http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/want-to-visit-a-30-storey-pyramid-of-las-vegas.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/want-to-visit-a-30-storey-pyramid-of-las-vegas.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The Luxury features 2,256 rooms and 235 suites, the rooms are large and feature oversized showers, try your luck at the casino which is one of the largest in Vegas, with just one card ,slot and table game players can earn points to redeemed for cash or show tickets at 10 different hotels.

The other entertainment includes a star-studded line-up of entertainers including Earth Wind & Fire and Foreigner, resident show’s featuring the twisted humor of Carrot Top, and Fantasy is a topless revue show featuring stunning women.

There is an IMAX theatre with image’s 7 storey high and 360 degree surround sound, the Luxor offers a variety of gourmet dining experiences from seafood and steak to pan-Asian cuisine and pharaoh’s phest buffet is the best buffet in Las Vegas.

Luxury’s wide range of amenities to ensure there guests comfort includes losing yourself in the oasis of the Luxury’s 5-acre pool complex, relaxing massage at the spa or enjoy the highest quality of shopping on the strip, guest services offer’s all the comforts you would expect from a top hotel including a concierge, laundry service, maid service, wake-up calls, valet parking etc, also at the Luxury you’ll find everything you could possibly need to conduct a successful function.

Stay in royal accommodations in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Excalibur offers everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel – from top-notch dining and entertainment, to non-stop Las Vegas casino action.

The restaurant is wonderful they give good services which is extraordinary. In Las Vegas providing Roundtable Buffet which means it is a Feast on a bountiful selection of entries that are certain to please your palate.

Some they provide seasoned in rock salt and fresh ground pepper and then slow cooked to order .And they are providing private dinner room available. Regale Italian eatery they provide traditional favorites pizza, pasta and lasagna.


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"Sun Hotels"


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/mgm-grand-las-vegas-is-an-aaa-four-diamond-resort.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/mgm-grand-las-vegas-is-an-aaa-four-diamond-resort.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
MGM Grand entertainment showcase’s the world top performers and special events, Cirque du Soleils KA present a show telling of an epic journey of separated twin’s on a perilous journey to fulfill their destinies.

MGM Grand’s theatre attracts some of today’s top entertainers including Tom Jones, David Copperfield and Howie Mandel and mega concerts, championship boxing and other nationally televised events.

Dining at the grand can satiate the cravings of any palette, with top chefs like Michael Mina, Tom Colicchio, Wolfgang Puck and Emeril Lagasse working within this world class resort.

The MGM Grand offers a number of amenities and service’s including tour package’s, golf desk, wedding chapel and two full service business center’s to name a few.

A 6.6 acre swimming pool complex featuring five swimming pools and a lazy-river, the 30,000sq ft grand spa offering treatment’s inspired by culture’s from around the world, a salon by celebrity stylist Christopher, diverse shopping and the forever grand wedding chapel complete this “maximum Vegas” experience.

MGM Grand was voted the best conference hotel in north America at the world travel awards making the MGM Grand the place for every event.

In MGM Grand having 6.6 acre of swimming pool complex featuring five swimming pools. In MGM Grand provide west wing was created for guest who are looking for a non-traditional hotel room experience.

They are providing Flat screen TV, DVD player, Bose wave radio and bathroom TV. Each room is accessorized with a custom black and white marble bathroom luxurious cotton towels, spacious closets, remote control TV, hair dryer and Alarm clock.

And they are providing 24 hours services to the customer. One of the most attractive things in MGM grand is a lazy-river; the 30,000sq ft grand spa offering treatment’s inspired by cultures from around the world.


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Is a leading internet marketer. You can book your vacation hotel. We cover the Globe For the prefect hotel choice. Just click and log onto the website for further information:
"Sun Hotels"


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/the-city-that-never-sleeps-is-new-york-new-york.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/the-city-that-never-sleeps-is-new-york-new-york.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The property’s innovative facades re-create the classic Manhattan skyline, complete with 12 New York style skyscrapers that house 2,024 guest rooms.

These interconnected structures are approximately one-third the actual size of the New York city architecture, the tallest building replicates the empire state building at 529ft, 47 stories, other icons include a 150ft replica of the statue of liberty, a Coney –island style roller coaster called Manhattan express, a 300ft long replica of Brooklyn bridge, and a replica of the soldiers and sailors monument.

