Sober Skills: Relationships and Their Impact on Recovery The drive to develop relationships is a natural instinct, so it's not surprising that many people attempt relationships during their road to recovery. And while relationships themselves aren't necessarily a bad thing, Art Jacob, the Director of Sober Skills at ... Read More
Beyond the Movie Myths: The Truth About Antisocial Personality Disorders
Despite the frequency with which the term "antisocial" is used in both casual conversation and armchair diagnoses, the reality of antisocial personality disorder is far different than commonplace usage of the word indicates. A personality disorder that often manifests as a general disregard for the thoughts, feelings ... Read More
Tricks of the Trade: How Casinos Enable Gambling Addiction… And How to Stop – With Gambling Specialist Sue Naversen
Gambling can become an addiction just as substances such as cocaine or heroin can, says Susan Naversen, MS, AP-DOM and compulsive gambling specialist at FHE Health. "Gambling addiction is the first non-substance to be included as an addiction in the DSM-5," says Naversen. That's the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and ... Read More
At Sixes and Sevens: The Overlap of Alcoholism & Gambling
One of the issues that makes addiction more complex than some other chronic diseases is the potential for addiction to more than one substance or behavior at one time or for two addictions to play off of each other in dangerous ways. Such connections are common with addictions to gambling and alcohol. These ... Read More
Step 2 of AA: What 12-Step Programs Mean by “A Higher Power”
The 12 steps to recovery are one of the most successful tools used today to help people overcome alcohol and drug addiction. Each step defines a task or requirement for a person with an addiction that they need to work through to change their outlook on using and to empower them to maintain sobriety. Step 2 of ... Read More
A Thousand Cuts: Self-Harm’s Temptations and How to Address Them
Self-mutilation, or self-injury, is defined as any type of injury a person creates themselves without any intention of suicide. Deliberately harming your body like this can create an emotional release for some people. Most people who cut or burn themselves do so not because they want to kill themselves but as a way of ... Read More
Vicious Cycle: How Drug Abuse Turns to Dealing
Drug addiction often starts slowly, with a little sampling at a party or prescription use that spirals out of control. For those who enjoy the initial rush, use may increase, spreading from getting high solely at parties or during nights out to daily doses, perhaps at night to unwind or in the morning to get going. ... Read More
Help! I’m Addicted to Shopping: Compulsive Buying and You
Can shopping become an addiction? Shopping without the ability to stop can be a form of addiction. Compulsive buying disorder is a disease. For some people, it begins as a need to have the latest item or fashion accessory. Over time, indulging in those items creates a positive feeling and compels a person to continue ... Read More