Perfectionism and Substance Abuse: Exploring the Hidden ConnectionDrug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinJanuary 4, 2013It is hardly controversial to suggest that there are buried conflicts and past traumas that play a role in the onset and the continuation of drug and alcohol abuse. But some of the hidden reasons that underlie addiction often escape detection because no one is actually looking for them, usually because the connection is unsuspected.… Details
Poly-addiction and the Problem of Switching AddictionsDrug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinJanuary 3, 2013“Polysubstance dependence” is listed as a substance disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR) published in 2000, the latest revision of the manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose and treat mental health illnesses. Polysubstance dependence is diagnosed when a person meets the criteria for dependence on a group of… Details
Know Who You Are…And Don’t Compromise YourselfPersonal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJanuary 2, 2013“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.” – Janis Joplin, American singer, songwriter, painter, dancer, and music arranger, died from an overdose of heroin, possibly combined with the effects of alcohol (1943-1970) It is almost impossible to be able to really see ourselves in an honest light if we are unable or unwilling to… Details
Powerful Tips for Staying Sober During the HolidaysStaying SoberBy Promises AustinDecember 30, 2012Chilled bottles of fancy champagne to toast the New Year; elegant wines from all over the world meant to satisfy the most sophisticated palate at each holiday feast; open (and well-stocked) bars at holiday parties; and creamy eggnog decadently spiked with brandy… Drinks, anyone? Yes, the holiday season is upon us. Anyone who’s ever struggled… Details
Opioid Drug Abuse Among Elderly is ConcerningSenior IssuesBy Promises AustinDecember 28, 2012As the baby boom generation enters retirement age, they represent an enormous demographic. Their new stage in life will present new challenges for the culture. One concern is the number of older Americans who will be taking, and potentially abusing, prescription drugs. The abuse of prescription medications is already a problem in this country, but… Details
How Opening Up Your Mind Benefits RecoveryRecoveryBy Promises AustinDecember 27, 2012“One’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, U.S. author and physician (1809-1894) Have we ever thought about our mind as having infinite capabilities? Do we imagine, even just a little, that we are capable of brilliance and uniqueness and incredible accomplishments? If not, why not?… Details
New Therapy May Improve Symptoms of Anxiety DisordersAnxietyBy Promises AustinDecember 21, 2012Worry and stress are an important part of most people’s everyday lives. These emotional states often alert a person that a task or situation has serious potential implications for their well-being. Worry and stress come and go, but when they are persistent and limit normal functioning, they may indicate a form of an anxiety disorder.
The Signs of Alcoholic DenialAlcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinDecember 20, 2012Today many treatments for alcohol addiction are available and recovery is possible. The bad news is that in order to become well, the person affected must admit that a problem exisits. Denial presents the greatest obstacle to recovery. By it, a person insulates themselves from any need to change. The first form of denial is… Details
Physical Versus Psychological AddictionDrug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinDecember 19, 2012Addiction includes more than substance dependency. The term encompasses behaviors as well. Addiction is present when a person has lost control over their use of a substance or their own actions. When a person’s thoughts become consumed with using or behaving to the extent that most of their mental and physical energy is spent pursuing… Details
Getting a Loved One into Drug Rehab Treatment – Do’s and Don’tsNewsBy Promises AustinDecember 14, 2012The person you love isn’t here anymore. Whether your son is a hollow-eyed shadow of the boy you raised or your spouse’s vodka habit is endangering the children, you know that alcohol or drug rehab treatment is the only way to save him or her. But can you get them into treatment even if they… Details
