Craving and Temptations, Part of our Human Experience Part of being human is to have cravings and temptations. The brain likes the feel-good feelings that are released through dopamine and the other happy chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins which are released when a person consumes substances like drugs and alcohol and engages in behaviors […]
The Opposite of Addiction is Connection As recovering addicts, we tend to spend a lot of time and energy counting the number of days we have been sober. We often look at sobriety as the opposite of addiction, but in actuality, the opposite of addiction is human connection. Regardless of the form our addiction might […]
Tunnel Vision for Behavior or a Substance One of the difficulties in regaining control and reducing compulsive behaviors is the brain becomes fixated on getting the high or pleasure brought on by the behavior or substance. This leaves little to no time for the brain to be aware of emotions, physiological changes, sensations, mental status, […]
Trying to change our behavior isn’t a simple task. Many times it’s just easier to admit that we have a problem and then not do anything about it. Often we can get loved ones, friends and even society off our backs by simply admitting, “I’m addicted.” Unfortunately, simply admitting that we are addicted seldom results […]
Lapses are Painful It is so very painful when our loved ones lapse. Such lapses bring back all of the emotional baggage once again—the mistrust, resentment, hurt, fear, self-blame, bitterness, betrayal, inferiority, anger, hopelessness, and more. One wife said, “Here we go again, I’m being dragged through this mess one more time. I just can’t do it anymore.” Although […]
Dear Dad, I want to let you know first of all that I love you and forgive you for what this has done in my life. I also wanted to let you know exactly what your porn use has done to my life. You may think that this effects only you, or even your and […]
Recently, while sitting in a meeting I noticed that the letters from the name of the company were printed on the end of the pages of my manual. When the pages were compressed, I could easily make out the name. When the manual was open, and the pages were separated, it was difficult to read. […]
It’s not as easy as it may seem to remain addicted. Craving must lead to acting out, because it’s the acting out that fuels these future cravings. If we stop acting on our cravings, the entire machinery of addiction starts to wind down and its momentum begins to fade. Therefore, to keep the cycle going, […]
A client coming to the end of therapy seemed anxious about terminating and his ability to use what he had learned in therapy. I sensed, “Hurry, I need a plan for the future.” His anxiousness was followed by a sincere question, “What can I do to maintain the progress I have made and not slip […]
This article is by a wonderful new therapist on our Suncrest Counseling team, Kylie Bair. A tall, athletic student sits across from me fidgeting and unable to get comfortable. It’s our first meeting; I’m learning the basics. Loves to play soccer. Enjoys time with friends. … Then I dive in: “So, what brought you in […]
