The Disease Model

Dr. Deborah Gross

Once upon a time, all mental disorders, including eating disorders, gambling addiction, drug and alcohol addiction and sexual addiction (along with everything else in the compulsive spectrum) were thought of as wickedness, weakness, or both. Now we use what is called “the disease model” to talk about these things because (thank goodness) we know a lot more than we used to about them. We know that all addictions are compulsions and vice versa, which gives rise to the saying, popular in all the best recovery circles, “An addiction is an addiction is an addiction.”

From the standpoint of recovery, the specific substance or activity is less important than the recognition of the fact that someone who is suffering with this terrible problem feels driven, absolutely compelled to do, ingest, or focus on something that hurts her in body, mind, and spirit, wrecks her relationships, and keeps her from wholeness and wellness in life. As a well regarded researcher in the field, Dr. Doug Talbott, says, “The compulsion IS the disease.”

The scientific evidence for this position is mounting in all areas of research—clinical work with patients, family history studies, newer brain imaging techniques, and psychological research into what is called “addiction interaction.” The compulsion really is the disease. As one woman put it to me once, “I overeat and throw up just like my dad used to drink. It’s so out of control and I can’t make anybody see I need help just like he did.”

The difficulty in the medical sciences often lies in translating research evidence into clinical practice. Someone has to lead the way, and we all tend to resist change. At Pine Grove Women’s Center, however, we are committed to bringing you the most up to date, comprehensive care possible, using what has worked in the past to set a framework for making full use of the advances in the here and now.

Dr. Gross is Director of Psychiatry at Pine Grove Women’s Center, a residential program in Hattiesburg MS devoted to the treatment of addictions and eating disorders in women. She is also President and CEO of SeaStar: Tools for Creative Wellness and author of Food and Feelings: Scientifically Sound Self Help for Emotional Overeating.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE for more information.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Suicide is a devastating act that almost always seems to friends and family members like a bolt from the blue. But people often give clues that they are thinking of suicide. Recognizing the warning signs of suicide could result in a life being saved.

Giving away cherished possession, making a will and being preoccupied with death are red flags for impending suicide. Furthermore, the old saying that people who talk about suicide don’t do it is simply not true. Often such talk is a cry for help before it’s too late.

Another warning sign of suicide is depression. Any of these changes could indicate depression:

- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Poor performance at work or school
- Poor concentration
- Withdrawal

Anyone who is depressed or has been depressed is at risk for suicide. Other risk factors include:

- Alcohol and drug use
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- Death of a friend or family member
- Previous suicide attempt
- End of a relationship

If you suspect someone is considering suicide, take the warning signs seriously! Don’t assume it will blow over. Share your concerns with someone who is a position to take charge or contact your local health professional.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

How to Avoid Burnout

Burnout is a stress condition brought on by being involved in an intense situation for a long period of time without adequate rest and recreation. Most often thought of in relation to a job, burnout can also occur in other situations, such as being a primary caregiver to small children or a sick elderly person. It is the result of feeling overworked and unappreciated. Learn how to avoid burnout by knowing your own limits, taking care of yourself, and listening to the ideas of others.

Sometimes we can control a situation that has the potential for burnout by recognizing it at the outset. In fact, certain jobs, such as air traffic control, are known for their high incidence of burnout, as are jobs which involve caring for the very ill or in which a great many hours of overtime are demanded.

Some people thrive on stressful environments, but if you are the type of person who can’t help but get involved to the detriment of your own need, you might reconsider the situation and choose not to participate. Knowing yourself well enough to avoid situations of potential burnout can be a health strategy for you.

Share your feelings about the situation with others in the same or similar situation; listen to what they have to say about strategies they use to cope or talk with someone from outside the situation. You might find that communicating with others about your own situation is a positive step away from stress and burnout and a positive step toward greater health.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

Over 30 million Americans have some type of eating disorder and while each problem is unique, eating disorders do have warning signals.

Here are some signs that might indicate a problem in you or someone you love:

- Fear of being unable to stop eating once you start
- Abusing drug or alcohol before “binge eating”
- Intentional vomiting after meals
- Constant low-calorie or crash dieting
- Compulsive exercise with strict “exercise rules”
- Using body weight and being thin to measure self-worth
- Thinking or talking constantly about food
- Refusing to discuss food at all
- Using food to hide anger, loneliness, or feelings of rejection

If you are concerned about your eating behaviors or attitudes, or even a friend or family members, consider professional help.

The Pine Grove Women’s Center is a residential program in Hattiesburg MS devoted to the treatment of addictions and eating disorders in women. Our mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

The Benefits of Reading with Loved Ones

Eileene McRae of Pine Grove Books and Gifts discusses the benefits of reading to children.



Pine Grove Books and Gifts is Mississippi’s only bookstore devoted entirely to behavioral health and self-help literature. The bookstore carries all books used in addiction treatment at Pine Grove and many books recommended by our addiction treatment team. These books include titles related to AA, NA, SA, Alanon, co dependency, spirituality, eating disorders, dual diagnoses, parenting, treatment intervention, and psychological disorders.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Diagnosing Dependency

Dependence on alcohol or other drugs is a widespread problem. Many times, people don’t recognize it. Chemical dependency is simply the inability to control the use of some physical substance, not being able to limit how much is used. If you have a dependency problem, recognizing it can help you to move toward a happier and healthier life.

Here are some signs that might indicate a chemical dependency problem in you or someone you love:

- Trying to cut down or quit using a substance and failing at it
- Blackouts or lapses of memory after use
- Using the substance while alone or hiding the evidence of use
- Using the substance to forget about problems or worries
- Doing thing under the influence that cause regret afterwards
- Not being able to enjoy an event without the substance
- Neglecting responsibilities in order to use the substance
- Family, friends, or employer expressing concern about use
- Being willing to do almost anything to get the substance
- Financial or legal problems from using the substance

Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step toward recovering.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.