Entertainment is provided by Cirque du soleils Zumanity which is a seductive twist on reality in this adult-themed production, with its full service bars” New York New York” as an unbelievable choice with the big apple bar, the bar at times square or coyote ugly a wild and raucous bar inspired by the film of the same name, dining is catered for everyone with restaurants including ESPN zone, nine fine Irishmen America, chin chin café plus lots more.

“New York New York “amenities include a spa with gym, a pool complex with 3 hot tubs and private cabanas, the casino is 84,000sq ft of New York ambiance and excitement set against a backdrop of New York landmarks and with more than 60 televisions broadcasting major sporting events.

“New York New York” conventions and meetings has the flexibility to arrange accommodations to suit any occasion within the hotel, visit our site for more details and how to book direct for that special vacation or convention you'll get treated well by the professional and experienced staff to make your stay enjoyable.

”New York New York “Las Vegas is the one most attractive and wonderful Hotel in the world. This is interconnect structures are approximately one-third the actual size of the New York city architecture’s Zone is the most attractive in this hotel ,having kicks sports-themed dining and entertainment .and have Radio and Television Broadcasts and videoconference hosting from ESPN Zone.

In room they provide Internet access, personal ,Electronic safe, voice mail messaging, 24 Hour room service, Hair dryer, cable TV, Digital movies, video games, dry cleaning etc.In “New York New York” Las Vegas having facility of spa with gym, a pool complex with 3 hot tubs and private cabanas.


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Is a leading internet marketer. You can book your vacation hotel. We cover the Globe For the prefect hotel choice. Just click and log onto the website for further information

"Sun Hotels"


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/mandalay-bay-casino-is-one-of-the-largest-hotels-in-las-vegas.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/mandalay-bay-casino-is-one-of-the-largest-hotels-in-las-vegas.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Visit the House of blues concert hall featuring top artists like Guns-N-Roses, LeAnn Rimes or Seal, the outdoor island stage located within the 11 acre beach area has featured performers such as Billy Idol, Hall & Oats and the Go-Gos.

At 135,000sq ft the Mandalay Bay hotel’s casino is one of the largest in Las Vegas with more than 120 tables with an array of games or if you prefer slots and video poker games the casino as over 2,400 so your sure to find your lucky slot, sport’s enthusiast will appreciate the full-service race & sports book, with over 3,000 guest rooms featuring casual elegance and comfort, lofty pillow topped beds with warm textiles in pleasing tones and 42inch plasma TVs creating the perfect environment for effortless relaxation or sweet dreams, room’s also offer great views.

The four levels Mandalay Bay convention centre is a facility for every function with nearly one million square feet of exhibit space, also there are ballroom’s ranging from 10,000 to 100,000sq ft with staff that will do anything to make your event a success.

The restaurants at Mandalay Bay are a combination of eclectic menu’s, famous names and spectacular settings, featuring the finest international cuisine and restaurateur’s such as Michael Mina, Alain Ducasse, Rick Moonen, Charlie Palmer, Hubert Keller and Wolfgang Puck so take your pick.

Sliding glass panels will provide open-air access to the sand and surf while still allowing guests to beat-the-heat in air-conditioned comfort. From mega-concerts to stimulating nightlife and from Broadway hits to outdoor beach performances, the question isn’t what to do at Mandalay Bay – it’s where to begin.

The smash Broadway musical takes center stage in the 1,600-seat Mandalay Bay Theatre. Based on the hits songs of ABBA and set on a mythical Greek island, Mamma Mia! is a love story that crosses continents and generations.

A perfect night’s sleep… that’s what we sought to create with our Gold Class, a new class of rooms and suites. The theme here is casual elegance and comfort. Lofty pillow topped beds, triple high-thread count sheets, warm textiles in pleasing tones and 42" plasma TVs create the perfect environment for effortless relaxation or sweet dreams.

Mandalay Bay is a total sensory experience designed to transport visitors on an undersea adventure. Fourteen exhibits allow visitors to view 100 aquatic creatures, including 15 species of shark.


