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Kate Burns, LMFT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST • MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST
Recovery - Alcohol & Drugs
Recovery - Sex Addiction
Recovery - Problematic Eating
Books
Alcohol & Drugs
The Addicted Brain: Why We Abuse Drugs, Alcohol, and Nicotine
by Michael Kuhar
A comprehensive and scientific book about addiction that is written in plain English. It is a good resource book to buy and keep on your shelf.
Memoires of an Addicted Brain: A Neuroscientist Examines His Former Life on Drugs
by Mark Lewis
From the outside as a professional and his insides as an addict - it's worth reading.
Drinking: A Love Story
by Caroline Knapp
"...Here's a confession utterly devoid of self-pity, an extraordinarily lucid and very well-written personal account of a common addiction that's filled with insights as well as a comprehensive treatment of the subject." — Publisher's Weekly Review
Articles
From Experimentation to Addiction: A Young Man's Story of Recovery
[Edited by Ashley Tarr]
A teenage drug addict's long ride down and bumpy ride up to 'clean and sober.'
My Name is Roger, and I'm an Alcoholic
[Roger Ebert, Film Critic]
A young person reading this might think, 'He's old school.' I say, at least he went.
Stories of Recovery
[National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence]
For friends and family. Three short stories of deailng with a loved one in recovery.
YouTube
Organizations / Self-Help
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Programs, services, and resources for recovery.
University of New Mexico's Center for Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addiction
A renowned center for research on addiction, this link lists the questions that most people ask when they start thinking about the subject. The answers are clear and backed by research.
Alcoholics Anonymous of New York - Intergroup
(212) 647-1680
Alcoholics Anonymous - USA
Smart Recovery and Smart Recovery NYC
SMART Recovery is the largest self-help organization in the U. S. It utilizes Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies and group therapy (not professionally led) and is considered an alternative to 12-step groups. In my experience, when AA or NA members participated in SMART meetings, they said they found the approach useful.
Dharma Punx
Dharma Punx started out as a meditative (Buddhist) and non-religious approach to achieve and maintain freedom from alcohol and drugs. It initially attracted 20- and 30-somethings, disenchanted with the status quo. Currently the groups include participants of all ages and backgrounds who may not be seeking sobriety but who seek a kinder and gentler way of life. In 2003, founder Noah Levine, 37, wrote a book, "Dharma Punx," his own story of recovery from heroin, crack and alcohol addiction through the practice of Buddhist meditation.
Narcotics Anonymous - Greater New York Region
For those with problems related to drug use or abuse.
(212) 929-6262
Double Trouble in Recovery, Inc.
For those who have a substance abuse problem as well as a mental health issue.
(718) 373-2684
Marijuana Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous NYC
(212) 459-4423
Sexual Compulsivity / Sex "Addiction"
Books
Breaking the Cycle: Free Yourself from Sex Addiction, Porn Obsession, and Shame
by George Collins, MA and Andrew Adleman MA
Recommended Reading on Sex Addiction Help
Sex, Lies, and Forgiveness
by Jennifer P. Schneider and Burt Schneider
Couples speak out on healing from sex addiction.
Articles
Compulsive Sexual Behavior
[Mayo Clinic]
What is sex addiction? Is it an addiction? How bad does it have to be to be considered an addiction? In this article, the Mayo Clinic defines sexual compulsivity clearly; and most mental health professionals would concur. It's worth reaching if you are starting to explore the subject for yourself or for another.
Hooked on a Feeling
[Lisa Miller, Women's Health]
A well-written article for women that covers the subject of women and sexual compulsivity in the form of anonymous stories of real women and how their 'bad behavior' became a problem that affected major areas of their lives.
Links / YouTube
Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Ph.D, M.D.
A professional with a hearth; her website is a treasure trove of sound information on the subject. Information for the layperson, her books and a book list, links to articles for the layperson as well as family members, and journal articles for the professional.
George Collins
George Collins (author of 'Breaking the Cycle: Free Yourself from Sex Addiction, Porn Obsession, and Shame) not only promotes his book and treatment program, he has several videos here that may help you identify yourself with the 'Cycle,' and give you hope. He acknowledges that not everyone needs a treatment program.
Organizations / Self-Help
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
Offers a wealth of information. There are local groups (NYC) as well as tele-meetings, online text, and web calls.
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA)
There are meetings in most major cities and several in New York City and Long Island. Online and telephone meetings are offered.
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous (SCA)
The New York website was last updated in December, 2011.
Sexual Recovery Anonymous (SRA)
A phone number is listed but there are no meetings listed on the website.
COSA
For loved ones affected by another's compulsive sexual behavior. There is only one meeting per week in NYC. For that reason, many loved ones choose to attend AA, even though AA is for loved ones of problem drinkers and alcoholics. The issues of detachment, self-care (for the loved ones), not taking another's behavior personally, and getting support are common to loved ones who are in relationships with anyone who exhibits compulsive and disruptive behaviors. This is not, however, a group of victims of domestic violence.
Problematic Eating / Obsessions with Food or Weight
Books
Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder: The New Maudsly Method
by Janet Treasure, Grainne Smith and Anna Crane
This is a good book for families who have teenagers with probematic eating. This book will make a lot more sense to you if you first read teh second article below, 'Families Empowered...' which describes the rational for the method and its basics. The method is considered the gold standard for treating young people and adolescents who are living at home.
"Eating disorders are serious health conditions that can be both physically and emotionally destructive. People with eating disorders need to seek professional help." — National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), and the position of the National Eating Disorders Coalition
I agree whole heartedly with NEDA's position above, yet some people may also benefit from self-help groups.
Understanding Eating Disorders
[National Institute of Health and the Friends of the National Library of Medicine]
A thorough yet plain and clear article that educates the reader.
The Family-Based, or Maudsley Treatment Approach
[Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders]
This article describes a family-based treatment, the Maudsley Method, that is considered to be the most effective approach to treating adolescents with an eating disorder.
Articles
YouTube
Thin
This link will take you to a selection of videos on the subject of problematic eating: personal stories, recovery and treatment programs
Organizations / Self-Help
The National Eating Disorders Coalition
Excellent information overall, but specifically addresses how to help someone go into treatment and how to seek treatment for yourself.
Binge Eating Disorder Association
You will find information on this form of problematic eating and support groups in New York City.
ANAD: National Organization of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
An organization whose mission it is to educate, advocate for, and support those who struggle with any form of problematic eating. It is not a 12-step program. There are two meetings on Long Island.
Overeaters Anonymous
OA is the oldest self-help group (1960) for people with problematic eating. It is open to bulimics, binge eaters, anorexics, overeaters and anyone who thinks they have a problematic relationship with food.
Overeaters Anonymous - Suffolk County
Meeting List.
Overeaters Anonymous - Nassau County
Meeting List.
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