Category: Addiction

Categories
Addiction Prescription Drugs

New Study Shows ADHD Drug Abuse Starts Earlier than First Thought

ADHD drug abuse, a problem commonly associated with the college years, may actually begin much earlier, according to the latest research. One study found that the peak range for individuals beginning to abuse these drugs was between 16 and 19. These findings suggest education must begin much earlier than high school in order to reduce abuse of drugs like Adderall, Ritalin and other prescription stimulants.

Study Results

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School analyzed data on more than 240,000 teenagers and young adults from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. In addition to showing a younger peak range than previously thought, the data also revealed that the younger someone is when they begin using these substances, the more likely they are to become addicted.

In addition to drugs prescribed for ADHD, researchers also surveyed use of prescription diet drugs and medications containing methamphetamine. They found young females were more likely to abuse diet drugs, while males were more apt to try Adderall. Non-Hispanic white and Native American teens tended to have the highest use rates.

“We need to have a realistic understanding of when young people are beginning to experiment with stimulants, so we can prevent them from misusing for the first time,” Elizabeth Austic, author of the study and a postdoctoral fellow at MU’s Injury Center, stated in a press release. “To prevent someone from using for the first time is often more cost-efficient and effective than trying to intervene once they have done it, whether a few times or for years.”

Prescription stimulants may be abused for a number of reasons, including weight loss and enhancement of physical performance. The drugs are also thought to improve academic performance, which is often why they are taken by students that feel the pressure to get good grades. However, no studies have shown these drugs improve thinking or learning capability and some have actually indicated use of the drugs without a diagnosed disorder like ADHD could impair brain function in some ways.

Prescription stimulants are also addictive, making them a dangerous choice for people at any age. Addiction means you will eventually have to take more of the drug to get the same high, and if you try to stop using, you could experience serious withdrawal symptoms.

At Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, we help teens overcome addiction to prescription stimulants and discover a healthy, productive life of sobriety. Our treatment programs address both the addiction and the underlying issues that might have led to drug use in the first place. To learn more about the treatment programs offered, contact Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Addiction Anxiety Depression Mental Health Social Anxiety Stress

More College Students Struggle with Mental Illness


The number of college students seeking help for mental illness is on the rise, according to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal. As campuses scramble to provide sufficient services for these students, some students are seeing increases in tuition rates to cover the cost. Despite the spending increases, many schools are still lacking the number of support staff needed based on the size of the campus to handle the students in need. More concerning is the fact that one-third of all schools do not have a psychiatrist on staff at all.

Reports of mental illness on college campuses has been increasing over the last two decades. “The American Freshman” 2014 survey by UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute found that in 1994, nine percent of college students were taking a prescription drug for a mental illness. By 2014, that number had increased to 26 percent. Nearly 10 percent of freshmen in 2014 said they felt depressed “frequently,” compared to 6.1 percent in 2009.

Type of Mental Illnesses

The two most common types of mental illnesses seen among college students are anxiety and depression. According to a 2013 report from the American Psychological Association, 41.6 percent of students seeking support for their mental disorder had symptoms of anxiety, while 36.4 percent reported symptoms of depression. Relationship issues, which are commonly associated with the college years, made up 35.8 percent of concerns.

A 2011 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey found that nearly 30 percent of college students reported feeling “so depressed they were unable to function.” Of that number, 6.6 percent admitted to seriously contemplating suicide at least once during the past year. The American Psychiatric Association found that half of all college students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety during the same time frame.

Mental Illness and Addiction

Addressing mental illness on college campuses is a significant concern, considering many students dealing with mental disorders may also struggle with substance abuse or addiction. According to the Center for College Health and Safety, 20 percent of students that use drugs or alcohol are also likely to experience depression at the same time. Students that use substances are also four times more likely to have a diagnosis of a disruptive behavior disorder. The statistics suggest that addressing mental illness could also have a positive impact on substance use on some campuses.

Substance abuse and addiction are serious problems that are often accompanied by mental illness. At Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, we specialize in treating the combination of addiction and mental illness, known as a co-occurring disorder. We can help individuals address both of these issues simultaneously to improve their odds of sobriety and a higher quality of life overall. To learn more about our programs, contact Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Addiction Marijuana Recovery

Is there Such a Thing as Marijuana Withdrawal?

