Energy Drinks and Recovery: A Dangerous Mix by Scott Hambleton, MD

Scott Hambleton, MD

Energy drinks are designed and advertised to increase performance of the user, both mentally and physically by combining caffeine, carbohydrates, vitamins and various herbal supplements to provide a stimulant effect greater than the effect of caffeine alone.

Caution is warranted for anyone who chooses to drink an energy beverage, even healthy adults without a history of a substance use disorder. Red Bull is banned in Norway, Uruguay and Denmark, as the result of an 18 year old athlete who died hours after drinking four cans prior to an event in 2000. Although the FDA limits the caffeine content in soft drink food products to 71mg per 12 ounce can, energy drinks are designated as dietary supplements, and are not limited in their caffeine content.

Coca-Cola Classic contains 34mg per 12 ounces, Starbucks coffee contains 160mg per 8 ounce cup, and some energy drinks contain in excess of 500mg per can! Over-the-counter caffeine-containing products require warning labels and caffeine content, yet energy drinks do not. Other stimulants such as ginseng, yerba mate, kola nut, green tea extract, bitter orange and guarana are often added to energy drinks to enhance the effects of caffeine.

Pharmacologic tolerance and withdrawal develop quickly. Caffeine intoxication (DSM-IV R code 305.90) is an acute overdose of caffeine, usually occurring with doses in excess of about 300 milligrams in a new user, with no tolerance. In children and adolescents who are not habitual caffeine users, vulnerability to caffeine intoxication may be markedly increased. Signs and symptoms include facial flushing, restlessness, anxiety and irritability. Less common, but potential manifestations include cardiac arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, seizures, mania, psychomotor agitation, psychosis and death! Other caffeine-induced psychiatric disorders include caffeine-induced anxiety disorder, caffeine-induced sleep disorder and caffeine-related disorder not otherwise specified.

Everyone can agree that recovery is a precious gift worth guarding at any cost. Unfortunately, addiction is a chronic disease that has a tendency toward relapse, and recovery from a relapse is not always possible. Death is a very real consequence of relapse! Just as a diabetic needs to be cautious about their intake of sugar, the recovering alcoholic and addict must be cautious about the use of mood-altering drugs, including prescribed and over-the-counter preparations. Anything that has the potential to increase cravings is dangerous!

Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant drug and excessive use can trigger cocaine and methamphetamine cravings. Restlessness, irritability and discontentedness (RIDS) are caused by excessive caffeine intake and caffeine withdrawal. RIDS are a great reason to relapse with drug and alcohol use! The best bet is to play it safe and avoid the use of any energy drinks.

Scott Hambleton is medical director of the Pine Grove Women’s Center, a gender-responsive residential treatment program offering three separate programs for women coping with eating disorders, women coping with chemical dependency, and women coping with both. This unique and distinct setting allows the ability of the multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary treatment team to triage treatment components based on the patient's individual and unfolding needs.

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

Gentle Path Welcomes New Director

Pine Grove is pleased to welcome Dr. Susan Campling as the Director of Gentle Path.

Dr. Campling has been a Registered Nurse since 1982, received her Masters of Clinical Psychology in 1998, and her Doctor of Clinical Psychology in 2003. She comes to Pine Grove from Keystone Center Extended Care Unit in Chester, PA where she has served as Director of the Residential program since 2002.

Dr. Campling has worked in the field of addiction for over 20 years. She has served on the faculty of Widner University Doctoral Program, as well as Alvernia College Department of Nursing. She is Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist – Supervisor, Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, Certified Sexual Offender Therapist and Administrator of Abel Assessment of Sexual Interest.

She has presented extensively on the topic of sexual addiction and trauma. We are pleased to have Dr. Campling on the Pine Grove Team. We provide a safe and secure environment where patients work together through many different tracks, programs, and courses to insure patients find the results and recovery they need. Specialized tracks include Impaired Licensed and Legal Programs, Dual Diagnosis/Multiple Addictions, Healthy Sexuality, and a Family Care Program.

