Tag: Recovery

Refusing Treatment

Denial of the Problem:
What it looks like: The person insists that their substance use is “under control” or “not a big deal.” They downplay the extent of the problem, refusing to see the negative impact it has on their life and others around them.
Why it happens: Addiction often comes with a powerful sense of denial. Admitting the problem would require the person to face their vulnerabilities, guilt, or shame. They may also fear losing the coping mechanism they’ve developed.… Read More Refusing Treatment

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How Substance Abuse Influences Behavior

Accountability still matters: Even if the person is struggling with addiction, they are still responsible for their actions. Excusing bad behavior because of addiction can enable it. People in addiction can seek help, but they need to be held accountable for the harm they cause to others, whether that’s emotional manipulation, lying, or controlling behavior.… Read More How Substance Abuse Influences Behavior

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Financial Incentives

Material Dependence: By offering lavish gifts and financial incentives, the drug dealers make the family members feel dependent on the wealth or benefits that come from the illegal business. This is a classic strategy in organized crime—providing immediate material benefits to create a sense of indebtedness and loyalty.

Emotional Manipulation: The gift-giving can also create emotional bonds, where family members feel “taken care of” by the dealer. The emotional manipulation here is powerful: family members may justify their involvement or turn a blind eye to the illegal activity because of the benefits they’re receiving or the lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to. These actions might not seem inherently “criminal” to the family at first, which further solidifies their involvement before they fully understand the extent of the situation.

Keeping Family Tied to the Business: By keeping family members invested in the illegal operation through extravagant gifts, the drug dealer ensures that those around them are less likely to betray them or leave. If a family member benefits financially or materially, they are less likely to report or resist because doing so would jeopardize their newfound comfort. This also creates a sense of complicity—family members who enjoy these benefits may feel guilty about turning their back on the source of their wealth, no matter how dirty the money may be.… Read More Financial Incentives

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Hospitalization and treatment for chronic drug use

Hospitalization and treatment for chronic drug use typically involve a combination of medical detoxification, psychiatric evaluation, counseling, and rehabilitation. The goals of treatment are to help the individual safely withdraw from drugs, address any co-occurring mental health issues, and provide long-term strategies for maintaining sobriety. Let’s break this down step-by-step:… Read More Hospitalization and treatment for chronic drug use

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How CBT Works for Substance Abuse

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly suitable for treating substance abuse and addiction. It is one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches for addressing the behavioral and emotional aspects of addiction. CBT has been found to be effective in helping individuals not only break free from substance abuse but also develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage triggers, cravings, and the psychological components of addiction.… Read More How CBT Works for Substance Abuse

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Acknowledgment and Acceptance

Recovery from drug abuse is about so much more than just stopping the use of a substance. It’s a comprehensive, multifaceted process that requires deep emotional work, the rebuilding of self-esteem, and the establishment of a strong support network. A trauma-informed approach to recovery can be particularly powerful, as it helps individuals confront the root causes of addiction, allowing for not just sobriety, but true emotional and psychological healing.

If someone is ready to embark on this journey, it’s important to remind them they are not alone, and their willingness to seek help is an act of immense courage. Each step forward is a victory worth celebrating.… Read More Acknowledgment and Acceptance

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Truth or Fantasy?

In social settings, this might manifest as “talking bollocks” – a casual, often lighthearted way to describe someone saying ridiculous or far-fetched things, especially when intoxicated. The brain’s usual filters and controls become more lax, so people might say things they wouldn’t usually dare, or weave elaborate stories that make no sense but feel entertaining at the moment.… Read More Truth or Fantasy?

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Drug abuse and accountability

Drug abuse is often misunderstood as simply a moral failing or a lack of self-control, but modern neuroscience has demonstrated that addiction is a chronic brain disease. Substance use alters brain chemistry, particularly in areas that govern reward, motivation, and impulse control. This makes it difficult for individuals to stop using drugs even when they understand the negative consequences.

However, while addiction is a disease, it doesn’t negate the importance of personal accountability. Individuals still have the capacity, and indeed the need, to take ownership of their actions as part of their recovery process.… Read More Drug abuse and accountability

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