Although the idea of marijuana addiction and withdrawal has been widely debated in the past, more and more scientific evidence is beginning to support the fact that cannabis is indeed an addictive substance. Those that use it habitually may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. By acknowledging that there is such a thing as marijuana withdrawal, we can better help users manage the withdrawal symptoms so they successfully adapt to life without marijuana.


Factors Influencing Marijuana Withdrawal
Not everyone will suffer symptoms of marijuana withdrawal when they quit using. Factors that impact your likelihood of withdrawal symptoms include:

When you started using pot – those that began using as teens are more likely to become addicted
Length of time you have been using – the longer the duration, the greater the potential for withdrawal symptoms
Frequency of use – Daily users are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms than those who only use occasionally

Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal
Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can be both physical and psychological. Physical withdrawal symptoms might include:

  • Sweatiness and night sweats
  • Body shakes and trembling
  • Fever and chills
  • Headaches, some severe
  • Changes in appetite
  • Abdominal pain and nausea

Psychological symptoms were equally troublesome and may include the following:

  • Irritability and anger
  • Depression, mood swings and anxiety
  • General restlessness
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Vivid dreams while asleep

Seeking Treatment
In 2012, researchers from the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre at the University of New South Wales in Australia looked at 49 men and women from Sydney that were regular marijuana users. They asked test subjects, who used pot at least five times a week, to refrain from using the substance for two weeks. Ten of the subjects relapsed during that time. Researchers discovered those subjects were more likely to experience impairment in their daily lives due to marijuana withdrawal symptoms.

This study illustrates the importance of addressing withdrawal symptoms in those that want to stop using marijuana for good. When those physical and psychological side effects are not properly managed in a supportive, professional environment, relapse is that much more likely. It can take up to 90 days for withdrawal symptoms to stop completely, which means ongoing support and treatment is necessary for some marijuana users.

At Visions, we understand the complications associated with marijuana withdrawal and we work with patients on both an inpatient and outpatient basis to help manage those symptoms. While there is no medication to help treat marijuana withdrawal symptoms at this time, therapy, sleep aids and motivational incentives have all proven effective in treating this addiction. To learn more, contact Visions at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Addiction Mental Health

What is Dual Diagnosis and How does It Affect My Treatment?

When an individual is struggling with a substance abuse problem, the addiction may not be the only issue. Mental illness may be muddying the waters of treatment and recovery. When both substance abuse and mental illness are present at the same time, known as a dual diagnosis, treatment of both problems will be required if recovery is to be successful.

Cause and Effect
While it is not unusual to see mental illness and substance abuse at the same time, determining which issue led to the other can be complex. In some cases, the mental illness was present first, and the person used drugs or alcohol to “self-medicate” or find temporary relief from symptoms. In other cases, regular substance abuse may lead to a mental illness like depression or worsen symptoms of a current illness, making it more visible.

Even when drugs or alcohol appear to make the symptoms of a mental illness better, the positive effects are just temporary. Without professional treatment of both the mental illness and the substance abuse, recovery from either is much more unlikely. If the drugs or alcohol bring on or exacerbate the symptoms of a mental illness, treatment may be that much more challenging.

Common Mental Illnesses
There are a number of mental illnesses that commonly accompany a substance abuse problem:

  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Personality disorders

When both the substance abuse and the mental disorder are present at the same time, a dual diagnosis can and should be made. In these situations, it is important to address both problems simultaneously to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Treating Both Problems
It is important to select a treatment facility experienced in treating a dual diagnosis. Detox is often the first treatment step, if the person has been drinking or using daily. Once detox is completed, getting off the substance is usually the next step. Someone who is still using or drinking will not be receptive to mental disorder treatments like talk therapy and counseling. In addition, some patients may require medication to treat their mental disorder, which should not be combined with other substances.

While a dual diagnosis may seem like a hopeless situation, there is hope for a successful treatment and recovery process. At Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, we have a full staff of professionals that can address both mental illness and addiction. Through a variety of programs, we offer the support and treatment needed to bring the individual out of the dark place of illness and addiction and into a life of health and sobriety. To learn more, contact Visions at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Addiction Parenting Prevention Recovery Safety

Prevention: The Best Way to Store and Dispose of Prescription Drugs

We see a lot of adolescents who have been abusing prescription drugs, and prescription drug use is being hailed as the new gateway drugs. Parents are often concerned their teens will experiment with street drugs and/or alcohol, but many teens are dipping into a familiar medicine cabinet, looking for a free and easy way to get high. A sticker that says, “May cause drowsiness,” can be misinterpreted to mean one can get high from it. Unfortunately, this sticker can be found on all sorts of medications, including anti-depressants and blood pressure medications.

