abstinence and recovery-related change. Research; John F. Kelly, Robert L. Stout, Molly Magill, J. Scott Tonigan & Maria E. Pagano, Addiction, Volume 105 Issue 4, Pages 626 – 636 See also Disturbing Denial Strategies for Dealing With Denial Addiction & Recovery Books The Dual Disorders Recovery Book Acceptance and Surrender Related Reading: Share/SaveCos... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366434 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:39:00 +0100 3366434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366152&cid=t_91809_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F14%2Fsugar-sweetened-beverages-diet-coke-health-part-i%2F At Medical and Technology of Joseph Kim, the upcoming Grand Rounds host, I saw the blog post “Need your help on Facebook to get Diet Coke to Donate $50,000 to the Foundation for NIH”. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has started a national campaign in the US, The Heart Truth®. They issued a challenge in [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366152 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:59:54 +0100 3366152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370676&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F9SLUf7UAC08%2F CONCLUSIONS: in the long-term TSF may be the treatment of choice for alcohol-dependent clients with networks supportive of drinking; involvement in AA should be given special consideration for clients with networks supportive of drinking, irrespective of the therapy they will receive. Research; Longabaugh R, Wirtz PW, Zweben A, Stout RL. Network support for drinking, Alcoholics Anonymous and long-term matching effects.Addiction. 1998 Sep;93(9):1313-33. Subscribe to regular RSS feeds. Related Reading: Share/SaveRandom ArticlesRole of Self Help ProgramsAbstinence rates in AAMore AA meetingsEarly outpatient alcohol rehabilitation worksBrief-TSF ASSESSMENT (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370676 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:40:12 +0100 3370676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370677&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FkXIaRSwPvyA%2F AA and 12 step alcoholism treatment programs The author of this report notes that AA self-help groups are the most commonly accessed component of treatment for alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. Additionally, the concepts and approaches of AA have significantly influenced other twelve-step programs in professional treatment. Research has indicated that participation in AA or other 12-step programs results in reductions in substance abuse and also in psychiatric problems, reducing health care costs over time. Section headings in this book chapter include: nature and prevalence of AA; nature and prevalence of 12-step treatment programs; evaluations of community-based AA groups; evaluation research on 12-step oriented professional treatment programs potential future research directio... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370677 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:36:56 +0100 3370677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359224&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fl-am3Zq7Z3E%2F What are some questions to ask in choosing an alcohol and drug treatment program? The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends asking the following questions when selecting a treatment program: Does the program accept your insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you? Is the program run by state-accredited, licensed and/or trained professionals? Is the facility clean, organized and well-run? Does the program encompass the full range of needs of the individual (medical: including infectious diseases; psychological: including co-occurring mental illness; social; vocational; legal; etc.)? Does the treatment program also address sexual orientation and physical disabilities as well as provide age, gender... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359224 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:14:32 +0100 3359224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370678&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Ff5BcIM7OKIs%2F   We evaluates the gender matching hypothesis in Project MATCH, which states that women will benefit more from Cognitive-Behavioral Coping Skills Therapy (CBT) than from Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF). CBT was expected to address the ancillary problems (e.g., external stressors, negative mood) that are more prevalent among female alcoholics; at the same time, TSF, which would encourage women to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, was expected to increase guilt and undermine self-esteem and assertion. Tests of the matching contrasts failed to provide support for the hypothesis in either arm of the trial. Gender did produce significant prognostic effects in analyses of the aftercare arm, with women reporting a higher proportion of abstinent days and fewer drinks per occasion than... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370678 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:17:59 +0100 3370678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370679&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FMof0YHGz-Sk%2F Cost-Effectiveness of Home Visits in the Outpatient Treatment of Patients with Alcohol Dependence The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of conventional outpatient treatment for alcoholic patients (CT) with this same conventional treatment plus home visits (HV), a new proposal for intervention within the Brazilian outpatient treatment system. A cost-effectiveness evaluation alongside a 12-week randomized clinical trial was performed. We identified the resources utilized by each intervention, as well as the cost according to National Health System (SUS), Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) tables of fees, and others based on 2005 data. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated as the main outcome measure – abstinent cases at the end of trea... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370679 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:26:06 +0100 3370679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354583&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fcost-effectiveness-of-home-visits-for-alcoholism%2F Cost-Effectiveness of Home Visits in the Outpatient Treatment of Patients with Alcohol Dependence The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of conventional outpatient treatment for alcoholic patients (CT) with this same conventional treatment plus home visits (HV), a new proposal for intervention within the Brazilian outpatient treatment system. A cost-effectiveness evaluation alongside a 12-week randomized clinical trial was performed. We identified the resources utilized by each intervention, as well as the cost according to National Health System (SUS), Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) tables of fees, and others based on 2005 data. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated as the main outcome measure – abstinent cases at the end of trea... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354583 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:26:06 +0100 3354583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370680&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FvqSexr-UG8Q%2F Biomarkers in Alcohol Misuse: Their Role in the Prevention and Detection of Thiamine Deficiency In Western countries alcohol misuse is the most frequent cause of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency (TD) and consequent neuro-impairment. Studies have demonstrated that between 30 and 80% of alcoholics are thiamine deficient, and this puts them at risk of developing the Wernicke–Korsakoff (WK) syndrome. The relative roles of alcohol and TD in causing brain damage remain controversial and it is important to try to determine the role played by each factor. Animal studies support an additive effect of alcohol exposure and TD, and indicate the potential for interaction between alcohol and TD in human alcohol-related brain damage. Early diagnosis of alcohol-related TD is therefore an important ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370680 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:02:24 +0100 3370680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350587&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FH9aSNdTBE9k%2F Health impacts of long term alcohol misuse Long term abuse of alcohol creates medical risks to individuals and may contribute to many cases of illness and premature death. On death certificates ‘alcohol-related’ is often not stated. Long term health impacts of alcohol misuse Liver disorders: hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer of the liver (most alcohol specific fatalities recorded result from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis i) Gastrointestinal problems: pancreatitis; cancer of the oesophagus; digestive problems; gastritis Nerve and muscle damage: weakness; burning sensations in hands/feet; paralysis Circulatory problems: high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke Cancer: the voice box [larynx]), the throat (treble the risk) and the gullet (double the risk) as well... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350587 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:15:00 +0100 3350587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370681&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fzq13ho7H55A%2F CONCLUSIONS: The Chilean version of the AUDIT is a valid and reliable tool for identifying adolescents with hazardous, harmful, and dependent alcohol use. The suggested cut-off points make screening with the AUDIT more accurate for adolescent populations. Research; Drug Alcohol Depend. 2009 Aug 1;103(3):155-8. Epub 2009 May 6. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) as a screening instrument for adolescents. Santis R, Garmendia ML, Acuña G, Alvarado ME, Arteaga O. See also; 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative Brief-TSF ASSESSMENT Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. Learn about the disease Youth With Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Escape from Bondage (Helping Youth With Mental, Physical, and Social Challenges) by Kenneth McIntosh ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370681 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:53:36 +0100 3370681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350591&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Ft1YhaQU7G_s%2F CONCLUSION: Results are consistent with previous studies showing that shorter-term outcomes are likely to be maintained, and that baseline characteristics and treatment factors account less for outcomes over longer terms. Research; Bodin MC, Romelsjö A. Predictors of 2-year drinking outcomes in a Swedish treatment sample. Eur Addict Res. 2007;13(3):136-43. See also; Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350591 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:58:54 +0100 3350591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346728&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FLtrGQj2b7y4%2F Alcoholism is characterized by a preoccupation with alcohol and impaired control over alcohol intake. Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive disease. Left untreated, alcoholism can be fatal. You may continue to abuse alcohol despite serious adverse health, personal, work-related and financial consequences. Alcoholism usually involves physical dependence on alcohol, but genetic, psychological and social factors contribute to the addiction as well. It’s possible to have a problem with alcohol, but not display all the characteristics of alcoholism. This is known as “alcohol abuse,” which means you engage in excessive drinking that causes health or social problems, but you aren’t dependent on alcohol and haven’t fully lost control over the use of alcohol. Stat... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346728 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:42:23 +0100 3346728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350573&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fzqfsn0xoK5U%2F Conclusions; Findings support the helper therapy principle and clarify the process of 12-step affiliation. Research report; Sarah E. Zemore, Lee Ann Kaskutas & Lyndsay N. Ammon, In 12-step groups, helping helps the helper. Addiction; March 2004 Peer Support in Action: From Bystanding to Standing By Related Reading: Share/SaveRandom ArticlesQuery Patients About Past Drug ProblemsResearch Support for TSFThe 12-Steps Promote Acceptance of AddictionBrief-TSF ASSESSMENTAsking about drinking (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350573 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:28:28 +0100 3350573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346731&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FHuOo3fZo_Nk%2F Stools and Bottles uses the concept of a barstool (the seat and three legs) and eight bottles to represent the importance of the first four steps (of the Twelve Steps) of Alcoholics Anonymous. The author began using this concept in a prior book called The Little Red Book and it got so popular that the concept was expanded into its own book. The Stool The author begins the book by talking about the “seat” of the stool. The seat, by itself, is “as useless, incomplete, and undependable as the shaky alcoholic it upholds”. For the seat to function, it needs three legs to uphold it, just like the alcoholic needs the first three steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) for support. The author says that the three legs represent the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of recovery for the ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346731 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:50:53 +0100 3346731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346735&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fl3snMy8Kcw0%2F My name is Michael and I’m a clergy alcoholic in AA I am a Roman Catholic priest, a pastor of souls with the title of monsignor. I am also an alcoholic. A few months ago, I celebrated an anniversary of ordination. A month before that, I celebrated a more important anniversary, my fourth as a member of A.A. Why do I say that my anniversary in A.A. is a more important date than my ordination anniversary? The answer is that through A.A. my Higher Power, God, has not only saved my life and restored me to sanity, but has given me a new way of life and has immeasurably enriched my priesthood. Thus, thanks to God and A.A. I am today striving honestly and sincerely, despite many shortcomings, to fulfil my priestly vocation in the manner that God intended. My sobriety has to be the most impor... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346735 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:18:54 +0100 3346735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350574&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F4vCu8It114E%2F   Episodes of intimate partner violence are associated with alcohol consumption. To explore this relationship further, researchers interviewed a random sample of heterosexual couples at baseline and 5 years later. They assessed alcohol use and related problems, and the incidence (new cases) and recurrence (cases at both follow-up and baseline) of male-to-female partner violence and female-to-male partner violence. Analyses included 1136 couples who were cohabitating and/or married at both baseline and follow-up. Partner violence was defined as a range of violent behaviors, such as slapping, kicking, forcing sex, and threatening with a gun or knife. At follow-up, the incidence of both female-to-male and male-to-female partner violence was only 6 percent. However, recurrence was more c... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350574 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:18:40 +0100 3350574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339638&cid=t_91809_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fare-pregnant-women-honest-about-their.html Is there any line we should not cross when it comes to invading a patient's right to privacy?  The dangers of heavy drinking in pregnancy are well documented, and the more awareness there is about foetal alcohol syndrome, the better. And of course we should offer advice and information to all pregnant women and it is reasonable to ask them how much alcohol they drink.  Now, however, there is talk of testing women to see if they are telling the truth:Pregnant women are being asked to take new blood tests that reveal their drinking habits and could leave them accused of putting the health of their unborn children at risk. The test, which gives results in an hour, allows midwives to construct a picture of how much a mother-to-be has drunk over the previous fortnight, even if she has... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339638 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:36:00 +0100 3339638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350575&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FPZml90W4rN4%2F Bipolar Patients with Comorbid Substance Use Disorders; Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations: Comorbidity of bipolar disorder (BD) and alcoholism and substance use disorders (SUDs) represents a serious public health problem and a major challenge to treatment systems. Bipolar disorder is among the top causes of disabilities worldwide, and reportedly the fourth leading mental illness as a source of disease burden in established market economies. Large epidemiologic surveys in the United States have consistently confirmed a high association between bipolar disorder and SUDs. The Epidemiological Catchments Area Study reported bipolar I and bipolar II disorders as having the highest association with SUDs when compared with any other major psychiatric disorder. The prevalence of lifetime al... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350575 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:11:41 +0100 3350575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339810&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FarxoTp4-Yrw%2F Many religious organisation and faiths apply the 12 Steps to recovery based on their particular perspective. These are some of them, others can be found on the internet. Calix Society Overcomers Outreach, Inc. JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others) Alcoholics Victorious International Ministers & Pastors in Recovery National Assoc. for Christian Recovery Christian Recovery International Clergy Recovery Network Spiritual Abuse Recovery Resources Christian Survivors Recovery from Abuse StepStudy I do not know the quality of these groups nor how many there are. Use your own wisdom to assess if they are suitable for you. See also Agnostic Freethinkers Agnostics and Atheist’s Christian Books Spirituality Books Self-Help Books Related Reading: (S... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339810 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:26:00 +0100 3339810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350576&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FaKdgGTvNdcY%2F This study was designed to examine aggression in a group of socially well-adapted recovered alcoholics. The question addressed was whether the treatment, together with long-term abstinence from alcohol, could reduce aggression and hostility in recovered alcoholics. Sixty four male stable alcoholics with at least 3 years sobriety were compared with 69 non-alcoholics. Neither group had any other psychological problems. Both groups were given a questionnaire on general characteristics as well as aggressive and hostility traits. After a 3-year abstinence, men from the recovering alcoholics group displayed greater signs of hostility and covert aggression. They were different from non-alcoholics on measures for indirect aggression, irritability, negativism, suspicion, resentment, and guilt. Re... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350576 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:05:53 +0100 3350576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339817&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FLuH3MnFv-wY%2F “As we walked back through the hall, I, for the first time in my life, said to another human being, ‘I’m having trouble with my drinking too.’ She took me by the hand and introduced me to the woman that I’m very proud to call my sponsor. This woman and her husband are both in A.A., and she said to me, ‘Oh, but you’re not the alcoholic; it’s your husband.’ I said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘How long have you been married?’ I said, ‘Twenty-seven years.’ She said “Twenty-seven years to an alcoholic! How did you ever stand it?’ I thought, now here’s a nice sympathetic soul! This is for me. I said, “Well, I stood it to keep the home together, and for the children’s sake.’ She said, ‘Yes, I know. Y... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339817 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:29:37 +0100 3339817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339816&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FxnsWeWhW_zE%2F 15 POINTS FOR AN ALCOHOLIC TO CONSIDER WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE URGE TO TAKE A DRINK THE UNHAPPIEST PERSON in the world is the chronic Alcoholic who has an insistent yearning to enjoy life as he once knew it, but cannot picture life without alcohol. He has a HEART-BREAKING OBSESSION that by some miracle of control he will be able to do so. SOBRIETY, THE MAGNICFICENT OBSESSION, is the most important thing in your life without exception. You may believe your job, or your home life, or one of the many other things come first. But consider, if you do not get sober and stay sober, chances are you won’t have a job, a family, sanity, or even life. If you are convinced that everything in life depends on your sobriety, you have just so much more chance of getting sober and staying sober. If y... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339816 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:29:37 +0100 3339816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339815&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FBB2yM86zcwI%2F 6 beers 2 glasses of wine 2 bottles of wine – shared of course Too many Margaritas 3 Kamikazes 7 rum & cokes 1 large purple haze 3 martinis 1 bottle of Tequila NB; To our knowledge, none of these animals actually drank alcohol. (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339815 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:29:37 +0100 3339815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335576&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Foh-i-knew-youd-make-it%2F “As we walked back through the hall, I, for the first time in my life, said to another human being, ‘I’m having trouble with my drinking too.’ She took me by the hand and introduced me to the woman that I’m very proud to call my sponsor. This woman and her husband are both in A.A., and she said to me, ‘Oh, but you’re not the alcoholic; it’s your husband.’ I said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘How long have you been married?’ I said, ‘Twenty-seven years.’ She said “Twenty-seven years to an alcoholic! How did you ever stand it?’ I thought, now here’s a nice sympathetic soul! This is for me. I said, “Well, I stood it to keep the home together, and for the children’s sake.’ She said, ‘Yes, I know. Y... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335576 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:29:37 +0100 3335576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335575&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-drinking-may-do-for-you%2F 6 beers 2 glasses of wine 2 bottles of wine – shared of course Too many Margaritas 3 Kamikazes 7 rum & cokes 1 large purple haze 3 martinis 1 bottle of Tequila NB; To our knowledge, none of these animals actually drank alcohol. (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335575 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:29:37 +0100 3335575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3327045&cid=t_91809_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F03%2Fthe-sound-situation-of-beer-drinkers%2F CONCLUSIONS: The impact of environmental music on consumption was discussed and the “arousal” hypothesis and the negative effect of loud music on social interaction were used to explain our results. * * * For a sample of related Situationist posts, see “Just Me and My Friend, Sony,” “Alcohol, Hotdogs, Sexism, and Racism,” “What Our Exterior Situation Reveals About Our Interior Situation,” “Susan Boyle and the Situation of Sound,” “The Situation of Music,” “The Situation of the Dreaded ‘Freshman 15′,” “The Science of Songs Stuck in Your Head,” and “Investing in Vice,” (Source: The Situationist) The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3327045 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:12:34 +0100 3327045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350578&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FeYK9NZldFAY%2F This study evaluates the ability of alcoholics to regulate their blood alcohol levels (BAL) within a designated range by relying primarily on interoceptive (internal) cues. Forty male alcoholics and 20 control subjects were exposed to an initial training session in which they received sufficient ethanol to maintain them within a designated BAL range over a 2 1/2-hour period. They were then exposed to two experimental sessions, one providing "overfeedback" and one "underfeedback." During each session, subjects had ten drinking decisions to make with respect to regulation of their BAL. The results indicated that alcoholics displayed greater "loss-of-control" than control subjects. This finding supported the hypothesis that alcoholics may possess a neurophysiolog... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350578 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:51:17 +0100 3350578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350579&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FOLqns1N6EwM%2F Safe Treatment of Pain in the Patient With a Substance Use Disorder Conditions associated with severe pain can and do develop in persons who have active addiction or who are in remission from an addictive disease, and these patients may require treatment for pain relief. This presents a challenge to clinicians: How can pain be relieved in these patients without exacerbating or reactivating the addictive disorder? There is little research data on this topic; however, experiential and anecdotal reports collected over the past 3 decades indicate that there are safe and effective approaches to pain management in these patients. In general, the pain treatment regimen for a person recovering from an addiction involves the use of long-acting opioids, such as sustained-release oxycodone, methado... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350579 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:37:35 +0100 3350579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3327309&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholism-and-fear-2%2F Curiosity about recovery Fear Mixed with Alcohol The primary cause of alcoholism is not positively known in the present knowledge of the problem. Nor do we believe that the cause in most instances is singular, but usually a combination of causes. However, we are of the opinion that to date that one of the best-defined psychological cause for alcoholism is the one given in Sobriety and Beyond that defined the cause of alcoholism as “Fear mixed with alcohol.” By this is meant that the average alcoholic is a drinker who has an abnormal fear. Although this tendency is present in most human beings to a certain extent, it is emphatically obvious in the alcoholic personality, and because of emotional damage, which now may not even be in the consciousness, will cause abnormal insecurity and fe... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3327309 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:16:00 +0100 3327309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318667&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FmKEXGKJYPkY%2F Curiosity about recovery Fear Mixed with Alcohol The primary cause of alcoholism is not positively known in the present knowledge of the problem. Nor do we believe that the cause in most instances is singular, but usually a combination of causes. However, we are of the opinion that to date that one of the best-defined psychological cause for alcoholism is the one given in Sobriety and Beyond that defined the cause of alcoholism as “Fear mixed with alcohol.” By this is meant that the average alcoholic is a drinker who has an abnormal fear. Although this tendency is present in most human beings to a certain extent, it is emphatically obvious in the alcoholic personality, and because of emotional damage, which now may not even be in the consciousness, will cause abnormal insecurity and fe... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318667 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:16:00 +0100 3318667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318669&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FwbkcJMdjf2w%2F Individual drinking habits may be found on a continuum from responsible drinking through alcohol abuse to alcoholism, or physical dependence. There are many signs that may point to an alcohol problem. Drunkenness on its own or solitary drinking does not necessarily indicate alcoholism. The questionnaire will be meaningful to you only if you are honest with yourself when taking it. The important question is: Is your use of alcohol creating significant negative consequences in your life? Do you sometimes drink heavily after a setback or an argument, or when you receive a poor grade? When you experience trouble or are undergoing stress, do you always drink more heavily than usual? Can you handle more liquor now than you could when you first began drinking? Have you ever awakened the “... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318669 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:48:31 +0100 3318669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3316249&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F33CR1WSBNbE%2F Large Print Since 1954, Twenty-Four Hours a Day has become a stable force in the recovery of many alcoholics throughout the world. With over six and a half million copies in print (the original text has been revised), this “little black book” offers daily thoughts, meditations, and prayers for living a clean and sober life. A spiritual resource with practical applications to fit our daily lives. “For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision” is part of the Sanskrit proverb quoted at the beginning of the book which has become one of the basic building blocks for a life of sobriety. In addition to a thought, meditation and prayer for each day of the year, this handy, pocket-sized volume also contains the Serenity Prayer and the 12 Steps and 12 Tradit... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3316249 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:04:47 +0100 3316249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3316251&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F88P5BFtVgzE%2F My name is George and I’m a Jewish alcoholic in Alcoholics Anonymous A startling, four-color advertising poster appeared some time ago in the New York subways. Staring at the viewer was a “typical Irish cop” about to eat a luscious delicatessen sandwich on Levy’s rye bread, and the legend was “You don’t have to be Jewish to like Levy’s.” As countless subway stations flew by, and as the rusty gears in my head meshed, the whole idea of that Irish cop (and by now in my mind’s eye he had become a Catholic-Irish cop named O’Toole, with a thick brogue, 14 children, and a grandmother in Kilkenny) had turned itself upside down. One evening, while talking to my closest friend in A.A. (whose name is so Irish I can preserve his anonymity onl... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3316251 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:23:24 +0100 3316251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3316254&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FC7uuQ3epYOc%2F Liz Scott Sober Cooking All About Mocktails: Drinks for Sober Celebrations There was a time when nondrinkers had very few choices when it came to specialty drinks. Shirley Temples and Virgin Marys were the typical options – otherwise a club soda or cola was the usual request for kids and abstaining adults alike. But times have certainly changed! Bartender extraordinaire Tony Abou-Ganim of Las Vegas designed a special “mocktail” for Paris Hilton’s birthday party, and alcohol-free pomegranate spritzers were served on an episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. With more and more folks abstaining from the hard stuff, hosts need to offer mocktails as well as soft drinks when they entertain if they hope to throw a memorable party for their alcohol-shunning guests. So, what... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3316254 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:49:54 +0100 3316254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314801&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FoibCtFGC5e4%2F You are not alaone Some methods A.A. members have used for not drinking About that title… Even the words “stay sober”-let alone live sober-offended many of us when we first heard such advice. Although we had done a lot of drinking, many of us never felt drunk, and were sure we almost never appeared or sounded drunk. Many of us never staggered, fell, or got thick tongues; many others were never disorderly, never missed a day at work, never had automobile accidents, and certainly were never hospitalized nor jailed for drunkenness. We knew lots of people who drank more than we did, and people who could not handle their drinks at all. We were not like that. So the suggestion that maybe we should “stay sober” was almost insulting. Besides, it seemed unnecessarily drast... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314801 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:51:01 +0100 3314801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311940&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fliving-sober-2%2F You are not alaone Some methods A.A. members have used for not drinking About that title… Even the words “stay sober”-let alone live sober-offended many of us when we first heard such advice. Although we had done a lot of drinking, many of us never felt drunk, and were sure we almost never appeared or sounded drunk. Many of us never staggered, fell, or got thick tongues; many others were never disorderly, never missed a day at work, never had automobile accidents, and certainly were never hospitalized nor jailed for drunkenness. We knew lots of people who drank more than we did, and people who could not handle their drinks at all. We were not like that. So the suggestion that maybe we should “stay sober” was almost insulting. Besides, it seemed unnecessarily drast... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311940 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:51:01 +0100 3311940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302395&cid=t_91809_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FzqDKtAHGu7A%2F It’s an instant reaction, isn’t it? Read or hear the word “lice,” and our scalp gets itchy. Unfortunately, head lice is a fact of life for many people, even in the so-called developed world, particularly among school children. Lice are not life threatening and they don’t carry illness, but they are still not something we want in our homes or on our scalp. However, treatment is usually with chemicals that can be harmful and often treatments need to be repeated because the follow up, picking out all the nits, is not always easy to do (Lice: The Real Nitpicking). In fact, some of the chemicals are so strong that they are not recommended for certain groups of people, such as children with neurological disorders. As time has passed and we have used these strong tox... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302395 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:35:21 +0100 3302395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3307103&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FXX-8CyylmOY%2F I Found My True Self I grew up in a middle-class family in Australia. We had a three-story home with an indoor swimming pool and I had a pony. But home was not as it looked from the outside. Not How It Looked My family looked very successful, but my mother drank alcohol daily and my dad drank beer and got drunk. Mum and Dad had weekly arguments. My brother was a qualified Chemist at 21. He committed suicide one night— the disease of alcoholism got him. It took me years to seek my own recovery after two marriage break-ups, loss of homes and a life of unmanageability that I did not recognize. My third husband, whom I love very much, is still out there drinking, although he has been in AA. I have been in Al-Anon (12 Step group for relatives and friends of alcoholics) for nine years. Recogn... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3307103 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:21:44 +0100 3307103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302651&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fjill-cs-recovery-story%2F I Found My True Self I grew up in a middle-class family in Australia. We had a three-story home with an indoor swimming pool and I had a pony. But home was not as it looked from the outside. Not How It Looked My family looked very successful, but my mother drank alcohol daily and my dad drank beer and got drunk. Mum and Dad had weekly arguments. My brother was a qualified Chemist at 21. He committed suicide one night— the disease of alcoholism got him. It took me years to seek my own recovery after two marriage break-ups, loss of homes and a life of unmanageability that I did not recognize. My third husband, whom I love very much, is still out there drinking, although he has been in AA. I have been in Al-Anon (12 Step group for relatives and friends of alcoholics) for nine years. Recogn... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302651 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:21:44 +0100 3302651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302639&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FtcGQ5nUZ44o%2F A closer look at the role of a spiritual approach in addictions treatment. Twelve Step Programs such as AA play a major role in addictions treatment, and their members are increasingly accepting of psychotherapy and medication. However, many clinicians question the role of an approach defined by these Programs as spiritual. This paper explores the nature, indications, and limitations of a spiritual approach to addiction and the implications for collaboration with mental health professionals. It suggests that Twelve Step Programs not only provide accessible group support and a clear ideology regarding addiction but address individuals’ needs for identity, integrity, an inner life and interdependence within a larger social and moral, or spiritual context. It examines the ways in which... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302639 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:55:51 +0100 3302639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302640&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fg3HA4BH4Qj4%2F Dr Harry M. Tiebout One of the first psychiatrists to describe alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral failing or criminal activity. Harry M. Tiebout was also one of the first to wholeheartedly endorse Alcoholics Anonymous as an effective force in the struggle against compulsive drinking. This volume brings together, for the first time, some of Tiebout’s most influential writings. Many of these pieces–from explorations of the therapeutic approach to alcoholism to instructive discussions of the act of surrender so crucial to recovery–are seminal documents in the history, treatment, and understanding of alcoholism. Together, they represent the significant contribution of one man to the countless lives shaken by alcoholism and steadied with the help of Alcoholics Anonym... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302640 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:11:57 +0100 3302640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298603&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fharry-tiebot-alcoholism-the-disease%2F Dr Harry M. Tiebout One of the first psychiatrists to describe alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral failing or criminal activity. Harry M. Tiebout was also one of the first to wholeheartedly endorse Alcoholics Anonymous as an effective force in the struggle against compulsive drinking. This volume brings together, for the first time, some of Tiebout’s most influential writings. Many of these pieces–from explorations of the therapeutic approach to alcoholism to instructive discussions of the act of surrender so crucial to recovery–are seminal documents in the history, treatment, and understanding of alcoholism. Together, they represent the significant contribution of one man to the countless lives shaken by alcoholism and steadied with the help of Alcoholics Anonym... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298603 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:11:57 +0100 3298603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302656&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcan-an-alcoholic-be-forced-into-treatment%2F You can be a bridge to recovery If an alcoholic is unwilling to get help, what can you do about it? This can be a challenge. An alcoholic can’t be forced to get help except under certain circumstances, such as a traffic violation or arrest that results in court-ordered treatment. But you don’t have to wait for someone to “hit rock bottom” to act. Many alcoholism treatment specialists suggest the following steps to help an alcoholic get treatment: Stop all “cover ups.” Family members often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. It is important to stop covering for the alcoholic so that he or she experiences the full consequences of drinking. Time your intervention. The best time to talk to the drink... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302656 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:18:49 +0100 3302656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298607&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FP9LkNzBATDU%2F You can be a bridge to recovery If an alcoholic is unwilling to get help, what can you do about it? This can be a challenge. An alcoholic can’t be forced to get help except under certain circumstances, such as a traffic violation or arrest that results in court-ordered treatment. But you don’t have to wait for someone to “hit rock bottom” to act. Many alcoholism treatment specialists suggest the following steps to help an alcoholic get treatment: Stop all “cover ups.” Family members often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. It is important to stop covering for the alcoholic so that he or she experiences the full consequences of drinking. Time your intervention. The best time to talk to the drink... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298607 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:18:49 +0100 3298607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298609&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FLZl8yU3h170%2F Laugh in recovery When I first came to Alcoholics Anonymous I quite quickly grasped the two concepts that have been the foundations of my sobriety, the One Day At A Time (ODAAT) principle, and lots of Meetings. For a few years this seemed enough, and indeed these two simple ideas are enough to keep me sober. But then I realised that there was more to living than just not drinking. I think this is where the Steps come in as the third concept of AA – recovery. If I follow the Steps (and don’t drink ODAAT and do lots of meetings) I think my life must get better and fuller. I often heard the chairperson of a meeting say at the end “you may leave these rooms and never drink again, if you so desire”. Someone once added “and be happy about it!” which is where AA is... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298609 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:58:23 +0100 3298609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298610&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fin4Rkogn-SQ%2F Who me? “When the idea was first presented to me that I was an alcoholic, my mind simply refused to accept it. Horrors! How disgraceful! What humiliation! How preposterous! Why, I loathed the taste of liquor – drinking was simply a means of escape when my sorrows became too great for me to endure. Even after it had been explained to me that alcoholism is a disease, I could not realize that I had it. I was still ashamed, still wanted to hide behind the screen of reasons made up of unjust treatment, unhappiness, tired and dejected, and the dozens of other things that I thought lay at the root of my search for oblivion by means of whiskey or gin. In any case, I felt quite sure that I was not an alcoholic.” (A Feminine Victory; Personal Story from the First Edition of the book Alcoho... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298610 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:21:50 +0100 3298610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294813&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fi-did-not-realize%2F Who me? “When the idea was first presented to me that I was an alcoholic, my mind simply refused to accept it. Horrors! How disgraceful! What humiliation! How preposterous! Why, I loathed the taste of liquor – drinking was simply a means of escape when my sorrows became too great for me to endure. Even after it had been explained to me that alcoholism is a disease, I could not realize that I had it. I was still ashamed, still wanted to hide behind the screen of reasons made up of unjust treatment, unhappiness, tired and dejected, and the dozens of other things that I thought lay at the root of my search for oblivion by means of whiskey or gin. In any case, I felt quite sure that I was not an alcoholic.” (A Feminine Victory; Personal Story from the First Edition of the book Alcoho... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294813 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:21:50 +0100 3294813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298613&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F3QBnkNsBom8%2F No, alcoholism cannot be cured at this time. Even if an alcoholic hasn’t been drinking for a long time, he or she can still suffer a relapse. Not drinking is the safest course for most people with alcoholism. Can alcoholism be treated? Yes, alcoholism can be treated. Alcoholism treatment programs use both counseling and medications to help a person stop drinking. Treatment has helped many people stop drinking and rebuild their lives. Does alcoholism treatment work? Alcoholism treatment works for many people. But like other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, there are varying levels of success when it comes to treatment. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others cannot stop dr... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298613 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:46:43 +0100 3298613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294816&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcan-alcoholism-be-cured%2F No, alcoholism cannot be cured at this time. Even if an alcoholic hasn’t been drinking for a long time, he or she can still suffer a relapse. Not drinking is the safest course for most people with alcoholism. Can alcoholism be treated? Yes, alcoholism can be treated. Alcoholism treatment programs use both counseling and medications to help a person stop drinking. Treatment has helped many people stop drinking and rebuild their lives. Does alcoholism treatment work? Alcoholism treatment works for many people. But like other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, there are varying levels of success when it comes to treatment. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others cannot stop dr... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294816 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:46:43 +0100 3294816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302642&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FTyJXWLeCxRo%2F CONCLUSIONS: The prototypical AA careers derived empirically are consistent with anecdotal data about AA meetings: some never connect; some connect but briefly; and others maintain stable (and sometimes quite high) rates of AA attendance. However, contrary to AA lore, many who connect only for a while do well afterwards. Kaskutas LA, Ammon L, Delucchi K, Room R, Bond J, Weisner C. Alcoholics anonymous careers: patterns of AA involvement five years after treatment entry. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2005 Nov;29(11):1983-90. Related Reading: Share/SaveRandom ArticlesIntimate Partner Violence The Role of AlcoholTSF & Brief-TSF TARGET POPULATIONSIdentifying Teen Alcohol Abuse or DependenceAl-Anon offers new lifeHandbook of Alcoholism (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302642 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:31:05 +0100 3302642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3292018&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FA7B6-pPo444%2F Free AA MP3 tracks dowloads The Akron AA Archives has been blessed with stewardship of a substantial, rare collection of recorded speaker “leads” dating back to the early days of our fellowship. Currently there are over 400 of these talks representing a treasure of early AA history, many in their original form on cassettes or reel-to-reel tape. These have been “passed on” to us by members and treated with loving care. However without appropriate preservation, these links to the past were in danger of being lost forever. Modern technology has provided a solution. What’s more, we can now make these memories come alive for all AA members! We have the capacity to digitize these rare recordings and to preserve them as high quality “uncompressed WAV files”. Our goal is to make ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3292018 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:40:38 +0100 3292018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302643&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FyoU5crMTW0w%2F The purpose of this study was to measure spiritual well-being (SWB), private religious practices (PRP), positive religious coping, abstinence self-efficacy (AASE), affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous (AAA), and their associations with alcoholics in treatment. Seventy-four adults in a three-week outpatient addiction treatment program were assessed at admission and discharge. Wilcoxon signed rank and t tests demonstrated significant increases in all variables. Spearman correlation coefficients detected significant associations between the spiritual variables, SWB and AASE, as well as PRP and AAA. Findings suggest that spiritual variables can change during treatment and that there may be connections between spiritual variables and variables associated with longer-term recovery. Piderma... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302643 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:18:51 +0100 3302643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302644&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FoOGM0cR8XQI%2F Alcoholism Is Not Just A “Man’s Disease” Anymore A new examination of data on similarly aged groups, compared across decades, has found substantial increases in drinking and alcohol dependence among women. Increases were particularly notable among white and Hispanic women – beginning with those born in the United States after World War II. Cross-sectional studies, which collect information at a single point in time, generally find that young Americans report having more lifetime alcohol problems than older Americans, despite having had less time to develop these problems.  But these studies are hampered by the fact that people of different ages may remember or report problems to different degrees.  A new examination of data, collected on similarly aged g... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302644 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:02:03 +0100 3302644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291000&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FUJl0CaY11HU%2F What is Millati Islami? Millati Islami is a fellowship of men and women, joined together on the “Path of Peace:. We share our experiences, strengths, and hopes while recovering from our active addiction to mind and mood altering substances. We look to Allah (G-D) to guide us on Millati Islami (the Path of Peace). While recovering, we strive to become rightly guided Muslims, submitted our will and services to Allah. Islam tells us clearly that the status of man in this world is that of an “Abd” (servant or ’slave’). We know that we must learn to be slaves and servants only to Allah and not slaves to mind and mood altering chemicals. We must also learn not to be slaves to people, places, things, and emotions. Allah tells us that man is “Khalifa” (age... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291000 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:25:46 +0100 3291000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3288028&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-12-steps-of-millati-islami-recovery%2F What is Millati Islami? Millati Islami is a fellowship of men and women, joined together on the “Path of Peace:. We share our experiences, strengths, and hopes while recovering from our active addiction to mind and mood altering substances. We look to Allah (G-D) to guide us on Millati Islami (the Path of Peace). While recovering, we strive to become rightly guided Muslims, submitted our will and services to Allah. Islam tells us clearly that the status of man in this world is that of an “Abd” (servant or ’slave’). We know that we must learn to be slaves and servants only to Allah and not slaves to mind and mood altering chemicals. We must also learn not to be slaves to people, places, things, and emotions. Allah tells us that man is “Khalifa” (age... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3288028 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:25:46 +0100 3288028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302645&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FrTPinL0d25A%2F Researchers say that men with clinical depression are more likely to kill themselves if they drink heavily or also suffer from a type of personality disorder known for aggressive and impulsive behavior, Reuters reported Dec. 23. Researcher Gustavo Turecki and colleagues looked at a group of men with major depressive disorder, including 104 who committed suicide and 74 percent who are living. They found that those who were classified as alcohol abusers or dependent were four times more likely to kill themselves, while those with “Cluster B” personality disorders were 17 times more likely to commit suicide. “Why some patients with major depressive disorder die by suicide while others with seemingly the same disorder do not, is a question of enormous clinical relevance,&#822... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302645 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:43:01 +0100 3302645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3288032&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdifficult-words-to-say-when-you-are-drunk%2F . Specificity Indubitably Innovative Preliminary Proliferation Cinnamon British Constitution Impossible Words to Say When You Are Drunk Thanks, but I don’t want sex. No, I don’t want another drink. No kebab for me thank you. Sorry, but you’re not good looking enough for me. Good evening officer I’m not interested in fighting you. No one wants to hear me sing. Seriously though – Words that must be said if you’re an alcoholic. I need help. I have been in denial. Please help me. I need to talk to an Alcoholics Anonymous member. I think about alcohol to the exclusion of more important things. I have a problem with alcohol. I cannot guarantee what I will do once I start drinking. My life is a mess due to alcohol. Most times I cannot guarantee how much I will d... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3288032 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:27:45 +0100 3288032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283824&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FaZbX-U9QhT8%2F . Specificity Indubitably Innovative Preliminary Proliferation Cinnamon British Constitution Impossible Words to Say When You Are Drunk Thanks, but I don’t want sex. No, I don’t want another drink. No kebab for me thank you. Sorry, but you’re not good looking enough for me. Good evening officer I’m not interested in fighting you. No one wants to hear me sing. Seriously though – Words that must be said if you’re an alcoholic. I need help. I have been in denial. Please help me. I need to talk to an Alcoholics Anonymous member. I think about alcohol to the exclusion of more important things. I have a problem with alcohol. I cannot guarantee what I will do once I start drinking. My life is a mess due to alcohol. Most times I cannot guarantee how much I will d... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283824 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:27:45 +0100 3283824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283827&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F_LEMrUbfbOA%2F The objectives are to bring about extraversion and to provide someone to whom the alcoholic can transfer his dilemma. In a large number of cases, this alcoholic group is now attaining these very objectives because their simple but powerful devices appear to cut deeper than do other methods of treatment because of the following reasons: 1. Because of their alcoholic experiences and successful recoveries they secure a high degree of confidence from the prospects. 2. Because of this initial confidence, identical experience, and the fact that the discussion is pitched on moral and religious grounds, the patient tells his story and makes his self-appraisal with extreme thoroughness and honesty. He stops living alone and finds himself within reach of a fellowship with whom he can discuss his pro... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283827 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:23:14 +0100 3283827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302646&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FjSQns0BSG2c%2F This study examined women’s experiences with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol and their process of recovery. The techniques of in-depth interviews and participant observations were employed to elicit the perspectives of the women. The study consisted of 12 participants, 6 who were currently involved in a 90-day community-based drug and alcohol treatment program and 6 who had more than five years of recovery. Grounded theory method guided data collection and analysis. The women in this study described experiences of connectedness and disconnectedness throughout their lives, their addiction, and their recovery. The researcher constructed a substantive theory and model to explain this process of connectedness and disconnectedness. The findings support that making connections and esta... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302646 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:25:57 +0100 3302646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280093&cid=t_91809_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fbeware-of-the-legal-drug-pushers-theyre-out-there%2F Occasionally, in my experience as a nurse I have run into doctors who are very, shall we say, “loose” with the prescription pad. I don’t know why or what drives an educated physician who has practiced for a short time or long to decide to take the road of least resistance; but some do. You have to wonder why they would risk their professional trust, but occasionally some do. I’m sure there are a myriad of reasons but that’s not for me to say. Part of the problem is the complete subjective nature of pain. When a patient enters a doctor’s office and states they have pain, it often is not as simple as it sounds. Sometimes it is a legitimate complaint, sometimes it is not. There are many ways this can be expressed to the doctor during an office call. I would presume there are as ma... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280093 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:26:57 +0100 3280093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283830&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FBVflGFkvShk%2F This report is somewhat obvious to many women but sometimes it is reassuring to know there are others also suffering. Violence by alcoholic men toward their partners is common, especially on the days men drink; rates have been estimated at 50% to 65% in those starting alcoholism treatment. Cohabitating women are the victims of violent crime or multiple injuries, mood and anxiety disorders, and fair or poor health. The risks were two to three times higher in these women than in partners of men without alcohol problems. Women with a partner with alcohol problems experienced 46% more negative life events, and they rated their psychological and physical quality of life 11% lower, than did women without partner alcohol problems. Reference; Dawson DA et al. The impact of partner alcohol problems... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283830 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:21:53 +0100 3283830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276086&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdomestic-violence-by-alcoholic-men%2F This report is somewhat obvious to many women but sometimes it is reassuring to know there are others also suffering. Violence by alcoholic men toward their partners is common, especially on the days men drink; rates have been estimated at 50% to 65% in those starting alcoholism treatment. Cohabitating women are the victims of violent crime or multiple injuries, mood and anxiety disorders, and fair or poor health. The risks were two to three times higher in these women than in partners of men without alcohol problems. Women with a partner with alcohol problems experienced 46% more negative life events, and they rated their psychological and physical quality of life 11% lower, than did women without partner alcohol problems. Reference; Dawson DA et al. The impact of partner alcohol problems... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276086 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:21:53 +0100 3276086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283833&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FS_QZOK29BhY%2F Recovering brain Brain Has Remarkable Power to Recover from Alcohol Ravages Excessive alcohol use can literally shrink the brain, impairing memory, learning, and organizational skills. But the brain also can recover most if not all of its capabilities when drinking stops, researchers say. The Los Angeles Times reported Jan. 22, that studies and thinking tests were used to track the brain changes in a group of alcoholics as they embarked on the road to sobriety. They found that after just two months of abstinence, the alcoholics’ brain volume increased an average of 1.85 percent, while the communication efficiency of their brain cells rose 20 percent. These chemical changes were matched by improvements in tests of thinking function. Researchers found that the changes only took place a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283833 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:04:39 +0100 3283833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276089&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fbrain-recovers-from-alcohol-damage%2F Recovering brain Brain Has Remarkable Power to Recover from Alcohol Ravages Excessive alcohol use can literally shrink the brain, impairing memory, learning, and organizational skills. But the brain also can recover most if not all of its capabilities when drinking stops, researchers say. The Los Angeles Times reported Jan. 22, that studies and thinking tests were used to track the brain changes in a group of alcoholics as they embarked on the road to sobriety. They found that after just two months of abstinence, the alcoholics’ brain volume increased an average of 1.85 percent, while the communication efficiency of their brain cells rose 20 percent. These chemical changes were matched by improvements in tests of thinking function. Researchers found that the changes only took place a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276089 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:04:39 +0100 3276089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276090&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholics-helping-alcoholics%2F Alcoholics Who Help Other Alcoholics Help Themselves Too Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the largest self-help, mutual-help organization for alcoholics in the world with over 2 million members. Almost any village, town, city or community has at least one AA meeting. On every night and often day of the week one can easily find an AA meeting. One of the altruistic values followed by AA members is that of helping others find and maintain sobriety. A study by Pagano et al, found that AA members who were helping others were significantly less likely to relapse in the year following treatment. This was true for all demographic groups with older age having a slight advantage. The study concluded by saying; “Clinicians who treat persons with substance abuse disorders should encourage their clients ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276090 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:52:33 +0100 3276090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276091&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fim-an-agnostic-alcoholic-in-aa%2F My name is Jan and I’m an agnostic alcoholic in AA My parents gave me a faith that in later years I lost. No, it was not a religious faith, though I was exposed to the teachings of two sects. Neither was forced upon me; I simply drifted away through boredom, and my fragile, superficial belief in God vanished as soon as I tried thinking about it. It was a faith in people that my parents gave me — both by loving me and by respecting me as an individual, entitled to make my own choices. Out in the world on my own, I still had a feeling of being under benevolent protection. My immediate bosses (of both sexes) seemed to regard me as kindly schoolteachers had. Oddly, my good fortune sometimes annoyed me. “What is this?” I asked myself. “Do I arouse the parental impulse?... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276091 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:22:37 +0100 3276091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302648&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FY2xUouVzCas%2F CONCLUSIONS: S/R promotes the use of post-treatment self-regulation skills that, in turn, directly contribute to ongoing 12-step self-help group involvement. Research report; Carrico AW, Gifford EV, Moos RH. Spirituality/religiosity promotes acceptance-based responding and 12-step involvement. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2007 Jun 15;89(1):66-73. Epub 2007 Jan 16. Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spiritualityby Donald Miller Read more about this title… Related Reading: Share/SaveRandom ArticlesAbstinence Solves Thinking ProblemsAmerican Dental AssociationElderly Tend to Drink Too MuchAA and SpiritualityBrain Damage & Cirrhosis (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302648 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:02:49 +0100 3302648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276093&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpartners-of-alcoholics%2F Partner’s Criticism Linked to Alcoholic Relapse A new study published in Behavior Therapy apparently confirms that Al-Anon’s purpose of offering “understanding and encouragement” to those with drinking problems is best approach family members can take in dealing with the situation. The study, conducted by William Fals-Stewart of the State University of New York at Buffalo, found that men recovering from substance abuse are less successful if they believe their spouse or partner is critical of them, rather than supportive. The study found that of 106 married men studied, those who reported greater criticism from their partners were more likely to have relapsed, regardless of the severity of their drug problem, age or race. Al-Anon is a support groups for those who are affect... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276093 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:42:00 +0100 3276093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3273084&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FeJIccs5SI5I%2F Partner’s Criticism Linked to Alcoholic Relapse A new study published in Behavior Therapy apparently confirms that Al-Anon’s purpose of offering “understanding and encouragement” to those with drinking problems is best approach family members can take in dealing with the situation. The study, conducted by William Fals-Stewart of the State University of New York at Buffalo, found that men recovering from substance abuse are less successful if they believe their spouse or partner is critical of them, rather than supportive. The study found that of 106 married men studied, those who reported greater criticism from their partners were more likely to have relapsed, regardless of the severity of their drug problem, age or race. Al-Anon is a support groups for those who are affect... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3273084 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:42:00 +0100 3273084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3273086&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FSOF2k8Viky8%2F Mutual-aid support groups play a vital role in substance abuse treatment. In 2005, a national survey of participants in mutual-aid support groups for addiction was conducted to identify key differences between participants in various recovery groups. Extensive data was collected from survey respondents on many aspects of recovery. In their recently published article, researchers focus on the impact of survey respondents’ level of spirituality on their recovery and their participation in mutual-aid support groups. Key findings include: Active involvement in groups significantly improves the chances of remaining clean and sober, regardless of the group (Save Our Souls, SMART, Women For Sobriety, and 12-step such as Alcoholics Anonymous) in which one participates. Respondents whose indivi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3273086 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:20:00 +0100 3273086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3271197&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FFat4OfKfvfM%2F Learn about the disease This is a bit like the picture at left – can you see other faces in the flowers and the disease of alcoholism? Understand the nature of the chemical alcohol, how alcohol affects the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic in different ways, and why the alcoholic continues to drink when drinking is obviously harming them. Learn about the early-, middle-, and late-stage symptoms of the disease and how these symptoms change as the alcoholic continues to drink. Learn about the underlying physiological changes, including adaption, tolerance, physical dependence, and the withdrawal syndrome, all of which have a profound effect on the alcoholic’s behaviour. Finally, learn why the alcoholic needs to drink, why he becomes irritable, frustrated, and depressed when he is not drink... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3271197 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:15:03 +0100 3271197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3271204&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FDZLOIIhpmbs%2F The Famous Letter From Carl Jung To Bill Wilson, Co-Founder Of Alcoholics Anonymous The thing that I find amazing about this letter from Carl Jung (pictured) to Bill Wilson concerning spirituality and alcoholism, is that Bill Wilson was nearing the end of his life and felt a need to express to Carl Jung how profoundly he was affected by his views. – Bill Urell Dr Carl Jung’s letter to Bill W. concluded; “You see, Alcohol in Latin is “spiritus” and you use the same word for the highest religious experience as well as for the most depraving poison. The helpful formula therefore is: spiritus contra spiritum.” Thanking you again for your kind letter. I remain yours sincerely, C.G. Jung Full story at Addiction Recovery Basics. See also; Alcoholics Anonymous Cooking ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3271204 Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:21:12 +0100 3271204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269880&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fspiritus-contra-spiritum-dr-carl-jung%2F The Famous Letter From Carl Jung To Bill Wilson, Co-Founder Of Alcoholics Anonymous The thing that I find amazing about this letter from Carl Jung (pictured) to Bill Wilson concerning spirituality and alcoholism, is that Bill Wilson was nearing the end of his life and felt a need to express to Carl Jung how profoundly he was affected by his views. – Bill Urell Dr Carl Jung’s letter to Bill W. concluded; “You see, Alcohol in Latin is “spiritus” and you use the same word for the highest religious experience as well as for the most depraving poison. The helpful formula therefore is: spiritus contra spiritum.” Thanking you again for your kind letter. I remain yours sincerely, C.G. Jung Full story at Addiction Recovery Basics. See also; Alcoholics Anonymous Cooking ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269880 Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:21:12 +0100 3269880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269882&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholic-mental-health-and-personality%2F Mental health and personality traits in alcohol-dependent patients: a comparative study. The aim of this research study was to describe the mental health and personality profile associated with alcohol dependence (alcoholism) and to compare it with those of non-addictive disorders and the normal population. The groups were; 158 alcohol-dependent patients in treatment, 120 psychiatric patients with non-addictive disorders and 103 participants from the general population chosen to match the patient samples for age, gender and socioeconomic level. All participants were assessed with different instruments related to personality, mental health and personality disorders. Patients from both the alcoholic and psychiatric groups had more symptoms of anxiety and depression than the healthy partici... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269882 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:26:39 +0100 3269882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267205&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FJIqYh2Sos6A%2F Al-Anon Speaks for Itself A wife, father, husband, and daughter describe what it is like to love someone who has a drinking problem. The wife says, “I didn’t live in reality at all. I covered up and made believe.” The father says, “When the police came and told me the charges against my son, it was unbelievable. To see my son taken away in handcuffs was the most difficult day of my life.” To the right of the YouTube panel you will find other videos about Al-anon. Click here for the YouTube video; Al-Anon Speak Part 1 Al-anon Speak part II Al-anon Speak part III Al-anon Speak part IV See also; Al-anon / Alateen Recovery MP3 tracks for all 12-Step Fellowships Self-care Boundaries Language of Letting Go A Woman’s Way Through The Twelve Steps Related R... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267205 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:01:47 +0100 3267205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267206&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FIWEiwmvaa7k%2F Families may be reunited with Al-anons help Research proves that the Al-anon method of encouragement and support is one of the best ways to help a recovering addict stay sober A recent American clinical study examined the effect of perceived criticism on relapse back to substance abuse, and found that the perception of criticism was a very significant factor leading to relapse. Families can best help in the recovery process by remaining encouraging and supportive, and additionally attending both therapy with the alcoholic, as well as some form of family support organization. The Al Anon philosophy: Al-Anon has but one purpose to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267206 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:47:52 +0100 3267206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259173&cid=t_91809_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fwayback-wednesday-name-that-absurdity.html I’m not sure you all share my sense of humor — but this post, from back in Spring of 2006, still makes me laugh: Name That Absurdity Lots of little oddities are overheard in this crazy sugar- challenged life we lead. Care to take a gander at which statements recently peppered which daily situations? (Answers [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259173 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:00:35 +0100 3259173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259270&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FtqDYcR5gzNA%2F Attitude A common phrase in Alcoholics Anonymous is ‘AA means altering attitudes’. Recovery for all people in 12 Step Fellowships entails the alteration of attitudes. “I am convinced that attitude is the key to success or failure in almost any of life’s endeavours. Your attitude – your perspective, your outlook, how you feel about yourself, how you feel about other people – determines your priorities, your actions, your values. Your attitude determines how you interact with other people and how you interact with yourself.” – Carolyn Warner - The greatest change that I experienced in recovery is my attitudes to many of life’s situations. One of the best books I read and reread in early sobriety was Sobriety and Beyond. I get it out about once a year and... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259270 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:57:55 +0100 3259270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259271&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FpPwalH4xnAQ%2F Liz Scott Recovery Cooking In the Sober Kitchen by Liz Scott So, what exactly do we mean by a “sober kitchen?”  Although it means much more than merely removing alcohol containing ingredients from our cupboards and fridge, striving for an alcohol-free kitchen is definitely a good place to start. Why is this important?  Because contrary to the old wives’ tale, alcohol does not burn off in the cooking process. In 1989 a USDA study proved that between 5% and 85% of the alcohol added to a dish is retained depending upon the cooking method, type of alcohol used, and the amount of time it is exposed to heat. Indeed, the act of flambéing, or setting a pan alight, actually retains a whopping 75%!  Surprised?  I was too, but even more surprising was that addiction researchers discovered... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259271 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:53:38 +0100 3259271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259272&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F2qZoq9gmWQ8%2F Dr tansplanting a cirrhotic liver Health Risks of Alcohol: 12 Health Problems Associated with Chronic Heavy Drinking It’s no secret that alcohol consumption can cause major health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver and injuries sustained in automobile accidents. But if you think liver disease and car crashes are the only health risks posed by drinking, think again: Researchers have linked alcohol consumption to more than 60 diseases. “Alcohol does all kinds of things in the body, and we’re not fully aware of all its effects,” says James C. Garbutt, MD, “It’s a pretty complicated little molecule.” Here are 12 conditions linked to chronic heavy drinking. Anemia This can trigger a host of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and l... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259272 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:18:03 +0100 3259272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254730&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-health-risks-of-heavy-drinking%2F Dr tansplanting a cirrhotic liver Health Risks of Alcohol: 12 Health Problems Associated with Chronic Heavy Drinking It’s no secret that alcohol consumption can cause major health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver and injuries sustained in automobile accidents. But if you think liver disease and car crashes are the only health risks posed by drinking, think again: Researchers have linked alcohol consumption to more than 60 diseases. “Alcohol does all kinds of things in the body, and we’re not fully aware of all its effects,” says James C. Garbutt, MD, “It’s a pretty complicated little molecule.” Here are 12 conditions linked to chronic heavy drinking. Anemia This can trigger a host of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and l... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254730 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:18:03 +0100 3254730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259277&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fh4NsCuhtg7E%2F Alcoholism is a primary, chronic, progressive disorder that has a predictable course; with inherited, physical, psychological and environmental risk factors; and is fatal if not treated and its progress arrested. A Disease of the Brain Alcoholism is also a brain disease because alcohol changes the brain—it changes its structure, how it works and how it thinks. These brain changes can be long lasting, and lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who are alcoholic. Primary Alcoholism is not the result of another disorder but it is a causative factor in other disorders. Chronic Alcoholism is a chronic condition that continues over a long time, progresses consistently or intermittently, and can be managed. Progressive and Predictable As an addictive drug, alcohol use over time can lead t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259277 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:28:29 +0100 3259277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254735&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-is-alcoholism%2F Alcoholism is a primary, chronic, progressive disorder that has a predictable course; with inherited, physical, psychological and environmental risk factors; and is fatal if not treated and its progress arrested. A Disease of the Brain Alcoholism is also a brain disease because alcohol changes the brain—it changes its structure, how it works and how it thinks. These brain changes can be long lasting, and lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who are alcoholic. Primary Alcoholism is not the result of another disorder but it is a causative factor in other disorders. Chronic Alcoholism is a chronic condition that continues over a long time, progresses consistently or intermittently, and can be managed. Progressive and Predictable As an addictive drug, alcohol use over time can lead t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254735 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:28:29 +0100 3254735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254736&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-is-relapse-2%2F Relapse - One drop in not a flood Relapse is defined as returning to drinking or drugging after a period of not drinking – abstinence. Relapse to drinking does not come on suddenly and without warning, it is a process over time. Staying clean/sober is not recovery, working a program and finding some serenity and peace is sobriety. Relapse cannot be avoided by shear willpower of self-discipline. SELF-TEST FOR RELAPSE WARNING SIGNALS Here is a simple list of relapse symptoms. Lack of personal confidence to remain clean/sober or abstinent. Denial Convincing yourself that you will never ever drink or use again. You start imposing recovery on other people. You become defensive when talking about your problem is recovery. Compulsive behavior appears, you adopt a non-structured lifestyle. ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254736 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:29 +0100 3254736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254737&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdoor-of-opportunity%2F “People suggested that I find a Higher Power. I was not fooled. I knew when they said Higher Power they meant God. And I knew that God waited for me to step out of line just once so that he could take his revenge. I wanted no part of God. “With this resistance I plodded along for a few months. Whenever people asked me how I was going, I would say, ‘Fine, just fine,’ no matter how hard I was crying inside. … “When I had finished talking, he told me something simple: ‘You don’t have to drink over it.’ What an idea! I had thought that situations made me drink. If I was angry, I drank. If I was happy, I drank. Bored or excited, elated or depressed, I drank. Here was a man telling me that, independent of my life situation, I did not have to drink. I... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254737 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:33:19 +0100 3254737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251400&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcontrol-freak%2F Do you want to control life like a canal controls water Controllism Questionnaire. Many people in recovery from alcoholism, co-dependency and gambling find they have issues relating to control and submission. To find a comfortable medium one needs to examine the extremes. This is one extreme. Do you find yourself serious most of the time so that having fun is difficult for you? Do you find yourself feeling insecure and lonely even in the company of others? Have you ever felt yourself living a life of quiet desperation? Do you often hide your true feelings? Do you either try to make everything “smooth” or do you try to disrupt and stir things up? Do you have long lists and reminders of what you would like to see accomplished and do you get upset if these aren’t fulfilled... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251400 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:20:29 +0100 3251400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251401&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Facceptance-and-surrender%2F Compliance and Acceptance; Submission and Surrender By Dr Harry Tiebout, an early friend of AA who wrote extensively about alcoholism and AA. This edited article illustrates an often subtle but devastating state of mind in recovering alcoholics. Dr Harry Tiebout In alcohol treatment and recovery one fact must be kept in mind, namely the need to distinguish between submission and surrender. In submission, an individual accepts reality consciously but not unconsciously. He accepts as a practical fact that he cannot at that moment conquer reality, but lurking in his unconscious is the feeling, “There’ll come a day” — which implies no real acceptance and demonstrates conclusively that the struggle is still going on. With submission, which at best is a superficial yieldi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251401 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:08:41 +0100 3251401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251402&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdental-infections-in-recovery%2F This article from the American Academy of Family Physicians may help identify problems. What is dental caries? Dental caries (CARE-eez) is an infection caused by certain bacteria (germs) in your mouth. It destroys the enamel (the hard outer layer) and dentin (the bone-like tissue under the enamel) of your teeth. More common names for dental caries are cavities and tooth decay. How can I prevent dental caries? Taking care of your mouth is important. You and your family should visit a dentist each year, starting at one year of age. You should brush and floss twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride (FLOOR-ide). You can start teaching children to brush with a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. After six years of age, children can use regular fluorid... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251402 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:54:44 +0100 3251402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251405&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdelirium-tremens%2F The DT’s “That year I went to an alcohol treatment program twice. The first time I was in treatment, I was shaving at the mirror in the bathroom and it seemed to me that my beard was growing back in as fast as I could shave it off. Even though I was in a hospital gown, I escaped, running down the streets and jumping up and over fences. I was on the porch of a woman’s house banging on the door for her to let me in when the police arrived. I tried to convince them she was my wife and my children were inside, but they saw the hospital bracelet on my wrist, and they took me back to the program. … “The doctor told me that if I went into DTs like that again I might not come out.” Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Ed, p 482. See also; One Day at a Time Slogan Does AA Work? Tw... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251405 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:40:19 +0100 3251405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251406&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fundoing-denial-is-first-step%2F Denial is distorted reality Breaking through denial is alcoholic’s, addict’s first step in recovery Looking in the mirror and accepting what we see can be one of the hardest things we ever do. It’s especially hard when the image staring us in the face is painful or doesn’t fit with how we want to see ourselves. Sometimes, the truth is so painful that we avoid it at any cost. Refusing to accept a painful reality that alters the perception of ourselves is a psychological defense called denial. As human beings, we may use denial to protect ourselves from knowledge, insight or awareness that threatens our self-esteem, mental or physical health, or security. The term “denial” is often used in the chemical dependency field to describe people who deny substanc... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251406 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:19:29 +0100 3251406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251407&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcontinued-aa-attendance%2F Serenity If one continues to attend AA one has nearly double chance of finding freedom from alcoholism. Comparison of Past Year Drinking Status – Dropouts and Continuing AA Members Dropouts: Abstinent 33% Low risk drinking 14% High risk drinking 53% Continued AA attendance: Abstinent 62% Low risk drinking 9% High risk drinking 29% low risk drinking = never exceed 4 drinks per day(male) or 3 drinks per day (female) high risk drinking = exceeds 4 drinks per day (male) or 3 drinks per day (female) Research Source: NIAAA 1991-1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES). Data Brief – National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES) Findings on Alcoholics Anonymous Membership by Loran Archer. See also; 12th Step Works Alcoholic, Addictive Behaviors What is... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251407 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:56:52 +0100 3251407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248703&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fu2rUjZodufk%2F in Recovery When I first came to Alcoholics Anonymous I quite quickly grasped the two concepts that have been the foundations of my sobriety, the One Day At A Time principle, and lots of Meetings. For a while this seemed enough, and indeed these two simple ideas were enough to keep me sober. But then I realised that there was more to living than just not drinking. I think this is where the Steps come in as the third concept of AA – recovery. If I follow the Steps (and don’t drink just for today and do lots of meetings) I think my life must get better and fuller. You’ve probably heard the chairperson of a meeting say at the end “you may leave these rooms and never drink again”. Someone once added “and be happy about it!” which is where AA is about ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248703 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:17:14 +0100 3248703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248704&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FwbybO1Vl6Og%2F This article will discuss the ism’s and associated fears. The Ism’s These ism’s are part of normal life, everyone has them to varying degrees. Specifically, the ism’s are an attempt to make life bearable, as a way of “interpersonal control and coping.” This is, of course, what we all strive to do on a day-to-day basis, we need these thinking patterns and behaviours to cope, most people seem to be doing alright, while the alcoholic seems to be sinking fast. One of the main ism’s with alcoholism is the ism of fear. Fears Recovery is mostly about letting go of fear. In fact, fear produces most all my insane moments. Any time I need a reality check, I try to stop and ask myself if there is a fear at the root of what I’m doing. These are the fear demons I’ve id... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248704 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:53:12 +0100 3248704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248705&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fx6u2F3nOs4k%2F Alcoholic Mouthwash up to 30% alcohol Alcoholic Mouthwash Could get you Drunk People are drinking alcohol-based mouthwash because it’s now cheaper than regular alcoholic drinks in some parts of Australia. Health workers have warned that they risk serious consequences, even death. Street cleaners lately have been stumbling on scores of empty bottles of a popular mouthwash, which is nearly 30 per cent pure alcohol. And in the space of a few weeks, supermarkets and pharmacists have seen mouth wash sales suddenly go through the roof. “This particular mouthwash has eucalyptus oil in it, which is an essential oil, and it doesn’t take much eucalyptus oil to cause damage, it can cause fits, it can even cause death.” A health worker said in response to the question, “How dangerous... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248705 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:35:56 +0100 3248705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248708&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FFnkB_lPgJlc%2F Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction This, 30-page, full-color booklet explains in layman’s terms how science has revolutionized the understanding of drug addiction as a brain disease that affects behavior. The ‘Science of Addiction’ booklet discusses the reasons people take drugs, why some people become addicted while others do not, how drugs work in the brain, and how addiction can be prevented and treated. The booklet is available to read, download or order at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/ http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/sciofaddiction.pdf Publication Year: 2007 Publisher US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Website: http://www.nida.nih.gov Related Reading: (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248708 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:29:40 +0100 3248708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3247079&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FGYiFuKXrHrw%2F The 12 Steps work for women Women and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Gendered Narrative This paper examines how women “work” the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from a gendered perspective. Feminist critics of AA have challenged the language of AA’s Twelve Steps, the spiritual nature of the steps, and the male-dominated culture of the Twelve-Step program. This paper offers insight into how women in AA approach, interpret, and utilize the Twelve Steps to recover from alcoholism. Through survey and narrative data, findings suggests that women working AA’s Twelve Steps become empowered and change for the better in spite of the male-dominated culture and language of the Twelve Steps and regardless of the difficulty they may have encountered in completing th... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247079 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:26:09 +0100 3247079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244055&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FiHF5EFs4q6g%2F AA can be a bridge to recovery The recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous includes several general phases that people may pass through. These are not time related but are usually dependent on the persons particular circumstances. Initial Sobriety Surrenders to alcohol – accepts alcoholism Begins humble search for self Restoration of physical health begins Restoration of memory begins Restoration of mental functions begins Begins to practice self-honesty Is pre-occupied with sobriety Growth of open-mindedness Lessening of needless guilt Freely discusses alcohol and its problems Mild depression and anxiety lessens Mental functions are more alert Learning Sobriety Accepts and owns their alcoholism Loss of freedom acknowledged and accepted Alibis replaced by sound reasons for sobriety S... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244055 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:49:22 +0100 3244055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239822&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fphases-of-alcoholism-recovery%2F AA can be a bridge to recovery The recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous includes several general phases that people may pass through. These are not time related but are usually dependent on the persons particular circumstances. Initial Sobriety Surrenders to alcohol – accepts alcoholism Begins humble search for self Restoration of physical health begins Restoration of memory begins Restoration of mental functions begins Begins to practice self-honesty Is pre-occupied with sobriety Growth of open-mindedness Lessening of needless guilt Freely discusses alcohol and its problems Mild depression and anxiety lessens Mental functions are more alert Learning Sobriety Accepts and owns their alcoholism Loss of freedom acknowledged and accepted Alibis replaced by sound reasons for sobriety S... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239822 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:49:22 +0100 3239822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244057&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FH46FlvSkMSk%2F Alcoholic Denial as a Psychological Defence Denial takes two major forms. First, the alcoholic insists that he or she can drink like other people – socially, normally. This means that there are always ready excuses for the exceptional times-for the fights, the arrests, the blackouts, the hangovers. It’s someone else’s fault. It’s harassment, bad luck, or just too much pressure. Secondly, the alcoholic insists that he or she is different from “real” alcoholics. Drinking alcoholics are usually experts at picturing “real” alcoholics. They’re different somehow: jobless, homeless, friendless, and usually feeble-minded. Not like themselves at all. That’s why you’ll find, if you look far enough, that the scotch and water alcoholic ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244057 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:09:04 +0100 3244057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239824&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhow-does-aa-work-meetings-meetings-meetings%2F 12 Step Programs Offer Broad Benefits, Study Says A study of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step oriented self-help programs finds that they can help most people recover from alcoholism, even those who are not religious or have mental-health problems. The Pacific Institute on Research and Education (PIRE) reported that researchers tracked a group of 227 alcoholics over three years and found that those who had attended AA or other self-help programs after treatment had higher rates of abstinence, and drank less if they did relapse. The results cut across gender and religious lines and held regardless of psychiatric history or whether the patient had previously attended AA or other similar programs. “Here’s a widespread, chronic disorder that seems to respond well to an inexpen... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239824 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:01:03 +0100 3239824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236097&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F3UWpz7ayJJ0%2F 12 Step Programs Offer Broad Benefits, Study Says A study of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step oriented self-help programs finds that they can help most people recover from alcoholism, even those who are not religious or have mental-health problems. The Pacific Institute on Research and Education (PIRE) reported that researchers tracked a group of 227 alcoholics over three years and found that those who had attended AA or other self-help programs after treatment had higher rates of abstinence, and drank less if they did relapse. The results cut across gender and religious lines and held regardless of psychiatric history or whether the patient had previously attended AA or other similar programs. “Here’s a widespread, chronic disorder that seems to respond well to an inexpen... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236097 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:01:03 +0100 3236097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236102&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FoeJKxWu_3dQ%2F The first three steps of AA define the alcohol problem and solution In 1934, Bill W., cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous, got a call from a former drinking buddy, Ebby T. “Rumour had it that he’d been committed for alcoholic insanity,” Bill recalled. “I wondered how he had escaped.” In reality, Ebby was two months sober. This disappointed Bill, who wanted to recapture the spirit of their earlier drinking escapades. When Ebby came to visit, Bill pushed a drink across the table. Ebby refused it. Bill W. & Ebby, co-founders of AA “The door opened, and he stood there, fresh-skinned and glowing,” Bill recalled. “He was inexplicably different. What had happened?” The answer to that question eventually brought Bill to sobriety, and to the Twelv... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236102 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:20:27 +0100 3236102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231809&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffirst-3-steps-of-aa%2F The first three steps of AA define the alcohol problem and solution In 1934, Bill W., cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous, got a call from a former drinking buddy, Ebby T. “Rumour had it that he’d been committed for alcoholic insanity,” Bill recalled. “I wondered how he had escaped.” In reality, Ebby was two months sober. This disappointed Bill, who wanted to recapture the spirit of their earlier drinking escapades. When Ebby came to visit, Bill pushed a drink across the table. Ebby refused it. Bill W. & Ebby, co-founders of AA “The door opened, and he stood there, fresh-skinned and glowing,” Bill recalled. “He was inexplicably different. What had happened?” The answer to that question eventually brought Bill to sobriety, and to the Twelv... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231809 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:20:27 +0100 3231809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236103&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FOB_zljO5_4Y%2F What is A.A.? Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. Current Membership It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 groups and over 2,000,000 members in 150 countries. Relations With Outside Agencies The Fellowship has adopted a policy of ·cooperation but not affiliation· with other organizations concerned with the problem of alcoholism. We have no opinion on issues outside A.A. and neither endorse nor oppose any causes. How A.A. Is Supported Over the years, Alcoholics Anonymous has affirmed and strengthened a tradition of being fully self-supporting and of neithe... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236103 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:56:29 +0100 3236103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236105&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Ff5wzgOPj86A%2F Ms Marty Mann A FEW THOUGHTS FROM MARTY MANN ON STIGMA Marty Mann was the first women to join Alcoholics Anonymous. After several years of sobriety she started a major influential advocacy agency. “Few among you consider alcoholism a proper subject for open discussion, few among you would willingly label yourself, or a friend or colleague, an alcoholic, and even fewer would be able to recognize alcoholism early, when there is the best chance for recovery. All of this is the result of stigma, a state of mind which we inherited from our Puritan and also our Victorian forebears; a state of mind which is essentially mindless since it overlooks all the things which have been learned; a state of mind which produces public attitudes that are anti-therapeutic to say the least. In bald languag... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236105 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:43:25 +0100 3236105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3228012&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-stigma-of-alcoholism%2F Ms Marty Mann A FEW THOUGHTS FROM MARTY MANN ON STIGMA Marty Mann was the first women to join Alcoholics Anonymous. After several years of sobriety she started a major influential advocacy agency. “Few among you consider alcoholism a proper subject for open discussion, few among you would willingly label yourself, or a friend or colleague, an alcoholic, and even fewer would be able to recognize alcoholism early, when there is the best chance for recovery. All of this is the result of stigma, a state of mind which we inherited from our Puritan and also our Victorian forebears; a state of mind which is essentially mindless since it overlooks all the things which have been learned; a state of mind which produces public attitudes that are anti-therapeutic to say the least. In bald languag... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3228012 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:43:25 +0100 3228012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3225017&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FLq6--b588QQ%2F You lose arguments with inanimate objects. You have to hold onto the lawn to keep from falling off the earth. Your job is interfering with your drinking. Your doctor finds traces of blood in your alcohol stream. The back of your head keeps getting hit by the toilet seat. You sincerely believe alcohol is the elusive 5th food group. 24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case – coincidence? I think not! Two hands and just one mouth.. – now THAT’S a drinking problem!   You can focus better with one eye closed. The parking lot seems to have moved while you were in the bar. Hey, 5 beers has just as many calories as a burger, screw dinner! Mosquitoes catch a buzz after attacking you. At AA meetings you begin: ’Hi my name is.. uh..’ The whole bar says ’Hi’ when you co... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3225017 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:35:06 +0100 3225017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3228016&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fi-became-an-alcoholic-at-age-12%2F Alcoholics Anonymous raises a toast to member who has stayed off the bottle for 50 years No drinks will be served at this celebration, only a non-alcoholic toast to half a century of sobriety. On Monday evening, the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) will hold a felicitation function for AA member John K, to congratulate him on 50 years of sobriety. Since the AA in India is 53 years old, Mangalore-based John is one of its oldest members. John (72) says, “I come from a middle-class Roman Catholic family in Mangalore. There were no taboos about alcohol in the village I grew up in. Village women would crush Ayurved tablets in brandy and put them on their babies’ tongues when they were ill.” He adds,  “Liquor was always served to guests. At the age of six, I used to drink the l... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3228016 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:34:26 +0100 3228016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3225019&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FSEe5ynlYMAc%2F Alcoholics Anonymous raises a toast to member who has stayed off the bottle for 50 years No drinks will be served at this celebration, only a non-alcoholic toast to half a century of sobriety. On Monday evening, the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) will hold a felicitation function for AA member John K, to congratulate him on 50 years of sobriety. Since the AA in India is 53 years old, Mangalore-based John is one of its oldest members. John (72) says, “I come from a middle-class Roman Catholic family in Mangalore. There were no taboos about alcohol in the village I grew up in. Village women would crush Ayurved tablets in brandy and put them on their babies’ tongues when they were ill.” He adds,  “Liquor was always served to guests. At the age of six, I used to drink the l... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3225019 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:34:26 +0100 3225019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223492&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FOXJ56Txguc8%2F Family Recovery Family recovery is one of the keys to treatment for alcoholism. Alcoholics and alcohol abusers attract more public attention, but their families and friends also suffer long-term effects from alcoholism-and their recovery may be essential to the alcoholic’s recovery, according to a leading researcher in the field. “Alcoholism is a family disease. While it is important for the family to support the alcoholic’s recovery, it is also important for members of the family to get involved in their own recovery. Family recovery decreases the chances that the children of alcoholics will repeat the pattern and engage in unhealthy relationships,” said Robert J. Ackerman, Ph.D., cofounder of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics and director of the Mid-Atla... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223492 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:20:31 +0100 3223492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223494&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FhoBFgiAWcdo%2F Conclusions: God belief appears to be relatively unimportant in deriving AA-related benefit, but atheist and agnostic alcoholics are less likely to initiate and sustain AA attendance relative to spiritual and religious alcoholics. This apparent reticence to affiliate with AA should be taken into account when encouraging AA participation. Reference; Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63: 534-541, 2002. See also; 12 Spiritual Questions Developing Spirituality Maturity of Mind Through a Spiritual Awakening Spiritual Health Blockages Keep It Simple Related Reading: (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223494 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:54:51 +0100 3223494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223489&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35792&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.usdrugrehabcenters.com%2F2010-01-29%2Fresponsibility-and-drug-rehab-treatment%2F Who is ultimately responsible for people who suffer with addiction?  Where does the buck stop?  Is it with the government?  Is it with the family?  Or the addict themselves?  Is it possible to lay the "blame for the growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse?  We live in a society where the it is more and more convenient to point the finger at someone other than ourselves.  To be fair, schools teach many things but still dont spend significant amounts of time on coping in an increasingly more complex and impersonal world.  Stress grows by the day in most of our lives.  The world news certainly is nothing to find comfort in most days.  So it is easy to find many areas at fault.  Here is the difference though.  All the stress a... US Drug Rehab Centers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223489 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:23:17 +0100 3223489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216848&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F5_9KI1_xn8o%2F My search for freedom had many twists and turns I Craved Freedom First, freedom to drink; later, freedom from drink. The A.A. program of recovery rests on a foundation of free choice. There are no mandates, laws or commandments. A.A.’s spiritual program, as outlined in the Twelve Steps, and by which I am offered even greater freedoms, is only suggested. I can take it or leave it. Sponsorship is offered, not forced, and I come and go as I will. It is these and other freedoms that allow me to recapture the dignity that was crushed by the burden of drink, and which is so dearly needed to support an enduring sobriety. Just for today. See also; 12 Rewards of Recovery Cooking up Recovery Ego Quotes with Narcissistic Tendencies Keep It Simple Related Reading: (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216848 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:11:16 +0100 3216848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216845&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35794&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCliffsideMalibu%2F%7E3%2FEvnllsFlIGE%2F The alcohol treatment center that’s right for you is the one that cares about and for you as a unique individual. Some alcohol treatment centers treat every client the same way, as if alcohol recovery could be an assembly-line process. But that’s simply not the way it works. To be successful, your alcohol treatment program has to be specially tailored to your personal needs. Anything less than the most intimate care is simply unacceptable. You already know that alcoholism is a devastating disease. A private alcohol treatment center in Los Angeles can help you solve the problem—but only if that center is administered by competent and compassionate professionals. Every year, countless clients receive life-changing care from the most exclusive alcohol treatment facilities in California.... Cliffside Malibu blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216845 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:26:26 +0100 3216845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212610&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FUYienyUNvg0%2F The look of a Dry Drunk Abstinence without sobriety Alcoholics Anonymous informally refers to the alcoholic who has stopped drinking, but who still demonstrates the same alcoholic attitudes and behaviors, as a “dry drunk.” They say that such an individual has abstinence but not sobriety. This concept has been adopted by most twelve-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and Emotions Anonymous. It appears on almost all of the Web sites devoted to the different addictions, although characteristics of the dry drunk syndrome differ widely from site to site. Most often mentioned are: depression; anxiety; irritability, anger; grandiosity, pomposity, an inflated ego; an inability to delay gratification, impatience and impulsivity; self-pity; being a workaholic,... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212610 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:08:02 +0100 3212610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208691&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35792&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.usdrugrehabcenters.com%2F2010-01-26%2Fcelebrity-rehabdoes-it-match-reality%2F There is no doubt that shows that portrait drug and alcohol addiction help raise the profile of this awful problem.  The more discussion and action on addiction the better for all concerned.  However, are the shows realistic in the typr and amount of treatment the average client can afford and expect?  Throwing paint at a giant wall of white, and discussing all the emotions that arise is theuraputic, but the cost is out of the range of most facilities.  The shows only have 8 to 10 clients and yet the rehabs have every imaginable bell and whistle in the rehab field.  It might be fair for the shows to place a disclaimer, showing what several months of this level of treatment would really cost.  Simply to let people know what the might expect for a more modest f... US Drug Rehab Centers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208691 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:39:44 +0100 3208691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205120&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F6u9jo47XBgs%2F   New medications for addiction treatment can significantly improve treatment outcomes for many patients, especially when combined with counseling, support and aftercare. This free online course helps addiction treatment counselors understand how these medications work with the brain mechanisms involved in alcohol dependence, and how medications can be part of a comprehensive treatment program that helps patients regain control over their lives. Author’s Welcome and IntroductionAn outline of this program from Carlo C. DiClemente, PhD Main Presentation, Part 1An overview of alcohol dependence, focusing on the epidemiology of alcohol dependence, diagnosing alcohol dependence and misuse, and the effects of alcohol on the brain. We also introduce medications for alcohol dependence.... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205120 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:48:21 +0100 3205120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208693&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Ftwelve-step-facilitation-for-general-health-care-workers%2F Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) in non-specialty settings. Participation in the twelve-step mutual-help organization, Alcoholics Anonymous, has proven to be an effective means of helping individuals with alcohol dependence achieve lasting sobriety. Although many patients choose to attend AA of their own accord, clinicians’ facilitation of AA involvement ("Twelve-Step Facilitation" [TSF]) has shown to substantially increase the likelihood that patients will become engaged with these freely available resources. Importantly, many individuals with alcohol dependence never seek help from addiction specialists, yet often encounter other health professionals due to alcohol-related physical or psychological problems providing an opportunity for intervention. However, for clinici... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208693 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:25:49 +0100 3208693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201897&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FsnSOjiLuoLk%2F Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) in non-specialty settings. Participation in the twelve-step mutual-help organization, Alcoholics Anonymous, has proven to be an effective means of helping individuals with alcohol dependence achieve lasting sobriety. Although many patients choose to attend AA of their own accord, clinicians’ facilitation of AA involvement ("Twelve-Step Facilitation" [TSF]) has shown to substantially increase the likelihood that patients will become engaged with these freely available resources. Importantly, many individuals with alcohol dependence never seek help from addiction specialists, yet often encounter other health professionals due to alcohol-related physical or psychological problems providing an opportunity for intervention. However, for clinici... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201897 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:25:49 +0100 3201897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205129&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F5tNJs81mRJ4%2F  The title of chapter 11 of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. This phrase is often used to refer to the last three paragraphs of chapter 11 and is sometimes read at AA meetings. "Our book is meant to be suggestive only. We realize we know only a little. The Higher Power will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us. Abandon yourself to Higher Power as you understand Higher Power. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205129 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:24:43 +0100 3205129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201908&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpartner-enabling-of-alcoholism-2%2F Enabling is like a dam holding back responsibility Enabling is the ideas, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors that unintentionally continue to foster drinking, alcohol related problems or make matters worse by not allowing the alcoholic to deal with the consequences of their alcoholism. Enabling is part of the set of behaviors practiced by codependents of alcoholism. Researchers report that the majority of partners took over chores or duties from the alcoholic client at some point during the relationship, drank or used other drugs with the client, and lied or made excuses to others to cover for the drinker. Moreover, particular relationship beliefs were associated with higher behavioural enabling scores. Enabling Behaviors are practiced in four forms; Direct Enabling The behavior that acts ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201908 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:53:00 +0100 3201908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201909&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-and-na-works-for-youth-too%2F This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents, finding long-term benefits even though many youth discontinue attendance after time. “It is difficult to evaluate the efficacy of mutual-help organizations like AA through randomized controlled experiments because the AA ‘intervention,’ being a community organization based on anonymity, cannot be directly under the control of the researcher in the usual way,” explained John F. Kelly. Yet their popularity and cost-effectiveness cannot be denied, added Kelly. “AA and NA are explicitly focused on abstinence and addiction recovery, they are widely available across most communities, they provide entry to a social network of recovery-specific support and sober events that can be accessed ‘on demand’ – particularly ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201909 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:05:00 +0100 3201909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201898&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FDg4NzNEaaiw%2F Conclusions NA/AA can support and supplement residential addiction treatment as an aftercare resource. In view of the generally poor alcohol use outcomes achieved by drug-dependent patients after treatment, the improved alcohol outcomes of NA/AA attenders suggests that the effectiveness of existing treatment services may be improved by initiatives that lead to increased involvement and engagement with such groups. Gossop M, Stewart D, Marsden J. Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, frequency of attendance and substance use outcomes after residential treatment for drug dependence: a 5-year follow-up study. Addiction. 2007 Nov 20. Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Twelve Step Facilitatio... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201898 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:07:00 +0100 3201898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201899&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F55LfL-pV_F8%2F CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine dependence represents a general marker of psychiatric comorbidity, particularly of addictive comorbidity. It may be used as a screening measure for psychiatric diagnoses in clinical practice as well as in future trials. Research report; Le Strat Y, Ramoz N, Gorwood P. In Alcohol-Dependent Drinkers, What Does the Presence of Nicotine Dependence Tell Us About Psychiatric and Addictive Disorders Comorbidity? Alcohol Alcohol. 