TRAUMA AND ADDICTION

TRAUMA AND ADDICTION

By Maria Pau

Trauma, by its very nature, renders a person emotionally illiterate. What happens feels out of the norm, hard to pin down, elusive and strange, so we don't integrate it into our context of normal living. The brain, like any good computer, categorises information by type. For example, traumas

such as the school shootings in Littleton, Colorado, or a devastating hurricane or being raped are not part of our daily routines, so we don't have well-developed mental categories for organising our impressions of them.

They seem unreal, out of the ordinary, and they need to be talked through to make them feel real. Talking about trauma, going over what happened, contextualises it so we can integrate it. 

Complications due to Trauma

If we do not process trauma, the result can be serious and ongoing life complications such as

depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, anger, feelings of betrayal, and trouble trusting and connecting in relationships. Such are the symptoms that, when unresolved, lead people to seek pleasure or self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, food, sex, spending and other addictions.

Because of the unpredictable, uncontrollable and traumatic nature of substance abuse and addiction, people who are chemically dependent, or those in an addict's family system such as spouses, children and siblings, usually experience some form of psychological damage. Family members as well as many addicts present disorders that extend across a range of clinical syndromes, such as anxiety disorders, reactive and endogenous depression, psychosomatic symptoms, psychotic episodes, eating disorders and substance abuse, as well as developmental deficits, distortions in self-image, confused inner world with disorganised internal dynamics, and co-dependence.

Chronic tension, confusion and unpredictable behaviour, as well as physical and sexual abuse, are typical of addictive environments and create trauma symptoms. Individuals in addictive systems behave in ways consistent with the behaviours of victims of other psychological traumas. For example, trauma victims often develop "learned helplessness' - a condition in which they lose the capacity to appreciate the connection between their actions and their ability to influence their lives (Seligman 1975) as do individuals inaddictive systems.

"Persons are traumatised when they face uncontrollable life events and are helpless to affect the outcome of those events." (Lindemann 1944).  Many people suffer deep emotional and psychological pain and are systematically traumatised from living with addicts. After repeated failures and disappointments while trying to gain some semblance of control, feelings of fear, frustration, shame, inadequacy, guilt, resentment, self-pity and anger mount, as do rigid defines systems. 

Dysfuntional Defensive Strategies

A person who is abused or traumatised may develop dysfunctional defensive strategies or

behaviours designed to ward off emotional and psychological pain.   These might include self-medicating with chemicals (drugs or alcohol) as well as behavioural addictions that affect their brain chemistry by bingeing, purging or withholding food, or engaging in activities such as excessive work or high-risk behaviours such as risky sex or gambling. 

These behaviours affect the pleasure centers of the brain, enhancing "feel-good" chemicals and

minimizing pain. This means of handling trauma leads to the disease of

addiction.

Cellullar Memory

Scientific research, mainly in neurobiology, has produced significant studies of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The findings through brain imaging demonstrate that trauma can affect the body and brain much more than had previously been understood (Van der Kolk 1996). Traumatic memories are stored not only in the mind but throughout the body as what scientists call cellular memory. 

Psychodrama, because it is a role-playing method that includes the use of normal movement, provides a natural and immediate access to those memories. Long before the scientific research had yielded these conclusions, J. L. Moreno was developing his psychodramatic method, one of the earliest methods of body psychotherapy. Moreno taught that the body remembers what the mind forgets (J. Moreno 1964).

Based on observations of role-play, Moreno saw the importance of involving the body in remembering. He hypothesized two types of memory: content (mind) and action (Goody). 

Content memory is stored as thoughts, recollections, feelings and facts. Action memory is stored in the brain but also in the musculature as tension, holding, tingling, warmth, incipient movement, and the like. The best route to recapturing action memory, according to Zerka Moreno, his wife and co-developer of the field of psychodrama, is through expressive methods that use the whole person

(mind and body) in action. When we act out rather than talk out situations from our lives, the recollection of memories occurs more completely. The action itself stimulates memory, much in the same way an old song or a familiar smell is followed by a flood of associations.

