Melissa Skinner
The Paw Print
On November 15 an addictions conference was held in the Student Union Building from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The conference was for students and faculty of ASC as well as the public and featured presentations given by graduate students in the Counselor Education department.
The students presenting were members of Dr. Varhely’s addictions counseling class. Six presentations were given, each lasting approximately twenty-five minutes.
Presenting was Jalea Baker on eating disorders, Charles Burt on street drugs, Audra Mathis on college student alcoholism, Heidi Morgan on internet addiction, and Nicole Speechley on addiction to multitasking. Despite the advertisement, Dr. Varhely estimates that the majority of the audience was first year counseling graduate students.
“Many very important issues pertaining to various aspects of addiction and recovery were covered. Participants learned about treatment strategies, forms of addiction, and social issues related to substance abuse. It was a highly informative event, and participants went away with an expanded world view of addiction processes,” said graduate student Eric Stevens.
Unfortunately, with a small audience it is a fair conclusion that many who experience addiction were not in attendance. What exactly is addiction? According to Dr. Varhely, addiction is any substance or process that keeps a person from living life to the fullest; it’s a way of avoiding the moment or running from problems in our daily life.
Internet addiction can be as simple as spending too much time on Facebook or EBay or as complex as developing an Avatar and living life through the created character instead of in reality.
Regardless of the vehicle, each can be equally dangerous. Multitasking can also be harmful as it can cause a lack of focus and concentration.
For example, a form of multitasking many of us perform on a daily basis: texting. Texting while driving, while in class, while at a movie, or during dinner. Not only does it distract us and possibly cause us to miss important details in a conversation or in a lecture, but it’s rude to the people around us, and can be fatal.
A study by Virginia Tech Driving Institute revealed that those who test while driving are 23 times more likely to have an accident.
According to the Department of Transportation, cell phones are involved in 1.6 million accidents a year, causing half a million injuries and 6,000 deaths.
It is important to understand the difference between a habit and an addiction. A habit is not disruptive to daily life; it is a scheduled break from the moment, not a mindless, compulsive act which interrupts and keeps us from a moment.
When it’s been discovered that an addiction is present, Dr. Varhely suggests a person stop and reflect on what the purpose is of the distraction. What are you trying to avoid? She says mindfulness meditation is a key to recognizing and overcoming an addiction.
On a regular basis, stop and focus on your breath. While practicing your breathing, be mindful of thoughts that may enter your mind. Focus on what it is and why it is there. Continue the process and concentrate on recurring thoughts.
If you feel you have an addiction that requires professional help, you may contact the ASC Counseling Career Center at 719-587-7746 to schedule a confidential intake. The staff will help assess your needs and direct you to someone who can help.
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