Mention the word addiction, and most people run!
Addiction treatment has become a self-despising and self-devouring field, a battle between the, "I know better", and "leave me out of it" psychological community. It’s the one thing people avoid talking about, and yet it is one of the biggest challenges we face within our society. Avoidance from all sides is understandable, when for decades’ addiction therapy has focused on people's deficiencies, stigmatising and labelling people as, "The damaged dirty addict!" A field where most treatments highlight a shame-based approach its appalling that professionals working with one of the most vulnerable subgroups in our society, who are drilled for years to create a safe, non- judgemental environment, could facilitate such a hurtful process.
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Society at large, has forced individuals to abide by prejudiced norms, and accept stereotyping as standard procedure. Focusing on all the negative and wrong in the world, instead of highlighting the beauty and strength in our imperfections. Looking at illness and disease, as either black or white. Teaching people to define themselves according to their illness, and encouraging them to be owned by it.
I feel differently, and in that, I have found my purpose.
My name is Natasha, and my professional background is in Social Work and Counselling, my area of expertise is in the Substance Use Disorder Field. As a counsellor I am passionate about encouraging autonomy, freedom of expression and I am driven to enhance and motivate people to find creative and innovative ways to heal themselves.
So what am I getting at…exactly?
Steem has provided a platform free from stigma and bias, a cathartic hub if you will, focusing on valuable content. Through this experience I hope to motivate and encourage individuals to take back what society has stolen from them. Using this forum, with the reliable information I provide, the effective responses from the community and informed debate, we can challenge society’s thoughts around addiction, and effectively treat those that are in dire need.
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Addiction is increasingly being dealt with appropriately using cannabis.
What are your thoughts on cannabis as an exit herb?
Having been through standard addiction treatment in the late 80's, I'm well familiar with the type of thinking that needs to change. I'm also a current medical cannabis user who actually has a life, due to cannabis. I've also quit nicotine, methamphetamines and opiates, with the assistance of cannabis.
Good to see signs of intelligence in the addiction realm. :)
Thanks for the feedback :) This is a tricky question for me to answer. Ideally, I will always advocate total abstinence in conjunction with treatment (with a trained professional). I strongly believe that as a society, we have become so used to self medicating, that we have forgotten how to live life as naturally as possible. However, I am personally aware of how many people struggle to stop using the more "dangerous" drugs, and I am definitely a believer in harm reduction. In saying that, in certain instances, I think using cannabis as an exit herb, is great!! I would just recommend that you monitor, how you use it , and how much. Even our glorious cannabis can be addictive. It is also important, that you have someone to talk to, preferably someone who is skilled in some form of counseling or therapy.
When looking at "addictive" behaviours, we do not use the term "addictive personalities" anymore. It is important to assess whether your behaviour is seen as "healthy". Are you preoccupied with the behaviour, do you think about it constantly, to the point of it being a priority? Is it negatively impacting your life? If so, then you need to reevaluate it, and come up with a solution.
I am going to be writing an article on addictive behaviours soon so keep an eye out!!!
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Cannabis certainly can help with Alcohol cravings but I think working with a professional if you have an addictive personality is important. If your addition is something like Steemit if it is enhancing your life it is more an obsession than an addition
Ok, we're definitely not on the same page here.
There are no 'addictive personalities' there are simply people with unresolved issues, mostly issues they're unaware of. They're people seeking relief.