Today's VerseOr do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I Cor. 6:19-20
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Important Information About Bad Habits & How to Quit
Important Information about bad habits
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Oftentimes, the addict makes a mental “comfort” connection, (Anton, 2010, p. 4). For example associating friends, love, companionship and acceptance with drugs or alcohol use because when they are using these substances, they are with other people (who also use them) and consider these people, as their friends while creating a bond between them that is associated with usage. During recovery an effort is made to substitute for the loss of these so-called friendsand create a support group. Users are expected to attend meetings in a support group which they feel comfortable and accepted in. The support of family and friends tends to relieve some of the separation strain from the users former friends. Users that attend meetings have a better chance at maintaining recovery.
Another example is cigarette smokers. Some smokers make a mental association between smoking with a certain image that they can relate to, such as, Marlboro man which triggers thoughts in the smokers brain making them think, if they smoke this brand of cigarette they will become like the Marlboro man or another good example: Virginia Slims posters and commercials that broadcast, “You’ve come a long way baby” targeting women who survived an era when women were not free to make decisions on their own and implies to the female user that smoking this brand of cigarette lets everyone know that the smoker is a liberated women. Many smokers say that smoking relaxes them in spite of studies that show otherwise. People, places and things, as well as, the signals that the body sends to the brain are important things to consider when trying quitting a bad habit but preparation is a key factor if the user intends to maintain a complete recovery.
“Today, addiction is defined as compulsive drug seeking and using, even in the face of terrible personal and social consequences. It’s a chronic, complex brain disease.” (Higgins, Biddle, et al. 2002). Often times, user’s abuse substances in an effort to self-medicate. Self- medication is a method addicts use to fight whatever pains or trauma that have subconsciously affected their thinking patterns which send signals to the brain, releasing endorphins which tell the user that a particular substance is needed, (Anton, 2010, p.4).
Changing Signals in the Brain via Stereoactic Neurosurgery
Changing the signals that are sent to the brain can be difficult and may even require surgery. Stereotactic neurosurgery has been used for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and shows that use of this surgery on drug addicted patients has excellent results. However, unfortunate side effects may come with the success, (Lu, Kosten, 2009). “Stereotactic neurosurgery has been used with much success in the treatment and detoxification process. This procedure involves surgery that creates small lesions at specific points in the central nervous system, with the goal of changing a particular form of neuronal activity without damaging the nervous system”, (Lu, Kosten, 2009).
Study’s Link Substance Abuse and Schizophrenia
Studies show the many different emotional difficulties substance abusers face, such as, depression, mood disorders and suicide attempts, which reveal how emotional difficulties and substance abuse are related to each other. “Statistics about suicide in the U.S. and the underlying causes point to substance abuse and mood disorders are trigger’s for substance abuse.”, (Yaldizli, Graf, et al. 2010). Some scientific studies have shown that there may be a link between substance abuse and schizophrenia with results indicating that fifty percent of schizophrenia patients consume alcohol, cannabis and cocaine as a means to alleviate distress, painful affect, negative type symptoms and they have less symptoms than patients who have not self-medicated themselves”, (Potvin, Stip, et.al. 2008).
Changing Negative Signals & Thinking Patterns
To quit a bad habit the user must change the negative signals that the body sends the brain. Thinking patterns need to be adjusted to accomplish a mind-set that tells the brain, “I can quit!” (Anton, 2010, p.2). Users should attempt to discover and define the reasons they started using or what issues or problems they are trying to make go away by self-medicating themselves before they begin detoxification.
Detoxifying
Detoxifying includes a change in thinking patterns in combination with a detoxification process that includes stopping usage which could result in possible withdraw side-effects and symptoms. Many people can stop bad habits on their own by changing thinking patterns and making arrangements to detoxify their symptoms. However, in severe cases, more extreme methods to help the user withdraw are needed. Even though many people can stop bad habits on their own by changing thinking patterns but others may need additional assistance, such as, professional treatment or placement in an out-patient or in-patient treatment facility. Treatment of the addiction depends on the type, severity, and length of time that the addiction has been present, as well as, making a moral conscious commitment to quit any substance.
Overcoming Bad Habits
Bad habits can be overcome if a person makes a conscious commitment to quit, determines the level of treatment and is willing to take the steps necessary to make a change in the way they think. The next step is to detoxify the body by quitting the substance and staying away from other people who still use it. Changing the people, places and things that the person associates and preparing strategies in advance can make quitting a bad habit easier.
