Comments on: The power to create and move beyond addiction http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/ Solving the problem of addiction Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:50:07 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Haley Weiner http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-452 Haley Weiner Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:17:10 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-452 I agree that helping others is the way to experience what is truly rewarding in this life, which is not the idea that our society is based on. One mention of helping each other, whether it be through collective funding of social services (which to an extent we do anyway) or through the government providing a public option for health insurance companies, and all of the sudden, we’re inching towards socialism! Many of us can’t imagine how badly capitalism is broken, but we can be honest when admitting that our cultural ethos often keeps us from really reaching out and caring for each other. We’ve been brainwashed into thinking that we’re al teetering on the brink of survival (what with the economic collapse) and that we simply don’t have time to do altruistic work, as many of us are already spread so thin. We have to look beyond what advertisers are urging us to do and figure out ways to reach out in a world where we seem to be getting more and more isolated. I agree that helping others is the way to experience what is truly rewarding in this life, which is not the idea that our society is based on. One mention of helping each other, whether it be through collective funding of social services (which to an extent we do anyway) or through the government providing a public option for health insurance companies, and all of the sudden, we’re inching towards socialism! Many of us can’t imagine how badly capitalism is broken, but we can be honest when admitting that our cultural ethos often keeps us from really reaching out and caring for each other. We’ve been brainwashed into thinking that we’re al teetering on the brink of survival (what with the economic collapse) and that we simply don’t have time to do altruistic work, as many of us are already spread so thin. We have to look beyond what advertisers are urging us to do and figure out ways to reach out in a world where we seem to be getting more and more isolated.

]]> By: Kevin Govro http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-437 Kevin Govro Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:38:16 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-437 I was struck by the portion of Me to We when they were at the world-class ski resort, on break from the conference, and very few people were taking the time to enjoy themselves. Here were all of these people at a beautiful resort and most of the people were consumed with their work on their day off. I think this is a great example of how people get consumed with the pursuit of material gain and don’t make the time for the things that can create a happy, sustainable lifestyle. I was struck by the portion of Me to We when they were at the world-class ski resort, on break from the conference, and very few people were taking the time to enjoy themselves. Here were all of these people at a beautiful resort and most of the people were consumed with their work on their day off. I think this is a great example of how people get consumed with the pursuit of material gain and don’t make the time for the things that can create a happy, sustainable lifestyle.

]]> By: Troy S http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-426 Troy S Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:15:51 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-426 Reading Me to We reminded me of my interest in pursuing meaningful experiences rather than to perpetually blindly succumb to the materialistic messages so prevalent in our society. During my stint as a mechanical engineer, I experienced the lack of satisfaction from earning a solid income but feeling that my career was lacking meaning and fulfillment. However, as time has passed since I've left the field of engineering, and as I've started my journey into counseling, there have been moments when I've reconsidered pursuing a career that would provide considerable status and financial compensation, as I feel I am capable. Reading from Me to We recalled my resolve to commit myself to a counseling career that fits my values. More important than high status or loads of money is finding meaning in my vocation. Dedicating part of one's life to something larger than oneself can be a source of strength, which is even more critical when facing the challenge of recovering from addiction. This pursuit of meaning can also be considered in terms of happiness. Becoming involved in selfless activities has the ability to elevate our happiness above theoretical set points. For those recovering from addiction, it is critical to rediscover things that will provide joy to ensure that the life without drugs does not remain drab and unappealing to the chemically addicted brain. Reading Me to We reminded me of my interest in pursuing meaningful experiences rather than to perpetually blindly succumb to the materialistic messages so prevalent in our society. During my stint as a mechanical engineer, I experienced the lack of satisfaction from earning a solid income but feeling that my career was lacking meaning and fulfillment. However, as time has passed since I’ve left the field of engineering, and as I’ve started my journey into counseling, there have been moments when I’ve reconsidered pursuing a career that would provide considerable status and financial compensation, as I feel I am capable. Reading from Me to We recalled my resolve to commit myself to a counseling career that fits my values. More important than high status or loads of money is finding meaning in my vocation. Dedicating part of one’s life to something larger than oneself can be a source of strength, which is even more critical when facing the challenge of recovering from addiction.

This pursuit of meaning can also be considered in terms of happiness. Becoming involved in selfless activities has the ability to elevate our happiness above theoretical set points. For those recovering from addiction, it is critical to rediscover things that will provide joy to ensure that the life without drugs does not remain drab and unappealing to the chemically addicted brain.

