Is Self-Control Overrated? (And Will It Help You Keep Those New Year's Resolutions?)

Elements' David Sack, MD on Huffington Post

Lack of self-control has been blamed for many of society's ills, from addiction and crime to obesity and debt. But with a large volume of research showing that self-control is a limited resource - one that can be depleted as quickly as the money in your bank account - is it worth the effort it takes to achieve self-mastery? If you don't have a solid reserve in place by early adulthood, is self-control a hopeless pursuit? Is self-control really the skill that will help you keep this year's annual resolution to lose weight, quit smoking, or break some other tough habit?

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A New Year, a New Chance at Recovery

Promises | January 8, 2013

You partied through the holidays, assuming you'd cut back come January 1st. Only this time things got a little too real. Perhaps you put yourself or someone else in serious danger. Or maybe you committed to getting sober and, within a matter of days, broke your resolution - again.

This year can be different. Here is a roadmap to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

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PTSD and Substance Abuse are Commonly Shared Issues

The Ranch | January 8, 2013

For people who have experienced a deeply traumatic event in their lives, the link to abuse is more frequent. Whether it is child abuse or war, drugs and alcohol are a likely go-to "solution" for these victims. They'll take drugs and drink to ease that pain, help them sleep, ease the anxiety and escape the haunting memories of what lead them to substance abuse.

But it comes with a cost of its own, and as the anxiety is reduced briefly, it comes back two-fold as the side effects set in.

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Introducing the new Stimulant and Sexual Disorders Program at Promises, Malibu

Promises' unique new program will open January 21, 2013

The Stimulant and Sexual Disorders (SSD) Program at Promises, Malibu is a men's drug addiction treatment program designed to address addictions to the stimulants (cocaine, crystal meth, etc.) and "party drugs" (GHB, MDMA, ketamine, etc.) that are often taken in combination with sexual behavior.

Currently, there is no U.S. drug rehabilitation facility that utilizes a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of both stimulant drug abuse/addiction and related sexual acting out. Promises' unique program addresses the needs of men who may enter rehab specifically for stimulant abuse, but who also require an integrated focus on their sexual behavior.

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Managing Bipolar Disorder

Elements | January 7, 2013

From an episode of deep depression that keeps you bed-bound to a manic frenzy that triggers risky behavior, the mood swings of bipolar disorder can make you feel like your life is completely out of control. Episodes may be so severe that it becomes hard or impossible to hold a job, care for your family, or fulfill other responsibilities.

Although bipolar disorder is often a lifelong condition that requires treatment from a mental health professional, there are some practical and beneficial lifestyle changes you can make as well. These will help you manage symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes, and improve your overall quality of life.

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Perfectionism and Substance Abuse: Exploring the Hidden Connection

Promises | January 4, 2013

The great irony of perfectionism is that it makes failure all but inevitable. Because perfectionists insist on a level of performance that is impossible to achieve in the vast majority of instances, they must constantly cope with feelings of frustration, disappointment, guilt, shame, and personal inadequacy. Perfectionists live in a state of constant psychological tension, which leaves them vulnerable to the soothing and sedating touch of alcohol; and when feelings of failure send them spiraling into depression, they can be strongly tempted to turn to stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine to help them overcome their inner sense of ennui.

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