There is much debate in both professional and social circles over whether depression is purely mental or biochemical. Every person gets sad at some point and depression can resemble a bout of simple sadness to the layperson. Therefore, it is easy to compare the two and reach the conclusion that depression is just being sad and perhaps the sufferer is making it worse without any physical mechanism playing into it. Then again, evidence is building to suggest that this is not the case. Evidence suggests there is a distinct difference between depression and sadness that goes beyond the symptoms.

What does "Biochemical" Mean?

What it means to say something is biochemical is that it is related to the chemistry within a living organism. As it pertains to depression, it is saying there is a chemical imbalance within the body, specifically the brain, that is causing the mood disorder. Researchers are even noticing, "reduced hippocampal gray matter" in individuals with chronic depression. Put simply, the hippocampus is smaller. While the hippocampus is mostly associated with memory, it is significant to see brain abnormalities in individuals suffering from depression.

Several chemicals have been isolated and linked to depression, though no one positive indicator has been found. These chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, and neuroepinephrine. The theory is that one, all, or a combination of these chemicals is required to maintain a good mood. In other words, these are the mood boosters of the body. When levels deplete or are not used properly by the brain, the result is depression. The mood does not simply become less elevated. Symptoms like inability to eat, sleeplessness, pain, uncontrollable crying, and lethargy occur as well.

It may be more than just a chemical imbalance that causes depression. Malfunction of neurotransmitters is also a possible cause. Put simply, a disorder of neurotransmitters makes it difficult for the brain to move certain chemicals to where they are needed. Such disorders can cause symptoms as severe as diseases like cerebral palsy. Therefore, neurotransmitters are certainly suspect in depression and capable of causing the widespread symptoms seen in depressive disorders.

Studies Continue Search for a Cause

While there are numerous promising studies and theories regarding a biochemical cause for depression, the most commonly cited chemical cause for depression is still unproven. This theory is that a lack of serotonin causes depression, but there is currently no concrete evidence. This is why both medical practitioners and patients need to be careful and verify the information they read regarding the neurochemical causes of depression. The concept is very promising, but that which is cited as fact often is not.

With major depression being the leading cause of disability around the world, it is imperative that it be studied carefully and understood fully. The only way to stop this epidemic is to treat it properly and that can only be done if doctors know what causes it. Dismissing it as mere sadness or purely mental is therefore costing us money in missed work, disability payments, and social welfare programs that assist the families of the depressed.

Byline

Jerome Chesterfield writes on various issues, including medical science, nutrition, fitness, diet, medical education, surgery (including elective surgery) and other related topics.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can cause mild, moderate or severe symptoms. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke include mild symptoms as headache, dizziness, confusion, vision problems, ringing in the ears, fatigue, memory problems, difficulties with concentration and sleep problems. These symptoms can occur even if the person does not lose consciousness. Moderate or severe TBI may also have these symptoms, along with speech problems, persistent headache, weakness in extremities, confusion, agitation, slurred speech, loss of coordination and dilation of one or both pupils. Anyone with symptoms of moderate or severe TBI should get medical attention immediately.

Medical Treatment
Moderate or severe TBI requires immediate medical treatment to limit damage to brain tissue. The physician will ensure that an adequate supply of oxygen can get to brain tissue. Blood flow to the brain must also be maintained to prevent further injury. Diuretics may be administered to reduce the amount of fluid in brain tissue. Anti-seizure drugs help to prevent additional damage from the seizures that are common after brain injury. Coma-inducing drugs may be given to protect the brain if oxygen flow is restricted. If necessary, surgery is done to close wounds and prevent further blood loss. Imaging of the brain can tell the physician the extent of injury within the skull and whether further surgery is required. After the physical injuries are managed, an individual treatment program is designed to help the patient achieve a full recovery from the injury.

Motor Therapy
For patients whose motor skills have been affected by the brain injury, physical therapy sessions can help to restore function. Walking, hand control, balance and other motor skills can be improved with regular therapy sessions.

Speech Therapy
If speech has been affected, the patient will work with a speech therapist to maximize speaking. Other communication abilities may also be affected such as understanding words or understanding words.

Occupational Therapy
If the physical or psychological condition of the patient has been seriously affected, he or she may require occupational therapy to help them to re-learn simple tasks of daily life. This therapy can be a significant help to their recovery and taking on the duties of daily life.

Psychological Therapy
Psychological counseling can help patients with TBI to recognize and understand behaviors that occur with their injury. They can also help with coping mechanisms for emotional problems that may be a result of their injury. Mild TBI can often occur along with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Counseling can help to restore a sense of control over events and deal with recurring thoughts, as well as depression or anxiety. It can also help with family problems that occur as a result of the brain injury.

Social Worker Contact
A social worker often meets with the patient to arrange additional care or help from other agencies. The social worker can then put them into contact with recreational therapists, vocational counselors and services that work with the disabled.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/traumatic-brain-injury/DS00552/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

http://bianys.org/veterans-ptsd.htm

Byline

Jacob Stafford is a freelance writer who focuses on Personal Injury,Head Injuries, Wrongful Death suits, Auto Accidents and other areas of the law.

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an emotional illness common in veterans who have served in war zones. In fact, at least

one third of returning soldiers from Iraq suffer from PTSD.  Soldiers that have seen combat, repeated tours, or who have suffered a serious or life-threatening injury, are often plagued with this difficult condition. A recent study out of the University of Rochester Medical Center also found that soldiers who sustained head injuries are much more likely to suffer from PTSD.　

PTSD is a byproduct of extreme trauma. This occurs when soldiers are exposed to the horrors of war. These traumatic events stay with our fighting men and women long after they return home, and they are continually plagued by traumatic memories that. This

can lead to depression, panic attacks, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide.

The Disability Process for PTSD

The Department of Veterans Affairs released a report in October 2012 that showed a positive diagnosis of PTSD in 30% of soldiers seeking medical treatment from Veterans Affairs facilities. This is a result of two long wars fought by troops pulling multiple tours of duty. Those diagnosed with PTSD, as well as their families, may wonder what the U.S. government doing to help these soldiers. Will the government offer them disability benefits, and if so, for how long?

A simple diagnosis of PTSD is not enough to receive disability benefits from the military. After diagnosis, a soldier will be evaluated to determine whether or not the PTSD affects their ability to perform a job or integrate socially, and to what extent. Once they receive a disability rating, it will determine their disability benefit, if any.

