Climbing Out of the Well Learn about new approaches to treating addictions. By Nataliya Schetchikova, PhD Releasing Emotions: According to Dianne Sikel, a life coach practicing in Arizona, another technique that helps some addicts deal with negative feelings and stay true to their goals is a worksheet (available at www.thework.com) developed by Byron Katie, a best-selling author and coach. “We often begin to think negatively, replaying stories from the past, and feel so frustrated, irritated or helpless that we reach for anything to shove these thoughts away–be it food, drink or whatever else we are addicted to.” By putting the thoughts and stories on paper and asking themselves a series of questions, patients may uncover the true cause of their negative feelings before reaching for whatever they are addicted to. In this process, they may find ways to help themselves feel better without using a substance. “Before you reach for a drink or junk food, figure out what you are trying to drown or stuff. Did you get in a fight with your partner, are you thinking they should respect you or treat you better? Turn it around, and find a way to respect yourself. Instead of drinking or eating, consider going to the gym or to the library or finish a project,” says Sikel. http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3520 © 2011 Copyright American Chiropractic Association. | 1701 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22209