Author: Kathy Marshack

“I can quit smoking anytime I choose.” This is a common statement that you may hear, but it is easier said than done. Quitting cigarette smoking can be one of the most challenging things to overcome. Many experience severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to completely quit. The good news is that it is possible, and with a new treatment available, it could make it dramatically easier.

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is an electrical treatment that is being used to treat cigarette cravings. A small electrical stimulus is applied to the earlobe sending low frequency currents to the nerves in the brain. CES has been used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and depression, but recent studies show that it is also effective in treating addictions.

A study was performed between July 2006 and January 2008 using CES on 1,000 smokers with the hope that it would control the craving for cigarettes. Out of the 1,000, 972 (97.2%) lost their cravings after just a few minutes into a CES 20 minute session. Cravings will kick in again so many continued to use CES for a regular basis until they were able to conquer their addiction. Three patients out of the 1,000 were unable to use this form of therapy.

In order to use CES, you must have a prescription from a licensed practitioner. I have being using CES with some of my clients and have seen some great results. I use Alpha Stem’s CES from Allevia Health. For more information, visit www.alleviahealth.com.

I am very excited about continuing this process with my clients to help them conquer their addiction to cigarettes. If you live in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area, please contact my office if you are interested in finding out more about CES. I also have additional information on how to stop smoking on my website.

When a study was done to find out what people feared the most, public speaking
ranked number one, even higher than death! It not only is feared the most, but
is one of the most prevalent and common fears that people experience. Until
recently, it was dismissed as a minor problem and was considered normal that
people would get nervous speaking in front of others. But recent research shows
that people who do experience this problem and find it debilitating and controlling their life
have a valid problem.

Symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, dizziness, blushing,
shortness of breath, choking, one’s mind going blank, etc., can be typical
responses to being in the spotlight. However, if you find yourself worrying too
much about what others think of you, and fear embarrassment or humiliation in
front of others to the extent that you avoid
situations where you are the center of attention, you may have
social phobia.

Learn more about social phobias and treatment
options in a self-help tip on my
website.

Alcoholism is a disease. According to the National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 14 million Americans—1 in every 13
adults—abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Abusing alcohol is not only damaging to
your health, it can also have devastating effects on relationships with family,
friends and coworkers. Studies show that women are less likely to seek help for
their addiction to alcohol than men. If your wife or partner is suffering from
alcoholism, there is something you can do to help them.

A new study focused on women dealing with alcoholism and how couples therapy
could be a powerful option in overcoming their addiction. The women who
participated in couples therapy had greater results than those in individual
treatment. The social support of a committed spouse or partner seems to have
play a role in helping the addict work on their addiction. Click
here to view this study in its entirety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was used as a treatment in this study. Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy is designed to help address the way you think. It helps
identify faulty and irrational thinking to more constructive, solution-oriented
thinking. Click
here for more information on the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Whether you are a man or a woman, please seek help if you are suffering from an
addiction to alcohol. There are many resources available for you. Visit the Alcoholism
Recovery section on my website for more information.

According to studies performed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), adults with depression are more likely to smoke than those with no symptoms of depression. They also tend to smoke more heavily. Click here to view the entire study.

Overcoming depression and an addiction to cigarettes are two different challenges that can be tamed with proper help. First, address the depression. There are many factors that contribute to depression. A very effective way to treat depression is by therapy with a mental health professional. They will be able to give practical assistance to help overcome the issues that are causing your depression. Click here to read more about Overcoming Depression.

Another part to overcoming depression is to make lifestyle changes. That is when the issue of smoking can be addressed. To be a successful at becoming a non-smoker, you must take two steps:

First: Change your environment at work and at home so that smoking is not as easy to do.

Second: Recognize that most of your smoking is done to take care of other emotional needs. When you desire a  cigarette, ask yourself, “What do I really want instead?” Then take care of the real need.

The emotional work you are doing to overcome your depression will also help you to recognize why you are smoking in the first place. A mental health care professional will be able to add further assistance to you in this area. Visit my website for more information to help you stop smoking.

It’s been one year since the Asperger
Syndrome: Partners & Family of Adults with ASD Support Group was formed
in Portland. Thanks to all who have been a part of the group and helped it to
develop into a productive and upbuilding environment.

Since the support group has been so successful, we have decided to form a new
group in the Lake Oswego area. Two members from the Portland group will be facilitating the new group. The group will meet
on alternate Saturdays to the Portland group. If you currently attend the
Portland group, you are welcome to join the Lake Oswego meetings as well. The
location and exact start-up date have not been confirmed. I will be sure to
include all details in a blog as soon as they have been decided upon.

This Saturday April 17, the Portland group will be meeting in at 1 pm. The
theme of this month’s discussion is “Learning to laugh again.” Come
join us to begin the process of reclaiming your life. If you are already
laughing, share the laughter. If you are still numb and in survivor mode come
along and see what is possible by hearing the stories of others. If you are somewhere
in between then you know that you are growing toward freedom and that feels so
good.

Our goal is to start a group in the Vancouver, Washington area in the near
future. For more information, please visit
Meetup.com.

ADD is not something that only affects children. Adult ADD is a common disorder.  Symptoms of ADD include problems with following through on instructions, paying attention, poor listening, disorganization, lack of attention to detail, trouble with tasks that require planning or long-term effort,  easily distracted, or forgetful. In addition, some with ADD can be fidgety, verbally impulsive, unable to wait their turn, and act on impulse regardless of consequences.

 

If you are married to someone with ADD, it is realistic to expect that there will be additional challenges in your marriage due to your spouse’s disorder. What are some simple things you can do to minimize problems in your marriage?

One key is to be organized. Making lists and keeping an up-to-date schedule will help the spouse with ADD to stay on track. You may have to kindly and tactfully remind them of important details just to keep the information fresh in their mind. We have so many handy organizational tools today. Things like sticky notes, cell phone alarms, and Google Calendar are all good aids to keep your life together organized. Another tip is to keep life simple – avoid filling the home with unnecessary things that will distract them.

Remember that mistakes and miscommunication are all part of life, regardless if ADD is present in your marriage. It is important to understand what your spouse is capable of and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Understanding on your part will help you to gain a greater appreciation for them and their disorder. Professional help may be necessary at times. A marriage counselor or a mental health care professional can help you and your spouse by giving you direction in dealing with one another and the disorder.

For more information, visit ADD in Adults on my website.