Into the Church Basement

💥💥💥Don’t tell anyone, but I went to a meeting last night.

Again, keep it quiet, but I have issues.

So I attend a certain type of meeting where we talk about how to best deal with said issues.

So I walk into the church basement and I join a crowd of people with “issues”.

The average age in the room was probably mid-50’s.

The average amount of time in recovery from “issues” was probably 20 plus years.

I’m sure there were a couple of newer and younger people in that room. But you had to pay close attention to find them.

But that is beside the point.

A fascinating story was shared.

The Story

This dude with a bunch of time “dealing with issues” was talking about struggling back in the day.

Like in the 1980’s.

Apparently he had some trouble before it “finally stuck”.

He said he was a chronic relapser (his term not mine), and “for years I was in and out and in and out”.

He talked about how bad it got.

As they say, jails and institutions and near death.

Meetings

Then he shared that there was a group of men from the “meetings” who “kept coming to see me”.

They would meet him at hospitals, come to see him in jail, they met him for coffee. He said “they just kept showing up”.

He was emotional when talking about it. It clearly touched him even 30 years later.

It Got Me Thinking

Who the hell came up with this “wait until they hit bottom” bullshit”?

What kind of person tells another person “you just need more pain” and “come back when you want it”.

How did this attitude become the prevailing attitude?

IT DOESN’T REPRESENT THE FOUNDATIONAL SPIRIT OF RECOVERY.

Back in the day Bill W and Dr. Bob would go out to hospitals looking for “alcoholics”.

They would literally walk up to the nursing station and say “you have any alcoholics we can help”.

They did not wait for people to show up.

I know we can’t reach everyone. But we can change our attitude.

“They need to hit bottom and come and get it” is a paradigm that needs to be transformed.

Think about it??? Rich.

ABOUT RICH JONES MA, MBA, LCAS, SAP
EVP & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HERITAGE CARES

Executive Vice President (EVP) at Heritage Health Solutions, Inc.
Chief Strategy Officer Co-Founder at Youturn,
CEO at Wellness Partners Group
CEO/President at Jones Solutions Group
Former CEO at FAVOR Greenville

Visit Heritage Health at – Click Here

For Addiction Support Info – Click Here

Please Subscribe to the Recovery Cartel – Click Here

The post Who Came Up With This “Wait Until They Hit Bottom” Bullshit”? appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

DEATHS OF DESPAIR…

It’s been a minute since I did some ranting. Some deep thoughts. Hold on tight. I need to do some Facebook rant!

Another death this weekend. Another DEATH OF DESPAIR…

Someone I knew. A couple more last week that I didn’t know really well. But I knew the family.

When you work up close with people, as I do, it gets very personal.

REALITY CHECK:

This society has nothing even close to a solution for the overdose crisis. Including me.

I got nothing. NO ONE has an answer. Period.

I have vast clinical experience across nearly every conceivable clinical venue.

And I helped create, as CEO, arguably one of the premier Recovery Community Organizations in the country, FAVOR Greenville.

All of this happened in the non-profit and publicly funded space.

DEEP IN DIGITAL HEALTH

Now I am deep in a digital health start up. Attempting to scale a transformational solution.

Working within a corporate environment.

Definitely a different pathway. No one can say I’m not casting a wide net 🙂

It’s very early yet with our telehealth/digitally enhanced coaching model. Very early.

OVERDOSE STUFF

So much “overdose stuff” happens beyond our scope.

We don’t solve for overdoses.

We aren’t in the community.

We don’t claim to be all things to all people.

GREAT THINGS

We do great things.

In a very specific way.

We stay in our lane and we are damn good at managing that lane.

All of this makes me wonder, where is the coherent and comprehensive plan of attack.

Who is supposed to lead this?

WHERE???

Where will the ultimate solution come from?

The answers appear to be NO ONE AND NOWHERE.

Throw it against the wall and see if it sticks seems to be the strategic plan.

Each model of response has it’s unique advantages. And each model has really good providers among their ranks.

We have fragmented system with silos of good work. People are trying hard. Doing great work. But, there is no comprehensive solutions being offered.

It’s like an incomplete recipe. With people screaming for more and more of their preferred ingredients.

• Throw some more salt in there…
• throw some more pepper in there.
• some more sugar…

OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC

Same for the overdose epidemic:

THROW SOME MORE MEDICATION AT THE PROBLEM. HARM REDUCTION IS THE SOLUTION.