"People have been aware of a close association between trauma and somatisation since the dawn of contemporary psychiatry" (Van der Kollt 1996). The link between mind and body (psyche and soma) is again supported by the current research of neuroscientist Candace Pert: "intelligence is located not only in the brain, but in cells that are distributed throughout the body… The memory of the trauma is stored by changes at the level of the neuropeptide receptor… This is taking place bodyside."  (Pert, 1998).

If you relate to this information call Coaching with Substance for help…. 07 5606 6315.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: Lots of information for you and any loved ones in the grips of ADDICTION.

A professional Addiction Recovery Coach from COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE can guide and support you deal with problem and save further misery for you and your family.

FOR HELP TODAY info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au Confidentiality assured.

Ph 07 560 66315 (7days) www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

The Physical Effects of Alcohol on Women

                                    The Physical Effects of Alcohol on Women

Women’s bodies react differently to alcohol than men’s bodies and this can be explained by biological differences:

Women have approximately 10% more fatty tissue and less body water than men. This means that women attain a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than men for the same volume of alcohol consumed.

Women have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of alcohol. As a result, women experience the effects of alcohol more quickly, and for longer, than men.  On average, women weigh less than men and, therefore, have less tissue to absorb alcohol.

Women’s hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and this

may affect the rate of alcohol metabolism in the body, causing women to

experience higher blood alcohol levels at different points in the cycle.

Although men and women experience many of the same negative physical

effects of excessive alcohol intake, research indicates that, as well as the

harm caused to women and the foetus in pregnancy, women may be more

vulnerable to harm than men, and some risks are specific to women:

Breast cancer

Although many studies have identified alcohol consumption as a risk

factor for breast cancer, the biological mechanisms involved have not been

defined. The international Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in

Breast Cancer compared 58,515 women with breast cancer and 95,067

without it. It concluded that up to 4% of breast cancers in the developed

world can be attributed to alcohol and that women drinking six drinks per

day, on average, are 46% more likely to develop breast cancer.

Liver damage

Women develop liver disease at lower drinking levels and after shorter

periods of time, compared to men. They are also more likely to develop

alcoholic hepatitis and to die from cirrhosis of the liver.

Brain damage

Women may be more vulnerable than men to alcohol-induced brain damage.

Views of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging found that a region of

the brain involved in coordinating multiple brain functions was smaller in

alcoholic women than non-alcoholic women and men.

Cognitive impairment

There is some evidence to suggest that women who drink heavily may

be more vulnerable to cognitive impairment than men, and this may have

implications for spatial memory, attention and constructive thinking.

Fertility

Alcohol intake correlates with decreased conception rates. Chronic drinking

can result in inadequate functioning of the ovaries and sometimes cessation

in menstruation. According to a study on the effect of moderate drinking on

fertility, even women with a weekly alcohol intake of five or fewer drinks

experienced reduced fertility. Couples trying to conceive may consider not

drinking alcohol as it may affect the quality of the egg and sperm prior to

conception.

Oral contraception

Contraceptives delay the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream;

therefore, women taking oral contraceptives may not become intoxicated as

quickly as they would normally.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a debilitating bone thinning disorder where bones become

fragile and more susceptible to fracture, affecting more women than men.

Studies have indicated that heavy drinking, particularly in adolescence or

young adult years, can dramatically compromise bone quality and may

increase osteoporosis risk in later life. Further evidence suggests that bones

do not overcome the damaging effects when alcohol use is discontinued.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS IN THE GRIPS OF ALCOHOLISM, CALL US TODAY FOR HELP 07 5606 6315  EMAIL: info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au 

See our website www.CoachingWithSubstance.Org.Au 

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Sex Addiction Australia: Self Assessment.

