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The
Myth of Addiction: Jonathan Wills!
I
was reading a very interesting book recently, which
caught my eye because of the unusual title "The Myth
of Addiction". The first edition was published more
than fifteen years ago and it's writer John Booth Davis,
even then had a deep insight into what addiction is.
None-the-less he gives the impression of having some
fundamental misconceptions about addiction, and although
I haven't finished reading it, there is some language
at the very beginning of the book that raised my eyebrows.
In the Prologue Davis writes "The argument...is basically
that people take drugs because they want to and because
it makes sense for them to do so given the choices available…"
I've written a previous article on whether smokers choose
to smoke and in it dispelled this rather pervasive myth.
Despite this quite obvious fact, Davis with the words
above still maintains the perception that addicts "want"
and "choose" to take drugs. What are the choices available?
The "wanting" is a result not so much of the desire
to be in a euphoric state, but more as a result of wanting
to avoid the negative experience of withdrawal - in
other words to face life without the drug. Thus the
nature of addiction denies any genuine "choice". Addicts
continue to take drugs because they don't understand
how their dependence has developed and fear terrible
trauma of either going through nasty physical withdrawal
or that life will never be the same without their "little
friend". If addicts had a genuine choice to be free
of their dependence, most would jump at that chance.
If an addict believes there is some kind of benefit
in his drug of "choice", and that he "chooses" to experience
the benefit, then of course the addict will believe
not only that there is a benefit and that he "wants
to take the drug" but the more insidious belief, which
is at the core of addiction, that he also "chooses"
to do so. The reality, in any objective sense, is that
he has no choice and therefore feels compelled to keep
taking the drug. The compulsion however is a direct
result of the belief in the benefit and so the vicious
circle is complete and the behaviour self-reinforcing
i.e.
1. I smoke because I believe it helps me to relax (i.e.
benefit, pleasure or crutch)
2. I feel deprived when I can't smoke BECAUSE I am no
longer able to relax (i.e. no longer getting my benefit,
pleasure or crutch)
3. I'm miserable when I can't relax/smoke, so I want
to smoke to feel relaxed.
What's happening here of course, is that the smoker
causes the feelings of agitation, irritability and "general
malaise", precisely because of the feelings of deprivation
and believing he is being deprived of a genuine benefit.
But if he were to realise, very clearly and without
any doubt, that in fact cigarettes/nicotine cannot aid
relaxation, but in fact do the opposite and actually
create feelings of agitation, irritability and "general
malaise" then he can move toward being free of the dependence.
Davis goes on "What the book says, basically, is that
most people who use drugs do so for their own reasons,
on purpose, because they like it, and because they find
no adequate reason for not doing so.."
But smokers don't smoke because they like it, even though
that's what many of them will tell you. Saying they
like it is just another way of justifying the behavior.
The same is true, probably to a greater extent with
other types of drug addicts. Heroin addicts don't so
much take it because they "like it" it's because they
don't like the feelings of withdrawal. But such feelings
begin as beliefs. The experience of being "high" is
simply one of altered brain chemistry and the consequent
perceptions of euphoria etc. But most drug addicts believe
that withdrawal from their drug of "choice" would be
catastrophic and so enormously horrendous that they
avoid it like the plague. Yet the observation of drug
addicts experiencing withdrawal in reality is very different,
as documented very eloquently by Theodore Dalrymple
in another great read "Romancing Opiates - Pharmacological
Lies and the Addiction Bureaucracy" - but on that book,
I will comment in my next article.
07
3892 4229
click
here for upcoming clinic dates www.allencarr.com.au/states/sqld/
Why
Some People Can't Lose Weight or Achieve Goals Despite
Good Diet & Exercise: by Caryn Wichmann ND Naturopath
& Nutritionist at Perpetual Wellbeing!
Have
you noticed that even with good diet and exercise many
people find it difficult to achieve their health goals?
This is a common issue raised by new clients of Perpetual
Wellbeing, and the answer is that many aspects of your
biochemistry could be the underlying cause including
- overworked adrenal glands, overworked pancreas, overworked
liver, arteries clogged with cholesterol or other deposits,
overworked immune/inflammatory response, a poorly functioning
thyroid, abnormal metabolism, cells that no longer respond
to insulin, and a poorly functioning digestive system.
