http://www.isnare.com/?s=author&a=A.+Tom+Horvath%2C+Ph.D. Advice A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=348338&ca=Advice The primary myth about AA is that “it is the only thing that works.” Of course, like other myths, there is some truth in this one. Many people assert that AA saved them or others they know well from alcohol problems. They may be correct. In fact, however, no one knows. From a scientific perspective,... Advice A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=348340&ca=Advice To accomplish almost anything in life two basic elements are required: 1) we need to want to accomplish the task, and 2) we need to know how to accomplish it. In changing an addiction, knowing how to change is typically less important than wanting to change. The mechanics of changing addiction are n... Advice A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=348341&ca=Advice Most people have more than one significant addiction. Smokers tend to be drinkers. Gamblers tend to be drinkers and smokers. Coke or heroin users tend to use other drugs also. If I have more than one addiction, and am ready to change several (not necessarily all): how should it be done? Should I att... Wellness, Fitness and Diet A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=348342&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet A scientific idea is one which can be proved or disproved on the basis of facts (evidence). If there is not yet enough evidence to decide, and the idea is an important one, scientists will keep looking carefully for evidence that confirms or disconfirms the idea. For instance, it is important to hav... Family Concerns A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=339276&ca=Family+Concerns 1) Stay focused on the desired outcome, not the process. You may be hoping to find the “right” treatment for a loved one. Rather than insisting that your loved one do this or that (some treatment program you think will be helpful), focus on what you really want: no more (or at least fewer) addiction... Medicines and Remedies A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=339277&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies The reason almost all health insurance companies have stopped paying for residential addiction treatment is that the effectiveness of residential treatment and outpatient treatment has been compared many times, with no advantage being found for residential treatment. The July, 1986, issue of the Ame... Medicines and Remedies A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=339278&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies Detoxification (“detox”), or withdrawal, is the period of time it takes your body to adjust to being without a substance which it used to have regularly. During this time period a previous bodily “homeostasis” is restored, one based on not using the substance or substances. This restored homeostasis... Medicines and Remedies A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=339279&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies There are many places you might receive assistance for overcoming addiction. These places are generally referred to as “levels of care.” By understanding the levels available you can choose the level most suitable for you. We start with the least complicated and expensive level and work up. We leave... Advice A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=339285&ca=Advice The Latin phrase caveat emptor (“let the buyer beware”) suggests that sellers may not inform buyers of everything buyers might want to know about the purchase they are considering. Caveat emptor certainly applies when considering services from the highly competitive addiction treatment industry. Thi...