Get help to those most in need!

Throw some parity in there. We need to enforce parity and private insurance should pay for treatment. We need more treatment beds.

RECOVERY SUPPORT

How about some recovery support:

We need recovery coaches and peer support. More peer support.

WE NEED DIGITAL HEALTH. More apps. More telehealth.

WE NEED More family support.

ON AND ON AND ON

And make no mistake, good things happen.

I fully realize there are isolated pockets of quality care. I would like to think my organizations falls into the quality care bucket.

But, at a systemic level, our society doesn’t even come close to slowing the overdose train down. Nothing remotely comprehensive or congruent.

There is no plan to end the overdose epidemic. And that is a very depressing proposition.

A VERY LONG TIME

I’ve been doing this a long time.

There are people who have been doing this work for a couple years who act as if they have it figured out.

I devoted my life to this for 20 plus years.

After awhile, it gets depressing. And all you can focus on is your individual area of focus.

TOO BIG

The system as a whole becomes “too big” to comprehend. Too big to change.

I imagine that people just settle into their “space” and do their part. Do all they can and let the rest go.

I just haven’t been able to do that.

I think people who have the work figured out either do something really big and substantially transformational, (however, this is very rare and I really haven’t seen many people get this right)

OR…

You do something small but exceptional for the small number you serve (I have done this before and I have recently seen others do this–It’s noble work).

I am currently trying to go big….

But man, the nature of substance use disorders are hard to reconcile.

QUESTION EVERYTHING

The death and destruction makes you question everything. 93,000 (at least) dead from drug overdose in 2020.

Hundreds of thousands more due to suicide and chronic alcohol misuse.

DEATHS OF DESPAIR… everywhere you look.

Then you really get in touch with it… it gets personal.

How in the world did this happen?

ABOUT RICH JONES MA, MBA, LCAS, SAP
EVP & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HERITAGE CARES

Executive Vice President (EVP) at Heritage Health Solutions, Inc.
Chief Strategy Officer Co-Founder at Youturn,
CEO at Wellness Partners Group
CEO/President at Jones Solutions Group
Former CEO at FAVOR Greenville

Visit Heritage Health at – Click Here

For Addiction Support Info – Click Here

Please Subscribe to the Recovery Cartel – Click Here

The post I Need A Facebook Rant ! DEATHS OF DESPAIR… appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

Start Over

💥💥💥I think it makes more sense to “start over” at the beginning of each new “birth year” rather than the beginning of each new year.

Each new year we reflect on the past year. We make new year’s resolutions.

We have this sense of starting over.

For me… it happens on my birthday.

53rd Year

Today day is day one of my 53rd year on the planet.

This past year has been the most difficult year of my life.

My 52nd year on the planet was brutal. I have come face to face with depression in a way that I never have before.

I’m not sure if I was in denial in the past. Perhaps I was embarrassed and never really got honest?

Another Level

Also … events in my personal life triggered things and pushed this shit to another level.

Men are not supposed to be depressed.

Men are not supposed to be anxious.

We should just get shit figured out and move on to the next task. Suck it up.

The S Word

I was definitely ashamed and the stigma kicked my ass.

Now … I do not give a f**k . Truly, I am going to be open and I’m not hiding anymore.

New Decisions

I’m going to make decisions that benefit my mental health. I’m going to work smarter. I’m going to take steps to reduce stress.

I have been on a hamster wheel of busy-ness and ambition that is relatively non-sensical.

Need to minimize and adopt a more simple lifestyle. And prioritize relationships.

Liberation

53 will be a year of liberation.

I intend to share the journey. In the event there are other men out there who are tired of the “suck it up” / real men don’t cry bullshit.

I cry ….

The post I Cry … and Start Over appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

The FAVOR Greenville Transition

I want to thank everyone who gave me a shout out yesterday on the FAVOR Greenville transition.

I am 100% certain that FAVOR, and all it’s chapters/projects, will thrive. I am proud of the leadership team there. They won’t miss a beat.

The staff are second to none.

This organization will thrive.

8 Years

It’s very hard to move on from 8 years of work. 8 years of relationships.

So many memories and many struggles overcome. So many wins. A few losses.

We entered into each other’s lives.

We forged a bond built on the shared experience of recovery. And the shared experience of family recovery.

