Health Advice and Information on Addiction

LIST OF ADDICTIONS

Alcohol Addiction(alcoholism)
Drugs, drug addiction, "substance abuse"
Cigarettes, nicotine
People addiction (so-called co-dependency).
Compulsive overeating, food addiction
Bulimia, Anorexia
Self-mutilation, Hair pulling
Narcissism, Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Exercise addiction, body building addiction, anabolic steroid addiction
Sex addiction, voyeurism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, etc.
Gambling addiction, games
Money addiction
Work addiction (workaholism), hobbies
Power: Military, police, politicians, Mafioso, religion addiction, cult and gang leaders, correction and probation officers, gurus
Shopping addiction, collecting addiction
Comedy, acting, performing
Theft, vandalism, con-men, compulsive and impulsive lying, image (phonies)
Violence addiction
Hate addiction
Racism
Risk taking addiction
Internet addiction

There are many forms of addiction but it is usually when the use of something no longer is in the control of the individual, that the addiction is now largely in control. There is alot of different methods, systems and support out there to help with addiction. Treatment Centres are becoming more widespread and popular, self help groups, counselling and therapists. Other complimentary therapies can also decrease stress levels and anxiety in recovery, including meditation etc.

The addict needs to overcome their addiction and gain back their lives, self esteem and self control. Addicts are not in control of their own lives as the addiction rules, rendering the addict powerless. Many addicts in recovery find that invovement of spiritual aspects of life greatly aids them in their journey of well being and regaining their total health.
The source of addiction alienates addicts from their true selves. While in its grip they cannot really know themselves or behave as they would like their true selves. Their true selves have become submerged and subjugated. Coming to terms with addiction and ceasing to be the slave of addiction means that the former addicts can come to terms with themselves and embark on what is a very important journey of self discovery, to find the lost self.

Addicts need help and support for recovery, although ofcourse they first have to be wanting to break free of the addiction. And the first step in many recovery groups is that; we admitted we were powerless over 'addiction', that our lives had become unmanagable.
But seeking the help of any therapist is a good sign that the person is being honest with themsevles for the need and want to recover from the addiction and all the issues that surround the addiction. Addictions, like many illnesses affect the mind, body and spirit. The stopping of the addiction for optimum recovery should take into consideration the total health of the individual. To not only recover from the addiction itslef but to resolve and change thus to avert depression, stress, relapse and to manifest greater happiness, serenity and love. Recovery is not like taking a pill, it is often a life time achievement.

There are different ways for an addict to recover, and also dependent on what their addiction is. An addict may want, or it may be thought to be beneficial to go into a treatment centre or clinic. At an addiction treatment centre, the individuals health can be assessed and closely monitored if any medication is needed to be taken. The treatment centre will also at first create a barrier between the individual and the immediate problem, ie drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. which the addict may find very beneficial in the early days of recovery. It also affords a time where intensive therapy and counselling can occur, and another barrier from the worries and stresses and strains of daily life. Many treatment centres are run and coordinated by recovering addicts, and there will also be other newly recovering addicts to identify with and befriend in the early days. Shared problems and experiences within this environment dispells any shame or fear that there may be, as to some effect, you are all in a similar situation with a similar problem.
Along with the counselling, group meetings and discussions, many treatment centres will provide and teach other healing and effective treatments, such as meditation, and other theraputic exercises and no doubt help with nutrition as addicts tend to have neglected this part of their lives also and will gain optimal health through good nutritional advice which can also aid detoxification.
There is, to some extent, still some ignorance or non understanding outside of the individuals who are involved or educated within the recovery field of addiction. But this is exactly what it is, mis understanding, fear that ignorance brings and lack of knowledge. No one really knows what causes addictions, whether it be due to childhood issues, hereditary genes, bad relationships etc. It is thought that perhaps it may be 50% genetic and 50% environmental. That is to say, some have the higher vuneralbility to become addicts, and this couple with problems and the availability of drugs or other addictors can trigger addiction. Explained in this way it is easy to see that addicts are not neccessarily bad people, many addicts are the most loving, kind and generous of spirit people. No addict should think of themselves bad because of their addiction. Some addictions lead people to do 'bad' things, but with the elimination of the addiction and a change in life style often dispels many of the side effects of the addiction. Ofcourse there are people who are not very nice both in the world of addicts and non addicts, we are all a bit of both to varying degrees. Non addicts can be 'bad' as much as addicts or recovering addicts.
Most addictions are progressive, meaning that they get progressively worse, rarely better, over time. Many addictions are life and health damaging and fatal. Anyone who thinks that they may be an addict, or knows that they are an addict should know that they are not alone and the problem is so very common and that there is a great deal of support and understanding out there and recovery is a wonderful journey just waiting for you. The beauty of the internet is that now more than ever you have a choice as to how you can specifically choose not only treatment centres that you believe will be the best for you but also detailed profiles of the counsellors and other therapies, including group meetings that are available on the internet or close to where you live. The internet also has made it possible to receive help for those who could not before, due to illness, disability, imprisonment, other committments. Also any of the excuses of not knowing where or when or of being too shy can be discarded as you can be anonymous over the internt if this is an initial problem.

Finding a counsellor that can be there as a source of support in your ongoing recovery can be vital.
It is best to find the best therapist for the individual and this can make all the difference to the success of the recovery and long term freedom from addiction. The past may need to looked at and accepted, there may also be great benefit gained from counsellors that take a cognitive behavioral approach and or combined with encouragement of spiritual changes.

There is much of thinking, behavioural changes and finding of a spiritual higher ground that is encouraged, or suggested in the addiction recovery groups that are based on the 12 Steps of recovery. The 12 Steps of recovery and cognitive behavioural therapiy are statisticly proved to be relatively successful in helping the addict recovery. Aftercare and support that is ongoing is also neccessary. The early days may be difficult and certain other lifestyle chages may have to be made that do not even involve drugs. Depending on the individual circumstance, there may be help needed to gain further qualifications and education or help in seeking employment, housing, debt recovery etc.

It is true to say that the addict may come into recovery thinking that he or she has far more problems than purely the drugs and these problems may seem overwhelming. Once the addict is sufficiently clear of drugs and some of the old thinking and behaviour, these problems are far easier dealt with and overcome. Addicts can feel huge amounts of fear, but within recovery they will realise that they are capable, very able members of the community and members of their own families again. With the addict making the decision to address the issue and with the right support the addict can change their life around. It is very possible and there are millions of succesful recovery stories. Whether the addiction is in its early stages, or at rock bottom, it is possible to recover, sooner rather than later.

Please see in the directory for healer dealer or by clisking the apples above to see all the therapists that help heal and deal with addiction.

Relapse prevention, holistic recovery, help with accompanying issues and underlying causes healing