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Dan B. Clark - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
Dan C's career in the addiction field spans twenty-five years. He has held positions in all phases of administration and clinical services in Treatment Facilities throughout the state of Florida. He is currently employed by Recovery Connection.
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Dan B. Clark Email Alerts
- Social Networking and Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Social Networking and eating disorders have teamed up to produce a disturbing new trend for those struggling with this disease. Isolation is a recognized symptom of eating disorder sufferers and a symptom that alerts anyone close that there is a problem.
- Is Addiction a Disease Or Choice?
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Is addiction a disease or choice was the topic of an article recently published by ABC news. The article debated the topic using views from researchers, writers, professionals in the addiction field and addicts in recovery. America leads our planet in the use of illegal drugs and I can hear the frustration from those that argue addiction is a choice. Being a recovering addict I find it difficult to write on this subject and remain objective.
- Emotional Eating Disorder Research
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Emotional eating disorder research is providing professionals with key indicators that may forecast those individuals that are susceptible to this disease. Focusing on individual's negative emotions and how they typically react to those emotions, researchers have been able to confront and prevent early onset of eating disorder behavior.
- Relapse Prevention Process
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Relapse prevention, in this article, refers to the recovering addict's regression with the disease of addiction. Many refer to relapse as the event where an addict returns to alcohol or some other drug. Relapse is not an event it is a process. Addiction is marked by obsessive compulsive behavior, self-centeredness and other antisocial behaviors. When a person seeks help for active addiction they must first stop the offending substance.
- Trauma Abuse
[Health-and-Fitness:Mental-Health] Trauma abuse is present in all but 10% of all cases found in psychiatric wards and those suffering with any mental health issues. Trauma is defined as an experience that produces psychological or physical injury or pain.
- Eating Disorder Diagnosis
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Eating disorder diagnosis, to date, has had to include a mental health issue for the insurance companies to cover a residential treatment. Depression was almost always part of any eating disorder sufferer's diagnosis. If an eating disorder is seen as a medical condition there would be a much better chance the sufferer will receive the medical attention necessary and they will be seen much earlier in the progression of the disease.
- Denial and Intervention
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Denial and intervention are terms frequently used when a family member is struggling with a loved ones addiction. When an addiction is discovered the addict is usually far enough into the progression that they are suffering from denial.
- Sexual Identity
[Relationships:Gay-Lesbian] Sexual identity is an essential part of understanding just who you are as a person. Just as with gender, age or appearance sexual identity allows you to form self awareness and dictates how you express yourself to others. It is important to remember that you are made up of many parts and your sexual identity is no more important than any other part. Those people that you come in contact with on a daily basis, friends and family, usually disregard your sexual identity.
- Spirituality and Addiction Recovery
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Spirituality and addiction recovery can be an emotional topic in some circles. Part of the dictionary definition for spiritual is insubstantial.
- Eating Disorders and Co-Accruing Psychological Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Eating disorders and co-accruing psychological disorders are common and in most cases must be treated simultaneously. Whenever there is a life threatening behavior it must be addressed immediately and then the secondary issues can explored.
- Self Injury
[Health-and-Fitness:Mental-Health] Self-Injury is a term used to describe the deliberate act of causing tissue damage or leaving a lasting mark on ones body. Although 1% of the population has intentionally harmed them self; this symptom is relatively unknown and most of what is known is wrong.
- Prescription Medication Abuse
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Prescription medication abuse refers to the misuse of prescribed medication. This is an issue that is becoming more common in our everyday lives. People struggle with stress and or anxiety and their doctors write a prescription for a sedative-hypnotic, tranquilizer or sleeping pill. In most cases the person has a very real condition and begins to take the drug as the directions suggest.
- Alcohol Drinking Patterns
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Alcohol drinking patterns differ widely among age groups and gender. There are any numbers of variables that contribute to the differences in alcohol consumption among the cross section of drinkers. Family history is an important variable to be considered when looking at tolerance among those early in their drinking history. It appears that those that come from a family with a history of alcoholism are affected differently than those whose parents were non-drinkers or normal drinkers.