The process has been made easier in some respects, but the country still has a long way to go to deal with the hundreds of thousands of veterans currently waiting for their claims to be reviewed. The bureaucracy of an overwhelmed Department of Veterans Affairs is generally the biggest drag on the process. Many soldiers experience an initial denial of benefits followed by a long review process before getting any money.

The End Game

Once a soldier is approved for PTSD disability, the compensation will be maintained as long as the disability continues. The treating doctors determine when and if the disability improves. According to some reports, this has kept some PTSD suffers from fully engaging in treatment options. They fear that the doctor will see them as "cured" and they will lose their assistance before they are ready to face the world on their own.

The very nature of the urban combat seen in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the advancements in combat medicine, has sent many soldiers home with serious head injuries who might not have survived in past wars.

Fortunately, more veterans are running and winning in federal elections. These leaders will keep the pressure on the Department of Veterans Affairs, and hopefully, this process will be streamlined to be more effective. The country as a whole needs to see PTSD for what it is—a serious, life-altering mental health condition that requires on-going treatment, and as a country, we must be prepared to assist every soldier as they return home.

Byline

This piece was developed and executed by Ty Witherspoon, a freelancer based in the greater metropolitan area of Portland, OR; Ty is very

familiar with the practices of Houston va disability benefits and believes they can be of assistance to many people.

Everyone knows the ramifications of cigarette smoking and how detrimental it is to your health. However, millions continue to do so without giving it a second thought. Let's set aside what affects smoking has on the individual and take a look at what consequences it has on the family. After all, your smoking habit is their smoking habit.

1. Physical - Although cigarette smoke can dissipate in the air and isn't nearly as concentrated, your family can still breath it in. If you fill the room with cigarette smoke by chain-smoking at your desk while playing a game, anyone in that room is now essentially a smoker. Would you want your five-year-old lighting up?

2. Financial - While cigarettes don't cost as much as a hard-core drug such as cocaine or even marijuana, it can still make a dent in your family's budget. If you were a pack-a-day smoker that spends $5 per day, $1825 goes up in smoke throughout the year. Wouldn't that money be better spent on Christmas or birthday presents, bills, or perhaps a down payment on a new car?

3. Emotional - How often do the children go to school smelling like a bar because you didn't roll the windows down in the car that morning. Burning tar sticks to anything and can make clothing smell beyond what the smoker can sense. You're already used to the smell of tobacco and wouldn't notice that your children smell like smokers too. This could cause your children to feel self-conscious about the way he or she smells. This could also increase the odds of school-mates making fun of them because of the way cigarettes make them smell.

4. The Sticky Film - After time, any object around where the smoker frequents begins to develop a yellowish-tint. This is tar build-up from smoking. It can stain eyeglasses, coat the internal components of a computer, and cover the walls and drapes in this sticky tar. A lot of rentals require a deposit from smokers and it's not only because of the fire hazard they could become. It takes a lot of cleaning to get rid of the evidence of a heavy smoker for the next renter.

5. Accidental Burns - If you have small children, they can wind up climbing all over you at any given time. It's quite common for a child to accidentally run into a cigarette and burn themselves on it. How often does a smoker lose a bit of ash on his or her pants and burn a hole in their favorite jeans? Accidents happen all the time and many smoker vehicles are riddled with burn holes in the seats reducing the resale value.

Although smoking cigarettes had been made popular in the early 20th century, it is still a habit that can have a profound negative impact on the family in more ways than one. If you enjoy a cigarette once in a while, make sure your family comes first. After all, you wouldn't go out of your way to make them miserable, would you?

Author Bio:

Jason Miner plays a vital role for www.blogcarnival.com.  He is an expert in writing topics of different categories.  He is helping the carnival team to grow & working on making this an even better place for bloggers.

In today's world, technology addiction is becoming a very serious problem among our youth. Whether it is video game consoles, hand-held devices, smartphones, or computers technology can have a greater impact on our children than we realize. Out of the news we hear stories of children and teens being violent with parents because of a game or a console that was taken away from them. The same can be said about smartphones and how our children simply don't know how to exist without one. Just how harmful can an addiction to technology become?

1. Withdrawn from Friends - Oddly enough, children who are addicted to their online friends can become withdrawn from ones in real life. His or her online persona can be as important to them as how they are viewed in real life. It is a way for the child to become more than what he or she imagines they are. It's the same reason that many adults withdraw into an online world - they can be important there.

2. Physical Deterioration - The news is spotted by those teenagers and young adults who become so involved with gaming and technology that they literally play themselves to death. For children who are out of shape to begin with, ramping up their pulse rate with energy drinks and pop can be very bad for their heart. Spending non-stop hours online or gaming can lead to sleep deprivation which in turn can cause dementia as well as cause bodily harm.

3. Alternate Reality - For some children, online gaming and usage can seem more real to them than the actual real world. If the addiction is strong enough, the child will begin to remove him or herself from what is right or wrong in the real world and begin living everything through the technological device of choice. Once a child can't tell the difference between circumstances in the real world versus what is online, they begin to develop a twisted and warped view of reality.

4. Withdrawal - The withdrawal symptoms for technology addiction can mimic symptoms from drug or alcohol withdrawal. Although the chemical compositions are different, the same feeling, anxiety, anger, and mental state are the same. As the mind believes it needs its addiction of choice in order to survive, the person will do almost anything in order to satisfy the hunger. In children, it could manifest itself as temper tantrums, restlessness, and even physical violence in some cases. His or her mind could begin to wander in school unable to keep concentrated on anything except the technology that seems to call to them.

As with any addiction, there are methods that you as the parent can implement in order to reduce the amount of tension that comes from technology addiction. Seeking professional help should be the first place to start. There are those who are experienced in technology addiction and have developed proven methods that work in order to help your child. Don't wait until your child is one of the stories featured on the nightly news because of a technology mishap.

Author Byline:

Kelsey is the editor in chief for www.findananny.net/. She loves to write article and ideas that parents & nannies would be interested in hearing. She helps society on giving information about nannies through nanny services. She is a professional writer & loves writing on anything.

Throughout most of my life I have been surrounded by some type of addiction. It always takes on the same form with each and every person no matter what the object of addiction is. I know that each person who has had any contact with addiction most likely has tried to figure out where it comes from and why it happens. I am aware that it is considered a disease and that it may be hereditary. Although what I am not sure of is whether or not it is completely a physical disease. I believe at least half or more of the problem is with the heart.

