ADDICTIONS

Addictions: are the excess use and dependency of/on anything including food, sex, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, sugar, shopping, chocolate, drugs... Why do we become addicted? Many addictions have their roots in painful childhood experiences. According to a study undertaken by the National Academy of Sciences, children are more likely to end up addicted to something if they are physically abused, humiliated, or lied to, and if their parents are themselves substance abusers. For example, alcoholism is four to five times more prevalent among the biological children of alcoholics than among those with nonalcoholic parents. New research suggests that we may well be hardwired for addiction from a very tender age. Are you addicted?

1. Do you feel that you just don't want to stop indulging in a
particular substance -- caffeine, sugar, tobacco, alcohol, drugs,
sex -- right now, although you could at any time?

2. Have you ever tried to stop for a week but been unable to do so?

3. Do you resent the advice of others who express concern about your
substance use?

4. Have you ever tried to control your addiction by switching to an
alternative addictive substance? For instance, have you ever taken up
smoking so that you could give up drinking?

5. Do you envy people who can indulge without getting into trouble?

6. Has your substance use created problems with friends and family?

7. Do you try to avoid family or friends when you're using your
substance?

8. Have you lost relationships because of substance abuse?

9. Are your friendships determined by whether others indulge in the
same substances as you?

10. Do you indulge in your substance alone?

11. Have you ever neglected your family or work for more than two
days in a row due to substance abuse?

12. When substances are limited or unavailable at social events, do
you try to obtain some anyway?

13. Have you missed time from work during the past year due to
substance use?

14. Has your substance of choice stopped being fun to use?

15. When you are low on your substance, do you feel anxious or
worried about how to get more?

16. Do you plan your life around your substance use?

17. Do you ever consume more of your particular substance than you
intend to?

18. Are you consuming more than you used to in order to feel the same
effects?

19. Do you consume as much as you can and feel reluctant to discard
any leftovers?

20. Are you experiencing financial difficulty due to substance use?

21. Do you use your substance when you are disappointed, depressed,
or going through a difficult time?

22. Does your substance use affect your sleep?

23. Has your sexual ability or desire suffered from your substance
use?

24. Are you concerned that if you stop using, you will lack energy,
motivation, confidence, or the ability to relax?

25. Do you use your substance repeatedly to sleep or stay awake?

26. Do you ever lie to others about how much or how often you consume
your particular substance?

27. Have you ever stolen money or goods to support your habit?

28. Have you lost a job because of substance use?

29. Do you ever regret the way you behaved while you were on a
substance-use high?

30. Do you experience irritability, headaches, or tremors when you
have not consumed your particular substance for a while?

31. Have you ever passed out from substance use?

32. Have you ever felt your life would be more productive if you were
not indulging in that particular substance?

33. Have you become more irritable and difficult to get along with?

34. Is your pattern of use potentially dangerous? (This can be true
even in cases where substance consumption is neither frequent nor
excessive.)

35. Do you lack self-control in deciding whether or not to consume
your particular substance?

36. Is your habit putting you into a state of poor health?

37. Is your substance abuse dangerous to others? (Via secondhand
smoke, drunk driving, using up family resources, et cetera?)

How many questions did you answer yes to? Deep down inside, if you
are being honest with yourself, you know if you have a substance-
abuse problem or are on your way to one. Do something about it now,
while you can.

Addiction To Anything

The term addiction is widely used today to mean a dependency. The dependence can be physical or psychological, but implies a compulsive or habitual need to repeat the experience. Many drugs are addictive, but food can also be addictive. Even tasks can be addictive, including exercise, work and dieting.

Once a dependency exists, nutrient deficiencies, hypoglycemia and substances like caffeine and sugar promote intense cravings. These factors cause mood swings and other problems such as insomnia. Excessive alcohol consumption will deplete the body of B vitamins. Narcotics reduce the Minerals in the body, especially magnesium and calcium. Vitamin C, on the other hand, actually helps combat the toxic effects of drugs.

Addictions can be mild or serious. When an addiction becomes severe, it is more important than social acceptance, family, friends, and even life itself. Addictions tend to begin slowly and grow insidiously. The biggest problem in treating addiction is recognizing the problem. Since there is no simple definition, the point where casual use becomes abuse is hazy. Drug and alcohol abuse are the most well-known forms of addiction, yet they still exist in epidemic proportions across the population. Many groups exist to provide support for addicts and their families. Their programs have achieved remarkable success in helping addicts to achieve long-term substance withdrawal.

Drug and alcohol addictions are caused by a physical and/or psychological dependence. The physical addiction causes withdrawal symptoms, and the psychological addiction causes the intense cravings. Marijuana, cocaine and LSD dependencies are physical addictions. Alcohol and cigarettes are highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. With habitual use of these substances, tolerance levels increase. More is required to reach the same effect, and yet the damage to the body does not lessen. Food addictions have gained tremendous attention in recent decades due to excessive dieting and the idealization of the perfect figure, causing serious health problems in the younger generations especially. These problems include eating disorders such as yo-yo dieting, anorexia and bulimia. Endorphins released by the brain are thought to be at least partly responsible for the psychologically-addictive anorexia. (Endorphins are "pleasure" chemicals released when conditions become near unbearable, to help the body cope.) Obesity is also caused by addictive behaviors.

Personality plays a role in addiction, although to what extent is unknown. Peer pressure, emotional instability and feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness are often evident in addicts. Since teenagers experience many of these emotional hardships, they are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse and eating disorders.

The social acceptance of medicinal drugs and alcohol encourages use and dependencies. Today, pharmaceutical drugs of all varieties are widely available to kill pain, induce sleep and lift spirits. Advertisements promise easy solutions to complicated problems. Young women are praised for maintaining slim figures, even if it causes poor health.

Top 10 Ways To Help Stop A Bad Habit Or An Addiction

by Dennis R. Tesdell, Personal Development and Self-Care Coach

Everyone has a habit and some an "addiction" that they would like to break or quit for health or other reasons. The "bad" habits can be minor such as nail biting, mild overeating, eating junkfood, drinking caffeine beverages, or,they can be severe addictions to alcohol or other "hard" drugs, or to tobacco. This list is intended for most people as an ADJUNCT to getting *professional* or other supportive help from their doctors, substance abuse counselors or therapists, sponsors, family and friends. Always get professional help when trying to quit an alcohol/drug habit, and it's highly recommended if you are needing to seriously diet or quit smoking tobacco also.

1. Make Sure Positive Reinforcement Is There For You!

Quitting a long-standing habit is hard enough. Not having any support or positive influences makes it doubly difficult. If you are trying to quit smoking or to drink alcohol, hanging out with friends who smoke or drink in your presence is not recommended. TELL your friends and *all* support people what you are trying to work on and quit, and let them know it will be easier for you to quit if you are not tempted by being around the habits or activities you are giving up. Let them know it is not a "personal" judgment of them. Find new places to go, and new things to do if you must, to avoid smelling the smoke or being around the bars and the booze. This is especially important during the first 2-3 weeks of your "self-improvement" program.

2. Give Yourself Frequent Rewards!

Animal trainers have long known that the way to train or retrain an animal to do something is by giving them a small reward when they have done well. This theory works well with humans as well. If you have gone a day without smoking or sipping a beer, or eating any junk food, treat yourself to something healthy. Buy yourself the scarf or shirt you have been looking at for months. If overeating or junk food is not your bad habit/addiction, buy yourself an ice cream cone, frozen yogurt, or a banana split! A new CD or book is also a small but symbolic gift which says you are doing well, and you deserve to be commended! Buy or give yourself whatever" treat" or gift you like. The above are suggested since the treats animals trainers use of fish, dog biscuits and bananas are not very appealing to most humans.

