Learn about the five types of Internet addiction and take our Internet addiction test.

Internet Addiction is a broad term covering a wide-variety of behaviors and impulse-control problems. It is important to understand that there are five specific types of Internet addiction:

1. Cybersexual Addiction: Individuals who suffer from Cybersex/Internet pornography addiction are typically engaged in viewing, downloading, and trading online pornography or involved in adult fantasy role-play chat rooms. (Find out more about cybersexual addiction)
2. Cyber-relationship Addiction: Individuals who suffer from an addiction to chat rooms, IM, or social networking sites become over-involved in online relationships or may engage in virtual adultery. Online friends quickly become more important to the individual often at the expense of real life relationships with family and friends. In many instances, this will lead to marital discord and family instability.
3. Net Compulsions: Addictions to online gaming, online gambling, and eBay are fast becoming new mental problems in the post-Internet Era. With the instant access to virtual casinos, interactive games, and eBay, addicts loose excessive amounts of money and even disrupt other job-related duties or significant relationships.
4. Information Overload: The wealth of data available on the World Wide Web has created a new type of compulsive behavior regarding excessive web surfing and database searches. Individuals will spend greater amounts of time searching and collecting data from the web and organizing information. Obsessive compulsive tendencies and reduced work productivity are typically associated with this behavior.
5. Computer Addiction: In the 80s, computer games such as Solitaire and Minesweeper were programmed into computers and researchers found that obsessive computer game playing became problematic in organizational settings as employees spent most days playing rather than working. These games are not interactive nor played online.

Based upon the DSM, Dr. Kimberly Young developed eight criteria to diagnose Internet addiction:

1. Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous on-line activity or anticipate next on-line session)?
2. Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
3. Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?
4. Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?
5. Do you stay on-line longer than originally intended?
6. Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?
7. Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?
8. Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

If you can answer "yes" to five or more of the questions, then you may suffer from Internet addiction. If you fear that you may be addicted, we invite you to take our Internet Addiction Test. If you need immediate help, please contact our Virtual Clinic.

Our clinical research shows that demographics of Internet addicts indicate a mean age of 29 for males and 43 for females and vocational backgrounds are broken down as follows: blue collar, non-technical white collar, high-technical white collar and none (i.e., homemaker, disabled, retired, students).
Duration of online use is broken down as follows:
Clinical research classifies the most addictive online applications:
To learn more about Internet addiction, please review Caught in the Net, the first recovery book on Internet addiction and review our articles online. No one is sure how many people are affected by addictive use of the Internet. But if one takes estimates used in other addictions such alcoholism or compulsive gambling, you might estimate that about 5% to 10% of all on-line users may be potentially addicted. At this point, these numbers are very cautionary.	Caught in the Net

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next: Dealing With Internet Misuse in the Workplace
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People share stories about a natural health product called Neuro 911 and neurofeedback as alternative treatments for ADHD.

Natural Alternatives for ADHD

Neuro 911

This 100% natural product is kicking up quite a storm in the Canada and the United States. It's a formulation of amino acids, vitamins and minerals that apparently has taken 63 years to create. Ken Wells from Alberta, Canada, writes:

"I represent a company called Quest IV Health Products. This company has a patented 100% natural nutritional product that eliminates the need for stimulant medication in most ADHD cases. It has been used for the last 11 years in over 700 hospitals and clinics throughout the USA & it's name is Neuro 911. It is now available to general public fo the very first time. We have over 11 years of Clinical/Medical Studies available."

John Furrow from New Brunswick, Canada, writes:

"My son is ADHD and is on the Neuro 911 product and is doing fantastic, our living hell is over and now life is good. He is now more focused and is able to exhibit more control and his sleep paterns have improved. My parents (who live 200 miles away) did not see him untill after he had been on Neuro 911 for 6 weeks. They were so amazed that they now take it themselves to treat stress and improve sleep! "

EEG Biofeedback or Neurofeedback

This drug-free approach is becoming very popular in the USA and is also available in the UK (see below).
The EEG Spectrum website at http://www.eegspectrum.com/ explains it best.

"EEG Biofeedback is a learning strategy that enables persons to alter their brain waves. When information about a person's own brain wave characteristics is made available to him, he can learn to change them. You can think of it as exercise for the brain.

What is it used for?

EEG Biofeedback is used for many conditions and disabilities in which the brain is not working as well as it might. These include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and more severe conduct problems, specific learning disabilities, and related issues such as sleep problems in children, teeth grinding, and chronic pain such as frequent headaches or stomach pain, or pediatric migraines.Bal Singh from the UK writes:

"EEG Biofeedback or Neurofeedback pioneered in the USA has been available in the UK since 1996 from EEG Neurofeedback Services. This is the UK's only full-time comprehensive neurofeedback practice offering treatment as a NHS service provider or by private referral. As well as treating ADD/ADHD, they have also dealt with a variety of other conditions such as Tics, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, Asthma, Epilepsy, etc. This leads to the elimination of medications such as Ritalin, Pemoline, Respiridone, Becotide, Epilim as the brain learns to take control. Actual write-ups from people who have recieved the treatment can be found at http://www.eegneurofeedback.net/ as well as local press/radio articles featuring the work of the practice. The work of the practice has also been featured nationally, in the Sunday Times, since 1998."

