I came across a great articles I wanted to share with everyone and get your feed back.
Sex addiction: Is it real?
By Lucy Moore
Scene Sex Columnist
With the recent publicity surrounding Tiger Woods’ alleged sex addiction and the impending release of the 5th Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and its major reorganization of the sexual dysfunctions category, the debate about the existence of sexual addiction as a diagnosable mental disorder rages on. Although the American Psychological Association did not recognize sexual addiction in its publication of the DSM-IV-TR in 2000, reality show titles like “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew” keep the possible disorder alive in the media, at the very least.
Tiger Woods supposedly receives treatment for his “sexual addiction” at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Mississippi (according to the Huffington Post); similarly, Californication’s David Duchovny successfully completed his own sexual addiction treatment in October of 2008. With so many similar stories popping up in Hollywood, the upcoming DSM-V is purported to include “hypersexual disorder” to address Woods’ and Duchovny’s psychological ailments, as well as the claims of many others.
“Hypersexual disorder,” a term already accepted by the psychology community, attempts to define sexual addiction outside previous definitions, which relied on sexual predation, nymphomania, sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. Hypersexual disorder, in tune with the definition that comes from the sexual addiction therapist from “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew,” Jill Vermeire, will instead look at elevated sexual desire of enough significance to contribute to personal problems, daily distress and even health issues. Like Victor Mancini in “Choke,” someone experiencing clinically valid hypersexuality finds him or herself unable to stop seeking out sexual gratification, even—and often—when social, personal, economic and physical risks are at stake.
But the consequences remain vague, keeping hypersexuality out of the category of various other clinical addictions (alcohol, drugs, kleptomania, gambling, etc). While many, like Dr. Drew, treat those affected by hypersexuality in a similar fashion to those addicted to drugs (banning masturbation, taking away phones that could engage a patient in illicit sexual conversations, etc.), the DSM-V will continue the academic tradition of separating hypersexuality from substance dependencies. Although hypersexuality does not involve known physical withdrawal symptoms mirroring those of substance dependencies, Vermeire and others point out its “emotional” withdrawal effects. While hypersexuality can be compared to our societal convictions defining “addiction,” it remains on its own as a disorder accompanied by its own struggles and recovery plans.
But under the label of hypersexuality, it seems sexual addiction does in fact exist. Whether or not Tiger Woods paints a relevant picture of sexual addiction, however, remains unclear. A line must separate being exceptionally desirous of sexual contact, and even seeking it, from being unable to control desirous thoughts, feelings and actions in a sexual capacity in a way that shapes and even transforms one’s life. Diagnoses of either sexual addiction or hypersexuality will continue to remain controversial, but as the problem grows, perhaps its empirical backing and our understanding of its nature and trajectory will be more clearly shaped.
Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), formed in 1997, is one working organization pushing to adapt to this expanding affliction. Helping hypersexually afflicted individuals to achieve and remain “sexually sobriety,” the program, inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12 steps, has doubled in the last six years, according to the Detroit Free Press. SA’s 15 locations and booming membership show how sexual addiction and hypersexuality are significant emerging problems.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Repairing Relationships After Addiction
Addictions wreck havoc on not only the addict but also everyone around them. Throughout the time the addict is actively using, relationships can be harmed if not destroyed. Abuse can occur and more often than not, trust is lost in the addict. Rebuilding those relationships after addiction can take time and not all relationships can be saved or brought back to where they were before addiction.
It is not hard to see why addiction compromises relationships. The behaviors that come with addiction – lying, stealing, lost of employment, financial despair, cheating, violence, self-induced injury, injury to others, breaking the law, etc. are the fuel that feeds the destruction. As the addict dwells deeper into their addiction, those around him/her are left to pick up that persons responsibilities. Already burden by the addicts’ behaviors they begin to feel extreme resentment, anger, fear, and distrust.
It may seem impossible to rebuild a relationship that has been so torn apart but it can be done. The process is slow. In the beginning, it is only natural that there is going to be a significant trust issues among many other hurt feelings. Both sides have got to equally want to rebuild the relationship, and in doing so, both sides (the addict and the family member, friend, significant other, etc) have to be wiling to do the work to get there. The addict’s work begins in treatment, and the affected parties work begins with support groups and or counseling.
