“The guide to a freer, healthier and happier life”. (ELLE) Addicted to our screens, to the Internet, compulsive players, emotionally dependent, hooked on tobacco, on alcohol, on food, on sex … We are all, to very varying degrees, dependent on something which may cause problems if it gets out of control. Could you be affected? The answer is in this book! It will help you to keep or – if…
A month without drinking alcohol – that’s the challenge set by the Belgian Foundation Against Cancer for their “Tournée Minérale”. Starting on February 1st, 100,000 people committed themselves to giving up alcohol for one month, and to making a donation for research. Live well without alcohol Last year, the first such event attracted 120,000 participants. By combining activism with fun, it showed many of them that they can survive without…
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a novel psychotherapeutic approach to the treatment of, amongst other things, phobias, addictions and depression. The method was developed in the USA at the end of the 1980s, by psychologist Francine Shapiro, and it was first used to treat post-traumatic syndromes. For victims of rape, accidents, bereavement or conflict, it’s now the best documented method in the English-speaking world, and the most…
There’s too much sugar in our lives! This “feel good” food, at high doses, is a real toxin for the body. However, reducing consumption is much easier than it might seem. Why not try a little detox? Too much! It’s too much! Sugar is practically an addiction in our society. People in France, for example, currently consume 20-30 kg (45-65 pounds) per year per person, compared with a little over…
A study published in December 2015 revealed that doing sports activities can lead to drinking alcohol. Now experts say that your sense of smell is also partly responsible. The relationship between smell and drinking is highlighted by a study carried by a team at Edge Hill University in England, published in the journal Psychopharmacology for March 2016. The study, by R Monk, J Sunley, AW Qureshi and D Heim shows…
Anne-France Huret, a psychologist who specialises in family and couple therapy, has some words of advice on making the transition from emotional dependence on the object of your affections (the intense “us” experienced at the start) to emotional independence; the “me / myself / I” which is more fulfilling in the long term. It’s a process with several stages, but working on your self-esteem is the most important of these….
Jennifer Yerhot is in recovery. She’s been addicted to alcohol, painkillers, sugar, diet coke and online shopping, but now she’s clean and life is good. Born into a family of addicts, all now recovering, there was always a chance that Jennifer would have issues. She freely acknowledges her tendency towards addiction, but for too long she tried to deal with it alone. After her jaw was broken by a swinging…
E-Cigarettes have come into popularity in recent years. While most people understand the negative effects caused by smoking, and traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes have presented themselves as a “healthier” solution – no black tar, and no smoke. Rather, smokers of e-cigarettes participate in what they call ‘vaping’, where vapors from the cigarette are dispersed into the air, rather than smoke. While e-cigarettes are certainly a more responsible choice when you happen…
Once regarded as vulgar and lurid adornments fit only for sailors, criminals and rock stars, tattoos have become increasingly socially acceptable in recent years. Body art is a practice stretching back more than 5000 years, having religious and tribal roots. Here in the 21st century it’s become almost mainstream, attracting growing numbers of passionate enthusiasts, including many trendsetting celebrities. Inevitably, this has led to controversy, with some psychoanalysts suggesting the…
It’s a cheap, widely available and legal high, and therefore especially attractive to young people who may find it difficult to get hold of illicit drugs. But make no mistake, solvent abuse is extremely dangerous. It can kill, quickly and without warning. Solvents can be found in most homes, in such everyday products as lighter fluid, nail polish remover, correcting fluid, paint thinners and glue. The vapours from such preparations…