Alex Elsaesser, PARNET Assistant, Cerebra-For Brain Injured Children and Young People writes:

"The Imperial College School of Medicine is to start testing a remarkable NEW THERAPY for attention problems from USA. This is comes after two years of negotiations and a transatlantic trip for Professor Gruzelier instigated and funded by The Rescue Foundation - (now Cerebra-For Brain Injured Children and Young People).

The therapy requires no drugs, surgery or other invasive procedures, just training of the child to regulate their own brain!

It has been known for many years that children with attention, hyperactivity and learning problems often have abnormal brain waves (EEG) and that they can be trained to alter them. Professor Lubar of Tennessee has demonstrated repeatedly that when these children self-regulate their brain waves the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity diminish or disappear altogether! But .... the first children that will have the opportunity to try this remarkable therapy in the UK will be those enrolled on the research programme that is validating the therapy for the UK. The intention is to train appropriate professionals to make the therapy more widely available hopefully through the NHS."

Alex Elsaesser

Website: http://www.cerebra.org.uk/ Annette writes:

"I came across your web page in my search for worms for my organic garden.

I notice that your organization is involved with ADHD.

Your information to your public is very incomplete in this respect if you do not have a link to Margaret Ayers web site. Margaret Ayers has been one of the founding and basic pioneers in neuro feedback, in the development of the equipment, and the treating of ADHD, open or closed head injury, coma, stroke, epilepsy, migraine and cluster headaches, anoxia, learning disabilities, dyslexia, and clinical depression.

She is the inventor all patents hold of the only on line real-time EEG equipment. The "real-time" enable a more skilled and precise interpretation of the brain wave patterns and provides the opportunity for immediate correction of abnormal rhythmic patterns.

She is the only person in the WORLD who is able to bring a person out of a second stage coma with the aid of her machine. She lectures all over the world to doctors and clinicians.

I ought to know, I have had six major auto accidents all with major head injury. Margaret Ayers gotten rid of my ADD, my seizures, she have recovered my speech, and short-term memory. If it were not for Margaret Ayers, I would be a street person today.

I have sat in her office and talked with other patients, many who have come to her from other, not so qualified practitioners and doctors. Margaret Ayers is truly one of God's miracle workers.

If you're going to me talking about ADHD treatment, then having her webpage is a MUST!!!!!
http://www.neuropathways.com/.

Wishing us all health, wholeness and healthier planet, "

Dana from Country -- Michigan, USA writes:

"My adopted son, Robert, was born crack addicted in 1990. Diagnosised with ADD/ADHD at 3, he has been on stimulants all his life. He has fought and overcome the special education school system for the last 3 years. Through neuro-feedback he has learned to control his symptoms plus his rages due to holes made in his brain by his mother's drug use. He wants to help the other 400,000 children born and adopted out each year. We have written a book on his journey to show the different methods we used and what he had to endure at the hands of the school system. He has succeeded but nobody wants to hear his story."

Ed. Note:Please remember, we do not endorse any treatments and strongly advise you to check with your doctor before using, stopping or changing any treatment

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Vitamin B12 aka Cobalamin is helpful in preventing depression and alzheimer's disease. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of vitamin B12.

Also Known As: Cyanocobalamin

• Overview
• Uses
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

Overview

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is "burned" to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, are essential in the breakdown of fats and protein. B complex vitamins also play an important role in maintaining muscle tone lining the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.

Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells and it aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. Vitamin B12 also works closely together with vitamin B9 (folate) to regulate the formation of red blood cells and to help iron function better in the body. The synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound involved in immune function and mood, depends on the participation of folate and vitamin B12.

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Similar to other B complex vitamins, cobalamine is considered an "anti-stress vitamin" because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body's ability to withstand stressful conditions.

Vitamins B12, B6, and B9 (folate) work closely together to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Elevated levels of this substance appear to be linked with heart disease and, possibly, depression and Alzheimer's Disease.

Deficiencies of vitamin B12 are usually caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12 from the digestive system. Such a deficiency can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nervousness, numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers and toes., People with the blood disorder pernicious anemia do not produce sufficient intrinsic factor and must take high doses of vitamin B12 to maintain their health. Similarly, people who have had stomach surgery (for example, for a severe ulcer) are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. They require lifetime B12 injections after the surgery.

Others at risk for B12 deficiency include vegetarians who follow a strict vegan or macrobiotic diet; those with certain intestinal infections such as tapeworm and, possibly, Helicobacter pylori (an organism in the intestines that can cause an ulcer); and those with an eating disorder.

 

Vitamin B12 Uses

Pernicious Anemia
The most important use of vitamin B12 is to treat the symptoms of pernicious anemia. These symptoms include weakness, pale skin, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, loss of balance, confusion, memory loss, and moodiness.

Heart Disease
Many studies indicate that patients with elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine are roughly 1.7 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 2.5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke than those with normal levels. Homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by B complex vitamins, particularly vitamins B9, B6, and B12.

The American Heart Association recommends that, for most people, an adequate amount of these important B vitamins be obtained from the diet, rather than taking extra supplements. Under certain circumstances, however, supplements may be necessary. Such circumstances include elevated homocysteine levels in someone who already has heart disease or who has a strong family history of heart disease that developed at a young age.