The user should prepare strategies, such as, setting a goal to quit on a specific date and time because it creates comprehensive deadline in the users mind that they will make a change on a specific date and mentally prepares the user for the procedures that will follow. Preparations should be made in advance in the event of withdraw complication by scheduling time, date and possible placement of the patient in a facility that has experience with the users particular habit. Once the user, family and medical personal have evaluated the user’s symptoms and determined the emotional state and physical condition, the next logical step is making preparations and preparing strategies that will lead to ultimate success.
Preparing Strategies to Break Bad Habits
Users must identify the origin of personal issues that lead to addiction, prepare for possible detoxification withdraw symptoms and make preparations. Before an attempt is made to break a bad habit users should prepare in advance by setting a time and date as a ‘start to quit’ date, which provides the user with a motivating factor. Preparation strategies can be simple or complicated depending on the type, length and severity of addiction. Scientist studies show that substance abusers may have different thought patterns or health issues causing them to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in an attempt to find relief. (Anton, 2010). Some people self-medicate themselves with food, sweets or nicotine while others self-medicate themselves with illegal substances such as cocaine, cannabis and/or heroin. All addictions can easily get out of control and if they do then the user should start preparing a strategy to fight the addiction in the early stages because in advanced stages it is much harder.
During the different stages of withdraw users will be confronted with issues and topics that will help the user identify issues, that they have self-medicated themselves for in the past. Information should be compiled that includes a list of family and friends that would participate as a support group in the event that the patient feels the desire to use and can call someone from this list that can help them overcome the urge.
Changing thinking patterns, detoxifying, and preparation are the base for quitting bad habits, however there are different types of treatment and levels of care that are needed for different habits.
Intervention and Care
There is different amount s of intervention and care that is needed for different types of substances. Studies have shown that support of family members and friends can increase the chances for success. Decisions must be made in advance to determine who should be involved or if an intervention is required. The addict, family members and doctors must take into consideration the level of care, costs and time that is needed to be successful. (Higgins, Biddle, et al. Feb. 2002). After the evaluations and recommendations have been presented, the user, family and friends must make a decision to decide on what types of treatment may be necessary, however before any treatment or strategies can be considered the user must be able to admit that they have a problem and have a desire to stop using.
Signs, Symptoms and Intervention
Studies indicate that in order for the user to achieve success they must acknowledge and accept the fact that they are addicted to a particular substance. Some addictions can be so severe that the user does not seem aware that there is a problem, even after significant loss of money, assets and personal relationships. Many families become aware of an addicts usage by the addicts behavior, such as, selling off valuable items or items that the user previously felt had sentimental value and remain in a constant state of homelessness or in need of funds for one thing or another, yet cannot provide adequate proof that any money that was provided for assistance was used properly. Most users of drugs and alcohol have personality and behavior changes, such as, a person who never missed a day of work suddenly cannot seem to make it to the job site and may ‘call in’ sick when they are in fact, using. Oftentimes, family members and friends tend to notice when the user does not visit anymore or stops calling them for long periods of time.
Addicts tend to withdraw from family members and friends who do not use and some addictions are so severe that a confrontational intervention may be needed. Family members and friends may decide to hold a confrontational meeting with the user in an effort to persuade the user to admit their addiction and a need for assistance. In many confrontational interventions, the user will have an emotional break-down and admit that they have a problem, cannot fix it on their own and are in need of assistance. Once a break-through has been made an out-patient treatment plan can be put into action with the user’s complete cooperation.
Studies have indicated that users who are cooperative have a much larger rate of success. (Higgins, Biddle, et al. February 2002). Admitting there is problem and having a desire to correct it is a significant milestone when it comes to considering the possibility of successful treatment. It is better to get the user’s cooperation but if that is not possible, and the addiction poses a severe threat to the user’s health or causes life threatening behavior on the part of the user, extreme measures may become necessary.
In some extreme cases, the addiction is literally destroying the user’s life and the user refuses to admit there is a problem, family and friends may still wish to force treatment upon the user, in an effort to help them and possibly to save their lives. These hard-core cases require an intervention, in-patient, psychiatric interviews, and medication Often, during these extreme cases users must be placed in an in-patient care facility (sometimes against their free will) where they will be given psychiatric care, medication and sometimes shock treatment in an effort to stop the over-powering urges which cause them to use.
Often times, the user may temporarily ‘hate’ those family members and friends that participated in this type of in-patient treatment. These severe methods of forced in-patient care border on violation of the user’s rights to freedom but the end results can justify the mean’s, however, these methods should only be used as a last resort after every other possible means of out-patient care has been exhausted.
Quitting bad habits is most successful if the user is cooperative and has a sincere desire to stop using. If the user is cooperative the steps to recovery become much easier and treatment can begin. Once the type of addiction has been assessed and the reasons to use (residing in the users thoughts) behind an addiction have been established, thinking patterns can be reoriented. The level of care, costs and time need to be taken into careful consideration, as well as, a comprehensive, competent treatment plan which can be put into action and will increase the user’s chances of success. Successful treatment and recovery depends on the user’s attitude and dedication devoted toward changing the way they think, as well as, detoxification, preparation strategies and a willingness to quit along with the support of family and friends.
The highlighted sources either are not cited in the paper or are not cited correctly.
References
Anton, R. (Winter 2010). Substance abuse is a disease of the human brain. Journal of law medicine & ethics. Vol. 38 Issue 4, p. 735-744. Retrieved April 2, 2011, from Academic Search Complete.
Higgins-Biddle J, Hungerford D, Cates-Wessel K. (February 2002).A Step-by-Step Implementation Guide for Trauma. Centers.Screening and Brief Interventions (SBI) for unhealthy alcohol use. Pdf. Samsha. Retrieved April 02, 2011.
http://www.cdc.gov/InjuryResponse/alcohol-screening/pdf/SBI-Implementation-Guide- a.pdf
Higgins-Biddle J, Hungerford D, Cates-Wessel K. (February, 2002). Substance abuse treatment for injection drug users, a stragegy with many benefits. Samsha. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
http://www.cdc.gov/idu/facts/TreatmentFin.pdf
Lu, L., Wang, X, Kosten, T. (2009). Stereoactic neurosurgical treatment of drug addiction. American journal of drug & alcohol abuse,Vol. 35 Issue 6, p391-393, 3p; (10). Retrieved April 2, 2011, from Academic Search Complete
Potvin, S.,Stip, E. Lipp, O., Roy, M. Demers, M. Bouchard, R. et.al. (2008). Anhedonia and social adaptation predict substance abuse evolution in dual diagnosis schizophrenia. American Journal
Another example is cigarette smokers. Some smokers make a mental association between smoking with a certain image that they can relate to, such as, Marlboro man which triggers thoughts in the smokers brain making them think, if they smoke this brand of cigarette they will become like the Marlboro man or another good example: Virginia Slims posters and commercials that broadcast, “You’ve come a long way baby” targeting women who survived an era when women were not free to make decisions on their own and implies to the female user that smoking this brand of cigarette lets everyone know that the smoker is a liberated women. Many smokers say that smoking relaxes them in spite of studies that show otherwise. People, places and things, as well as, the signals that the body sends to the brain are important things to consider when trying quitting a bad habit but preparation is a key factor if the user intends to maintain a complete recovery.
“Today, addiction is defined as compulsive drug seeking and using, even in the face of terrible personal and social consequences. It’s a chronic, complex brain disease.” (Higgins, Biddle, et al. 2002). Often times, user’s abuse substances in an effort to self-medicate. Self- medication is a method addicts use to fight whatever pains or trauma that have subconsciously affected their thinking patterns which send signals to the brain, releasing endorphins which tell the user that a particular substance is needed, (Anton, 2010, p.4).
Changing Signals in the Brain via Stereoactic Neurosurgery
Changing the signals that are sent to the brain can be difficult and may even require surgery. Stereotactic neurosurgery has been used for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and shows that use of this surgery on drug addicted patients has excellent results. However, unfortunate side effects may come with the success, (Lu, Kosten, 2009). “Stereotactic neurosurgery has been used with much success in the treatment and detoxification process. This procedure involves surgery that creates small lesions at specific points in the central nervous system, with the goal of changing a particular form of neuronal activity without damaging the nervous system”, (Lu, Kosten, 2009).
Study’s Link Substance Abuse and Schizophrenia
Studies show the many different emotional difficulties substance abusers face, such as, depression, mood disorders and suicide attempts, which reveal how emotional difficulties and substance abuse are related to each other. “Statistics about suicide in the U.S. and the underlying causes point to substance abuse and mood disorders are trigger’s for substance abuse.”, (Yaldizli, Graf, et al. 2010). Some scientific studies have shown that there may be a link between substance abuse and schizophrenia with results indicating that fifty percent of schizophrenia patients consume alcohol, cannabis and cocaine as a means to alleviate distress, painful affect, negative type symptoms and they have less symptoms than patients who have not self-medicated themselves”, (Potvin, Stip, et.al. 2008).
Changing Negative Signals & Thinking Patterns
To quit a bad habit the user must change the negative signals that the body sends the brain. Thinking patterns need to be adjusted to accomplish a mind-set that tells the brain, “I can quit!” (Anton, 2010, p.2). Users should attempt to discover and define the reasons they started using or what issues or problems they are trying to make go away by self-medicating themselves before they begin detoxification.
Detoxifying
Detoxifying includes a change in thinking patterns in combination with a detoxification process that includes stopping usage which could result in possible withdraw side-effects and symptoms. Many people can stop bad habits on their own by changing thinking patterns and making arrangements to detoxify their symptoms. However, in severe cases, more extreme methods to help the user withdraw are needed. Even though many people can stop bad habits on their own by changing thinking patterns but others may need additional assistance, such as, professional treatment or placement in an out-patient or in-patient treatment facility. Treatment of the addiction depends on the type, severity, and length of time that the addiction has been present, as well as, making a moral conscious commitment to quit any substance.
Overcoming Bad Habits
Bad habits can be overcome if a person makes a conscious commitment to quit, determines the level of treatment and is willing to take the steps necessary to make a change in the way they think. The next step is to detoxify the body by quitting the substance and staying away from other people who still use it. Changing the people, places and things that the person associates and preparing strategies in advance can make quitting a bad habit easier.
The user should prepare strategies, such as, setting a goal to quit on a specific date and time because it creates comprehensive deadline in the users mind that they will make a change on a specific date and mentally prepares the user for the procedures that will follow. Preparations should be made in advance in the event of withdraw complication by scheduling time, date and possible placement of the patient in a facility that has experience with the users particular habit. Once the user, family and medical personal have evaluated the user’s symptoms and determined the emotional state and physical condition, the next logical step is making preparations and preparing strategies that will lead to ultimate success.
Preparing Strategies to Break Bad Habits
Users must identify the origin of personal issues that lead to addiction, prepare for possible detoxification withdraw symptoms and make preparations. Before an attempt is made to break a bad habit users should prepare in advance by setting a time and date as a ‘start to quit’ date, which provides the user with a motivating factor. Preparation strategies can be simple or complicated depending on the type, length and severity of addiction. Scientist studies show that substance abusers may have different thought patterns or health issues causing them to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in an attempt to find relief. (Anton, 2010). Some people self-medicate themselves with food, sweets or nicotine while others self-medicate themselves with illegal substances such as cocaine, cannabis and/or heroin. All addictions can easily get out of control and if they do then the user should start preparing a strategy to fight the addiction in the early stages because in advanced stages it is much harder.
During the different stages of withdraw users will be confronted with issues and topics that will help the user identify issues, that they have self-medicated themselves for in the past. Information should be compiled that includes a list of family and friends that would participate as a support group in the event that the patient feels the desire to use and can call someone from this list that can help them overcome the urge.
Changing thinking patterns, detoxifying, and preparation are the base for quitting bad habits, however there are different types of treatment and levels of care that are needed for different habits.
Intervention and Care
There is different amount s of intervention and care that is needed for different types of substances. Studies have shown that support of family members and friends can increase the chances for success. Decisions must be made in advance to determine who should be involved or if an intervention is required. The addict, family members and doctors must take into consideration the level of care, costs and time that is needed to be successful. (Higgins, Biddle, et al. Feb. 2002). After the evaluations and recommendations have been presented, the user, family and friends must make a decision to decide on what types of treatment may be necessary, however before any treatment or strategies can be considered the user must be able to admit that they have a problem and have a desire to stop using.
Signs, Symptoms and Intervention
Studies indicate that in order for the user to achieve success they must acknowledge and accept the fact that they are addicted to a particular substance. Some addictions can be so severe that the user does not seem aware that there is a problem, even after significant loss of money, assets and personal relationships. Many families become aware of an addicts usage by the addicts behavior, such as, selling off valuable items or items that the user previously felt had sentimental value and remain in a constant state of homelessness or in need of funds for one thing or another, yet cannot provide adequate proof that any money that was provided for assistance was used properly. Most users of drugs and alcohol have personality and behavior changes, such as, a person who never missed a day of work suddenly cannot seem to make it to the job site and may ‘call in’ sick when they are in fact, using. Oftentimes, family members and friends tend to notice when the user does not visit anymore or stops calling them for long periods of time.
Addicts tend to withdraw from family members and friends who do not use and some addictions are so severe that a confrontational intervention may be needed. Family members and friends may decide to hold a confrontational meeting with the user in an effort to persuade the user to admit their addiction and a need for assistance. In many confrontational interventions, the user will have an emotional break-down and admit that they have a problem, cannot fix it on their own and are in need of assistance. Once a break-through has been made an out-patient treatment plan can be put into action with the user’s complete cooperation.
Studies have indicated that users who are cooperative have a much larger rate of success. (Higgins, Biddle, et al. February 2002). Admitting there is problem and having a desire to correct it is a significant milestone when it comes to considering the possibility of successful treatment. It is better to get the user’s cooperation but if that is not possible, and the addiction poses a severe threat to the user’s health or causes life threatening behavior on the part of the user, extreme measures may become necessary.
In some extreme cases, the addiction is literally destroying the user’s life and the user refuses to admit there is a problem, family and friends may still wish to force treatment upon the user, in an effort to help them and possibly to save their lives. These hard-core cases require an intervention, in-patient, psychiatric interviews, and medication Often, during these extreme cases users must be placed in an in-patient care facility (sometimes against their free will) where they will be given psychiatric care, medication and sometimes shock treatment in an effort to stop the over-powering urges which cause them to use.
Often times, the user may temporarily ‘hate’ those family members and friends that participated in this type of in-patient treatment. These severe methods of forced in-patient care border on violation of the user’s rights to freedom but the end results can justify the mean’s, however, these methods should only be used as a last resort after every other possible means of out-patient care has been exhausted.
Quitting bad habits is most successful if the user is cooperative and has a sincere desire to stop using. If the user is cooperative the steps to recovery become much easier and treatment can begin. Once the type of addiction has been assessed and the reasons to use (residing in the users thoughts) behind an addiction have been established, thinking patterns can be reoriented. The level of care, costs and time need to be taken into careful consideration, as well as, a comprehensive, competent treatment plan which can be put into action and will increase the user’s chances of success. Successful treatment and recovery depends on the user’s attitude and dedication devoted toward changing the way they think, as well as, detoxification, preparation strategies and a willingness to quit along with the support of family and friends.
The highlighted sources either are not cited in the paper or are not cited correctly.
References
Anton, R. (Winter 2010). Substance abuse is a disease of the human brain. Journal of law medicine & ethics. Vol. 38 Issue 4, p. 735-744. Retrieved April 2, 2011, from Academic Search Complete.
Higgins-Biddle J, Hungerford D, Cates-Wessel K. (February 2002).A Step-by-Step Implementation Guide for Trauma. Centers.Screening and Brief Interventions (SBI) for unhealthy alcohol use. Pdf. Samsha. Retrieved April 02, 2011.
http://www.cdc.gov/InjuryResponse/alcohol-screening/pdf/SBI-Implementation-Guide- a.pdf
Higgins-Biddle J, Hungerford D, Cates-Wessel K. (February, 2002). Substance abuse treatment for injection drug users, a stragegy with many benefits. Samsha. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
http://www.cdc.gov/idu/facts/TreatmentFin.pdf
Lu, L., Wang, X, Kosten, T. (2009). Stereoactic neurosurgical treatment of drug addiction. American journal of drug & alcohol abuse,Vol. 35 Issue 6, p391-393, 3p; (10). Retrieved April 2, 2011, from Academic Search Complete
Potvin, S.,Stip, E. Lipp, O., Roy, M. Demers, M. Bouchard, R. et.al. (2008). Anhedonia and social adaptation predict substance abuse evolution in dual diagnosis schizophrenia. American Journal