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Is a leading internet marketer. You can book your vacation hotel. We cover the globe for the perfect hotel choice. Just click and log onto the website for further information

"Sun Hotels"


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/monte-carlo-las-vegas-offers-you-an-extensive-array-of-amenities.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/monte-carlo-las-vegas-offers-you-an-extensive-array-of-amenities.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Step into a world of imported marble and crystal chandeliers and experience a fine selection of upscale restaurants, lovely guestrooms and superior amenities well-suited for every taste.

The 3,002 guest rooms including 211 suites are tastefully decorated in contemporary earth-tone colours with cherry furniture, pillow-topped mattresses, TVs and high-speed
internet.

• Spectacular views of Las Vegas
• Over 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming bliss
• Over 1600 Slots and video poker machines
• Over 160 table games

The Monte Carlo provides personal gaming lessons for those guests who would like to learn how to play craps and poker, arguably the best magician in the world, Lance Burton, puts on a mesmerizing show at the Monte Carlo that you simply have to see when you visit Las Vegas, you will also find other big-name entertainers at the Monte Carlo.

So if you are visiting Vegas for entertainment, this is the place. Dining at the hotel offers a buffet of options including the market city café, Andres French restaurant, dragon noodle company, black stones steakhouse and many more.

The Monte Carlo brew pub also offers food as well as being one of Las Vegas’ hottest night spots, the pool complex with lush landscapes and variety of crystal clear pools, also provides guests the perfect place to rejuvenate and relax, the cozy and intimate atmosphere at the spa offers guests the choice of relaxation or invigoration.

At Monte Carlo, we're big enough to offer you an extensive array of amenities, yet small enough to provide you the personalized service you deserve. When you need a break from the action.

When you want to take a break from the fun and excitement in Vegas and enjoy a delicious meal, the Monte Carlo boasts a buffet of options. Monte Carlo is happy to supply you with the tools you need to close the deal or open minds.

Monte Carlo also offers additional spaces to enhance any meeting or conference in a high-energy or intimate area The Monte Carlo exemplifies a solid fusion of European refinement, American dazzle and true Vegas hospitality.

From the moment one catches sight of the entrance -- remarkable in itself, with its Renaissance statues and cascading fountains -- the Monte Carlo evokes an elegance unique not only to Vegas but also to the world.



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Is a leading internet marketer. You can book your vacation hotel. We cover the globe for the perfect hotel choice. Just click and log onto the website for further information

"Sun Hotels"


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/the-mirage-is-in-the-heart-of-las-vegas.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/the-mirage-is-in-the-heart-of-las-vegas.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The 2,763 deluxe rooms provide the utmost in comfort and convenience to leisure and business travelers alike, set amidst a lush, tropical décor, the Mirage casino is an elegant yet comfortable oasis, offering a variety of slots, video poker and table games and offers something for everyone.

From the Las Vegas strip visitors are immediately enveloped by the entrance garden of towering waterfalls which cascades over rockscapes 50ft to a lagoon below, the Mirage volcano- the iconic feature recognized around the world, is being updated to more intense fire explosions, seemingly hotter lava and louder sound affects for an even more realistic experience.

Shows include, the beatles “LOVE” which brings together the magic of Cirque du Soleil to create a vivid, intimate and powerful entertainment experience and no visit to the Mirage would be complete without seeing the “entertainer of the year” Danny Gans, who fascinates the audiences with his unbelievable talents, Siegfried & Roy’s secret garden and dolphin habitat recently launched its new dolphin “trainer for a day” program.

Private cabanas around the pool area feature all mod cons, dining at the Mirage offers something for everyone from USDA beef to delectable Asian cuisine, with its own golf course, shadow creek rated one of the nations most exclusive and also on offer the latest fitness, health and beauty services at the spa and salon and its exclusive collection of boutiques along the street of shops at the Mirage.

Also if you’re looking to hold a convention or meeting the staff and facilities at the Mirage offer exceptional comfort and flexibility.

The Mirage is in the heart of Las Vegas and is a palace of delights, where South Seas vibe meets Strip excitement. Where soft, sunlit days give way to torrid nights. Where you are invited to experience.

The Mirage’s guest rooms feature rich hues and imported fabrics in a refined atmosphere of sophisticated comfort. Many are available with breathtaking views of the tropical pool, majestic mountains or Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas entertainment has gone beyond the headliner and into the world of clubs, shows and attractions.

