Posts Tagged ‘addiction’
Is Rehab Really Necessary?
And How to Find the Right Rehab, if it is Necessary
By Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Psychologist, Master Addiction Counselor, MS Clinical Psychopharmacology
It is my opinion that most people with substance abuse or dependency issues can recover with outpatient treatment from a licensed mental health professional or with the support of self-help groups. However, in some cases, a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) may be necessary.
A licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist certified in addiction treatment, can formulate an individualized treatment program equal to or better than many programs offered by “rehabs”. A psychologist can provide individualized care to help identify behaviors and emotions that drive substance-using behaviors and can treat any underlying mental health conditions that likely exist. Competent professionals can formulate an integrated, comprehensive program, which can include psychotherapy and referrals to psychiatric care, self-help meetings, group therapy, sober living homes, and other alternative treatments modalities. The notion that everyone with substance abuse problems needs residential treatment is as unreasonable as stating that everyone with depression needs hospitalization.
Although outpatient treatment is preferable and sufficient for most people, there are those who may need a higher-level of care than outpatient treatment can provide. In particular, some people may need a more restrictive environment, where there is no access to drugs or alcohol. Sometimes, when a person is actively using and can’t stop, a Residential Treatment Center can provide the respite that a person needs from their access to drugs or alcohol. They may also be indicated for those with severe forms of co-occurring psychiatric disorders that have not been adequately stabilized.
However, RTCs can vary greatly in their quality and level of care. Some offer comprehensive, “gold standard” care, with evidence-based practice from qualified treatment professionals. Others may offer little more than restrictive use of substances. So the question becomes, how does one choose a Residential Treatment Center? It may be difficult to determine which is the best RTC for themselves or their loved-ones, because they may not know the right questions to ask, and because many RTCs may be vague about what their programs include.
It would be helpful to have a set of key questions that someone seeking treatment could ask of the RTC about their program. Recently, Dr. Donald Meichenbaum shared a letter with me, which he drafted for those seeking residential care. This letter can be sent to the Director of an RTC that a person is considering. This letter asks questions about the RTC’s program, questions that can help the consumer make an informed decision about that facility. I have reposted his letter on my website, which you can find at http://www.DrJulieMyers.com. I believe that this letter can help guide the consumer to find a residential treatment center that is right for them, should they need that level of care.
To find a list of Residential Treatment Centers, you can go to the SAMHSA government website located at: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
Copyright (2013) Julie Myers, PysD: Psychologist in San Diego. All Rights Reserved.
Roadmap to Resilience and Recovery
A Roadmap to Resilience and Recovery
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego
Recovery from substance abuse is a process unique to each individual. Despite those who believe otherwise, there is no single “right” path to recovery. Instead, each person has a unique set of challenges and must address those challenges uniquely. This is not to say that there are not techniques, tools, or methods that have been shown to be helpful in substance abuse treatment, but rather that because no one person’s history is exactly the same, no recovery will be exactly the same. Each individual must find their own path.
However, finding that unique path can be overwhelming, particularly because of the amount of information available, from differing sources and viewpoints. This can leave an individual confused and sometimes fearful about which path is best for them. Sometimes, friends or family members, therapists, or self-help groups can help guide the individual. But sometimes, what really is needed is simply a roadmap, outlining the options available to an individual in different domains. Donald Meichenbaum has written such a roadmap.
Although not intended solely for those in recovery, Meichenbaum’s book, Roadmap to Resilience* remarkably address many of the key aspects that form the foundation of most recovery programs, addiction or otherwise. His book is an easy-to-use, comprehensive resource packed with practical coping strategies, action plans, checklists, and thought-provoking inspiring quotations from those who have experienced adversity, even encouraging readers to submit their own experiences to the book’s website. Dr. Meichenbaum gifts the reader with his 40 years of expert clinical experience and wisdom, all in one handy resource.
Roadmap to Resilience is organized by six domains: Physical, interpersonal, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and spiritual resiliency. Resiliency — “the capacity to adapt successfully in the presence of risk and adversity” — is at the core of addiction recovery. Although the book’s target audience are those who have suffered trauma, the process of recovery requires similar attention to these six domains. If resiliency is the ability of an individual to adjust to change and transform their lives, then almost anyone who has recovered from substance abuse has in some way been resilient.