3. Substitute The Old "Bad" Habit For A Healthy New One.

If you are giving up smoking, eating junk food, alcohol, or tobacco, there are things you can substitute for them that will make quitting easier. Sugar free gum and candy in your mouth is a well tested substitute for a cigarette, pipe or cigar. It lacks the nicotine, but it does serve a purpose and seems to help many people. Lollipops worked for the TV series detective "Kojak" as I recall. Also, if junk food is your "bete noire," keep popcorn (NOT the microwave type that is salted and very oily) on hand to pop in a "hot air" or microwave popper without oil. Studies have found that humans get a lot of their craving for food satisfied by eating things that "crunch." Obviously there are very high calorie snacks that crunch, but pick some that do not, such as carrot and celery slices (keep on hand in a large bowl of water in the refrigerator so they are all ready to eat). If "rabbit food" does not appeal to you, try the popcorn or be creative. People quitting alcohol can keep club soda or carbonated flavored drinks on hand. They allow you to drink something, and they are a good alternative at parties and when you must be in a bar or lounge.

4. Quit or Change For *Yourself* First, Not For Anyone Else.

Self-motivation is vital to quitting a bad habit or an addiction. Do not start trying to quit a behavior or addiction because your spouse, minister, parents, or friends want you to do it. You *must* be at a place where you want to quit for YOURSELF, because you realize what you are doing is not healthy or is not something you want to continue to do. Without this "self-motivation," quitting will be harder, and often is not long-term nor permanent. It is fine to quit also for the benefit of your friends and family and job and doctor, etc. AND, you must first really have a "deep down" commitment and desire to quit for *you* and for your own health, self-esteem, emotional balance, and happiness. Use your family and friends who support your efforts to help you and help keep you motivated beyond your own "inner strength" and desire to change.

5. Use PROFESSIONAL Help And A Dependable Support Network!!

Especially if you are addicted to alcohol, to cigarettes, or to drugs, it is important to have a physician who is very knowledgeable about your condition, and who will support you and monitor your health and your progress as time passes during your change and recovery phases. It is important to have a recent physical exam if you have been an alcohol or drug abuser, or if you are severely overweight. This way, the doctor can offer advice on any appropriate dietary supplements, as well as exercise guidelines for your specific situation. In addition, get the help of a support group which specializes in your problem if it is overweight, or substance abuse. They are usually free and can be of good support to you in the early stages of your new "lifestyle change." Friends, family and clergy are also common sources of support. A therapist or "substance abuse counselor" is also an option. Check your Yellow Pages under "Substance Abuse," "Hospitals," "Counselors," "Therapists," "Drugs," "Rehabilitation," and even the "Red Cross." Many of these agencies have either free or "sliding scale" support programs available, depending on your situation and the size of your city.

6. Start A Stress Reduction Program When You Begin Your Change.

We have all heard people say they need a drink "to unwind," or a cigarette "to calm my nerves." That is simply medical hog wash. Most people know nicotine is a stimulant, and does nothing physiologically to "calm" the smoker down! While alcohol IS a depressant, and the person will feel sedated or "calmer" for a while, after the alcohol is metabolized as sugar, it drops the blood sugar level, and the adrenal glands are stimulated, often making the person edgy or nervous again. Some heavy drinkers often wake in the night a few hours after going to bed, due to hunger (the low blood sugar is making them hungry) or an inability to stay asleep (the adrenal glands have "kicked in" and they have put some adrenaline, cortisol, etc. in the bloodstream, raising the person's pulse rate and blood pressure). And as we also know, many people say that eating food or certain foods "calms them down" or helps them "feel better" when they are sad or disturbed. It's time to start reducing the stress and tension by healthy means. The best (and most easily used in any environment) stress and tension control skills to learn are yoga, meditation, self-relaxation or self-hypnosis, and biofeedback. These can all be learned by books, video and audio tapes, or you can go see a trained professional and learn them. They will be useful to you your entire life, and will help you immensely when you get the craving for a cigarette, a drink, or a quart of "Rocky Road." The time to learn them well enough to get good use from them will vary from 1-4 weeks. The cost can be as low as $10. for a book or audio tape, to $400-500. for a month of professional instruction. Keep in mind the cost of a month of smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, or junk food. DO IT. It is well worth the investment.

7. Don't Get On The "Guilt Train" During Your Journey To Self-Improvement.

Change, and especially the giving up of severe addictions, is an up and down journey. You will have many good hours, days, and weeks, and you will have times when you are ready to quit and "throw in the towel." It is RARE for a person to quit a bad habit or an addiction without experiencing these "ups and downs." If you falter; sneak a "smoke," buy 3 Snickers bars at the Quick Trip and devour them in the car on the way home, etc. don't beat yourself up for it later! Guilt is a *non-productive* feeling humans create to handle conflict. Creating guilt will only lower your self esteem, making it harder for you to stay on course. Many behavioral scientists also believe guilt actually makes it *easier* for humans to repeat "bad" behaviors, since they have in a sense "punished" themselves for what they did, and the punishment was not all that bad! Do not accept guilt laid upon you by anyone else either. Forgive yourself. Remind yourself that what you are doing is hard, and that it is for your very best interest, and that changing or dumping a bad habit or addiction is VERY difficult. If you find quitting alcohol is too hard alone without medication, some doctors still will prescribe drugs such as "Antabuse." Be aware that it will make you *VERY* ill if even the smallest amount of ANY type of alcohol is ingested or enters your bloodstream. This includes such substances as shaving lotion and rubbing alcohol on the skin as well! Try to use this as a last resort.

8. Get Yourself Into A Routine of Physical Exercise.

Depending on the habit or addiction you are working on quitting, you may already be exercising.. Chances are however, if you are a heavy smoker, drinker, or eater, you are not exercising much, if at all. Drinking, smoking, and obesity of course affect the heart and lungs so much that anything very strenuous has the drinker, smoker (often heavy smoking and drinking go hand-in-hand) or obese person huffing and puffing in a short time. First, have your doctor examine you and give you any guidelines regarding the types and the degree of exercise he feels you are ready for to be medically safe. The exercise serves several purposes. The main two are to get your heart and lungs reconditioned if you have been an abuser of alcohol or tobacco or overweight, and to help keep your tension level under control. You will also find that you have a very hard time sipping a scotch, smoking a cigarette, or eating a Big Mac or anything else while you are running, on a treadmill, on a "stair stepper," in the swimming pool, riding a bike, or "Sweating To The Oldies" at a health club. The trick is to keep your mind on the road ahead, the speedometer, the water, or the various spandex outfits around you. Distraction and stress reduction combined will greatly help to curb any outside thoughts or cravings for most people.

9. Hit "Rock Bottom" *If You Must* To Get Motivated.

Most of the animal kingdom is smarter than humans when it comes to learning lessons or to taking care of themselves. If a fox gets buckshot in his rump trying to sneak into a chicken coup, chances are he will never return. If a young bear cub reaches into a bee hive for honey and gets his nose stung by the angry bees, he'll learn another way of getting the honey before he tries that again. For some reason, God and the Universal Laws of "Lesson Learning 101" for humans is many times more difficult. Humans often need to get "hit in the head by a brick," "run over by a truck," or almost die, before they figure out it is time to evaluate their lifestyle or habits! If it takes a doctor saying he sees a "suspicious spot" on your lung X-ray, or a "large mass" in your colon or on your liver for you to decide this is perhaps your final "wakeup call" to change a harmful habit or addiction, pay attention! You can start to work on your life ANY time. *Hopefully*, you can do it before any serious damage has been done by your habits or addictions. If not, do what the doctors recommend, and all of these hints will still be of great benefit to you in how you recover or feel.