Sometimes, prescriptions are stolen by teens for their own use, and sometimes it’s for the purpose of trading from friend to friend or at parties. Pharmaceutical bartering amongst the teen set is far too common; two driving factors of adolescent prescription drug abuse are:

1: The misperception that prescription medication isn’t harmful

2: Ease of access to these drugs at home or a friend’s house

 

Some kids start experimenting with prescription drugs because they are trying to find ways to cope with their stress or anxiety; some use it to try to get an “in” with a certain crowd. There are those, too, who have been prescribed a medication for one thing, but notice a “benefit” for something else (like more focus on a test), and begin misusing it or sharing it with friends.

 

  • According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, more than 71, 000 children ages 18 and under are seen in the ER for unintentional overdoses of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
  • Two-thirds (66%) of teens who report abuse of prescription medications get them from friends, family, and acquaintances.
  • Among young people ages 12-17, prescription drugs are the second most abused drug (behind marijuana)
  • Teens ages 12-17 have the second-highest annual rates of prescription drug abuse; young adults 18-25 have the highest rate.
  • Every day, 2700 teens try prescription drugs for the first time with the intent of getting high.
  • Nearly one in four teens have taken a prescription medication that was not prescribed to them.
  • One in three teens report being offered a prescription drug or OTC medication for the purpose of getting high.
  • One in three teens report having a close friend who abuses prescription pain medications.
  • One in four teens report having a close friend who abuses cough medicine to get high.
  • One in 10 teens report abusing cough medicine to get high.

 

Parents must take preventative action with their medication. It’s imperative that all medications are accounted for and kept locked up. Do you safely dispose of unused medications? Or do they reside in the dark corners of your medicine cabinet, collecting dust on their exhausted expiration dates?  Are they loosely out on a counter or tabletop for easy access?  Our kids watch us all the time; they learn from our actions and reactions, and they mimic us our behaviors. It’s important to mirror positive actions so our kids do the same. Kids will try anything on, and if taking a lot of medications is part of your habitual behavior, they may try that on too.

 

Here are some guidelines to support healthy means of communication around the use and misuse of prescription drugs, and the safe way to store and dispose of all prescription medications:

  • Communicate with your kids and educate them about the risks of prescription drug abuse. Be honest and age appropriate.
  • Don’t take medications that aren’t prescribed to you. (A recent study by The Partnership at Drugfree.org showed that 27 percent of parents have taken a prescription medicine without having a prescription for it themselves.)
  • Store your medications in a secure place..
  • Keep a record of what medications you have and how much you have – have this information before you lock the meds up.
  • Keep note of your refills;
  • If your teen has been prescribed a medication, make sure YOU monitor it, not them;
  • Educate your friends and relatives about the danger of prescription drugs and encourage them to store them properly;
  • Discard drugs that are either expired or are no longer needed;

 

See HERE for the the list of medications you can flush; beyond this list, please ensure that medications are disposed of as follows, per FDA.gov:

 

1: Remove medication from their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter (this makes the drug less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through the trash seeking drugs).

2: Place the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the drug from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag. Then you can toss them in the trash.

 

Please stay on top of this. The public has access to many viable resources like SAMHSA, Partnership for a DrugFree America, and the Medicine Abuse Project for more information and free pamphlets. If you suspect your child is abusing prescription drugs or any drugs at all, seek help.

Categories
Addiction Anxiety Depression Mental Health Prevention

The Dangers of DMT and Psychedelic Experimentation

DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is a short-acting, albeit powerful psychedelic drug in the tryptamine family. Additionally, the use of Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), an older class of anti-depressant drugs, has been found to increase the effects of DMT.  This chemical structure of DMT has the same or similar chemical structure as the natural neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin found in the brain.  Our bodies actually produce DMT, but science hasn’t determined its purpose thus far. It is derived from the essential amino acid tryptophan and produced by the same enzyme INMT during the body’s normal metabolism. Some researches have postulated that brain’s production of DMT may be related to the organic cause of some mental illness.

 

Adolescents are naturally curious creatures. They want to know about the world that they live in and they want to understand why it is the way it is. Developmentally this leads to a natural curiosity about the nature of the world and spiritual matters. During the 1960s, well-respected researchers looked into the potential of psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness, including depression. The ’60s generation took this as a cue to experiment with their minds. What we have learned since then is such experimentation is potentially dangerous and harmful, especially for those with a latent tendency toward depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness.