- Positive Body Image
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] A positive body image can be difficult as a result of the social media and the message infused in our cultural conditioning. Discontent with the way we appear can cause spiritual and physical problems. Searching for happiness through a culturally biased standard of physical attractiveness can result in disordered eating or other negative means of weight control leading to physical complications.
- Men and Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Men and Eating Disorders is a topic that does not draw much attention. There are 8 million people that suffer from eating disorders in the United States; 1 million are men. Twenty years ago in Drug Rehab we saw similar numbers but with men being the majority and the women being the minority. Eating Disorders are not gender specific just as both genders are susceptible to problems of addiction.
- Nervous System and Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] The nervous system and eating disorders may be directly related. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter most associated with feeling good. Of all the chemicals present in the brain, healthy serotonin levels are probably the most important for the maintenance of an overall sensation of well-being.
- Legal Drugs of Addiction
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] There are many legal drugs that can lead to addiction. The most common of course are Alcohol and Nicotine. Just because a substance is legal does not mean it is safe to use and can become an object of abuse. There are medications that are sold over the counter that can be addictive or can lead to the use of illegal drugs. An...
- Orthorexia Diet
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Orthorexia is a condition that occurs when people become so fixated on their food intake that they put their health at risk. This condition is not listed in the DSMIV but is a very real condition and a recognized symptom of an eating disorder and often accompanies anorexia.
- Weight-Based Discrimination
[Health-and-Fitness:Obesity] Weight-based discrimination is one of the last prejudices to be confronted by our society. Treating people with disrespect or disdain as a result of their body weight is almost acceptable today in our media driven culture. Before we pass laws to protect against weight discrimination we as a society must first come to a place in mind that doesn't judge people by their appearance and eliminate the stereotypes that exist.
- Bulimia and the Brain
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Bulimia and the brain was the topic of a report released in January 2008 by General Psychiatry. The report focused on female patients with bulimia nervosa and their lack of impulse control compared to women without an eating disorder. The use of MRI brain scan showed distinct behavioral differences when faced with decisions about voluntary behavior.
- Starvation Dieting
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Starvation dieting, which has been well known in the modeling world for many years, is gaining popularity in other areas of society. This weight loss strategy is also known as the Anorexic Diet.
- Meditation and Recovery
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Meditation and recovery is a topic that often brings some skepticism when first introduced to someone struggling with issues surrounding recovery from active addiction. Meditation is the way an addict/alcoholic reaches the mental state of balance so necessary for a lasting recovery. When meditation is successfully accomplished and the mind is still all resentments and self doubt are extinguished and tranquility is the reward.
- National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] National Eating Disorder Awareness Week started February 22nd and goes through February 28, 2009. This will help to publicize the seriousness of this disease and the general attitudes that prolong the suffering of those afflicted.
- Sexual Addiction Recovery
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Sexual Addiction, by definition, describes a person's obsessive behavior and compulsive thought process surrounding sex. Any addiction left untreated will thoroughly dominate someone's time making commitments like work or personal relationships difficult if not altogether impossible. Sex addicts often blame others for their consequences and deny they even have a problem. The addiction takes precedence over all aspects of a person's life and self centered behavior that develops results in estrangement in relationships and damage to the spirit.
- Alcohol and the Military
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Alcohol and the military was a subject recently conducted by the University of Minnesota. The study focused on binge drinking with active-duty military personal. Health and social problems associated with consumption of alcohol were included in the recent study.
- Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Eating disorders combine a loss of personal control and loss of ones sense of self. That look in the patients' eyes is a feeling of hopeless desperation to a disconnected life; their life. Their attempt to reconnect is their eating disorder which is why they cling to it in the face of devastating consequences.
- Physical Consequences of Disordered Eating
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Physical Consequences of Disordered Eating may become evident long before a person suffering with this disease is willing to talk about their problem. Once a person's health has been affected the sings are varied and easy to recognize. Although the person suffering may not see these sings, when their condition has reached this stage, they have placed themselves at risk for critical health problems.
- Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders are referred to as duel diagnoses or co-occurring; happens in a low estimate of 25% of all eating disorder cases. Neither should be diagnosed separately as the primary disease. Both must be treated simultaneously if possible but at the very lest concurrently; failure to do so will most assuredly lead to relapse and further medical complications.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Teenage Pregnancy
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is present in three out of every 1000 births in the United States today. Teens start drinking alcohol, away from the home, at the age of fifteen. These two facts combine to present a heart breaking scenario associated with teen pregnancy.
- Surrender to Win
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Surrender means different things to different people. Those with a military background think of this word as something to fight against. Surrender in the spiritual realm is the complete opposite of the above description. Freedom comes only after surrender.
- Clinical Diagnosis
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] A clinical diagnosis is necessary for a patient entering any facility that requires an insurance payment. Eating Disorders which have proven to be both chronic and fatal if not treated are not recognized as a primary disease.
- The Cycle of Sexual Trauma
[Health-and-Fitness] The cycle of sexual trauma can be compared to the physical abuse administered by adults that were victims themselves of physical abuse. Findings published by the University of Georgia show the correlation between victims and female perpetrators in child molestation cases.
- Frontal Cortex and Marijuana
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Frontal Cortex and Marijuana don't seem to reflect a harmonious relationship. As difficult as it may be, parents must be the anti-drug and provide information to their teens regarding the short and long term effects of marijuana on the brain's Frontal Cortex.
- Is Marijuana Dangerous?
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Is Marijuana dangerous is a question that could have as many different answers as the number of people you asked? Cannabis is a hot topic today as more and more states (not to mention countries) legalize medical marijuana more and more people become interested. There is a ton of information and most of it is contradictory.
- Healthy Boundaries
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Boundaries have the ability to keep people safe. They can shape relationships that will last for years. They can help develop our children into strong, loving and upwardly achieving adults. Boundaries touch us physically, emotionally and spiritually and have a profound affect on all areas of our lives.
- Relapse Treatment
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Relapse treatment should be a part of any program that offers addiction treatment. All programs have their own system of calculating the percent of patients that relapse after completing a detox and residential treatment facility.
- Male Athletes and Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Male Athletes and Eating Disorders is a topic that is just starting to attract the attention of the general public. Doctors and those in the Mental Health field have warned of the dangers involved in the methods used to achieve a leaner body mass. Until recently weight loss and eating disorder issues were almost exclusively directed at females.
- Oxycodone Addiction
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Oxycodone Addiction occurs when the medication is taken for longer than prescribed. Oxycodone is derived from an opiate alkaloid and is used most often for post-operative pain. This drug can also be used as a cough suppressant when taken in liquid form.
- Taking an Eating Disorder Quiz
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Taking an Eating disorder quiz could save your life. Eating Disorders are an epidemic effecting over 10 million Americans and the majority of those affected are children.
- High Potency Marijuana Causes Paranoia and Psychosis
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Today's High Potency Marijuana is not your father's marijuana. Over the years growers have used highly sophisticated cultivation techniques that have not only increased the potency of pot but all but eradicated CBD, the molecule that protects the user from psychosis and cognitive impairment. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana has increased from 6% ten years ago to 30% today.
- Ipecac Abuse
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Ipecac Abuse among bulimics is on the rise. The use of Ipecac, either in syrup form or pill form is being used as a means to purge by those with an eating disorder. Syrup of Ipecac can be found in most emergency first aid kits and can be purchased from any pharmacy without a prescription.
- Holistic New Year's Resolution
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Holistic New Year's Resolution is both encompassing and positive in nature and intent. We enter the New Year full of enthusiasm and positive energy; looking to enhance our lives in the areas of health and prosperity.
- Outpatient Treatment For Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Outpatient Treatment for Eating Disorder was the subject of an article published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The article out-lined a study that questioned the success rate of a 60 week follow-up program in comparison to 30 day inpatient eating disorder treatment or 8 to 12 week program available today.