10. Pace Yourself, Depending On Your Particular Situation.

Do not gauge your progress or lack of same based on other people's experiences, what you read, see on television, etc. You are unique, both in your body and mind. Everyone heals and recovers and changes at different rates and in different ways. Don't be fooled by the ads for "quick and easy" weight loss by liquid diets, pills, herbs, or machines. It takes a combination of *many* things,some named above, to really successfully lose weight. The same is true of addictions to tobacco. Do not think that a magic "patch" or chewing gum is going to help you quit quickly and forever. Without the motivation, the exercise, the stress control, and the other things mentioned, you will probably be using tobacco within a few weeks or months. This is documented by scientific studies. The same is true of alcohol or drug addictions and withdrawals. One needs to use a muti-disciplinary treatment program to ease off and quit and to stay away from any bad habit or addiction. Have your doctor, your therapist, your counselor or coach, and your family support you, and as long as you are making progress, even if it seems inordinately slow to you, you are on track and will do much better perhaps than those who lost 5-7 pounds a week (never suggested by experts) or who quit smoking or drinking or drugs "cold turkey." When in doubt, ask your support and professional team for guidance, and if necessary, ask for encouragement! It takes guts to quit a bad habit or addiction. Allow yourself to feel good about your decision to do it. When you have done it, celebrate life and give youself a BIG gift of some kind!

HERBAL REMEDIES:

Malnutrition is often coupled with addiction problems and compounds the symptoms of cravings and withdrawal. Herbs can rectify these imbalances.

Astragalus Strengthens the natural defenses of the body. Can involve the immune system, cardiovascular system and glands from all other systems. Provides energy to fight fatigue, increases metabolism. Good for colds, flus and immune deficiency symptoms. The belief that astragalus can strengthen immunity has a partial basis in Chinese tradition. It was the Chinese who first developed astragalus. Astragalus should be for use while you're healthy, for the purpose of preventing future illnesses. The root of the herb is used. Extracts of astragalus have been found to stimulate parts of the immune system in humans.

Bee Pollen - has been used to build up the immune system to to fight colds and to counteract depression. Bee pollen has also been used internally to increase anti-allergenic properties to enhance the immune system against allergies to pollen. Bee Pollen is used in the fight against addictions because it helps support and strengthen the immune system.

Burdock Root - Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of burdock to improve digestion. It also contains polyacetylenes that have been shown to have antimicrobial activity.

Dandelion - Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. Dandelion may be used for a wide range of conditions requiring mild diuretic treatment such as addictions, poor digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure.

Garlic - One of the oldest recorded culinary spices, garlic (Allium sativum) is mentioned as a food in the Bible, and is known to have been part of the diet of Egyptian workers as long ago as 2600 BC. It is the dominant flavour in much of Mediterranean cuisine, but is also a more subtle addition to many Asian dishes. But alongside its popularity in food, garlic has a long history of medicinal use – a traditional history that has gained increasing recognition from science. Garlic preparations have long been used to relieve the congestion of colds and hayfever.

HERBAL COMBINATION TINCTURES
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.

Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.

Blood Purifier - Pau D' Arco, Red Clover, Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Cascara Sagada & Buckthorn.

BreathEasy Tincture - Lobelia, Pleurisy, Marshmallow, Mullien, Coltsfoot, Licorice.

Circulation Support Tincture - Hawthorn berries, Ginger, Angelica, Bayberry Bark, Hyssop, Prickley Ash bark, Cloves, Cayenne.

Ginseng Energy Tincture - American, Korean, Siberian & Tienchi Ginseng.

Headache Support Tincture - White Willow Bark, Feverfew, Chamomille, Pepermint, Scullcap, Catnip, Fenugreek.

Immunity Tincture - Astragalus, Pau D'Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw, Kelp.

Infection Tincture - Astragalus, Pau D'Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw, Kelp.

Mood Support Tincture - St. Johns Wort, Chamomille, Schizandra, Oatstraw, Avena Sativa.

Nerve Strength Tincture - Oatstraw, Black Cohosh, Scullcap, Avena Sativa, Pleurisy root, Catnip, Lobelia.

HERBAL TEAS:

In a stainless steel pot, boil desired amount of distilled water. The moment it boils turn the heat off. Add the following herbs in an infuser, muslin bag or tea ball for a single cup or add one-three teaspoons of herbs per cup for larger amounts. Allow the herbs to infuse for up to 5 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups a day. For flavor-add lemon and sweeten with Stevia or organic honey.

Immune Builder Tea- When taken on a regular basis, this tea helps to build and strengthen the immune system. Astrugalus, Echinacea, Hawthorne, Peppermint, Spearmint.

Alfalfa Mint Tea- This great tasting tea helps to detox the system, eases inflammation, lowers cholesterol, balances hormones. Helps in digestive and skin disorders. Provides great vitamins in this form. Alfalfa and Peppermint.

Detox Tea- This powerful formula will help remove accumulated toxins in the body. Strong antioxidant, cleanses the colon, reduces cramps, and stimulates circulation. Rosehips, Red Clover, Ginger, Nettle, Alfalfa, Dandelion, Goldenseal Leaf, Echinacea, Pan D'Arco, Burdock, Clove, Stevia.

Lemon Tea- This tea helps fight infection, cools fever, tones tissue, softens and soothes skin. Promotes bowel movements and increases urination. Lowers both blood sugar and blood pressure. Stimulates immunity. Lemon peel, Lemon Grass, Ginger Oil, Shavegrass, Osawatamie, Sweetleaf.

Essiac Tea- Stimulates the immune system and purifies the blood. Helps with many skin disorders. Helps to sooth inflammed mucous membranes of the bowels, stomach, and urinary tract. Burdock Root, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery Elm Bark, Turkey Rhubarb Root.

Stop Smoking Tea- Reduces cravings for nicotine. Helps with balance and food cravings. Clears congestion, has a mild antiseptic and reduces swelling by helping to reduce blood flow. Spearmint, Lobelia, Kudzu, St. John's Wort, Peppermint, Marshmallow Root, Mullen, Licorice Root, Stevia, Clove, Eucalyptus, Orange Peel.

AROMATHERAPY REMEDY BLENDS:

An addiction is a physical or psychological craving or need for a habit-forming substance or chemical compound. Most drugs and even some tasks can be addictive, such as exercising, working, eating or dieting. Addictions can also be linked to nutritional deficiencies. The physical dependence causes symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological dependence causes intense cravings. To improve your chance to succeed in kicking a bad habit, use essential oil such as :

Clary sage - Clary sage essential oil has a strong, nutty aroma. The essential oil Clary sage it used for its antidepressant, antiseptic, deodorant, digestive and sedative properties. Clary sage with its regenerative properties is commonly used for the skin in today’s aromatherapy. It is used for premature balding to stimulate hair growth. It is used to control greasy hair and dandruff. It is also used in dream therapy; it helps you to remember the dreams by being able to dream more clearly and helps with the memory of dreams. It is also recommended for stress therapy, it helps reduce the feeling of stress. Clary sage is also used for the reproductive system, some herbalists prescribe Clary sage mixtures for couples experiencing difficulty-conceiving children. It is also used for both premenstrual syndrome and menstrual pain. Clary sage can be used as a natural muscle relaxer, relieving muscle spasms, backaches, and stiffness of the joints and muscle cramps.

Grapefruit Essential Oil - has a light, fresh and fruity scent and is often helpful in breaking the bonds of dependency. This oil is refreshing tonic, enhances concentration and zest for life, brings positive thoughts. A native to tropical Asia and the West Indies, this oil has a long tradition as a fragrance component, and a popular additive in desserts, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Commonly used by aromatherapists to help with cellulite, obesity, muscle fatigue, water retention, nervous exhaustion, depression, flu, chills and common colds.

Lavender - Lavender is often called the universal oil, because you can use it for so many things. It is analgesic, anti- coagulant, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti- infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti- toxic, cardiotonic, and is a sedative. It has a very balancing effect on the body, emotions, mind and spirit. It may help acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, boils, bronchitis, and is excellent for burns of any type. It has been used for cramps, dandruff, depression, diaper rashes, earaches, eczema, fainting, flatulance, hair loss, headaches, high blood pressure, indigestion, insect bites and repellant, infection, flu, insomnia, laryngitis, helps to detoxify the lymphatic system, migraines, nausea, nervous tension. PMS, psoriasis, rashes, helps to prevent scarring, sprains, stress, stretch marks, sunstroke, throat infections, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, thrush, water retention, and wounds.

