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Plato LOGICAL AND REASONABLE

LOGICAL AND REASONABLE AS PLATO

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I’M TRYING TO BE LOGICAL AND REASONABLE

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST AND THINK IT OVER…

One of the most troubling aspects of the modern-day “substance use disorder” treatment system is the stubborn reliance on a single pathway of recovery.

Namely, 12-step recovery. Mostly, AA and NA meetings/programs.

I found recovery through 12-step meetings and it is my preferred pathway to recovery.

However, in my professional work, I avoid pushing my recovery onto others. Sadly, the reality is, many providers still push 12-step only recovery.

YOU MUST COMPLY

Mandated programs and compliance programs almost always have a “recovery group” attendance requirement.

And far too often they sadly: ONLY ACCEPT 12-STEP RECOVERY GROUP ATTENDANCE.

This runs counter to all the facts and research surrounding recovery.

For example, let’s review the numbers.

THE NUMBERS

There are 22.35 million people in America who report having resolved a substance use disorder.

  • They “had a problem”.
  • They “no longer have a problem”.

I hope we can all agree, that resolving a SUD is a good thing. Regardless of how you get it done.

REQUIRED HELP

Of those 22.35 million people, 54% report that they had assistance in getting better.

In other words, 12,069,000 required help.

AA & NA

Of those 12,069,000 who got help, only 45% report that it came via AA or NA.

Therefore, 5,431,050 FOUND RECOVERY THROUGH AA or NA.

THE OTHER ALMOST 17 MILLION

THIS MEANS THAT 16,918,950 PEOPLE GOT BETTER VIA SOME PATHWAY OTHER THAN AA OR NA.

YET WE HOLD TIGHT TO THE IDEA THAT AA AND NA IS THE ONLY OPTION?

And we “professionalize” that by hanging steps in our treatment group rooms and mandating attendance to “12-Step Groups Only”.

FOR 12 STEP ENTHUSIASTS

Pause for a station break.

At this point, if you are a 12-step only enthusiast you have a couple options:

  • You can flat out deny the research and simply say “in my experience, this is the only way”.
    As if your experience speaks for the other 7 billion people on the planet.     Or you can –
  • You could deny the math. But run the numbers, it’s indisputable.

WHAT DID BILL BELIEVE

Finally, even the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous would reject this idea of “12-Step Only Recovery”.

Mr. Wilson would be appalled by the hubris and arrogance of promoting one way only.

Here are some quotes from Mr. Wilson.

Thank you to a global Alcoholics Anonymous expert, William White for the research:

  • “AA has no monopoly on reviving alcoholics”. (Wilson, 1944/1988, p.98)
  • “The average member of Alcoholics Anonymous does not suppose we have a cure- all”. (Wilson, 1945b, p. 239)
  • “In all probability, we shall never be able to touch more than a fair fraction of the alcohol problem in all its ramifications. Upon therapy for the alcoholic himself, we surely have no monopoly”. (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, p. ix)
  • “In no circumstances should members feel that Alcoholics Anonymous is the know-all and do-all of alcoholism”. (Wilson, 1965/1988, p. 332)
  • “Then, too, it would be a product of false pride to believe that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cure-all, even for alcoholism”. (Wilson, 1963/1988, p. 346)
  • “When you consider the ramifications of this disease, we have just scratched the surface. I think we should humbly remember this”. (Wilson, 1969, p. 9)

ON DOGMA & COERCION:

“It is a historical fact that practically all groupings of men and women tend to become more dogmatic; their beliefs and practices harden and sometimes freeze. This is a natural and almost inevitable process…. But dogma also has its liabilities. Simply because we have convictions that work well for us, it becomes very easy to assume that we have all the truth….This isn’t good dogma; it’s very bad dogma. It could be especially destructive for us of AA to indulge in this sort of thing”. (Wilson, 1965/1988, p. 333)

REASONING

It stands to reason that:

  1. The science and evidence supports opening the door to “Alternative Recovery Programs”.
  2. Bill Wilson would support alternative recovery models.

The questions that naturally arise are:

  • Why don’t more providers open the door to “Alternative Recovery Models”?
  • Why does the system allow such inappropriate conduct?

FOR THE RECORD

For the record, there are amazing programs in Greenville and the rest of the Upstate that completely support alternative pathways.

However, it is troubling that old school hold-outs are still permitted to operate.

Full report: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/…/1-in-10-americans-report…/

Behavioral Health Apocalypse

Welcome to the Behavioral Health Apocalypse

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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH APOCALYPSE 2020

For the record, during this behavioral health apocalypse, there is nothing pleasant about being the person who brings up the controversial stuff.

