MORE FROM HUFFPOST
MORE FROM HUFFPOST
drug addict
Jamison Monroe and Christina Huffington talk about why it’s so important to have conversations regarding addiction and how these talks can even help people struggling with addiction to move towards recovery.
Media coverage of drugs and drug policy has grown much more sophisticated in the past few years. Yet many media outlets -- even some of the most well-meaning ones -- still often use inaccurate, offensive, or just plain absurd language that would be considered unthinkable when covering other issues.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
WHAT'S HAPPENING
In working for years with both the family and their loved ones' substance abuse issues, I have concluded that even though there are a myriad of reasons for relapse, there are four basic ones that can become an easy switch to flip.
Judgmental behavior is one rung below rescuing or enabling. The person that stands in judgment of another can insulate themselves from physical involvement.
No matter how you view the holidays, there is added pressure and anxiety if you want your loved one to be part of the picture but they are struggling with a substance abuse issue.
Relapse is common when the alcoholic/addict has not had enough recovery under their belt through 12-step meetings, sponsorship, counseling or their own personal determination to rely on an arsenal of "tools" to ward off the relapse demon.
I have compiled what I call The Pyramid of Change; 6 phases of the alcoholic/addict from the beginnings of irresponsible behavior to full blown wreckage.
