 | Hypnotist aiding with addictions - Jackie Maclean is using mind over matter to help others overcome vices and addictions.
No one can control another person's mind, Maclean stressed: "They are aware of everything that is going on," she said. "It's a light trance. In some cases, people go into a deeper trance, but to make changes, you don't have to go very deep."
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 | “Ooops — Oh well!: The Antidote to Perfectionism
What I know to be true is that, as humans, we will never be perfect no matter how hard we try – so maybe it’s time for us to stop attempting to achieve the unachievable. As spiritual beings, however, we can – if we choose to – access our lovely »Read more |
 | Addiction and Marriage
Marriage is for better or for worse, unfortunately many couples do not want to think about the ‘worse’. When it comes to a drug or alcohol addiction, the worse makes itself known. A drug or alcohol addiction can tear a marriage apart and »Read more |
 | Grief and Addiction Recovery
A while ago I received this email from a woman experiencing the opposite of the positive emotions she had hoped to find in recovery. “I’m in recovery from alcoholism and should feel happy, but I feel sad and angry and empty - almost like I’m »Read more |
 | "ADDICTION IS A DISEASE"
“Drug [including alcohol] addictions are medical diseases which deserve parity in national healthcare programmes..." states scientist and professor Carlton Erickson, as he reveals the neurobiological research. »Read more |
 | Lessons From Rock Bottom
It staggers me that psychiatrists, pharmacologists, and scientific reductionists cannot improve on a spiritual program devised by a couple of Christian alcoholics 60 years ago.The church can learn about grace from the recovery movement. »Read more |
 | Seeking Spirituality
For most of us who are reading this article we can say that we are recovering from alcoholism or a drug addiction; or we know somebody who is suffering or has suffered from addiction. And we sense that the “spiritual journey" is the opposite to the »Read more |
 | How learning to wait could impact your child’s ability to resist addiction later in life
Gimme, gimme, gimme my toy … teaching your child stress tolerance can be more labor intensive than saying yes and an important part of her/his development. I recently sat in a coffee shop beside a mother with two young toddlers... »Read more |
 | How do you talk to God?
There are many people who talk to God. For example: "I'm having a bad day--could You let up a little?" or "I need a parking place close to the grocery store because I can't walk very far--could You find one for me?" Actually, "talking" to God »Read more |
 | CHANGES, CHANGES AND MORE CHANGES...
The impact of informing a person in throes of a dramatic change that they are going through a definable process with a beginning and an end can be profoundly grounding. People cling to the known. Relationships and jobs provide an anchor... »Read more |
 | Alcoholism and Drug Addiction are Family Diseases
“Addiction and alcoholism are not just a matter of treating the addict or alcoholic, the family also needs to acknowledge their pain and get help," says Sharon Jackson, a counselor with the Orchard Recovery Centre. As Al-Anon states, families and »Read more |
| Emotional Sobriety - The Golden Key to Addiction Recovery
Emotional sobriety is a set of psychological ‘self-management’ skills that are vital to achieving successful recovery. It is both the ‘foundation’ and the long term ‘task’ of recovery. Emotional sobriety includes – but is not limited to... »Read more |
 | When Anger Hurts: Knowing there is a difference between Healthy and Unhealthy Anger
How would you know if you are experiencing healthy anger or unhealthy anger? Understanding is in the semantics; your use of language makes the distinction. »Read more |
 | What Is Codependency?
The codependent is extremely dependent. They long for approval and recognition of their sacrifices; they do, indeed, tolerate awful circumstances, including abuse. They feel constant, dreadful responsibly for controlling someone else (saving them) and the »Read more |
 | Addiction: A Family Disease
While it is quite common for family members with an embedded addict in their midst, to assume that it is solely the individual with the addiction who has the problem, it is important for all family members to learn about the collaborative patterns that... »Read more |
 | What Are You Thinking?