There are “Recovery Advocates” who wish I would shut up. They don’t want me to “rock the boat” …

Well, sad fact is, the boat is sinking.

And of course. I’m sure many people in the treatment system wish I would get hit by a bus. Really!

I don’t enjoy this. It is not comfortable being disliked.

I get it. I’m a pain in the ass. I don’t enjoy this. Not at all.

But I believe with everything in me that we will need RADICAL change if we are to find a way out of this horrible behavioral health apocalypse.

The only chance is reinvention. Things are not good. It’s broken.

CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND

  1. WHEN THE OVERDOSE DEATHS ARE FINALLY REPORTED.
  2. WE CAN EXPECT ANOTHER RECORD YEAR OF SENSELESS DEATH.
  3. MORE DEAD PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE.
  4. THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS MORE!

MANY PEOPLE AGREE

And there are people who work in the system who agree 100% with these statements.

And leaders in the system are entertaining new ideas. Shit can change.

It can happen. Lots of people, from the top down, are getting tired of these outcomes.

So many cemeteries are filling up.

But I get real freaking tired of bringing it up. It’s not fun.

CHURN & BURN

Many days I’m like … screw it. I feel like just going away and let the status quo reign.

I start thinking … if that’s the way they want it. Perhaps it’s best to let them have it.

Let them continue the churn and burn acute care model and get out of the way.

If everything is fine … well then. Let it be fine.

Have at it …

I really should just stand aside and watch it burn. Just keep my mouth shut and attend the next ROSC meeting like a good little recovering addict.

Stay in my place. Keep quiet. Don’t start trouble.

SORRY THAT AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN

There is a new recovery coalition forming in South Carolina. And we will not be part of it unless radical change is the goal.

FAVOR Greenville is one of the premier recovery organizations in the nation. Maybe the world.

National awards from SAMHSA.GOV and the United States Department of Justice.

Our model is part of a clinical trial with National Institute on Drug Abuse.

We are about to open our fourth location.

We serve 8,000 to 10,000 people per year face to face —at least.

All of them for free …. no collection agencies or co-pays.

THE ATTACK PLAN OF ACTION

We will bring our influence to bear and bond with like minded groups in SC.

If we are part of any new recovery coalition we will be focused on forcing the hard conversations.

Recovery advocacy requires making people uncomfortable.

If no one ever gets mad at you. You probably aren’t really doing advocacy, as you might think you are!

How can you change the system without upsetting the system?

happy as a pig in s****

Happy as a Pig in S***

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Happiness Is Misleading.

What do we know about being happy or happiness?

Actually, we know quite a bit. First, we know that happiness is a misleading term. For most people, being happy or experiencing happiness equals“fun” or “joy”. Those things are part of the good life. However, neither of those constitute a satisfying life in and of themselves.

We should get rid of the term happiness.

Instead, we should focus on SUBJECTIVE WELL BEING (SWB). 

There are other terms that capture the SWB spirit. Contentment, life satisfaction, serenity, personal wellness, self-actualization are in the same ballpark.

Whatever term fits best with your personal world-view. The important thing to keep in mind, we are not pursuing joy or happiness alone.

We are pursuing a state of being. We are pursuing a mindset. A happy mindset.

Where Do We Begin?

In 1993 Martin Seligman launched the discipline of positive psychology. Seligman was the president of the American Psychological Association at the time.

Seligman had access to some of the best minds in psychology and some of the best information in psychology.

He was disillusioned with the psychotherapeutic focus on pathology rather than strengths. He was stunned with the complete void of research surrounding happiness. Seligman responds by starting a new discipline. He and his colleagues begin the process of unpacking well-being.

Sigmund Freud reportedly said, “the goal of psychotherapy is to get you to ordinary human misery”. The goal of positive psychology is to help you thrive not just survive.

The positive psychology crew focused on the following:

  1. Using the scientific method and gold-standard research practices, the team identified universal characteristics, traits, and behaviors of the “happiest people on the planet”. They found many common factors that transcend race, gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and culture.
  2. The crew developed psychologically sound interventions that address these characteristics. These interventions were tested, evaluated, and refined. The result is a very pragmatic and hopeful set of action-oriented interventions that are proven to improve mood and raise subjective well-being.

The Subjective Well Being (SWB) plan:

It stands to reason then, that we can take these interventions and form a very practical and easy to implement an action plan. We can develop a SWB plan!

How does the SWB plan work?

