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Author Topic:   Addiction By Definition
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 45 of 331 (758621)
05-29-2015 6:07 PM
Reply to: Message 44 by New Cat's Eye
05-29-2015 2:52 PM


Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
Cat Sci writes:
I'm glad you found something better. How's it coming along?
Ive had ups and downs. No real track record of sobriety longer than 60-70 day runs. I am learning how to recognize the addictive voice....its amazing what one can talk themselves into...and also how primitive, stupid, and selfish the inner logic is.
As of this writing, I have about a solid month under my belt, and am again trying to go beyond the 60-72 day period that seems to be my limit so far.
Its not the length of sobriety so much as it is the total number of days of sobriety overall versus the total number of relapsing(irresponsible,rebellious) days of addiction hat make up the big picture.
Being honest with myself, I find that I am addicted to action and chaos versus responsibility and order.
It also didn't help that during my last relapse I won $5000.00.

Saying, "I don't know," is the same as saying, "Maybe."~ZombieRingo
It's easy to see the speck in somebody else's ideas - unless it's blocked by the beam in your own.~Ringo
If a savage stops believing in his wooden god, it does not mean that there is no God only that God is not wooden.(Leo Tolstoy)

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Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 48 of 331 (775088)
12-27-2015 4:25 PM
Reply to: Message 47 by Larni
05-30-2015 7:02 PM


Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Recently I have been studying the work of Dr.Jeffrey Schwartz one of the world’s leading experts in neuroplasticity.
quote:
. He is the author of almost 100 scientific publications in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry, and of two popular books, "Brain Lock: Free Yourself From Obseessive-Compulsive Behavior" (1996) and "A Return to Innocence: Philosophical Guidance in an Age of Cynicism" (1998). His major research interest over the past two decades has been brain imaging/functional neuroanatomy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, with a focus on the pathological mechanisms and psychological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Last year I studied some of Dr.Patrick Carnes, an addictions expert. Both of these men are leading researchers in the field of addiction and both basically agree on the behavior of the human brain during addiction and how the brain heals from addiction when it becomes an entrenched disorder.
Dr.Carnes says that it takes the brain at least a year to heal, basing his conclusion upon the clinical analysis of hundreds of patients. Schwartz concurs, saying that a patient who seeks relief from obsessive/compulsive disorder can basically change their brain...but...(and this is a BIG but) it takes a lot of time, mindfulness,pain and active participation in retraining or rewiring the neural pathways.
Schwartz has what he calls the Four Step Method.
Four Steps Explained
Step 1: Relabel
Step 2: Reattribute
Step 3: Refocus
Step 4: Revalue
I am currently working on refocus and reattribution of the obsessions and compulsions. Many of you know of my struggles with addictive behaviors, and the evolution of my awareness in this field. Schwartz calls it a medical condition, and i am inclined to agree.(not blaming my problems on an external cause,however....my wanting to change is an all-important first step.
Larni, have you used any of this in your clinical practice?
Edited by Phat, : No reason given.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

This message is a reply to:
 Message 47 by Larni, posted 05-30-2015 7:02 PM Larni has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 92 by Larni, posted 11-03-2016 12:27 PM Phat has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 49 of 331 (775089)
12-27-2015 4:32 PM
Reply to: Message 46 by ringo
05-30-2015 12:13 PM


Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
I worked with a young fellow who used to quit smoking every week - a day or so of abstention in every seven.
Rational Recovery was my earlier study, and I grasped the concept of personal responsibility in the process. What I failed to understand, however, is what Jack Trimpe (Founder of RR) called the Beast nature of my limbic brain and the failure of my understanding the faulty mixed signals. RR made it sound so easy---just stop! I prefer fantasy over reality, however...and justified my preference by self invoking God to turn fantasy into reality.
Earlier this year I won $5000.00 and found myself in hot water deeper than ever! I became worse. I refused to face the pain of reality and the hard work of actively changing my brains biological "character".
ringo writes:
What about the need to blame somebody besides ourselves? Would that be an addiction too?
Yes and no. The research has quite clearly defined(through brain imaging) that the OCD is a medical condition. The problem is that I cant blame satan nor ask God to fix this condition for me. The responsibility lies with the patient.
There are definite stages to the recovery process.
One patients definition is this:
quote:
The 4 Emotional Stages of Sobriety--
Stage 1 — the joys of the natural high--first couple of months---as far as I have gotten.
Stage 2 — boredom and why me?---this stage has so far stopped me.
Stage 3 — resolute but bitter..facing the damn feelings!
Stage 4 — understanding (and accepting) a life without the addiction.
The final stage is the best. Over the last couple of years I have worked through many emotions and feelings of regret, sadness, anger, bitterness, sorrow, remorse, jealousy and fear. After a good year and a half, the negativity became noticeably reduced; as my self-esteem grew and my appreciation of the world and everything in it was heightened due to the clarity that comes from not poisoning your body with alcohol on an almost daily basis, it was as though the bad thoughts were mopped up one by one by my new found positivism and optimistic take on life. (...)It would have been perhaps easier to jump straight from Stage 1 to Stage 4, but the journey has allowed me to learn so much about who I really am, minus the veneer of alcohol, and I wouldn’t have missed it out even if I could have. I had no idea that when I stopped drinking it would be necessary to undergo such emotional turbulence; to feel as though my old self has been through a seriously intense re-calibration before being reinstalled with a new lease of life, eventually leaving a turbocharged version of me back in the driving seat of my future. I didn’t expect any of that, but I am 100% happy that it happened.
Note how long it took for the full healing process to take place. Carnes states that the brain begins to reset itself after 150 days. Schwartz calls it neoplasticity yet does not mention a specific time frame. My best guess is that the brain changes between the 5th and the 18th months.
I have never been able to remain sober from my addiction longer than 60+ days. Carnes says that it takes six months to even heal enough to bring back the negative feelings that lie repressed.
Edited by Phat, : edit
Edited by Phat, : clarification
Edited by Phat, : No reason given.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

This message is a reply to:
 Message 46 by ringo, posted 05-30-2015 12:13 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 50 by ringo, posted 12-30-2015 2:57 PM Phat has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 51 of 331 (775257)
12-30-2015 3:11 PM
Reply to: Message 50 by ringo
12-30-2015 2:57 PM


Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
The point is that you can understand what appeals you.(or to you) Knowledge is power.
At this point I am no expert.
God grant me the strength to face the necessary pain that precludes healing. All bets are off on whether or not I will succeed.
I used to believe that one needed to hate their sin (addiction) before being able to master it.
Currently I am of the opinion that it is quite all right to acknowledge that I really like my addiction. Or at least I think I do. The brain may, however, be sending false signals.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

This message is a reply to:
 Message 50 by ringo, posted 12-30-2015 2:57 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 52 by ringo, posted 12-30-2015 3:24 PM Phat has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 53 of 331 (775421)
01-01-2016 3:02 PM
Reply to: Message 52 by ringo
12-30-2015 3:24 PM


Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
I'll explain this better as I progress in my own recovery. It is one thing to be able to explain a process and theory logically--anyone can read the research of others. It is only after having tested their theory--personally---that one can truly explain it.
One question: How do you personally know the difference between your understandings? Can you identify a distinct difference in how you feel about each one, and do you intuitively know which understanding is the better of the two?

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

This message is a reply to:
 Message 52 by ringo, posted 12-30-2015 3:24 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 54 by ringo, posted 01-02-2016 10:44 AM Phat has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 55 of 331 (775615)
01-03-2016 8:14 AM
Reply to: Message 52 by ringo
12-30-2015 3:24 PM


Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
The brain is sending conflicting signals. How do we choose which are "false"?
For me, it all boils down to what I want out of life.
Who was it who wisely said "all things in moderation"?
Some things can be safely done in moderation--such as eating chocolate cake.
Some of us can have just one or two drinks--no problem.
Others start drinking, knowing that they will stop when the bar closes.
The Rational Recovery folks say that there is an addictive voice within all of us.
The only time that a conflict really occurs is when we want to stop--or slow down--and find ourselves actually unable to do so.
As long as we allow our inner Beast everything it craves, nothing will ever change.
So then the question---how do you know which inner voice is the Beast and which is your conscience?
Several keys:
  • The Beast lives largely in the present moment. The future consequences are never considered.
  • The Beast does not care about our health. It only cares about our present desires and happiness.

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

  • This message is a reply to:
     Message 52 by ringo, posted 12-30-2015 3:24 PM ringo has replied

    Replies to this message:
     Message 56 by ringo, posted 01-04-2016 11:01 AM Phat has replied
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    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    Message 57 of 331 (775948)
    01-07-2016 2:09 AM
    Reply to: Message 56 by ringo
    01-04-2016 11:01 AM


    Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
    The consensus among scientists now is that OCD is a medical disorder rather than simply an impulse control disorder.
    Once the characteristics of this beast are relabeled and re attributed to a broken feedback loop in the brain, work can begin on refocus and revalue.
    It takes patience and tenacity. First and foremost, however, is a willingness to let go and use logic and reason. Experts say that the healing really starts after 150 days sobriety. i have never made it past 72 days in my life.
    Mentally and logically, I see the big picture. Emotionally, however, i am taking baby steps.

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 56 by ringo, posted 01-04-2016 11:01 AM ringo has replied

    Replies to this message:
     Message 59 by ringo, posted 01-07-2016 10:49 AM Phat has replied
     Message 85 by Phat, posted 10-30-2016 7:53 AM Phat has seen this message but not replied

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    Message 60 of 331 (776036)
    01-07-2016 8:42 PM
    Reply to: Message 59 by ringo
    01-07-2016 10:49 AM


    OCD and Biochemical Changes
    It's a medical disorder, so we use logic and reason to cure it?
    The Four Step Program can be used with or without a therapist and evidence shows that by understanding what is happening medically, one can literally change their brain biochemically over time. There are MRI images that confirmed this. We can (hypothetically) use logic and reason to control our behavior in spite of the medical disorder - but that doesn't seem to be working reliably. Before, when I merely relabeled the dysfunction as "The Beast" it was never enough for me---perhaps because it never made logical sense. I knew that the beast arose from the Limbic Brain but I never was able to vilify my own beast enough.
    Understanding that it is a medical condition basically gives me no excuses---apart from suicidal tendencies--to keep being obsessive and compulsive. One key is what jar used to always say to me---that I preferred fantasy over reality. I have met the enemy and he is I.

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 59 by ringo, posted 01-07-2016 10:49 AM ringo has seen this message but not replied

    Replies to this message:
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    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    Message 61 of 331 (776981)
    01-24-2016 2:02 AM
    Reply to: Message 60 by Phat
    01-07-2016 8:42 PM


    OCD and Biochemical Changes Part 2
    Having nearly finished the book,I have grasped the essence of what Schwartz is teaching. Several key points:
  • Its not what one feels but what one does. We may feel all sorts of odd compulsions. Our brain will tell us to act out. Our impartial observer has the option of doing or not doing the compulsion, however. In fact, the worst thing that an individual can do is to try and deny the feeling. The key is to change the response. Only by actively engaging the compulsion can the brain actually begin to change.
    I know this sounds obvious but....
    Its working for me, at any rate.

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain

  • This message is a reply to:
     Message 60 by Phat, posted 01-07-2016 8:42 PM Phat has seen this message but not replied

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    Message 62 of 331 (791207)
    09-12-2016 5:30 PM
    Reply to: Message 30 by ringo
    01-02-2015 11:54 AM


    Re: The Science and Theory of Addiction
    ringo writes:
    So the distinction is between addiction and need. An addiction is a counterfeit "need".
    The latest research proves that the brain changes and adapts itself to the addiction. This is known as neuro-plasticity.
    Also, Ringo:
    Phat in 2014 writes:
    I need your prayers and advice. On my end of the deal, I will try and do my best. This is officially day 4 of sobriety
    ringo writes:
    Everything we do in one area deprives another area.
    2014 Phat writes:
    IF I can get this addiction cured, all of my other minor addictions of any severity or consequence will also get resolved.
    Ringo writes:
    Really? Or is your behaviour just as likely to be channeled in another direction?
    2014 Phat writes:
    Lets do some research on this one. Assuming EvC (and us) are still here in six months, let me get back to you on this one.
    And here it is September of 2016, almost two years after that conversation. Today is September 12,2016---Day # 57 of sobriety. The longest I have been able to be sober in 20 years has been 72 days. I have done some research on your question, and am eager to resume our conversation.
    Edited by Phat, : No reason given.
    Edited by Phat, : No reason given.

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
    ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 30 by ringo, posted 01-02-2015 11:54 AM ringo has seen this message but not replied

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    Message 63 of 331 (791209)
    09-12-2016 5:51 PM
    Reply to: Message 44 by New Cat's Eye
    05-29-2015 2:52 PM


    Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
    Cat Sci in 2015 writes:
    I'm glad you found something better. How's it coming along?
    Seems as if every year i manage to read a new book and get in a couple of 30-50 day runs at sobriety!
    This years book is called Healing The Addicted Brain. What specifically I've learned that I didnt know before is how the healing process works-namely the patient must feel safe before the brain will resort back to its natural state.
    I also found out that there are definite medical reasons why a person wont listen to common sense early in recovery and why traditional programs don't work.
    Again...it takes 40 days for the brain to stop seething. Another 90 days for the brain to reset itself if the patient feels safe. At this point (130-150 days) major feelings come from subconscious to conscious level and must be addressed therapeutically. After that it takes 5-12 months to deal with family and relational issues.
    I promised to keep sober with all of you and report the effects two years ago, but it took this long to get up to day 57. Lets resume...and I'll honestly report my progress.
    Edited by Phat, : added

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
    ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
    Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.~Proverbs 28:26

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 44 by New Cat's Eye, posted 05-29-2015 2:52 PM New Cat's Eye has not replied

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    Message 64 of 331 (791919)
    09-26-2016 9:12 PM
    Reply to: Message 18 by ringo
    12-14-2014 2:11 PM


    Re: Addictions and Demons and Things That Go Bump In The Night
    Phat, 2014 writes:
    IF I can get this addiction cured, all of my other minor addictions of any severity or consequence will also get resolved.
    Ringo writes:
    ...Really? Or is your behaviour just as likely to be channelled in another direction?
    Lets pick up where we left off two years ago. I have learned a few more things since then and am as of today sober from gambling for 71 days. So to answer your question, yes. behavior quite typically jumps from the primary addiction to another potential or actual addictive habit. Science has shown that an addiction can be defined through MRI scans comparing a "normal" brain to that of a proven addict. Research has shown that most addictions follow the same basic brain pattern. Some of the characteristics include the frontal lobe heating up and showing a higher temperature.
    Behavior changes. Research has shown that an addict apparantly selectively blocks out sound advice and amplifies destructive advice. Imagine two voices from those around you. One voice says "You should get help. You are hurting yourself. Here is the science." The voice has an amplification recognition of 2 out of 10. Another voice says "Hey lets go have a drink. Lets party!"
    That voice is measured at an internal amplification of 9 or 10 out of 10.
    Research shows that the brain will heal enough to listen but that it takes 21-40 days. This is why the recidivism is so high. talk therapy (12 step groups or counsel) is ineffective until some sobriety is achieved.
    Book junkie that I am, I bought yet another book which I will use. Memoirs Of An ADDICTED BRAIN by Marc Lewis. Here is an overview:
    quote:
    Our minds are governed by a cycle of craving what we don't have, finding it, using it up or losing it, and then being driven by loss, need, desire, or insecurity to crave it all the more. This cycle is at the root of all addictions: addictions to drugs, drink, cigarettes, sex, love, soap operas, wealth, and wisdom itself. But why should this be so? Why are we so driven, often at great cost to ourselves? No one is better qualified to answer these questions than Dr. Marc Lewis. He is a distinguished neuroscientist. And, for many years, he was a drug addict himself, dependent on a long series of dangerous substances. His narrative moves back and forth between the long, dark, ultimately triumphant story of his relationship with drugs, and a revelatory analysis of what was going on in Marc's brain. He shows how drugs speak to the brain--itself designed to seek rewards and soothe pain--in its own language. He shows in detail the different neurological effects of a variety of powerful drugs, from oxycodone to heroin, from drink to love. This is the story of his journey, seen from the inside out.
    Of course I can read all of the books in the library on the subject and still never understand it without undergoing a healing journey myself. This topic and my other one on the 12 steps both document my previous attempts and my failure to reach the level of sobriety needed. My hope and prayer is that this time--in 2016--i can achieve my goal and report my experience back to all of you.
    Edited by Phat, : No reason given.

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
    ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
    Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.~Proverbs 28:26

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 18 by ringo, posted 12-14-2014 2:11 PM ringo has seen this message but not replied

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    (1)
    Message 65 of 331 (792130)
    10-05-2016 2:02 AM


    Day 80
    Day 80! I am excited!! 50 more days to get to Ground Zero and face the pain
    I might add that other addictions are coming up now and I am addressing them also.
    The healing shall happen this time! Stay tuned....
    Estimated Day 130: Thanksgiving, November 24th.
    Estimated healing period: 3 months to a year

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
    ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
    Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.~Proverbs 28:26

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    (1)
    Message 66 of 331 (792471)
    10-10-2016 10:30 AM
    Reply to: Message 2 by ringo
    12-12-2014 11:26 AM


    Day 85 and glad to be alive
    ringo writes:
    Q: Do you suffer from addiction?
    A: No. I enjoy it.
    I made it to Day 85!
    And to be honest I am scared to death of a relapse. Experience has shown me that it never ends well.
    So did I enjoy my addiction, in retrospect? Im not fully in touch with those feelings yet. Stay tuned...
    Im starting to feel some deep emotions that I cant quite manage...such as fear of being alone, fear of loss (of sanity, perhaps?)

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
    ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
    Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.~Proverbs 28:26

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 2 by ringo, posted 12-12-2014 11:26 AM ringo has replied

    Replies to this message:
     Message 67 by RAZD, posted 10-10-2016 10:37 AM Phat has replied
     Message 69 by ringo, posted 10-11-2016 12:07 PM Phat has replied

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    (1)
    Message 68 of 331 (792533)
    10-11-2016 3:07 AM
    Reply to: Message 67 by RAZD
    10-10-2016 10:37 AM


    Day 86
    this is where group therapy helps, by seeing and helping others in similar circumstances so you are not alone and not losing touch.
    I am involved in group therapy as well as working with a licensed addictions counselor. I am determined to do my part in the healing process.
    Day 86 as I type this.
    Estimated beginning of intense reboot (neuroplasticity) Day 130-approx. Thanksgiving.
    Estimated length of healing process: Unknown. The brain will only change when "it" feels safe. Right now I am unemployed and looking for work so Im unsure how safe I really feel.
    My counselor mentioned that a trait that is unique to gamblers over other addictions is a vague sense of entitlement. As has been pointed out to me before here at EvC, I DO in fact exhibit such a trait.
    In fact, I'm praying to get my old job back. The Union is awaiting a Step Two meeting to attempt to do just that.
    I am honest enough to realize, however, that I may not get what I want. Stay tuned...

    Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
    "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
    ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
    Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.~Proverbs 28:26

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 67 by RAZD, posted 10-10-2016 10:37 AM RAZD has replied

    Replies to this message:
     Message 71 by Stile, posted 10-12-2016 9:06 AM Phat has seen this message but not replied
     Message 74 by RAZD, posted 10-13-2016 8:21 AM Phat has replied

      
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