- The United State's War on Drugs
[News-and-Society:Politics] The United States War on Drugs has been a periodic topic in the news for the past 40 years. Are we winning? Who is the enemy? Who are the players? Well the answer to the last question is... it keeps changing.
- Recovery Methods
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Recovery methods differ from treatment center to treatment center. The one thing most rehabs agree on is the medical model which recognizes addiction as a disease.
- Cold Medication Can Be Addicting
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] The cold medication prescribed to you by your doctor contains codeine, a derivative of opium. When codeine reaches the brain it is converted to morphine which slows you're coughing and takes away your pain.
- Illegal Drug Use and the Economy
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Will the floundering economy have any effect on illegal drug use? The short answer is yes. This doesn't mean that addicts will all of a sudden stop using drugs.
- Men and Boys With Eating Disorders
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Men and Boys with Eating Disorders is a subject that until recently has gone unnoticed and untreated. Of the 9 million suffering with an eating disorder in the United States 10% are Men and Boys.
- Virtual Reality Game Treats Addiction
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Virtual Reality brings to mind teens behind closed doors for hours on end locked in mortal combat with images flashed on hi-tech screens. The technology used produces life like videos which mesmerize the viewer or participant.
- Eating Disorder NOS
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Eating Disorder nos was the reason for an e-mail I received the other day from a 15 year old girl who wanted help but didn't want to tell her parents because it would hurt them. This young girl was fully aware of her problem and has been a sufferer for about a year.
- Post Traumatic Stress Treatment
[Health-and-Fitness:Mental-Health] Post Traumatic Stress Treatment is common for a number of solders returning from the war torn countries abroad. With a new regime in Washington and a promise to bring the troop's home there will be a sharp increase in admissions to clinics that offer PTSD treatment.
- Female Athletes
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Female Athletes are susceptible to a condition referred to as female athlete triad. As the name implies there are three conditions: eating disorder, amenorrhea and a loss of bone density.
- Prescription Drug Abuse Deaths
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Prescription Drug Abuse deaths far out number the deaths caused by street or illegal drugs. The movies would have us all believe that cocaine is the drug most used and the cause of the major number of fatalities.
- Eating Disorder Treatment Rehabs
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Eating Disorder Treatment payment is not an article to beat up on the insurance industry. Whenever we place blame a defensive stance will follow, only slowing any progress that could be made. Acknowledging a problem and bringing it to light is the beginning of change for any problem.
- Rehab Centers Require Longer Stays
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Rehab Centers require longer stays in residential addition treatment centers to help reduce the high rate of relapse. Most rehab centers offer a standard 30 day program which includes a short period of detoxification. This has been the standard since the 1970's when the US Air Force established the 30 day model so airmen could return to duty without being reassigned. The was no medical research to back-up the 30 day stay but it caught on and across the country cookie cutter programs were established.
- Eating Disorders and Neuroplasticity
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Eating Disorders have long been associated with emotions and obsessive thinking. Counseling, behavior modification and nutritional education has been the traditional method of treating these sometimes fatal disorders.
- Secondary Track Addiction Treatment Recovery
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] The primary concern in treating an addiction is to stop the drug use or survive whatever consequence one is suffering. Secondary Track Recovery is about learning how to live after addiction without substituting for a new addiction and understanding those life events that developed a vulnerability to escapism.
- Anorexia and the Maudsley Method
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Anorexics, searching for answers, are turning to the Maudsley Method of treatment. Maudsly is the new kid on the block when treating anorexia and in certain cases other eating disorders. When treating patients with eating disorders and substance abuse one usually hears blame being placed on one person or the other.
- Drug Rehab Vs Incarceration
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Drug Rehab and incarceration is examined in California's Proposition 5. In California as in the rest of the country we continue to struggle financially. The search to cut costs may have a profound affect on how we as a country address the growing population of drug addicts in prisons.