  1. Start with an understanding of “happiness”. You can do this in a variety of ways. Ideally, you have a coach or instructor that can help you learn the content, clarify concerns, and answer questions. However, you may have to engage in self-study. I utilize an 8-week educational program to guide my clients and my groups. The syllabus covers the basics and leaves participants with a very good understanding of the principles of positive psychology.
  2. Once you have knowledge of the principles: Find 3 or 4 positive psychology principles to focus on. Discuss their application to current life situations and explore the actions/interventions that are associated with each principle. 
    NOTE: the University of Pennsylvania Authentic Happiness website has a questionnaire section. These assessment tools can help you identify focus areas.

Here is an example of positive psychology principles driving individualized interventions. Guided by assessment and self-awareness.

The VIA-Character strengths questionnaire is used to identify top character strengths (there are 24 universal character strengths). Examples of character strength include creativity, bravery, curiosity, appreciation of beauty, and gratitude.

Let’s pretend you take the VIA-Character strengths questionnaire and “gratitude” appears at the top of the list.

The intervention calls for an intentional focus on doing things that tap into “gratitude”.

Be Happy – 3 Good Things

Therefore, you begin to actively practice the positive psychology intervention of “3 GOOD THINGS”

3 GOOD THINGS = Every day, at the end of the day, you write down “3 Good Things” that happened that day.

You commit to 30 consecutive days and you agree to never list a good thing twice. No repeat “good things”.

This will quickly force you to concentrate on recognizing good things throughout the course of the day. You will be tapping into the character strength of gratitude.

3. Identify the specific interventions you will integrate into your life. As discussed above, these interventions should specifically target positive psychology principles consistent with your individual profile. No two SWB plans are 100% the same.

Once you identify these focus actions, write it down. Then simply put one foot in front of the other.

If you make a mistake, get right back on the wagon. Day by day you will build new habits and subjective well-being will be within your grasp.

A Few More Happy Examples:

Principle: There is a formula for happiness or SWB:

SWB = 50% Set Point (S) + 10% Circumstances (‘C) + 40% Voluntary Control (VC)

Set point (S): You were born this way. This is the “nature” aspect of being happy or happiness. Your personality and your “make-up”. Simply put, some people are happier than others. Some people are more grumpy. Some nationalities are happier. Also, other nationalities are naturally more negative. It is what it is. You can’t change this.

Circumstance: External conditions. Finances. Health. Family issues and so on. These circumstances can be good or bad. Winning the lottery versus getting in a terrible car accident.

On the whole, over time, circumstances will account for about 10% of your overall SWB. Many times circumstances are out of your control.

However, Positive Psychology does provide specific interventions that help people through challenging circumstances. For example, how to respond to suffering is a question Positive Psychology tries to answer.

In addition, there will be certain “circumstances” which can be improved. Physical health problems, for example, can be improved via nutrition, sleep, and exercise.

Positive Psychology focuses on what you can control. Do what you can to improve the circumstances.

Voluntary Control: This is the main focus of Positive Psychology. 40% of your mood on any given day is under your voluntary control and can be directly influenced by intentional activities, disciplined thinking, and preparation. Most Positive Psychology interventions influence the area of voluntary control.

Action Planning

Using these general principles, develop a simple and direct action plan.

Focus on improving the areas of obvious need. Don’t overthink.

Example of an “Action Plan”:

Self-assessment: My circumstances could be improved by taking better care of my physical health. I don’t feel well many days and that influences my outlook and interactions.

Steps: Sleep at least 6 hours | Stop eating sugary snacks and hammering Red Bull energy drinks all day.

Voluntary Control: I could be more present and grateful.

Steps: Utilize “3 Good Things” to develop optimism, notice the positive and nurture gratitude.

Take a minute and do your own self-assessment.

  • What circumstantial challenges are you facing right now?
  • Can you do anything to change or improve the situation?
  • What can you do to improve your attitude?

Positive Psychology

Use the Positive Psychology website to identify other interventions that improve outcomes in the area of voluntary control.

This website provides a great resource for solution-focused positive psychology interventions: https://positivepsychology.com/positive-psychology-interventions/

Note: Mental Health concerns such as anxiety and depression are very real.

If you are seeing a therapist or under the care of a psychiatrist please DO NOT change the treatment plan. These interventions are not meant to replace medical care.

Photo by Nicolas Castez on Unsplash

Dirty Needles = DEAD JUNKIES

DEAD JUNKIES & DIRTY NEEDLES

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DEAD JUNKIES & DIRTY NEEDLES
by Chris France | SoberWorx

I moved back to the UK away from the USA after 54 years.. It is VERY CRAZY..

The young Turks, Antifa, BLM and and the little gangsters are being used with a horrible motive of bringing down the Republic of the United States.

