The place where Juan Blea writes about all that is good and strong and beautiful!

Tag Major depressive disorder

We are the problem, not guns or drugs

I’m sorry, but neither guns nor drugs are the problem.  From my perspective, it’s easy to blame objects when the real source of the problems we face lies in the mirror.  Now, do I think automatic weapons should be legal?… Continue Reading →

Opioid use disorders are the result of genetic + social programming

Why are we so stupid and blind?  Why is there such a tendency to pretend as though our biological and social programming don’t determine so much of how we turn out? Genetics and upbringing combine to form our “identity” so… Continue Reading →

What is Addiction?

Really, addiction is a multi-layered disease per the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s definition, “Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual… Continue Reading →

“Rock Bottom” is a misconception that has to change…here’s how

The idea that someone has to hit rock bottom before he or she will make a change is a misconception and leads to many people washing their hands of those who struggle with substance abuse challenges.  To begin, according to… Continue Reading →

Being present is the key to recovery

Several months ago, I read an interview with an acclaimed opera singer/actress named Joyce DiDonato where she said, “I need to be in the moment, I need to be present, I need to be listening. And if I’m doing those things, then… Continue Reading →

Judgment is a distorting reflection

It’s not easy to talk about unhealthy behaviors.  Sometimes, though, difficult conversations are necessary in order to find health within a situation.  But, before those conversations occur, I believe we should be sure of what we see. Take a tree… Continue Reading →

Lies are Symptoms of Addiction

One of the biggest and most pervasive myths associated with Addiction is that “deception is the disease.” I’ve heard that statement in so many different contexts that I fear it has now become common knowledge. The thing is, however, is… Continue Reading →

A Profile of my Ideal Client

I was having lunch with a colleague whom I respect very much when I learned that I haven’t given my practice much thought.  Which is to say that I haven’t given it any thought.  When she asked me what types… Continue Reading →

Humanity is connected by an invisible web

I’ve spent hours watching spiders spin webs, wait, and then blast anything that lands in those webs with a shot of venom.  Maybe I need some hobbies, but spider watching is among the most beautiful sights in nature to me. … Continue Reading →

The ant in the web is a powerful metaphor…

As a writer, I collect metaphors.  As a substance abuse counselor, I use the metaphors I collect to help illustrate different topics.  One of those illustrated metaphors is featured here: I saw this and stuck in a web right outside… Continue Reading →

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