If you are an addict or have ever been around one you know that they are generally very selfish people. Their number one concern is themselves. The world seems to revolve around them and their needs. The majority of addicts I have been around say the same thing over and over. “I am not hurting anyone but myself.” This is a fabrication of their selfish nature.

Unless they live on an island all alone they are always hurting someone else with their addiction. Many times they hurt people financially, they have families that do without because of their addictions. Many times the hurt is emotional, parents, spouses, children, siblings, or friends that hurt because they care or because of constant disruptions in the family. It always ends up that the responsible people; the selfless people are the ones who take care of everything going on around these people.

I believe it is physical but I also believe it is a problem of the heart. In our society today if you have an addiction that goes beyond the boundaries of home then our society punishes by jail or probation. Neither one of these helps the person with the addiction. I realize that there are way too many people with problems and our society can not rehabilitate the masses, but what about the young people? Apparently they are having problems adjusting to society because they either did not get the right training at home or they come from a home with major addiction problems. We treat them the same as everyone else once they turn seventeen. Now I am not talking about robbery, rape, killing, etc. even though they also need serious help, they should be tucked away somewhere so that they can not harm anyone else but still get some kind of rehabilitation. With the money our cities are spending on police to round up the pot smokers, the school fights and truancy issues we could be putting that into rehab instead.

I am not an expert in these matters but wouldn’t it make more sense to try and get these kids some help instead of throwing them in jail? Most of the kids getting thrown in jail are kids that are smoking pot or drinking. They are not into more serious crimes and addictions yet. It is just my opinion but the government seems to be using excessive amounts of time and our police force on teenagers. I know the philosophy; if we throw them in jail it will scare it out of them. I have a son who is a teenager now and I am not just speaking about my son but all the kids I have seen around him. They are not scared of jail; it almost seems to be a mark of some kind of manliness to have been to jail. If anything it seems to harden them and make them feel like they are already one of the lost of society.

I believe the reason for this is that the majority of the children today have to be hard to survive. With parents out of control, schools out of control and our society in general not functioning where do these children turn? I know from experience that a boy can not even have a school yard fight on the journey to being a man anymore because the police are on campuses arresting or fining them for fighting. I know we can not allow guns or knives in our schools but a disagreement between boys that ends with a couple of punches needs to be a criminal matter? Where are these young people to go? They need a heart change; they need to know that someone cares how they feel. They need some kind of intervention before they get any harder.

If someone has an addiction and it is a disease how is incarceration going to help? I do realize that if someone is messed up and it is hurting other people we need to stop them. We can not let their addictions hurt others. But I also see that there is no division of the young people that may be helped or a line drawn in the sand over those who could be helped and those that have no wish to be helped. I see children who are hurting and virtually homeless trying to learn how to cope. How can placing them around other, perhaps even hardened criminals help? Even if we try and there are but a handful who change isn’t that worth a try?

I know that there are people who do not agree with me and that the funds are not there for these types of things. I really do not understand all of the underlying workings of the system but how often does the system get looked at? Is there any hope for our youth? The majority of children today do not come from loving homes with values. I am sure there are some really good programs out there to help them but how many make it there?

I am reminded of a line from one of my all time favorite Christmas movies when I think of our young people today and their plight. “Are there no work houses? Are there no prisons?” It does remind me of debtor’s prison in a way. If you are in debt and cannot work then how do you repay your debt? If you are a child and no one teaches you and you end up in jail then how do you learn to be a productive member of society?

I realize there are no simple solutions to the dilemma our society faces today. I do wish that some of the people in places of power could start somewhere in changing things around for the better. I am just a mother, a sister, a child, and a friend of those that have addiction and I see that this world’s system is not helping.

I am also a daughter of the King, my heavenly Father. I am lifting up the children and those that are sick with addictions in prayer before His throne because He does care what happens to them. I am asking Him to use me where I am. I know that if hearts were changed that lives would change. I know that people need direction and guidance and not all people need punishment. I do not know how we can reverse the process of what is going on today in our country and our courts but I do think we should give it a try.

Let us hope that the doctors and nurses do not give up trying because there is disease and sickness that they can not yet find a cure for. We are also seeing that come to pass in some places, where people are being herded through like cattle to the doctors who have lost hope. I know there are still dedicated doctors, judges, and law makers out there. I am thankful for those people who are not afraid to take a chance and try something different when nothing seems to be working. There are those who put their lives and their hearts on the line for people who are not only physically sick but mentally and emotionally sick. I am thankful for those people and for all those who care about doing more than getting young people into the system and leaving them there. Thank you.

Author Bio:  Allison Foster writes on behalf of www.nannyclassifieds.com. It provides a great solution to the needs of both nannies and working parents for finding anything on the internet

There are two government programs that have been under fire from critics inside and outside of the government since their inception. These two government programs are Medicare and Medicaid, both of which provide healthcare services to the disadvantaged and poverty-stricken through the use of taxpayer funds. The programs were created and enacted by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 as part of the Social Security Act, which was itself a component of Johnson’s “Great Society” program. According to popular belief the two programs are actually very different in various ways, but both Medicare and Medicaid are controlled and ran by the same government organization: the United States Department of Health and Human Services, under the branch called the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

In its most basic form, Medicare can be described as a government-run social insurance agency that helps more than 44 million people (as of 2008) and costs about $432 billion a year (as of 2007), according to the information kept by the United States government. The money that is spent by the United States government on Medicare makes up about 3.2% of the entire United States of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

On the other hand, Medicaid is more of a social welfare program for people in need. Medicaid helps more than 40 million people nationwide (as of 2007) and costs about $330 billion a year in taxpayer funds (as of 2007). The total amount spent on Medicaid amounts to about 2.4% of the United States’ GDP, according to the United States government. Together, both health service programs make up more than 5% of the nation’s GDP, which is a pretty large number no matter how you slice it.

Medicaid is primarily for low-income people, and is used on a need-by-need basis. The program is fundamentally run on the federal level, except that the state has some responsibilities. Each state must establish their own eligibility requirements for Medicaid and each state must determine the type of services Medicaid will provide, as well as the cost, duration, and scope of the services that the state Medicaid program will provide. On top of all that state-level responsibility, each state must also set the rate of payment services and oversee the administrative processes related to the Medicaid program. There are, however, federal rules that require each state’s Medicaid program to include various medical services in its program, such as inpatient hospital services, prenatal care, vaccines for children, and laboratory and x-ray services, among many other requirements.