Destroying the very base of the entire world – THE USA CONSTITUTION.

This just did not happen overnight. Decades and decades of planning has gone into the process of dividing and conquering Western Society. Only this time we are dividing ourselves thinking it’s about politics of justice…

Or we hate TRUMP,blah , blah , blah…. Incessant BLAH BLAH…

BIRTHDAY SUITS

Yea, I bet it would be great fun to run around in our birthday suits like monkeys and just live free without laws or rules, picking fruits and foraging for scrumptious nuts, maybe hook up with a banana tree, or coconut, but that is a fantasy.

EVEN APES HAVE RULES & LAWS…Damn, I really think Earthworms operate with certain laws and guidelines…..

Something like; don’t go sliding and withering on road when it’s sunshiny and HOT…

Do that are you will turn in to a crispy nugget, Mr. Worm!!!!

THE DEATHS ARE STAGGERING

The Chinese Triads and the Mexican Drug Lords along with people like George Soros are waging a Chemical Warfare on the US Citizens with there %100 FATAL DRUG – Fentanyl.

“DEAD JUNKIES” – OVER 72,000 dead in 2017, and then in 2018, there were 67,367 more “DEAD JUNKIES” drug overdose deaths.

And in 2019 the predicted number of deaths: ONLY 71,008 “DEAD JUNKIES”

IN 2020 the tread continue and again the number of “DEAD JUNKIES” is climbing as cocaine as re-emerged on the scene in great quantities.

When you have the Chinese/Mexican DRUG CORPORATIONS (Cartels) bringing in over 350 Billion in drug sales, well you can understand we are not dealing with normal “Drug Dealers”.
NOTE: i have not mentioned BIG PHARMA yet like the “Sackler Family”. The Sackler Family is an American and British family, many of whom are known for founding and owning the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma.

A WAR AGAINST US…

WE ARE DEALING WITH CHINESE/MEXICAN NARCO-TERRORISTS WAGING A WAR AGAINST OUR FAMILIES, OUR KIDS, OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, OUR MUMS AND DADS. OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS, CO-WORKERS, and the list goes on and on and on!!!!!

THE DEMONcrat PRESS WHORES do not care about your precious children or family..

Hell that’s what BLM.ORG wants to destroy, The Western Nuclear Family! Check out the BLM website. BOOM, it’s there in their manifesto.

BLOOD, NEEDLES AND DRUGS

Neither does the Leader of the House, Nancy POO&PEE PELOSI….care much about the kids in her city

“Human Feces” and “Dirty Needles” filled with the BLOOD and residue left over, litter the streets, sidewalks, city parks, public restrooms and alleyways of her once beautiful shit city of San Francisco.

WONDER WHY THE USA IS CRAZY???

I don’t…. Nor do I care about what others think!

I am not interested in OPINIONS, your or theirs. While the “Talking Heads” just talk, all the “DEAD JUNKIES ” continue to pile up in the morgues across the country.

Almost every single person in the United States of America know someone who has been affected by this version of the “BLACK PLAQUE”, – Merciless drug addiction.

HOPE FOR THE HUMAN PATH

I really hope something changes or I feel that we will loose whatever is left of our “HUMAN PATH” that we were put here for.

Yours in service 24/7/365, your friend,

Chris France | SoberWorx – It Just Does!!!

REFERENCE:

– SCIENCE DAILY
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2019/…/190221083419.htm
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/index.html
– Business Insider
https://www.businessinsider.com/san-franciscos-dirtiest-str…

Dregs

The Dregs – NO ONE GIVES A S*** by Rich Jones

ZERO Evidence

✌️✌️✌️This is by no means a “FAVOR Greenville“ post or opinion. Not even a FAVOR Greenville issue.

It’s 100% my opinion.

FAVOR Greenville and Rich Jones are 2 separate things. Furthermore, FAVOR Greenville does not provide therapy.

There are addiction “therapists” who spend time stringing together 12-step slogans, telling parents they are “enablers”, telling parents they are “loving their kid to death” etc…

They call addicts “liars and manipulators” etc.. and of course some are.

Some people who become addicted are world class sociopathic ass-clowns who should be handled in very “special ways” (use your imagination).

But the vast majority are not, and it is nearly beyond comprehension that licensed providers get away with that.

Lazy & Misinformed

They are lazy and misinformed at best. Complicit in an abusive and malpractice laden system at worst.

To be clear. There is ZERO evidence for that type of approach.

It is not even a counseling approach. You can’t even begin to place it in a category of psychotherapy.

