Recovery from Substance Use
So you have a problematic history with substances or addictive behaviors. And you have gotten it, more or less, under control.
Or perhaps you’re engaging more and more in certain behaviors and think that you might be getting to the point where you have a problem and don’t want it to get worse.
Well, first of all, well done, hooray, congratulations, and WOW!!!!
As you know, or I HOPE you know, this is no small step. And an addiction (I use this word loosely—you can use whatever words work for you) doesn’t make you a bad person—it simply makes you a person whose solution to life’s problems stopped working.
Everything we humans do, we do for a reason.
We use behaviors to help ourselves cope with our circumstances. We often start using whatever substance/behavior of choice to cope, and it usually works. Until it doesn’t.
So it’s stopped working, you’ve somehow gotten it under control, and here you are.
So now what? What next? Who are you?
Who are you without your (insert substance/behavior here)?
Very often, when people start living without their addictive behaviors, life feels very raw. Feelings feel overwhelming, and there are strong urges to numb them. And why wouldn’t there be? Life can hurt… especially right now. Anyone who didn’t have to “feel the feels” would choose not to!
But I can help you learn to tolerate those “feels”, and to learn to discover who you are now that your identity doesn’t revolve around your substance/behavior.
* Some words about 12-step—If you participate in 12-step recovery programs (any “Anonymous” programs, such as AA, NA, ACOA, etc.), I will support you in your program. I do not, however, believe that this is the only way to recover from substance use problems, and I do not require such participation. I can direct you to programs if you are interested, and I can also help you find other programs such as Lifering, SMART Recovery, and other non-theist programs with different philosophies (including harm reduction philosophies). Whatever program you choose or do not choose, I will support you and we will collaborate to find what works for you as long as you are working to get better, whatever that might mean for you. My requirements are simply honest communication and an honest effort towards improving your life.