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"Free At Last," Sergio Castillo, Marsh Plaza 		  Compulsive/Addictive Behaviors Alcohol/Drugs

Boathouse, Regatta DawnAlcohol, drugs, and gambling can be dangerous and costly to the person involved, his or her family, and workplace. Some of the substances that are considered addictive are: alcohol, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, marijuana, tranquilizers, and some prescription drugs. Substance use becomes abuse when it is habitual and interferes with a person's functioning at work or in a relationship.

If you, or someone close to you at home or at work, are worried about the effects of alcohol or drugs, ask yourself:
  • Have you ever tried to cut down your use of alcohol/drugs?
  • Have you ever been angry with someone who has criticized your use?
  • Have you ever felt guilty about your use?
  • Have you ever had an "eye-opener" (a morning use of substance to reduce the effects of hangover/shakes, headaches, thirst, craving)
  • Have you had blackouts?
  • Have you missed work, been late, or left early because of your substance use?
  • Have you ever been arrested for driving under the influence (DWI or DUI)?
If you (or the person you are thinking about) can answer yes to any of these questions, you may want to speak with a professional about options for treatment. Please contact us at 617/353-5381 to arrange an appointment or to speak with someone about your concerns.

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Gambling

highwayGambling is now legitimate and a socially acceptable form of recreation with casinos and games everywhere. With advanced technology comes more accessible ways to gamble. "Day-trading" and other online games are prevalent.

Pathological gambling is a disease, often hidden. It also coexists with other addictive problems such as alcohol or drug use as these substances enhance the experience for the gambler. It affects the victim, his/her family, friends, and coworkers, similar to other diseases of addiction. The compulsion to gamble is more common among the young, the poor, and the poorly educated, as they have more limited ways to acquire the wealth so visible in our society. Costs of gambling are enormous. Families can be impoverished and destroyed.

20 Questions: Do you (or does someone close to you) worry that you might have a gambling Problem?
  1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
  2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
  3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
  4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
  5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
  6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
  7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
  8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
  9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
  10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
  11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
  12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
  13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
  14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
  15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
  16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
  17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
  18. Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
  19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
  20. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of the above questions.

20 Questions courtesy of Gamblers Anonymous. For more information please view their Web site at: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

If you answered yes to at least seven of these questions, or if you have concerns about these issues or any others, please contact us at 617/353-5381 to arrange an appointment.

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Eating Disorders

While Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia are primarily diagnosed in young women, they are found in men and women of all ages. It seems no one is immune to the daily struggle with issues around food and weight. Worrying about being too fat or not thin enough has become increasingly common in recent years as the "ideal" body shape continues to shrink (according to the covers of most major magazines).

Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity have serious health consequences including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, hypotension, hypothermia, hair loss, anemia, impaired renal function, osteoporosis, dental problems, and diabetes. They can also take a toll on family, friends, and coworkers. If you would like assistance dealing with your own eating issue or that of someone you know, call us at 617/353-5381 to schedule an appointment.
Anorexia Warning Signs:
  • Weight loss and dieting to the point of being underweight
  • Preoccupation with food and little observed intake
  • Excessive exercise
  • Loss of normal menstruation
  • Irritability, moodiness, social isolation
  • Neglect of previously enjoyable activities
  • Arguments with family
Bulimia Warning Signs:
  • Binge eating—rapidly eating large quantities of food
  • Hoarding or stealing food
  • Spending a long time in the bathroom, especially after eating
  • Secretive behavior in buying food or laxatives
  • Depression, guilt, and embarrassment
  • Dental problems
If these or any other issues are of concern to you, please call the FSAO at 617/353-5381 to schedule an appointment. Remember, the FSAO is a free, confidential benefit for employees and their families.

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270 Bay State Road
Room B-30
Boston, MA 02215
617/353-5381

Last Updated June 5, 2007
 
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