Medicare, on the other hand, is also a federal program, but instead of being geared toward low-income people, the program is primarily for disabled people and the elderly. An important point to note is that the elderly and disabled tend to also have higher rates of poverty than other socioeconomic groups. The program is broken up into four groups (A,B,C and D). Parts A and B are for hospital and medical insurance-related issues and parts C and D are for flexibility in coverage and prescription medications.

Medicare Part A is essentially hospital insurance, as it helps pay for any hospital care or stays that the patient experienced. This includes meals, rooms, supplies, testing, and any other services that were rendered while at the hospital. This section is also responsible for paying for home healthcare services, which is needed for many elderly and disabled patients who cannot travel to a hospital easily. Part B helps pay for physician visits and other related things. This part is paid through a monthly deductible from the person receiving Medicare.

Part C is also commonly referred to as Medicare Advantage Plans, or Medicare + Choice. This allows people to customize their medical insurance plan, and allows a person to bring in a private health insurance agent into the overall insurance policy. Part D is an insurance expansion policy that was created in 2006. It was created by the federal government as a way to lower the cost of prescription drugs for the elderly and the disabled, as costs for the drugs have been soaring over the last decade.

Byline

This article was written by Roy McClure for the team at medicalscrubsmall.com; contact them to learn about their top-notch Dickies scrubs and other great items.

Balboa Horizons is for men and women who want strong Christian values incorporated into their recovery program.

Addiction programs treat all types of addictions. Just some of these are addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex and even shopping. Those who believe that they have an addiction serious enough to need treatment will want to find the most appropriate place for their unique circumstances. No matter what their addictions are, they will be able to choose an inpatient or outpatient, secular or Christian or a program with a particular philosophy to help them meet their goals.

Do You Need an Inpatient or an Outpatient Program?

An inpatient program is ideal for those who have been abusing a substance for several years or even decades. If this is the case, the detoxification process can cause these people to experience frightening withdrawal symptoms. When this occurs, they are highly tempted to drink or use the drugs again.

In an inpatient program, addicts will live at the facility and, therefore, will be unable to leave to seek alcohol or drugs. Furthermore, they will not be left alone while they are in detox. They will have physicians and nurses who can administer medications to ease their withdrawal symptoms so that they do not feel the compulsion to drink or take drugs.
An outpatient program, on the other hand, is possible for those who have supportive environments to return to after they spend the day at their treatment centers.

Do You Require a Secular or Christian Philosophy?

Addiction programs may incorporate religion into the treatment, or they can remain secular and offer the same type of therapy. For example, Christian and secular rehab treatment centers offer addicts the detoxification process if they are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and they have doctors and nurses attending to patients during this time.

Both secular and Christian addiction treatment centers have therapists that conduct individual, group and family counseling to help people remain addiction-free after they have left the treatment center. A secular program will be right for those who are meeting their spiritual needs in another manner.

Those who would benefit from Christian addiction treatment are people who believe that they need to bring religion back into their lives to help them overcome their addictions. Christian treatment centers will also welcome those who have never been introduced to Christianity; patients will just need to agree to attend these treatment centers’ bible study courses and lectures.

Do You Need Treatment for a Dual Diagnosis?

In many cases, a mental illness accompanies a drug addiction. Treatment centers that can accommodate these patients have a psychiatrist on staff who is a medical doctor who can diagnose the illness and prescribe medications to treat it.

Are You Addicted to More than One Substance?

Some people are addicted alcohol at the same time that they are addicted to an illegal drug. Others may be addicted to more than one substance at a time. These people will benefit from an addiction treatment program that can treat an addiction to more than one substance or behavior at the same time.

Would Alcoholics Anonymous or Holistic Treatment Be Right for You?

Different addiction centers conduct their treatment programs according to different philosophies, and people have the option of choosing a center that is devoted to the one with which they are most comfortable. One well-known addiction program is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a 12-step program that people can begin in their rehab treatment centers and continue with after they leave the center.

People have many different holistic treatments to choose from as well, and they include those that offer yoga, Eastern philosophies, massage therapy, meditation and nutritional therapies. These treatment centers treat the physical addiction, the psychological addiction and the spiritual side of the addiction to incorporate the body-mind-spirit connection into the treatment process.

What about the Cost?

The most important thing that people need to consider is the type of treatment they will receive and the best place for them to receive it, but they cannot neglect the fact that they will need to pay for the treatment. Once people know what they are looking for in an addiction program, they will want to make sure that the facility accepts their insurance. If they do not have insurance, they will want to look for a facility that has an affordable payment plan.

Author Bio

Grace Kelly writes for Zintro.com, a marketplace of experts in various fields that helps connect investors, lawyers, analysts, entrepreneurs, and more. Find an expert by discipline on Zintro.com consultant directory.

Binge eating affects millions of Americans, and according to experts like former FDA Commissioner David kessler, MD, it's a major factor in the nation's drive to obesity.  We become reliant on fatty, salty and sweet foods, which trigger endorphin releases in our brains and compel us to prefer unhealthy options to fruit, vegetables and balanced carbohydrates.  Some people also associate foods with stress relief and end up turning to fast food, candy and soda in order to deal with feelings of sadness, loneliness, anger or other stress.

Dealing with a loved one who is going through addiction is one of the most trying and difficult experiences imaginable. There are so many different interests going up against one another: you want to take care of your loved one, you need to protect yourself, and you need to not waste your time trying to help them when they're not willing to accept your help.

The bad news is that you can never be 100% certain that your loved one is being honest about wanting help. When you're dealing with a person who is in the throes of addiction the fact is that you're not dealing with that person, you're dealing an addict. The need for the drug takes over every other aspect of their personality from rational thought to their innermost dreams and passions. Everything takes second stage to getting the next fix, so even the most honest person can be driven to lies and deception if the addiction gets hold of them.

Another complication is that people who ask for help today might not want it tomorrow. It's very easy for an addict to say that they've had enough when they've just had a fix, when things are going well, but hard for them to stick to that promise when they're crashing back down to reality.

This is the hardest fact about helping someone over an addiction: you need to be strong when they aren't.

The trickiest part of this is that you need to be strong and loving and at the same time not remotely generous in terms of giving them money or a place to stay or help in that area. The only helping hand you can really afford to lend an addict is help in recovery. It doesn't take an expert to know where the money is going when you hand it to an addict.

