The word addiction gets through around a lot in our lives. From the media, to pop culture, to psychology. Sometimes people might not know exactly what they mean by addiction. How do you tell the difference between a nail-biting habit, and something that’s crossed a very serious...
Addiction is a topic of concern around our country; it is estimated that over 30 million Americans struggle with various addictions including drug, alcohol, gambling and sex addiction. Joining a recovery group can be one of the most important and effective ways individuals, couples and family...
"If I told somebody I was a recovering alcoholic, people would applaud and celebrate," complains my client. "But I’d get stares and judgment if they knew I am a recovering sex addict!" Many individual and group clients have either verbally or silently grumbled something to that effect...
I appreciate the practicality of the tools used by 12 step-groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Sex Addicts Anonymous. The tools help in establishing consistent sobriety, which is the basic foundation upon which all subsequent growth depends. How important are these simple tools...
I remember the day that my mother-in-law instructed me how to best connect to my sister-in-laws, who are substantially younger than me. My mother-in-law stated that it is best to meet them on their own turf, reaching out to them via text, rather than any other archaic way such as having a...
So, I like to look at how addiction can manifest in our lives, kind of like a pet, a cuddly, furry, loving, adoring little pet. A pet that likes to snuggle your neck, comfort you and keep you company. This pet of ours, our addictive traits, comes into our lives as soothing...
Media, news, and education have informed us that substance addictions can cause brain changes. This phenomena is widely studied and accepted, but people typically associate these brain changes with alcoholism and physical dependency. Sex addiction is just as powerful. Brain scans have shown that...
Research shows that 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) are vital to a strong recovery plan and long-term sobriety. While they are not a counseling or treatment program, 12-step groups do offer help in factors associated with long-term...
