Has anyone else noticed how early the Christmas chaos began this year? I recall a few years ago here in Vancouver, a number of people became so disgruntled by the early onset of Christmas music in some of the stores—in the middle of October—that they took to Facebook en masse and complained. One store in particular, Shoppers Drug Mart, appeased the naysayers by stopping that music, but only after they drew their line in the sand, assuring us that the carols would resume again at the end of … [Read more...] about Addicted to Christmas Chaos? Taming the Madness this Holiday Season
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A New Way to Understand Addiction
There are many schools of thought about addiction and what it really is. Some people consider it to be a physical disease, while others credit genetic predisposition while also addressing the nature/nurture paradigm. Even if some or all ring true for each of us, what I know to be true—as an addict in recovery for nearly 33 years, as a loved one of addicts, and as a professional addiction therapist for three decades—is that underneath all of this, staying in active addiction is a choice. And … [Read more...] about A New Way to Understand Addiction
Loving Someone with an Addiction: A Life of Chaos
Whether your addicted loved one is a parent, a child, a partner, friend, or colleague, loving someone who is actively engaging in addictive behaviours is one of the most difficult ways to live. This is because addicts who continue to be involved with their own self-destructive patterns typically experience many emotional highs and lows, creating a virtual roller coaster of fantasy followed by severe despondency, remorse, and self-loathing, with every conceivable emotion in between. Addicts … [Read more...] about Loving Someone with an Addiction: A Life of Chaos
The Law of Attraction: Help for Addiction Recovery
I have come to realize that most people – myself included sometimes – generally go through their days from beginning to end with no real plan, focus, or intention. They usually know the basics of what’s going to happen: wake up, groggily get ready for the day in terms of hygiene and breakfast, dress themselves in something appropriate, and head out the door for work or school. Then, when they get to their destination, it’s usually same-old same-old. They see the same people, do the same kinds … [Read more...] about The Law of Attraction: Help for Addiction Recovery
“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” The Dilemma of Addiction
In the early 1980s, a musical group called The Clash released a song whose title went on to become almost an anthem for many people in a variety of situations. The song was called “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” and it truly sums up the multitude of dilemmas that people experience in life. Today we will be looking at how this simple question presents itself when focusing on addiction – both for the addicts and for their loved ones. Is Addiction Actually a Disease? As many of you know, I … [Read more...] about “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” The Dilemma of Addiction
