Tag Substance dependence
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 →
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 →
It’s a bit frustrating to me that the Addiction Treatment community still primarily employs 12-step programs as the means of treating various addictions. I think that 12-step programs can provide support; however, certain substances such as alcohol, heroin, and nicotine… Continue Reading →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
So, much is made about the problems that Addiction presents. The awareness exists because, well, problems are pretty easy to spot. Really, I can hang out within any group of people and if given enough time, they will start complaining… Continue Reading →
In this post, I hope to provide two (2) concepts and then give a bit of context as to why these concepts are critical for recovery from an addiction. The two concepts are: Psychological Empowerment Locus of Control Psychological Empowerment… 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 →