This book is indeed a “roadmap”, rather than a directive. It offers the reader a broad depiction of the choices available for recovery, but with enough detail to navigate and put into practice specific tools. I would strongly recommend this book not only to anyone beginning their journey of recovery, but to anyone who wishes to bolster and improve their ability to successfully navigate their world.
*Meichenbaum, Donald (2012) . “Roadmap to Resilience: A Guide for Military, Trauma Victims and Their Families”, Institute Press, 211 pp. Readers of Meichenbaum’s book can submit examples of resilience-engendering behaviors to the book’s Website at www.roadmaptoresilience.org. (See “Ideas for Resilience” and “Examples of True Grit” to read about stories of recovery.) Dr Meichenbaum is one of the founders of Cogntivie Behavior Therapy and is presently Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention in Miami ( www.melissainstitute.org).
Copyright (2013) Julie Myers, PysD: Psychologist in San Diego. All Rights Reserved.
Can You Think Your Way out of a Drink?
How decision fatigue can affect your recovery
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego
http://www.DrJulieMyers.com
Recent research on the topic of willpower shows that we, as human beings, have limited decision making capacity. That is, in any given day, we may simply run-out of the mental energy that is required to make decisions. Researcher Roy Baumeister, PhD calls this depletion of mental energy “decision fatigue.”
Every day, we make hundreds of decisions, from large to small. Even something as simple as eating breakfast may entail many decisions, such as what, where, and how much to eat. We need to make decisions about our personal selves, our work, our relationships, how we move about and relate in the world, and how to resist a temptation. The more decisions we must make, the more mental energy we use up. Making decisions, particularly making good decisions, becomes harder over the course of a day as our mental energy wanes.
So why is this important for recovery from substance abuse? Because the choice to not use is a decision. Much of drinking/using is automatic, that is, we use simply because it is our habit to do so. We step into the house after a long day, we have a drink or we get together with friends, we smoke a joint. It may cross our minds not to use, but to not use requires a decision. To say no, we must think about the consequences. When our mental energy is low, we tend to act impulsively or do nothing different than usual.
We need to give ourselves the best chance at making good decisions, particularly when we are trying to change our relationship with drugs or alcohol. Baumeister has shown that people with the best self-control set themselves up for success by conserving their mental energy. For example, they may arise at the same time daily, eat the same breakfast, eliminate temptations, and delegate authority. They don’t expend their mental energy on trivial decisions, instead preserving their mental energy for making important decisions.
If you want to give yourself the best chance of saying no to addictive substances or behaviors, here are eight simple tips to conserve mental energy for decision making success:
1. Turn-on your brain.
Become more aware of when and where you are most vulnerable to automatic use or when decisions are needed.
2. Restore your mental energy with good sleep.
Make your important decision in the morning, when your mental energy is at its peak.
3. Fuel your brain.
Your brain requires energy from food to make decisions. When blood glucose drops, our decision making capacity decreases. Keep your body fueled to increase your mental energy.
4. Employ relaxation strategies.
A calm state increases our decision making capacity. Relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing or meditation, will help to decrease the stress response.
5. Conserve your mental energy.
Decrease the number of decisions you must make in a day by creating healthy habits. Delegate some decision to trusted others. Reduce situations where you need to make decisions, such as shopping.
6. Reduce temptations
Move temptations out of your reach, when you have the mental energy to do so.
7. Recharge your mental energy throughout the day.
Exercise has been shown to increase mental energy. Exercise regularly, on a set schedule. Even 5 minutes of daily exercise will help recharge your mental energy.
7. Reduce the number of times that you need to say no.
By planning ahead, you can avoid those situations in which your habit to use requires mental energy to say no. If you know when you are most vulnerable and plan ahead, you will need to make fewer decisions about whether or not to use.
By employing the strategies above, you will give yourself a better chance for recovery success by reducing your decisions fatigue.
If you would like to read more about this topic here are two books you might enjoy
Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney (2012).
The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal (20
Copyright ( 2012) Julie Myers, PysD: Psychologist in San Diego. All Rights Reserved.
Journaling to Take Control of Your Thoughts
Journaling to Take Control of Your Thoughts
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego; http://www.DrJulieMyers.com
Here are some thoughts about “journaling”.