To overcome this problem we provide our clients with
a naturopathic consultation that usually lasts about
one hour and we discuss a variety of health issues looking
for signs that will point us to which body biochemistry
is malfunctioning.
Signs and symptoms to look out for are usually one or
more of the following: headaches, insomnia, fatigue,
food cravings, indigestion, anxiety, poor concentration,
mood swings, depression, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea,
skin problems, pain of any type, joint and muscle problems,
allergies / intolerances, and a variety of other symptoms.
We recommend a professionally designed nutritional and
supplementation plan, as these have been shown to increase
the energy you have for exercise, improve mental function
and motivation, help with fat loss, improve muscle building,
and help resolve any symptoms, health issues and imbalanced
biochemistry that may be preventing you from achieving
your health objectives.
We resolve a number of health issues by this process
because the reality is, that we function as a whole
person and all health issues interrelate in some way.
Thus by getting the overall body biochemistry in good
order, achieving your desired health becomes easy.
(07)
3023 5082 Fax: (07) 3023 4000 Address: level 20, HSBC
Building 300 Queen St, Brisbane City 4000
All
new clients attending our CBD clinic for an initial
consultation during the month of October 2009 will receive
a one year free membership of our website – valued at
$200.
http://www.perpetualrejuvenation.com.au
Congested Skin Detox: By Ananda Mahony ND from Vitale
Natural!
Blocked pores, dull skin, uneven skin, blackheads and
whiteheads...all signs of congested skin and often affecting
not just teenagers, but adults too. Also knows as open
comedomes, blackheads are literally tiny plugs in the
opening of a follicle or pore on the skin. The pore
plug is a combination of oils, sebum and dead skin cells.
Open to the skin's surface, the plug becomes darkened
as it is exposed to oxygen. Whiteheads are closed at
the skin's surface, blocked by cellular debris but not
exposed to oxygen so remain light in colour.
Blackheads, whiteheads and blocked pores are usually
caused by a combination of factors. Excess skin oil,
sebum and toxins that are expelled through the skin
are often an underlying issue. In addition dead skin
cells, pollution, occlusive make up and dirt also play
a role by filling up pores already opened by sebum and
oil production. Each factor will contribute to congestion
in a different but significant way:
Skin Oil & Sebum: excess oil and sebum production
by the skin will contribute to clogging pores and encourage
the growth of skin bacteria. When combined with external
factors such as dirt, blackheads easily form.
Toxic Congestion: blood and lymph supply the
skin with nutrition. However, if the toxins that are
produced in our bodies everyday are not eliminated properly,
they are eliminated via the skin and can contribute
to congestion as well as other issues such as acne and
skin irritation.
Dead Skin Cells: Each 3 or 4 weeks the skin replenishes
the skin cells. This natural process creates a layer
of dead skin cells over the surface of the skin. If
not removed, the dead skin cells create dull looking
skin. The other thing that may happen is that the dead
cells will plug the pores on your face and create congestion
and blackheads. When combined with excessive sebum production,
this can lead to the formation of white-heads and black
heads.
Skin Care & Make Up: The key culprits in skin
congestion are products that contain petrochemical based
oils as they have an occulusive effect, stopping the
skin from breathing and blocking pores. Talc, which
is common in make up and finishing powder, also has
this effect. Waxes and butters may also be an issue
with skin prone to congestion. Make up is usually worn
on a daily basis so it is essential to choose a make
up that suits your skin type and doesn't contribute
to further congestion.
Pollution & Dirt: Building up on the surface
of skin over the day, pollution is a factor in the formation
of blackheads and blocked pores. The more polluted the
area in which you live, the more skin pollution you
are likely to experience. Effective skin cleansing is
vital to clean the skin of daily dirt and grime...and
a splash of water at the end of the day just doesn't
cut it. Dirt that is found on our face and other parts
of the body can be a breeding ground for bacteria and
combined with oily skin can make things even worse.
Where does the dirt come from? Dirty hands are a key
culprit and those already conscious of their skin tend
to pick and rub their skin more than others, just making
the problem worse.
Treatment of Blackheads
So, how to get rid of blackheads and congested skin?
Well squeezing them out is not the answer. This technique
will just lead to further skin irritation and possibly
damage and scarring to the surrounding tissue. Rather
than removing blackheads by squeezing, the best way
to get rid of them is by attacking the source of the
problem.