You supported me through some of the worst days of my life.

I love you all. Thank you.

There will never, ever be another time like this for me. Once in a lifetime. What a unique and powerful experience.

That said !!!

The Great News

I am NOT moving from the Carolinas. My new job is remote so I’m still in the area…. unfortunately, you will still have me lurking about. 😎

I also remain firmly entrenched in this field.

So you will still be subject to my rants and opinions. At a louder volume and with a wider focus… bring back the car rant? 😎

Going National

Also, I’m getting involved on a national level so I hope to spend more time with my homies.

Back in the great commonwealth of Pennsylvania… and elsewhere around the country. I hope to reacquaint myself with old friends in the “clinical world” …More to come

Thank you !!! See you soon – Rich

The post Thank You To Everyone! appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AND CONVERTED METH LABS

I had trouble sleeping last night. It was probably not helpful that I pounded a Starbucks energy drink at 430 PM. But even though it was a “bad night” sleeping. I feel semi-reasonable.

It wasn’t a “sleepless” night. Just semi-sleepless.

What keeps me up at night?

How much time do you have?

On a practical note. When I drink caffeine late in the day it sets me up for trouble.

I am a big fan of caffeine. Caffeine in it’s many different forms (coffee, “red-eye” from Starbucks, and ENERGY DRINKS).

SMELLY FUMES

Side Note: The lovely Mrs. Jones tells me that the main ingredient in energy drinks (Taurine) is mass produced in converted methamphetamine labs in China (she doesn’t quite say it that way).

Direct quote from TLMJ: “The fumes from the warehouse are so bad that you can smell them from miles away”. I don’t know if this is true. But, if so, that can’t be good.

Back to the original point.

JACKS AND MIMICS

Caffeine jacks you up. Raises your blood-pressure, unleashes other chemicals into your system.

Add in the Taurine from China and you have a serious chemical reaction. In addition to making one “more alert and awake”, this physiological flood mimics the fear the response.

This process mimics what happens when you are anxious.

Neither of which are good for “sleeping”. In the meantime, I have this latent fear and anticipatory dread floating around in my head.

DREAD HEAD

There is always some anticipatory dread floating around in the back of my mind. Right now, much of the dread is related to a loved one. But, in reality, it can be anything.

Someone once said: “Your anxiety will find something to stick to”.

Another way of saying this: “What is the target of your anxiety”?

YOUR ANXIETY

“Where will you aim your anxiety?”

If you have a loved one who is dealing with substance use disorder or mental health issue you have an “anxiety target” readily available.

Back to the story.

I lay down and I dose off. I sleep for maybe 30 minutes. Maybe less. But the caffeine jolts me awake.

It’s still not fully metabolized. So, all the sudden, the leader of the caffeine army shouts out a command: “Whoa what is this all about. WAKE HIS SORRY ASS UP!”

Now, I’m lying there fully awake. You can guess the rest of the story.

The tape starts to play. The rumination and rabbit holes. Chasing scenarios.

Playing the “what-if” games. Hyperactively bouncing from one topic to another topic.

Always landing back on my worries for my loved one. The train has left the station.

That brings me to my recommendations:

1) GOOD SLEEP HYGENE

Good sleep hygiene is an all-day process.

Watch what you eat. Watch your caffeine intake. Try to get out for a walk.

Decrease stress. I suggest the “Free Three”.

VERY IMPORTANT ***** Do not pound energy drinks at 4:30 pm.

Stay away from anything manufactured in an abandoned methamphetamine warehouse.

2) RESET THE PROCESS

If you do wake up and your anxiety finds a target, take an action to reset the process.

Last night, I got up and came down stairs. I read a little and I wrote a little. DO NOT CHECK YOUR EMAIL. I’ve done that before. Bad idea.

3) MEDITATE AND BREATHE

Meditate, or at least, do some breathing exercises. Bring your “physiology back down”.

I had taurine and caffeine bouncing around my bloodstream. My meditation practice met its match and was not very effective.

4) GO BACK AND LAY DOWN

Go back and lay down. If it continues, repeat the process.

But the next time try sleeping somewhere else. The couch, a spare room, your car, the garage, park bench (just kidding).

Morning will come. You will be okay.

Just be very careful. You will be compelled to use Red-Bull, Pop-Tarts, and coffee to get through. DO NOT DO THAT.

