Tag substance use disorders
While there isn’t much anyone can do to “cure” an addict, there are two (2) things people can do for their addicted loved one: 1) Learn to say no; and, 2) Seek to become the best version of themselves that… Continue Reading →
When I discuss spirituality with people, I might as well be speaking Martian: People’s eyes gloss over and saliva drips from the corner of their mouths. Maybe they think I’m no one to be discussing spirituality or maybe they’re afraid… Continue Reading →
What is the Imago Dei? Literally translated, the Imago Dei is the “Image of God.” This image is not Jesus’ face that miraculously appears on tortillas, it is, to me, the source of all that’s good and strong and beautiful… 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Yesterday, a Santa Fe bookstore owner slapped me in the face. Well, not literally, as she is an older lady and if she had actually slapped me, I doubt that I would have felt it much. Really though, I would… Continue Reading →
In my opinion, we are at a point where how we treat Addiction MUST change. We can no longer pursue means of treating Addiction that reinforce the Addiction identity. What is the Addiction Identity? To me, it’s any personality trait… Continue Reading →
Treating adolescent substance use disorders (SUDs) can be challenging because of its multi-faceted nature. In an effort to address the complexity of adolescent SUDs treatment, Colistra, Campbell, and Brickner (2014) established seven (7) best practices: 1) Involve the adolescent’s family… Continue Reading →