3 times a day, morning, noon and night, utilize these blends of essential oils:

Angel's Mist Addiction Massage Essential Oil Remedy Blend

Angel's Mist Addiction Compress Essential Oil Remedy Blend

Angel's Mist Addiction Bath Essential Oil Remedy Blend

HYDROTHERAPY

The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can heal us.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease. Hydrotherapy was used by the ancient Greek physicians. The use of baths for such purposes as well as for religious purification, personal cleanliness, and private or social relaxation dates from at least the time of ancient Greece. A German, Vincenz Priessnitz, popularized the use of spas in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, where they are still popular today.

Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm; thus, hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, and backache. Heat is often used in conjunction with massage or other manipulative or stimulative treatments, such as the whirlpool bath. Sitz baths (sitting in hot water) are effective in the treatment of many disorders. Water is also useful in physical therapy because patients who exercise in a buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without contending with the strong force of gravity.

Take warm bath. Fill the bath tub with warm water. As the tub fills with water add 2 spoons of Angel's Mist Deep Soak Sea Salts to the bath water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Sea Salt is a great detoxer and pulls out impurities in the skin viseral systems.

Take an essential oil bath. For an additional soothing treat, add a few drops of two or three of the above oils to the bath. For the bath, drop 5-10 drops of your choosen oils into a tub of lukewarm water after the tub is full. disperse the oil in the bath water and bathe for 15-20 minutes. Be sure and clean the tub when your done for the oil left on the surface of the tub can be slippery and dangerous.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES:

This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses. Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its individual and "wholistic" approach. This often leads to a complete recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future and, homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.

ADDICTIONS:
Aconitum napellus- If the person is very fearful while going through
a withdrawal period, this remedy may be indicated. Intense
palpitations may occur, which can make the person even more
frightened and anxious.

Aurum metallicum- This remedy may be helpful during the withdrawal
process, especially for individuals who feel disgusted with
themselves, believe they have failed in life, or have become
depressed and hopeless. Serious, work-oriented people who have turned
to addictive substances as an outlet of tension are especially likely
to respond to Aurum.

Carbo vegetabilis- When withdrawal symptoms include fatigue and
faintness, with a lot of gas and belching, this remedy can bring
relief. The person may feel weak and very cold (especially in the
extremities), yet still has a desperate craving for fresh or moving
air. This remedy is often helpful for regaining energy after long-
term illnesses or health problems.

Chamomilla- If a person is hypersensitive, and finds discomfort
unbearable to the point of seeming irritable and angry, this remedy
may help. The person will feel worse from heat and worse at night.
Relief from motion, especially vigorous rocking, is a strong
indication for Chamomilla.

Coffee cruda- This remedy is often helpful when a person's mind is
active and excitable. Sleeplessness is a common problem. The person
is very sensitive to noise or any distraction. Neuralgic pains or
headaches can occur, and may be soothed by cold applications.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Hypnosis is a way to get yourself into a trancelike state during
which you're susceptible to the power of suggestion, usually a
therapist's suggestion. Getting through to this suggestible part of
yourself can be a powerful way to break yourself of bad habits and
irrational fears, manage pain, and relieve a variety of ailments.
Hypnosis puts you into a state of "focused concentration," during
which you're vaguely aware of your surroundings There are different
stages of hypnosis, some deeper than others. But when you're in any
of these states, your imagination is open to suggestion.
The suggestions made to you while you're hypnotized are part of
hypnotherapy. This term, sometimes used interchangeably with
hypnotism, simply describes information that is suggested to you
while you're hypnotized to help make you more aware after the session
is over.

Hypnosis is a very popular alternative therapy. It has been
recognized as a valid medical therapy since 1955 in Great Britain and
since 1958 in the United States. Many mainstream doctors
(particularly anesthesiologists and surgeons) are trained in
hypnotherapy, as are a good number of dentists, psychotherapists, and
nurses.

So why is hypnosis still considered alternative? Partly because it
doesn't work for everyone. But largely because no one really can
explain how it works. Even so, many mainstream health practitioners
are willing to accept (and use) hypnotherapy because it helps their
patients. They rest their case on many solid studies that show what
hypnotherapy can do -- even if researchers don't yet understand how.

If you're trying to lose weight, stop smoking, control substance
abuse, or overcome a phobia, hypnosis may be for you. And if you're
unhappy with your current treatment for warts or other skin
conditions, asthma, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia,
migraines, or other forms of pain, discuss the possibility of
hypnotherapy with your M.D. or therapist.

Hypnosis can work for almost anyone, though some people have an
easier time than others. If you're lucky, you'll be one of the few
people (about 5 to 10 percent of the population) who is highly
susceptible to hypnotic suggestion. Some, reputedly can be hypnotized
(with no other anesthesia) before surgery and feel no pain. But even
if you're not in this group, chances are high that hypnosis can help
you: About 60 to 79 percent of people are moderately susceptible, and
the remaining 25 to 30 percent are minimally susceptible.

Children and young adults are often good candidates for hypnosis,
perhaps because they're so open to suggestion and have active
imaginations.

If you don't believe that hypnosis can work for you, it probably
won't. Hypnotism can only work if you're willing for it to work and
you have a clear idea about what you want it to do for you. But then,
if you don't believe that anything can work for you, then rest
assure, it won't. Use your belief system in a positive and effective
way. You will be surprized what you achieve!

Contact Andrew for a local Hypnotherapist.

NUTRITION

Malnutrition is often coupled with addiction problems and compounds the symptoms of cravings and withdrawal. Supplements can rectify these imbalances. Addicts often lack the B vitamins that are essential for calming the nerves, combating stress and helping to control cravings. Vitamin C is an excellent supplement during  withdrawal, and combats the effects of toxins on the body. This vitamin also eases the symptoms of withdrawal, reducing anxiety and improving rest and appetite.

Vitamin E has also proven beneficial in reducing the side-effects experienced during withdrawal. Both vitamins C and E help the body to detoxify and are antioxidants which protect the body from free-radical damage.

Magnesium is particularly useful for treating addictions where irritability and cramps occur, since this mineral soothes cramps and calms the nervous system.

Green food supplements are excellent in assisting recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. Chlorophyll and Alfalfa detoxify the blood and provide numerous essential nutrients, including protein and many minerals.

The essential fatty acids available in cold pressed Hemp seed oil and fish oils, and the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in Evening primrose oil are essential for the body and are needed as a balance, particularly for the nervous system. Bee pollen is also used in addictions as a nourishing food, to provide the body with energy and reduce cravings.

Glutamine, an amino acid, is also known as "nature's brain food." Supplementing with glutamine improves mental capacities, helps speed the healing of ulcers, alleviates fatigue and the craving for sugar. It also detoxifies ammonia in the brain and is very effective in the treatment of hypoglycemia.

To provide additional support against free-radical damage, the antioxidants, Vitamin A, Selenium and Zinc are also recommended.

By supporting and rebuilding the liver, pancreas and adrenal glands, the taste for alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and other drug cravings will eventually subside. Herbs that nourish, strengthen and build the nervous system also provide lasting results.

• Single herbs of dandelion, nettle, Siberian ginseng, goldenseal, licorice root, cayenne, skullcap, lobelia and valerian assist body functions. Use these plants to make a herbal tea and drink three times daily.
• Take calamus root to wean off smoking.
• Chaparral takes LSD out of the system and detoxifies the body of all impurities.

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day. Drink plenty of water to flush your body of toxins that smoking creates. When you get a craving, drink water until the craving subsides. The up side to all that water is you will have skin that will "glow"!!

By eating Carrot juice has been established as the best rapid alkalizer, partly because it is processed efficiently by the body, and partly because it can gererally be consumed in large quantities without unpleasant or harmful effects.

A cup of carrot juice a day or even 2 times a week reduces your risk for lung cancer, sometimes by half, depending on the person. Other vegetable juices for addiction include celery, cucumber, lettuce, & cabbage. Sunflower seeds contarin compounds that mimic some of the effects of nicotine and can offer smokers some of the gratification they seek. Sunflower seeds contrin most of the B vitamins, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Every time you feel the desire to smoke, it is suggested that you go throught the process of breaking seeds open and popping them into your mouth to munch on until the desire subsides.