Some people enjoy writing down their thoughts in a diary or journal. This can be cathartic, helping a person feel less alone. It may be a wonderful way to express gratitude, love, or to get perspective on one’s life. However, sometimes writing down negative or irrational beliefs can reinforce and strengthen the belief. When the negative thought is there on the paper, in black & white, it may give it more validity and power.
If you find yourself feeling better after you write your thoughts down, you are probably using a good strategy. But, if you feel worse or no better, try this strategy:
Write down your thoughts.
- Next, assess how you feel. Do you feel angry, sad, or just plain miserable?
- If you are experiencing a negative emotional reaction, stand back and review the thoughts you just wrote down. Are you using self-defeating beliefs that are illogical, unhelpful, or just plain untrue? Ask yourself if you are using absolute and literal demands, such as “musts”, “should” and exaggerated needs. Are there common thinking errors in your statements, such as blaming, catastrophizing, or rationalization?
- Just below your written thoughts, dispute or rewrite your original thoughts (beliefs). Do these make more sense? Are they more logical?
- Now, assess how you feel again. Did disputing the original thoughts improve your mood? If so, your journaling is helping you to gain control over your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Happy Journaling!
Copyright (2011) Julie Myers, PsyD
What’s Your Caffeine IQ?
What’s Your Caffeine IQ?
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego; http://www.DrJulieMyers.com
Caffeine Facts
For most people, moderate caffeine (200 – 300 mg, or about 2-3 cups of coffee a day) aren’t harmful. But heavy caffeine use (more than 500 mg) can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, headaches, and anxiety.
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than are others. Even one cup of tea may prompt unwanted anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and sleep problems. Research suggests that men may be more susceptible to caffeine than women.
Caffeine can interfere with sleep. Sleep loss is cumulative, and even small nightly decreases can add up and disturb your daytime alertness and performance. Caffeine keeps you from falling asleep at night, increases the number of times you wake during the night, and interfere with deep, restful sleep. Try to avoid caffeinated beverages eight hours before bedtime.
Reducing Your Intake
Too abrupt a decrease in caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms that include headaches, fatigue, irritability and nervousness. Fortunately, these symptoms resolve after a few days. Try these simple tips:
-
Keep track of how much caffeine you use daily
-
Cut back gradually to lessen withdrawal effects.
-
Substitute decaffeinated beverages. Try drinking half decaf.
-
Lower the caffeine content by brewing tea for less time or drinking weaker coffee
-
Read labels to check for caffeine content
—————————–
References
1 Mayo Clinic Staff, MayoClinic.com, Nutrition and healthy eating. “Caffeine: How much is too much?” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600, March 5, 2010
Therapeutic alliance as a predictor of outcome in treatment of cocaine dependence: A Review
Therapeutic alliance as a predictor of outcome in treatment of cocaine dependence
by Barber, et al.
A Review by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego
There has been an increasing interest in outcome measures in therapy. Although there is a school of thought that technique is the primary predictor of outcome, some therapists believe that it is the therapeutic alliance that is the major predictor of outcome. The study by Barber, et al. examines outcome measures in drug treatment.
Substance abusers are often difficult to engage in treatment, yet the therapeutic alliance has rarely been studied. This study is the first to examine the self-reports of the therapeutic alliance as a means to predict the outcome of cocaine treatment. Because there is a high drop-out rate for cocaine dependence (50-80 % dropout within 3 months), the research also attempts to distinguish between intent-to-treat and completer samples to see if the alliance early in treatment predicts treatment outcome.
The study used a sample size of 252; many co-occurring disorders were excluded. Clients were randomly assigned to three different treatment techniques: Cognitive therapy (based on Aaron Beck), dynamic therapy (support-expressive therapy), and 12-step drug counseling. A fourth treatment group was added later in the study, which used 12-step group drug counseling only. In addition to the targeted technique, all treatment groups were mandated to attend group drug counseling 2 times per week for initial two weeks, then once per week for four months. Therapists in the different treatment groups were not similarly trained; drug counselors had the least training.
Both patient and therapists completed two alliance scales, the Helping Alliance (Haq-II) and the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scales (CALPAS). In addition, patients were administered measures of functioning. Statistical analysis of the results looked at a number of different relationships, including the prediction of outcome from alliance given symptom improvement, completer sample, and the number of sessions.