Gentle Path is a Pine Grove program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction, and sexual anorexia. Developed by 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. The staff on-hand is multi-disciplinary and includes psychiatrists and addictionologists. The Gentle Path program consists of two components: A Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment and a Residential Treatment Program.

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

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 five 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.

Everything in Moderation, Including Moderation

Venkat Baskararajan, MD

The eastern saying, “Everything in moderation, including moderation” in a way refers to human need for indulgence and excess from time to time. All of us can remember eating a little more during Thanksgiving, having a couple of extra drinks or partying a little late, or just waiting up for Santa past our bedtime. All of these little things make the holiday season more memorable.

When the excess and indulgence lasts more than a few days in a row, this can stress out our body. Our body and mind are not independent of each other, so any stress on the body reflects on how we feel or think. So, it’s important to watch out for stressors and have some balance.

Some common stressors during the holidays & how to deal with them:

1- Eating too much or too little

"Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness."

Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete if you didn’t stuff yourself, but on most other days it’s important to eat right. Just don’t keep treating yourself to the candy bowl or cookie jar that’s laid out for guests every time you cross the living room.

For a lot of people it’s important to look their best during the holidays and wanting to shed a few pounds before the family photograph gets taken. Starving yourself or skipping meals for days or weeks together can add up to a lot of stress. This sometimes may even backfire and lead to emotional eating. Healthy foods and eating at proper times can give you the body that you need.

Eating unhealthily for days at a time has been shown to make people lethargic, down or irritable. So make sure to eat healthy.

2- Sleeping too little or too much

It is very easy to get thrown off your schedule during the holiday season. You may end up sleeping too little as you may be doing some extra cooking and cleaning.. Or you may end up sleeping more because you don’t have to go to work.

On an average we need 7-8 hours of sleep, but it varies from person to person. Variation in sleep for more than a few days is a huge stress and can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety or depression. Not to mention worsening of blood pressure or blood sugar if you hypertension or diabetes.

So try to get a good night’s rest at least 5 nights a week.

3- Having unrealistic expectations

One the biggest causes of mental stress and anxiety is the need for everything to be perfect during the Holidays. Wanting to find the perfect gifts or trying to have the home decorated perfectly can cause a lot of worry but to some extent are in your control. Wanting the flights to be on time, wanting the traffic not to be horrible, wanting friends and family to be on time for the party and expecting everyone to behave perfectly are things beyond ones control.

Remember that holidays are a time for compassion and giving. If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. So don’t beat yourself up for not having everything perfect or get angry if things did not go as planned.

Taking some deep breaths for one minute a few times a day can do wonders in alleviating you anxiety. Meditation can also help relieve stress and anxiety.

Below is website address that has some free resources to learn meditation.

http://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/ytnc/care/resources.aspx

Try the Loving-Kindness meditation listed on the website. It helps one develop a compassionate attitude towards oneself and others.

So have some fun this holiday season but try to also have some balance in taking care of your mind, body and spirit so you can enjoy the holidays to their fullest.

Venkat Baskararajan, MD sees adult patients in an outpatient setting at South Mississippi Psychiatric Group located at 1 Lincoln Parkway, Ste. 202, Hattiesburg, MS 39402. Dr. Baskararajan is a graduate of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, India. He completed his residency at University of Mississippi Medical Center. For an appointment with Dr. Baskararajan, call 601-288-8050 or visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ for more information.

Next Step Men's Program

Next Step is a newly renovated 12 ½ week intensive treatment program designed to aid men in regaining their freedom from the disease of chemical dependency. Our structured primary and sober living programs are offered in an extended community setting and include an enhanced core curriculum with individually tailored treatment plans. As a not-for-profit organization, we are able to offer superior quality at affordable prices.

We provide a safe and secure environment where patients work together through many different tracks, programs, and courses to insure patients find the results and recovery they need. Specialized tracks include Impaired Licensed and Legal Programs, Dual Diagnosis/Multiple Addictions, Healthy Sexuality, and a Family Care Program.

The heart of Next Step’s success is the professional, caring, and effective staff members. Over 200 years of combined staff experience in the field of addiction makes Next Step the right step toward living a life free of alcohol and/or drug dependence.

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

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 five 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.

The Women's Center: Sanctuary, Refuge, Shelter, Safety

The Pine Grove Women's Center is a gender-responsive residential treatment program offering three separate programs for women coping with eating disorders, women coping with chemical dependency, and women coping with both. This unique and distinct setting allows the ability of the multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary treatment team to triage treatment components based on the patient's individual and unfolding needs.

Work is done on the behavioral, cognitive, and affective level. Patients are supported in dealing with behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The program also integrates several theoretical perspectives including medical, psychiatric, socio-cultural, feminist, and 12-step.

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

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 five 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.

Dr. Patrick Carnes' Book Club

My love of books really started with meeting Peggy Vikingson, our new librarian in the fourth grade. She had me read Stephen Meader’s Guns for the Saratoga, an adventure story about revolutionary times. It was my first adult book and I was surprised at how I loved it. Soon the whole Meader series was read and my relationship with Mrs. Vikingson blossomed into a lifetime friendship. It was a relationship I desperately needed. She guided my reading—and my life—through the eighth grade.

Reading voraciously was not well appreciated at home and the butt of family jokes and concerns about “living in the real world.” Truly I was the poster child for that research we are all familiar with about kids raised in traumatic circumstances. Those who find deep attachment outside the family can find the resilience to overcome the obstacles mounted in front of them. Mrs. Vikingson was one of the relationships that saved me. And the vehicle we had was talking about books. Those conversations led to talking about everything else. Even today I have some self-consciousness about how much I love to read and think about the writing of others. Some times the twenty some books I will have written by the end of this year seem presumptuous. The idea of inhabiting the world of the written world at times still presents echoes of those family rules about being “too educated.”

Some years back I took the risk of recording my thoughts of books not directly related to clinical matters. And we published them. People seemed to enjoy the comments which resulted in letters and some friendships. The staff suggested a monthly book club built around my response to recent books and how they might inform clinicians and be helpful to recovering people. I have agreed to try this format and look forward to the venture. However, I may periodically have to banish some ghosts of the past into their appropriate corners of residence.

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

Sexual addiction or normal sexual behavior?

Problematic sexual behavior does not necessarily mean that you are a sex addict. There are many other conditions and problems which can cause sexual behavior to get out of control. You might wonder if you have a sexual addiction when you actually have normal behavior. It may take some soul searching and professional help to decide if sex addiction is really the problem.

Sexual addiction comes in many different forms. There is no single type of behavior or even amount of behavior that will indicate you are a sexual addict. The problem is much more complex than can be explained in a few words and if you have been living the life of a sex addict, you know how difficult it is to describe what you are experiencing.

Three basic things to consider when you define sexual addiction are:

- Do I have a sense that I have lost control over whether or not I engage in my specific out-of-control sexual behavior?

- Am I experiencing significant consequences because of my specific out-of-control sexual behavior?

- Do I feel like I am constantly thinking about my specific out-of-control sexual behavior, even when I don't want to?

It is these three "hallmarks" that help to define the boundaries of sexual addiction and compulsivity. The range of behaviors can include masturbation and pornography through sexual exploitation of others. If the three questions are answered "yes," then you may want to seek further help to begin to sort out the complexities of your sexual behavior and find out for certain if sexual addiction is the best descriptor of your problem.

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

You may also visit http://www.sexhelp.com/addiction_tests.cfm for online assessments.

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 five 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.

Solutions: Outpatient Opioid Addiction Treatment Program

Pine Grove Outpatient Services provides a new approach to the treatment of opioid addiction. This approach is comprehensive and is designed to address the main components of the disease of addiction: medical, psychological, social, and spiritual.

The program is designed for individuals 18 years and older who exhibit symptoms of physical addiction, psychological addiction, or individuals who are unable to interrupt drug use without professional assistance.

The program consists of two phases. The primary phase (Phase I) lasts for 12 weeks, with 2 groups per week. The aftercare phase (Phase II) lasts from 6 to 9 months, with one group that meets once every two weeks.

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

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 five 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.

Sexual Addiction Risk Assessment (SARA)

The Sexual Addiction Risk Assessment has been developed to help you better understand your behaviors. The assessment consists of 88 questions, which will take approximately 25 minutes to finish. You can then print out your results immediately. You will be provided with a detailed, personalized 23-page report to help you determine the best course of action for you.

Visit www.sexhelp.com to begin the SAST assessment.

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 five 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.

Healing for Partners of Sex Addicts

Healing Damaged Love is a five-day workshop designed to empower individuals from addictive family systems to release themselves from the bonds of co-dependency. Participants examine how childhood wounds interfere with intimacy, and selecting and maintaining healthy functional relationships. This intensive therapy experience is designed to reveal how painful life experiences hamper our growth, our ability to be honest and nurturing to ourselves, and be authentic in our relationships with others. This workshop is ideal for spouses or adult children of addicts.

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

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 five 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.

Caffeine: The Trojan Horse of Recovery

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The purported health benefits of caffeinated beverages are a mixed bag especially to the individuals who are recovering from or vulnerable to addictions. Though the scientific literature sights benefits to caffeine and even coffee drinking, this may not be the case for recovering addicts. Caffeine has somewhat of a ‘Trojan Horse’ phenomenon by appearing first to be a gift that benefits one’s health, but in the long run this perceived benefit serves only to disguise the fact that caffeine can actually reap havoc during the recovery process.

Its complicated chemical and metabolic nature make it one of the easiest substances to get hooked on as there are numerous neurochemical pathways with which it interacts. Since the process of recovery is to bring the brains chemistry into balance, the disruptive contribution of caffeine only making this more challenging if not impossible.

Then there is the condition that to heal we need to get appropriate sleep and sleep is minimize in those whom consume caffeine on a regular basis. With over 60% of the population reporting episodes of insomnia, those struggling with addictions report a much higher incidence. Sleep is the time the brain heals. Therefore, not only is it important that one gets enough sleep, but the quality of that sleep is a key to long-term recovery.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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

Gentle Path: Sexual Addiction Treatment

Gentle Path is a six week intensive program designed to treat sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, relationship addiction and sexual trauma. It is offered in a community setting and provides extended care through Pine Grove Behavioral Health Services, one of the South's leading treatment facilities.

The Gentle Path Program offers gender specific treatment to aid men and women in regaining their freedom from the disease of sexual addiction. Most patients are simultaneously treated for mood disturbance, anxiety or other addictions, such as chemical dependency. The Gentle Path Program has a special focus on working through past trauma and family problems. The program is designed to help men and women regain freedom from compulsive behaviors and develop a sense of healthy sexuality.

It's our mission to offer quality cost-effective care while at the same time offering a comprehensive level of treatment and services.

We provide a safe and secure environment where patients can work together under the supervision of professional, caring and effective staff members. Patients live in a community setting where meals are provided for them.

The Gentle Path Program is based on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Patrick Carnes who developed the curriculum for the Gentle Path Program. The curriculum is based on Dr. Carnes' thirty task model which has been empirically validated to be an effective form of treatment of sexually compulsive behavior. Patients receive individualized attention as well as being incorporated into a group process. This cutting-edge program was designed to provide patients with the most progressive and well researched treatment available.

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

Eating Disorders: How Much Snooze Can You Afford to Lose?

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The journey of recovery from an eating disorder is long and complicated. There are numerous treatment models that address this devastating health problem, but it has only recently come to light the importance of sleep in expediting the recovery process and its role in relapse prevention. With over 60% of the population reporting episodes of insomnia, those struggling with addictions report a much higher incidence. Sleep is the time the brain heals. Therefore, not only is it important that one gets enough sleep, but the quality of that sleep is a key to long-term recovery.

The Pine Grove Women's Center is a residential treatment program for women coping with eating disorders, women coping with chemical dependency, and women coping with both. This unique setting allows the ability of the treatment team to triage treatment components based on the patient's individual and unfolding needs.

Work is done on the behavioral, cognitive, and affective level. Patients are supported in dealing with behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The program also integrates several theoretical perspectives including medical, psychiatric, socio-cultural, feminist, and 12-step.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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

Online Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is designed to assist in the assessment of sexually compulsive behavior which may indicate the presence of sex addiction. Developed in cooperation with hospitals, treatment programs, private therapists, and community groups, the SAST provides a profile of responses which help to discriminate between addictive and non-addictive behavior.

Visit http://www.sexhelp.com/sast.cfm to begin the SAST assessment.

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

Exercise as an Adjunct to Recovery

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Exercise has long been touted as a means of reducing stress, maintaining healthy weight and supplying energy. Most addicts do not experience this benefit because they are looking for immediate results and do not have a grasp of how exercise improves mood, enhances metabolism and reduces depression. Repetitive and monotous activities stimulate nerve cell growth and promote restorative sleep that enhances recovery and initiates revitalization.

We are inundated daily with government guidelines, medical recommendations and frightening statistics that implore us to exercise. Resolutions are made to lose weight, lower blood pressure and improve our mood. Health club memberships, expensive home equipment and exercise videos are purchased in hopes we will be inspired to get fit. The ultimate dream is to achieve these goals quickly and painlessly. Yet, we know only too well, the only place where success appears before work is in the dictionary.

By understanding some fundamental physiology combined with motivational principles, we can make the prize worth the price and make exercise a productive tool in the treatment of addictive patients.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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

Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can be a long and difficult road, but once it has become clear to a person that their life has become unmanageable due to drugs and alcohol, it is time to seek treatment. The decision to get help is the first step of a recovery and treatment is intended to guide addicts and alcoholics to the path of recovery from addiction, enabling them to lead a healthy and happy life.

Treatment gives addicts and alcoholics the tools to go back into the real world and handle the stress, disappointments, and cravings that would otherwise encourage relapse.

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 five 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.

Warning Signs of Chemical 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 five 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.

What is Sexual Addiction?

Sexual addiction is defined as any sexually-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one's work environment.

Sexual addiction has been called sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. By any name, it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict's life. Sexual addicts make sex a priority more important than family, friends, and work. Sex becomes the organizing principle of addict's lives. They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their unhealthy behavior.

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 five 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.

Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)

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.

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test is designed to assist in the assessment of sexually compulsive behavior which may indicate the presence of sex addiction. Developed in cooperation with hospitals, treatment programs, private therapists, and community groups, the SAST provides a profile of responses which help to discriminate between addictive and non-addictive behavior.

Visit http://www.sexhelp.com/sast.cfm/ to begin The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST).

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 five 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.

Understanding How We Get Addicted

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Knowing the facts – about the consequences of drugs, about the roots of your habit, about the realities for addiction, and about your readiness to quit – makes the decision easier to stand by. The more information you have the better equipped your are to succeed. When you explain the underlying pathology, patient’s have freedom to accept the disease, let go of faulty thinking and learn to problem solve.

Thanks to the innovations in brain imaging, scientist can actually look into the brain and begin to see what is going on in addiction. By employing a model of recovery as the healing brain, the patient can assign purpose; meaning and hope to the recovery process and it may for the first time begin to make sense. The healing brain model helps explains the symptomology, heredity and behaviors of all addictions using a neuroscientific model to point out particular circuits, nuclei, and neurotransmitters involved in the disease process. It is a unique approach to break through denial and contribute to a higher level of adherence to treatment by formulating a viable explaination for a complicated condition. Employing a user-friendly visual brain atlas, the patient is provided a sense of empowerment to achieve a greater measure of control over his or her life. Recently published scientific research on serotonin, brain plasticity, nerve cell regeneration and the neorcortex provides encouragement and connection to the patients and their families who perceive recovery as an extensive, confusing and often helpless ordeal. Understanding enhances long term recovery by incorporating support for why more than abstinence from inappropriate behaviors and head knowledge are necessary to prevent future relapse.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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

How to Recognize the Symptoms of Chemical 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 five 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 http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Physiology of Happiness and Health

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Affective neuroscience is the study of how emotions are generated by the brain. Brain imaging (fMRI and PET scans) explores pockets of the brain where emotions develop and provide a detailed neural schematic. By mapping how the brain generates and processes emotion, it may unfold ways people might use the power of their own minds to overcome the crippling impact of depression and addiction and may even improve their physical health as well. Many researches have been done on negative types of emotion such as depression, stress and trauma. On the other hand, research on positive types of emotion has not been studied as much. As of late, studies on happiness are now getting more attention. People are in control of reaching ultimate happiness by following three components: pleasure, engagement, and meaning. There are numerous parallels between spirituality, 12- step models, and authentic happiness that may influence a restructuring of our brain and hence provide healing.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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

The Brain Fix: Understanding Process and Cross Addictions

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The foundation of healing and health maintenance is homeostasis or balance. Moderation and balance wears thin in the minds of those who suffer from addiction because they are driven towards instant gratification and if something works, more is better. Yet the human body does not operate on extremes. There is neither good (HDL) nor bad (LDL) cholesterol, both serve a useful purpose. Antioxidants are beneficial, but pro-oxidants also are beneficial. We quickly reach for anti-inflammatories, but we would not heal if there were not an inflammatory process. The brain too operates on the principle of balance referred to as allostasis. Mankind is wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Our drives are such that if we have an unpleasant experience we instinctively seek out a pleasurable one. If we are overwhelmed with stress, anxiety or depression, the brain may seek self-medication and relief with alcohol and drugs.

Abstain from the drug and humans will cross addict, seeking alternatives to compensate for the void. Few addicts (13%) indicate that they have only one addiction present. Addictions coexist, interact, reinforce and become part of one another. Sustained recovery effectively addresses all the addictions present. The universal substitutes that many recovering addicts revert to are food and sex. These are basic human drives necessary for survival. Yet, they can also develop into destructive behaviors that fit the criteria of addiction and abuse.

There is a great deal of confusion in treatment programs over the concept of a food or sex addiction. Many emotions and behaviors are tied into an addict’s relationship with these. While there is little scientific evidence that one is addicted to sugar or white flour, the possibility of addiction to the sensory aspects can be explored.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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

Treating Addictions and Eating Disorders Together

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.

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

The Brain Fix: How Understanding Neuroscience Enhances Treatment Compliance

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The Brain Fix explains the symptomology and behaviors of an addiction using a neuroscientific model to point out particular circuits, nuclei, and neurotransmitters involved in the disease process. It is a unique approach to break through denial and contribute to a higher level of adherence to treatment by formulating a viable explaination for a complicated condition. Employing a user-friendly visual brain atlas, the patient is provided a sense of empowerment to achieve a greater measure of control over his or her life. Recently published scientific research on serotonin, brain plasticity, nerve cell regeneration and the neorcortex provides encouragement and connection to the patients and their families who perceive recovery as an extensive, confusing and often helpless ordeal. New and improved brain imaging techniques (fMRI, SPECT, MRS, CT, PET, and EEG) over the last decade have opened up new opportunities to provide insight into what recovery is and how therapy, nutrition and drugs can catalyze the recovery process. The Brain Fix helps put treatment into perspective and action because one can actually visualize the addiction as an imbalance of interconnecting circuits that trigger distorted thinking and feelings around drugs and behavior, which otherwise would be abstract concepts beyond their imagination and reach. The illustration provides a backdrop on which tradition treatments (CBT, IPT, trauma resolution, 12-step, and antidepressants) as well as novel techniques (EDMR, positive psychology, meditation) can be explained, supported and connected. Finally, this concrete neuroscientific explaination enhances long term recovery by incorporating support for why more than weight gain, refeeding, and abstinence from inappropriate behaviors are necessary to prevent future relapse.

Many times it is hard to communicate with addicts struggling with various negative complaints, just how wellness methods play out in the healing process. With the onslaught of new brain imaging techniques (PET scans, fMRI, EEGs) and new brain pathway discoveries in the field of neurochemistry, there is fortunately a window of opportunity to begin to allow anyone to visualize what is taking place in their bodies as lifestyle changes are practiced. This lends additional credibility to the therapist-patient connection and may accelerate the healing process. It has long been recognized that the body will not respond to what the brain does not understand. The times we heal most efficiently are when we know the cause of our symptoms. By owning an understanding of the healing process, our body is allowed to heal itself and the catalyst for healing are wellness techniques of exercise, nutrition, meditation and behavioral change.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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

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.

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 five 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.

The Disease Model

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.

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.

The Brain Fix: Healing the Damaged Brain through Integrated Recovery

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Recovery from any addiction is often a very difficult, challenging and drawn out process. Long before any constructive therapeutic work can commence, the individual needs to break through their denial and admit there is a problem. Even after one accepts their behavior is inappropriate, they continue to resist getting the necessary treatment. There is a feeling their addiction is not that severe and it will go away if they just persevere and abstain from their drug or behavior of choice. If they do commit to treatment, too many times it’s all about adhering to only what they think recovery looks like and what they perceive as efficacious care. There are some whom may eventually fully understand recovery intellectually, but too many times think head knowledge is all that is needed and then the healing process is complete. If the addict never connects with the final stage of recovery, which is emotional commitment and total surrender, the potential for long-term (permanent, if you will) recovery will never manifest. Unfortunately, most addicts will either find themselves relapsing, cross addicting, or fighting their cravings tooth and nail for the rest of their lives.

Words like surrender; spiritual; higher power; feelings, hope, intimacy and other abstract therapeutic terms sometimes are meaningless phrases that the addicts learn to repeat in therapy sessions or support groups. These concepts are part of a world that they cannot fully comprehend, but they feel that they must put up a good front, move the process along, and get on with their lives. Being able to grasp these abstract concepts is frustrating to addicts who pride themselves as being intelligent, but many miss the point because they think that just giving lip service to the process will guarantee recovery.

Most will agree that the primary organ that is injured during stress and addiction is the brain. Except for antibiotics and chemotherapy, no medication or therapy by itself cures a disease. Truly drugs and therapy are necessary as a catalyst for healing, mitigating symptoms, preventing diseases and progression, reducing risk and making the process of healing more likely to occur. But in every other instance, the body heals itself. Something physical is happening in brain during this recovery process that can be observed as a change.

Nerve cells are destroyed, dendrites (nerve connections) are rerouted, neurotransmitters are depleted and nerve coatings (myelin) are diminished during the years of abuse stemming from stress, trauma, addiction and poor nutrition. The first thing that has to happen is to cease completely the further destruction of brain tissue, which necessitates total and complete abstinence. This obviously means no cross addictions whether chemical (to include caffeine and nicotine) or process (food, gambling, sex, etc). The healing process of regeneration, repair and replenishment necessitates a stimulation, which is provided by therapy, 12- step, meditation, medication (i.e. SSRI – antidepressants) and exercise. This entire stimulus for healing is for naught without proper nutrition to provide the necessary nutrients and raw materials (omega – 3 fatty acids and protein), energy (low glycemic load carbohydrates) and protection (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients). Yet effective healing takes place during stages III and IV sleep and there must be a program of sleep hygiene in place to insure that periods of appropriate sleep are achieved.

Thanks to the innovations in brain imaging, scientist can actually look into the brain and begin to see what is going on in addiction and recovery. Though relatively in its infancy, neurochemistry offers the potential to connect how therapy produces recovery. It also offers a window to those who fight understanding how abstinence, 12-steps, therapy, nutrition, exercise, drugs, sleep and all the modalities used in a treatment program contribute to recovery.

Therefore, by employing a model of recovery as the healing brain, the patient can assign purpose; meaning and hope to the recovery process and it may for the first time begin to make sense. The healing brain model helps explains the symptomology, heredity and behaviors of all addictions using a neuroscientific model to point out particular circuits, nuclei, and neurotransmitters involved in the disease process. It is a unique approach to break through denial and contribute to a higher level of adherence to treatment by formulating a viable explaination for a complicated condition. Employing a user-friendly visual brain atlas, the patient is provided a sense of empowerment to achieve a greater measure of control over his or her life. Recently published scientific research on serotonin, brain plasticity, nerve cell regeneration and the neorcortex provides encouragement and connection to the patients and their families who perceive recovery as an extensive, confusing and often helpless ordeal. New and improved brain imaging techniques (fMRI, SPECT, MRS, CT, PET, and EEG) over the last decade have opened up new opportunities to provide insight into what recovery is and how therapy, nutrition and drugs can catalyze the recovery process. The “Healing Brain” helps put treatment into perspective and action because one can actually visualize the addiction and stress as an imbalance of interconnecting circuits that trigger distorted thinking and feelings around cravings and behaviors, which otherwise would be abstract concepts beyond their imagination and reach. The illustration provides a backdrop on which tradition treatments (CBT, IPT, trauma resolution, 12-step, and antidepressants) as well as novel techniques (EDMR, positive psychology, meditation) can be explained, supported and connected. Finally, this concrete neuroscientific explaination enhances long term recovery by incorporating support for why more than abstinence from inappropriate behaviors and head knowledge are necessary to prevent future relapse.

Affective neuroscience is the study of how emotions are generated by the brain. Brain imaging (fMRI and PET scans) explores pockets of the brain where emotions develop and provide a detailed neural schematic. By mapping how the brain generates and processes emotion, it may unfold ways people might use the power of their own minds to overcome the crippling impact of depression and addiction and may even improve their physical health as well. Many research projects have been done on negative types of emotion such as depression, stress and trauma. On the other hand, research on positive types of emotion has not been studied as much. As of late, studies on happiness are now getting more attention. People are in control of reaching ultimate happiness by following three components: pleasure, engagement and meaning. There are numerous parallels between spirituality, 12- step models and authentic happiness that may influence a restructuring of our brain and hence provide healing.

Much like nutrition and strength training are interdependent while building muscles, what we eat has a significant influence on how the brain heals during recovery. The brain only has so much reserve. The combination of abuse (addiction/eating disorders) and neglect (poor eating habits) takes an even further toll on mental function. Fortunately, the brain is malleable and with proper nutrients: nerves are regenerated, proper circuitry is restored, neurotransmitters are replaced and optimal brain functioning is possible. New research has revealed how to design a food plan that maximizes the healing of the brain and expedites recovery.

Healing takes place during stages III and IV. Even though people think they are getting proper sleep, many addicts fail to achieve these stages. The environment, the therapy, genetics and past history play a part in achieving proper sleep, and a complete program will intervene to make this final component not just an interesting concept, but a reality.

The healing brain model therefore is really echoing what has been taking place in good treatment programs for decades. The Model does dictate that therapist change their methods of treatment or philosophies. The healing brain model is merely an effective vehical that integrates all aspects of healing and enlist the emotional participation of the patient for more efficient, complete, and perhaps faster recovery.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

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