Because you will just repeat the cycle all over again.

Now you know…

RELATED NEWS – Shocking figures from the British Soft Drinks Association reveal the volume of energy drinks consumed in the UK increased to 679 million litres last year.

Read article – https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/energy-drinks-increase-stroke-risk-13746362

The post SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AND TAURINE FILLED DAYS appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

Things Got Really Weird

When I finally “decided” to change my substance use and do this recovery thing, things got really weird.

🚁🚁Strange noises were ever-present in my head (like a helicopter buzzing around inside my skull-piece).

🐘🐘My face swelled up and I looked like the elephant boy (still not sure what that was all about).

No one could explain it. I was like.

“Hey doc— my face is all messed up and puffed-up like Botox gone bad.“

That doctor was useless.

People had theories. Like “it’s the drugs leaving your system. Seeping out through your pours and causing swelling”.

Now that was some straight up … made up …. shit right there.

No one knew what to say.

My Lopsided Head

They were like “oh snap… Rich’s head is lopsided”.

I slept, at best 4 hours a night.

With freaky ICP dreams at least 63% of the time. Juggalo. 🤡🤡🤡

In an effort to look like Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit I grew a beard and shaped it up with a razor. But I did that all crooked. Further impacting my asymmetrical head and face.

A Baffled Lot I Was

At around 60 days I had to change a tire once and had a full blown emotional breakdown.

And could not successfully complete the process. It baffled me.

I was found catatonic in my driveway.

I ripped a sliding door off a van in anger over a bottle of water. I had to bungee cord it to the other door so it wouldn’t fly open.

There’s much more ….

Give Yourself a Break

It took me a long time to feel “normal”.

A long time to feel okay. And now, okay comes and okay goes.

If you are struggling. Give yourself a break.

If you are feeling a bit “Not OK”, please check out all our support platforms below!

• FAVOR Greenville
• FAVOR Support Group
• FAVOR Anderson
• FAVOR Spartanburg
• FAVOR ~ Western PA Finding Peace ~ Family Peer Recovery
• Sages Army

The post IT’S REALLY OK TO BE NOT OK appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

The Momentum Story

What do I mean, Momentum? It starts like this. In 1999, I “hung around” recovery rooms. To get the heat off.

My opinion on recovery was pretty silly at that time.

If I were to summarize my take on recovery in 1999 it would be as follows: “It’s impossible for me to recover.

Recovery is for other people. A select few. Like winning the lottery”.

In 2001 my opinion shifted…dramatically.

Clarity

It wasn’t a moment of clarity. More like simply clarity. It did not come and go–like a moment. It was weird.

All the sudden, it was incredibly clear that substance use disorder was real.

More importantly, it was clear that I could recover. I could live with out drugs and alcohol. I’ve been in recovery since.

2002: Getting Started

In 2002, I started working full time in the drug and alcohol treatment industry and the mental health field.

I always had to work multiple jobs at the same time, because you couldn’t make a living on the entry level salary in this field. You don’t get paid much.

So you work part-time and constantly have side hustles to pay the bills.

I went back to school and got a Masters of Arts degree in Sociology with a concentration in addiction studies. Then I also earned an MBA with a concentration in healthcare management.

I was learning on the fly. I learned a lot. And I adopted the opinions of the industry.

The Traditionalist

I was a hard-core “traditionalist”. There was one way to recover. My opinion had evolved.

In 2004 things started to change a little bit. I became the director of an assertive community treatment team. Working with folks with long-term mental health / co-occurring disorders.

I was “forced” into an immersion/training program in motivational interviewing/harm-reduction.

It was clear that my personal recovery pathway was not the only way.

Questions Arise???

It was clear that many people required harm-reduction. It was clear that many, many people did not have the resources I had.

They did not have the recovery capital that I had.

It was unfair to assume they could follow the same path I took. At the end of the day, I still thought there was only way to recover.

But my opinion was evolving. The evidence was clear and I was a compassionate person.

Clearly, we needed to open our minds.

But I wasn’t sure how to make sense of all of this.

The Kids

In 2007, I started working full time with adolescents and that challenged my thinking even further.

A 16 year-old marijuana smoker is entirely different than a 40 year-old alcoholic.

The model must be different.

I got deeper into motivational interviewing and got trained in family systems.

My opinion evolved.