During recovery, part of the recovery process is making amends to those the addict has harmed. The addict cannot expect that by simply apologizing you’re their past negative behaviors, the pain inflicted will simply dissipate. Both the addict and the other person in the relationship needs to consider what exactly they want and need out of the relationship, if anything at all. What are absolutes – e.g. honesty, faithfulness, etc. What might you be willing to make compromises on – e.g. financial restitution, etc.
Rebuilding the broken relationship is going to take hard work on both sides, but it can be repaired if both people involved are wanting the same thing.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
It is not hard to see why addiction compromises relationships. The behaviors that come with addiction – lying, stealing, lost of employment, financial despair, cheating, violence, self-induced injury, injury to others, breaking the law, etc. are the fuel that feeds the destruction. As the addict dwells deeper into their addiction, those around him/her are left to pick up that persons responsibilities. Already burden by the addicts’ behaviors they begin to feel extreme resentment, anger, fear, and distrust.
It may seem impossible to rebuild a relationship that has been so torn apart but it can be done. The process is slow. In the beginning, it is only natural that there is going to be a significant trust issues among many other hurt feelings. Both sides have got to equally want to rebuild the relationship, and in doing so, both sides (the addict and the family member, friend, significant other, etc) have to be wiling to do the work to get there. The addict’s work begins in treatment, and the affected parties work begins with support groups and or counseling.
During recovery, part of the recovery process is making amends to those the addict has harmed. The addict cannot expect that by simply apologizing you’re their past negative behaviors, the pain inflicted will simply dissipate. Both the addict and the other person in the relationship needs to consider what exactly they want and need out of the relationship, if anything at all. What are absolutes – e.g. honesty, faithfulness, etc. What might you be willing to make compromises on – e.g. financial restitution, etc.
Rebuilding the broken relationship is going to take hard work on both sides, but it can be repaired if both people involved are wanting the same thing.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Addiction Risks
Are you at risk of developing an addiction? Some people do have a higher risk of developing an addiction than others. There are four categories that can depict whether one has a predisposition to becoming an addict; physical, mental, emotional, and social.
Physical Factor: The physical factor is genetic. If there is a history of addiction in the family or a low tolerance to drugs, you have a higher risk of developing an addiction.
Mental Factor: If one already suffers from a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar, low self-esteem, etc raises the risks of developing an addiction.
Emotional Factor: The emotional factor has to deal with depressive circumstances. People who are in or have been raised under abusive situations raises the risk of developing an addiction.
Social Factor: The social factor comes into play when the person hangs out with a people to where drugs are easily assessable to them and/or used openly. Another fashion in where social factor comes into play is when one is dislocated from what they know, as in when one leaves off to college or relocated to a place unfamiliar to them.
Children raised in the state system of childcare have a large risk of developing addictions due to the varying factors that can come into play from one, to all four factors. However, having one or more of the noted factors that can lead to addiction just means they are more susceptible to addiction, not that they are predestined to become an addict. Many people have overcome great difficulties and disadvantages and have never developed an addiction.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
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Physical Factor: The physical factor is genetic. If there is a history of addiction in the family or a low tolerance to drugs, you have a higher risk of developing an addiction.
Mental Factor: If one already suffers from a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar, low self-esteem, etc raises the risks of developing an addiction.
Emotional Factor: The emotional factor has to deal with depressive circumstances. People who are in or have been raised under abusive situations raises the risk of developing an addiction.
Social Factor: The social factor comes into play when the person hangs out with a people to where drugs are easily assessable to them and/or used openly. Another fashion in where social factor comes into play is when one is dislocated from what they know, as in when one leaves off to college or relocated to a place unfamiliar to them.
