Archive for November 2016

Don’t lose hope! You CAN beat your addiction.

Addiction treatment today has a one size fits all mentality. Insurance companies will only reimburse those institutions that follow the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you’ve known anyone who has gone to a substance abuse treatment facility, you’ve probably heard the gripe that they’re forced to partake in the 12-step model of recovery.

This means joining AA or NA, which, for some, just isn’t a good fit. In many cases, they’re told this is the only way to truly recover. But this narrow approach has failed many — forcing an addict to do anything is a recipe for disaster. 

Instead, educate the individual and let them make an informed decision. As someone who’s worked in inpatient and outpatient drug treatment settings, I believe there are other ways to recover from addiction.  I developed a program called Transformative Recovery based on these 11 tenants:

1. The Desire To Change

No matter what program or situation you put yourself in, if you don’t want to change, you won’t. I’ve seen many clients — in both residential and outpatient settings — who were going through the motions. Addicts are good at manipulating people, so they continue to act this way in treatment.

I tell my clients, “When you feel you’re getting one over on someone, the person you’re really fooling and hurting is yourself.” 

Ask yourself, Do I want to change? (This question requires soul searching.) If not, maybe you aren’t ready. You won’t get better unless you want to.

2. The Willingness To Do The Work

Recovering from any addiction takes a lot of work. I’ve had many clients tell me that the statistics are against them. Depending on which study you quote, anywhere from 10 percent to 30 percent of addicts actually recover.

I would use this analogy in order to get my clients to stop worrying about the recovery odds and to start looking inward. If we have 100 people at the treatment center, 50 percent probably don’t want to change. Out of the remaining 50 percent, probably 25 percent or less are willing to do the work. These are the individuals that will recover. 

How hard am I willing to work? What does it mean to do the work? I’ve outlined what the work looks like in the rest of this article. 

3. A Regimented Daily Schedule

Individuals who succeed in recovery have a daily routine they follow rigorously. They know what their day will look like from the time they wake up until their head hits the pillow at night. These individuals implement activities that are going to keep them sober. 

4. A Sober Support System

One of the most beneficial things about 12-step programs is that they provide support. If you’re going to recover without these programs, you’ll need to find positive sober support systems. You’ll also need activities that involve other like-minded individuals. Spiritual activities or activities where using substances is not encouraged are a great start. Hiking, scuba diving, yoga and gaming are all possibilities. If you’re open and honest with your new friends, they should respect your decision to stay substance-free.

5. The Resolution Of Past Trauma

Many people who become dependent on drugs and alcohol have trauma in their past. Drugs and alcohol are a maladaptive coping skill that numb the pain. Without reprocessing these traumas and putting them in a better place, it’s difficult to recover.

Individuals tend to have hardwired beliefs about themselves, which are often related to trauma. It’s important for individuals to challenge these beliefs and create new ones that serve them. Pursuing individual or group therapy with a trauma specialist is paramount.

6. The Identification Of Emotions That Promote Maladaptive Coping

Once the drugs and alcohol are away from the individual, the emotions that drove them to use drugs will resurface. It’s common that anger, sadness, discontentment and fear (along with a plethora of other emotions), are the source that drives the using.

Work with a therapist to understand and control these emotions. A well-trained therapist will give you concrete exercises that, over time, can teach you to regulate thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness is your friend.

7. Spirituality

Oftentimes, people who have an unhealthy relationship with substances have lost their spirituality. They feel that the universe is working against them, and this attitude becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s helpful to connect with the universe and feel its support for you in order to really heal. Spirituality means different things to different people — the important thing is feeling connected to the source.

8. Persistence After Failure

One of the problems I have with 12-step program is the counting of days. If you relapse, you must start over from the beginning, even if you’ve been sober for years. Many substance abuse clients have long standing issues with shame and guilt.

They feel too ashamed to get back up, so they continue on a downward spiral. Many people feel comfortable in this space. I use the analogy of getting a flat tire. When you get a flat tire, do you pop the other three? Or do you put on a spare and get back on the road? People with a history of trauma or abuse have a harder time getting back up.

Certain people need nurturing, while others need tough love. One size does not fit all.

9. An Awareness Of The “Victim Martyr Paradigm”

Notice if you tend to complain, shame or blame others for your problems. On the flip side, notice if you try to carry the world on your shoulders. We can only control our thoughts and feelings, so why not take our power back? Take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings and actions. Move forward.

10. Daily Affirmations And Self-Improvement

It’s important to learn and grow as you continue on your path of recovery. Daily affirmations help to introduce positive self-talk into the mind. Reading self-help literature, practicing meditation, diaphragmatic breathing or whatever you choose will help you to stay focused and have fewer plateaus. Live by the mantra, “I only need to be better than the person I was yesterday.”

11. Holistic Healthcare

Become aware of the mind, body and spirit connection. Be aware when things are out of synch, and learn to ask for help if you feel unbalanced. Have you started eating emotionally? Do you feel disconnected?

That means it’s probably time for a tune up. Therapists, friends, nutritionists and spiritual advisors are helpful for getting back on track.

The point of this article is not to bash the 12-step model of recovery. I’ve known many people who have used the 12-steps and have had fantastic results. This article is to let people know there are other ways. You CAN recover! But if you’re looking for an easier way, this is not it. Anything that’s going to transform you and has value takes hard work.  

Brent Berman is a holistic psychotherapist in Jupiter, Florida. He has extensive experience in the field of addiction and believes in changing the world one smile at a time.