Pine Grove Treatment

The Disease Model

2008-06-25T07:34:00.000-05:00

Dr. Deborah Gross

Once upon a time, all mental disorders, including eating disorders, gambling addiction, drug and alcohol addiction and sexual addiction (along with everything else in the compulsive spectrum) were thought of as wickedness, weakness, or both. Now we use what is called “the disease model” to talk about these things because (thank goodness) we know a lot more than we used to about them. We know that all addictions are compulsions and vice versa, which gives rise to the saying, popular in all the best recovery circles, “An addiction is an addiction is an addiction.”

From the standpoint of recovery, the specific substance or activity is less important than the recognition of the fact that someone who is suffering with this terrible problem feels driven, absolutely compelled to do, ingest, or focus on something that hurts her in body, mind, and spirit, wrecks her relationships, and keeps her from wholeness and wellness in life. As a well regarded researcher in the field, Dr. Doug Talbott, says, “The compulsion IS the disease.”

The scientific evidence for this position is mounting in all areas of research—clinical work with patients, family history studies, newer brain imaging techniques, and psychological research into what is called “addiction interaction.” The compulsion really is the disease. As one woman put it to me once, “I overeat and throw up just like my dad used to drink. It’s so out of control and I can’t make anybody see I need help just like he did.”

The difficulty in the medical sciences often lies in translating research evidence into clinical practice. Someone has to lead the way, and we all tend to resist change. At Pine Grove Women’s Center, however, we are committed to bringing you the most up to date, comprehensive care possible, using what has worked in the past to set a framework for making full use of the advances in the here and now.

Dr. Gross is Director of Psychiatry at Pine Grove Women’s Center, a residential program in Hattiesburg MS devoted to the treatment of addictions and eating disorders in women. She is also President and CEO of SeaStar: Tools for Creative Wellness and author of Food and Feelings: Scientifically Sound Self Help for Emotional Overeating.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE for more information.

Warning Signs of Suicide

2008-06-19T07:32:00.000-05:00

Suicide is a devastating act that almost always seems to friends and family members like a bolt from the blue. But people often give clues that they are thinking of suicide. Recognizing the warning signs of suicide could result in a life being saved.

Giving away cherished possession, making a will and being preoccupied with death are red flags for impending suicide. Furthermore, the old saying that people who talk about suicide don’t do it is simply not true. Often such talk is a cry for help before it’s too late.

Another warning sign of suicide is depression. Any of these changes could indicate depression:

- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Poor performance at work or school
- Poor concentration
- Withdrawal

Anyone who is depressed or has been depressed is at risk for suicide. Other risk factors include:

- Alcohol and drug use
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- Death of a friend or family member
- Previous suicide attempt
- End of a relationship

If you suspect someone is considering suicide, take the warning signs seriously! Don’t assume it will blow over. Share your concerns with someone who is a position to take charge or contact your local health professional.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

How to Avoid Burnout

2008-06-16T15:48:00.001-05:00

Burnout is a stress condition brought on by being involved in an intense situation for a long period of time without adequate rest and recreation. Most often thought of in relation to a job, burnout can also occur in other situations, such as being a primary caregiver to small children or a sick elderly person. It is the result of feeling overworked and unappreciated. Learn how to avoid burnout by knowing your own limits, taking care of yourself, and listening to the ideas of others.

Sometimes we can control a situation that has the potential for burnout by recognizing it at the outset. In fact, certain jobs, such as air traffic control, are known for their high incidence of burnout, as are jobs which involve caring for the very ill or in which a great many hours of overtime are demanded.

Some people thrive on stressful environments, but if you are the type of person who can’t help but get involved to the detriment of your own need, you might reconsider the situation and choose not to participate. Knowing yourself well enough to avoid situations of potential burnout can be a health strategy for you.

Share your feelings about the situation with others in the same or similar situation; listen to what they have to say about strategies they use to cope or talk with someone from outside the situation. You might find that communicating with others about your own situation is a positive step away from stress and burnout and a positive step toward greater health.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

2008-06-10T01:00:00.001-05:00

Over 30 million Americans have some type of eating disorder and while each problem is unique, eating disorders do have warning signals.

Here are some signs that might indicate a problem in you or someone you love:

- Fear of being unable to stop eating once you start
- Abusing drug or alcohol before “binge eating”
- Intentional vomiting after meals
- Constant low-calorie or crash dieting
- Compulsive exercise with strict “exercise rules”
- Using body weight and being thin to measure self-worth
- Thinking or talking constantly about food
- Refusing to discuss food at all
- Using food to hide anger, loneliness, or feelings of rejection

If you are concerned about your eating behaviors or attitudes, or even a friend or family members, consider professional help.

The Pine Grove Women’s Center is a residential program in Hattiesburg MS devoted to the treatment of addictions and eating disorders in women. Our mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

The Benefits of Reading with Loved Ones

2008-06-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Eileene McRae of Pine Grove Books and Gifts discusses the benefits of reading to children.

