Choices?

We live in a condo/townhouse community. With any community there's always the neighborhood gossip who knows everything about everyone, and tends to see the world through negatively tinted glasses. For us she lives directly behind our townhouse. And we see her very regularly because she has a dog to walk and our animal loving daughter likes to say hello to every passing dog.
So this week my daughter and I were outside enjoying those last few beautiful days before the dreary fall weather kicks in and sure enough Gossip neighbor came a walking with her dog. She happens to work in the medical field as a phlebotomist; which makes her a true expert in the mental health and substance abuse field. (sarcasim totally meant to be inserted there) Many times we compare how busy our respective employers (hospitals) are. That day was no different. She then noted how they have had a recent increase in heroine over doses, I too noted I had heard that to be so where I was employed.
She then proceeded into a rant about how substance abuse/addiction is not a disease it is a choice and if "those people" would just make the right choices they wouldn't have those problems and she wouldn't have to deal with "them."
To be very honest with you when I got into this field I was not very understanding of the disease that is addiction. I really thought if people only had enough will power and would step up and make the right choice that they could easily be healthy. I have learned a lot from the clients I have been honored to work with. I have also learned a lot from the many great counselors I know who specialize in addiction. And along the way I have a great bunch of friends who are sober and have been in recovery for decades that have also taught me so very much. Now add in my current and continued training in Rapid Resolution Therapy and I see addiction very differently than several years ago, and way differently than Gossipy Neighbor.
What I now know is when someone has emotional traumas that are still active in their life they do not have the emotional clarity necessary to make clear choices. With addictions not only does the emotional traumas need to be cleaned up, but the cravings need to be managed as well. With RRT those cravings are best managed when they are paired with the instant knowledge of what will happen if that person uses/abuses again.
I realize my new found beliefs in addiction do not match what many people think or believe. It does give me the clarity and understanding I need to be a much more effective counselor when working with those dealing with addictions. And really that's what's important to me, to be the best counselor I can be so I can help as many people as I can.
However I'm not so sure I have the ability to help Gossipy Neighbor.... :)
Be well, Be happy-Tara S. Dickherber, M.Ed, CPC

Pin It