 

Psychedelic drugs have a distinct effect on brain chemistry. Some of them have chemical structures similar to natural neurotransmitters and almost all of them are classified as alkaloid. Historically, psychedelic drugs have been used by ancient cultures for spiritual practice and ceremony. And science has used psychedelic drugs for research.

 

However, psychedelics are significantly abused.

 

One of the most dangerous components of psychedelic drugs is the potential negative effect on people already vulnerable to mental illness. The user is, in effect, playing with his or her brain chemistry without direct knowledge of any short- or long-term effects these drugs may have. And someone who has an undiagnosed or untreated mental illness can adversely affect his or her mental health with the use of psychedelic drugs, or any drugs for that matter. Drugs like DMT, though old, are no different. DMT works fast, it has an intense effect that lasts for 15 minutes but purportedly feels like several hours. This can be an overwhelming experience, especially in cases of untreated or undiagnosed mental illness.

 

The bottom like is this: Experimenting with your mind is dangerous. Curious or not, this type of psychological misadventure is not worth the risk and the potential fallout.

 

Categories
Addiction Recovery

How Can I Help My Teen Fight Her Addiction

Parents want the best for their children, to see them succeed, to help them grow into strong, independent adults.  When teen addiction is an issue, parents often want to do as much as they can to help their children overcome their addiction so that they can continue to grow and develop.  Unfortunately, even when children and parents work together, it is nearly impossible to overcome teen addiction without professional help.  To provide your daughter with the support she needs to overcome her addiction, contact a professional teen addiction program. 

Teen addiction programs provide the support, care and tools teens need to identify and address the root cause of their addiction.  When your teen has an addiction problem, it is important to select a treatment center that understands the unique needs posed by adolescents.  A center may have high success rates treating adults, but may be ill-equipped to handle the needs of teenagers.  Teens are continuing to develop physically, emotionally and mentally.  Their problem solving skills and coping mechanisms are still forming and therefore, they require a specialized approach.  To best help your daughter, look for an adolescent treatment facility that addresses the needs of the teen as well as the needs of the family. 

To find the best center to treat your daughter’s addiction, look for the following:

  • Multiple Treatment Programs – An adolescent treatment facility that offers both inpatient and outpatient programs is ideal.  Each teenager has a unique set of circumstances.  For some, a residential program is best suited to address their addiction.  For others, an outpatient program provides the level of support needed or can be used to transition into or out of an inpatient program.  A treatment center with multiple treatment programs is best equipped to customize an approach to best fit each client’s needs.
  • Parent Involvement – Parents play an integral part in teen addiction treatment and recovery.  Teens with involved parents have significantly higher success rates than those who do not have family support. Many highly rated teen addiction treatment facilities will only treat those teens who have an involved parent.  When selecting an addiction treatment center make sure to ask how parents are involved in the treatment process.  The optimal center will encourage your participation in treatment and should make you feel comfortable contacting the program and having contact with your child.  Be wary of treatment facilities that limit or discourage parental interaction. 
  • Family Therapy – Teen addiction has negative effects on the entire family unit.  Recovery from addiction also means recognizing how the addictive behavior impacted the family unit as a whole.  Group therapy helps families identify areas of dysfunction in their communication.  This way, they can recognize poor communication and make adjustments in order to avoid the dysfunction.  Additionally, family therapy helps to create a positive environment for teens to return to after completing treatment.

With treatment facilities throughout southern California, Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers specialize in providing individualized treatment to teens.  They offer programs in a number of setting to address multiple needs:

  • Residential Program – Also known as an inpatient program, residential treatment combines a healthy living environment with addiction treatment.  With sleeping arrangements separated by gender, adolescents spend 24/7 in their treatment facility.  Fully staffed by a team of counselors, therapists and addiction treatment professionals, residential treatment provides an intense experience where adolescents can focus on addressing their addiction.  The program works with the teen’s school to continue their education while receiving treatment.
  • Outpatient Program – The outpatient program provides support while the teen continues to live at home and attend school.  This program uses the same approach as the residential program while providing the opportunity for teens to be involved in their everyday lives.
  • Day School – It is not uncommon for a teen with an addiction problem to have issues with school.  Visions’ day school provides an alternative education option that allows teens to receive personalized attention for their studies while recovering from their addiction.

