Tag substance abuse counseling
In my professional travels, I have probably failed a lot more than I have succeeded. I’ve led projects and teams that have won awards, but more often than not, I have been a part of projects that simply do not… Continue Reading →
Addiction is as much a culture as it is a disease. What’s more is that, as is the case with any culture, when someone outside the culture of Addiction tries to understand it, they often misunderstand and misjudge what they… Continue Reading →
After snapping a few pics, I asked my wife, “Do you think Lazarus would have noticed this flower?” Her face said, “What on Earth are you talking about now?” But what fell from her mouth was,”Huh?” “I’m just wondering if… Continue Reading →
The Addict Identity must die. Most people would agree with that, but what they may not either agree with or understand is that they keep the Addict Identity alive. The challenge is that most people don’t understand the Addict Identity,… Continue Reading →
When a theme or specific issue emerges again and again in sessions with clients, I tend to look it at it as something that I need to study, understand, and possibly, share. One such theme has reared its head lately… Continue Reading →
The biggest challenge with which I’m faced as a substance abuse counselor is the idea of spirituality both while in active addiction and while in recovery. In my opinion, the reason people cower at the idea of spirituality is that… Continue Reading →
The other night, I was talking with someone about her struggles with anxiety. She was telling me that there are days that she can’t sit still for even a minute; her mind races and she has no control over her… Continue Reading →
I had been teaching at an in-patient treatment facility for over ten (10) months when one day, out of the clear blue sky, I was unceremoniously relieved of my duties. Without warning, the Director called me and said that, from… Continue Reading →
Recovery isn’t about flipping a switch or waving a magic wand. There are certain elements that must either be in place or be developed before recovery can happen. As much as we want addicts to just simply stop using whatever… Continue Reading →
The sad reality is that, when it comes to behavioral change, no one can save anyone else. There isn’t a big genie riding a cumulus who’s going to wave their magic wand and make life better for anyone. Yet, 12-step… Continue Reading →