Sex Addiction

The following are a series of statements from Sex Addicts that describe their feelings and behaviours

around the addiction.

* Be honest with yourself.

1. I think about sex or romantic relationships most of the time.

2. I often feel shame, regret or remorse after sexual fantasy or behaviour.

3. I want to stop masturbating but I can’t.

4. I have difficulty staying monogamous in a relationship.

5. I break promises to myself to stop my unwanted sexual behaviour.

6. My sexual behaviour isolates me from my friends, family, etc.

7. My obsession with pornography interferes with my real relationships.

8. I obsessively sexualise people on the street.

9. I put myself at risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

10. I’ve been afraid of my "double life" and sexual secrets being discovered.

11. I’ve spent a great deal of time or money on sex.

12. I have felt compelled to seek new sexual or romantic highs.

13. My sexual behaviour has put me in dangerous situations.

14. I have hurt myself or others as a result of my sexual behaviour.

15. I have engaged in any of the following: 

        voyeurism; 

        exhibitionism;

        anonymous sex; 

        phone sex; 

        trading for sex; 

        paying for or being paid for sex;

        abusive sex.

16. I have been unable to say no to other people’s sexual advances.

17. I have risked or lost my job because of my sexual behaviour.

18. I feel empty when not in a sexual or romantic relationship.

19. I feel sex is my most important need.

20. I am obsessed with romantic possibilities.

21. I flirt even when I don’t mean to.

22. I obsess about a specific person or act even though it may be painful.

23. I confuse sex with love.

24. My sexual behaviour has made my life unmanageable.

If you ticked 3 of the above the probability is that you are suffering

from Sex Addiction.

Sex addiction is a self-diagnosed disease. The above statements are an aid

to help you decide if you are addicted. If you have related to any of these

statements,

If you or someone you love is in the grips of sex addiction call us today for immediate help.
Coaching With Substance is Australia's No. 1 provider of Recovery Coaching Services and WINNER of 2014 Best Not-For-Profit Award.

Call us 07 56 066 315 (7days) Confidentiality assured.

Email info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA’s)

Characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA’s)

Fear of losing control:

ACOA’s maintain control of their feelings, their behaviour, and try to control   the feelings and behaviour of others. They do not do this to hurt either themselves or others, but because they are afraid. They fear that their lives will get worse if they relinquish control, and they get very anxious when they cannot control a situation.

Fear of feelings:

ACOA’s have buried their feelings (especially anger and sadness) since childhood and cannot feel or express emotions easily. Eventually they fear all intense feelings, even a good feeling such as joy.

Fear of conflict:

ACOA’s are frightened by people in authority, angry people, and personal criticism, so that they often mistake common assertiveness on the part of others for anger. As a result of this fear ACOA’s are constantly seeking approval, and they lose their identities in the process. They often find themselves in a self-imposed state of isolation.

An over developed sense of responsibility:

ACOA’s are hypersensitive to the needs of others. Their self-esteem comes from others’ opinions of them, and thus they have a compulsive need to be perfect.

Feelings of guilt when they stand up for themselves instead of demurring to

others;

ACOA’s sacrifice their own needs in an effort to be “responsible”, and therefore avoid guilt.

An inability to relax, let go, and have fun:

Trying to have fun is stressful for ACOA’s, especially when others are watching. The child inside is terrified, and in an effort to appear perfect, exercise such strict control that spontaneity suffers.

Harsh, even fierce, self-criticism:

ACOA’s are burdened with a very low sense of self-respect, no matter how competent they may be.

Denial:

Whenever ACOA’s feel threatened, they tend to deny that which provoked their fears.

Difficulties with intimate relationships:

Intimacy gives ACOA’s the feeling of losing control, and requires self-love and the ability to express one’s needs. As a result, ACOA’s frequently have difficulty with their sexuality, and they repeat relationship patterns.

They see themselves as victims:

ACOA’s may be either aggressive or passive victims, and they are often attracted to others like them in their friendship, love, and career relationships.

