What is Next Step?

Next Step is a 48-bed extended community setting especially designed to aid men in regaining their freedom from the disease of chemical dependency. Next Step provides an alternative to traditional inpatient treatment programs in an environment that is both clinical and cost-effective.

Next Step employs a variety of 12-step based programs for each phase of treatment and with an interdisciplinary staff of physicians, nurses, counselors, clinical assistants, social workers, and certified addictionologist the Next Step program provides patients with a full continuum of care.

The treatment program includes:

- Comprehensive Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation and Testing
- 12-step support groups
- AA Big Book Studies
- Gender-Specific Groups
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Family Program
- REACH (experiential therapy)
- Expressive therapy
- Recreation therapy
- Nutrition Services
- Lectures and Films
- Dual diagnosis
- Aftercare program
- Intervention
- Exercise/Fitness

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

Treating Addictions and Eating Disorders Together

Deborah V. Gross, MD

All of the disorders of eating (compulsive overeating, compulsive under eating or anorexia, binging and purging) have much in common with addiction. Brain imaging shows problems for both in the mesolimbic structures deep inside the brain, family histories of eating disordered patients frequently reveal addictions somewhere, and many of the psychological elements of denial, craving, tolerance, and relapse are the same. Experienced addiction therapists say that many, if not most, women with addictions also show disordered eating at some point. Are there differences? Of course, but it’s in the common elements that our strength can be found. Each woman, indeed, each human being on this earth, is unique, yet we all share certain challenges and issues. Unity and diversity are not mutually exclusive, and who would argue that we need all the help we can get in dealing with illnesses as troublesome as these?

Besides the issues related to diagnosis, many women with addictions and eating disorders are depressed or have other untreated medical problems, many have been psychologically, sexually, or physically abused and traumatized, and many are anxious and unempowered, with no idea how to go about changing these things. At Pine Grove Women’s Center, we know that your time here is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of recovery. However, we also know that if we don’t help you set up some signposts now, you will be at risk for losing your way in the future.

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 (4673) for more information.

Sexual Addiction Screening

Sexual addiction is characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Like all addictions, the addict usually has to intensify the addictive behavior to achieve the same results.

If you have concerns about sexual behaviors then ask yourself these questions:

- Have you had difficulty resisting impulses to engage in sexual behaviors?
- Have you tried to stop, control, or reduce these behaviors?
- Have you thought of killing yourself because of your sexual behaviors?
- Have you experienced legal consequences due to your sexual behaviors?
- Do you spend large amounts of time trying to get or recover from sex?
- Do you feel anxious or irritable if unable to engage in sexual behaviors?
- Do you worry that others will find out about your sexual activities?
- Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
- Do you feel that your sexual behavior is not normal?
- Are you experiencing family problems as a result of your behaviors?

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

Pine Grove’s Gentle Path is a program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction and sexual anorexia. It is under the direction of Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., C.A.S., world-renowned speaker, and author on addiction. Dr. Carnes’ 30-task-model serves as the basic curriculum for treatment.

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. The Pine Grove 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.