The results did not find a strong relationship between the outcome measures and the therapeutic alliance. The alliance didn’t predict drug outcome at six months, although at one month there was stronger correlation; the therapeutic alliance was a better predictor of outcome for depression scales. Results also showed that the therapist’s rating of alliance was less predictive than patients. Measures were similar across completer and intent-to treat samples. The only strongly conclusive results were that the shorter the lag time between assessment and outcome measures and the longer clients remain in treatment, the better the outcome associations. These results do not seem to be particularly surprising to me. The authors state that a “good therapeutic alliance with the therapist, as viewed by the patient early in treatment, is important in predicting outcome when it is embedded in a long term relationship with that therapist.”
The authors state that there are several possible reasons for the weak predictive results, including the choice of the outcome and alliance variables, the nature of the patient population and/or disorder, and the restriction of range in the measures of alliance. Although these seem likely influences on the results of the study, I found there to be several other possible explanations.
If a study is not well designed, all of the statistical analysis in the world will be meaningless. In my own graduate-level econometrics classes, I was taught that when designing a study, the researcher must be careful not to examine too many variables, otherwise it becomes a study that is “hunting for” statistical significance, which biases and invalidates the results. In my opinion, this study threw too many variables into the mix, both in the design of the study and in the statistical analysis. A far more rigorous study would have chosen one or two associations to measure, then designed the groups with stricter protocol.
In my opinion, the addition of the fourth group-counseling treatment group invalidated the results, not only because of the late introduction of the treatment, but because of the cross-over between the different treatment samples in this group counseling. Although the researchers attempted to make the treatment samples significantly different from one another, using different therapy methods and different therapist qualifications, for therapists and counselors who do not use 12-step methods, the mandatory attendance in a 12-step group treatment adjunct to therapy may harm the therapeutic alliance. Cognitive therapists, in particular, may have little or no belief in the 12-step method. From my understanding, when therapists do not believe in the methods being used, outcome is compromised.
This study may be better used as a guide to setting up treatment protocols to assess therapeutic alliance than it is useful for the results of the study. Significant changes that I would suggest are: less lag-time between assessment of outcome and therapy, more clearly defined and independent treatment protocols, and fewer measurements of outcome. Although the large sample size was a positive aspect, a smaller sample would not compromise the results.
– Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
References:
Barber, J., L. Luborsky, P. Crits-Christoph, M. Thase, R. Weiss, A. Frank, L. Onken, R. Gallop (1999), Therapeutic alliance as a predictor of outcome in treatment of cocaine dependence. Psychotherapy Research 9(1), pp. 54-73.
Cocaine and its Negative Side Effects
Cocaine and its Negative Side Effects
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego; http://www.DrJulieMyers.com
As with other drugs, cocaine affects the nerve cells of the ventral segmental area, which extends into the nucleus accumbens, one of the reward centers of the brain. Cocaine acts as a reuptake inhibitor of dopamine, whose increased presence creates the euphoria associated with cocaine. The euphoric effects of cocaine are generally shorter acting than other drugs, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the route of administration. Because of its short duration, it is not uncommon for users to administer repeated doses (“binging”.)
In the short-term with small amounts, cocaine acts similarly to amphetamines, making the user feel euphoric, energetic, talkative, and mentally alert. It dilates pupils and increases vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. With larger doses, the user can experience tremors, vertigo, and twitches. A user may experience increasing irritability and restlessness. Bizarre, erratic, and violent behaviors are associated with cocaine. Chronic use can cause severe psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, depression and psychosis. Full-blown psychosis may result with paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.
Medical complications associated with cocaine use include cardiovascular effects. “Cocaine causes the blood vessels to thicken and constrict, reducing the flow of oxygen to the heart. At the same time, cocaine causes the heart muscle to work harder, leading to heart attack or stroke, even in healthy people” (CAMH, 2007.) It raises blood pressure, which can explode the weakened blood vessels in the brain. It may also cause abdominal pain, nausea, and blurred vision.
As with other drugs, the route of administration can produce different adverse effects. Snorting cocaine can cause nasal effects, including loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, problems with swallowing, hoarseness, and an even a perforated nasal septum. Ingested cocaine can cause severe bowel gangrene, due to reduced blood flow. Smoking cocaine can cause “crack lung”, which includes severe chest pain and breathing problems.