Compulsive behaviour:

ACOA’s may work or eat compulsively, become addicted to a relationship, or behave compulsively in other ways. Tragically, ACOA’s may drink compulsively, and become alcoholics themselves.

A tendency to be more comfortable with chaos than with peace:

ACOA’s become addicted to excitement and drama, which can give them

their fix of adrenaline and the feeling of power which accompanies it.

The tendency to confuse love with pity:

As a result, ACOA’s often love people they can rescue.

Fear of abandonment:

ACOA’s will do anything to preserve a relationship, rather than face the pain of abandonment.

The tendency, when under pressure, to see everything and everyone in extremes.

Physical illness:

ACOA’s are very susceptible to stress-related illnesses.

Suffering from a backlog of grief:

Losses experienced during childhood were often never grieved for, since the alcoholic family does not tolerate such intensely uncomfortable feelings.

Current losses cannot be felt without calling up these past feelings. As a result, ACOA’s are frequently depressed.

A tendency to react rather than to act:

ACOA’s remain hyper vigilant, constantly scanning the environment for potential catastrophes.

If you identify with some of these characteristics you may need some help to deal with this syndrome. Call Coaching with Substance for help - we are specialists in Addiction and Adult Children issues.

Our specially trained and experienced coaches at Coaching With Substance fully understand this process and are very skilful in helping families and the addict break this cycle and help all players into a quality recovery. CALL US TODAY FOR HELP 07 5606 6315 

COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE (CWS) ADDICTION RECOVERY COACHES.

Email: info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Characteristics of Functional and Dysfunctional Couples

Characteristics 

of Functional

 and Dysfunctional 

Couples

* Dysfunctional: 

   Being together and unhappy is safer than being alone.

* Functional: 

   Being together brings us joy and happiness.

* Dysfunctional: 

   It is safer to be with other people than it is to be alone and intimate with 

   our partner.

* Functional: 

   Being alone and intimate with our partner is as safe as being with other 

   people.

* Dysfunctional: 

   If I really let my partner know what I’ve done or what I’m feeling and thinking

    (who I am), (s)he will leave me.

* Functional: 

   When I really let my partner know what I’ve done or what I’m thinking (who I am),

   it increases our intimacy. It’s met with acceptance.

* Dysfunctional: 

   It is easier to hide (medicate) our feelings through addictive/compulsive behaviour than it is to express 

   them.

* Functional: 

   We no longer need to hide and medicate our feelings through our addictive/compulsive behaviour.  

   We can express our feelings.

* Dysfunctional: 

   Being enmeshed and totally dependent with each other is perceived

   as being in love.

* Functional: 

   Being interdependent adds strength to the relationship.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We find it difficult to ask for what we need, both individually and 

   as a couple.

* Functional: 

   We are learning to ask for what we need, both individually and a 

   couple.

* Dysfunctional: 

   Being sexual is equal to being intimate.

* Functional: 

   Being sexual enhances our relationship (increases our intimacy).

* Dysfunctional: 

   We either avoid our problems or feel we are individually responsible for solving the 

   problems we have as a couple.

* Functional: 

   We are learning to face our problems and not to feel individually responsible for solving

   the problems we have as a couple.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We believe that we must agree on everything.

* Functional: 

   We believe we don’t have to agree on everything.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We believe that we must enjoy the same things and have the same interests.

* Functional: 

   We believe we can have different interests and enjoy different things and enjoy being 

   together.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We believe that to be a good couple we must be socially acceptable.

* Functional: 

   We don’t have to be socially acceptable.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We have forgotten how to play together.

* Functional: 

   We can play and have fun together.

* Dysfunctional: 

   It is safer to get upset about little issues than to express our true feelings about larger 

   ones.

* Functional: 

   We are learning to express our true feelings about larger issues, and we are learning to 

   resolve conflict.

* Dysfunctional: 

   It is easier to blame our partners than it is to accept our own responsibility.