Children raised in the state system of childcare have a large risk of developing addictions due to the varying factors that can come into play from one, to all four factors. However, having one or more of the noted factors that can lead to addiction just means they are more susceptible to addiction, not that they are predestined to become an addict. Many people have overcome great difficulties and disadvantages and have never developed an addiction.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Warning Signs Of Addiction
Did you know that detecting addiction is easier than treating addiction? If you are in recovery, then you do know this. If you are an addict and have heard stories of the process of recovery, you may know this as well. But do not let the process of addiction and the difficulty that the road may lead you on scare you from seeking help. Although treating addiction may be difficult, it is the most rewarding thing you will ever accomplish in your life. You will regain your life. A life that is healthy, happy, and fulfilling. The road of addiction is a non stop battle with no light at the end of the tunnel. The road to recovery there is a light that will shine through brightly.
Detecting addiction in yourself or a loved one is the first step to hopefully a life long recovery. The one common denominator regardless of what the “drug” is will be distinctive mood changes and visible appearance changes in the addict. (When I use the word “drug” in parentheses’ it is because the drug is not necessarily a substance, but it can be an activity as well such as gambling, sex, shopping, eating etc.) The most common warning sign is drastic mood swings appearing bipolar in nature ranging from happy at one moment to extremely agitated, sad, withdrawn, etc, the next moment.
Sleep habits can change to excessive sleep to getting by on hardly any sleep. The person may seem extremely driven at one moment trying to get a million things done at one time to where the next moment they can barely get out of bed little lone their home.
Changes in physical appearance is another signal to addiction. A person may have extreme weight gain or weight loss. They may stop attending to their physical appearance lacking in bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, hair, etc. Some drugs cause damage to the addict’s teeth, hair, and skin. Addicts that use needles will present with “tracks” needle runs, etc. Some drugs affect skin to the extent the addict may present with boil and sores on their skin. Sores on the skin may also be due to side effects of the drugs the addict is using causing itching or feelings of things crawling on the addict’s skin making them scratch excessively. Pupils of the eyes will also appear either dilated or constricted.
Other indicators of addiction are a loss of interest in previous loved hobbies or relationships, financial and legal issues, poor work performance and attendance, becoming verbally or violently hostile, or becoming socially isolated/recluse behavior.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Detecting addiction in yourself or a loved one is the first step to hopefully a life long recovery. The one common denominator regardless of what the “drug” is will be distinctive mood changes and visible appearance changes in the addict. (When I use the word “drug” in parentheses’ it is because the drug is not necessarily a substance, but it can be an activity as well such as gambling, sex, shopping, eating etc.) The most common warning sign is drastic mood swings appearing bipolar in nature ranging from happy at one moment to extremely agitated, sad, withdrawn, etc, the next moment.
Sleep habits can change to excessive sleep to getting by on hardly any sleep. The person may seem extremely driven at one moment trying to get a million things done at one time to where the next moment they can barely get out of bed little lone their home.
Changes in physical appearance is another signal to addiction. A person may have extreme weight gain or weight loss. They may stop attending to their physical appearance lacking in bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, hair, etc. Some drugs cause damage to the addict’s teeth, hair, and skin. Addicts that use needles will present with “tracks” needle runs, etc. Some drugs affect skin to the extent the addict may present with boil and sores on their skin. Sores on the skin may also be due to side effects of the drugs the addict is using causing itching or feelings of things crawling on the addict’s skin making them scratch excessively. Pupils of the eyes will also appear either dilated or constricted.
Other indicators of addiction are a loss of interest in previous loved hobbies or relationships, financial and legal issues, poor work performance and attendance, becoming verbally or violently hostile, or becoming socially isolated/recluse behavior.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Five Parts in the Cycle of Addiction
For the most part, it has been noted that an addict will go through five parts in the cycle of addiction. These parts can be repeated several times before an addict chooses to seek help for their addiction.
The first part in the cycle of addiction is the feeling of euphoria. This is the hook and what keeps the addict seeking more.
The second part in the cycle of addiction is the feeling of losing control. This is when an addict begins to feel they have lost control over the situation, that addiction has taken over and represents their life.
The third part in the cycle of addiction is craving. The craving is so strong leading the addict into the fourth part in the cycle of addiction.
The fourth part ion the cycle of addiction is the “score”. Getting the fix to curb the craving.