The Mirage brings you the finest of all varieties. The Mirage is an exclusive collection of designer boutiques for men and women, which bring a feeling of the fashionable European shopping boulevard to Las Vegas. At opening, The Mirage raised the standard in Las Vegas dining.

Today, we proudly stand at the forefront of the city’s gourmet scene, while rounding out our selections with restaurants you won’t find anywhere else. Las Vegas meetings have been elevated to something much more eventful under the stylish attentions of The Mirage.



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Is a leading internet marketer. You can book your vacation hotel. We cover the globe for the perfect hotel choice. Just click and log onto the website for further information

"Sun Hotels"


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/treasure-island-is-one-of-the-finest-resort-in-las-vegas.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/treasure-island-is-one-of-the-finest-resort-in-las-vegas.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Following a multi-year evolution guests at TI enjoy fashionable AAA four diamond accommodations, world-class entertainment and a high energy pool featuring luxurious Cabanas and a unique oversize whirlpool known as the party tub.

Step inside kick off your shoes make yourself at home in a Treasure Island guest room or suite, each room features floor to ceiling glass with a spectacular view of the mountains.

The pool area or sirens cove, indulge your playful side at TI’s lively casino, pull the handle, roll the dice, activate exhilaration! Here you will find the hottest casino action in town 24/7, the sirens of TI is its hottest show and features a clash between a group of stunning sirens and a band of renegade pirates.

It’s packed with countless thrills Mystere by Cirque du Soleil is a spellbinding tale of two babies who explore a world filled with strange creatures and brilliant colors.

Treasure Islands nightlife is no-limits with the Tangerine lounge and nightclub. The mist lounge, breeze bar and margarita bar, dining will scintillate, savor, satisfy whatever you crave for.

With the most fashionable fare never far from your hunger, food from around the world so you will not go hungry. The spa at Treasure Island offers guests the opportunity to submerge themselves in the latest fitness, health & beauty services, if your planning a wedding, there are chapels or tie the knot aboard the sirens ship with all the facilities to make your big day, one to remember, conventions and meetings are catered.

Treasure Island is the ideal escape for those wanting for excitement and thrills of Las Vegas while relaxing are one of the city’s finest resort hotels.



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Is a leading internet marketer. You can book your vacation hotel. We cover the globe for the perfect hotel choice. Just click and log onto the website for further information

"Sun Hotels"



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/addiction-as-a-spiritual-disease.html http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/addiction-as-a-spiritual-disease.html Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
One of most tragic conseqences of an addictive condition is the way it can destroy the heart and soul of a beautiful person.

Whether the problem be drugs, alchohol, sex, gambling or work, the common pattern is that as the addictive personality gains more and more control of the addict, the person loses more and more of their ability to influence their own thoughts and behavior. In the process, a spiritual deadening takes place.

Here the definition of 'spiritual' involves being connected in a meaningful way to the world. It involves having the ability to extract meaning from one's experiences. The feeling of belonging and being an important part of the world is lost as addiction progresses. The sense of knowing oneself and one's value drifts farther and farther away.

Addiction is a spiritual disease. Everybody has the ability to connect with the soul and spirit of others, and it is indeed these deeper relationships that the addict desperately needs. But because addiction is a direct assault against the Self, it is also a direct attack on the spirit or soul of the person suffering from the addiction. A person's spirit sustains life; addiction leads to spiritual death.

The longer the addiction goes on, the more spiritually isolated the person becomes. This is the saddest and most frightening aspect of addiction. Sunsets, smiles, laughter, support from others, and other things that nourish the spirit come to mean less as acting out becomes more important.

Because addiction blocks a person's ability to effectively connect with his or her own spirit, there is little chance to connect with the spirit of others. Relationships with others become more superficial as the illness progresses. Addicts stay isolated or turn to the presence of other addicts who offer companionship and little or no fear of confrontation.

As addiction progresses, spiritual deadening deepens. This may be the most dangerous aspect of addiction. For recovery to begin, there must be a recommitment to the nurturing of one's spirit. The farther one moves away from the Self, the harder it is to reestablish a healing relationship.