MANAGING YOUR ADDICTIONS

Avoid prolonged, excessive stress. Find a complete change of environment through travel or a retreat.

A natural, balanced lifestyle with plenty of sleep, rest and relaxation will help the body rebuild the organs damaged by the addictive drugs. Walk and hike in the fresh air of forests, meadows and mountains to oxygenate the blood and stimulate the liver and digestive functions. Take along a sympathetic friend who understands your situation and can give moral support to help you go through with the detoxifying program.

Swimming, gardening and regular deep-breathing exercises, as well as sauna and cold, morning body washes help restore health and vitality.

SMOKING AND NICOTINE ADDICTION

Tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, is the most addictive drug in the world. Nicotine is one of the strongest stimulants known, and smoking is one of the most efficient drug-delivery systems. Smoking actually puts drugs into the brain more directly than intravenous injection. It is true that one of the "benefits" of smoking is the brief relief of internal tension; unfortunately, within 20 minutes the tension is back stronger than before, demanding another fix.

Do The Peacefulmind.com Stop Smoking Program NOW!

DEALING WITH SEXUAL ADDICTION

Sexual addiction is rapidly becoming recognized as a major social
problem with similarities more well-known to alcohol and drug
addiction or compulsive gambling. We are becoming accustomed to
hearing about sexual scandals in our communities, in the workplace,
in churches and schools, even in the White House, involving those in
which we place our trust. And sometimes we experience shocking sexual
discoveries in our own families, involving people we know personally.
Many of these situations are better understood if we have some
knowledge about sexual addiction.

Based on a 10-year research study of 1500 sexual addicts, Carnes has
estimated that about 8% of the total population of men in the US are
sexually addicted, and about 3% of women. That translates into over
15 million women and men who suffer from this problem.


Some Characteristics of Sex Addiction

The sex is shameful. The addict feels shame about what he or she is
doing, or more accurately, about what he or she has done, usually
immediately after engaging in sex acts that violate some of the
person's standards. Or the shame may be denied by calling it normal
for "a real man," or by focusing on others: "She wanted it," or by
engaging in it again right away so the shame is exchanged for
pleasure. Thus a married man may feel remorse after having sex with
his best friend's wife, rationalize that his friend wasn't sexually
satisfying her, and avoid going to bed with his own wife afterward by
staying up and masturbating while watching a movie on the sex
channel.

The sex is secret. The sex addict more and more comes to live a
double life--perhaps well-known, respected and admired in his visible
life but secretly engaging regularly in sexual acts that would be
shocking to those who know and love him. So a sexually addicted
minister could be revered on Sunday morning for preaching on the
sinfulness of adultery and fornication and then engage in those
behaviors himself at a modeling studio or adult bookstore on Monday
afternoon, having told the church staff or his family a lie about his
whereabouts. Or a gay man might tell his relationship partner that he
is going to visit a friend but goes to a park to cruise for anonymous
sex instead.

The sexual behavior is abusive. It violates someone else's choice or
exceeds their understanding. There is the man who manipulates or
coerces his date into being sexual with him; the woman in a partially
unbuttoned blouse who bends down toward an unsuspecting male coworker
and "accidentally" exposes her whole breast; or the man who seeks out
crowded shopping malls so he can meander among the throng to "cop a
feel." Or adult men and women who manipulate the trust of children
and abuse their power over them by tricking them into performing
sexual acts with them. This is exemplified by the teacher who becomes
sexual with a student, a scandal we've seen recently in the news, or
the neighbor who hires a boy to mow the lawn and then invites the
child inside and lures him into sex. The sex may also be abusive to
the sex addict him or herself, such as masturbating to the point of
physical injury or cutting or pinching oneself for sexual arousal.



The Emotional Aspects of Sexual Addiction

The emotional component attached to sexual addiction is Fear. It is
the running from the self. It is also considered not knowing HOW to
love one's self.

Compulsive sex is a coping mechanism learned early on. One learns
to use sex to obtain comfort and at the same time has to deal with a
message that being sexual is perverse, shameful and humiliating.
The conflict results in self-loathing, which in turn leads to more
pain and loneliness -- and more need for sex. In our culture, sex
seems to be either repressed or glorified and commercialized. One
popular attitude is that it is healthy and desirable to have sex as
frequently as possible. This cultural attitude makes it tough to see
that there can be such a thing as sexual addiction.


Steps to Change


There is no magic pill or herb till help "cure" sexual addiction.
This is a process that must be followed and it starts with loving and
learning to love and respect yourself!

You must want to change. You must want to take aggressive action to
stop this addiction. This applies to ANY ADDICTION. The desire to
want to change must be there. Otherwise, you will lose an up hill
battle.

Start each morning and end each evening with a a positive
affirmation. Say out loud to yourself:

"I now realize how wonderful I am. It is my choice to love and
respect my self today and everyday."

There are many 12 step programs avialable that helps you to work
through this addiction with others who are in your shoes. There is
nothing that compares to sitting in a room of others who have been
there and found true recovery in working the steps. It is really hard
to tell lies to other addicts who have been there and come back.


SO many alternative and complementary modalites have great success
when combined with the desire to want to control or better yet,
rebalance yourself. Accupuncture has the NADA protocol which works
wonders for addiction and the stress that comes with it. Homeopathy
can redirect the energies through the subtle yet powerful
applications. Massage and energy medicines can re-structure the
physical body and re-align the energy bodies in ways that are
profound. These are a small sampling of modalites.

All these ideas together, start becoming a lifestyle. The best way
to deal with EVERY situation.



Clinical View

I have had the opportunity to see many people over the years in my
clinical practice who deal with sexual addiction. Whether it
manifests itself as compulsive masturbation or indiscriminate sexual
experiences with strangers, the elements of compulsive behavior and
the lack of control qualifies the behavior as being addictive.

I have also found that the act of controlling sexual addictions is
completely up to the individual dealing with the addiction. I will
say this again because it is worth repeating:

the act of controlling sexual addictions is completely up to the
individual dealing with the addiction.


No friend, relative, lover, partner, parent can control or want you
to control the addiction. Addicted to sex can be determined by these
guidelines. Ask yourself the following 10 questions:

1. Are you having sex just to have sex?
2. Do you spend excessive amounts of time in pursuit of sex, having
sex?
3. Are you unable to stop even though there are consequences to pay?
4. Do you constantly have to increase the danger of high-risk or
destructive
sexual behavior because what you've done until now is no longer
enough?
5. Do you have an ongoing desire to curb your sexual behavior?
6. Do you do sexual things that you repeatedly promise yourself never
to do again?
7. Is the sexual experience devoid of intimacy?
8. Do you spend excessive amounts of time recovering from the
experience?
9. Do you have feelings of quilt, shame or humiliation after the
experience?
10. Does the thought, act or desire keep you from completing your
daily routine?



Sex is a wonderful and necessary part of our human souls! Our Sexual
Health is one of the most important elements of our whole being and
one that is often shunned, ignored or found to be down right "dirty."
A mentor of mine said to me once, "You should look at EVERY person as
a sexual being!"

But when sex becomes an overwhelming part of your persona, when you
define everything around you through sex, then you will realize just
how much of your life you're in control of, or how much your
addiction is in control of you.