]]> By: Dan J http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-404 Dan J Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:37:43 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-404 To respond to abejaran’s question: I don’t have any experience working directly with addiction treatment but I do have some experience working with street youth, many of were currently using. I have worked in homeless youth art groups, theater groups, gender-safety groups and more. The goal of these groups was NOT to prevent youth from using, but to give them a safe and engaging alternative. Often youth would be in the program for about two years before they would say, “Hey, I think I want to stop using. Can you help me get into rehab housing?” For me it helps to keep in mind that a lot of users have very little to look forward to outside of their addiction. Giving them something more can be the first step in a very slow process of recovery. About We to Me: I think the book is really geared towards middle and upper class people. I think that there is a way for poor people to “move from me to we” but when you are a single mom working two jobs it is harder to provide a time-out for new parents, plan a reunion, or celebrate motherhood around the world. That said, the book held some great reminders for me. The author’s write about their friends who were happier living cheaply in college than they were after they “made it”. I am still far from having my dream job, but in a lot of ways I am better off than I was in college. I worked full time and went to school full time while sharing a two-bedroom apartment with four other men. Now I have a lot more and I feel a sense of accomplishment in what I have earned. I am happy that I have more, and my belongings do bring me comfort and joy, but part of that is knowing that I earned these things. Another part of it is knowing all of these things can be wiped out in a minute, so I should appreciate what I have. At the same time I notice that when I go without I no longer feel content. In college I never got to go out for a drink with friends; I just could not afford it. Now I may go out with friends a couple of times a week. If I run out of spending money and friends invite me out, I feel frustrated that I don’t have as much money as I would like, instead of feeling grateful for the fact that I was able to go out a lot more than I could a few years ago. While I am appreciate what I do have, it is hard for me to remember what it is like to appreciate having less. Me to We did a good job reminding me of that. To respond to abejaran’s question:
I don’t have any experience working directly with addiction treatment but I do have some experience working with street youth, many of were currently using. I have worked in homeless youth art groups, theater groups, gender-safety groups and more. The goal of these groups was NOT to prevent youth from using, but to give them a safe and engaging alternative. Often youth would be in the program for about two years before they would say, “Hey, I think I want to stop using. Can you help me get into rehab housing?”
For me it helps to keep in mind that a lot of users have very little to look forward to outside of their addiction. Giving them something more can be the first step in a very slow process of recovery.

About We to Me:
I think the book is really geared towards middle and upper class people. I think that there is a way for poor people to “move from me to we” but when you are a single mom working two jobs it is harder to provide a time-out for new parents, plan a reunion, or celebrate motherhood around the world.
That said, the book held some great reminders for me. The author’s write about their friends who were happier living cheaply in college than they were after they “made it”. I am still far from having my dream job, but in a lot of ways I am better off than I was in college. I worked full time and went to school full time while sharing a two-bedroom apartment with four other men.
Now I have a lot more and I feel a sense of accomplishment in what I have earned. I am happy that I have more, and my belongings do bring me comfort and joy, but part of that is knowing that I earned these things. Another part of it is knowing all of these things can be wiped out in a minute, so I should appreciate what I have.
At the same time I notice that when I go without I no longer feel content. In college I never got to go out for a drink with friends; I just could not afford it. Now I may go out with friends a couple of times a week. If I run out of spending money and friends invite me out, I feel frustrated that I don’t have as much money as I would like, instead of feeling grateful for the fact that I was able to go out a lot more than I could a few years ago. While I am appreciate what I do have, it is hard for me to remember what it is like to appreciate having less. Me to We did a good job reminding me of that.

]]> By: MRW http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-398 MRW Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:43:11 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-398 I just read most of the Me to We book and was very pleased and happy that it was recommended. Why do we Riot, but we cannot Minga? The book was a real eye opener, not that I don't already know how I am too busy for my relationships, friends, and family, but an eye opener that when i can change my priorities I should include the community outside of my home. The authors emphasize a lot how we have become & why were so me, myself, & I and were too busy to take the time out for others. Yet, how difficult is it to build relationships w/someone, at the most it starts w/a hello, but in our society now it seems that that welcome is questioned. What do you mean, want, need when you say "hello." Were in it for ourselves, survival of the fittest? So how do we change that? Better yet how can we turn it to help those w/addictions? Certainly working in the area of addictions there is a lot to be done, but just w/those not working in the field...build that relationship, have and understanding and be patient. I just read most of the Me to We book and was very pleased and happy that it was recommended. Why do we Riot, but we cannot Minga? The book was a real eye opener, not that I don’t already know how I am too busy for my relationships, friends, and family, but an eye opener that when i can change my priorities I should include the community outside of my home. The authors emphasize a lot how we have become & why were so me, myself, & I and were too busy to take the time out for others. Yet, how difficult is it to build relationships w/someone, at the most it starts w/a hello, but in our society now it seems that that welcome is questioned. What do you mean, want, need when you say “hello.” Were in it for ourselves, survival of the fittest? So how do we change that? Better yet how can we turn it to help those w/addictions? Certainly working in the area of addictions there is a lot to be done, but just w/those not working in the field…build that relationship, have and understanding and be patient.

