Blythe is a graduate trained educator and clinical social worker with extensive experience working in the areas of substance abuse and process addiction(s). Her clinical work with current and former addicts and families of addicts has helped her to learn the "ins and outs" of the disease of addiction, as well as the most successful treatment modalities to date!

Tip: Alcohol Dependence And Abuse

The first important element of beginning treatment for any type of addiction, including alcoholism, is to arm yourself with the facts. One of the best places to begin is with the book, "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," 4th Edition (more affectionately known as the DSMIV). This book is the go-to manual for all professionals dealing with any mental disorder. In other words, this book lists all the facts and symptoms regarding every single mental illness in existence. Alcohol Intoxication, Alcohol Dependence and Alcohol Abuse are each listed and defined in this book.

A person who has trouble with their drinking or cannot stop drinking despite a strong desire and his/her best intended efforts can begin here. Notated symptoms, such as "There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control drinking" (symptom of Alcohol Dependence) can lead an informed decision about whether or not you need help with your drinking.

Tip: Marijuana Use Patterns

Marijuana is often referred to as the "gateway drug," thus, indicating that use of marijuana can easily lead to exploration of and even addiction to more potent and more dangerous substances. For that reason, it is not surprising that according to the 2005 report by The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 97.5 million Americans (12 and older) used the substance at least once. It is important here to acknowledge the term "at least;" this only means one use per lifetime at a minimum.

In terms of prevalence of use of marijuana relative to those who were incarcerated in state and federal prisons between 1997 and 2004, the numbers are stark. 77.6% of state prisoners reported some use of marijuana prior to incarceration, as did 71.2 % of federal prisoners. These high percentages support the studies that show marijuana as a drug that leads to use of other substances. It should also be considered when reviewing these statistics that more people may be likely to report marijuana use, as it is more "acceptable" than use of drugs like heroine and/or cocaine.

Tip: Outsmart the Driving Dilemma

It is a huge misconception that one needs a car to maneuver Chicago streets. In fact, for a magnificently robust and world class city, this spot offers some of the best public transportation options around-This coming from long-term experience taking trains from every which way to tomorrow! The reality is, that one needs to know his/her neighborhoods and train/bus lines, as well as have a good idea of what the weather will be like prior to traveling (this way if it is 20 degrees out, you can enjoy the luxuries of hassle-free "parking" and avoidance of shoveling snow to drive to work in the morning)! Once you feel safe with the various routes that are most necessary to your day-to-day functioning, the best way to explore the city is by trying new spots via the train!

Tip: Self-Date 101

Many folks attempt to "date" following a major loss or break-up prior to getting to know themselves again. It is not uncommon for men AND women to get lost in the self-relationship shuffle, especially after ending a primary relationship, caring for an aging parent or getting mired down into one's professional role. As the old cliche' goes, "you cannot love anyone else until you love yourself," it can also be said, "you cannot know anyone else until you know yourself." People often expect a "date" to know his/her likes/dislikes and immediate needs prior to them knowing their own. Now, that seems like an UNREASONABLE idea in writing, but many people have such expectations without even knowing it.

It is recommended that if you are ready to start "dating" again that you first take yourself out on a date or two per week for awhile-even if you decide to stay at home, have a glass of wine and rent a movie, make sure that you follow-through on this committment to yourself as though you were going out (or staying in) with a friend. Then, ask yourself the following questions:
*Do I enjoy my own company?
*What do I do to meet my own needs?
*How does it feel to take care of/nurture myself? Do I strongly feel the absence of another person?
*How easy/difficult is it for me to follow-through on my self-committment? Do I want to cancel on myself? Do I find reasons to avoid myself-such as working or calling friends?
*What do I enjoy? How would I be able to bring this into a relationship with another person to enhance the connection?

Everyone has been on first dates where they couldn't find anything to talk about expect for their ex-partner. If you find that you talk about other people more than yourself, it is time to start the self-dating ball rolling! It is guaranteed to lead to better romantic connections in the long run!

Tip: You Wouldn't Be There If You Weren't Qualified

Public Speaking evokes feelings of anxiety, excitment, fear and even nauseau in some folks! The reality to consider prior to giving a speach in public is that MOST people who are invited to perform public speaking engagements are not only knowledgeable of their topic or field, but, in fact, experts in the field. This is a quickly forgotten truth when one is standing in front of the podium and sweating (and not to the oldies). It is recommended that prior to giving one's speech that he/she hit "play" for a little affirmative mantra in his/her head. For example, "Bill, you are tremendously knowledgeable about this topic, and, in fact, you would not be here if you didn't have a lot to offer. I invite raging success for you today!" Any variation of that is fine. If that feels too "touchy feely" to you, then think about the fact that, in general, public speaking is not FOR the speaker, but FOR the betterment of the audience. Remind yourself of your desire to help or impart knowledge to others and that YOU are not the most important thing to happen to this event. Sometimes, less self-indulgence can help.
And if all else fails, think of a friend, family member, or even famous person you admire-someone who you PERCEIVE as calm, collected and composed. Then, give the speech the way you think they would give it!