For additional information on the teen addiction treatment programs available at Visions Adolescent, speak with a counselor today. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Addiction Recovery

What You Need To Know About Adolescent Addiction Treatment

Raising a teenager is complicated, stressful, and often the hardest season of life.  When your teenager is dealing with substance abuse it can seem overwhelming.  If you’ve tried a number of approaches without success, it may be time to seek professional adolescent addiction treatment.  

It is important to find a facility that understands the unique needs adolescents have and the importance of family involvement with a history of success with adolescent clients.  There are several things to be aware of when investigating adolescent addiction treatment for your child:

Philosophy

The philosophy of a treatment center sets the tone for the way clients are treated throughout their stay in residential treatment. Adolescents have a completely different set of needs for addiction treatment than adults.  Therefore, the right treatment facility for teenagers will have a mission of advocating for adolescents and their families.  The facility should demonstrate an understanding that family involvement is a key part of recovering from addiction.

The treatment philosophy of the center should follow this same model, by developing an individualized treatment program that addresses the needs of the individual as well as the family unit.

Family Treatment

It is important that an adolescent addiction treatment program provide for the needs of the family as well as for the teen.  Research has shown that adolescents are most successful in their recovery when the family has participated in, and understands, the healing process.  Treatment of the family as a whole is integral to long term sobriety.  Many families report feeling helpless, angry, and anxious about their teen’s issues prior to seeking treatment.  This is understandable as the effects of substance abuse are far reaching.  The goal of family treatment is to turn those negative emotions into hope for the future.

In order to fully address the needs of families, it is important that centers offer a number of ways for the family to be involved including multi-family group treatment and individual family sessions.  In addition to this, a thorough education process should be provided for families including:

  • Explanation of the family system including the symptoms of family illness
  • Demonstration of the roles, interaction patterns, and rules that are commonly seen in dysfunctional families
  • Addressing issues parents often bring into the treatment setting

The opportunity to visit with family and to continue building familial bonds is important for growth and healing and should be supported by the adolescent addiction treatment center.

Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers are experts in the field of providing care for the unique needs of adolescents.  Their center was founded on the mission of clinical excellence and supporting the family unit.  Visions meets the needs of their clients and their families by:  

  • Creating individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs and goals of each individual client
  • Utilizing psychiatric evaluations and assessments to determine areas of need and to address those areas through treatment
  • Utilizing a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT, approach to help clients understand that self-harming behaviors, such as substance abuse, are not effective and to develop the tools needed to become and remain sober
  • Facilitation of emotional growth to become equipped to handle stressful and uncomfortable situations without lashing out or turning to drugs or alcohol
  • Establishing and reiterating the importance of physical health both for overall wellness and as a tool for clean living in all aspects of life
  • Supporting the healing process for the family and providing the family with the tools to create a positive and supportive environment for the teen to return to after completing treatment
  • A collaborative planning effort for follow up and after care treatment and support to ensure clients have the support they need to abstain from using drugs or alcohol

Schedule an appointment today to speak with a counselor regarding the adolescent addiction treatment available at Visions California locations.  Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Addiction Alcohol Recovery

What You Probably Didn’t Know About Teen Alcoholism Treatment

Raising a difficult teen is hard work and it can seem impossible knowing where and when to turn for help.  This task is made more complicated when your teen has an alcohol addiction.  While many parents want to help their teen through these issues, teen alcoholism treatment is best handled by professionals.  Learning the facts about teen alcoholism treatment can help you make the decision to find a program that can meet your teen’s needs.   

There are several things you may not know about teen alcoholism treatment:

Early Intervention Makes A Difference

Sometimes it can be difficult to identify if your teen is experimenting with alcohol or if they have a substance abuse issue.   Alcohol use as a teenager can easily develop into a full blown addiction.  In fact, 95 percent of adults with addiction issues started using their substance of choice during their teenage years.

In addition to the potential for an addictive lifestyle, there are a number of health risks associated with using alcohol early in life.  If your teen is using alcohol it is important to get them treatment as soon as possible in order to adopt healthy living practices and recover from their addiction.

Adolescents Have Unique Needs

The needs of those in teen alcoholism treatment are completely different than those of people in adult alcoholism treatment.  Due to their continuing physical, emotional, and mental development, teens have unique needs during addiction treatment.  A program that specializes in the treatment of adolescents will provide a supportive, safe, and structured environment that caters to the unique situations teenagers face.  Adolescent treatment programs should prepare teens to deal with the unique challenges they will face after leaving treatment, be it academically, socially, or personally.