There is this thing called “12-Step facilitation” but it is a manualized treatment that can only be delivered in an outpatient clinic AND it certainly does not call for abusing the patient and ridiculing the parents. That is a fact.

So Many People In Need

If you spend your time reciting slogans and recycling self-help knowledge you are not actually doing therapy.

Even if you throw in an occasional “trauma informed” training for the team or maybe a psychological assessment at times.

I have come to understand that the sad, sad truth is there are no other options for so many people in need.

And if you say: ‘just send them to recovery groups”…you are totally missing my point. This is not a “recovery” versus treatment post.

Millions & Millions

There are millions and millions of people who need something that does not even exist and as long as we keep shoving them back through the meat grinder and telling them “you didn’t want it” we are just perpetuating the problem.

I am not ready to discuss the “recovery group” realty. It’s not the point of this post.

But there is a horribly disturbing side of that as well.

And for the record. When I say “recovery group” problems. I don’t mean any particular recovery group. I mean the group idea in general. Including FAVOR groups.

The Group Idea

It’s only appropriate for a small fraction and it only works for any even smaller fraction.

I hope you can see that I am speaking my heart. I am saying: FAVOR groups are also only a small fraction.

FAVOR groups are not the answer. They are just another option. And that is good.

I know the world is focused on other more obvious and pressing social justice issues.

I know that that COVID-19 occupies most people’s thoughts-where health conditions are concerned.

The Dregs

“Drug addicts” and “alcoholics” have always been the dregs of society and therefore no one gives a shit on how they are treated.

No one cares if they are mishandled. No one cares if the “services” work.

They are drug addict junkies…

They are lucky they have a place to go.

And once again, there are plenty of sociopathic addicts who probably earned that reputation. But the vast majority did not and there is a great variety among the population of those with a substance use disorTer.

Tragic & Silent Abuse

There is a tragic and silent abuse going on in other aspects of our society.

Beyond the police.

Beyond the criminal justice “lock them up” movement.

A cancer that is endemic and follows closely upon the horrors of those networks.

A cancer maintained by the same attitude: It’s just “the way it’s always been”.

Can’t See The Cancer

You can’t see this cancer. You can’t point to anyone person or program.

There are no incidents to rally the country.

But it is there!

And just like every other systemic issue communities of color, women, minorities etc… are disproportionately impacted.

This is not a recovery movement issue.

This is a social issue that goes way beyond “recovery movements”.

As a matter of fact recovery organizations have to be careful. We tend to feed into the monster.

Something Else Is Coming

FAVOR Greenville does not have an answer for this.

I have personally seen this up close.

I have seen how the “cure” has been the undoing…. when a professional tells you that you are a piece of shit (in so many words) that leaves a mark.

There is another movement that will go way beyond the work of the recovery movement.

Something else is coming.

You hear about the need for “systemic dismantling” of the way our society handles other issues.

Regardless of your opinion…. did you ever think you would see “defund the police” become a call to action?

NOTE: I do NOT like that idea–I’m just trying to make a point.

Everything

Everything is on the table for re-evaluation.

Maybe it’s time to call bullshit on the entire model. Don’t throw anything out because you need these providers in the short term.

However, let’s figure out something else.

I have come to realize the serious limitations of what FAVOR can get done.

We will stay in our lane and do what we do. We will do it really well.

Last Question:

How do professionals get away with openly mocking and ridiculing patients that have a “brain disease”?…. (by the way its extremely common.)

It’s almost too common to even call out anyone person… It’s the thing you do.

You call parents “enablers” who are gonna “kill their kid”… you call addicts “junkies and liars” etc….

I can answer that …. NO ONE GIVES A SHIT about people who misuse drugs…

NO one cares if the parents are crushed by the therapeutic tone. And no amount of “recovery messaging” will change that.

Let’s create something else.

recovery debate

Recovery Debate: Beating A Dead Horse

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On The Dusty Trail of The Recovery Debate

I know that I am beating a dead horse by exploring this topic. I’m as worn out as anyone regarding the “Multiple Pathways” to recovery debate.

Yet, I can’t help but comment. It’s just too outrageous to avoid entering into the fray.

FAVOR Greenville is a recovery support services program that provides 100% free services to families, individuals and the community at large.

We are in 20 plus locations including hospital emergency departments, homeless encampments, and our 3 brick and mortar centers (Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg).

Core Values Matter

A core value is our unconditional support and love for all pathways to recovery.

We don’t care how you get better, we just want you to get better. Our approach is supported by research, evidence, and a truly open-minded attitude.

At FAVOR Greenville, we are exposed to all aspect of substance use disorder.

We see the entire spectrum. Ranging from people actively using to people 100% willing to change.