Vitamin B12 for Alzheimer's Disease
Vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B12 are critical to the health of the nervous system and to a process that clears homocysteine from the blood. As stated earlier, homocysteine may contribute to the development of certain illnesses such as heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer's Disease. Elevated levels of homocysteine and decreased levels of both folate and vitamin B12 have been found in people with Alzheimer's Disease, but the benefits of supplementation for dementia are not yet known.

Vitamin B12 for depression
Studies suggest that vitamin B9 (folate) may be associated with depression more than any other nutrient. Between 15% and 38% of people with depression have low folate levels in their bodies and those with very low levels tend to be the most depressed. Low folate levels tend to lead to elevated homocysteine levels. Many healthcare providers recommend a B complex multivitamin that contains folate as well as vitamins B6 and B12 to improve symptoms. If the multivitamin with these B vitamins is not enough to bring elevated homocysteine levels down, the physician may then recommend higher amounts of folate along with vitamins B6 and B12. Again, these three nutrients work closely together to bring down high homocysteine levels, which may be related to the development of depression.

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Burns
It is especially important for people who have sustained serious burns to obtain adequate amounts of nutrients in their daily diet. When skin is burned, a substantial percentage of micronutrients may be lost. This increases the risk for infection, slows the healing process, prolongs the hospital stay, and even increases the risk of death. Although it is unclear which micronutrients are most beneficial for people with burns, many studies suggest that a multivitamin including the B complex vitamins may aid in the recovery process.

Osteoporosis
Keeping bones healthy throughout life depends on getting sufficient amounts of specific vitamins and minerals, including phosphorous, magnesium, boron, manganese, copper, zinc, folate, and vitamins C, K, B6, and B12, and B6.

In addition, some experts believe that high homocysteine levels may contribute to the development of osteoporosis. If this is the case, then there may prove to be a role for dietary or supplemental vitamins B9, B6, and B12.

Cataracts
Dietary and supplemental vitamin B complex is important for normal vision and prevention of cataracts (damage to the lens of the eye which can lead to cloudy vision). In fact, people with plenty of protein and vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3 (niacin) in their diet are less likely to develop cataracts. Plus, taking additional supplements of vitamins C, E, and B complex (particularly the B1, B2, B9 [folic acid], and B12 [cobalamin] in the complex ) may further protect the lens of your eyes from developing cataracts.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Blood levels of vitamin B12 are often low in people with HIV. It is unclear, however, what role vitamin B12 supplements would play in treatment. If you have HIV, your levels of vitamin B12 should be followed over time and B12 injections may be considered if levels get too low, especially if you have symptoms of B12 deficiency.

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Breast Cancer
Population based studies of postmenopausal women suggest that low vitamin B12 levels in the blood may be associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. It is not clear whether supplementation with vitamin B12 reduces the risk of this disease, however.

Male Infertility
Studies suggest that vitamin B12 supplements may improve sperm counts and sperm mobility. Further studies are needed to best understand how this can help men with a low sperm count or poor sperm quality.

 

Vitamin B12 Dietary Sources

Good dietary sources of vitamin B12 include fish, dairy products, organ meats (particularly liver and kidney), eggs, beef, and pork

 

Vitamin B12 Available Forms

Vitamin B12 can be found in multivitamins (including children's chewable and liquid drops), B complex vitamins, and are sold individually. It is available in both oral (tablets and, capsules) and intranasal formssoftgels, and lozenges. Vitamin B12 is also sold under the names cobalamin and cyanocobalamin.

 

How to Take Vitamin B12

People whose daily diet includes meat, milk, and other dairy products should be able to meet the recommended daily requirements without taking a vitamin supplement. Vegetarians who do not eat any animal protein should take a vitamin B12 supplement with water, preferably after eating. Elderly people may need greater amounts of vitamin B12 than younger people because the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet diminishes with age.

People considering B12 supplements should check with a healthcare provider to find out the most appropriate dosage.

Daily recommendations for dietary vitamin B12 are listed below.

Pediatric

• Newborns to 6 months: 0.4 mcg (adequate intake)
• Infants 6 months to 1 year: 0.5 mcg (adequate intake)
• Children 1 to 3 years: 0.9 mcg (RDA)
• Children 4 to 8 years: 1.2 mcg (RDA)
• Children 9 to 13 years: 1.8 mcg (RDA)
• Adolescents 14 to 18 years: 2.4 mcg (RDA)

Adult

• 19 years and older: 2.4 mcg (RDA)*
• Pregnant females: 2.6 mcg (RDA)
• Breastfeeding females: 2.8 mcg (RDA)

*Because 10-30% of older people may not absorb B12 from food very efficiently, it is recommended that those older than 50 years meet their daily requirement mainly through either foods fortified with vitamin B12 or a supplement containing B12.

 

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Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Vitamin B12 is considered safe and non-toxic.

Taking any one of the B complex vitamins by itself for a long period of time can result in an imbalance of other important B vitamins. For this reason, it is generally important to take a B complex vitamin with any single B vitamin.

 

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin B12 supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Antibiotics, Tetracycline
Vitamin B12 should not be taken at the same time as the antibiotic tetracycline because it interferes with the absorption and effectiveness of this medication. Vitamin B12 either alone or in combination with other B vitamins should be taken at different times of the day from tetracycline. (All vitamin B complex supplements act in this way and should therefore be taken at different times from tetracycline.)