By now, most people have either seen the movie The Secret or have heard about it. The Secret teaches that we are creating our lives with every thought we have, every second of the day. What an amazing idea! »Read more |
 | The Knee-bone’s Connected to the Thigh-bone
The Benefits of Healing Holistically from Addictive Behaviours; Recovering from an “addictive behaviour"requires a lot from us – we need to make sure that a number of life pieces are in place before we can be successful. Whether we are dealing with »Read more |
 | Lessons From Rock Bottom
The church can learn about grace from the recovery movement. It staggers me that psychiatrists, pharmacologists, and scientific reductionists cannot improve on a spiritual program devised by a couple of Christian alcoholics 60 years ago. »Read more |
 | Relapse Prevention; the next step
Finally , you have completed those first, most important stages to recovery, submission, seeking help and completing the best treatment program for you. Or, maybe it simply means you have surrendered and have skipped ahead and are attending »Read more |
 | INTERVENTIONS - Revised
Key Point: Loved ones need to participate in the recovery process as it applies to them. Learn to set boundaries and say no regardless of the reaction of the addicted person. »Read more |
| MORE ON INTERVENTIONS
This is the next of vital information on interventions and dealing with the addict. »Read more |
| The Third Part on Interventions
HOW CAN YOU BEST ASSIST THE CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT, A FAMILY DISEASE - Without question the most neglected yet a vital part in the recovery process. »Read more |
 | Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician
Many straight therapists who say they are “gay affirmative"mean that they are gay positive or gay friendly. They tell lesbian and gay clients things like, “I’m open-minded" and “People are people." These well-intentioned therapists are, ind »Read more |
 | Does Ministry Fuel Addictive Behavior?
Certain approaches to ministry lead to self-destruction. Image-driven pastors learn how to edit their real lives for public consumption. In the heat of stress or in the wear and tear of the mundane, the veneer will wear through to what is really there. »Read more |
| Change the way you think; Change your life - Part One
The first in a six part series in changing the way you think by Michele Crawford, M. Ed. RCC, CCC. One day a man was driving to work, listening to the radio. The DJ challenged the men in his audience to surprise their wives with a bouquet of flowers for »Read more |
| Change the way you think; Change your life Part Two
The second in a six part series in changing the way you think by Michele Crawford, M. Ed. RCC, Like all irrational beliefs, absolutism falls along a continuum from extreme to exasperating. It can define a person’s life choices or pop up like an ich... »Read more |
| Change the way you think; Change your life Part Three
The third in a six part series in changing the way you think by Michele Crawford, M. Ed. RCC, The concept of the angel and the devil sitting on your shoulders: the angel being the rational side and the devil whispering irrational thoughts. »Read more |
| Change the way you think; Change your life Part Four
The fourth in a six part series in changing the way you think by Michele Crawford, M. Ed. RCC, It is the irrational belief that external things determine a person’s worth. Esteem is propped up by other people’s opinions and or your accomplishments, »Read more |
| Change the way you think; Change your life Part five
The fifth in a six part series in changing the way you think by Michele Crawford, M. Ed. RCC, A = Awfulizing beliefs catastrophyze events beyond their initial and enduring power. The worst rarely happens, but it might as well occur every time because you »Read more |
| Change the way you think; Change your life Part Six
This is the sixth and final part in a great series on changing the way you think by Michele Crawford, M. Ed. RCC, L = Low Frustration Tolerance is the belief you do not have to put up with any discomfort. These irrational beliefs »Read more |
| ALLOWING DISCOMFORT: The Secret to Successful Recovery From Addictive Behaviours
You've given it a lot of thought. You know that your addiction is overwhelming your life and causing you a lot of problems. You really want to stop engaging in these self-defeating behaviours and have a better life. You're so sure you're ready, but… »Read more |
 | Addiction and Aftercare: The Place of the Church in Recovery Work
Similar to an immigrant arriving in a new country, these people need to assimilate to a new culture, and not simply relocate their old one. This is where the church can welcome, guide, mentor, demonstrate faith, love and give hope. »Read more |
| 10 Steps in Recovering from a Traumatic Event
When a critical incident occurs, such as crime, violence, fire, or an accident, the human body reacts with the fight or flight response that all animals share. It’s called arousal. Unfortunately, many of us do not know how to “let go" again. »Read more |
| 7 Tips for Outsmarting your addiction
If you are unhappy with your situation, it is your responsibility to do something about it. If you need help to do that, reach out! You may be surprised at how many people will be there to assist you when you make the healthier life choices necessary to o »Read more |
| When Healers Burn Out:
Burnout among health care professionals has become a common and critical problem affecting staff, the agencies for which they work, and the clients they serve. As a therapist working in the health care system for over 20 years »Read more |
 | What is Codependency?
A multidimensional (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) condition manifested by any suffering and dysfunction that is associated with or due to focusing on the needs and behaviors of others. It may be mild to severe and most people have it. »Read more |
 | What causes sleep disturbance?