Pine Grove Books and Gifts is Mississippi’s only bookstore devoted entirely to behavioral health and self-help literature. The bookstore carries all books used in addiction treatment at Pine Grove and many books recommended by our addiction treatment team. These books include titles related to AA, NA, SA, Alanon, co dependency, spirituality, eating disorders, dual diagnoses, parenting, treatment intervention, and psychological disorders.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Diagnosing Dependency

2008-06-02T12:27:00.002-05:00

Dependence on alcohol or other drugs is a widespread problem. Many times, people don’t recognize it. Chemical dependency is simply the inability to control the use of some physical substance, not being able to limit how much is used. If you have a dependency problem, recognizing it can help you to move toward a happier and healthier life.

Here are some signs that might indicate a chemical dependency problem in you or someone you love:

- Trying to cut down or quit using a substance and failing at it
- Blackouts or lapses of memory after use
- Using the substance while alone or hiding the evidence of use
- Using the substance to forget about problems or worries
- Doing thing under the influence that cause regret afterwards
- Not being able to enjoy an event without the substance
- Neglecting responsibilities in order to use the substance
- Family, friends, or employer expressing concern about use
- Being willing to do almost anything to get the substance
- Financial or legal problems from using the substance

Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step toward recovering.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Daily Meditation for People in Recovery

2008-05-30T01:00:00.001-05:00

Eileene McRae of Pine Grove Books and Gifts discusses books about prayer and meditation for people in recovery.

Pine Grove Books and Gifts is Mississippi’s only bookstore devoted entirely to behavioral health and self-help literature. The bookstore carries all books used in addiction treatment at Pine Grove and many books recommended by our addiction treatment team. These books include titles related to AA, NA, SA, Alanon, co dependency, spirituality, eating disorders, dual diagnoses, parenting, treatment intervention, and psychological disorders.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

The Co-Dependency Trap

2008-05-28T01:00:00.002-05:00

Offered at Pine Grove’s loft in downtown Hattiesburg, The Co-Dependency Trap is a five-day workshop designed to empower individuals from addictive family systems to release themselves from the bonds of co-dependency. Participants examine how childhood wounds interfere with intimacy and how to select and maintain healthy relationships. This intensive therapy experience is designed to reveal how painful life experiences hamper our growth, our ability to be honest and nurturing to ourselves, and be authentic in our relationships with others. This workshop is ideal for spouses or adult children of addicts.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Overcoming Challenges as a Couple

2008-05-26T01:00:00.003-05:00

Eileene McRae of Pine Grove Books and Gifts discusses books about building stronger relationships by working through differences.

Pine Grove Books and Gifts is Mississippi’s only bookstore devoted entirely to behavioral health and self-help literature. The bookstore carries all books used in addiction treatment at Pine Grove and many books recommended by our addiction treatment team. These books include titles related to AA, NA, SA, Alanon, co dependency, spirituality, eating disorders, dual diagnoses, parenting, treatment intervention, and psychological disorders.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Facing the Shadow

2008-05-23T08:05:00.001-05:00

Offered at Pine Grove’s loft in downtown Hattiesburg, Facing the Shadow is a five-day workshop designed for individuals struggling with sexual compulsivity. Participants gain education, experience group therapy, and begin the road to recovery.

Facing the Shadow objectives:

- Understand and break through denial
- Understand the illness
- Reduce shame
- Identify ungrieved losses
- Explore root cause of addiction-trauma
- Develop a “sobriety” plan
- Limit the damage from your behavior
- Face couple and family issues
- Understand disclosure
- Work with arousal template
- Introduce functional sexuality
- Prevent relapse
- Live in a culture of support
- Work in a safe environment that ensures confidentiality and anonymity

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Dealing with Addictions or Recovery

2008-05-21T01:00:00.002-05:00

Eileene McRae of Pine Grove Books and Gifts discusses books about addiction and recovery.

Pine Grove Books and Gifts is Mississippi’s only bookstore devoted entirely to behavioral health and self-help literature. The bookstore carries all books used in addiction treatment at Pine Grove and many books recommended by our addiction treatment team. These books include titles related to AA, NA, SA, Alanon, co dependency, spirituality, eating disorders, dual diagnoses, parenting, treatment intervention, and psychological disorders.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more info.

The Professional Enhancement Program

2008-05-19T01:00:00.003-05:00

The Professional Enhancement Program (PEP) is an integrated behavioral health treatment service specifically designed to help professionals with interpersonal difficulties and vocational issues.

The program utilizes a value-based group therapy approach and consists of three separate components:

- Tiered Diagnostic Tests
- Day Treatment Program
- Reintegration to employment

Some of the benefits of PEP include:

- Multi-disciplinary treatment team
- Full-time, board certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist
- Advocacy with State Licensing Boards
- Residential living option during treatment

The goals of the Professional Enhancement Program are: to manage stress in day-to-day living, develop coping methods and the ability to accept help, understand and begin to resolve the issues that led to treatment, learn to balance home, family and professional life, and increase professional performance.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

How does pain affect your thinking?