In the beginning of the addictive process, the person grasped the addiction in an attempt to nurture life, spirit, and the Self in the process of chasing perfection. Many recovering addicts firmly grasp the spiritual aspect of recovery because most are extremely grateful to have such a precious gift returned: the Self, a spiritual awareness, and the ability to connect with others in a meaningful, nurturing way.


--
Rev. David B. Smith

(the 'Fighting Father')

Parish priest, community worker,

martial arts master, pro boxer, author, father of three

addiction

Addiction as a Spiritual Disease for further information log on to addiction secrets


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/addiction-psychology.html http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/addiction-psychology.html Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500 an edited extract from 'Understanding Addiction'

Addictive logic is summed up in the phrase "I want what I want and I want it now." Emotional needs often feel very urgent and compulsive. Such emotional logic works to satisfy this urgency even if it is not in the best interest of the person.

At the very heart of the addictive psyche is the false belief that the objects or events associated with the addiction can bring genuine spiritual and emotional satisfaction. Becoming an addict is a gradual process in which the addict becomes emotionally seduced into believing that he or she can find satisfaction through the object or event - be it sex, gambling, alcohol, work etc.

The truth is that we only get temporary relief from these objects and events, but we don't get real long-lasting satisfaction from them.

All of us have issues, pains, frustrations, and memories we would rather not have to face. At times, we have all used objects or events to avoid facing these. Addiction, however, becomes a lifestyle in which the person loses control of the use of these objects and events and gets locked into an emotional avoidance of real life. Addicts keep delaying life issues as a way of nurturing themselves.

All of us have the potential to form addictive relationships with any number of different objects or events, especially during stressful times when we would welcome a promise of relief and comfort. However, avoiding reality and responsibility by the addictive use of objects and events is ultimately an ineffective way of healing pain and anxiety. The mood change created by acting out an addiction is very temporary, and only creates an illusion of real satisfaction.

For example, the food addict binges after a fight with his partner and finds the illusion of peace. For the moment, he feels full, both physically and emotionally instead of empty. During such moments, there is an intense sense of comfort. In a similar way, the compulsive gambler gets lost in the action and feels excited, confident, and sure of herself. This time she knows she has picked a winner.

Slowly, addicts start to depend on the addictive process for a sense of well-being and personal identity. Their lives become ruled by the pursuit of their addiction.

Addiction starts out as an emotional illusion that is entrenched in the addict before others around the addict or even the addict himself realizes that an addictive relationship has been formed. The addict starts to build a defense system to protect the addictive belief system against attacks from others, but only after the addiction is well established on an emotional level. On a thoughtful, intellectual level, the addict knows that an object cannot bring emotional fulfillment. Alcoholics have heard the old saying "You can't escape into a bottle." Workaholics know "there's more to life than just work." Addictive spenders understand "money can't buy happiness."

The illness of addiction begins very deep within a person and his or her suffering takes place on an emotional level. Intimacy, positive or negative, is an emotional experience that is not logically evaluated. Addiction is an emotional relationship with an object or event, through which addicts try to meet their needs for intimacy. When looked at in this way, the logic of addiction starts to become clear. When compulsive eaters feel sad, they eat to feel better. When alcoholics start to feel out of control with anger, they have a couple of drinks to get back in control.

Addiction is very logical and follows a logical progression, but this progression is based on an emotional logic, not intellectual logic. A person who tries to understand addiction using intellectual logic will become frustrated and feel manipulated by the addict. Talking one-on-one with only a counsellor and without a support group is usually ineffective in convincing addicted persons to end their destructive, addictive relationships.

Addictive logic can be summed up in the phrase "I want what I want and I want it now." Emotional needs often feel very urgent and compulsive. Such emotional logic works to satisfy this urgency even if it is not in the best interest of the person.

For example, a compulsive gambler tells himself he is done gambling for the week. Shortly, however, he has a rough day at work and feels uneasy, so he looks over his racing form to try to ease his feelings, still telling himself he won't gamble anymore this week. While reviewing the racing form, he starts to hear his emotional logic telling him he has found a sure bet. "Why didn't I see this before?" he says. "It would be crazy for me to miss this opportunity!" Thus, he becomes pitted against himself - one side believing in his 'sure thing,' the other reminding him of his promise not to gamble for the rest of the week. Inside, the emotional pressure builds. Because addiction involves the deep need to have emotional needs met and emotional pressures relieved, he finally must give in to his urge, especially after he has convinced himself he would be stupid not to grab this opportunity.