Sleep disturbance is caused from a wide variety of reasons, such as stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, surgery, pain, medical issues, and so on. »Read more |
 | Unmasking Addiction
Identifying these five signs could help you spot an addiction—and help a loved one...People in the throes of a drug or chemical dependency are usually the last to realize they have a problem. »Read more |
| Two models of transcending adversity: Mindfulness and Assertiveness
As you become more skilled with the habit of assertiveness, qualities of insight and compassion emerge, letting you connect more genuinely with yourself and humanity. »Read more |
| Top 10 Survival Tips For Loving Someone with an Addiction
Learning how to deal with reality is the most important first step in “surviving"when you love an addicted person. Although it may seem easier to stay in the “fantasy space" »Read more |
 | The road to recovery
Tackling prejudice and making the reintegration of drug addicts a priority are key to ensuring long-term rehabilitation, reports Terry Kirby. So it's important to find personal solutions that can really change lives. »Read more |
| The Serenity Prayer: How it Can Help Your Recovery from Addiction
Although you may have heard this prayer a number of times, and perhaps recited it yourself many times, have you actually explored its meaning in a deeper way to see what it really means to you? »Read more |
 | The Myth of Resistance - Bullshit! A wolf in sheep’s clothing is still a wolf.
From the family therapy perspective labeling a patient as “resistant" or “not wanting to get well" is a cop out. It is an interpersonal maneuver designed to blame the patient for the therapist’s incompetence. Family members do this to each other »Read more |
 | From Fearship to Friendship
Each time we set up rules, conditions, and expectations that the other can most likely never fill, we feed the ego. The ego loves rules, so that we believe that we are insidiously controlling the other. This is one way that we can feel superior to another »Read more |
| Rebuilding Relationships In Recovery
There can be no doubt about it, relationships are hurt by addiction. From the constant fear of losing a loved one to addiction, and possibly death, to financial chaos, and the loss of trust and intimacy, addiction drives a wedge between loved ones. »Read more |
 | Purposeful Recovery: What’s Coaching Got to Do with It?
Living a life with purpose gives you a reason to wake up in the morning. It tells you where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. Purpose isn’t genetic or something that happens suddenly—it takes time, life experience and soul-searchin »Read more |
 | About Depression
For many years there has been a common myth that depression is due to a personal weakness or lack of willpower. Many people think that a depressed person can simply »Read more |
| Codependency – What’s In A Name
Loved ones of an addictive person often tell me they just don’t know what to do anymore to be helpful. In essence, the challenge is how not to be consumed by a loved one’s addictive habits. »Read more |
 | 13 PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE TREATMENT
No single treatment is appropriate for all individuals. Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to each individual's particular problems and needs is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the fa »Read more |
 | The Benefits of Brokenness - A Christian Perspective
I once accepted a speaking engagement among Christians involved in Twelve Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. As I talked with the attendees and pondered what to say... »Read more |
 | RECOVERY COACHING - THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!
The role of Recovery Coach is to encourage and motivate clients to regain the role of author in their lives. We work with each client to reinforce personal... »Read more |
| Recovering from Codependency: The Truth About People-Pleasing
My definition is a very simple one: “codependency" occurs when we put other people’s needs ahead of our own on a fairly consistent basis. In truth »Read more |
 | Cybersex and Sexual Addiction
Although the Internet provides and endless amount of valuable information, it has also become a dangerous pitfall for the estimated 2 million sexually addicted Internet users, both in and out of recovery. »Read more |
 | 13 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Addiction Treatment Program
Not all treatment centres are the same. The first decision to seek help is huge. The next step is to choose the treatment centre best for you and that first means qualified! »Read more |
| Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
Regardless of what has brought you here. It will be reassuring to know that solutions are available for the condition you are experiencing. Hope comes in the form of acknowledging that chemical dependency is treatable. »Read more |
 | SPIRITUALITY!
We attempt to live life like we will never die! The effect of these pressures is increased feelings of being dispirited - our lives end up without real meaning, our energy is depleted and our enthusiasm to engage with life seems to vanish. We feel sick of »Read more |
 | IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AN EMPLOYEE
You may notice changes in personal appearance, dependability, problem solving, job knowledge, productivity, judgment, or the way they work with people. But since your employee may not drink or use drugs in front of you, you may not know for certain that.. »Read more |
 | Recovery & Rejoining the Workforce - How The Community Responds
“It’s all about living honestly,? says Theresa, “From my experience employers really fear dishonesty, so when a person openly discloses that they are in treatment a level of trust is established immediately.? A connection is formed that can... »Read more |
| How to live life - These pictures are worth 10,000 words!