Clearly, the family was key and there were many ways to “get better”.

The Opioid Epidemic

2007-2012: The opioid epidemic ramps up.

Western Pennsylvania was Ground Zero. People start to die before they even get a chance to recover.

Several “kids” I knew well died. I felt like there was imminent danger all around.

The concept of “hitting bottom” starts to sound like non-sense.

So many things that seemed to be self-evident truths now seemed to be dangerous slogans.

The Company Line

Medication assisted treatment starts to get promoted at that time.

But many people in the rooms, and many professionals, reject the idea of MAT. They reject the idea of harm-reduction.

I simply can not make myself toe the company/industry line.

I start to say things that are not acceptable within in the traditional framework of recovery “thinking”. (ie…multiple pathways etc…).

I stop getting invited to speak at the conferences. My opinion evolved. My opinion was problematic.

It’s All About To Change

As a matter of fact. I start to get downright aggravated with conventional thinking.

2012: I land at FAVOR Greenville and I go next level.

My role as an “advocate” is hard to manage.

When do I speak out? How do I speak out?

I start doing “car rants”. I push back hard against conventional “recovery” wisdom.

It gets… a bit ridiculous. My opinion, has evolved. The pendulum has swung the other way.

2019-2020: My Opinion Evolves “Too Much”

The pandemic crushes me and my family. The stress, the co-occurring mental health.

It becomes apparent that the “pendulum” swung too far the other way as I become borderline obsessed with alternative models.

However, there is a big part of me that needs traditional models.

Both professionally (for referrals etc…) and personally (because it works). It is clear that I do not want the models to go away.

I Want to Add Things

I want to add things to existing systems. NOT destroy existing systems. But I’m not sure I communicate that clearly.

From 2020 through 2021 my opinion evolves again.

When my family needed help I get it through very traditional programming. And I am grateful the programs are there.

I realize that I believe in the conventional pathways. I really do.

There are some bad programs and people out there. Very bad. I mean, really horrible.

BUT, we need rehabs and we need abstinence based programming. And there are really high quality programs available.

WE NEED ALL OF THE ABOVE

My opinion has evolved. It is not “harm reduction” versus abstinence based recovery. It is not “medication assisted treatment” versus more traditional models.

We need all of the above.

I need all of the above and when my family was in need we needed all of the above.

We will continue to need all of the above.

I can admit when I’m wrong.

Maybe not as “promptly” as I should. But I will come around.

I can get “too pushy” with the moderation management vibe.

I don’t take back the message. But I do want to re-evaluate the way in which I deliver the message.

I can be very one-sided. I get fired up and I get on my “soap box”. And my soap box gets out of control. I need to be more balanced.

People Like Me

There are some people, myself included, who need to abstain from all substances in order to reduce harm.

Alcohol is a destructive force that would take over my life if I tried to moderate.

I know this because I tried to moderate for years.

And blackout drunk is not moderating. Sometimes we need to hang up the cleats and walk away from the game.

Better yet, run the other direction.

I Just Want To Be Clear

I believe in abstinence based, 12-step recovery. And I need to do a better job in communicating that belief. In my effort to promote multiple pathways I sometimes go to far.

We need to honor all pathways included the traditional routes of recovery.

Start the process of recovery and don’t quit.

Keep going and keep trying.

People do recover. In all kinds of ways.

Constant forward momentum.

And then there’s the family. That’s a whole other topic….

The post Constant Forward Momentum appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

I HAVE NO IDEA

Thank God. (And German Engineering) I walked away with an ugly big ole scrape on my big ole forehead.

I have no idea how I survived this.

I hit a trailer truck (without the trailer attached). It launched me and flipped the car.

Landed on the roof. The car on its roof sliding down interstate 85.

THIS IS HOW I DIE!

I’m upside down buckled in my seat.

I literally was thinking “this is how I die …this is how I die”… while I bounce of other cars and keep spinning and sliding…

Then all the sudden the car comes to a stop.

I’m alive. Holy cow. I’m alive. And I can move.

TRAUMA-UNIT RUN

After a few stunned seconds with me still hanging upside down in my seat… I come to my senses.

I unbuckle the seat belt and fall out of the seat. Open the door. And crawl out of the car.

Police, ambulance and firemen are everywhere.

They jump into rescue mode and I’m on the trauma-unit run before I even knew what hit me.

