This article sure makes it sound like it is – however, the APA refuses to acknowledge that such a thing exists:

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/addiction-video-games-crowded-out-mans-real-life-20110830-1jj8z.html

It is about time the word got out in the news:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44147493/#.Tl2ULc0e0pI

A great article from CNN.com re: the spiritual (not religious) program of AA/the 12-steps:

Click here:

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/28/my-take-an-atheist-at-aa/?hpt=hp_abar

I highly recommend going to this link. There is a transcript of this podcast or you can download this to itunes and listen to it on your ipod. Here is a quote from it:

“Addiction is not fundamentally a moral failing — it’s not a disease of weak-willed losers. When you look at the biology, the only model of addiction that makes sense is a disease-based model, and the only attitude towards addicts that makes sense is one of compassion.”

My sentiments exactly!

Here’s the link:

http://www.npr.org/2011/06/23/137348338/compass-of-pleasure-why-some-things-feel-so-good

Here is an interesting article on whether or not AA should keep the anonymity part of the program. Does the rule of anonymity foster continued shame and hiding? Or, is it necessary to insure that the incoming alcoholic/addict seeks help without fear of exposure? You could argue both sides. This article does it well.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/fashion/08anon.html

Many people don’t understand that alcohol may help you initially get to sleep, but as your body breaks it down it can kick you awake and actually cause sleep-disturbances. See this CNN article, which gives great explanations of how alcohol negatively impacts the sleep cycle:

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/21/get-some-sleep-go-easy-on-the-alcohol/?hpt=T2

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/19/fda.removes.drug/index.html?hpt=P1&iref=NS1

Hopefully these drinks will be pulled off of the shelves soon…

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/17/alcohol.caffeine.drinks/index.html?hpt=T1

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/01/alcohol.harm/index.html?hpt=C2

Scary news from Time magazine about energy drinks mixed with alcohol. Here’s an excerpt:

“Alcohol functions in your body pretty much the same whether you mix it with caffeine or not. The problem is, you will feel better if caffeine is present. A 2006 study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that people who consumed energy drinks with alcohol had significantly less dry mouth and headache than those who drank only alcohol. They also perceived their motor coordination to be better — even though it wasn’t.

Alcoholic energy drinks are a crime against taste — but worse, they trick your brain into believing you’re not as drunk as you are.”

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/10/26/blackout-in-a-can-alcoholic-energy-drinks-keep-wreaking-havoc/#ixzz13flS0BcF