30. 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:

FACTS ABOUT GAMBLING ADDICTION: "...pathological gambling...an addiction exhibiting progression, tolerance, loss of control, withdrawal; and pathological gamblers often have concomitant alcohol and drug abuse issues." --Sheila Blume, MD, The Almacan, Nov 1987

PRIDE GETS IN THE WAY: "Too often my pride prevents me from admitting being wrong when I know I'm wrong. The other extreme is giving way to the desire for 'peace at any price.'" --Father Joseph C. Martin, Recovery Life/Alcoholism & Addiction,

Sept/Oct 1987

COCAINE & BIRTH DEFECTS: "It was found that cocaine abuse in humans significantly reduces the weight of the fetus,  increases the stillbirth rate, and is associated with a higher malformation rate." --N. Bingol et al, DATA, Brown U., Oct 1987

THE LIVES OF ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS: "We live in a world that teaches us how to survive, but not how to enjoy life. A black and white world consists of extremes." --J. Miller & M. Ripper, Changes, Jan/Feb 1988

ARNOLD WASHTON ON ADDICTION: "The addiction potential of a drug is the ability of a drug to stimulate brain reward circuits. The key is craving and compulsive drug seeking." --Tom O'Connell, U.S. Journal, Feb 1988

DEFENSES LEARNED IN ALCOHOLIC HOMES: "Defenses allow children to survive in the chaotic and unpredictable alcoholic environment." "When children are aware of their defenses they can learn when to raise and lower them" --Jerry Moe, Alcoholism & Addiction, Nov/Dec 1987

EARLY RECOVERY: "In the early weeks...the patient experiences a spiritual void. The ultimate solution is a new set of abstinence-based values and beliefs and a core of loving spirituality." --Cardwell Nuckols, Professional Counselor, Jan/Feb 1988

OBSESSION: "An obsessed person operates with an attitude that if he/she can perfect or master the obsession, then all the other areas of his/her life will fall into place and become orderly." --William MacAuley, Focus, Nov/Dec. 1987

TERENCE GORSKI ON RELAPSE: "...the chemically dependent individual experiences internal physical, mental, sociological and spiritual changes which are externalized in the symptoms of a 'dry drunk.'" --The Almacan, April 1988  

ADDICTION IN THAILAND: "Thousands of addicts have entered (Buddhist temples) as monks in search of drug abstinence." --Lachlan Macquarrie, The Journal, Addiction Research Foundation, Toronto, Feb 1, 1988

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