April Videos and Articles of Interest

How Cooking Can Change Your Life
Ever wonder why you just can't keep that extra weight off?  Maybe it has nothing to do with willpower, maybe you're just eating too much corporation food. Watch this RSA short and see if you can relate.

What's the difference between empathy and sympathy? 
Here's a video short that demonstrates the difference between the two.

Myths about Addiction 
When we think about about illnesses we believe sick people should get treatment.  We wouldn't think of punishing someone for having diabetes, yet there seems to be this mindset in our society that people who struggle with addiction need to be punished to get better. Shame is a strong predictor of relapse. Research also shows that addiction is a brain disease. Recovery is not a one size fits all.  People should be allowed to recover in the way that works best for them.  Read this Psychology Today article to learn more. 
  
Psychotherapy and 12-step Programs Most Effective for Substance Abuse
Substance  abuse is a response to feelings of helplessness.  So, it makes sense that addressing emotional symptoms would be key to resisting drugs and alcohol.  In his new book The Sober Truth, Lance Dodes, MD argues that a better approach to addiction is psychotherapy, and medication (if appropriate), and he discounts a 12 step program. In an ideal world, everyone would have access to both. But, we know that not everyone has the resources to pay for psychotherapy due to limited insurance coverage and few government resources. Addiction is difficult to treat even when a person has the support of family, friends, psychotherapy and medication.  For people who don't have access to these kinds of support, it is good to know that there are places where anyone struggling with drugs and alcohol can go for help. There are 12 step programs available that allow people who don't have access to private care to find support. Whatever helps a person take his/her first step is the right choice.