* Functional: 

   We are learning to accept our individual responsibility.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We deal with conflict by getting totally out of control or by not arguing at all.

* Functional: 

   We are learning to deal with conflict and to fight fairly.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We experience ourselves as inadequate parents.

* Functional: 

   We accept our limitations as parents.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We are ashamed of ourselves as a couple.

* Functional: 

   We are proud of ourselves as a couple.

* Dysfunctional: 

   We repeat patterns of dysfunction from our families-of-origin.

* Functional: 
   We are recognising and breaking the patterns of dysfunction from our families-of-origin. 

.

If you are struggling with addictive tendencies and are ready to create a functional relationship call us immediately at Coaching With Substance

Coaching With Substance is Australia's No. 1 provider of Recovery Coaching Services and WINNER of 2014 Best Not-For-Profit in ALL Addictions.

Call us 07 5606 6315 (7days) Confidentiality assured.

Website: www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au      

Email: info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Meth Addiction Treatment Australia: The new face of ADDICTION in Australia.

The New FACE of Addiction in AUSTRALIA

Methamphetamine may have at one time been considered “the poor man'scocaine,' but it is no longer solely the domain of the financially challenged. Meth abuse is rampant in Australia, and an increasing number of people across a wide demographic are falling to the serious effects of these horrible drugs. Known as psychostimulants, the drugs include amphetamines, including methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. Many are sniffed or snorted, although some can be swallowed or injected. The more potent, crystalline forms of methamphetamine - ice and crystal - are active only when smoked. As a stimulant, it inhibits the user's need for sleep. It also speeds up metabolism and contributes to extreme weight loss.It also causes a euphoric feeling in the user that leads to lowered inhibitions and increased sexual arousal.

A "meth" user can be described as a perpetually revving engine that

eventually burns out and can't be started again until fixed. Addicts have to

relearn so many things - things that you and I might take for granted. They

have to relearn how to enjoy food. They have to learn how to think again,

because on the drug the focus is narrowed. Sex is no longer the same off

the drug because when you're on “meth”, everything is so heightened - so

intense. That's why the relapse rate is so high. Many people can't break the

drug's hold. The pleasure experienced by a "meth addict" during the drug's

initial rush is equivalent to 10 orgasms. However, the damage it leaves

behind is just as extreme - and, in many cases, permanent.

The abuser will have a variety of cardiovascular problems, including:

Rapid heart rate

Irregular heartbeat

Increased blood pressure

Irreversible, stroke-producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain

Elevated body temperature

Convulsions

Continued use only worsens the damage:

Inflammation of the heart lining

Damaged blood vessels and skin abscesses

Violent behaviour

Paranoia

Anxiety

Confusion

Insomnia

Extreme weight loss

Social and occupational deterioration

Psychotic symptoms, such as visual and audio hallucinations that can persist

for months or years after use has ended.

Death.

Meth addiction can also cause something known as meth-mouth.

It affects those who smoke the drug and is caused when the user inhales the

heated vapours, which irritate and burn the sensitive skin inside the mouth,

creating sores that become infected.

Chronic users suffer from rotten teeth because their tooth enamel erodes.

Snorting the drug also causes "meth-mouth" because the drug drains into the

throat from the nasal passages.

Signs of meth-mouth include:

Dry mouth.      Meth dries out the salivary glands, which are meant to protect

tooth enamel, which protects against cavities.

Tooth decay.   Meth abusers are know for trying to fend off dry mouth by

drinking sugary substances. Tooth decay caused by meth abuse typically

starts at the gum line and eventually spreads to the entire tooth.

Cracked teeth. The drug can make users feel anxious or nervous, which

causes them to grind their teeth, developing cracks in the teeth.

Gum disease. Meth causes the blood vessels in the gums and teeth to shrink,

reducing blood flow. This, in turn, causes the tissue to break down and die.

The increase in Meth Addicts in the last 12 months alone has been 300% from 2 years ago. Not a good sign, however at least some people are starting to get help. If you or someone you love is in the grips of “Meth addiction” call us today for help or how to intervene.

If you or some you love is in the grips of Meth Addiction pick up the phone today for immediate help.

 Coaching With Substance (CWS) is Australia's No. 1 provider of Recovery Coaching Services and WINNER of 2014 Best Not-For-Profit in ALL Addictions.

Call us 07 56 066 315 (7days) Confidentiality assured.

Website www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au      

Email info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

GAMBLING ADDICTION AUSTRALIA: Understanding Gambling Addiction.

Gambling addiction or the clinical term "Pathological Gambling Disorder" is sweeping through our society today, causing more destruction, human brokenness, family disintegrations, suicides, financial ruin, crime and spiritual bankruptcy than any other addictions in our society today, next to alcohol addiction. Gambling addiction is affecting every sector of our population, and discriminates against no one. 

New research has found an explosion in internet sports betting.

The study, conducted by researchers at New South Wales' Southern Cross University, found  online sports betting has doubled in popularity, with the take growing by 15 per cent in just five years.

Dr Gainsbury the chief researcher says online gambling is attracting new customers, which is not surprising with the aggressive marketing happening at the moment, with extrordinay sponsorship deals between online bookmakers and the main media players, as well major sport organisations.

Fifty-two per cent of people who gamble online actually prefer that mode, compared to land-based gamblers. It's that accessibility and convenience that's really driving them to use the mode. And some people actually prefer it and don't like the land-based venues, so we're seeing a new subset of Australians who are engaging in this gambling activity. Worryingly, the experts confirm younger people are parting with their cash more often.

A disturbing example of this....Nathan, only in his mid twenties, but his sports gambling addiction has already cost him greatly He reportedly lost over probably $1.5 million, and in terms of how much he gambled, it's probably been over $3 million or $4 million - that's including winnings and losings - in the space of four years, He says he had the job and the assets at first to support his betting, but when the losses began to mount that all changed. Nathan's story is typical of the new breed of gambling addicts..

Interactive (online) gamblers tend to be male, they tend to be younger, they're from a higher education, so they're more likely to have university degrees, they certainly have access to the internet at their work or at their home, as well as mobile phones and tablets etc.

The social effects are only just becoming apparent. There is evidence that there are higher problem gambling rates among people who gamble online and these internet gamblers are more likely to gamble in a greater number of activities and also more frequently engage in gambling, after all you can now gamble online 24 hours a day 7 days per week 365 days a year. You can gamble from home, privately, without anyone knowing that you're doing it.

Dr Gainsbury says there is also an emerging threat from simulated gaming, pushed through social media like Twitter and Facebook. The concern is particularly for children, that again it's normalising gambling, they're enjoying it, and because it's not regulated as a gambling game, the pay-out rates aren't randomly determined, she said.

She says there is a good chance children will transfer the simulated gaming experience to the real thing, with devastating consequences. Professor Jeffrey Derevensky from Canada's McGill University agrees.

He says online games like pokies, roulette and poker are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents.

"Gambling has become very normalised. We see it everywhere. We see pokie parlours, we go to clubs, we can see it in purchasing a lottery ticket," he said.

"Because it's so easily accessible, parents and educators are not educating children about the warning signs of when something that starts off as fun can become problematic."

Professor Derevensky says international researchers are concerned about simulated gaming sites being purchased by gambling companies.

"Big companies like Caesars International or IGT are buying these companies, not just because it's a fun type of game that children can learn, but also so that they can migrate over," he said.

So what is gambling addiction? 

Clinically, gambling addiction is known as Pathological Gambling Disorder (DSMVI 312.31). It has specific diagnostic criteria, and it has a biological effect similar to that seen in cocaine addiction.

This is now a scientifically proven fact in the most recent neurological research into Pathological Gambling and addiction.

So why has gambling addiction become a major public health problem in our society? Well this is simple, massive accessibility. A more in depth look reveals other serious reasons behind this question. Firstly, only 10% of the problem is directly related to the gambling itself, or money, it is about the individual and what gambling offers to them. Ninety percent of gambling addiction today comes from Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) or what is commonly referred to as “pokies”. These machines have the addictive properties similar to heroin or “crack cocaine”. For the individual predisposed to addiction, these machines provide high risk of swift and severe addiction.

Many individuals I have seen become severely addicted to this form of gambling within 6 months of first playing the machines. They display the severity of addiction similar to heroin and cocaine addicts, along with similar withdrawal symptoms, once they choose to stop. Also the suicide rate is 5 times greater than any other addiction. So we are talking about a very serious public health problem. Unfortunately most of the general society in Australia still sees gambling addiction as some form of moral weakness or as some flaw in some human beings. This is sadly is a big mistake.

ESCAPE: (Gambling addiction “its not really about the machine or the money”)

Gambling addiction, like drug and alcohol addiction begins with intensely negative childhood experiences that predispose the individual to high levels of negative affect. This, in turn, leads to various escape routes, some of which include addictive behaviors. In many recent studies, most individuals affected by pathological gambling endorsed dissociative items more frequently. These items referred to feeling like a different person while gambling, feeling in a trance after a period of gambling, feeling outside oneself while gambling, and experiencing memory blackouts after a period of gambling.

Some of the underlying issues linked to gambling addiction, are similar to those found with drug and alcohol addiction. They include sexual and physical child abuse, emotional and spiritual abuse, domestic violence issues, childhood neglect and general family of origin disfunctionallity. The result of these issues in childhood creates a retardation of emotional development being carried into adulthood. Gambling, as with any other addictive behaviour, provides the escape or coping mechanisms for the individual.

This however only works for a short period of time usually, and eventually creates more pain, thus leaving the individual with more and more need to escape or medicate with the gambling behaviour, until finally they cross the biological threshold of full blown addiction. At this point serious and irreversible alteration of brain chemistry occurs. The individual generally will continue on this process until an intervention of some sort occurs. Usually this will only happen when the individual is in great despair, with usually financial and emotional crisis. Unfortunately some people see suicide as the only way out, and there is plenty of evidence to back that up, with many clients in our treatment centre reporting attempts of suicide prior to seeking treatment.

SOME INDICATORS: Of Pathological Gambling

Some of the indicators as per the DSMIV criteria are;

1. preoccupation with gambling (e.g., preoccupation with reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble)

2. need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired level of excitement

3. has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling

4. is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling

5. gambles as a way of escaping from problems, painful emotions, or to relieve a dsyphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, anxiety, guilt or depression)

6. after loosing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (chasing ones loses)

7. lies to family members, therapist or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling

8. may commit illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling

9. jeopardized or lost significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling

10. relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation because of gambling.

If you answer yes to at least 5 or more criteria, then it is probable you have Pathological Gambling Disorder. I would strongly encourage you to seek professional help immediately. Pathological Gambling is treatable and recovery is possible. However there must be a strong desire for change before recovery can be effective.

Treatment includes first breaking the addictive cycle, followed by emotional work and cognitive corrective work, and finally spiritual work. Real recovery from gambling addiction will take most individuals up to 2 years of solid work to achieve a high level of healthy ongoing recovery after abstinence from gambling is achieved. Unfortunately there are no “quick fixes” and a controlled return to gambling is not an option for the clinically diagnosed Pathological Gambler.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS IN THE GRIPS OF GAMBLING ADDICTION CALL US TODAY AND LET US HELP YOU. PH 07 560 66315 (7DAYS)

Website www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au
Email: info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE ALSO PROVIDES FAMILIES WITH EDUCATION AND INTERVENTION SERVICES AUSTRALIA WIDE.

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We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

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