When cocaine is mixed with alcohol, the two drugs are converted by the body to cocaethylene, a cocaine metabolite. Cocaethylene appears to have more cardiovascular toxicity and hepatoxity than either drug alone.
Even though a user becomes tolerant to cocaine, they may not become sensitized to its anesthetic and convulsant effect, which may explain some cocaine deaths. Overdose can cause seizures, heart failure, and arrest breathing. Withdrawal can include exhaustion, sleepiness or sleeplessness, hunger, irritability, depression. Cocaine has a small index of tolerability.
– Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP (www.DrJulieMyers.com)
The bulk of the information for this article was taken from NIDA (2004) and CAMH (2007.) These resources offer a wealth of up-to-date information about the different drugs of abuse and are one of the first places to look for the most current information about any drug. I urge you to check out these resources for the latest information on addiction.
References:
CAMH (2007), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Do You Know… Cocaine
Castane, A., F. Berrendero, & R. Maldonado (2005), The role of the cannabinoid system in nicotine addiction Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 81(2), pp. 381-6.
NIDA (2004), NIDA Research Report – Cocaine Abuse and Addiction: NIH Publication No. 99-4342..
NIDA (2006), Research Report – Tobacco Addiction: NIH Publication No. 06-4342.1346417
Picciolo, M., D. Gigante, & A. Nunziata (2005), Nicotine addiction and current therapy of smoking cessation Clin Ter. 156(4), pp.159-71.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego; http://www.DrJulieMyers.com
Biofeedback is a commonly used method to teach individuals voluntary control of physiological functions. Specific biofeedback techniques include electromyography (measures muscle tension), galvanized skin response (measures sweat response), electroencephalographic (measures brain waves), skin temperature, and heart rate variability biofeedback (synchronizing heart rate and breathing). Using biofeedback, an individual receives feedback about his/her own physiological state and learns methods to control these physiological states.
Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) teaches people how to regulate their own heart rhythm and rate to increase heart rate variability (HRV), which directly exercises the body’s physiological control mechanisms. HRV is the measure of the rhythmicity of the heart, in its complexity and amplitude of the heart beat. High HRV is recognized as a sign of healthy heart functioning and as a measure of autonomic activity. Using HRVBF to sync breathing and heart patterns, an individual can learn how to breathe in a way that strengthens the parasympathetic response, thus creating a calmer mind-body state.
Decreased heart rate variability has been observed in those disorders related to autonomic dysregulation, substance use disorder, and some affective spectrum disorders, including fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. HRVBF has been used for a variety of physiological and psychological disorders, particularly stress and stress related disorders, which are often directly or indirectly related to substance use disorders. Learning how to regulate emotions that negatively affect heart rate variability, while learning how to regulate physiological signals through HRVBF, can be highly beneficial to those who experience problems with self-regulatory behaviors.
I use heart rate variability biofeedback in my practice to help patients learn a self-empowering way to calm themselves, particularly those recovering from addictive disorders and anxiety conditions, such as panic disorder. I am Board Certified in Biofeedback.
– Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
http://www.DrJulieMyers.com
Copyright (2011): Julie Myers, PsyD All Rights Reserved
Assumptions About Substance Abuse: An Opinion
Assumptions About Substance Abuse: An Opinion
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego; http://www.DrJulieMyers.com
There are many different models of addiction, including moral, psychological (cognitive-behavioral, learning, psychodynamic, and personality), biological (genetic, biomedical, disease, medical) and socio-cultural (McNeese, 2005.) Each of these different models operates under a different set of assumptions. The disagreement between the models rests on the different political motivations, ideologies, personal interests, and professional training of the individual (McNeese, 2005.) Substance abuse counselors, for example, have generally adopted the 12-step approach to the disease model, since it is what they themselves experienced. Probably the most commonly held is the disease model. “The disease model of addiction rests on three primary assumptions: a predisposition to use a drug, loss of control over use, and progression” (Krivanek, 1988, p. 202.) It has its roots in Alcoholics Anonymous (Yalisove, 1998.)
The World Health Organization has adopted the word drug dependence to describe the addiction process. “The general term (drug dependence) will help to indicate a relationship by drawing attention to a common feature associated with drug abuse and at the same time permit more exact description and differentiation of specific characteristics according to the nature of the agent involved.” (WHO, 1964.)