In addition, long-term use of antibiotics can deplete vitamin B levels in the body, particularly B2, B9, B12, and vitamin H (biotin), which is considered part of the B complex.

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Anti-ulcer Medications
The body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 is decreased when taking stomach acid-reducing medications such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, ranitidine, cimetidine, or antacids that are often used to treat gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers or related symptoms. This interference is most likely to occur as a result of prolonged use (more than one year) of these medications.

Chemotherapy Medications
Blood levels of vitamin B12 may be reduced when taking chemotherapy medications (particularly methotrexate) for cancer.

Metformin for diabetes
Blood levels of vitamin B12 may also be reduced when taking metformin for diabetes.

Phenobarbital and Phenytoin

Long-term treatment with either phenobarbital and phenytoin for seizure disorders may interfere with the body's ability to use vitamin B12.

Supporting Research

Adachi S, Kawamoto T, Otsuka M, Todoroki T, Fukao K. Enteral vitamin B12 supplements reverse postgastrectomy B12 deficiency. Ann Surg. 2000;232(2):199-201.

Alpert JE, Fava M. Nutrition and depression: the role of folate. Nutrition Rev. 1997;5(5):145-149.

Alpert JE, Mischoulon D, Nierenberg AA, Fava M. Nutrition and depression: focus on folate. Nutrition. 2000;16:544-581.

Antoon AY, Donovan DK. Burn Injuries. In: Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000:287-294.

Bauman WA, Shaw S, Jayatilleke E, Spungen AM, Herbert V. Increased intake of calcium reverses vitamin B12 malabsorption induced by metformin. Diabetes Care. 2000;13(9):1227-1231.

Booth GL, Wang EE. Preventive health care, 2000 update: screening and management of hyperhomocysteinemia for the prevention of coronary artery disease events. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. CMAJ. 2000;163(1):21-29.

Bottiglieri T. Folate, vitamin B12, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Nutrition Rev. 1996;54(12):382-390.

Bottiglieri T, Laundy M, Crellin R, Toone BK, Carney MW, Reynolds EH. Homocysteine, folate, methylation, and monoamine metabolism in depression. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2000;69(2):228-232.

Boushey CJ, Beresford SA, Omenn GS, Motulsky AG. A quantitative assessment of plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. JAMA. 1995;274:1049-1057.

Brattstrom LE, Hultberg BL, Hardebo JE. Folic acid responsive postmenopausal homocysteinemia. Metabolism. 1985;34(11):1073-1077.

Bunker VW. The role of nutrition in osteoporosis. Br J Biomed Sci. 1994;51(3):228-240.

Carmel R. Cobalamin, the stomach and aging. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66(4):750-759.

Choi SW. Vitamin B12 deficiency: a new risk factor for breast cancer? [Review]. Nutr Rev. 1999;57(8):250-253.

Clarke R, Smith AD, Jobst KA, Refsum H, Sutton L, Veland PM. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol. 1998;55:1449-1455.

Committee on Dietary Allowances. Recommended Dietary Allowances. National Academy of Sciences. Accessed at www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/Dietary/rda.html on January 8, 1999.

Dastur D, Dave U. Effect of prolonged anticonvulsant medication in epileptic patients: serum lipids, vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid, proteins and fine structure of liver. Epilepsia. 1987;28:147-159.

De-Souza DA, Greene LJ. Pharmacological nutrition after burn injury. J Nutr. 1998;128:797-803.

Eikelboom JW, Lonn E, Genest J, Hankey G, Yusuf S. Homocyst(e)ine and cardiovascular disease: a critical review of the epidemiologic evidence. Ann Intern Med. 1999;131:363-375.

Ekhard ZE, Filer LJ, eds. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. 7th ed. Washington, DC: ILSI Press; 1996:191 - 201.

Fugh-Berman A, Cott JM. Dietary supplements and natural products as psychotherapeutic agents. Psychosom Med. 1999;61:712-728.

Howden CW. Vitamin B12 levels during prolonged treatment with proton pump inhibitors. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1999;30(1):29-33.

Hurter T, Reis HE, Borchard F. Disorders of intestinal absorption in patients treated with cytostatic chemotherapy [in German]. Z Gastroenterol. 1989;27(10):606-610.

Ingram CF, Fleming AF, Patel M, Galpin JS. The value of intrinsic factor antibody test in diagnosing pernicious anaemia. Cent Afr J Med. 1998;44:178 - 181.

Kaptan K, Beyan C, Ural AU, et al. Helicobacter pylori - is it a novel causative agent in vitamin B12 deficiency? Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(9):1349-1353.

Kass-Annese B. Alternative therapies for menopause. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2000;43(1):162-183.

Kelly GS. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. Alt Med Rev. 1999;4(4):249-265.

Kirschmann GJ, Kirschmann JD. Nutrition Almanac. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill;1996:127-136.

Kris-Etherton P, Eckel RH, Howard BV, St. Jeor S, Bazzarre TL. Lyon diet heart study. Benefits of a Mediterranean-style, National Cholesterol Education Program/American Heart Association Step I dietary pattern on cardiovascular disease. Circulation. 2001;103:1823-1825.

Kuzminski AM, Del Giacco EJ, Allen RH, Stabler SP, Lindenbaum J. Effective treatment of cobalamin deficiency with oral cobalamin. Blood. 1998;92(4):1191-1198.

