My goodness…where do we begin!?!

The Mayo Clinic offers us an uncomplicated definition of a very complex issue…

“Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. When you’re addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.”

How do we start?

I myself am into abstinence. I really tried hard to manage my use and was unsuccessful. I do however, believe that there are those rare individuals who can manage substance use and life with ease. I subscribe to the disease model of addiction and find many paths to recovery useful. The National Institute on Drug Addiction has current information about addiction. Please take a look at this pdf attached.

NIDA. 2018, June 6. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction on 2021, July 29

What are your goals?

I believe that it is important to get clear about your relationship with yourself, your substances and your goals surrounding these relationships. Finding what motivates you and practicing new habits to achieve your goals does take time. I will encourage you to stay on your path, provide you with information about the disease, and offer additional resources for support.

Please refer to my Resources page for additional information!