22. Thought-provoking quotes from various sources...

By Tom O'Connell

Looking back into research archives, I find thought-provoking insights that enhance understanding of addiction and other mental health issues. Consider these quotes:

THE 'MAGIC' OF GROUPS THAT PROVIDE HEALING: "The mutual support provided by groups is a phenomenon in itself. Clients are most likely to improve when they see themselves as the helpers of others. When this occurs, they are more open to feedback and are more likely to make the personal changes necessary." "Mutual aid in groups also leads to lessened feelings of loneliness. Individuals who no longer feel alone, who feel they belong, have purpose and begin to feel hope." --Jerry Flanzer, DSW, Professional Counselor, July-Aug 1987.

AMA RECOGNIZES ALL DRUG DEPENDENCIES AS DISEASES: "A gap between alcoholism and other drug addictions closed in June, when the American Medical Association declared all chemical dependencies as diseases."

  "Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary defines 'disease' as 'any variation from, or interruption of, the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system, or combination thereof, of the body, that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms and signs; whose etiology, pathology and prognosis may be known or unknown.'"

--U.S. Journal of Drug & Alcohol Dependence, July 1987

ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS ARE AFRAID OF FEELINGS: "Many adult children think if they are angry they must scream, or if they are unhappy they must leave the situation. Adult children have a tendency to make absolute decisions related to the experience of a particular feeling, such as changing jobs, moving, or leaving a spouse. These reactions are not necessary. Acceptance of feelings, i.e. anger or joy, without a harsh judgment and a related major decision, combined with the ability to express feelings, will decrease fear and feelings of alienation toward oneself. Feelings seem inappropriate when they are not understood. " --Claudia Black, PhD, Recovery Life/Alcoholism & Addiction, Mar/Apr 1987

TEACHER BURNOUT EPIDEMIC: "In recent years teacher burnout has reached almost epidemic proportions." "Symptoms...emotional, including depression, irritability, apathy, and nervousness; behavioral, including smoking, alcohol and/or drug use or abuse...and increased use of both prescription and over-the-counter medications..." --Dana R. Sutton, MA, EAP Digest, Sept/Oct 1987

MARIJUANA EFFECTS: "...there is physical dependence and a withdrawal syndrome of irritability, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and occasional diarrhea." --David E. Smith, MD, Professional Counselor, Sept/Oct 1987

BRAIN ALCOHOL DAMAGE REPAIRS SLOWLY: "Physically, brain alcohol damage may require up to three years to repair to maximum healing...Emotional growth stops when one uses mind-altering drugs." --Max Schneider, MD, U.S. Journal of Drug & Alcohol Dependence, Oct. 1987

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