Lederle FA. Oral cobalamin for pernicious anemia. Medicine's best kept secret? JAMA. 1991;265:94-95.

Lee AJ. Metformin in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitis. Pharmacotherapy. 1996;16:327 - 351.

Louwman MW, van Dusseldorp M, van de Vijver FJ, et al. Signs of impaired cognitive function in adolescents with marginal cobalamin status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(3):762-769.

Malinow MR, Bostom AG, Krauss RM. Homocyst(e)ine, diet, and cardiovascular disease. A statement for healthcare professionals from the nutrition committee, American Heart Association. Circulation. 1999;99:178-182.

McKevoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.

Meyer NA, Muller MJ, Herndon DN. Nutrient support of the healing wound. New Horizons. 1994;2(2):202-214.

Nilsson-Ehle H. Age-related changes in cobalamin (vitamin B12) handling. Implications for therapy. Drugs Aging. 1998;12:277 - 292.

Nutrients and Nutritional Agents. In: Kastrup EK, Hines Burnham T, Short RM, et al, eds. Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, Mo: Facts and Comparisons; 2000:4-5.

Omray A. Evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters of tetracylcine hydrochloride upon oral administration with vitamin C and vitamin B complex. Hindustan Antibiot Bull. 1981;23(VI):33-37.

Remacha AF, Cadafalch J. Cobalamin deficiency in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Semin Hematol. 1999;36:75 - 87.

Schnyder G. Decreased rate of coronary restinosis after lowering of plasma homocysteine levels. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(22):1593-1600.

Schumann K. Interactions between drugs and vitamins in advanced age. Int J Vit Nutr Res. 1999;69(3):173-178.

Sinclair S. Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations. Alt Med Rev. 2000;5(1):28-38.

Snowdon DA, Tully CL, Smith CD, Riley KR, Markesbery WR. Serum folate and the severity of atrophy of the neocortex in Alzheimer disease: findings from the Nun Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:993-998.

Termanin B, Gibril F, Sutliff VE, Yu F, Venzon DJ, Jensen RT. Effect of long-term gastric acid suppressive therapy on serum vitamin B12 levels in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Am J Med. 1998;104(5):422-430.

Verhaeverbeke I, Mets T, Mulkens K, Vandewoude M. Normalization of low vitamin B12 serum levels in older people by oral treatment. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1997;45:124-125.

Wang HX. Vitamin B12 and folate in relation to the development of Alzheimer's Disease. Neurology. 2001;56:1188-1194.

Weir DG, Scott JM. Vitamin B12 "cobalamin." In: Shils, ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 1999:447-458.

Wu K, Helzlsouer KJ, Comstock GW, Hoffman SC, Nadeau MR, Selhub J. A prospective study on folate, B12, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6) and breast cancer.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1999;8(3):209-217.

Young SN. The use of diet and dietary components in the study of factors controlling affect in humans: a review. J Psychiatr Neurosci. 1993;18(5):235-244.

(published by Three Rivers Press/Crown, a division of Random House)

Addiction-Proof Your Child A Realistic Approach to Preventing Drug, Alcohol, and Other Dependencies Stanton Peele, Ph.D, J.D.

$14.95 / Family & Relationships—parenting $19.95(CAN)

Will your kids drink or smoke marijuana? Quite possibly. But don't panic. In a world where binge drinking, recreational and prescription drug abuse, chronic overeating and anorexia, and internet gambling and pornography are all too common among teens, it's time to rethink conventional wisdom about addiction. We clearly need something more than "just say no." This book is the alternative.

Parents are being misled—and disempowered. So says Dr. Stanton Peele, author of the groundbreaking Love and Addiction, in this controversial but research-driven book. Brainwashed by the constant refrains that addiction is a disease, that abstinence is the only solution, and that any drug or alcohol use requires treatment, society and parents aren't being presented with the successful tactics they can use to make their children addiction-proof—and to keep them safe if they do use drugs or drink, as so many will.

Dr. Peele explains that, despite what parents have been told, it's normal for most kids to try alcohol and drugs, and that the large majority will not become addicts or ruin their lives—if they are armed with real-life motivators to keep them addiction free: independence, critical thinking, responsibility, and the ability to enjoy life. In simple, clear terms, Addiction-Proof Your Child shows parents how to instill these qualities: by teaching children to take pride in achievement and other bedrock values, learning how to be calm questioners and tolerant listeners, fighting the urge to overparent, and (if the parents drink) teaching kids how to drink in moderation at home.

Addiction-Proof Your Child offers realistic options for parents who are tired of hearing depressing statistics and who want to make a difference in their children's lives. Whether your child has never drunk a drop, has experimented with alcohol or drugs, or is already abusing them, this is the family's go-to book for practical, helpful resources and techniques.

STANTON PEELE, Ph.D., J.D., is an internationally recognized addiction expert and father of three. His books include 7 Tools to Beat Addiction and Love and Addiction.

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Online stock investment firms such as National Discount Brokers have already realized the addictive nature of Day Trading. Answer "yes" or "no" to the following statements to see if you may be addicted to online trading:

1. Do you need to trade with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement?
2. Are you preoccupied with stock trading (thinking about it when offline, anticipating your next online session)?
3. Have you lied to friends and family members to conceal extent of your online trading?
4. Do you feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop online stock trading?
5. Have you made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop online trading?
6. Do you use trading as a way of escaping from problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression?
7. Have you jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of online trading?
8. Have you committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance online activities?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you may be an obsessive online trader. These are signs that you have lost control, lied, or possibly stole money just to support your trading behavior.

