Simmons - The Everything Health Guide to Addiction and Recovery: Control your behavior and build a better life

THE
EVERYTHING
HEALTH GUIDE TO
Addiction and Recovery

Dear Reader,

I cannot imagine that there is anyone who hasnt been touched by addictions in some way. It is unavoidable in our current society. We now know that the struggle with addictions is not simply due to a lack of willpower or a moral failure. Addictions are complicated and involve our minds, brains, spirits, and environments. Although it is true that many individuals and familie s have been seriously damaged by addictions, it is also true that the process of recover y can build strength and character. Addictions may bring to light underlying problems that have plagued individuals and families for years. From that perspective, addictions can become a catalyst for cleaning house, motivating people toward a life of health previously I unknown. Patience, kindness, understanding, and grace are key elements for a successful and rewarding outcome. It is my hope that this book will be informative, provide rationales for increasing understanding, and give practical help as you travel the journey of addictions to recovery.

Linda L. Simmons, Psy.D.

THE
EVERYTHING
Series

Everything Health Guides are a part of the bestselling Everything series and cover important health topics like anxiety, postpartum care, and thyroid disease. Packed with the most recent, up-to-date data, Everything Health Guides help you get the right diagnosis, choose the best doctor, and find the treatment options that work for you. With this one comprehensive resource, you and your family members have all the information you need right at your fingertips.

Alerts: Urgent warnings

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When youre done reading, you can finally
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Visit the entire Everything series at www.everything.com

THE
EVERYTHING
HEALTH GUIDE TO
ADDICTION
AND
RECOVERY

Control your behavior and
build a better life

Linda L. Simmons, Psy.D.

Copyright 2008 by F+W Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced
in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions
are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.
Everything and everything.com are registered
trademarks of F+W Publications, Inc.

Published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A.
www.adamsmedia.com

ISBN 10: 1-59869-806-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-59869-806-0
eISBN: 9781598698060

Printed in Canada.

J I H G F E D C B A

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
is available from the publisher.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the
American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Adams Media was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

The EverythingHealth Guide to Addiction and Recovery is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical manual. In light of the complex, individual, and specific nature of health problems, this book is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician before adopting the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases.
For information, please call 1-800-289-0963.

All the examples and dialogues used in this book are fictional and have
been created by the author to illustrate medical situations.

To my parents, Rollie and Cleta Frazier, who have been a constant
source of support, love, and encouragement. Thank you!

Contents

Acknowledgments

Id like to thank Janice Pieroni, my agent, for her editing advice, advocacy, perseverance, encouragement, and, most of all, friendship. I also have great appreciation for my husband, Chuck, who kept the home front going so I could write. Appreciation goes to the staff at Adams Media who gave me the opportunity to work on this worthwhile project. Finally, I would like to thank Sam, Adam, Debbie, and Doug for their faithful support and belief in me.

Introduction

SADLY , ADICTIONS ARE front-page news every day. No one is immune from either having an addiction or being affected by someone elses addiction. Addictions damage ones health, self-image, career, and relationships. Resulting financial, medical, and legal problems are common and serious. Historically, individuals with addictions were laughed at, ignored, or shunned. It was thought that addictions were due to a lack of self-discipline and/or to moral failure. Addictions have become too costly in many ways to be ignored anymore. Research has demonstrated that brain chemistry and functioning plus the bodys physiological reactions to addictions make self-discipline extremely difficult. Although moral, healthy choices may help someone manage his addiction, they cannot change anyones brain.

The pressures and inventions of modern life have contributed to the expansion of addictions. Technology has created a whole new venue for addictive disorders. Science has shown that even compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, and Internet use can activate addictive responses in ones brain. Designer drugs have increased the selection of addictive substances, and they are more potent and dangerous than ever before. Social and peer pressure have drastically lowered the age at which addictions begin. Preteens and teenagers are the fastest-growing population to succumb to addictions. This age group is the least capable, biologically, of making rational and wise decisions regarding addictions. Families, teachers, and friends must rise to the occasion to help kids get through these growing-up years safely. Supervision, education, and good role-modeling will go a long way toward curbing the tide of addictions in our youth.