]]> By: Nikki http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-395 Nikki Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:16:38 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-395 Long-term addiction treatment should include helping people learn what to create in their lives. We are all complex, layered creatures with so many features that make us who we are. When asked, “what do you do?” we often list our careers, or means of making a living as the answer; however, there are too many personal characteristics to list. Discovering who we are can really be a lifelong journey, one that requires self-exploration on many levels. Adopting the Me to We philosophy is not only a meaningful contribution to mankind, but also an excellent, rewarding way to explore and embellish our personal identities. The joy of helping, sharing, and contributing to a greater good can exert adrenaline rushes comparable to the highs from substances; thus, being an excellent prescription for a recovering addict. Also, the immense profundity of community and support can boost our self-efficacy, sense of hope, and overall happiness. Sir Ken Robinson so eloquently spoke of how modern educational systems are killing creativity, and it made me think of how many people are not finding their creative, expressive voice. Many people are then ignoring parts of themselves that could provide happiness and therapy for daily life struggles. As counselors, through empathy, encouragement and support we can help people see themselves beyond their jails of addiction. We can help people rediscover the joys of relationships, productivity, creativity, and hope. Creating new activities and involvement will create new relationships, and in turn create a new sense of meaning. Long-term addiction treatment should include helping people learn what to create in their lives. We are all complex, layered creatures with so many features that make us who we are. When asked, “what do you do?” we often list our careers, or means of making a living as the answer; however, there are too many personal characteristics to list. Discovering who we are can really be a lifelong journey, one that requires self-exploration on many levels. Adopting the Me to We philosophy is not only a meaningful contribution to mankind, but also an excellent, rewarding way to explore and embellish our personal identities. The joy of helping, sharing, and contributing to a greater good can exert adrenaline rushes comparable to the highs from substances; thus, being an excellent prescription for a recovering addict. Also, the immense profundity of community and support can boost our self-efficacy, sense of hope, and overall happiness.
Sir Ken Robinson so eloquently spoke of how modern educational systems are killing creativity, and it made me think of how many people are not finding their creative, expressive voice. Many people are then ignoring parts of themselves that could provide happiness and therapy for daily life struggles. As counselors, through empathy, encouragement and support we can help people see themselves beyond their jails of addiction. We can help people rediscover the joys of relationships, productivity, creativity, and hope. Creating new activities and involvement will create new relationships, and in turn create a new sense of meaning.

]]> By: Stephanie http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-391 Stephanie Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:52:24 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-391 Creating healthy relationships with people is absolutely paramount in recovering from an addiction. However, this can be difficult. The other people in an addict's life (family, friends, etc.) are most likely both angry and in pain. This can make it difficult when the addict tries to make amends. I feel like when an addict goes to treatment that their family should too. The addict is part of a family system and all parts of that system need help when dealing with addictions. When this happens, all of the members including the addict, will have had the opportunity to work through their pain and are far more ready to move forward to create the healthy relationships that the addict needs. Also, I love the idea of helping others to help yourselves. It is a great way to gain some perspective after living a life which is so self-serving, and it can help to create a feeling of purpose in one's life. Finally, I just wanted to say that I loved the presentation by Sir Ken Robinson. His message was important and I believe that creativity in all forms is an essential part of human existence. Creating healthy relationships with people is absolutely paramount in recovering from an addiction. However, this can be difficult. The other people in an addict’s life (family, friends, etc.) are most likely both angry and in pain. This can make it difficult when the addict tries to make amends. I feel like when an addict goes to treatment that their family should too. The addict is part of a family system and all parts of that system need help when dealing with addictions. When this happens, all of the members including the addict, will have had the opportunity to work through their pain and are far more ready to move forward to create the healthy relationships that the addict needs.

Also, I love the idea of helping others to help yourselves. It is a great way to gain some perspective after living a life which is so self-serving, and it can help to create a feeling of purpose in one’s life. Finally, I just wanted to say that I loved the presentation by Sir Ken Robinson. His message was important and I believe that creativity in all forms is an essential part of human existence.