The fifth part in the cycle of addiction is the addicts feeling that their life has become predictable and repetitive. This is the part where the addict may reach out for help to make a change in their life. If the addict doesn’t reach out during this time, the cycle of addiction starts all over again as soon as any withdrawal symptoms appear. This is the critical part of addiction, the stage that can either end the cycle or reinforce it.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
The first part in the cycle of addiction is the feeling of euphoria. This is the hook and what keeps the addict seeking more.
The second part in the cycle of addiction is the feeling of losing control. This is when an addict begins to feel they have lost control over the situation, that addiction has taken over and represents their life.
The third part in the cycle of addiction is craving. The craving is so strong leading the addict into the fourth part in the cycle of addiction.
The fourth part ion the cycle of addiction is the “score”. Getting the fix to curb the craving.
The fifth part in the cycle of addiction is the addicts feeling that their life has become predictable and repetitive. This is the part where the addict may reach out for help to make a change in their life. If the addict doesn’t reach out during this time, the cycle of addiction starts all over again as soon as any withdrawal symptoms appear. This is the critical part of addiction, the stage that can either end the cycle or reinforce it.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Types of Dependency
There are two basic types of dependency – physical and psychological. Depending on the type of symptoms one is exhibiting will determine the type of dependency they have.
Physical Dependency: Physical dependency presents when the substance being used causes changes in physical appearance during withdrawal. There is also the physical medical aspect – vomiting, pains, sweats, uncontrollable tremors, shakes, etc. Physical dependency usually stems from substance abuse such as alcohol, nicotine, amphetamines, opiates, etc.
Psychological Dependency: Psychological dependency is mentally and emotionally based. It causes effects to the mind such as depression, mood swings, and violent behavior. Gambling, self-mutilation, eating and sexual addictions have more of a psychological type of dependency on the addict.
With substance addiction, an addict will present with both physical and psychological dependency symptoms but will always present with physical.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
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Physical Dependency: Physical dependency presents when the substance being used causes changes in physical appearance during withdrawal. There is also the physical medical aspect – vomiting, pains, sweats, uncontrollable tremors, shakes, etc. Physical dependency usually stems from substance abuse such as alcohol, nicotine, amphetamines, opiates, etc.
Psychological Dependency: Psychological dependency is mentally and emotionally based. It causes effects to the mind such as depression, mood swings, and violent behavior. Gambling, self-mutilation, eating and sexual addictions have more of a psychological type of dependency on the addict.
With substance addiction, an addict will present with both physical and psychological dependency symptoms but will always present with physical.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Monday, March 1, 2010
Overnight Addiction?
Addiction doesn’t just happen, rather it’s a series of things that happen that bring something to an addictive state. Addiction is an obsession or a compulsive physical and/or psychological dependency to anything if you rather. It is an unhealthy obsession to anything no matter if it is drugs, shopping, eating, etc.
The medical community considers one is addicted when the body starts to rely on a substance to function. When the drug or stimuli is no longer supplied to the body, withdrawal symptoms appear. The body then must go through the detox phase to reacquaint itself to be able to function normally again. Depending on the drug one is addicted to, the detox process has brought death. Addictions are no joke.
Addiction can come upon someone quickly or progress slowly over time and yes, overnight. The speed in which addiction occurs is usually tied to the level of euphoria gained from drug of choice. The higher the euphoria the more attractive the “drug” appears and faster one can become addicted. In some situations, the hunt for the “score” is more addictive than the actual high gained. When there is illegal or risky behavior involved in securing the “score” adrenaline is raised causing its own high drawing the addict in more than the addictive substance or activity.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
The medical community considers one is addicted when the body starts to rely on a substance to function. When the drug or stimuli is no longer supplied to the body, withdrawal symptoms appear. The body then must go through the detox phase to reacquaint itself to be able to function normally again. Depending on the drug one is addicted to, the detox process has brought death. Addictions are no joke.
Addiction can come upon someone quickly or progress slowly over time and yes, overnight. The speed in which addiction occurs is usually tied to the level of euphoria gained from drug of choice. The higher the euphoria the more attractive the “drug” appears and faster one can become addicted. In some situations, the hunt for the “score” is more addictive than the actual high gained. When there is illegal or risky behavior involved in securing the “score” adrenaline is raised causing its own high drawing the addict in more than the addictive substance or activity.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
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