I have included some helpful resources below:


RECOVERY PROGRAMS FOR SEX ADDICTS

SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (SAA)
For people interested in recovery from their sexual addiction.
(Some meetings are for men only, some for women only, and some mixed.)
Phone: (713) 869-4902
Address: International Service Organization of SAA (or ISO of SAA)
P.O. Box 70949
Houston, TX 77270
E-mail: info@saa-recovery.org
www.sexaa.org/index.htm


SEX AND LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (SLAA)
For people wanting recovery from patterns of addictive relationships
where love, romance and sex are the addictive focus.
Phone: (781) 255-8825
Address: The Augustine Fellowship
P. O. Box 338
Norwood, MA 02062-0338
E-mail: SLAAfws@aol.com


SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (SA)
For sexually addicted people looking for a recovery program with a
more specific definition of what recovery is.
(Seems to appeal particularly to heterosexual men.)
Phone: (615) 331-6230
Address: P. O. Box 111910
Nashville, TN 37222-1910
E-mail: saico@sa.org


SEXUAL COMPULSIVES ANONYMOUS (SCA)
For sexually compulsive people seeking recovery.
(Founded by gay men and open to people of all sexual orientations.
Web site has online meetings.)
Phone: 1-800-977-4325 ( 1-800-977-HEAL) International: +1 212 606
3778
Address: P. O. Box 1585, Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10011-0935
E-mail: info@sca-recovery.org
www.sca-recovery.org



RECOVERY PROGRAMS FOR PARTNERS

CODEPENDENTS OF SEXUAL ADDICTION (COSA)
For those whose lives have been affected by another person's
compulsive sexual behavior and who seek support and recovery from
their own addictive patterns with their sexually addicted partners or
others.
(Majority of meetings usually women's meetings, though isolated mixed
and mens meetings may be found.)
Phone: (612) 537-6904
Address: COSA National Service Organization (or COSA NSO)
9337-B Katy Fwy #142
Houston, TX 77024 E-mail: cosa@shore.net
www2.shore.net/~cosa/


CO-SEX AND LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (CO-SLAA)
For partners of sex and love addicted people seeking support and
recovery from their own addictive patterns with their sex and love
addicted partners.
Phone: (617) 332-1845
Address: P. O. Box 650010
West Newton, MA 02165


RECOVERY PROGRAMS FOR COUPLE

RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS
For couples in which addiction (not just sex addiction) and
codependency exist, who desire recovery from their addictive behavior
with each other. Phone: (314) 830-2600
Address: P. O. Box 11872
St. Louis, MO 63105
E-mail: rca-wso@aol.com


Sexual Addiction Recovery Online:

http://www3.primushost.com/~sareco99


Get More Help. Find It Here:
for more information go to the website:
http://www.sexaddictionhelp.com/general.html

CHOCOLATE AND ADDICTION

Some great research has been done in Scotland on the power, history
and addictive properties of chocolate. The research is called:

"Chocolate addiction": a preliminary study of its description and its
relationship to problem eating.

by
Hetherington MM, MacDiarmid JI
Department of Psychology,
University of Dundee,
Scotland.
Appetite 1993 Dec; 21(3):233-46


http://www.chocolate.org/addiction.html

SELF DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AND HOW TO COPE

In the 1930s, the psychiatrist Karl A Menninger, author of Man
Against Himself, called the process of gradual self-destruction
chronic suicide, in contrast to acute suicide. The second kind is
characterized by direct and quickly lethal acts of self-destruction.
Another, more recently coined term for chronic suicide is indirect
self-destructive behavior. Both terms have the same meaning and will
be used interchangeably in the present discussion.

The psychology of both acute and chronic suicide is similar, but not
identical. One factor that distinguishes the two is that in acute
suicide, there is no denial of the wish for death. In chronic
suicide, there is denial of such a wish. It is a repressed wish. On
the surface, the individual seeks pleasure, an immediate
gratification, a sense of control or some other psychological payoff.
Death or disability are recognized, naturally, as unfortunate
consequences of one's actions, but that is usually as far as insight
penetrates. The understanding of one's own motives is, consequently,
shallow.

Some of the signs and symptoms frequently associated with self-
destructive behavior are listed below. Not all of these will
necessarily be evident in a particular case.

*Substance abuse
*Food abuse
*Self-absorption
*A need for self-abasement
*Asceticism
*Masochism
*Accident proneness
*Seeking unnecessary surgery
*Refusal to comply with a physician's instructions
*Denial of reality

The above items merit comment. Substance abuse includes the abusive
act of alcohol and drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. It is
usually clear to the individual that he or she is inflicting long-
term damage on the body.


It is quite common among those who display indirect self-destructive
behavior to refuse to comply with a physician's instructions.


Self Destructiveness - Causes and Explanations
In classic psychoanalytic theory, there are two master principles
that determine the course of all human lives. These are Eros and
Thanatos, the life instincts and the death instinct. Note there is
more than one life instinct; examples include hunger, thirst and sex.
There is only one death instinct. The energy of the life instincts is
called libido and energy of the death instinct is called destrudo.

According to Freud, when a person is relatively normal and well
adjusted, these two energies are in a healthy balance. In youth, Eros
is dominant. In old age, Thanatos is dominant and eventually succeeds
in bringing about the biological death of the individual. In persons
with self-destructive tendencies, Eros and Thanatos are out of
balance, and Thanatos is in the dominant position. This point of view
was articulated and formalized in Menninger's Man Against Himself.
The image of Thanatos, the Greek god of death, riding in the driver's
seat of one's life is a terrifying one. It is a useful image because
it places the individual on alert and helps him or her to more deeply
appreciate that indirect self-destructive behavior can be a
compelling theme in one's general style of life. The question arises:
What throws Eros and Thanatos into a state of imbalance? A number of
causal factors can be important, and they can interact with each
other, magnifying their independent effects.

An important factor is a self-hate arising out of guilt. In the
Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Ironweed by William Kennedy, the
protagonist has a strong need to abuse and punish himself for an
error he committed as a young husband. He inadvertently dropped his
infant son on the floor, and the child died of the consequent injury.
The central character never forgives himself and spends years as an
alcoholic who sleeps in alleys. Another example is Lauren T., who has
had two abortions. She was raised as a Roman Catholic. She feels very
much like a murderer and believes that she deserves punishment. She
allows her sadistic lover to beat and slap her. It is one of the few
ways in which she feels she can atone for her perceived crimes.

There are times when self-destructiveness can be a way to punish
someone else. When Nancy G. married her prominent-attorney husband,
she was slim and pretty, the winner two years before of a beauty
pageant. Her husband was her senior by 20 years. It quickly became
evident to Nancy that he had 'purchased' a sex object. He acted as if
he owned her, and he was dictatorial. Also, he was sexually
overbearing, caring little or nothing for Nancy's gratification.
Nancy is both a passive and a traditional woman. She felt locked into
the marriage. Her way of punishing her husband was to become obese.
She has destroyed the body and the beauty that he thought he owned.
Her self-destructiveness is really an attempt to both damage her
husband's ego and to deny him sexual pleasure.

A complicating factor in self-destructiveness is the 'too much, too
soon' phenomenon. When wealth, success, or fame is attained too early
in life, it throws the recipient into a psychological tailspin. A
vivid description of this pattern is presented in such
autobiographical works as Too Much, Too Soon by Diana Barrymore and
My Wicked, Wicked Ways by Errol Flynn.

The conviction that life is meaningless and that there is no point in
living can be an underlying theme in some instances of self-
destructiveness. In connection with this point, persons who are
attacking themselves often entertain the fantasy of destruction and
rebirth. It is an item of folklore that something must be torn down
before rebuilding can take place. One expression of this idea is the
image of the phoenix, a legendary Arabian bird, rising from its own
ashes. Loosely associated with the phoenix myth is the idea that
biological death will bring a second life, or a second chance at a
higher spiritual level.

Asceticism can be explained in part by returning to the factor of
self-hate arising out of guilt. The imposition of harsh conditions on
one's life may be for some persons a way of 'cleansing' the soul, a
means of purifying the self. It is another way of paying for real or
imagined 'crimes'.

Finally, it should be noted that self-destructiveness can be a
response to feeling helpless in the face of chronic illness such as
diabetes, heart disease, or Buerger's disease. Paradoxically, persons
who feel overwhelmed by health problems may regain a sense of power
and a modicum of control over their own lives by resisting, instead
of cooperating with, a physician's instructions. It is a self-
defeating declaration of autonomy.



Self Destructiveness - Learning to Cope
You may find value in the practical coping strategies below.