It doesn't take an expert to know what they're bringing into your home. The line needs to be drawn at helping them overcome their addiction. Outside of that, an addict needs to learn to be self-reliant, because even so much as paying for their groceries is a form of enabling.

And no, enabling is not about blame. When you buy a drug addict groceries and they use that as an excuse to spend their grocery money on drugs, that doesn't make their addiction your fault. Rather, you are simply doing something that allows them to remain addicted. This is why we need to be careful about how and when we choose to help an addicted friend or family member.

At the end of the day there's really no way of telling when you can believe that your loved one is ready to quit, but you can be there for them when they need help kicking a habit. There are ways that you can help them overcome withdrawal at home and there are rehab centers that might be covered by their insurance. There is hope for an addict no matter what stage they find themselves at, but help needs to be extended only in the form of helping them overcome the addiction itself. With this in mind, it's not really a matter of knowing when they're telling the truth so much as offering the kind of help that they have no use for unless they're actually ready to quit.

Byline

This article was composed by Ty Whitworth for the team at medical sales jobs in London.

Bad habits can be difficult to break. I know that very well myself, for I have formed numerous bad habits since early childhood, and though I have broken some of them, others still linger on. I sucked my thumb until I was twelve, and I can tell you that it took a great deal of effort on my part to shed that habit. Some of these addictions make us look unattractive in public. Others handicap us in our ability to perform the necessary tasks of daily life effectively. But whatever their effects are, it is much better to prevent such unattractive habits from forming in the first place, and this article will teach you how to do that.

1) Curbing bad financial habits

There are probably few areas in which human beings are so inclined to formulate bad habits than money. People can be so eager to spend on things they see and think they would like, but they start procrastinating when it comes to paying up on their credit card accounts, or they yield to temptation, show sort-sightedness or disorganization, or become anxious. All of these vices can be nipped in the bud by developing the following good habits:

• procrastination—The interest that accumulates on credit card debts means that the longer one procrastinates on payment, the greater the expense will be. To make sure that payments decrease over time, you can overpay each monthly amount. You can also apply for a balance transfer card on which the amount due on all your cards—if you have more than one of them—is collected into a single place, thus simplifying the repayment process.

• short-sightedness and disorganization—Many people apply for benefits such as mortgages without first making sure they really qualify for them. They may also have too many accounts—checking, savings, multiple credit cards, and investments—so that finding out their overall financial situation can be time- and energy-consuming and irritating. These habits can be stopped by doing things to improve one’s credit score, thus being able to qualify for a wider range of things. Mobile apps are also available that enable the holders of multiple accounts to keep track of all of them simultaneously.

• anxiety—Poor planning is often the result of the upset caused by making minor financial slips. There are often ways of remedying such situations. For instance, a single late credit card payment can be removed from the record if you write a goodwill adjustment letter. Email can also be used to set up automatic alerts when bills are due.

• As for the problem of yielding to the temptation to spend beyond one’s means, there is the simple habit of avoiding stores where such temptation might arise. Staying out of bad situations is always more effective than having to fight one’s impulses.

Habits- Featured on Pinterest

2) Health habits

Abusing one’s health is another area in which people have become so inept. Eating too much junk food is a vice that many develop early in youth and continue to indulge in long afterward. And if people go on diets and exercise programs, they may cheat on them or simply fail to adhere to them faithfully—and so if they have lost any weight at all, it soon comes back. (Yet another area with which I am too well acquainted!)

To prevent yourself from slacking off when it comes to exercise, do not start out all at once with a big workout. Just do a little one day and gradually increase both the weight and the duration of each exercise, and you will see the good results it produces.

You might also go by a store on your daily walk and by yourself candy or junk to eat. Again, you can avoid this temptation by taking a route that does not lead you anywhere near such stores.

If you make the effort to prevent unpleasant habits, you can save yourself a great deal of uphill battles which make you use more energy than you would otherwise have to. As the wise Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And “better safe than sorry.”

Author Bio

Katelyn Roberts is a frequent contributor for NetQin, helping couple explore vacations to keep them healthy and safe.

Addiction can devastate families. Not only does the addict destroy his or her own life through engaging in addictive and often risky behavior, but he or she can destroy the lives of family members and friends who care and try to help. Sadly, many addicts live in denial, believing they could stop the addictive behavior if they truly wanted to. In order for addiction treatment to work, addicts must decide for themselves that they have a problem and want to make changes in their lives. Although you can't force an addict to see his or her problem for what it is, there are things you can do to help lead them towards the realization that they need help.

Take a Step Back
Paradoxically, the best way to show an addict that he or she needs help is to take as much of a hands-off approach as possible. Often, families of addicts try to protect the addict from the consequences of his or her behavior because they don't want anything really bad to happen. However, this has the effect of stopping the addict from realizing that actions have consequences. When the addict is left to deal with consequences on their own, often they realize they don't want to live this way and seek help. Some of the things you can do to help the addict sees that he or she has a problem include:

·Stop offering "bailouts." Some addicts spend their rent money on their addiction, run up big bills with their dealer or engage in illegal activity that lands them in jail. Whether you are literally bailing your addict out of jail or just covering expenses he or she can't pay because of the addiction, giving money just allows the addict to keep engaging in negative behavior. Allow the addict to deal with the financial consequences of addiction so that he or she has the opportunity to realize that their lifestyle causes stress and potentially want to change.

·Don't nag. Nagging or lecturing the addict about stopping the behavior causes the addict to either make promises they can't keep about stopping or to get angry and defensive. Neither one gets you what you want. Don't mention the addict's addiction to them anymore or try to control it by throwing away bottles or flushing pills down the toilet. Ignore the addiction and go about your business. The addict is more likely to realize he or she has a problem if you are not paying attention to their behavior.

·Set clear boundaries. If you don't like the addict's behavior, don't be around it. Leave the house if the addict is drunk or high, refuse phone calls while not sober or set other boundaries. When the addict realizes that he or she is engaging in addiction alone and that you are living life without them, they might decide they want help.

Seek Help For Yourself

If you've been caught up in someone else's addiction for a long period of time, you might need help separating yourself from the addict or refraining from enabling addictive behaviors. Seeking help for yourself sometimes causes the addict to realize he or she needs help too.