Rebuilding Lives

We see lives rebuilt every single day. We work with people regardless of where they are in their personal journey. We do not mandate superficial adherence to any one program.

We do not mandate compliance. We meet people where they are-figuratively and literally.

Around 45% of our work is done with families. Providing education, awareness, intervention support. We meet the family where they are as well.

I also run a couple of businesses that focus on mental health. Stress management, emotional coping and executive coaching.

In those venues I also see many people who are struggling with some type of substance misuse issue.

Radar Love

Thousands of people come across my radar year over year.

Inevitably, a fair number of folks will tell me about their experiences in other recovery programs and, most disturbing, their experience in other professional treatment settings.

Mostly private treatment. But also some public sector stuff (for example, the recovering professional program).

They Will Report

  • That they are being told to stay away from FAVOR.
  • That they are being told that they will use drugs and die if they believe anything other than “the true recovery pathway”.
  • Our way is the only way and if you do not believe that you will use and you will most certainly die.

I Heard It Again Today

Despite the fact that this issue is worn out and these people will not change I simply must say:

1). NOT TRUE -ARROGANT & DANGEROUS

There is nothing further from the truth. It is 100% a lie. A myth. A dangerous concept.

The founders of 12-step programs absolutely rejected the idea of “our way is the only way”.

The research on recovery clearly reveals that there are countless ways to get better.

When you preach the “one way only” stuff you are preaching your own program. Your own version of 12-step recovery.

You are arrogant and you are dangerous and you are 100% wrong.

The term cult-leader comes to mind.

2). DIABOLICAL

If you claim a spiritual program and then preach such things you are even more diabolical.

The core principles of honesty, open-mindedness and willingness are being thrown aside in an effort to promote your own agenda.

An agenda, that is very hard to understand.

3). CLOSE-MINDED RECOVERY

If your personal recovery is so fragile, that you need to suppress all other recovery related options, you are in serious trouble.

If you can’t open your mind to ideas you are close-minded.

4). ETHICAL VIOLATIONS

If you are professional and you engage in that behavior you are violating multiple ethical codes.

You won’t be held accountable because the world does not care enough to hold you accountable.

But don’t fool yourself into thinking it is actual legitimate clinical work.

5). TRADITIONS VIOLATIONS

It is the co-opting of a self-help program. Group therapy that involves a big book study ONLY is not therapy.

It’s also a violation of the traditions of 12-step programs.

6). THE TRUE BELIEVERS

I know that what I have said above will make little difference to all the “true believers“.

Like politics and religion; the recovery debate discussions are typically an exercise in ideological conversion rather than an exercise in learning.

I just can’t believe it…. It’s so hypocritical and disgusting.

Philosophy of Recovery

The “One Way Only” Philosophy of Recovery

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Philosophy of Recovery

For those who want to think… There are many reasons people promote the “one way only” philosophy of recovery.

1) DOGMA:

All human groups tend toward dogmatism. Dogma certainly contributes to our stubborn commitment to one size fits all models.

Bill Wilson warned us of this possibility in 1965:

“It is an historical fact that practically all groupings of men and women tend to become more dogmatic; their beliefs and practices harden and sometimes freeze. This is a natural and almost inevitable process…. But dogma also has its liabilities. Simply because we have convictions that work well for us, it becomes very easy to assume that we have all the truth….This isn’t good dogma; it’s very bad dogma. It could be especially destructive for us of AA to indulge in this sort of thing”. (Wilson, 1965/1988)

2) INSTITUTIONALISATION:

Institutionalisation of “one way only” recovery (this is particularly tragic part of the story):

The fact that a group of people, focused on mutual support, becomes tied into “the one true way” is natural.

Recovery dogma is a less intense version of religious denominations.

Tens of thousands of different religious denominations and sects.

Each one claiming the true pathway to salvation.

In recovery, we proclaim our great knowledge of the “one true pathway to recovery”.

The recovery version of SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE:

Things get much more complicated and problematic when state authority figures, de-facto treatment experts, and perceived “addiction medicine” experts proclaim the one way only dogma.

Once the 12 step only dogma became institutionalized it was a done deal.

This model was cemented into the American psyche as the only way to recover. The underlying dogmatic principles have been systematically reinforced over the decades.

This one way only thinking underlies most substance use disorder policy and procedures.

For example: we have professional monitoring programs embedded within agencies that claim to embrace “multiple pathways to recovery”.

However, the monitoring program will only approve 12 step recovery.

We also have court systems and child welfare programs that will reject medication assisted treatment as a viable option for parents trying to get their kids back.

There is very inconsistent and variable levels of institutional support for multiple pathways to recovery.