Reinforce the life forces. Assume for the moment that Eros and
Thanatos, the life instincts and death instinct, are in a state of
imbalance. Add whatever psychological weight you can to the side of
the scale of life occupied by Eros. Make a list in writing of reasons
why life is worth living. Include your blessings and your talents.
Name the things that bring you pleasure in life. Start the list,
carry it with you and add to it as ideas occur to you. You may start
out by thinking that there is little or nothing you can list, but you
may find, to your surprise, that the list will grow fairly long.

Recognize the ambivalent nature of your behavior. It is not true that
you simply want to hasten your death, that you do not believe that
life itself is worth living. If this were so, you would find a way to
simply kill yourself quickly and effectively. The fact that you
engage in indirect self-destructive behavior shows in itself that you
are of two minds. Within this very fact resides hope. You are not a
complete enemy of yourself. Somewhere within your personality you are
also a friend to yourself. Learn to work with, not against this
friend.

Intensify your reality orientation. The very fact that you are
recognizing within yourself some of the symptoms of self-destructive
behavior suggests that your denial of reality is far from complete.
Build on this, Say to yourself, "I am going to face the long-term
consequences of my behavior." Ask yourself, "What will become of me
if I persist in my present pattern?" Tell yourself, "I am a creature
of flesh and bone like all human beings. I need love, not abuse -
certainly not abuse at my own hands."

Find ways to decenter. Decentering is a technique that reduces high
levels of self-absorption. This is particularly true in the case of
persons who suffer from the 'too much, too soon' phenomenon. They
often display narcissism. In decentering, one takes active steps to
engage oneself in helping others. There are many ways to do this.
Volunteer work in hospitals or the tutoring of children with learning
disabilities provides two examples.

Reevaluate your guilt feelings. It is possible that your guilt
feelings are excessive, that your self-hate is an overreaction. This
is frequently the case in persons who have had a very traditional
upbringing and who have, in Freudian terms, a punitive superego,
i.e., the moral agent of the personality. Ask yourself, "Am I in fact
as guilty as I feel, or am I the victim of an overly moralistic
attitude that I acquired in childhood from authoritarian parents?"
Your own answer to this question may come as something of a surprise,
and possibly will relieve you of some of your burden of guilt.

Search for the meaning in life. Perhaps you are in a state of despair
and demoralization because you see no real point or purpose in
living. Start searching for meaning by reading and reflection. The
search itself will help restore a degree of sense and purpose to
existence.

Look for long-term gratifications. Instead of short-term
gratifications that can be found in alcohol, other drugs, food, and
masochistic behavior. Lift your eyes to a more distant horizon. Look
down the road of your life. First, imagine as vividly as you can your
future if you continue on the present course. Then imagine your
future and its gratifications if you give up dubious 'pleasures'
associated with self-destructive behavior. Return frequently to the
images associated with delay of gratification.

Ask yourself, "Who am I really punishing?" It is possible that your
self-destructive behavior is a way of punishing someone else. If you
answer the suggested question honestly, you are likely to discover
that you are punishing yourself much more than you are punishing the
other person. If the cost of your maladaptive behavior is clearly
seen as outweighing its benefits, you might find that you are able to
give it up. Say to yourself, "I want to stop being a victim of
myself."

Declare your autonomy in positive ways. Refusing to follow a
physician's instructions when you have a chronic illness is a way of
declaring your autonomy. But it is a negative way. It is the mode of
the toddler. The 'terrible twos' is characterized by the child
frequently saying, "No." Refusal to obey instructions is a way of
saying, crudely, "I am my own person." Reject childish ways. Remind
yourself that you are not two years old, but an adult. Find ways to
be your own person by building, by doing creative things, by acting
in constructive ways.


***Special thanks to the Medicor Labs Corp. for this wonderful
information and research.

ALCOHOL HELP: Strategies for a Hangover-Free Life
By Elizabeth Heubeck, MA

'Tis the season to celebrate -- but beware! One too many glasses of
eggnog at the office holiday party, or a bit more bubbly than you
anticipated on New Year's Eve, and you're likely to find yourself
feeling less than cheerful the day after.

Want to prevent a hangover from dampening your holiday spirits? Read
on to discover tried-and-true remedies that work, new methods meant
to halt hangovers before they strike, and why too much alcohol causes
so much misery in the first place.

Hangovers Explained

If, while nursing a horrific hangover, you've ever asked
yourself, "How a couple of seemingly harmless drinks could have led
to such misery?" consider this: "Alcohol is poison. The hangover is
your body recuperating from being poisoned by alcohol and its
metabolites," Aaron White, PhD, assistant research professor at Duke
University Medical Center, but can include one or all of the
following:

Raging headaches. "Alcohol intoxication seems to produce dilation of
the blood vessels that surround the brain, which may contribute to
the headache in some people. Alcohol also has an effect on some
neurotransmitters, increasing levels of serotonin or histamine that
may trigger headaches," says Bruce Hetzler, PhD, psychology professor
at Lawrence University.

Dehydration. Ever wake up after a night of heavy alcohol consumption
and wonder why you're tongue is stuck to the roof of your mouth?
Dehydration, also partly to blame for headaches and nausea, is the
culprit. It causes excess urination by stopping the release of a
hormone that helps the body hold on to fluid. Also sweating,
vomiting, and diarrhea that sometimes accompany excess drinking can
cause a person to become dehydrated. The signs of dehydration can be
dizziness, lightheadedness, thirst, and weakness -- symptoms that are
felt during a hangover.

Fatigue. The day after a night of drinking and revelry, you're
probably wiped out. That's because alcohol disrupts sleep. Alcohol
can work as a sedative to help promote sleep. But alcohol has an
effect on sleep quality. "People who drink alcohol tend to have sleep
maintenance insomnia -- you wake up too soon and then you can't get
back to sleep," White says. That's not the only problem. "You don't
spend as much time in 'slow wave', or REM, sleep," White explains.
Vital for normal emotional and physical functioning, REM sleep (the
dream phase) typically comprises between 20% and 25% of total sleep
time.

A breakthrough study this year by Irish researchers Adele McKinney
and Kieran Coyle showed that memory and psychomotor (fine motor)
performance remain impaired the morning after heavy drinking, even
when blood alcohol levels have dropped to zero or near zero.

Other studies have also shown that alcohol can interfere with normal
24-hour rhythms -- such as normal variations in heart rate and blood
pressure seen at night. A racing heart can in extreme cases lead to a
heart attack. Increased blood pressure and heart rate during a severe
hangover can double the risk of a heart attack, reports Jeffrey
Weise, associate professor of medicine at Tulane Health Sciences
Center in New Orleans.

Who Is Susceptible to Hangovers?

Those two glasses of wine you had last night seemed innocent enough,
or was it four? Most people who get hangovers have no intention of
drinking too much. In fact, light to moderate drinkers are 70% more
likely to get hangovers than heavy drinkers, according to Wiese.

Women bear a disproportionate burden of hangovers. "Alcohol produces
a higher blood alcohol content in females than in males, due to
several factors: weight, distribution of body fat, and the way our
bodies metabolize alcohol," Hetzler tells WebMD.

Personality may also play a role in a hangover's severity. Recent
research indicates that increased hangover symptoms occur more often
in people who are neurotic, angry, and defensive.

But let's not fool ourselves. While certain characteristics may
increase the risk of a hangover or worsen its effects, anyone who
drinks to excess can incur the dreaded next-day menace.

Prevention

Before the hangover hits, you can do some damage control. Here are
some of the old-fashioned remedies you may have heard of that really
work.

*Choose your beverage of choice wisely. "A couple of studies show
that alcoholic beverages that are mainly just alcohol and water, like
vodka and gin, produce less severe hangovers, while other compounds
that contain congeners -- brandy, whisky, red wine, to name a few --
tend to produce more severe hangovers. What if you're a beer lover?

*"Beer has a relatively low congener level, although the heavier the
beer, the more congener it contains," Hetzler says.