- Eating Disorders and Drug Abuse
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] The relationship is further connected by the stigma attached, by society, to both groups of people. Obese people are shunned in public and suffer countless indignities on a daily basis. Addicts are looked down on and in some cases incarcerated as a result of the behaviors associated with the propagation of their addiction.
- Drug Rehabilitation Or Habilitation
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Drug rehabilitation by definition refers to a process by which a person dependent on drugs/alcohol undergoes medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for the purposes of discontinuing the use of those drugs. To habilitate means to clothe or to make fit.
- Emotional Eating Disorder
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Emotional Eating Disorder occurs during times of stress and high anxiety. The American Dietetic Association has stated half of all binge eaters are triggered by difficult situations which happen during normal activities.
- Mental Health Insurance and Parity
[Insurance:Health] Mental Health Insurance will soon be treated the same as medical and surgical benefits. Addiction Treatment benefits will have the same rate of return as those as a surgical procedure. When the congressional economic recovery package was signed on October 3rd the Mental Health and Addiction Parity Act was a rider on that package.
- Drug Abuse and Crime in Florida
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Drug abuse and crime in Florida are closely related. The crime rate in Florida or in the entire country could be significantly reduced if repeat offenders were required to submit to addiction treatment. It is widely accepted that the use of drugs in penal institutes is as prevalent as the use on the streets.
- Inpatient Addiction Treatment Or Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Virginia
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Inpatient Addiction Treatment and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Centers in Virginia offer quality programs for Drug Addiction and Alcohol Abuse. There are a greater number of Outpatient Rehabs than Inpatient Addiction Treatment Centers in the state of Virginia. Both types of treatment are aimed at the disease of addiction and often use the same type of therapeutic methods in their Treatment Program.
- Binge-Eating in New York Colleges
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Binge-eating among female college students n New York has more that doubled in recent years. Many of these young women are away from home for the first time and are confronted with situations that result in high levels of stress.
- Binge Eating and Exercise
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] Binge eating and exercise has become another example of the insidious nature of an Eating Disorder. When someone "binges" on food it is usually a means to comfort or an attempt to deal with stress. After consuming large amounts of food a person will feel guilty and wish to expel that food.
- Cocaine Addiction in Miami, Florida
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Widespread Cocaine Addiction in Miami started thirty years ago. Miami has been the major port of entry for cocaine in the United States for thirty years.
- Addiction Treatment and Going Home
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] When an Addict or Alcoholic enters a Treatment Center and confronts their addiction it is only the beginning of their journey. When a patient is discharged they often have conflicting feelings of fear and tempered excitement. They are leaving a nurturing and protective environment and reentering society without their security blanket.
- Legalize Marijuana
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Legal Marijuana is a topic being discussed throughout the world and will actually be voted on by the UN in 2009. Legal Marijuana will impact Addiction Treatment in a number of ways. There will be experts that will insist that people cannot become addicted to Marijuana and that Drug Abuse will be a more appropriate label.
- Prescription Drug Addictions
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Prescription Drug Addictions are becoming more commonplace as pharmaceutical companies manufacture medications that focus on pain relief. People with legitimate reasons to receive pain medication are ending up in detox to quite the prescribed drugs.
- Eating Disorders and Sexual Abuse
[Health-and-Fitness:Eating-Disorders] A high percent of patient's who seek help for an eating disorder problem, have been sexually abused. The connection between sexual abuse and an eating disorder can be caused by guilt and shame which lead to a desire to forget, hurt themselves, protect themselves and or a desire to change their perception of themselves.
- Drug Abuse and a Return to Sanity
[Health-and-Fitness:Drug-Abuse] Drug Abuse can and will take a person to the depths of their soul and if they don't get the opportunity to face their addiction to the dregs of society. The behavior exhibited by a person in the grip of their addiction is at lest antisocial and at the worst insane.
- Twelve Step Sponsorship
[Self-Improvement:Addictions] Twelve Step Sponsorship is considered essential to successfully working the steps. Much the same way a guide leads you in the woods or on the rocky mountain trail a sponsor will lead you in recovery.
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