Why wait until it is too late to seek out help? Contact our Virtual Clinic today to receive fast, caring, and confidential advice for dealing with obsessive online trading. Our Virtual Clinic is also designed to help family members deal with the obsessive on-line trader in your home. Professional help is available directly with Dr. Kimberly Young, Founder and President of the Center for On-Line Addiction.

 

And read Caught in the Net, the first recovery book for Internet Addiction. Click here to order Caught in the Net.

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next: Are You Addicted to Online Auction Houses?
~ all center for online addiction articles
~ all articles on addictions

Thoughtful quotes about progress and making progress in our lives.

Words of Wisdom

 

"It was probably a presumptuous error to confuse the progress of science with the progress of humanity." (Andre George)

"So it is not what comes but what is coming that makes for troubled sleep. The white man, ever moving forward, never looking back, is now the inheritor of his progress." (Gerald Hausman)

 

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next:Risk

Mother-author offers advice for surviving being a parent of a bipolar child.

Being the Mom of a child with mental illness is a tough calling that nobody knows better than Judith S. Lederman, author of The Ups & Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child: A Survival Guide for Parents (Simon and Schuster), and mother of a child who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a.k.a., "manic depression," at the age of eight. She calls for moms of children with mental illness to reclaim their lives. Lederman took her own advice and lost 80 pounds during the course of writing her book and makes time each day for self-care.

"While every mother has difficult challenges to face, the mother of a child with mental illness too often plays the martyr," explains Lederman, who co-wrote her book with child psychiatrist, Dr. Candida Fink. "These moms feel overwhelmed. The illness is not one they publicize and so they lack support. They frequently must deal with hospitalizing their child, criticism by a public that just doesn't understand the nature of mental illness, and because mental illness is a congenital condition, they often come from family situations where they've had to deal with abuse and denial. All in all, it doesn't make for a Happy Mother's Day."

Lederman offers the following "makeover tips" for mothers who are dealing with mentally ill children:

• • Find support wherever you can get it—and that goes for emotional as well as physical aid. Talk to sympathetic clergy, a neighbor, or your child's schoolteacher. If you can afford to, pay a therapist and work through your issues as a mother and a woman, one by one.
  • Reclaim yourself physically. It is easy to fall into a punishing pattern when you are overwhelmed by your situation. In a word, don't. Instead of reaching for the cookies, go for a long walk or join a gym. If you can afford to, hire a personal trainer to get you started on an exercise regimen.

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• Watch your sugar intake. Sugar is addicting and while we may find it comforting in the short-term, it actually will bring your own mood down. Any mom who is used to monitoring her child's mood, should also be very aware of her own moods. Cutting the sugar can actually give you more energy. And the mom of a mentally ill child will need every shred of energy she can get.
• Stay in the No-Martyr Zone. Make up your mind here and now that no matter how difficult your child is, you will not enter a self-destructive mode of thinking. Face your challenges without self-pity. Remember that if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to be the best for your child.

Source: NewsReleaseWire.com

Deparate mother sells everything to help bipolar sons, but county agency still refuses to step in.

Everything spent, and no help

After 14-year-old Matthew Mikolic chased his younger brother with a knife, his mother asked Lake County officials to pay to send him to a psychiatric center. They refused.

"They said he wasn't violent enough, that he had only tried to kill his brother once," Susan Mikolic says.

Now, the Eastlake, Ohio, mom lives in fear that next time, Matthew, who is now a 220-pound, mentally ill 16-year-old, will succeed. She hides tools and poisonous household cleaners in a locked fishing tackle box in the garage. She started locking up kitchen knives after Matthew tried to stab Brian, then 12.

"Brian locked himself in the bathroom, called me and said, 'Get home, Matthew's got a knife and he's trying to kill me,' " Mikolic, 44, recalls. "I called the police, and a whole SWAT team came. By the time I got there, Brian was crying in the driveway, and Matthew had his hands in the air."

Mikolic sought help from the county because she had no money left for more care. When her insurance ran out, she sold her $287,000 suburban home to cover treatment for both of her sons, who have bipolar disorders that cause them to swing from overly hyper to depressed or violent.

At first, the boys needed weekly counseling, but insurance only covered half the cost of 20 sessions with a psychiatrist a year at $125 each per child. Eventually, Mikolic and her husband were shelling out more than $20,000 a year for family therapy. They took out three home equity lines of credit to pay for treatments, including lightbox therapy, music therapy and anti-psychotic drugs.

For Mikolic, the pressures finished off her marriage and forced the couple to sell their home to pay off their loans. In the end, she was left with just enough to put a small downpayment on a modest white house that needs a $3,000 roof.

She also developed diabetes and such deep depression that she could no longer work as a nurse.

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"It was a process of letting go, selling the house, the furniture, everything," she says. "I've had relatives look at me and say, 'How could you lose your home, your husband, your job?' And I say, 'Where would you have stopped? What would you do to save your kids?' "

Mikolic says what happened to her shows just what families with mentally ill children are up against. She and other advocates are pushing Ohio lawmakers to pass a bill that would force insurance companies to cover a mental illness in the same way they cover a physical illness.