2010 Jan 20. See also; Alcoholic, Addictive Behaviors Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Are Families Affected by Alcoholism? What are the Styles of Enablers? Hazelden Books and Resources Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201899 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:55:53 +0100 3201899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200660&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fnicotine-as-a-marker-for-alcohol-psychiatric-disorders%2F CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine dependence represents a general marker of psychiatric comorbidity, particularly of addictive comorbidity. It may be used as a screening measure for psychiatric diagnoses in clinical practice as well as in future trials. Research report; Le Strat Y, Ramoz N, Gorwood P. In Alcohol-Dependent Drinkers, What Does the Presence of Nicotine Dependence Tell Us About Psychiatric and Addictive Disorders Comorbidity? Alcohol Alcohol. 2010 Jan 20. See also; Alcoholic, Addictive Behaviors Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Are Families Affected by Alcoholism? What are the Styles of Enablers? Hazelden Books and Resources Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200660 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:55:53 +0100 3200660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201912&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-a-a-member-medications-and-other-drugs%2F Alcoholics Anonymous is a program for alcoholics who seek freedom from alcohol. It is not a program against drugs. However, some A.A. members have misused drugs, often as a substitute for alcohol, in such a manner as to become a threat to the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. These incidents have caused all A.A. members to be concerned with what is popularly known as the “pill problem.” A report from a group of physicians in A.A. Because this subject is one which goes deeply into the field of medicine, a group of physicians who are members of A.A. was asked to help prepare this pamphlet. The experience of some A.A. members reveals that drug misuse can threaten the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. Yet some A.A. members must take prescribed medication in order to treat cer... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201912 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:36:59 +0100 3201912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200663&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FHaXPxGKy4bg%2F Alcoholics Anonymous is a program for alcoholics who seek freedom from alcohol. It is not a program against drugs. However, some A.A. members have misused drugs, often as a substitute for alcohol, in such a manner as to become a threat to the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. These incidents have caused all A.A. members to be concerned with what is popularly known as the “pill problem.” A report from a group of physicians in A.A. Because this subject is one which goes deeply into the field of medicine, a group of physicians who are members of A.A. was asked to help prepare this pamphlet. The experience of some A.A. members reveals that drug misuse can threaten the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. Yet some A.A. members must take prescribed medication in order to treat cer... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200663 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:36:59 +0100 3200663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200669&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FkVwChdyh4DQ%2F We drank as heavy drinkers or alcoholics and found these contradictions We drank for happiness and became unhappy. We drank for joy and became miserable. We drank to be outgoing and became self-centered. We drank for sociability and became argumentative. We drank for sophistication and became crude and obnoxious. We drank for friendship and made enemies. We drank for sleep and awakened without rest. We drank for strength and felt weak. We drank for sex drive and lost our potency. We drank for relaxation and got the shakes. We drank for confidence and became doubtful. We drank for warmth and lost our cool. We drank for coolness and lost our warmth. We drank for freedom and became slaves. We drank for power and were powerless. We drank to soften sorrow and wallowed in self-pity. We drank me... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200669 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:26:42 +0100 3200669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197890&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwe-drank-for%2F We drank as heavy drinkers or alcoholics and found these contradictions We drank for happiness and became unhappy. We drank for joy and became miserable. We drank to be outgoing and became self-centered. We drank for sociability and became argumentative. We drank for sophistication and became crude and obnoxious. We drank for friendship and made enemies. We drank for sleep and awakened without rest. We drank for strength and felt weak. We drank for sex drive and lost our potency. We drank for relaxation and got the shakes. We drank for confidence and became doubtful. We drank for warmth and lost our cool. We drank for coolness and lost our warmth. We drank for freedom and became slaves. We drank for power and were powerless. We drank to soften sorrow and wallowed in self-pity. We drank me... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197890 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:26:42 +0100 3197890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197888&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35794&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCliffsideMalibu%2F%7E3%2FzDQXrQbnIDI%2F Drug detox shouldn’t be painful. Despite what you may have “learned” from Hollywood movies, the truth is that detox is first and foremost about healing, and about hope. The catch, of course, is that you have to get help from people who know exactly what they’re doing. The professional experts at a private drug detox facility can ensure the success of your healing process. All that remains, now, is for you to seek assistance. The fact that you’re here, reading this, suggests that you don’t need a lecture on the perils of addiction. Successful drug treatment really will change your life—but only if it’s preceded by gentle and compassionate drug detox. The right drug detox center will help you rediscover yourself as you used to be, before drug abuse made you the person you are... Cliffside Malibu blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197888 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:39:28 +0100 3197888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201900&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FlFfGCE7iHbg%2F Conclusion: Results are consistent with previous studies showing that shorter-term outcomes are likely to be maintained, and that baseline characteristics and treatment factors account less for outcomes over longer terms. Research; Maria C. Bodin & Anders Romelsjö. Predictors of 2-Year Drinking Outcomes in a Swedish Treatment Sample. European Addiction Research 2007;13:136-143 Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201900 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:30:11 +0100 3201900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197897&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faggression-and-hostility-in-recovered-alcoholics%2F This study was designed to examine aggression in a group of socially well-adapted recovered alcoholics. The question addressed was whether the treatment, together with long-term abstinence from alcohol, could reduce aggression and hostility in recovered alcoholics. Sixty four male stable alcoholics with at least 3 years sobriety were compared with 69 non-alcoholics. Neither group had any other psychological problems. Both groups were given a questionnaire on general characteristics as well as aggressive and hostility traits. After a 3-year abstinence, men from the recovering alcoholics group displayed greater signs of hostility and covert aggression. They were different from non-alcoholics on measures for indirect aggression, irritability, negativism, suspicion, resentment, and guilt. Re... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197897 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:02:03 +0100 3197897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3194028&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FEMANBeessaI%2F This study was designed to examine aggression in a group of socially well-adapted recovered alcoholics. The question addressed was whether the treatment, together with long-term abstinence from alcohol, could reduce aggression and hostility in recovered alcoholics. Sixty four male stable alcoholics with at least 3 years sobriety were compared with 69 non-alcoholics. Neither group had any other psychological problems. Both groups were given a questionnaire on general characteristics as well as aggressive and hostility traits. After a 3-year abstinence, men from the recovering alcoholics group displayed greater signs of hostility and covert aggression. They were different from non-alcoholics on measures for indirect aggression, irritability, negativism, suspicion, resentment, and guilt. Re... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3194028 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:02:03 +0100 3194028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189177&cid=t_91809_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FhVIHBuMdKxw%2Fstandardized-care-protocol-for.html It has been a while since I’ve had a patient with postoperative alcohol withdrawal.  I can still recall my first exposure to this problem as a 3rd year medical student at the Veteran’s Hospital.  It was my first clinical rotation – surgery service at the VA. Browsing the CME articles on the JAMA website, I came across the article (full reference below):  Improved Outcomes in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Using a Standardized Care Protocol for Postoperative Alcohol Withdrawal.  For me it was a nice review of the problem with updates on current drug use/protocol. Their protocol is based on three distinct clusters of symptoms characterize alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Type A symptoms represent central nervous system (CNS) excitation and include anxiety, dys... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189177 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:01:00 +0100 3189177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201902&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FLMEq3qfkRwY%2F   Australian Broadcasting Commission, Online, AM, 11 January 2007, journalist Anne Barker TONY EASTLEY: It’s proven that women who drink in pregnancy risk causing life-long health problems for their unborn children. What isn’t so well known is that there’s growing evidence that foetal alcohol disorders, as they’re known, are a major cause of crime. A Canadian lawyer is in Darwin this week talking to judges and barristers about the impact of foetal alcohol. Anne Barker reports. ANNE BARKER: It’s common knowledge that women who drink when they’re pregnant can cause permanent and serious brain damage to the unborn child. But only now is a growing body of research revealing the scale of foetal alcohol disorders in the western world. One man who has witn... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201902 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:45:22 +0100 3201902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189414&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F6yp9ytTXQ5I%2F It is important to put the responsibility for dealing with the alcohol problem squarely on the person in question while continuing to love him or her. What works depends on the individual. Doing the “right” thing can depend on how severe the alcohol problem is and on how in touch with it the person in question seems to be. What works for someone who is highly functional in daily life and who knows that alcohol is causing trouble, for instance, may not be the solution for someone who denies that there is a problem. Don’t make it easy for the drinker to keep on drinking Discontinuing “enabling,” along with putting the onus for the drinker’s behavior and its consequences on the drinker. Do not cover up for them. Let them be responsible for their actions. Accept yo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189414 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:14:00 +0100 3189414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185628&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhelping-an-alcoholic%2F It is important to put the responsibility for dealing with the alcohol problem squarely on the person in question while continuing to love him or her. What works depends on the individual. Doing the “right” thing can depend on how severe the alcohol problem is and on how in touch with it the person in question seems to be. What works for someone who is highly functional in daily life and who knows that alcohol is causing trouble, for instance, may not be the solution for someone who denies that there is a problem. Don’t make it easy for the drinker to keep on drinking Discontinuing “enabling,” along with putting the onus for the drinker’s behavior and its consequences on the drinker. Do not cover up for them. Let them be responsible for their actions. Accept yo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185628 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:14:00 +0100 3185628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189415&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fd1nSuXbFK9Q%2F Clues about alcohol related brain damage can be gathered by observing the person’s mood, behaviour, daily functioning and coping skills. Here are some examples of common indicators: Mood changes – anxiety, agitation or depression Behavioural changes – difficult behaviour, acting out, suspicious or paranoid behaviour, withdrawal, inappropriate behaviour Confusion and disorientation Talking excessively about, and living in, the past Problems carrying through with plans and getting around to chores Disconnection of gas, electricity or the phone Missed appointments Repetitious conversation Problems staying focused in conversation Resistance to change Confabulation Irrational reasoning Inability to change even when the person desires to These symptoms of brain impairment wil... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189415 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:02:00 +0100 3189415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185629&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsymptoms-of-alcohol-related-brain-damage%2F Clues about alcohol related brain damage can be gathered by observing the person’s mood, behaviour, daily functioning and coping skills. Here are some examples of common indicators: Mood changes – anxiety, agitation or depression Behavioural changes – difficult behaviour, acting out, suspicious or paranoid behaviour, withdrawal, inappropriate behaviour Confusion and disorientation Talking excessively about, and living in, the past Problems carrying through with plans and getting around to chores Disconnection of gas, electricity or the phone Missed appointments Repetitious conversation Problems staying focused in conversation Resistance to change Confabulation Irrational reasoning Inability to change even when the person desires to These symptoms of brain impairment wil... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185629 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:02:00 +0100 3185629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189417&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fq9tSoa0tOaI%2F The 12 Steps as Ego Deflating Devices For reasons still obscure, the program and the fellowship of AA could cause a surrender which in turn would lead to a period of no drinking. It became ever more apparent that in everyone’s psyche there existed an unconquerable ego which bitterly opposed any thought of defeat. Until that ego was somehow reduced or rendered ineffective, no likelihood of surrender could be anticipated. The Ego is Like Mt Everest - Seemingly indomitable AA, still very much in its infancy [1940], was celebrating a third or fourth anniversary of one of the groups. The speaker immediately preceding me told in detail of the efforts of his local group-which consisted of two men-to get him to dry up and become its third member. After several months of vain efforts on their par... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189417 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:32:00 +0100 3189417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185631&cid=t_91809_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-does-surrender-mean%2F The 12 Steps as Ego Deflating Devices For reasons still obscure, the program and the fellowship of AA could cause a surrender which in turn would lead to a period of no drinking. It became ever more apparent that in everyone’s psyche there existed an unconquerable ego which bitterly opposed any thought of defeat. Until that ego was somehow reduced or rendered ineffective, no likelihood of surrender could be anticipated. The Ego is Like Mt Everest - Seemingly indomitable AA, still very much in its infancy [1940], was celebrating a third or fourth anniversary of one of the groups. The speaker immediately preceding me told in detail of the efforts of his local group-which consisted of two men-to get him to dry up and become its third member. After several months of vain efforts on their par... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185631 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:32:00 +0100 3185631