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[calmcookie]

What causes overeating or craving alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or other drugs? Cravings have psychological and physical causes (biochemical / genetic). Yet most people overeat or abuse drugs for one reason - they don't "feel right" in their own skin. They feel like something is wrong, unbalanced and uncomfortable. So they look for something to solve the problem. They know that the quick fix of alcohol, drugs or overeating is not a healthy solution. Yet the discomfort is so strong and the immediate "fix" so tempting, that they're powerfully driven to these destructive choices. People may stop their behaviour, for short or even long periods of time. They go on a "diet" or "sober up" or quit drugs out of sheer will power. But will power rarely lasts, because the cause of the problem remains. So what are the causes? 1) Biochemical - Physicians at Washington University School of Medicine have proven that obesity and drug cravings are related to gut flora. The gut of an obese person is teeming with a distinctive mix of bacteria. If you know how to alter this mix, in a balanced way, then weight loss becomes easier. Addictive tendencies also diminish. As well, most people underestimate the power of nutritional forces in helping to end cravings. For example, a healthy human body requires specific types of proteins, dietary fats, vitamins and minerals. These are needed to release the feel good hormones called "eicosanoids" and "endorphins." We need enough ... not too much and not too little (balance). Food is a powerful, yet little understood, drug. As well, many ingredients found in packaged foods are able to trigger addictive tendencies (aspartame, sugar, MSG, trans fats - to name a few). Jack LaLane may have been partially correct when he said, "if man made it, don't eat it." 2) Psychological - Group support can be a powerful ally in the process of healing psychological wounds. Guided Memory methods also help to release anger, resentment, guilt, fear and other negative emotions. These techniques are based on the remarkable work of psychiatrist, Dr. Milton H. Erickson and Dr. Peter Levine, PhD. Guided Memory can heal the subconscious forces that drive addictive behaviour. It may be offered via individual therapy sessions or through the use of audio programs. The faculty at Harvard Medical School has recently endorsed this approach for treating a wide variety of conditions. Common Triggers: Consider the letters in the word "HALT" .... and whenever possible, avoid becoming too HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY or TIRED. These four states are common triggers to addictive behaviour. As well, one of the most common human maladies, is a sense of inadequacy. Many people feel as if they're not "good enough." This can be caused by cultural conditioning and varying levels of emotional / psychological trauma. Guilt, shame and other self-esteem issues can be healed with Guided Memory methods. Even intelligent and "successful" people can experience low self worth. We live in a celebrity, achievement, appearance and wealth obsessed culture. But despite media messages, external trappings rarely bring deep or lasting satisfaction. Humans search for different ways to FILL their emotional void. Yet joy can only be found within. In addition to overeating and alcohol, other common tactics used in a futile attempt to "feel better" include: Excessive shopping, gambling, promiscuous sex, stealing, overwork, isolation, violence and hoarding money or other possessions. Extreme dysfunction may involve cutting oneself, and /or other forms of self mutilation or even suicide. All of these have been used in an attempt to "soothe" the pain of human existence. Some, like overwork, are more socially acceptable than others. But none will provide a serene or lasting solution. In fact, most result in the opposite of what we typically desire, which is ongoing fulfillment and happiness. The difficulty lies within our subconscious mind. By it's very definition, it is "sub" conscious / below our rational awareness. We have little idea of the messages and beliefs that are held there. But it is the subconscious that controls behaviour (actions) and therefore, outcomes. Subconscious beliefs come from habitual exposure to images and auditory input (media). They also come from parents. Blame serves no purpose, but it's important to recognize these influences. Repressed anger is a major contributor to addictive behaviour. Consider that survivors of extreme trauma, such as Vietnam war veterans or 9 -11 victims, have been successfully cured of post traumatic stress disorders. Overeating and other addictions have similar solutions. The healing mechanism is the same. Guided memory methods have been scientifically validated. These techniques were recently featured on Dateline NBC, as well as on a PBS documentary entitled "The New Medicine."

Edited by calmcookie, 13 June 2007 - 06:32 AM.