Personal Substance Misuse and Addiction 

Misusing substances or over indulging in things like gambling, eating, pornography is a very personal experience. At some point what was once a social or weekend activity, with minimal consequences, has led you to question yourself. If you have gotten far enough to begin researching issues around addiction then chances are things have gotten a bit further than you would want. A renowned physician named Dr. Gabor Mate defines any addiction as “ any behavior that a person craves, finds temporary relief or pleasure in but suffers negative consequences as a result of and yet has difficulty giving up”. Can you relate on any level to that?

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“Recovery is an inside job with outside help.”

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Addiction is not as simple as popular media makes it out to be and it also is not a moral failing as is often suggested. It does not discriminate at all based on your age, sex, gender or ethnicity. Addiction is, on some level, an adaptation to some very unusual circumstances that happened at some point in life. Often when you hear of addiction you also hear the word “ recovery”. Recovery generally tends to refer to the period of time when we take away that behavior or substance that had become an issue. On a more intimate and personal level recovery is about recovery that part of you that you lost sometime in the past.

 

You may be in a place of uncertainty and debating whether you need help or even want help? Just know that that is perfectly ok. Therapy is a great place to explore this dilemma. You should expect your therapist to meet you wherever you are in your process. Perhaps you are certain that you have a problem and are desperately looking for a way out. In this example therapy can be pivotal in feeling grounded amidst all the chaos.  Once grounded you can begin to consider what course of action is in your best interest and even receive some direction and referrals.  Recovery is an ongoing process and you may have been sober for a period of time, or just had a lapse and need some help getting back on track. No matter what your unique situation, continue to listen to that intuitive part of yourself that knows what you need.