]]> By: sarahk http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-385 sarahk Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:02:44 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-385 This book is so awesome. It makes me think about how twelve step programs consistently remind individuals that they must give what they have received to others. The twelfth step states to "carry this message to the alcoholic who suffers". The idea being that sobriety is maintained by helping others, and that for many with substance abuse disorders, purpose in life still needs to be created. This also reminds me of a recent discussion which included what the purpose of creativity is in recovery. How can developing creative habits benefit those who are trying to get sober? It seems that creating hobbies, pastimes, or even areas of interest are imperative to maintaining sobriety. Cooking, playing sports, drawing, and writing are just a few examples of how an individual can develop creatively. Working to help others is also important to those with substance use disorders, as for most, a long period of being self-serving has been the modus operandi. Whether it be finding the next fix, getting cash, or avoidance tactics. It seems that finding meaning and purpose to the benefit of others helps the individual doing the work as much as the individual or group that she or he is helping. This book is so awesome. It makes me think about how twelve step programs consistently remind individuals that they must give what they have received to others. The twelfth step states to “carry this message to the alcoholic who suffers”. The idea being that sobriety is maintained by helping others, and that for many with substance abuse disorders, purpose in life still needs to be created. This also reminds me of a recent discussion which included what the purpose of creativity is in recovery. How can developing creative habits benefit those who are trying to get sober? It seems that creating hobbies, pastimes, or even areas of interest are imperative to maintaining sobriety. Cooking, playing sports, drawing, and writing are just a few examples of how an individual can develop creatively. Working to help others is also important to those with substance use disorders, as for most, a long period of being self-serving has been the modus operandi. Whether it be finding the next fix, getting cash, or avoidance tactics. It seems that finding meaning and purpose to the benefit of others helps the individual doing the work as much as the individual or group that she or he is helping.

]]> By: Nicolea http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-338 Nicolea Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:58:06 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-338 The focus on replacing addictions with healthy relationships is a wonderful, however, relationship building is a two way street. At times we forget that the individual is not the only person who has been dealing with an addiction problem. Friends and family get see first hand the ugly truths of addiction. Just as with families that deal with drastic personality swings in Alzheimer’s patients; families will addiction problems need to not only understand the underlying medical information, but also they need time to heal their own wounds. Before clients with addiction problems race to address their need for healthy relationships, we must first reach out to those family members and friends that have been hurt because of the client’s addiction. As counselors, we should work in a systemic way to address the needs of the individual in the context of a family and then larger society. Using CRAFT or referring to a CMFT may help to work on those much needed relationships. We must go beyond the psycho-education of the addiction disease model and start to understand the effects of the disease on the family as a whole. Each members perspective of living with addiction in their family is much needed information for repairing relationships. The focus on replacing addictions with healthy relationships is a wonderful, however, relationship building is a two way street. At times we forget that the individual is not the only person who has been dealing with an addiction problem. Friends and family get see first hand the ugly truths of addiction. Just as with families that deal with drastic personality swings in Alzheimer’s patients; families will addiction problems need to not only understand the underlying medical information, but also they need time to heal their own wounds. Before clients with addiction problems race to address their need for healthy relationships, we must first reach out to those family members and friends that have been hurt because of the client’s addiction.

As counselors, we should work in a systemic way to address the needs of the individual in the context of a family and then larger society. Using CRAFT or referring to a CMFT may help to work on those much needed relationships. We must go beyond the psycho-education of the addiction disease model and start to understand the effects of the disease on the family as a whole. Each members perspective of living with addiction in their family is much needed information for repairing relationships.

]]> By: abejaran http://addictionmanagement.org/2009/08/the-power-to-create-and-move-beyond-addiction/comment-page-1/#comment-327 abejaran Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:19:59 +0000 http://addictionmanagement.org/?p=279#comment-327 I am a police officer in CA and I have a question. I understand from talking to drug users and prostitutes that it is very hard to kick their habits. Some have even said that the craving for the drug is so strong that they could not quit even if they wanted to. Are there any treatment programs for people that have no desire to kick their habit? I have seen at least one person who has gone from a young man to a very ill young man, but yet he refuses to seek help. What can be done for a person like this or is ther anything that can be done? I am a police officer in CA and I have a question. I understand from talking to drug users and prostitutes that it is very hard to kick their habits. Some have even said that the craving for the drug is so strong that they could not quit even if they wanted to. Are there any treatment programs for people that have no desire to kick their habit? I have seen at least one person who has gone from a young man to a very ill young man, but yet he refuses to seek help. What can be done for a person like this or is ther anything that can be done?

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