Twelve step programs are widely known and have been successful in treating addiction in adults for decades.  While exposure to twelve step programs plays a role in teen alcoholism treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, commonly referred to as DBT, is a better tool for treating adolescent addiction.  DBT focuses on being mindful and staying in the moment, providing the skills to control one’s emotions and building interpersonal skills.  These skills are necessary to overcome addiction and provide the skills necessary to manage stress and conflict without the use of alcohol.

Family Involvement Is Important

The involvement of a teen’s family is a crucial step in recovery.  In fact, many programs require that a teen have an involved family unit as a condition of admission.  Family therapy allows the family to heal together, to recognize the symptoms of dysfunction, and to develop new was to work together as a family unit.  Teen alcoholism treatment centers that discourage family involvement or do not support rebuilding the family unit should be avoided.

Additional Services

A teen focused treatment program will do more than treat the substance abuse.  Treatment should extend to every aspect of a person’s life from basic life skills like hygiene to time management.  The treatment center should include schooling to allow clients to keep up with the cirruculum from their previous school.  If learning disabilities or other issues are present, the adolescent treatment center should be equipped to address these concerns.  After all, it is likely that the stressful situations the teen found themselves in, socially and academically, likely played a role in their decision to self-medicate with the use of alcohol.

Treatment Can Be Fun  

Recreational programs are a must have when treating adolescents.  Teens will be unable to focus on their treatment without a recreational outlet.  Additionally, many adolescents with substance abuse issues will be unable to see how they can have fun without using their substance of choice.  Recreational activities can help adolescents discover their interests and learn that life can be fun and enjoyable without being under the influence.

For additional information on the teen alcoholism treatment programs available at Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, schedule a session with a counselor today.  Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Categories
Addiction Mental Health Recovery

The Challenge and Freedom of Letting Go

Are you faced with a big breakup and having trouble letting go?  We all know breaking up is hard to do. It’s tough whether you’re in a failing relationship, a waning friendship, a job that isn’t working out, a partnership that feels splintered, or any relationship that has simply stopped serving you. What if that relationship you so desperately need to end is your relationship with drugs and alcohol? What if the relationship that isn’t serving you is your relationship with your anger or greed? Being faced with a breakup of this caliber is tough.

 

It’s not ironic to me that we stay when we should go. Letting go is hard. It’s scary. It’s full of what-ifs and the unknown. Letting go of something that isn’t working can mean failure, but really what it most often shows us is great success. Our attachment to the familiar holds us back from investigating and cultivating change. In fact, change is something many of us fear. I once knew someone who was so afraid of change that he stayed in the same house, wore the same clothes, ate the same foods, spoke to the same people, and lived in the same town, all to his detriment. Every time an opportunity for change appeared, he recoiled, and became angry, volatile, even. The unknown was unbearable; change was his bogeyman. He ended up stuck in the sticky bitterness of his fear.

 

Addiction and the behaviors around addiction represent an unhealthy relationship. Addiction is that relationship we attach to while spinning out of control, creating external and internal harm, along with a cycle of shame. This relationship with addiction reminds me of the abuse cycle itself:

 

  • We are intimidated by it
  • We feel threatened by it
  • We feel bad about ourselves because of it
  • It isolates us and controls our relationships
  • We deny its existence
  • We lose our jobs or can’t get a job
  • It makes us financially unstable
  • It lies to us, making us feel good so we forget and start all over

 

These relationships with addiction and anger are the ones we need to end. Breaking up is hard to do. In letting go and moving toward freedom, we face the unknown, and often times, we have to face the thing we were hiding with our addiction. Things like untreated mental illness, poverty, sexual abuse, domestic violence, alcoholic parents or caregivers, and untended trauma are daunting. They are the beasts in the shadows. Still, the relationship to addiction has to end in order for any truths to come out. We have to lean toward our difficulties so we can eventually move through them. This is the breakup of your life: the one that will change your life for the better, and the one that will ultimately set you free.

 

Your relationship to addiction does not serve you. It never did. This breakup? It will serve you well. Recovery will set you on a path to heal. You will learn to set healthy boundaries; you will learn to love yourself; you will learn to be of service. You will learn to let go.

 

Remember this: Asking for help is a form of self-care, and accepting it is a form of self-love. You are worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

Exit mobile version