Tags: addictions, alcohol, Betty Ford, drug
Betty Ford Dies at Age 93 Posted on July 8th, 2011
We have all heard of Betty Ford and acknowledge her recent passing. Not only was she the wife of the late President Gerald Ford, but she overcame alcohol and prescription drug addictions and helped found a rehabilitation clinic that bears her name. She will be missed but her legacy lives on. Betty Ford was ahead of her time. When it was considered shameful to discuss addictions of any kind or to publicly campaign for breast cancer awareness, Betty Ford did both. She was an advocate for equal rights for woman and she took a tolerant stance on abortion. Ford’s problems with chemical dependency may have begun in 1964, when doctors prescribed her painkillers for a pinched nerve. She developed an addiction to prescription drugs and also became dependent on alcohol during the 1960s. Throughout her life, Betty Ford was an inspiration. She was admired for her courage as she faced personal struggles in the public spotlight and as a result, made a noble contribution.
http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20110709/NEWS-US-USA-BETTYFORD/?cid=hero_media
Tags: addict, addictions, Celebrity Rehab, Dr. Drew, Drew Pinsky, Pinsky
Celebrity Rehab Misses Some Pieces Posted on February 10th, 2011
The master clinician of the TV show “Celebrity Rehab” Dr. Drew Pinksy M.D., is something of a legend. He’s a no-mince-words, pack-no-punches, in-your-face counselor whose methods are a unique mix of compassion and straight-talk. His program gets results and lots of ratings. Each year, thousands of lives are wreaked because of addictions – to the internet, booze, gambling, shopping and drugs. Addictions are fueled by the “little child” inside who uses substances and behaviors to fill a hole that appears at times to be bottomless. I recently caught a Dr Drew program. Very interesting. Dr. Pinsky says that though there may be relapses, even in the most difficult cases, sustained sobriety is possible with the accountability of the rehab program. But as a medical intuitive, there were missing pieces. In order to change the mind and enhance mental clarity and emotional stability, you have to start with diet. I am sure diet is addressed at any rehab facility but it was clearly obvious on the program that each “addict” was out of balance physically – both from fluctuating blood sugar levels, food sensitivities and hormonal imbalances. Food is the cornerstone of healing the physical body and a “change of attitude” heals the mental body. I like hypnosis or relaxation therapy used on a daily basis to literally re-program the inner or subconscious mind. I also like an innovative therapy called EMDR that is used effectively for post-traumatic stress disorder. These could be adjunct approaches to talk-therapy. Admittedly, there are numerous deep, multi-faceted issues facing any addict. To be brave is having the courage to face personal demons. To watch Dr. Pinsky’s gives one a deeper level of respect for his innovative approaches and understanding of the complex, addictive process.
www.drdrew.com www.emdr.com