PROBING & SCANNING

They cut my clothes off. IV here. IV there. And then it’s all a blur.

I get to the trauma unit.

Extensive probing and scanning and strange hot liquids coursing through my body (in order to better view my internal organs).

10 hours later I’m cleared. I’m good to go.

I BELIEVE

I walk out like nothing happened. slight concussion. Very sore. And one ugly forehead.

Strangely, I have been very emotional since this happened.

I believe in God. I believe in miraculous things.

I sometimes, even read deep things and discuss these matters with “experts”.

I think about death.

Since I’ve had kids I think too much about dangerous things.

This event is profound in my eyes.

BUSY. BUSY, BUSY

I am always distracted. Busy. Stressed. Rushing here. Rushing there.

Too much dumb shit.

Too much yes. Not enough no.

I will be different after this. This is a transformational moment.

I WILL BE DIFFERENT

Much of the stuff you think is important is likely trivial. Many of the “important” projects mean nothing.

It’s all someone else’s agenda.

I will be different. I was already formulating a strategy to restructure my focus. I’m now exceptionally motivated to get it done.

Part 2 – THE CAR INVOLVED

GOSHGY BEEKEY

So I was getting my stuff out of the vehicle.. Found this Stuffed animal hanging out the window of my car.

This guy belongs to my 7 year old.

His name is “Goshy Beekey”. I think I will keep him.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Thank you to everyone who gave a shout out after that accident. I am very grateful. I feel lucky to be alive.

I feel like I have a different perspective.

But I know that stuff tends to wear off after some time.

Do I go back to my “frantic, I’m in a hurry, need to save the world” lifestyle in a couple months?

SLOW DOWN

Right now. I can still see and feel the accident.

If I drive. I’m driving slow.

If I schedule meetings. I’m spacing them so I don’t feel rushed and “always running late”.

They are important and high priority meetings. I’m will try to stay in my lane. To “not be all things to all people”…

I have said NO to the 3 future speaking requests I received (since Tuesday’s fiasco).

But … like all good intentions. Does it fade away?

Or… Do life changing events really exist?

COMPLETE CLUSTER

I have tried, unsuccessfully, to slow down and focus my efforts for at least 3 years now.

A concerted, conscious, effort. And I have made minimal progress.

Its common. I leave Greenville to drive home to change so I can go to a dinner meeting that night.

In between, I facilitate 2 zoom meetings and make as many calls as possible to FAVOR donors to say thank you.

Throw in personal, family worries and concerns and my mind is a complete cluster….

My mind is cluttered. My thoughts “elsewhere”. My presence scattered.

NOT TODAY!

I am not that way today.

In the aftermath of this accident. But… will it all come back in a day, a week, a couple months.

My default setting is “more”.

Do “permanently” life changing events exist? Probably. Yes.

But we have to do things to maintain the change.

Thank you. And thank God. Seriously.

Part 3 – WHAT IS A GOSHY BEEKEY?

Okay. It turns out that there were 2 GOSHY BEEKY in my car on the day of the accident.

GOSH BEEKY is not a name. It is, apparently, a species. So you have GOSHY BEEKY #1. And GOSHY BEEKY #2.

As you can see #1 is suffering a serious injury. An amputated foot.

#1 was the GOSHY BEEKY that was stuck in the window.

#2 was found under the seat during final the clean out.

My daughter Lizz Marie Jones has assured me she can perform elective surgery and re-attached #1’s foot.

BTW: The plural of GOSHY BEEKY is GOSHY BEEKY not “Goshy Beekies”. Just for situational awareness.

The post HOW DID I WALK AWAY FROM THIS? appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

Call the DEA on the SOCIAL MEDIA DRUG DEALERS?

Before we get started: There will be people who will read this and say “Well then get off social media. Delete the app and quit bitching”.

I know you are a keyboard warrior but…. Please don’t say anything. Just scroll on by.

I mean, just go back to your filter bubble and enjoy your digital narcotic.

The documentary Social Dilemma on Netflix is a good place to start.

It’s a bit over the top. But the basic thesis of that film is solid.

The Key

• Intermittent reinforcement
• Filter bubbles
• Intentional status destruction
• Systematic trading on insecurity

“Addictive” may be a strong word.

However, intentionally designed for compulsive use is an indisputable fact. Addictive is in the ballpark.

