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Ask a Marriage Blogger – Leading Causes of Divorce

A good friend of mine is getting married shortly, and she’s had a number of questions about marriage and how to cultivate a good relationship with her new husband. As we’ve conversed, she’s given me permission to share some of her questions, and my answers, with you. Q. What are the leading causes of divorce? A. This is a very natural question – divorce is so common these days, it’s almost impossible to contemplate marriage without wondering if it will end in divorce. As I look into it, the causes seem to largely be these. Poor communication – when one … Continue reading →

Diagnostic Criteria for Amphetamine (or Related Substance) Intoxication

In previous articles, we discussed the origins, medicinal use and side effects of the amphetamine family of drugs. The criteria for amphetamine (including speed, Ecstacy, methamphetamine, ice) intoxication as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) are as follows: 1. Clinically significant maladaptive behavior or psychological changes ( e.g euphoria or emotional blunting i.e. unempathic behavior, changes in sociability, hypervigilance (nervousness, tenseness), impaired judgment or impaired social or occupational functioning, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, or anger that develops during or shortly after use of an amphetamine-type substance. 2. The presence of two (or more) of the following, … Continue reading →

Diagnostic Criteria for Substance Dependence

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When we last visited the topic of Substance Abuse we looked at the diagnostic criteria for substance abuse. Today we look at substance dependence, which differs from abuse in that the component of addiction and addictive behavior is also present. So how do we know if a person has moved from substance abuse to substance dependence? The DSM-IV-TR lists the following guidelines for a diagnosis of substance dependence: A maladaptive pattern of substance abuse leading to significant impairment or distress as manifested by at least three of the following within a 12-month period: 1. Tolerance to the substance as defined … Continue reading →

Is It Really Substance Abuse?

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In When Usage becomes Abusage (see below) we looked at the enormous emotional and financial cost of substance abuse. But how do you know when someone is really abusing rather than using a substance such as tobacco, alcohol or other recreational drugs? How do you know when the person you love is in trouble? Fortunately the American Psychiatric Association lists the criteria for substance abuse in an attempt to better distinguish those who are in control of the drugs in their life and those who have crossed the line. The guidelines are as follows: A. A maladaptive pattern of substance … Continue reading →

When Parents Play Favorites

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Which one of your children is your favorite? This controversial question is one that most parents cannot answer. They love all their children equally (as they should). Problems arise when parents make it clear that they have a favorite child. Those same problems come up when a child perceives that his or her parents are playing favorites – even if the parents are not actually doing that. A study done by Alex Jensen (and others) found something that could be really troubling to parents. It is entirely possible for parents to treat all of their children equally and still have … Continue reading →

The Family Dinner Project Promotes Family Unity

Does your family sit down together every night for dinner? Many families are in the habit of parking themselves in front of the TV as they eat dinner. Those families are missing out on a great opportunity to connect with each other. The Family Dinner Project has some excellent advice about why eating dinner together as a family is so important. The About Page at The Family Dinner Project has an summary of why families really need to have dinner together. It says: Over the past 15 years, research has shown what parents have known for a long time: Sharing … Continue reading →

Sometimes It Is The Right Thing

We all have deal breakers in a relationship. We would never marry someone who has one of them, and they are different for all of us. There are a few big ones that are the same for just about everyone, abuse, substance abuse and infidelity. The sad part is that while those deal breakers may not be present at the beginning of your marriage they may appear later. It’s hard to walk away from your marriage, especially when there are children involved. For me, Hailey was a deciding factor, both in staying as long as I did and finally, in … Continue reading →

What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?

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Researchers at Harvard Medical School have determined that Intermittent Explosive Disorder is more common than originally thought. It is a severe and persistent disorder that goes beyond the usual teenage angst and anger. Concerned parents might consider speaking with a psychologist about whether or not their teen has this disorder. I have to admit, I had never heard of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, or IED, before reading an article from Time. It is a real disorder that affects around 8% of teens, (which comes to about 6 million teenagers). This disorder is quite different from the usual “attitude” that teenagers typically … Continue reading →

Addiction Recovery Program is Now Online

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The church has recently launched a new portion of its website for the addiction recovery program. I, myself, have never attended these meetings. I have always thought that it was just for those who suffered from addiction to pornography or substance abuse. But, in fact, this program is much more than that. If you are thinking that it might be like your typical AA meeting, think again. The meetings are run in a loving, hope filled environment. No one is expected to confess their sins to a large group of people, and in fact, you don’t even have to be … Continue reading →

A Blood Test to Help Diagnose Major Depression in Teens

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Is your teen a little down, or is she experiencing a major depression? Maybe it isn’t depression at all, but rather, a form of anxiety. These types of disorders can sometimes be difficult for doctors and psychologists to diagnose. Scientists have developed a blood test that can make it easier to diagnose depression in teens. Depression is not limited to adults. Major depression affects about 1% of children who are under the age of 12. By the time a young person reaches his or her late teens or young adulthood, that percentage goes up to around 25%. Teens, and young … Continue reading →