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As a substance abuse counselor, I believe to my core that blaming substances for addiction is a lot like blaming Quarter Pounders for obesity. Substances are not responsible for addiction, people who abuse them are. More specifically, realizing that substances… Continue Reading →
It’s all too easy to point to a substance and say, “that’s evil” or “that’s the problem with things in my life.” I’ve written about heroin and its relationship with actual evil. Although I do think the conditions associated with… Continue Reading →
Sometimes when I’m studying, I can’t help but say “duh” out loud. Lately, I’ve been brushing up on the stages of change within substance abuse. Although I’ve written and taught about them before, I like to revisit various models and… Continue Reading →
The idea that someone has to hit rock bottom before he or she will make a change is a misperception. This misperception leads many to people washing their hands of those who struggle with substance abuse challenges. According to freedictionary.com,… Continue Reading →
A while back, I was in a meeting with a group of program managers in a typical conference room that was outfitted with the stock table, chairs, and conference phone. I don’t recall the topic of the meeting. I do,… Continue Reading →
All too often, people who know and love someone with an addiction spend a ton of energy worrying and trying to help their loved one. A lot of time, people approach me for treatment advice when they’ve done all they… Continue Reading →
The biggest lie sold to humanity is that there’s someone or something coming to save it. There isn’t. The harsh truth is that every single person on the planet must face her own mental landscape on her own terms. No… Continue Reading →
Organizations often begin a project without any idea about the project’s success. But then, when a project fails, they step back and wonder what went wrong. During my career, I have led both successful and unsuccessful projects (the successful ones… Continue Reading →
According to the Parents Translational Research Center and the Partnership for a Drug Free America, there are six (6) things parents can do to prevent their child from developing an issue with illicit substances: Build a warm and supportive relationship… Continue Reading →
A recent study found that cognitive behavioral therapy is more successful in treating Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) than spirituality-based programs (study can be found here). In the years I’ve been studying and treating SUDs; however, I’ve learned that when a… Continue Reading →