Social Currency

Think “slot machines” that distribute social currency.

Intentionally designed to hook young people.

As a 52-year-old man, I can see this for what it is.

It impacts me. But nothing that serious.

Intentionally Destructive

Middle school students, high school students, and young adults are unable to keep it in perspective.

It is intentionally destructive.

I hate it when people I love are harmed by these platforms.

FAKE images designed to erode self-esteem.

Thrown at kids during their most vulnerable life stage.

Record Levels

I read that approximately 74% of Millenials / and 78% of Gen Z report being lonely.

They have little genuine confidence.

It’s superficial and half-real world.

Record setting levels of anxiety and depression among college students.

Social media is a major contributor to deaths of despair.

Silicon Valley Elites

One thing is even more laughable. The “Silicon Valley” elite progressives want to preach about social issues.

They want to claim the moral high ground as it relates to racial issues, issues of diversity, social justice etc…

The silly minions follow the leader as they intentional design self-esteem destroying algorithms.

And then they lecture us on social justice. Silly, silly, people. OR….dangerous people.

Action Needed

Meanwhile, they are an oligarchy. Robber Barrons. No different than the railroad industry.

Fight back? Relentless campaign against the fakeness?

Regulation? Complete dismantling?

Zuckerberg, Dorsey, Brin, and all the other drug dealers. The real CARTEL.

I wonder if this will get reported? I wonder if this will be censured?

The post Call the DEA, They Are Killing Us! appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.

TRADING IN MY SMART PHONE

I’M TRADING IN MY SMART PHONE 📱 FOR A FLIP PHONE 📞 !!!

I am okay. I am not losing my shit. I am good. I just need to get better. I need to recalibrate and be more genuine. I am having Smart Phone Fatigue.

MY TAKE ON THE WORLD:

In my opinion, we are under assault. Our mental health is under assault.

Our well-being is threatened. Our sense of security.

We are in a “Mental Health Crisis” as a country. Substance use disorders are part of this mental health crisis.

They should not be carved out and placed in some silo. It is really troubling.

I have been immersed in this crisis. It’s no joke.

OUT OF RANGE

IT IS NOT WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE.

NOT TYPICAL, IN TERMS OF INCIDENCE AND INTENSITY. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE IS “ON-EDGE”.

My take on this goes beyond my professional experience.

I have not always been willing to acknowledge or attend to my own mental health.

I am a man who also struggles with depression. Off and on for 20 years.

Recently more on than off. And I have refused to address this issue.

JUST WORK MORE, RIGHT?

I have stubbornly plowed through the dark nights and anxiety-ridden days.

Tell myself.. Work more. That will shut it out. Work more. That will give you a sense of “well-being”. Avoid…

Recently I have been confronted with some things in my personal life that force me to reconcile with my own mental health issues.

The truth is the stigma of mental health (especially the stigma of male depression) has kept me from addressing this issue full on.

Real men don’t cry?

Well, I don’t know about that. But they certainly don’t struggle with depression. Come on. Suck it up.

PLAN OF ACTION

So, I will aggressively address this issue.

I will follow the recommendations. I won’t play around with this anymore.

In addition to all the “standard” mental wellness protocols (meds, therapy, exercise, meditation, eat right, get better sleep etc…); I will also be getting rid of my smartphone.

NO MORE SMART PHONE

I have been thinking about this for quite some time.

When it comes to that damn phone, I don’t like who I am….

📱 Always checking my email. Always checking social media.

“Checking in” on my newsfeed. Seeing all that ridiculous bullshit.

Have you ever watched a group of people staring at their cell phones while waiting in line or while at dinner or in the lobby etc…?

IN THE WEB

Zuckerberg and company have us in the web.

It is really uncool. And I am certain that it undermines my mental health.

The data supports this and my personal experience makes it clear:

SMARTPHONES are part of the problem.

BE A FLIP-PHONE BOY

I will become “flip-phone boy”.

I will still check email, I will still post on social media, I will still “do my job”.

I’m just not going to be part of the smartphone matrix anymore.

I will do these things from a laptop or desktop only.

I must work on getting better if I expect the people I love to work on getting better.

I have been… a hypocrite.

The post TIME FOR A DUMB PHONE – IM SUFFERING WITH SMART PHONE FATIGUE SYMPTOMS! appeared first on The Recovery Cartel.