Addiction is challenging because it causes the addict to use your love for them against yourself. Most people want to protect loved ones from harm, but you can't stop the addict from becoming homeless, becoming a victim of violence or dying of an overdose. Only the addict can do that. When you refrain from protecting the addict from consequences of his or her behavior, you make it more likely that he or she will realize they have a problem and need help.

Author Bio

Rebecca Brown is an avid blogger for NQ Mobile official Nasdaq profile, keeping people protected when using their mobile devices.

Too many times we have seen recovering athletes and movie stars tell their story of addiction recovery leaving all of us with a feeling that if we try drugs we will not have an addiction. This is positively not true.

1. Starting - Identifying why one chose to do unlawful drugs, excessive alcohol or smoking will be 90% of the solution. If not easily identifiable, then reasonable doubt can be employed filtering through the twining of the ball of rubber bands about ready to snap.

2. Rejection - Rejection by friends and family may lead to a greater addiction. A true rejection of the opposed drug and user will alienate and destroy family and household alliance. It is important not to badger.

3. Discovery - Discovery of an addiction in the family or household can lead to rebuking spiritual deity or the head of household. Respect has to be introduced again into one's life. Point out positive signs with compliments; i.e. nice dress, you look really good in that color. One cannot give compliments until they learn to receive them.

4. Self-respect - Respect can only be shown to others after the attainment of self-respect. A self-respecting family member will turn away from the addicting substance with anger and defiance at first; then resolve respect with soft smiles of shyness; rebounding into the child of nature which was once born.

Put away the "if I can do it, you can" books of celebrities. Chances are they don't know why they started using drugs; or even why they wanted to be a celebrity, for that matter. There is truly no money in selling arbitrary recovery manuals. Keep up the good work and make that never ending addiction collapse into your fortitude.

Perfecting your own attitude about the addiction and the person who is addicted creates a formidable atmosphere within the household. Beginning and ending each day with a look in the mirror and seeing progress in the smiling eyes is no doubt one of the realities of relieving and rebuking addiction.

It's not "I can do it"; it's "I am doing it" that makes all the difference in the recovering addict's world. There is profit in the ability to speak no addiction, see no addiction and hear no addiction. Do not be afraid to applaud yourself and those around you. Applause is not necessarily clapping the hands; a simple thumbs up is also a form of applause.
Author Bio:

Jack Meyer is a regular contributor for http://www.nannybackgroundcheck.com/. As a detective he wants to spread the knowledge of terrible things that can happen when people don’t fully verify the credentials of a caregiver or any employee. He also writes for various law enforcement blogs and sites.

Having an addiction, whether it be to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or other harmful behaviors, is rarely the fault of one person. Often times the addict will not be able to support themselves due to their destructive behavior, and will instead rely on an enabler.

An enabler is a person who allows the addict to continue leading their harmful lifestyle which only prolongs the problem. There are many types of enablers, but the two most common are those who are too scared to seek help and those who are simply trying to help or protect the addict.

Enablers Who Fear Consequences

Often times when a person drinks, does drugs, or partakes in any other harmful activities, their entire personality changes. Drinking in particular is known for turning a once kind individual into an extremely violent person at the drop of a hat. When violence is added to the equation, many enablers may be too scared to seek help. For example, a loving man and woman may get married and live a happy life for many years. Suddenly times get hard and the man turns to drinking to help ease his pain. He then turns violent and begins beating his wife to help relieve some of his frustration. While his wife knows this kind of behavior is unacceptable, she's too scared to do anything for fear that it will result in a more severe beating later. This enables the man and teaches him that regardless of how bad he may be acting, no one will ever stop him, so he has no reason to change.

Other times an enabler will put off getting help because they're scared of how others will view them. Humans are social creatures by nature and no one wants to be the outcast of the group. A family may appear perfectly normal on the outside, when in reality, drugs are tearing the family apart on the inside. No one wants to air their dirty laundry for the whole world to see, so many choose to just ignore the problem in hopes that it will go away. This not only doesn't solve anything, but it continues to enable the addict and make the living situation even worse.

Enablers Who Try To Help

Many times an enabler will be a family member that's trying to help the addict. While any family members can become an enabler, most cases involve the mother, father, husband, or wife. Both the parents and the spouse of an addict often feel that it is their duty to protect their loved one. For example, when the addict is on the verge of becoming homeless because they've wasted all their money, the enabler may provide them with additional cash. If the addict is arrested, the enabler may post bail. These gestures are meant to help the addict, but really just enable the individual to continue leading their harmful lifestyle.

Nobody wants to see someone they love go to jail, end up homeless, or even die, but that's exactly what enablers are doing. The reality is that, unless something changes, the enabler is going to help contribute to the addicts early death.

Helping Addicts And Enablers

In order for the addict to finally recover, they must first hit rock bottom. This can be extremely difficult for family and friends to watch, but is a necessary step in the recovering process. Only when the addict has no where left to go will they be forced to admit they have a problem and need help.

Since having a family member or friend who is an addict is extremely hard, enablers should be encouraged to seek counseling. With the help of a therapist, the enabler will be able to admit that not only does the addict have a problem, but they also have a problem as well. Once coming to terms with this, all parties will be able to recover accordingly.

Byline

This article was written by Karl Stockton for the team at Medical Records Retrieval Services.

Picture Credit - The Blazing Center

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Citing data from NIMH (the National Institute of Mental Health), NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) states that 26.2% of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.  It further states that according to a doctor cited in the Archives of General Psychology, over half of Americans will meet the criteria for some type of mental disorder in their lifetime.  Many of the most common mental illnesses carry a variety of mental and emotional stresses brought on by the anxieties of dealing with the condition.  Recent studies have shown that in some cases, there can also be a number of physical symptoms present in subjects dealing with mental illness, and that they may bring an extra level of difficulty for the patients.  Are these physical symptoms directly related to the mental disorders, or are they actually a distraction from the necessary work of caring for the mental components?

The Most Common Mental Illnesses

Depression:  According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps.  True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or even longer.

Anxiety:  Specifically, General Anxiety Disorder is a pattern of anxiety and constant worry over various activities and events.  Though some levels of anxiety can be normal in specific situations, too much anxiety causes abnormal levels of adrenaline to be released, causing a state of nervousness and an inability to rest.  The heart may beat faster and breathing can become rapid and difficult.

Phobias:  These are intense and usually irrational fears that can cause erratic behavior and avoidance of the object that is feared.  Often these are social phobias, such as a fear of being around people, touching things that other people have touched, or speaking to people.

