Alcohol’s Effect on the Immune System Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinJanuary 11, 2013Heavy use of alcohol is known to cause such ailments as liver damage and heart problems, but now researchers have found that it can damage the very system that keeps bodies safe from illness and disease. Each time an individual drinks enough to get drunk, they are lowering their body’s defenses against illness, preventing nutrients… Details
Effects of PTSD Dulled by Social Interaction and Acceptance PTSD & TraumaBy Promises AustinJanuary 10, 2013When it comes to trauma, there are a lot of factors that contribute to what a person experiences after they come face-to-face with a horrific event. How is it that some people seem to live through the most appalling of things but end up rising above them? A recent study suggests that it may have… Details
Nobody Plans to Be an Addict: Rediscovering Dreams Unfulfilled and Finding the Courage to Move On RecoveryBy Promises AustinJanuary 9, 2013For human beings, dreaming of a brighter future is as natural as breathing, eating, and sleeping. We all have ambitions and personal missions, things we are determined to accomplish and absolutely convinced we will accomplish if only we are given the opportunity. Our dreams are chicken soup for the soul, keeping us motivated and optimistic… Details
Alcohol Use Linked to Domestic Violence Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinJanuary 7, 2013While all links are not necessarily causal relationships, the close association between two conditions often warrants attention. Such is the case when it comes to alcohol use and instances of domestic violence. Alcohol use does not cause domestic violence, but the fact that it is so often present when domestic violence takes place deserves attention.
What Contributes to Your Success? Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJanuary 7, 2013“Ask yourself the secret of your success. Listen to your answer, and practice it.” – Richard Bach, American writer (born 1936) When we hear the word “success,” we may have a mental picture of someone who has it made, someone who realizes his or her dreams without having to go through a whole lot of… Details
How do You Know if You Have the Wrong AA or NA Sponsor? The Top Ten Warning Signs RecoveryBy Promises AustinJanuary 5, 2013For drug addicts and alcoholics who are new to recovery and the peer support group experience, finding a good sponsor can mean the difference between success and failure. In some extreme circumstances, it can even mean the difference between life and death. That might sound overly dramatic. But addiction is a life-threatening illness, and the… Details
Perfectionism and Substance Abuse: Exploring the Hidden Connection Drug 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 Addictions Drug 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 Yourself Personal 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 Holidays Staying 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
