AddictionInfo brings together the most current and progressive thinking in the field of alternative drug, alcohol and other behavioral addictions. Current research and clinical trials continue to uncover new and effective, research-based, non-12-step treatment options. The site was created over ten years ago by Dr. Marc Kern, a pioneer and recognized expert in the field of contemporary addiction treatment.
This valuable, online resource has grown to include over 3,200 useful and practical articles, written by world-class authors on the cutting edge of their profession, plus current addiction news stories. These articles communicate addiction information in a succinct manner that makes it easier for the reader to understand.
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Dilbert on Overcoming Internet Addiction
- By Marc F. Kern
- Published 11/22/2008
- Internet and gaming addiction
- Unrated
When 12-Step is Not Enough: Alternative Recovery Strategies for Alcoholics
- By Marc F. Kern
- Published 11/17/2008
- Addiction Research , What Are Your Recovery Options
- Unrated
A PowerPoint presentation by Marc Kern, PhD at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in collaboration with the Addiction Psychiatry group of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, for Perspectives on Addiction: A Round Table for Addiction Professionals.Rational Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous
- By Marc F. Kern
- Published 08/6/2008
- What Are Your Recovery Options
-
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I just found when I was diagnosed with an addiction, actually several
simultaneously, and was sent to a psychologist one of their
recommendations was to go to a twelve step meeting. And you know I
tried it. I went two or three times. I just didn't feel that it clicked
with me. I didn't understand it. Being trained as an architect in undergraduate school, things made
sense. They were logical, one thing, you know, was built upon another.
The twelve step program did not fit that mindset; that prototype. And
so I started on a journey to find out if there were ways to
recover other than the twelve step program.
Stages of Change Model
- By Marc F. Kern
- Published 04/19/2008
- Stages of Change , Key ideas and recovery tools
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Before you begin to make changes in your life, I would like to introduce you to a useful theory -- called the Stages of Change Model, or SCM -- about the mind/body stages we go through when we do change. The SCM model has been applied to a broad range of behaviors including weight loss, injury prevention, and overcoming alcohol and drug problems.
The Addictive Process and Addictive Behaviors
- By Ruth C. Engs
- Published 06/22/2007
- Understanding Addiction , Understanding Why People Do Drugs
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An individual can become addicted, dependent, or compulsively obsessed with any activity, substance, object, or behavior that gives him/her pleasure. Several researchers imply that there is a similarity between physical addiction and psychological dependence.
Recent Articles
AA “unethical” says SMART recovery founder
- By Misc Author
- Published 03/17/2010
- Addiction In The News
- Unrated
In possibly one of the most divisive interviews given within the
recovery community in the UK, Joe Gerstein, described as the founder of
SMART Recovery, talks to Guardian journalist Denis Campbell in an
article published on 10th March 2010. Before I go any further, I
want to be clear that I am a supporter of SMART recovery, or at least my
previous understanding of SMART Recovery, as a tolerant mutual aid
group in the UK. I like what I’ve heard about it and respect members who
blog here as they respect other mutual aid approaches. Prof
Gerstein does not respect Alcoholics Anonymous.
Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity
- By News Services
- Published 03/15/2010
- Addiction Research
- Unrated
Doctors treat millions of children with Ritalin every year to improve
their ability to focus on tasks, but scientists now report that Ritalin
also directly enhances the speed of learning. In animal
research, the scientists showed for the first time that Ritalin boosts
both of these cognitive abilities by increasing the activity of the
neurotransmitter dopamine deep inside the brain.
Alcoholism Isn’t What It Used To Be
- By N.I.A. A.A.
- Published 03/15/2010
- Alcohol News
- Unrated
The realization dawned gradually as researchers analyzed data from
NIAAA’s 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related
Conditions (NESARC). In most persons affected, alcohol dependence
(commonly known as alcoholism) looks less like Nicolas Cage in Leaving
Las Vegas than it does your party-hardy college roommate or that
hard-driving colleague in the next cubicle.
Playing Matchmaker: Finding Personalized Approaches To Solve Alcohol Problems
- By N.I.A. A.A.
- Published 03/15/2010
- Alcohol
- Unrated
We’ve come to expect so much in our lives to be tailored to our personal
preferences—from our music playlists, to our coffee choices, to our
exercise workouts. Now, thanks to the concept of personalized medicine,
health care options are beginning to follow suit. As in other areas of medicine, researchers in the alcohol field are
taking a personalized approach to understanding, preventing, and
treating alcohol-related problems across the lifespan.
Drinking Too Much Can Kill You Quickly . . . or Slowly
- By N.I.A. A.A.
- Published 03/15/2010
- Alcohol News
- Unrated
Excessive alcohol use causes an estimated 79,000 deaths per year in the
United States. Most people are unaware that close to half of these
deaths (approximately 36,000 annually) result from chronic
alcohol-related illnesses rather than acute causes such as motor vehicle
crashes and falls.
Addiction rehab and spirituality: Can the two be separated?
- By News Services
- Published 03/12/2010
- Alcohol News
- Unrated
A Winnipeg man who has struggled with alcoholism for decades says he
has filed a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission over
the lack of a treatment program that's free of religious or spiritual
elements. Rob Johnstone said he has battled alcoholism for 40
years and can't find a treatment program that doesn't rely on religion
or spirituality as part of the recovery process.
US expert says positive thinking is the smart way to recover from alcoholism
- By News Services
- Published 03/12/2010
- What Are Your Recovery Options
- Unrated
Joe Gerstein, founder of the Smart Recovery treatment programme that is
spreading from the US as an alternative to AA, explains why he rejects
the myth that alcoholism is a 'disease' to be endured rather than cured. Alcoholism
is a disease that leaves victims powerless and needing to stay in
permanent recovery if they are serious about stopping the demon drink
from inflicting further damage, conventional wisdom holds.