1. A good cleansing routine: Cleansing the skin
of daily dirt, grime and pollution is essential. A good
cleansing routine is a very effective way to remove
blackheads, as it will help wash away excess oil and
dead skin particles. Use a gentle cleanser as harsh
and overly-drying cleansers will only make the problem
worse by causing an increase in sebum production. If
your skin feels squeaky clean, dry and tight after washing,
you are doing more harm than good and need to use a
more gentle cleanser. Avoid products with Sodium laurel
sulphate as this ingredient tends to disrupt the acid
mantle again causing increased sebum production.
2. Regular gentle exfoliation: one way to minimise
congestion and clogged pores is to ensure the top layer
skin remains clear by regularly removing the dead skin
cells. There are a number of very effective products
you can use to remove dead skin cells.
Regular use of facial exfoliants or scrubs will help
clear dead skin cells that block pores. Removing the
top layer of dead cells will also allow your moisturiser
or serum work more effectively as it comes into contact
with live skin cells rather than dead ones.
There are a couple of things to look for in a good exfoliant.
The most obvious, although it is surprising how many
people ignore this, is that a body scrub is too harsh
to be used as a facial scrub. Look for a very fine,
soft exfoliant as your facial skin is soft and delicate.
A harsh scrub may actually scour the surface of your
skin much like a scrubbing brush and this can actually
damage skin cells. If your skin is excessively red or
inflamed after use they are far too strong. Gentle exfoliants
will slough off cells without a harsh scrubbing effect
and are suitable to be used 2-3 times a week.
3. Fruit Enzyme Peels: enzyme peels are another
way of clearing dead skin cells. They work as a result
of their ability to break the bonds between dead skin
cells that form at the surface of the skin. Skin normally
has a dead layer of cells at its surface (the corneocyte
layer), and fruit enzymes can speed up the normal process
of skin cell regeneration and sloughing. This results
in increased flexibility of the skin as well as decreased
formation of large dry skin flakes at the surface of
the skin.
Pumpkin, pineapple and pawpaw provide natural, gentle
enzyme proteases that loosen the glue between dead skin
cells, slough away impurities, dead skin cells and unplug
the pores while delivering nutrition to the skin. This
leaves the skin cleansed and silky smooth and reduces
the likelihood of blackheads. Fruit enzyme 'peels' only
need to be used once or twice a week for good effect.
4. Light Moisturisers - moisturisers that use
waxes, butters and petrochemical oils will be more likely
to contribute to congestion in skin that is prone to
blackheads. Please note that waxes and butters are perfectly
suitable and definitely beneficial for those with dry
or dehydrated skin but for those with congested skin,
choose lotions rather than rich creams. If you have
combination skin and suffer from congestion as well
as dry skin, use oil based serums or hyaluronic acid
to increase moisture content in the skin without contributing
to further blockage.
5. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid in high concentrations
are common recommendations for skin congestion and while
they might be effective in the short term they can cause
significant problems and can be counter-productive to
softening and dissolving blackheads as they can dehydrate
dry, normal and combination skin. In addition, those
with a history of use of high concentration glycolic
acid can suffer redness and irritation at a later date
when exposed to even mildly acidic ingredients such
as ascorbic acid. If you choose to use such products,
firstly use them in consultation with a skin specialist,
use low concentrations, use them short term only and
watch for signs of skin dehydration.
6. Make Up - Mineral make up is an ideal alternative
for those with congested skin. Rather than sinking into
or filling pores, the particles of pigment sit on the
surface of the skin allowing the skin to breathe properly.
This helps minimise congestion and eventually, allows
the pores to shrink.
7. Dietary & Lifestyle tips:
Plenty of water will help flush toxins out of your system
and regular and regular exercise will keep your lymphatic
system flowing. Together both these factors will help
reduce the level of toxins being eliminated via the
skin.
Research conducted at RMIT University, Melbourne, has
shown that a low glycemic index (GI), moderate protein
diet improved symptoms of acne including the number
of facial lesions. The diet consisted of 25% of energy
from protein and 45% of energy from low GI carbohydrates
such as fruit and vegetables, grains and pulses. While
this research was conducted on patients with acne, there
are strong correlations between high GI diets and skin
congestion as well. Generally a high GI diet is associated
with a greater degree of systemic body toxicity and
inflammation and those prone to skin conditions are
likely to eliminate toxins through the skin more readily.
A diet high in vegetables, fruit, good fats, lean protein,
nuts & seeds is ideal for the skin as it contains lots
of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support
skin health.
Following the steps above will not only help you minimise
congestion but will also encourage clear, vibrant skin
in general.
Author: Ananda Mahony ND. Ananda is a naturopath and
skin specialist. She owns Vitale Natural, an organic
skin care store and beauty salon in Paddington, Brisbane.
www.vitalenatural.com.au
83
Latrobe Terrace (at Sowelu) Paddington
(07)
3367 3233
Traditional
Chinese Medicine through Foot Patches: by Barbara Elkins!
People
who have been exposed to chemicals or taken a lot of
drugs seem to benefit greatly from using foot patches,
according to Wisdom for Living director Barbara Elkins.
The Wise Feet ® foot patches are Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), part of a very ancient healing tradition,
probably the most ancient conventional medicine in the
world. Wise Feet™ foot patches contain a synergistic
mix of Chinese herbs and minerals.
They resemble big teabags. They are applied to the feet
at night, when the body naturally detoxes itself. The
body naturally goes into a "rest and repair" cycle at
night, so you are assisting that natural process.
One of the reasons detox diets are sometimes so hard
and uncomfortable is that you are detoxing out of that
natural cycle.
Wise Feet™ foot patches act like an old fashioned poultice
= They warm up and stimulate the acupuncture points
on the feet. Wastes can be drawn out through the skin
but more importantly the foot patches increase circulation
thereby assisting the body to excrete wastes naturally
via the increased osmotic pressure.
Overnight the foot patches change from a sandy coloured
powder to a dark, wet sticky "goo". This is an indication
that the patches are working and that you are adequately
hydrated. The true test is how you feel after using
them, ignore the colour and the smell, which may or
may not change over time.
They are particularly effective on insect or spider
bites. You can use them at your own pace in the privacy
of your own home. "Many people have had wonderful, if
not spectacular results," Miss Elkins said. "Typically
people who have a lot of body pain (from arthritis,
fibromyalgia, old injuries, swollen legs, hot or cold
feet, to gout and chronic fatigue) find the patches
relieve their discomfort quite dramatically."
The patches are easy to use and non-invasive. "Many
people are finding they can decrease or even stop some
of the medications they are taking (this seems to be
particularly true of arthritis sufferers)," Miss Elkins
said. "People who have been exposed to a lot of chemicals
or have taken a lot of drugs in their lives seem to
benefit greatly from using these foot patches. They
are even being used by naturopaths to help children
with autism and ADHD.
Our world is now full of chemicals that were not around
when we first evolved and they are affecting our health."
"Typically my customers ring up to ask me about them
and they just try one pair to start. After using them
for one night they are usually on the phone the next
day to order a box." They also ask "How long do you
use them?"
Miss Elkins uses this analogy that "it's like cleaning
out a shed in the backyard" - It all depends on how
messy it is as to how long it takes to really tidy up.
Once it's tidy it only needs a bit of maintenance to
keep it that way. Therefore you are not going to be
using foot patches continuously for the rest of your
life…just until you feel better.
"
For more information contact Wisdom for Living, phone
02 4334 6868 fax 02 4334 6818 or visit www.wisdomforlivingcentre.com
Hypnotherapy:
Make Your Subconscious Your Best Friend!
Somebody
very wise once said: "Hypnotherapy is like the unseen
friend" … It is true.. and can release you from negative
habits of smoking and overeating. Stress, anxieties
and fears will be easily manageable. Self-sabotage and
procrastination will become completely alien notions
and you will be leaping out of bed every morning with
joy of having an opportunity to live yet another splendid
day.
It sounds as if it's from the realm of magic. However,
extensive research has proven that the thoughts you
hold in your mind the most… create the physical reality
you are experiencing. Working with the hypnotherapist,
you can condition your mind to shape your world according
to your desires.
Here is how you can start today. Upon awakening, before
even opening your eyes, become aware of the stillness
of your mind. Bring back from your memory the Perfect
Moment in your life when you were very happy… bushwalking,
having fun with your family and friends … or simply
just looking good! Hold that image of the happy you,
feel the blissful sensation penetrate your entire body
and mind. Now magnify that feeling, and re-live it again...and
again until you burst with joy. Feel the happy hormones
rejuvenating your body and your mind. Rejoice! You have
charged yourself positively for the entire day - repeat
this exercise at any time you wish.
Call now 1300 13 14 92 for an appointment
at Health and Harmony Clinic, Brisbane. 25% Discount
5 Day Hypnotherapy Training, visit www.careeraccelerators.com.au
$250 Discount
Perfect opportunity for the existing practitioner to
add value to their practice. " Choose from 150 Easy
Home Study courses www.healthandharmony.com.au
$50 Discount
My
Health Specials: Personal Training, Weight Management!
Pure
Personal Training(Brisbane) FREE first sesssion! clickhere
for details
Curves
- Mitchelton and Lutwyche-50% off your joining fee (when
joining for a 12-month membership) clickhere for details
YMCA
Wellness Studio - Upper Mt Gravatt First Session is
Absolutely Free. clickhere
for Details
Short
and Sweet:Cabbage Salad!
Shred
finely and place in a large bowl: 1 green cabbage 1
large carrot 1/2 large onion 1 jalapeno, finely diced
Dressing
2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil 2 Tbs. rice wine vinegar (or
apple cider vinegar) 2 Tbs. Shoyu 2 Tbs. fresh lime
juice 1 inch fresh ginger root, grated 3-4 large garlic
cloves, minced or grated Cayenne (to taste)
Pour
over vegetables and toss until well combined. It is
best if you refrigerate in a covered container for a
few hours for flavours to blend. Toss again before serving.
Laughter
is the best medicine!
I
WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT
WITH A NEW DENTIST.
AS I WAITED, I NOTICED HIS DDS DIPLOMA ON THE WALL,
WHICH BORE HIS FULL NAME.
SUDDENLY, I REMEMBERED A TALL, HANDSOME, DARK-HAIRED
BOY WITH THE SAME. NAME HAD BEEN IN MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS
SOME 30-ODD YEARS AGO.
COULD HE BE THE SAME GUY THAT I HAD A SECRET CRUSH ON,
WAY BACK THEN?
UPON SEEING HIM, HOWEVER, I QUICKLY DISCARDED ANY SUCH
THOUGHT.
THIS BALDING, GRAY-HAIRED MAN WITH THE DEEPLY LINED
FACE WAS WAY TOO OLD TO HAVE BEEN MY CLASSMATE.
AFTER HE EXAMINED MY TEETH, I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD ATTENDED
KAU HIGH SCHOOL .
'YES. YES, I DID. I'M A TROJAN,' HE GLEAMED WITH PRIDE.
'WHEN DID YOU GRADUATE?' I ASKED.
HE ANSWERED, 'IN 1979. WHY DO YOU ASK?'
'YOU WERE IN MY CLASS!', I EXCLAIMED.
HE LOOKED AT ME CLOSELY.
THEN, THAT UGLY,
OLD, BALD, WRINKLED, FAT GRAY-HAIRED, DECRYPTED LITTLE
MAN ASKED,
'WHAT DID YOU TEACH?? .
.Quote
of the week!
"Self-disciplined begins with the mastery
of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think,
you can't control what you do." Napoleon
Hill 1883-1970, Author of Think and Grow Rich
For
a Good Cause: Why Support Open Minds?
Open
Minds is a not for profit and charitable organisation
providing community based support services to persons
with mental illness, intellectual disability or acquired
brain injury
http://www.openminds.org.au
BACK
ISSUES OF NATURALLY HAPPY
In
the next issue of "Naturally Happy"
- Pinpoint
Health Centre!
- Carindale
Hills Natural Health!
- Belgravia
Aquatic Centres
- Vitale
- Health
and Harmony College!
- nourished.com.au!
- Short
and sweet!
If
this link doesn't work please email info@myhealthspecials.com.au
My
Health Specials provides this information for your personal
education and enrichment. Information provided should
not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem
or disease. Nor should the information replace the advice
of your health care practitioner. Always seek professional
advice if suffering an illness. My
Health Specials Pty Ltd and all parties involved in
the conception, production, ongoing maintenance and
operation of Naturally Happy accept no liability and
no responsibility for any damage whatsoever arising
from or in connection to your use or operation of the
website or information contained in this e-magazine.
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