Caught in the net
It is no surprise therefore that the latest edition of the worldwide psychiatric profession's bible, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), will include a possible new addiction, ''internet-use disorder''. In recognition of …
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Vermont substance abuse programs could see stress under federal health …
National statistics examined by the AP indicated that about 53,000 Vermonters, out of an overall population of about 626,000, need substance abuse treatment; about 5,000 are getting it now. Many of those not getting treatment simply have not made the …
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Looking beyond addiction in society's moments of clarity
Previous. Next. Gallery Image. 1/4. (From left) Geoff Hughes, Michele Law, and Christine Barnhart look on as Jason Page, current resident of Foundation House, shares his story of addiction and recovery. … It is classified as an Axis I disorder in the …
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There are various folks and organizations in our culture who are making an attempt very hard to make sure that Drug Addiction is NOT seen as a disease or as the results of genetic or biological predisposition. These folks have a robust personal and social interest in an entirely nonphysiological model of addictive human behavior. Their perspective of social issues is based primarily on a philosophical orientation with a social perspective, heralding socio-political correctness as its goal.

Throughout history, a nice many people and establishments have tried to assist alcoholics and addicts. Currently, there are thousands of different programs within the United States attempting to assist those people who have a social or personal downside with medicine or alcohol. However, the success rate for these programs is very low considering the hassle and investment made.

There are countless reasons why these programs are not working, however the main reason is nonetheless to be realized. Existing programs don’t seem to be working as a result of they are primarily based on false assumptions of philosophy and human nature. They do not address the motivations and emotions of addictions.

These days, drug treatment and rehabilitation centers are sometimes operating on the idea that social or philosophical factors are inflicting the addictive behavior, which if we could change an acquaintance’s belief system, or his social support structure we have a tendency to might end his addictive behavior. And yet, the success a private attains, typically does not last as long because the treatment. This superficial view comes from our governmental and spiritual orientations that maintain that addiction is the results of bad personal choices, weak character, and anti-social or irreligious behaviors.

These aren’t useless perspectives in our tries to enhance the human condition. However, in solving the pervasive problems that have deep roots in our human motivations and emotions, we should see that socially primarily based views have very little to offer. People do not destroy their families, careers, and love relationships, because they select to, or as a result of of their friends. They do not desire money ruin, loss of self respect, being assaulted, or spending long and frequent periods of time incarcerated, simply as a result of its their chosen lifestyle. These are blind and ignorant attitudes.

It is apparent that a motivation, or physiological drive stronger than our acutely aware concerns is at work fueling our addictive behaviors. Addiction means forgoing aware control. It is impulsive, unconscious behavior. As it is said in Alcoholics (or narcotics) anonymous, addicts are individuals who have lost all control of their lives, in addition to their substance use and abuse. These people have tried several completely different times to prevent using these substances, for his or her own personal, financial, or social reasons, and yet they couldn’t. They were ready to stop for brief periods, or curb use for extended periods, however true abstinence over an extended amount of your time is somewhat rare among true addictive personalities. Conjointly, addiction could be a progressive disease.

Twelve step programs learned 60 years ago what governmental, social, and spiritual institutions still refuse to accept. Most addicts can not stop using till they hit bottom, believing that they’ll not survive unless they get help. Grateful alcoholics and addicts are those lucky enough to survive long enough to possess a sudden, radical, amendment in orientation, a reasonably spiritual awakening. Here the individual comes to believe that he will now not trust his acutely aware ability to direct his own behavior. He finally does what he could never do before, he admits defeat. Overwhelmed all the way down to his knees, he asks god for facilitate, (whether or not he thought himself an atheist, or agnostic,) and at last turns to others. Twelve steppers say “Our greatest thinking is what got us here. It became necessary to steer a lifetime of humility.”

Addiction the only mental disorder that convinces the afflicted that its everybody else who is unwell, not himself. This can be as a result of of addictive denial. This is often not a acutely aware act. Within the grateful addict’s new reality, he realizes that this denial is that the unconscious mind’s ability to completely block a lover’s aware awareness of the nature of his addictive behavior, and temperament, replacing it with vivid misconceptions, created to support the addictive behavior. Positive emotions and motivations are perverted, denied, or extinguished, A private eventually becomes nearly zombie-like, and running on automatic, very unlike his former self.