Less obvious, but just as problematic, 95% of government funding is funneled into clinic based, compliance models.

Acute care “come and get it when you are ready” is part of the solution.

But it is not 95% of the solution.

3) THE OBVIOUS ABOUT PHILOSOPHY OF RECOVERY:

All of this is reinforced by the private industry business model (rehab especially).

A business that always wins with the “you must be willing” ideology.

In this “hit bottom and surrender“ model there is no such thing as bad treatment.

There is only a bad patient. An unwilling patient.

Furthermore, the answer is to send him back for more treatment.

Over and over. Until he gets it right or dies.

This is a pretty sweet deal for the treatment provider. – No so much for the patient!

4) PERSONAL:

This One is More Personal . On the individual level.

We may be afraid to open up to multiple pathways because we were conditioned to believe “this is the only way”.

If we believe the research (for example 46% of people resolve SUD issues on their own) what does that say about us?

And, does this make us vulnerable to getting off track in our own recovery.

If I believe there is another way….am I going to make a mistake in my recovery. A latent, shadowy fear that any “crack in the foundation” will lead to relapse and death.

Because we were told that early on. And it saved our lives during our most vulnerable periods.

We were told: Do not think for yourself. And it worked…..

This scared straight type psychology works early on. At least it did for me.

CONSIDER THIS:

However, as time goes by you can open your mind.

If you are years into recovery you can probably explore multiple pathways without abandoning your chosen pathway.

If you can’t, I would argue that you have a bigger problem on your hands.

Can a devout Christian explore the tenets of Islam?

Can a staunch progressive Democrat explore the merits of conservatism?

Can a “died in the wool” 12 step veteran explore the necessity of life saving addiction medicine?

And if you can not do so….can you still call yourself “open-minded”???

Clown Zombie Apocalypse

Clown Zombie Apocalypse 2020

, ,

Welcome to the Show

As the #coronavirus clown zombie apocalypse unfolds in real time…Pay close attention to the way an “epidemic” is handle by the authorities.

Best practice is focused on assertive community outreach.

They are literally searching the community for potentially infected people.

Everyone talks about the “opioid epidemic” but the approach is completely different where Substance Use Disorder is concerned.

Clown Zombie Thinking

“Let’s pump more and more money into facility based care and wait for the people in need to show up”. Of course they must :hit bottom” and be “willing”!

If the Coronavirus was handled in a manner analogous to the standard operating procedure for SUD… we would just wait for people to show up at the hospital.

Once the infection got bad enough they would come to us…. damn it.

These people really need to show some initiative.

The “Experts”

Where Substance Use Disorder is concerned the “experts” are not actually expert.

They are experts on SUD as it manifests itself in the fraction of people who are seen in facility based care. Maybe “10%” of the problem. And that is extremely generous estimate.

Furthermore, the “facility based” cohort is a homogenous group. Same treadmill story with most!

The 10% Willing and Ready

People who are sufficiently motivated (externally or internally) to “show up”.

This a fundamental truth that is ignored in most discussion surrounding Substance Use Disorder. Nothing will ever change until that reality is addressed.

And treatment providers can not do outreach. They are specialists in acute care and stabilization.

We are specialists in community outreach.

A podiatrist does not try to do the job of a cardiologist.

Recovery Advocate Marketers

OUR ONLY HOPE: Is Not “Recovery Advocate Marketers”

RECOVERY ADVOCATE MARKETERS

There are people in the drug and alcohol treatment industry, Recovery Advocate Marketers with massive followings and immense popularity. Some with hundreds of thousands following their every move.

Digital marketing (Facebook advertising,”influencer” model, etc…) makes it easy for a well capitalized “treatment center” to turn someone into a “Recovery Rockstar”.

Pay for attention. Pay for followers is common as well. It’s advertising.

The rehab pays for the person to become popular and uses the popularity to drive admissions.

I guess it works. Otherwise, why would so many facilities use this model?

WOULD YOU TRUST YOU LIFE TO THEM

It’s absolutely horrible. Many of these people do more damage than good.

These people feed into the stereotype of the “addict”.

The general public is amused and watches from a distance as the latest superstar tells another addiction and redemption story.

Just like the last 100 stories. Slogans. Everywhere, another one dimensional piece of advice. – “Come to my rehab”

SAVING LIVES???

More and more scare tactics. “Get him to rehab before he dies”….

  • They tell parents: “you are enablers. You are loving your child TO DEATH. Send him to our rehab”.
  • And they tell people with SUD: “you are liar, cheater and a thief. Surrender to win…come to my rehab”.
  • They tell wives: “you are a codependent, kick his ass out unless he agrees to come to my rehab”.