If her sons had leukemia, Mikolic reasons, she wouldn't have had to sell her home. "Why should it be different for us because they are bipolar?" she asks.

Roberta Barb, an administrator of child protection services in Lake County, says her agency opted not to send Matthew to a treatment center because, "As a group, we decided he was not in need of placement. We can't make everybody happy, and we're not placing a kid in treatment just because a parent believes he needs to go."

The teen has tried everything to get his emotions under control, even shock treatments that applied electric jolts to his brain. So far, nothing's worked. He refused more shock treatments after he was given two drugs during a procedure - one to paralyze him and one to put him to sleep. The drug to paralyze him took effect first.

"I could hear the machine start, but I couldn't tell them I was awake," Matthew says. "I kept thinking, 'I should put my hand up, but I couldn't. It was scary. Once they started the procedure, I didn't know if I'd feel it."

He's frustrated but grateful for his mom for refusing to give up on him. "If it weren't for her, I'd be dead. If she didn't support me, I would have killed myself."

He pauses and lowers his voice.

"The illness puts that in your head," he says. "People say you can control it, but I don't think so. I know I can't control it."

Source: The Enquirer

"I don't have a creative bone in my body". Those are the words uttered to my art teachers when asked to draw, paint, or write for a class assignment. I excelled at sports. I preferred sports, the competition and instantaneous gratification of winning. Because of sports, I have been driven and focused all my life, it's a gift that I didn't know I had or how to use."

I grew up in a Midwestern city. I say this only for reference as I sit here typing away in my New York City Greenwich Village apartment. To quote a New York lover, "You've come a long way baby".

Upon reflection it really all began when I was born. It makes perfect sense. All of the experiences I've had led me to my "Birthquake" seven years ago. That was the big one. I've experienced a number of "aftershocks" since then.

Seven years ago I had the "Life". I called it the "American Dream" minus the wife and kids. I had a good paying job, drove a nice car, even had leather furniture to go with my condo. A single guy who had it all. But there was a nagging unhappiness, an emptiness that followed me everywhere. I kept trying to buy it off somehow. I'd buy a real nice stereo or a real nice suit to go with my other real nice suits that hung in closet in my condo. Or I'd buy artwork from a local artist.Somehow to be associated with an artist by purchasing his paintings, in a funny way satiated my unhappiness. Meanwhile life went on. I wanted to expand beyond my little world somehow. So I went and saw a play called "Death of a Salesman" with some friends. Did I mention that I was in sales.? I quite enjoyed the experience and proceeded to go to other theatrical events. On this one occasion, we saw an improv troupe. I was amazed by their talent. After the show, someone was handing out flyers offering classes. I took one of the flyers and stuck it in my pocket. About a week later, on a beautiful clear summer day, I was standing on a street corner waiting for the traffic light to change when out of the blue I got this image of a bullhorn and heard this voice that said, "acting, acting, acting". It came deep within in from a place that I'd never heard a voice before. I mean my head has many voices, many more now I might add, but this was loud, clear and new to me. I rushed home, found the flyer in my pant pocket called the number and left a message on the answering machine saying, "I'd like to take the class and I don't know what I'm doing, I've never done this", etc. A month later, I was in class on stage doing warm-ups, exercises and scenes. I enjoyed it so much that I went on to study with a prominent regional theater company. It was there that my life was to really change.

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At this point, I was still successful at my job. My life continued down that "American Dream" path. I was a bit happier. I had gotten a taste of creativity. But it was like being at the best restaurant and only sampling the food. It was okay, but I knew there was more. But how, where and when? Then it happened. I started another acting class.

On the first night, for an acting exercise, the teacher paired me up with a woman. We were to rehearse throughout the week for the next class. We got to know each other and became friends. After class, we would hang out, go to a coffee shop, a bar or watch movies.

About a month into our friendship, something began to stir deep within. I was getting images in my mind's eye of a blossoming rose. I had no idea what was going on. Then one day after class, we went to our usual bar and ordered food and drinks. The usual talk of acting and class. I knew at this point that I was having feelings for her. In fact, I remember saying to myself, "there is no way that I am going to water this rose, I do not have feelings for her". I have since found out that I am not in control. That night I looked at her a certain way and it happened! I gave over to it, I fell in love with her. For me, that was the "Birthquake".

It started with a crack in my foundation, an image of a clam. When a clam is shut, it is really shut, you can't open it. But when a clam opens, it's in the form of a heart. The moment I fell in love with her, my heart cracked opened with a flood of blinding light emanating from that "place". The very place I heard the calling to follow acting. I had no idea what to do, I'd never felt this way about someone. I couldn't tell her how I felt, she was only in town for a few months and had a boyfriend back home. And my concept of love was shattered.

I had always thought I was in control of who or when I could love. Love to me was, I do something for you, you do something for me. After the shock wore off, I started asking my close friends what to do. Their response was, "I didn't know you were taking acting classes" and "really that's nice". So I called a former girlfriend of mine. We'd remained friends and I thought she might know what to do. We met for dinner one night and I told her my dilemma. She told me I had to tell this woman how I felt. I had to do it for myself regardless of how she felt and I had to do it soon or I would never do it.

