Addiction appears to be part of the human experience, as millions of us seem to be doing it. Drugs, alcohol, food, phones, sugar, media, porn, Netflix, shopping, work, gambling, the list goes on, there’s something for everyone! And we continue to create and practice new compulsions that at first pleasure, soothe and ease, and then control and destroy. Addiction is considered a chronic brain disease by some, a learning disorder or an adaptation by others. I believe it’s a chronic public health issue characterized by craving, a brief experience of pleasure or relief, and an inability to stop despite increasing negative consequences.

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I love hanging out with drug addicts, I am one. We are typically smart, funny, creative and intense beings, we are sensitive, sometimes too sensitive and we experience big emotions that often feel overwhelming. We find substances and behaviors that remove pain, or make us feel great, that help with trauma, anxiety and depression. And often it’s just about trying to feel normal and able to cope. We are frequently trauma survivors, adventurers, spiritual seekers, in chronic pain, risk-takers, curious by nature, and interested in altered states of consciousness. Some people can manage their use and indulge from time to time while others cannot. But the judgment and shame around this issue often prevents people from getting the help they need. I come from the perspective that addiction is normal and very common in our culture. I like to start with what’s working in your life and what isn’t and go from there. What do you want to let go of and what else are you willing to explore? It’s not about how much and how often you use, but what happens to you when you do?

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It’s important that we understand the role the brain plays in this whole catastrophe, the relationship between the limbic brain and the prefrontal cortex. We also have the ability to change our brains through a process called neuroplasticity using mindfulness practice and skills, something I do regularly with most of my clients. Let’s talk about your brain and what can be done to help and restore it.

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Addiction is a treatable but not curable condition, which usually requires ongoing support as do many incurable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Relapse is part of the recovery process and an excellent, if sometimes brutal, teacher. It’s to be expected and needs to be treated with compassion and curiosity. Sadly, ignorance, judgment, lack of services and the criminalization of this disease interferes with getting help and increases the shame, self-loathing and low self-esteem many people experience who use substances and behaviors compulsively.

 

There are plenty of options on the “menu of recovery” and you decide where you would like to start. A comprehensive treatment plan can include counseling, education,

mindfulness practices, mental health support, in-patient or outpatient treatment, movement, exercise, dance, good food and sleep, spiritual exploration, fellowship, creativity and community. 12 Step groups are great but I understand they’re not for everyone. There are also SMART Recovery and Refuge Recovery meetings available in Bellingham.

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Perhaps you have no interest in 12 Step meetings or treatment and would rather discover for yourself if you can reduce your use? Any reduction of use is a success. Substance dependency is a mighty beast and not everybody can let go of everything at one time, and some don’t want to. Recovery is a journey of self-discovery to determine what contributes to, and detracts from, your life.

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I act as your counselor, support person, coach, cheerleader, advocate and encourager, I'm on your side and together, we identify effective strategies to enhance your life and reduce your suffering.