They tell themselves: “I’m saving lives….”. ( All the way to the bank!)

BY THE WAY. A FAIR NUMBER OF OUTPATIENT PROVIDERS ALSO USE THESE TACTICS. They are not as aggressive because they are not “filling beds”.

CONSIDER THESE FACTS

You are not saving lives and your rehab is not the answer.

  1. Rarely do these prophets share anything original.
  2. Rarely do these prophets say anything thoughtful.
  3. Rarely do they share anything other than slogans and war stories.

It’s awful. Truly awful. You are not reducing stigma. You are promoting stigma.

OUR ONLY HOPE:

SUD services must be fully integrated into healthcare. That is not a perfect solution. However, it’s our only hope.

No more “carved out” SUD services.

No more automatic referrals to the “drug and alcohol clinic” or “state of the art rehab”….

The healthcare provider handles SUD. They own the specialty SUD practices as well.

There will still be a need for acute specialty stabilization.

Clinics and rehabs. But all treatment should be local. Major reduction in destination rehab.

If you eliminate the market you will eliminate these horrible “recovery advocate marketers”.

Otherwise, they will keep coming. It’s not illegal. You will never stop this practice via “investigations” etc…. In most cases these court jesters are not engaging in illegal practices.

EXPLOITED AND USED

And when one marketer goes away 10 new ones pop up. There are thousands of people with 6 months of recovery willing to be exploited by this industry.

SUD treatment and recovery services are destined for a complete rebuild.

It’s early right now. Very early. But the public is waking up.

No one knows exactly what it will look like. But it won’t be “run ‘em off to rehab”….

I think everyone knows this. Even the pop up rehab owners.

Y’all should sell that facility as soon as possible. Get out while the getting is good.

God bless America….
God save the Queen….
Let them eat cake ….

The Only Logical Solution

Jim, It’s The Only Logical Solution

The Only Logical Solution

To be clear. We envision a fundamentally different professional systemic response to substance use and mental health.

Nearly everything should be changed. It’s founded on a faulty premise of “clinical and institutional based compliance” delivered to a docile and willing client.

The suffering person must hit bottom in order to become willing. For goodness sake, the person can’t even get help unless he is coerced into “signing up” for services.

All the while he is obsessed and irrationally seeking substances.

Advocacy is unlikely to produce dramatic change.

History Clearly Shows:

  1. An industry and/or profession can be 100% certain of an industry related practice or industry related belief/principle.

    Same for academics, researchers etc… 100% certain. People operate from the point of view: THIS IS THE WAY IT IS. EVERYONE AGREES.
  2. And they are regularly 100% wrong.
  3. And they will typically NOT acknowledge the error in judgement.

    As a matter of fact, they will frequently double down on their dysfunctional opinion. Especially, if they are financially tied to the principle.
    If the business model depends on the principle.
  4. People who speak out and challenge the flawed thinking will be ignored and marginalized.

    They may be labeled dangerous. Especially if the “industry” is health related: “Stop thinking. You are gonna hurt people with those opinions”.
  5. There will be an effort to regulate these rebellious individuals into submission. Or de-fund these rebel scum.
  6. The group in power (call them gatekeepers) will utilize tokenism to keep the trouble makers in line.
  7. Tokenism is especially common in areas concerning social problems or social injustice.

    The gatekeepers will prop up non-threatening “advocates”. Advocates who basically reinforce existing practices.
  8. The gatekeepers will parade “victims” out to make everyone feel good. “Look at the grateful little drug addicts and how well behaved they are”….

    As if the gatekeepers are doing something about the problem. The gatekeepers will NOT allow certain opinions to be expressed.

    **Example: If you want to become “epidemic famous” you will need to demand more treatment dollars and “insurance parity”. You will not be permitted to say: “create something brand new”….. treatment dollars and “parity” are silly nonthreatening talking points. But watch closely as they repeat that type of mantra.

The Logical Solution

Therefore, the only logical solution and the only real hope is to create something new:

  • Funded primarily through alternative means (social entrepreneurship, individual philanthropy, utilize solid and proven fund development principles)
  • Find non traditional partners
  • Find NON SYSTEMIC partners
  • Engage “non recovery bubble partners”
  • Show that it works (find researchers who are not “in the system” etc…)

And then watch everyone get on board once reimbursement becomes predictable.

Maybe the Next Group

Even if you don’t get there, perhaps the next group will finish what you started. And someone will get there eventually.

Then you will have lived in manner true to your vision.

And at the end of the day, that seems to be a better way to live??

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