Physical Conditions Associated with Mental Illness

Mental illnesses have been linked to physical and physiological symptoms including loss of appetite, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, upset stomach, joint pain, blurred vision, shaking hands, hallucinations caused by sensory overload, or the inability to sleep.  Some of these may be caused by an excess of epinephrine secreted by the brain, or by extra adrenaline that hormone glands create in order to combat perceived threats which may be created by the mind.  When the brain senses that the body may be in danger, whether real or perceived, it may cause the body to secrete a higher amount of hormones than is normal in an effort to combat the threat.  Many of these are very normal symptoms of mental illnesses and are experienced by millions of sufferers of various mental illnesses.

Putting It All Together

The trick is not to confuse the symptoms with the problem.  By addressing the symptoms only, the larger problems may be missed.  It’s important to realize what may be behind the symptoms so that the actual catalyst is taken care of.  By effectively treating mental illnesses which are tied into physical symptoms, there’s a very good chance that some of the physical symptoms will disappear.  Some may not disappear entirely, but may be controlled through the treatment of the mental illness and through repeated therapy.

Byline

This article was written by Karl Stockton for the team at http://www.medicalcodingandbillingcertification.net/.

Blackouts are among the most potentially harmful outcomes of consuming alcohol, in part because of their impact on the brain, and also in part because of their tendency to dramatically increase the vulnerability of drinkers. If you asked a random assortment of college students about their feelings toward blackouts, you would receive a set of responses which points to a universal impression of fear and loathing. Recent studies have provided substantial support for the theory that certain people may be predisposed to experience alcohol-induced blackouts; it is very important, therefore, that college students be aware not only of the conditions associated with blackouts but also of their own level of susceptibility.

What are Blackouts?

Blackouts are mental states characterized by severe memory impairment (in many cases amnesia), reduced motor coordination, impaired vision, and other effects. Blackouts represent an extreme version of alcohol-induced intoxication: drinkers who experience blackouts are peculiarly vulnerable to danger and abuse because blackouts often induce ‘sleep-like’ mental states.

There is no consensus regarding the exact blood alcohol (BAC) concentration required to trigger blackouts, but the condition has been experienced by people with BACs as low as 0.14. As a general rule, blackouts are much more likely to occur when alcohol is consumed in conjunction with other substances, such as valium or marijuana. People vary widely in their level of susceptibility to experience blackouts. Several recent studies suggest that this variability may have a basis in genetics.

The Evidence

Researchers began to speculate that certain individuals may be inherently more likely to experience blackouts after a 1969 study on hospitalized alcoholics. In the study, 36 of the 100 patients had never suffered a blackout, despite the fact that their drinking was so intense it required hospitalization.

Several more recent studies have provided support for this supposition. For instance, a 2003 study showed that certain individuals were more likely to suffer memory impairments after consuming alcohol than others even while controlling for quantity. In the study, 108 college students were give memory tests both before and after consuming a common quantity of alcohol; the results showed that individuals with a history of blackouts performed worse than those without such a history.

Also, in 2003, researchers produced a report on a longitudinal study which began in the 1970s and examined the effects of pre-natal alcohol exposure on later behavior. The researchers found that the offspring of pregnant women who consumed alcohol during pregnancy were more likely to experience blackouts even after controlling for general drinking habits.

Finally, a 2004 concluded that there may in fact be a genetic contribution to the susceptibility to experience blackouts.

Exercise Caution

If certain people are more likely to experience blackouts because of an inherent susceptibility, it follows that college students need to be exceedingly careful regarding their drinking habits. College students may want to conduct an in-depth investigation into their own drinking history in order to determine if they may have a natural susceptibility to experience blackouts. And, even if natural susceptibility is not a viable explanation, college students still need to be supremely conscious of the realities of alcohol-induced blackouts as they pose severe, long-term health risks.

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Byline

This article was written by Karl Stockton for the team at Phentermine; check out the Phentermine website to learn more about them.

Picture Credit- 25 Rules For Mothers With Sons.

Living with someone who is struggling with addiction can be hard. Whether a person struggles with substance abuse, gambling or shopping addiction, close family members often feel confused and helpless as they watch their loved one struggle. This can be especially true for children who may lack the verbal skills and life experience that it takes to help a loved one to overcome their problems. Therefore, the following tips are provided in order to offer some ways that families can help their child to learn how to cope with a parent’s addiction.

1. Be honest-Often, children have already witnessed many of the effects of substance abuse or other addictions. Hiding the problem can often lead to further confusion and fear. Therefore, parents should explain in simple terms that the parent has an addiction that is like a disease and requires hard work to overcome.

2. Eliminate blame-Because young children are egocentric, they may believe that they have done something to cause their parents addiction. For this reason, it is important to reassure children that they have not done anything to make their parent struggle. Letting them know that being good or bad does not affect the parents recovery can offer children of an addicted parent relief.

3. Find a support group-Children who live in a home with addiction often feel as if they are the only person who struggles with this problem. For this reason, many support groups have been developed with the specific goal of helping children who are learning to cope with their parent’s addiction. Finding others who also have the same problem can offer children an important resource for support.

4. Keep communication open-For many parents, talking about addiction and their recovery can be difficult due to the many emotions that arise when the topic is broached by others. However, children need to know that they can ask questions at any time in order to ease their concerns. Therefore, parents should try to remain open so that their children can turn to them for advice.

5. Share milestones-Each day of battling addiction is full of triumphs and setbacks. Make children a part of celebrating milestones during a parent’s recovery so that they can see how hard their parent is working to overcome their addiction. Allow children to help mark off on a calendar each successful day of a parent’s recovery, and celebrate with a special treat at the end of each week or month of sobriety.

Because addiction affects the entire family, it is important to help each member of the family to learn how to cope with their loved one’s addiction. Children, especially, benefit from living in an open environment that encourages communication and offers support so that they can find ways of dealing with the effects of their parent’s addiction.

Author Bio:

Paul and his wife Julie both spend quite a bit of time coming up with ideas, blogging, and researching all things related to childcare. They take care of all the necessary information related to “babysittingjobs.com/”. He personally thinks his blog will help finding information on all things related to a babysitter.

Leaving for college is one of the first steps that most people will take in their journey towards adulthood. Living in a dorm and coping with roommates teaches valuable life skills that will prepare young adults for future relationships and living on their own. When packing for college it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new adventure, yet it is important to leave certain items behind in order to avoid being branded with a bad reputation.