*Eat before you drink. "The alcohol is absorbed more slowly when you
have food in your stomach. Exactly what should you eat? Whatever you
want. "It's a myth that one type of food is better than another," he
says.

*Pace yourself. White suggests having a nonalcoholic drink between
each alcoholic beverage, which helps to maintain a low blood alcohol
level, and keeps you hydrated.
Replenish lost fluids. Before you put your head on the pillow, guzzle
some water or other nonalcoholic drink, but avoid caffeine. Like
alcohol, it has a diuretic effect and may contribute to hangover
symptoms.

*Take over-the-counter pain relief before the headache hits. Experts
warn, however, to avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), a common aspirin
alternative. "Too much acetaminophen is toxic to the liver. Alcohol
can disrupt the metabolism of acetaminophen, making it even more
toxic to the liver," White says. Although the risk of liver damage
from the combination is minimal, it's possible, he explains.

New Hangover Prevention Strategies?

You may have seen ads for products that promise a night of excessive
drinking with minimal hangover residue, simply by popping some pills
or even changing the way you consume alcohol. But do they work?

As for the hangover prevention pills, many in the medical community
remain unconvinced of their effectiveness. "They haven't been
carefully studied," Hetzler says.

A few "hangover helper" pills contain a single key ingredient
designed to ward off the unpleasant aftereffects of alcohol.
Artichoke extract is one of them. While the product manufacturer
touts this natural substance's effectiveness against hangovers,
scientists at the UK's Peninsula Medical School found artichoke
extract ineffective at curbing alcohol's aftereffects.

Of all the hangover helper pills, HPF Hangover Prevention Formula™ --
an herbal supplement containing derivatives of the prickly pear
cactus -- has shown the most promise. Researchers found it reduces
three of nine hangover symptoms: nausea, dry mouth, and loss of
appetite. It's believed to work by reducing the body's inflammatory
response that alcohol causes.

But skepticism remains high.

"The supplement [HPF Hangover Prevention Formula] is designed mostly
to address allergic reactions that cause headaches. It does nothing
for things like abstract memory impairment linked with learning,
nothing for the central nervous system suppression, the diuretic
effect, etc.," asserts Patrick Breslin, an alcohol and drug
prevention facilitator at Western Wisconsin Technical College.

"The only evidence is their [manufacturers'] own internal reports. To
the best of my knowledge, there's no evidence that there's any
supplement you can take that will prevent a hangover. These claims
have not stood up to scientific scrutiny by unbiased researchers,"
White tells WebMD. Incidentally, the study that demonstrated the
prickly pear derivative's defense against hangovers was supported by
the product's manufacturer.

Vaporized Alcohol

If hangover prevention pills don't work, there's also a whole new way
to consume alcohol intended to curb the nasty aftereffects of
consumption. The alcohol-vapor machine, or "alcohol without liquid"
(AWOL) device, works by turning shots of liquor into an inhaled
alcohol mist. The vaporized alcohol then mixes with oxygen and is
inhaled through a tube, creating an immediate high and, according to
product claims, no hangover.

But is it safe? With AWOL, alcohol bypasses the liver, which normally
filters the body's toxins, and goes directly into the brain -- even
before reaching the bloodstream. That means someone heavily under the
influence of AWOL could very likely pass a breathalyzer test if, in
fact, the alcohol hadn't yet reached the bloodstream.

That's why Diageo, the world's leading beer, wine, and spirits
company and an industry leader in promoting responsible drinking,
recently announced that it supports proposed New York State
legislation banning AWOL machines until further research clarifies
possible risks. And, at least one New York City suburb has banned
AWOL due to concerns over possible health risks.

So where does that leave those of us who want to dodge the hangover,
despite having imbibed a bit more than planned? Resort to old-
fashioned remedies. "Two aspirin, a glass of water, sleep, and a
multivitamin in the morning -- if you can stomach it -- are probably
the best things to do," Hetzler suggests.

Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

National Acupuncture Detoxification Assocation (NADA)

As an acupuncturist, I have used the NADA protocol for controlling
nicotine addiction, drug and alcohol dependency and sexual addiction
on hundreds of patients, all with reasonable to great results. Not to
mention great results with stress reduction.

The NADA protocol is simple, yet quite effective. Drug, alcohol and
tobacco addictions are major problems that affect tens of millions of
people in America. This is not just a problem in America, but is
occurring worldwide.

The addition of acupuncture into the treatment for addiction seems to
be very beneficial, and almost the single ingredient that helps the
protocol succeed. There are numerous benefits for patients by using
this protocol:

1. The protocol is calming.
2. The patients are more receptive to leaning.
3. It seems to clear the mind. It centers one's attention and allows
patients to complete tasks.
4. It helps to reduces cravings.
5. It diminishes symptoms of withdrawal.
6. It helps to retain people in the treatment process.
7. Sleep is improved.
8. A person changes and becomes more comfortable with himself (or
herself).
9. It improves the internal space of a person.
10. This treatment supports the recovery process.


A Brief History of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Addiction

Understanding the principles of both Chinese medicine and chemical
dependency can lead to significant benefit in recovery from all forms
of drug addiction as well as alcoholism and a variety of mental
disorders. NADA protocols, especially designed for this type of
treatment, have been carefully developed and extensively tested. More
than 500 clinical sites in the US, Europe, Australia and the
Caribbean currently utilize these protocols, even in settings where
threats of violence had previously made it difficult to serve
clients. While adapted to Western attitudes and conditions, the NADA
method derives directly from Chinese medicine theory of
detoxification.

In 1972 a neurosurgeon in Hong Kong, H.L. Wen, discovered that
acupuncture could relieve symptoms and cravings associated with drug
withdrawal. Because of its effectiveness in relieving symptoms as
well as preventing relapses, his discovery gained more and more
popularity and was used in hospitals and detox centers throughout the
US. 1985 an official protocol was developed and the National
Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) was formed. The
protocol involved using five specific acupuncture points on the ear.
In August of 2000, Yale University School of Internal Medicine
conducted research further demonstrating the effectiveness of the
NADA protocol for cocaine, heroin and methadone addiction.

It is my highest recommendation, that you seek out an acupuncturist
to perform this protocol.

I have included the NADA protocol points on the ear that are used in
the session and are done with tiny little needles that are inserted
into these points. I also recommend that patients can certainly use
some light massage on these points to stimulate these areas.


National Acupuncture Detoxification Assocation (NADA) Treatment Protocol

Lung 2 - addiction related lung issues
Shen Men - stress, anxiety, excessive sensitivity
Autonomic Point - balance symphathetic and parasymphathetic nervous
systems, blood circulation
Liver - hepatitis, cirrhosis
C. Kidney - kidney disorders, urination issues

In our PHOTOS section, you will find a picture of the ear and where
these points are located. Here is the address:

http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/AlternativeAnswers/lst

Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

HEALING TOUCH THERAPY:

There are many different approaches to massage and applications of it. "Massage Therapy" is a holistic procedure that affects all systems of the body; digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems. Many of today's health problems arise from stress. Because stress upsets the delicate integral balance of all your body's functions, regaining this balance requires a holistic approach.
Massage Therapy not only treats those parts of you which are a problem, but also affects the whole of your metabolism through normalizing your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems and their interdependent functioning. One of the best ways to detoxify the body, regular massage is a great additional therapy to use when betting a habit. Massage is usually done with soothing massage oils or relaxing body lotions in order for the practioner's hands to "glide" over the body with smooth, relaxing strokes.

Learn How to Give a Massage. This step by step method will help you learn just how to make your subject feel great!

Hot Stone Massage Therapy. is recommended for this conditon. It is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy with river bed stones which draw out stress, tension and impurities from the body.

Crystal Massage works on a deep esoteric level allowing not only the physical body enjoyment and total relaxation but the stones will enhance a positive, reconnecting flow of energy which will allow you to bring up, recognize and clear emotional blocks.

EMOTIONAL ASPECT:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or "excess emotions" that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self is up to you. Here are some suggestions: