While we strive to be grateful every month, November prompts us to dwell on our blessings even more than usual. Thanksgiving is not only a lovely holiday in which to reflect upon all the people and things that enrich our lives, it’s also a state of mind that acts as a natural perspective-aligner. Amid an attitude of sincere thankfulness, there is peace – and we are really grateful for that. We are also enormously grateful for all of the hard work that has gone into our newly redesigned and updated website. It is thrilling to be able to offer you, our beloved readers, more resources to be able to interact and learn. As you navigate the new site and discover all it has to offer, send us a quick note and tell us what you think. We greatly value your input.
Every month, Dr. Tian Dayton educates us about the many long-term effects of having an alcoholic for a parent. This month, she offers insight into how the trauma of this type of childhood influences intimacy in ACoAs (Adult Children of Alcoholics). In this article, excerpted from her book by the same title, we learn how the trauma becomes lodged deep in the child’s mind and body, what makes it begin to leak out, and where healing starts.
With much posturing and passion on both sides of the so-called “Drug War”, it’s often difficult to discern truth and surprisingly easy to lose sight of the human toll. Naya Arbiter shares with us the wisdom and perspective informed by her decades of tireless work dedicated to the real “collateral” damage of this particular battle and reminds us to keep these faces and lives our central focus.
Food addiction has emotional and physiological roots, many of which are just now being fully uncovered and understood. Dr. Kim Dennis helps to define it and demonstrates the ways in which our bodies, culture, and beliefs around it conspire to keep so many hostage under its control.
Hyla Cass, M.D. shows us how our biochemistry, the brain’s wiring and related neurochemicals, drive and maintain addictive urges and behaviors. Thorough in understandable terms, Cass also explains why simple changes – like choosing a healthier dinner – combined with other therapeutic approaches can produce long-lasting positive results.
With as much addictions education that exists, it can be easy to think that most people understand it is a complex disease and have developed a certain modicum of empathy. Of course, this belief is sadly in error for many who continue to stigmatize those suffering from addiction (and even, in some cases, their families). Bill Remak shares his approach for addressing this stigma and working toward increased understanding and civility around the subject.
The mind-body connection is well established in many areas, including emerging research related to addiction. Where the body’s sensors may be compromised due to genetics or the effects of addiction – or some combination of the two – chiropractic care can help set it right again. Dr. Herby Bell explains how.
As mentioned earlier, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoAs) experience many emotional, mental, and relational consequences as a result of their upbringing, but many ACoAs don’t even realize there may be a connection between the two. Angie Carter goes back to basics to give us an important primer on what an ACoA is, including identifying common characteristics and overcoming the guilt attached to getting help for themselves.
Sex and love addiction sometimes gets a bad rap in the media, but Jasmin Rogg, MFT, clearly describes the real pain out of which it stems and how it destroys lives. As the note Mr. Rogers used to carry in his pocket read: “There isn’t anyone you can’t love once you’ve heard their story.”
In Part 2 of his “Reclaiming the Hijacked Brain” series (Part 1 ran in August), Larry Smith continues to break down the biochemistry attached to addiction – “This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs” – and how we can use that very biochemistry to recover from the addiction.
Cutting-edge technology has weaved its way into virtually every facet of modern society – and now it’s become a viable treatment option, with virtual-world exposure for veterans with PTSD. John Lavitt brings us the story.
November’s Book Club features Dr. Brent Potter’s “Elements of Self-Destruction”, in which he explores why humans hurt themselves and other people, while also relying on each other for their very survival. An interesting topic by the Director for the Society of Laingian Studies and the R.D. Laing Institute.
Finally, this month’s Featured Member is Inland Valley Recovery Services, based in Upland, Calif. At the center of its many recovery-based services is a focus on family, contributing to more successful, long-term sobriety and healing.
We hope this month is full of family, friends, food, and hearts of gratitude. Our best wishes from the RecoveryView.com family to yours.
Blessings,
Jim and Josie Herndon
