Tag treatment
Talking with addicts can be frustrating. Not for the reasons that you might think, but because they’re so mired in self-hate that almost every thought he or she utters is a projection of that self-hate. So, as I’m talking with… Continue Reading →
There are times when it feels like no one listens. I write and teach about healthy ways to approach substance abuse, yet people continue to dig their respective holes and wonder why they can’t get out. I started blogging to… Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
