People call me weird
Aren’t you going to just have one?
“Come on you can have just one drink”
I hear this over and again.
Ever since I stopped drinking people don’t invite me out anymore, call me weird and just can’t understand why I don’t drink.
I want to be sober because I want to live the best possible life I can. And alcohol messes that up.
I’m like Tom Cruise. Because not drinking in today’s society is basically Mission Impossible.
The problem is that now I don’t fit in with most people, workplaces or even my own family.
Every time I’m out with other people they have questions about my sobriety or make comments about their own habits.
“You never come to happy hours.”
“I don’t drink that much.”
“I just drink on the weekends.”
Looking back that’s probably why I started Live Rehab with my partner.
We were talking the other day about this exact thing, “People aren’t going to understand are they?”
I replied, “Nope. But we have to keep on trying anyway.”
She paused, then laughed, “There has got to be other people like us right?”
When we’re looking to help people through Live Rehab we look for people who want to live the same kind of life.
Fathers who don’t want to wake up hungover anymore.
Mom’s who are sick of drinking around their kids.
Athletes who can’t risk they professional careers by drinking too much.
Hollywood celebrities that aren’t interested in traditional rehab.
Because there is nothing better than finally getting sober and living the best life possible.
The key is to know you’re in the right.
Then live it consciously.
Why Chemical Dependency Professionals must Understand Research, Data and How it Applies
Have you been involved in a discussion with someone who claims they know better than science and data? I think we all have.
I never wore a seat belt as a kid and I’m still alive.
My grandfather smoked and drank his whole life and lived until he was 103.
My sister beat cancer by thinking positive thoughts. You can do the same!
Whether online or in person, there are hundreds are scenarios where people think they know better than actual scientific data and research. When working in the field of addiction, it is critical to not fall into that same trap. Even if a chemical dependency professional works with clients where their own unique experience helped them, it does not mean it will work for the next client.
Science and data is helpful as it gives a professional a place to start. In order to fully implement methods into practice, the data and research must be understood. Once understood, a professional must also be aware of the limitations of said research and be open to new information as well.
Again, as I always say, chemical dependency professionals are the ones on the front line and it is crucial to find the right balance between science and the realization that alternative methods may better suit the person who struggles with addiction.
Family, Social Networks, and Communities
Chemical Dependency Professionals must be very aware of how family, social networks, and community play a role in the recovery process.
Taking these three things into consideration when making a treatment plan is crucial to the overall success of recovery. Not every person who is seeking a life free from addiction needs the same focus. For example, someone who has a strong familial support but lacks community access to treatment, would need a professional to help find them community supports. Whereas, if someone who is struggling with an addiction knows where to go and what to do but their familial support is non-existent or full of chaos, then the Chemical Dependency Professional knows they need to focus on the family unit rather than putting effort into community resources.
Of course, there’s always a spectrum and most professionals will find that their clients need a little or a lot of focus in one or more area but the important thing is for the professional to appreciate the various systems in order to provide the highest quality of care possible when treating any addiction.
Chemical Dependency Professional Treatment Knowledge
Treatment Knowledge
Chemical Dependency Professionals must understand the philosophies and outcomes of various models of treatment to be able to adapt their practice to best suit their client.
What To Consider
There are many treatment concepts to consider such as pharmacology, mental health, social stigmas, and self and mutual health. Chemical Dependency Professionals should also consider alternative therapeutic models that their clients may benefit from.
Not Everyone Fits into the Same Box
When working with clients who struggle with substance use it’s important for Chemical Dependency Professionals to acknowledge that not every client fits in the same box and it is the professional’s job to accept a variety of approaches and be willing to try different models until something works. Forcing a client into a specific model or approach will only backfire.