Thus addictive logic pits the addict against himself or herself.

--
Rev. David B. Smith

(the 'Fighting Father')

Parish priest, community worker,

martial arts master, pro boxer, author, father of three

addiction

Addiction as a Spiritual Disease for further information log on to addiction secrets



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/addict-in-the-family.html http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/addict-in-the-family.html Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500 an edited extract from 'Understanding Addiction'

Because the person suffering from the addiction acts untrustworthy, the family stops trusting the person, and the members consciously or unconsciously start to distance themselves... When the person starts to act like his or her self again, not like an Addict, the family feels ashamed for having distanced themselves. They decide to reach out once more, only to feel betrayed once again.

Addiction never simply affects the addict alone. The addict pulls friends and loved ones into the vortext of their addiction, which can easily consume them all.

Friends and family try to make sense out of what is happening to their addicted loved-one. In trying to understand, people around the addict inevitably label him or her in an effort to cope with the changes.

What is really being labeled is the addictive personality. The addicted person may get labeled as 'irresponsible," 'troubled," 'tense," 'strange," or 'weak." If people suspect the true source of the problem, addicts will be labeled more aggressively, to reflect what is happening, and how others perceive them. Family members use many labels when speaking about the addict:

He's a bum.
He eats too much.
She's so irresponsible.
All he does is buy, buy, buy!
All she does is work, work, and work!
He does drink a little too much.
He's oversexed.
You just can't trust her anymore.
When the labeling process occurs, it's a sign that the illness of addiction has progressed to the point where family and friends have noticed it and must protect themselves from the addictive personality. People sense that the addict doesn't care about others. They will protect themselves by either removing themselves from his or her presence or trying to control the addicted person.

Thus, for families, the labeling process is an attempt to control what is happening. Addicts react in turn to protect themselves. In doing so, the addictive defensive system becomes even better developed.

For the addictive process to continue, the addicted person must learn how to deflect the concern of others. One of the most dangerous aspects of the labeling process is that, once the addicted person is given a new label, the family starts to adjust to the 'new person."

The 'new person' can indeed be given a significant place within the family, who adjust and may even become dependent on having him or her around! 'The Addict" becomes a role within the family and starts to serve a vital purpose. Family members are caught in a dilemma: they hate the Addict but still love the person they once knew, who still exists within the addict. It's not typical for family members to realize they're dealing with an illness; as the addiction progresses within the family, everyone slowly adjusts to it.

Family members or others, such as co-workers, start to see what a good scapegoat a person suffering from addiction can be. They start to hate the Addict. As family members feel attacked, used, and abused by the Addict, they want to get even and fight back. Family members then become locked into the same fight that the Addict and the Self are locked into. The family tries to make the addict more responsible and respectful, but fails because a practicing addict is not able to change. The struggle continues, becoming a ritual embedded within the fabric of the family.

For example, suppose you love a family member who suffers from an addiction and is unable to love you back. You have deep mood swings, as the person you love swings from the Self to the Addict. One minute you may be relating quite well to the person's Self; then something is said that awakens the Addict. The personality shift occurs, and the next minute you are hating the person, trying to figure out what happened. Perhaps you made a caring statement that triggered feelings of shame in the person and out came the Addict to protect his or her territory.

Because the person suffering from the addiction acts untrustworthy, the family stops trusting the person, and the members consciously or unconsciously start to distance themselves. This is a natural means of protection. When the person starts to act like his or her Self again, not like the Addict, family members start to feel ashamed for having distanced themselves. They decide to reach out once more, only to feel betrayed once again. This goes on and on until a family member cannot take it anymore and gives up trying to have any relationship with the person. But whenever family members feel the person's Self trying to emerge, they will feel a longing to connect, but also a sense of shame for not wanting to for fear they will be hurt once again.


--
Rev. David B. Smith

(the 'Fighting Father')

Parish priest, community worker,

martial arts master, pro boxer, author, father of three

addiction

Addiction as a Spiritual Disease for further information log on to addiction secrets


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>