Illegal Substances and Accessories

Obviously any illegal drugs and related accessories should not be brought to the dorm. These types of items can lead to legal troubles and jail time while using them will negatively impact academic performance. What many incoming students do not know, however, is that most campuses also forbid alcohol in the dorms. On a dry campus, alcohol in any form is prohibited and this extends to any living areas on the campus.

Valuables and Family Heirlooms

While Grandma’s diamond ring might be the perfect accessory to wear on job interviews and dates, it is at risk of being lost or stolen on a college campus. It might be tempting to trust dorm mates and view then as an extended family, yet it is important to remember that many strangers will be coming in and out of the dorm. Upon arrival to campus, it is important to store money and valuable items in the bank and in a safety deposit box. For added safety, leave cherished items at home if they will not be necessary to have at college.

Collections of any Kind

Dorm rooms are small, and when two people are sharing one, space can become quite limited. Most collections tend to be large and take up valuable space. Also, depending upon the collection, other people might find it to be weird or even offensive. If leaving a collection behind is unbearable, try taking only one or two favorite items along. These can then be used to decorate the dorm room while also displaying personal interests. Keeping knickknacks and stuffed animals to a minimum is the best way to avoid snickers and jokes from dorm mates and friends.

Flammables

Like illegal substances, many colleges have banned the use of any appliances and materials that could cause a fire. This applies to candles, countertop appliances, incense burners and other commonly used items. Instead of bringing things that could cause a fire, use accent lighting to soften the brightness of a room and air fresheners to keep the dorm smelling nice.

Books

This might seem like a strange item to leave behind when going to college, but the truth is that books are heavy and take up valuable room for packing. Once the semester has begun, there will be very little time left for leisurely reading anyway. Textbooks, lecture notes and required reading lists will be all the literature that is needed for the duration of the term.

Significant Other

The most difficult thing to leave behind when going to school is a significant other. However, it is hardly fair to expect someone to wait for four years while only seeing each other during short breaks and over the summer. Besides, college is a place to meet new people and have fresh experiences. Worrying about the boyfriends or girlfriend waiting back at home can significantly dampen the opportunity to explore.

Leaving behind the prohibited items when going to college does not mean that the fun has to end. Be sure to take along any electronics, games and other activities that will be of use during leisure times. Take along a pair of headphones, and roommates will not mind small televisions, stereos and computers. Learning to get along with others while living in a dorm will be an experience with lessons that will be used in life well after college is over.

Byline

This article was penned by Karl Stockton for kendall.edu. Whether successful or unsuccessful, too easy or too hard, college is undoubtedly an interesting experience. For those who’d like to learn more about colleges near Chicago,contact Kendall to see their information on Chicago colleges.

Think about all of the crimes you have seen or heard on the news that are alcohol induced. Excessive drinking is often a cause of reckless behavior. Crimes that occur as a result of offenders abusing alcohol can be reduced with the proper focus and attention placed on this situation.

Consider some of the statistics released by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)

· There are over 5 million adults today who remain under correctional supervision as a result of an offense they committed while under the influence of alcohol.

· Alcohol plays a part in 40% of violent crimes.

· 40% of convicted murderers currently incarcerated were under the influence of alcohol when they committed their crimes.

The reduction of alcohol does not guarantee a reduction in crime, but when the statistics show an overwhelming percentage of offenders who are under the influence, something should be done.

When crime and drugs were extremely bad in many metropolitan cities back in the 70s and 80s, community leaders worked hard to fight back against this epidemic. Neighborhood leaders worked hard to close many liquor stores that they felt were fostering an unfriendly environment.

Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago experienced this in the worst way as they saw their cities suffer from alcoholism and crime at the same time.

Many residents felt their communities were purposely being destroyed with liquor stores being put into their neighborhoods by greater powers. The government typically requires a liquor tax bond to collect a tax on the sale of alcohol but that is typically the extent of their influence within these communities. The government will ensure the collection of liquor taxes but will not place the same emphasis on building these communities.

Until the government takes a stronger stance on alcohol related crimes, we will continue to see communities affected by alcohol suffer.

An enabler is someone whose behaviors inadvertently facilitate or encourage the behaviors of an addict. Typically, an enabler does these things out of feelings of love and support for the addict. The actions of the enabler often help to keep the addict from suffering the full consequences of his or her behavior. The addict can then continue to function in his or her addiction and avoid or delay the consequences that often lead to the addict seeking or being forced into help for the addiction. Often an enabler does not realize that his or her behaviors are contributing to the ongoing problem. Some of the common characteristics of enablers are discussed below.

1. Denial One of the most common characteristics of an enabler is denial. He or she will often refuse to admit that the addict has a problem at all. Another type of denial is minimizing behavior. One may concede that the addict does exhibit some addictive behaviors, but stop short of admitting that there is a problem that needs intervention.
2. Making Excuses Enablers often find themselves making excuses for the actions of an addict. An enabler might call work for the addict to say he or she is ill. He or she might provide an alibi for the addict when they are unable to fulfill daily responsibilities.

3. Funding Addictions can be very expensive and enablers often give money to addicts out of genuine concern for their welfare. Many enablers will admit in retrospect that they are fully aware of how the addict is using the money. Enablers will often tell themselves that they are helping and whatever the addict does with the money after it is given is not their fault.

4. Assuming Responsibilities Often an enabler will start doing things for an addict that he or she should be doing for themselves. This might include housekeeping, paying bills, caring for dependents or anything else that is ultimately the responsibility of the addict.

5. Protecting Enablers generally act out of genuine concern for the addict. This concern often leads the enabler to protect the addict from feeling bad or experiencing the hardships that he or she might otherwise have to endure.

Conclusion The behaviors discussed above ultimately cause harm because they do not allow the addict to experience the hardship that is often needed for the addict to seek the help that he or she desperately needs. Enablers often feel that they are helping their loved one when they are in fact harming him or her by contributing to the problem in the long run. It is important to remember that it is okay to help but not to enable. Truly helping an addict involves being honest and letting him or her know that you see a problem, being careful not to criticize. An addict did not get to this point overnight, and likewise, will not recover immediately. Emotional support, without enabling behavior, is extremely valuable to an addict as they travel the road to recovery.

(Picture Credit - The Canyon- Renowned Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment Center)