Perhaps the stress-diathesis model best describes substance abuse, dependence, and addiction. This model describe a basis of genetic and neurological susceptibilities to addiction, either because of the genetic susceptibility to the substance (or behaviors) or because of the genetic susceptibility to certain mental disorders, which increases the likelihood of self-medication and the abuse of substances (or behaviors.) For example, those with Bipolar
Disorder have a 50-80% increase in substance abuse, which is thought to be largely self-medication. Given a person’s susceptibility, the environmental factors then influence whether or not any one individual develops a problem with substances (or behaviors.) Upbringing, peers, experiences, and culture all shape one’s use of substances. How the individual responds and copes with environmental stressors in large part determines their use. Addictions represent a maladaptive coping mechanism to these environmental stressors.
It may not be necessary to know the etiology of substance abuse to treat it. Although such information is interesting scientifically, and it can perhaps lead to better identification of susceptible individuals, treatment should concentrate on identifying those individuals with addictive problems and implementing effective treatment. The identification of addiction problems can be culturally influenced. Although the scope of the problem throughout the world is massive, the definition of it as an “addiction”, “abuse” or “dependence” must be understood in light of cultural norms.
The DSM-IV (APA, 1994) defines substance abuse and dependence as:
- Substance Abuse is a maladaptive pattern of substance use which results in clinically significant impairment, with one (or more) categories occurring within a 12 months: failure to fulfill major obligations, use in hazardous situations, legal problems, or social problems.
- Substance Dependence is a maladaptive pattern of substance use, which results in clinically significant impairment, with three (or more) categories occurring in the same 12 months: physical tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, a large amount consumed over a long period, a lot of time spent, negative consequences, and continued use despite recurrent problems.
Although the DSM criteria states that three criteria must be met, in my opinion, for any particularly individual, simply displaying one of these criteria could signify abuse/dependence. For example, continued use, despite knowledge of significant problems may be enough to signify that there may be an addictive disorder. Setting the criteria for dependence as three/five criteria may be necessary for those individuals for whom there is less clear evidence of maladaptive behaviors.
– Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Psychologist, MS Clinical Psychopharmacology, Master Addiction Counselor, Board Certified Biofeedback http://www.DrJulieMyers.com.
Copyright (2011): Julie Myers, PsyD. All Rights Reserved
———————
APA. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Bergh, C., T. Eklund, P. Sodersten, & C. Nordin (1997). Altered dopamine function in pathological gambling. Psychological Medicine, 27: 473-475.
Doweiko, H. (2006). Concepts of chemical dependency. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thompson .
Goudriaan, A., J. Oosterlaan, E. de Beurs, & W. Van Den Brink (2004). Pathological gambling: a comprehensive review of biobehavioral findings. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 28(2), pp.123-141.
Krivanek, (1988), p. 202., Addictions. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.)
McNeese, C. & D. DiNitto (2005). Chemical Dependency. United States: Pearson Education, Inc.
Sunderwirth, S., &H. Milkman (1991). Behavioral and neurochemical commonalities in addiction, Contemporary Family Therapy , 13(5 ) pp. 421-433
WHO (1964), Expert Committee on Addiction-producing Drugs: Thirteenth report, p. 53 -55.
Yalisove, A. (1998). The origins and evolution of the disease concept of treatment. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 59, 469-476.
Change in Recovery Takes Work!
Change in Recovery Takes Work!
by Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego, California
Change in recovery takes work, just like learning any other new skill. It rarely happens without effort. Try these simple tips to make faster progress in your recovery:
- Write down a list of tools you can use and keep it handy, such as in your wallet, purse, or phone.
- Complete a Cost/Benefit Analysis and keep it close for quick review.
- Post motivating coping statements where you can see them often, such a mirror, refrigerator, or car.
- Use a planner or calendar to plan your day out to include non-using, fulfilling activities.
- Work through exercises, with pen and paper. You will be surprised the difference actually doing the exercises will have.
- Participate fully in Recovery meetings. Volunteer to have your problem as the focus of the meeting.
– Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP
Licensed Psychologist, MS Clinical Psychopharmacology, Master Addiction Counselor, Board Certified Biofeedback http://www.DrJulieMyers.com.
Addiction and Mental Health 