His blood — not ours — bringsfreedom from harmful habits. by Shelbie Mae For weeks I had tried to ignore the scars and open cuts on my sister’s arms and legs, but they stuck out like molehills burrowed into smooth grass. When a knock sounded on my bedroom door, I knew it was she….
Author: nowwhat
I Just Couldn’t Say No
What would one drag on a joint hurt? by Jason Gomez as told to Christy Heitger-Casbon I glanced at my watch: 6:55 p.m. I couldn’t believe there were only five minutes left in youth group. For as far back as I could remember, I’d been connected to these people. Flashbacks of retreats, church lock-ins,…
Hidden Shame: The Growing Problem of Sexual Addiction
Understanding the past and patterns of a secret sin. by Carol McGalliard The final strains of the wedding processional ring through the sanctuary. A radiant bride gazes into the eyes of the beaming groom and vows that she will “love, honor, and cherish this man . . . in sickness and health, for better,…
Confessions of a Binge Eater
One bite called for another, but she craved the wrong thing. by Jeannie Moore One night while I watched TV with my twelve-year-old daughter, Joanna, an actress appeared on the screen. She was about my age, with a slender body and beautiful long, brown hair. As she applied suntan oil, the young woman showed off…
My Turn to Die
Navigating the ups and downs of addictive behavior. by K. P. Rojas The letter sat on my desk, unopened. Why was I afraid to open it? Because I knew there was something in that letter I didn’t want to read, didn’t want to tackle. I had no idea its pages would lead to a…
Understanding Gambling-twenty questions
Twenty Questions Have you ever lost time from work or school due to gambling? Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy? Has gambling affected your reputation? Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? Did you ever gamble to get money to pay debts or solve financial difficulties? Has gambling caused a decrease in your…
Parent Power-Additional resources
For more help, check out the following resources: Drug Strategies, a nonprofit research institute, recently issued a 60-page report titled Treating Teens: A Guide to Adolescent Drug Programs, designed to help parents and other adults make choices about teen substance abuse treatment. Visit http://www.drugstrategies.org/pubs.html to place an order. If you’re looking for tips on how…
The Truth About Bulimia
How to break the bonds of an eating disorder. by Laurie Glass Do you panic after you eat? Do you sometimes binge and then feel a strong urge to get rid of what you’ve eaten in one way or another? Is it difficult for you to find healthy ways to express your emotions? Is…
Overcoming a Binge Eating Disorder
Too much of a good thing is dangerous. by Jeannie Moore Do you find yourself eating until you are out of control or almost sick? Or keeping secret stashes of food, such as chocolate, chips, or cookies? Does your family nag you about how much you are eating? Does food seem to bring comfort…
Saving Ophelia Resources
Want more information on eating disorders? Check these out: I’m Beautiful? Why Can’t I See It? Daily Encouragement to Promote Healthy Eating and Positive Self-Esteem, by Kimberly Davidson Hope, Help, and Healing for Eating Disorders: A New Approach to Treating Anorexia, Bulimia, and Overeating, by Gregory Jantz, Ph.D. Life Inside the Thin Cage: A Personal…