Tip: Sexual Abuse Among Men

Men as victims of sexual assault appears to be a new concept in the sex education and research fields. Unfortunately, just as many women are silenced into avoiding their pain around sexual assault and rape, many men are even further silenced because of the stigma attached to losing a "machismo" persona. Even more unfortunate is that clinical experiences show that many men go their entire lives without mentioning childhood sexual abuse, because of fear that they either wanted to be abused or, even worse, that they should have enjoyed the abuse. The organization Male Survivor offers a comprehensive website and links to further information.

Tip: Les Bon Temps Roule

As the Cajun French saying goes, "Let the Good Times Roll." New Orleans is, in fact, a place of "good times," especially when it comes to local spots and local folks. While New Orleans is often thought of as a place for "drinking one's night away," and certainly many folks go to the Big Easy to party; this city is far more romantic in its more subtle offerings. You know, less often says more! If you are interested in a cup of coffee, for instance, that CAN'T be found on every street corner across the world, hit local spot PJ's (several locations throughout the city) for the best darn mochas and ice coffees around! Another hot spot to try for dancing more than drinking is Cafe' Brazil, that boasts local bands that play everything from jazz to blues to, of course, Latin beats. For a muffalatta that would make you "punch your grandmaw" for a bite, head over to Central Grocery Store downtown. Make sure you are both hungry (as these sandwiches are as big as your head) and nice out (as you will most likely want to eat in the not too far off Jackson Park). And, finally, if you DO insist on tapping the keg until the night's end, then hit local bar Les Bon Temps Roule. This magazine street spot hosts top-notch bands and a local flavor that no touristy place can rival!

Tip: Sondheim Not Afraid to Make Music with Revival of "Company"

Sondheim's music has always been progressive and even provocative for the world of Broadway, and his revival of the critically acclaimed "Company" does not deviate from his reputation. The 2006 revival, similiar to his last revival of "Sweeney Todd" has the cast doubling as the musicians. Additionally, this run also includes a song that was deleted from the original production, called "Marry Me a Little," which actually brings a tenderness to the lead character sort of lost in other productions. As with any progressive work, the 2006 production has invited mixed reviews, as not every audience member enjoys watching his/her cast walking around the stage with bulky instruments. The talent, however, cannot go unnoticed. One must wonder, however, would ANY production of "Company" ever be the same without Elaine Stritch?

Tip: Use Patterns Related to Nicotine

One would be remiss to provide a series of tips related to drug use/abuse statistics and not mention both the rampant use of and the detrimental effects of nicotine use and abuse. It should also be noted that people who smoke are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs and that people who abuse alcohol and other drugs are more likely to smoke. That being said, whether you use/abuse alcohol and other drugs or not, nicotine statistics offer a stark perspective.

Many people fear death if they abuse alcohol or heroine or crack cocaine (which are healthy fears), but people often disregard the outrageous danger of illness and death related to cigarette smoking. The U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates that approximately 100,000 Americans die per year related to alcohol abuse (relative to about 200 million reported drinkers), but that out of 100 million smokers, approximately 400,000 deaths. Those statistics ARE something to write home about. And considering that a lot of people that do one do the other (or have a history of abusing the other), the chances of early onset illness and death are only enhanced.

According to Terry Martin's Global Smoking Statistics for 2002 (and, yes, that was all the way back in 2002), the "prognosis" for smokers looks grim. The estimate is that if smoking trends do not change, that 2030 will see the death of one in six people to smoking related illnesses.

Tip: Changing Your Behavior to Change Your Thinking

One cannot think his/her way out of negative repetetive though processes so customary to the depression cycle. Of course, therapy and, when recommended by a doctor, medication can make a marked difference, but struggling with long-term depression may also mean a need to unlearn unhealthy behavioral and thought patterns. The depressed brain tells the body in which it inhabits to sleep too much, eat too much (or vice versa), to avoid exercise, work and even personal hygiene. These are lies that the brain tells the depressed person to, essentially, keep him/her feeling lower than low. While energy level IS reduced during times of major depression, the best results toward recovery are seen by those who do the opposite of these thoughts. Continuing one's pattern of healthy eating, exercise and even socialization can actually minimize the length of a depressive episode, while indulging will prolongue it.