She was right. But it felt like jumping off a cliff in the dark. When I was younger, I had excelled at ski jumping. I used to soar 200 plus feet in the air. Needless to say, I've experienced fear. That did not compare to the fear I felt having to tell someone that I am in love with them. That same night, I called her and we met at our usual bar and I told her. It was like a weight had lifted. She was surprised. She was very matter of fact, explaining that she had a boyfriend and that she was leaving. The very same rational reasons I had for not pursuing it.

Well, two days later I got a call late in the night from her. She had been crying all day and night. Apparently, when the words "I am in love with you" sank in, she felt the same way. We spent three incredible days and nights together before she left. We ended up having a long distance relationship lasting six months. After the breakup, I never experienced so much pain in all of my life. It was never ending. They say that pain is a teacher. Well I learned a lot from this teacher.

Two years after the breakup, I sold everything I owned, quit my job and moved to New York City. The impact of that relationship which happened over five years ago has had such profound effects today. The healing process was not necessarily about the relationship but my life. See, I had all of these facts about life that I was taught early on by my parents, friends and society. The calling, relationship and experiences since then have helped me see that life is not about facts. Life is a living organism. Life is shaped by our experiences and environment, and we are free to choose how to shape it. We can go with the "herd", or we can follow our own path. You know what I mean when I say herd. You see it everyday all around you. You can see it in people's eyes. The settling in for the long haul soulless look. I recognize it because I've been there. Your own path takes more work but is more rewarding. Following this path you never really get there.

For me each day is an adventure. Sure I live in New York City and that helps. New York is a difficult city to live in. I call it the training ground for spirituality. Why? Because reality is in your face everywhere you go. Everything from materialism, to poverty. I've simplified my life in order to survive. Five years ago, my spirit was in a coma. It's been revived by people and experiences. I am revived daily. To me that's what life is all about. Today I do many things. I act, write, play guitar, meditate. I am a friend, lover and worker among workers. But more importantly, I am a human being on this planet. And I want to do my part to help others realize that there is more out there than the "American Dream". Find out for yourself. We all have the calling at a number of times in our lives. Listen for the voice, it may be a whisper at first but when you slow down and pay attention it gets louder.

What will become of my life? Just when I have a handle on it, it slips between my fingers so I've given up pretending to know. I do know that I will continue to take actions daily. I want to do great things. I want to help change the world. I will in my own way. I have a vision but how I get there is a mystery that I live one day at a time.

The beauty of the internet is that we can form a worldwide community. I am here for anyone wishing to follow their path. Stepping out into the unknown is a difficult undertaking and it takes support. I applaud anyone with the courage to do so. Feel free to e-mail me at alindskoog@bimage.com. I will end with this given to me by one of my many supporters. "In a dream you saw a way to survive and you were full of joy".

About the author: Allen Wayne is a native Minnesotan, now residing in New York City. He is a film, commercial and theater actor and screenplay writer.

next:Essays and Stories: A Dedication...

"But you hate kiwi!" - protests my girl - "How can anyone detest kiwi and then eat it so eagerly?". She is baffled. She is hurt. To some extent, she is even frightened to find herself with this kiwi-guzzling stranger.

How can I tell her that, in the absence of a self, there are no likes or dislikes, preferences, predictable behaviour or characteristics? It is not possible to know the narcissist. There is no one there.

The narcissist was conditioned - from an early age of abuse and trauma - to expect the unexpected. His was a world in motion where (sometimes sadistically) capricious caretakers and peers often engaged in arbitrary behaviour. He was trained to deny his true self and nurture a false one.

Having invented himself, the narcissist sees no problem in re-inventing that which he designed in the first place. The Narcissist is his own creator.

Hence his grandiosity.

Moreover, the narcissist is a man for all seasons, forever adaptable, constantly imitating and emulating, a human sponge, a perfect mirror, a non-entity that is, at the same time, all entities combined.

The narcissist is best described by Heidegger's phrase: "Being and Nothingness". Into this reflective vacuum, this sucking black hole, the narcissist attracts the sources of his narcissistic supply.

To an observer, the narcissist appears to be fractured or discontinuous.

Pathological narcissism has been compared to the Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly the Multiple Personality Disorder). By definition, the narcissist has at least two selves. His personality is very primitive and disorganized. Living with a narcissist is a nauseating experience not only because of what he is - but because of what he is NOT. He is not a fully formed human - but a dizzyingly kaleidoscopic gallery of mercurial images, which melt into each other seamlessly. It is incredibly disorienting.

It is also exceedingly problematic. Promises made by the narcissist are easily disowned by him. His plans are ephemeral. His emotional ties - a simulacrum. Most narcissists have one island of stability in their life (spouse, family, their career, a hobby, their religion, country, or idol) - pounded by the turbulent currents of a disheveled existence.

Thus, to emotionally invest in a narcissist is a purposeless, futile and meaningless activity. To the narcissist, every day is a new beginning, a hunt, a new cycle of idealization or devaluation, a newly invented self.

There is no accumulation of credits or goodwill because the narcissist has no past and no future. He occupies an eternal and timeless present. He is a fossil caught in the frozen lava of a volcanic childhood.

The narcissist does not keep agreements, does not adhere to laws, regards consistency and predictability as demeaning traits. The narcissist hates kiwi one day - and devours it passionately the next.

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next: Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hide