A special person took the time to care enough to send me a message just when I needed it most! So I thought I would share this with you. Editor - Angels Community Support Network News »Read more |
 | How to recognize relapse
One of the major challenges in recovery from any addiction is the reality that relapse may occur, particularly in the early months of abstinence when relapse rates are high. At this time, »Read more |
 | 13 Myths About Drug Abuse & Treatment
We would like to clear some very import air. Here are some RIGHT answers to some of the many questions about drug abuse and treatment. »Read more |
| Recovery as an Initiation Rite
Our lack of a focus on “being" instead of “having" in our culture has devastating effects. Addictions of all kinds are rampant and tearing families apart. The divorce rate continues to rise, suicide rates for teenagers and young adults are at an a »Read more |
 | The Gratitude of Tragedy
Driving up to Mount Calvary was always an adventure for the newcomer because of its remote location. It had been home to Benedictine monks since 1947. My fellowship has been embraced by the brothers since the late 80s with the utmost love, respect and gra »Read more |
 | Changing minds, opening minds-Anti-stigma campaigns aren’t just for the public
Stigma is a term once used to refer to a mark branded into the skin of slaves and criminals, so others would know to shun them, especially in public. It may no longer be acceptable to mark people for the purpose of stigmatizing them, but stigma still... »Read more |
 | The courage to “come out" Social worker confronts stigma in the workplace
“I was depressed and went to see a psychiatrist. He told me with such arrogance that what I really needed was to find a job." “When I was admitted to an ER for self-cutting, I overheard one nurse comment to another: she must just be trying to get »Read more |
 | Heal the Healer - Compassion Fatigue
Who is affected by this syndrome? Many different classes of caregivers including but not limited to: health care professionals (both medical and psychological), emergency care workers, advocate volunteers, human services workers, clergy, assistants... »Read more |
| Recovery from Addiction: It’s Definitely Not for Sissies
Some days, I am reminded of how difficult it can be to reside in a body. Although being in a physical body can have wonderful benefits, like the taste of rich dark chocolate or the smell of freshly cut grass on a spring day, it can also have its share »Read more |
 | Hope- A Cornerstone of Addiction Recovery By: Trevor Swanson
The disease of addiction permeates all aspects of the individual including their mental, social, and physical health. Addiction is also a spiritual disease, but it is not always considered as such. »Read more |
 | Substance Abuse – It Affects The Whole Family
The fact that the cycle of addictive behaviour passes down through generations and is related to family dysfunctions is well known in the field of addiction. »Read more |
 | Substance Abuse Treatment - Seniors and Addiction
Addiction can occur at any age, including the senior years. A patient may have been abusing drugs or alcohol for years, or they may have turned to these substances more recently, as a way of dealing with feelings of grief, financial stress, loneliness »Read more |
 | Treatment on a plate
A dietary approach to treating addiction seems worth investigating. PEOPLE are programmed for addiction. Their brains are designed so that actions vital for propagating their genes—such as eating and having sex—are highly rewarding. »Read more |
 | Why do people become addicted to drugs or alcohol?
There are many reasons why people become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Genetics, psychological and emotional well-being, family and social relatives, and culture-all can play a significant role. Although the reasons are different from person to person, »Read more |
 | 90 Day Treatment Stay The New
According to Tim Johnson, Admissions Team Leader at the Betty Ford Center, “As potential patients and families do their homework and get more educated about the disease of addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs, they are drawn to programs that »Read more |
| Addiction, Recovery, and Coming Out of Our Comfort Zones
I believe that every person on this planet, without exception, uses at least one addictive behaviour designed to distract them from having to deal with difficult feelings and painful situations. As controversial as that statement may be for some people, I »Read more |
 | Can red wine help keep you thin?
Drinking red wine in moderation is linked an incredible range of positive health benefits, especially the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. One recent study also showed that certain substances in red wine may help our overall health by preventing the »Read more |
 | Could Addiction be a Laughing Matter?
Can you cackle away your cravings? Guffaw away your jonesing? As any addict can tell you, escaping drug and alcohol dependence is not that easy, but this doesn’t mean laughter can’t play a healing role. Laughter and humour are being used worldwide »Read more |
 | Developing the mind in recovery: Reconnecting, Breathing & Meditation
Part Three: Meditating - It may feel frustrating and pointless at first but we need to be patient with meditation and not expect immediate results; it takes time to be able to relax, stop thinking, observe and detach. »Read more |
 | Fix poverty before you go after the drinkers
It is a moral code that underpins the policy of providing free care for the elderly and compensating prisoners for abuses of their dignity; of keeping minor offenders out of jail and ensuring that our children gain access to free nursery care. It is prese »Read more |
| Let's Talk About Addiction: with Candace Plattor, Addiction Specialist
Lindsay Lohan Goes to Jail - I have many thoughts and feelings about this, and as I listened to Larry King Live and Entertainment Tonight this evening, I was completely appalled by what I was hearing. »Read more |
| Purposeful Recovery: What’s Coaching Got to Do with It?
