By Marty Brenner CCDC

One of the most common addictions in today’s stress-laden world is the addiction to anger. People suffer anger addiction, like most other addictions, as a response to situations which they fear they cannot control. And, like other addictions, as a coping mechanism, anger makes the addict feel good at first, but like cocaine, as the addiction grows, it consumes more of the person’s life and has painful consequences.

To an addict, the most important thing in life is the addiction. All focus is on it, as it blocks out the painful feeling of lack of control over other aspects of the addict’s life. The addiction gives an illusory sense of pleasure, power and control; often so intense that he or she is blind to the consequences of actions taken when under the control of the addiction.

It provides a false sense of security, but even worse, the longer the addict is consumed by anger addiction, the greater often becomes the need to resort to that addiction ­ in other words, the required Odosage’ to chase away the fear increases, like the heroin addict who must keep increasing the hit. Click here to read more »

By Marty Brenner CCDC

Emotions are feelings that happen to us, not things we chose to happen. Emotions are mechanisms that developed in ancient people to enable them to deal with external situations in order to survive. Our response to emotional states, while sometimes recognized, is often felt to be beyond our control, and have a physiological as well as a mental component.

Developing emotional awareness is key to learning to effectively and positively control our emotional state, to avoid a situation where we are controlled by our emotions. People who are aware of the true nature of their emotions are better able to think clearly, to communicate effectively with others, and to live happier, more productive lives. As an added bonus, people who are emotionally aware not only have better control over their own emotions, but are more likely to correctly interpret the emotional state of others.

Regardless of the situation, when dealing with others, emotions shape the communication process. Contrary to what you might believe, most communication is determined, not by the words we use but the nonverbal cues we send; it is believed that 95% of communication is nonverbal and emotion-driven. It is the way you feel, not how you think, that determines how your communication is interpreted. Understanding the impact of emotion on communications helps us to avoid missing important emotional cues when we communicate with others, and contributes to more effective communication. Click here to read more »

Why Do We Notice When Addicts Have Multiple Addictions?
By Marty Brenner CCDC

Because They Often Lash Out!

Coping with addiction presents significant challenges for anyone; dealing with multiple addictions presents often seemingly insurmountable problems for the addicted, their families and everyone around them.

The factors that make people susceptible to one addiction, unfortunately, open them to other addictions as well, and one of the maladies that those suffering from multiple addictions manifest is anger or rage addiction.  Along with treatment to mitigate other addictions, anger addiction rehab is often necessary to help addicts change their lives. Click here to read more »

By Marty Brenner CCDC

We find ourselves having to deal with a wide range of emotions as we go about our daily lives; some of which are extremely difficult. Among the emotions that create the most internal conflict are those relating to shame and anger; emotions that are often linked.

Becoming angry is an emotional reaction to events around us, either caused by external actors, or by our own actions. These feelings can be compounded by the stress that is an unfortunate component of our lives.

When we lack complete self awareness, events can increase stress causing us to react; often by lashing out verbally or physically at the source or initiator of the event. Many people, when they become upset, then feel shame at having done so. Click here to read more »

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What are the Benefits of Individualized Program?

The Individualized Anger Management program is a person-centered program. That is, the program is organized around the specific needs of each individual person rather than organizing the person around a pre-determined program.

The specific anger issue, the depth and breadth of its expression, the unique learning style, time restraints, economic circumstance and level of commitment of each participant determines the duration, design and specific method used.  Click here to read more »

A look at the drug treatment programs that are a result of a court ordered drug diversion plan.

David Piper, The Piper Law Firm
Marty Brenner, CCDC, Talk to Marty Addiction Counseling Services    

Recent Event:
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Registration/Dinner: 6:00 p.m. Program: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Beverly Hills Bar Association, Conference Center
300 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 210,  Beverly Hills

What is a Drug Diversion Program?

A drug diversion program is dedicated to working with participants to successfully address their alcohol or drug related problems. Their goal is to eliminate any chemical dependency to alcohol or drugs, whereby the health and safety of the public is maintained. Click here to read more »