Will Wooton: The mind of the teen drug user
Between family issues, school issues, peer pressure, addiction trends in the family, psychological makeup, there are many influences and many factors. … As you enter the world of drug use and recovery, you'll often hear “It's a process. … According …
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Op-ed: Mark Mullan has a treatable disease: addiction
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies alcohol dependence as a disease. … Addiction is a treatable disease. People who are addicted can conquer their addiction. There is hope. There is help. We know this firsthand …
Read more on The Seattle Times

Haiku Reviews: From A 'Bollywood Invasion' To A 'Secret Garden' Opera …
The whole time Dadson is directing his pigments into this picture-planar tug of war he minimizes any sense of manual intervention in the material; if there are any “brushstrokes,” the paint seems to make them itself. The powerful (if not entirely raw …
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Question by Michael Brian: What addictions does the APA recognize as actual addiction disorders?
I know technically anything can be an “addiction” but I’m trying to find a list that the APA has put out that lists the actual addictions someone can be diagnosed with.

Best answer:

Answer by Peachy Perfect
Depends on what you count as an addiction. The DSM-IV (current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) doesn’t have a definition for the word “addiction” and doesn’t use it.

As far as what *you* might classify as an “addiction”, you can be diagnosed with either Substance Abuse or Substance Dependence, depending on the severity of the addiction. This involves either the dependence on or abuse of substances, like alcohol, heroin, caffeine –yes, I said caffeine–, cocaine, nicotine, etc.

As far as other “addictions” to non-substances go, the ones found under the “Impulse Control Disorders” category include:
– Pathological Gambling (people addicted to gambling)
– Kleptomania (people addicted to stealing)
– Pyromania (people addicted to setting fires)
– Trichotillomania (people addicted to pulling their hair out — yes, I’m serious)

There are lots of other disorders, including but definitely not limited to pedophilia and hypochondriasis, which you might consider addictions (pedophilia being when you are “addicted” to sexual endeavors with children, hypochondriasis being when you are “addicted” to being sick), but I don’t really count those under the “addictions” category, personally.

However, in the DSM-5, which is set to come out in May 2013, they are going to add a ton more disorders involving addictions under the category “Substance Use and Addictive Disorders”. But mostly the only change that will be made is specifying the type of substance that one is abusing, dependent on, and/or suffering withdrawals from. For example, instead of being diagnosed with plain “Substance Abuse” with alcohol listed as a side note, an alcoholic would be diagnosed with “Alcohol Use Disorder”, “Alcohol Intoxication”, and/or “Alcohol Withdrawal”.

Give your answer to this question below!

If you know anybody with drug or alcohol addiction and suffering from mental problems, dual diagnosis treatment can help them. The two problems of substance abuse and mental health condition together can worsen the situation if untreated. It is vital to follow special programs that can help and are far more effective than traditional approaches to treatment.

Dual Disorders

Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis is when you have a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder and a drug or alcohol problem. Both have unique symptoms and can get in the way of ability to function, deal with life’s difficulties, and relate to others. The two problems affect each other and interact, and can increase when left untreated.

Recovery is Possible

Recovery depends on dual diagnosis treatment of both related disorders. The good news is that now anybody suffering from co-occurring disorders can recover if given proper treatment and support. Sometimes the mental problem occurs first that leads to substance abuse. Or, conversely, the person who has addiction to substance abuse can over time acquire mental and emotional problems.

Substance abuse can increase underlying risks of mental disorders. Mental disorders are a mix of outside factors, environment, and a complex interplay of genetics. If somebody is at the risk of mental disorder, the addiction to substance abuse can push him over the edge. Some people who have added stress or beginning of mental problems try to escape through alcohol or drugs, which makes the initial problem worse.

Important Points

There are important points to keep in mind about the recovery from the twin conditions. Integrated treatment for substance abuse problem and mental health problem is the best. The same provider or team has to deal with both the disorders with a systematic program of treatment, which is in stages, to be effective.

Recovering takes time, commitment, and courage. There is hope that people with substance abuse and mental problems can be treated at drug rehabilitation centers which deal with dual diagnosis treatment. Admitting you have a problem is the first step on the road to recovery. Just remember that mental problems combined with substance abuse cannot get better if you are in denial and ignore the problem. Facing the facts can mean conquering your demons and enjoying life again.

Treatment

The treatment for co-occurring problems addresses both the substance abuse problem and your mental health problems. You can share in the decision-making process and set active goals and steps for change. You will be taught skills and strategies to cope with the addictions and deal with relationships. You are given special counseling designed for dual disorders. Group, family, and individual methods are employed in the treatment. Basic education is given on your disorders and related problems.

In the 12-step program for dual diagnosis treatments, it is important to follow the rules. Managing stress, following medication instructions, having an action plan for triggers, and adopting healthy habits are vital to recovery. If your loved one has co-occurring problems, seeking support, being realistic, educating yourself, and being patient are very important for recovery. There are many treatment centers located in each state where you can get treated with complete confidentiality. Reach out and get help if you are facing serious dual diagnosis problems.

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