Choosing to live a life in recovery is a tremendous achievement, and with it comes limitless possibilities. Walking down new, sober avenues requires an open mind, an open heart and the willingness to step into uncharted territory. »Read more |
 | The pain of loving a problem drinker
YOUR HEALTH: There is little recognition of the fact that the families of alcoholics often need as much help to 'recover' as the drinkers themselves. WHEN A FAMILY member drinks to excess or drinks in a dependent manner, the repercussion for the health, s »Read more |
 | Why you need a community of support
Do you see any difference in the health of people who belong to organized religions/churches compared to those who say they are spiritual but don't belong to a particular church? »Read more |
 | Helping an Employee with an Addiction - Can be an Organization’s Greatest Health and Wellness Achievement!
Over the past few years, there has been a shift in what defines a successful organization. No longer is the balance sheet the main indicator. Now, healthy workplaces and quality health and wellness programs are one of the most important measurements of »Read more |
 | Finding Your Self
In nature, there are neither rewards nor punishments, only consequences. Anger and fear do not exist in reality but only in our minds. Spiritual teachings tell us that fear is an illusion about a future event that we could never predict. In order to grow, »Read more |
 | Understanding Female Sex Addiction
It seems people are even more reluctant to accept that women could be capable of being addicted to sex. After all, aren’t women biologically wired to be choosy about their partners? Don’t women suffer, instead, from too little interest in sex? If any »Read more |
| Handling Disappointment: Riding the Wave
My father had a number of wonderful sayings. One of my all-time favorites was this one:“Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you." Granted, there are some types of disappointment that seem unbearable [But there are also the more minor] »Read more |
 | Why Substituting Addictions Can Doom Your Sobriety
Substituting addictions – you see it all the time; gatherings of smokers outside the AA meeting door, boy meets girl on AA campus (“13 stepping"), maxed out credit cards, a rapid gaining of 20 extra pounds. People entering the rooms of recovery typi »Read more |
 | Enabling an Addiction and an Addict- By Alastair Mordey, The Cabin Chiang Mai
Before one can understand how they are enabling an addict, they must understand what it means. Enabling an addiction occurs when loved ones try to “help" an addict, when in actuality they are not helping at all. The enabler takes away any consequences »Read more |
 | How to combat addiction and substance abuse in the workplace
Substance abuse and addiction are serious problems throughout society, so it only makes sense that the problem carries over into the workplace. According to labor statistics, vast majorities of the people who are drug users, heavy or binge drinkers »Read more |
 | Families, friends vital in helping addicts heal
Families can have a tremendous influence in helping someone deal with drug or alcohol problems, says Victoria addictions counsellor Sue Donaldson. »Read more |
 | THERE IS MORE THAN ONE APPROACH TO ADDICTION COUNSELING
Theories abound to the actual cause of drug and alcohol addiction. Some consider addiction a disease similar to chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Others consider addiction a learned behaviour. A lack of consensus in the field of »Read more |
| Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
Meanwhile well-intentioned loved ones including family, friends and colleagues try to influence the outcome by providing inappropriate assistance in the form of ENABLING. This act prevents the addicted person from experiencing the full »Read more |
 | Feeling Good Without an Addiction
When a person quits drinking alcohol or tries quitting any kind of addiction one is often left with an empty feeling or a kind of void or black hole; also time – minutes and hours of time to fill that were once taken up by the addiction. I’m not sure »Read more |
 | From Treatment to Sustained Recovery
Professional treatment of alcohol and drug problems can start someone on the road to recovery, but a few weeks of treatment should not be mistaken for long-term recovery. If you have severe alcohol and other drug problems, you should know that successful »Read more |
| GRIEF & ADDICTION RECOVERY
Grief is more than the heartache we experience when a loved one dies. It’s the pain and sadness we feel when we lose something or someone important to us that gives our lives meaning, structure, comfort and identity. Humans experience loss on »Read more |
 | Substance use and the workplace
Mental health is often referred to as the ”poor cousin” within our healthcare system; this is an accurate descriptor when we consider the relative paucity of services and accessible supports that exist within our public and (albeit to a lesser degree) »Read more |
| Alcoholism and Drug Addiction are Family Diseases
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 | Let's Talk About Craving
Cravings - powerful desires - are part of the human condition. Our brains are »Read more |
