The truth about addiction and how do we prevent our it from happenin

This topic is something I’ve wanted to talk about for some time. I’ve not only had very personal experiences in dealing with this topic, but now have quite a bit of professional experience and education as well.

In discussing why individuals turn to drugs and alcohol, I struggle with the theories that are out there currently; probably why I felt so passionately about developing an educated, informed, well-versed, opinion on the topic myself. Full transparency- I’ve held several assumptions and thoughts that I have felt strongly about, my experiences have debunked those now.

I will start by saying the disease model of alcoholism and drug addiction may be researched based and taught from by many professionals in the field, it has just always felt very favorable to a “victim mentality” to me. If an addict looks at their addiction purely as a disease, the feeling they can’t change it has to sneak into their brain and hinder sobriety efforts.

When I think of a disease, I think of something that we do not choose for ourselves, something out of our control almost. I could never come up with a good response to “O.K., if it truly is a disease, what about the fact that the first drink or drug is (most times) a conscious decision on our part?”

If we have this disease or know we have a genetic predisposition for it, why ever test fate?? I wondered about this quite frequently myself...

I then really began struggling with the disease model, during experiences and encounters with Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous more than anything. I will start by saying they are a phenomenal group and work wonders for so many people, and heck, no one in the field can hold a candle to their success rate with this population, so please don’t think I am bashing these organizations. They do great work!! I just believe we can do better, especially in terms of prevention.

Working in the jail as a corrections officer opened my eyes to the fact that drug addiction and alcoholism does not discriminate. People from all walks of life, even with the most strict upbringings, loving households, are still struggling with these demons.

Working on the treatment side of things after a promotion; frankly I was appalled at our system and attempts in place to “help” these individuals. (Disclaimer, I have been out of the jail awhile, so things may have improved, but sadly, I am not very optimistic).

I watched 18-21 year “kids” withdrawal from heroin, opiates, alcohol, crack, you name it. After they were detoxed, they were then given the option to attend AA meetings a couple times a week and that is about it. That was their treatment.

I could go on for years about this topic and the lack of resources available, or the fact that you will be held accountable and obtain resources- but only if you commit a felony and meet the criteria for drug court! Like what?! Hey stop committing petty shoplifting and soliciting crimes, and burglarize something and we will help you? Ridiculously stupid if you ask me

Anyway, these kids would sit in these meetings, many times excited about their sobriety (even if it was hell getting there, and against their will). To then hear abstinence is the only option from here on out, that means no more marijuana, not a sip more of alcohol (even though you may not even have reached the legal drinking age). This seemed like a great idea and plan in theory, but didn’t seem realistic to me. My theory never failed unfortunately, as those doors became revolving for so many of those “kids”.

I then got interested in really focusing on treatment ,being a part of the solution and pursued my Masters in Counseling. I never planned to pursue the addiction track or work with addicts, as I don’t have the stomach to deal with the small success rates. I personally care too much about my clients becoming success stories, it’s a perfection thing (I am working on haha). My interest on the topic has never diminished though, always pondering what the answers really are.

I still do not have the answers, nor do I think I will personally come up with them in this lifetime, but I do think I can provide some understanding.

I think the underlying common denominators in those individuals suffering with addiction, is the fact that they are self medicating. They are suffering from mental illnesses, circumstantial depression, loss, lack of self worth, failed relationships, family problems, etc. and in turn using the drug or alcohol as treatment, but the underlying cause is what needs to be treated!

When asking addicts why they first chose to pick up a drug or drink; I have heard an overwhelming response that they don’t know or they just wanted to feel “different”.

Feel different from how they were feeling in that moment.

Whether they wanted to numb their pain, have more energy, have more fun during a night out, clean the house, they are wanting to feel differently. I always thought this was a lame excuse and way too vague, until I pursued my education, now it makes perfect sense.

We are taught as therapists that anger is a secondary emotion, meaning another emotion is causing it. Anger should not be judged, responded to, or reacted from....whatever is causing it needs to be addressed first. I think this is how we should look at addiction.

I want to add that although this puts a lot of responsibility and accountability on the addict, drugs and alcohol are not innocent! Many of these drugs out there today are truly full of addictive properties and the body becomes physically dependent on them, so medical intervention may be necessary (especially when dealing with alcohol and benzodiazepines). Genetics also plays a huge part, but that’s for another blog!

I would love to blog more, possibly hold groups at my practice about improving prevention efforts and effective treatments. I am especially passionate about how to educate our children and what we should tell them to help stop this epidemic.

Please message me or leave comments about what you are interested in hearing more about, or what you think we as a society could benefit from. I would love to hear!

What we’re doing is not working, and I am fearful for the future, especially having children at very impressionable ages. So let’s do something different!