2008-05-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Dr Geralyn Datz, Psychologist at Forrest General Hospital Psychology Services, discusses how pain affects our thinking and how to overcome negative attitudes.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

What is Next Step?

2008-05-14T07:25:00.004-05:00

Next Step is a 48-bed extended community setting especially designed to aid men in regaining their freedom from the disease of chemical dependency. Next Step provides an alternative to traditional inpatient treatment programs in an environment that is both clinical and cost-effective.

Next Step employs a variety of 12-step based programs for each phase of treatment and with an interdisciplinary staff of physicians, nurses, counselors, clinical assistants, social workers, and certified addictionologist the Next Step program provides patients with a full continuum of care.

The treatment program includes:

- Comprehensive Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation and Testing
- 12-step support groups
- AA Big Book Studies
- Gender-Specific Groups
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Family Program
- REACH (experiential therapy)
- Expressive therapy
- Recreation therapy
- Nutrition Services
- Lectures and Films
- Dual diagnosis
- Aftercare program
- Intervention
- Exercise/Fitness

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Pain Management

2008-05-12T08:16:00.003-05:00

Dr Geralyn Datz, Psychologist at Forrest General Hospital Psychology Services, discusses pain management and pain management techniques.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Sexual Addiction Screening

2008-05-08T10:18:00.007-05:00

Sexual addiction is characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Like all addictions, the addict usually has to intensify the addictive behavior to achieve the same results.

If you have concerns about sexual behaviors then ask yourself these questions:

- Have you had difficulty resisting impulses to engage in sexual behaviors?
- Have you tried to stop, control, or reduce these behaviors?
- Have you thought of killing yourself because of your sexual behaviors?
- Have you experienced legal consequences due to your sexual behaviors?
- Do you spend large amounts of time trying to get or recover from sex?
- Do you feel anxious or irritable if unable to engage in sexual behaviors?
- Do you worry that others will find out about your sexual activities?
- Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
- Do you feel that your sexual behavior is not normal?
- Are you experiencing family problems as a result of your behaviors?

If you are concerned about your sexual behaviors or attitudes, or even a friend or family members, consider professional help.

Pine Grove’s Gentle Path is a program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction and sexual anorexia. It is under the direction of Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., C.A.S., world-renowned speaker, and author on addiction. Dr. Carnes’ 30-task-model serves as the basic curriculum for treatment. For over twenty years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

How do you feel pain?

2008-05-06T08:01:00.006-05:00

Dr Geralyn Datz, Psychologist at Forrest General Hospital Psychology Services, discusses chronic pain as an enormous US health issue. Chronic pain affects individuals in more ways than just physical pain. Other issues affected by living with chronic pain include relationships, mood, activity level, ability to work, and ability to enjoy vacation or hobbies.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Treating Addictions and Eating Disorders Together

2008-04-30T13:23:00.005-05:00

Deborah V. Gross, MD

All of the disorders of eating (compulsive overeating, compulsive under eating or anorexia, binging and purging) have much in common with addiction. Brain imaging shows problems for both in the mesolimbic structures deep inside the brain, family histories of eating disordered patients frequently reveal addictions somewhere, and many of the psychological elements of denial, craving, tolerance, and relapse are the same. Experienced addiction therapists say that many, if not most, women with addictions also show disordered eating at some point. Are there differences? Of course, but it’s in the common elements that our strength can be found. Each woman, indeed, each human being on this earth, is unique, yet we all share certain challenges and issues. Unity and diversity are not mutually exclusive, and who would argue that we need all the help we can get in dealing with illnesses as troublesome as these?

Besides the issues related to diagnosis, many women with addictions and eating disorders are depressed or have other untreated medical problems, many have been psychologically, sexually, or physically abused and traumatized, and many are anxious and unempowered, with no idea how to go about changing these things. At Pine Grove Women’s Center, we know that your time here is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of recovery. However, we also know that if we don’t help you set up some signposts now, you will be at risk for losing your way in the future.

Dr. Gross is Director of Psychiatry at Pine Grove Women’s Center, a residential program in Hattiesburg MS devoted to the treatment of addictions and eating disorders in women. She is also President and CEO of SeaStar: Tools for Creative Wellness and author of Food and Feelings: Scientifically Sound Self Help for Emotional Overeating.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Gentle Path

2008-04-22T14:55:00.005-05:00

Pine Grove’s Gentle Path is a program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction and sexual anorexia. It is under the direction of Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., C.A.S., world-renowned speaker, and author on addiction. Dr. Carnes’ 30-task-model serves as the basic curriculum for treatment.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Welcome to the Pine Grove Blog

2008-01-01T01:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services Treatment Blog. Located in beautiful Hattiesburg, Mississippi. We are known as one of the nation’s , if not the world's, most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty years the people of Pine Grove have offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized programs include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. Our Mission at Pine Grove is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

We hope you find this blog helpful in our mission to do so.

The People of Pine Grove Behavioral and Addiction Services
"Because it is Our People that make All the Difference."