Recovery Makes Sense

with 

MHB Consulting, LLC 

    Determining the True Problems

          In some cases, people have only recently started to experience a series of negative consequences as the result of their use of substances and/or acting-out behaviors and/or abuse. Others may have a life-long story of using something as part of their lifestyle which finally is no longer working, no matter how they try to modify it. In some cases, family patterns of multi-generational addictive interactions may need to be delicately addressed. A variety of issues may be influencing someone's behavior. The roots of the problem, and the right solutions, are not always the same in every circumstance. 

Habits, Compulsions and Addictions

Many people abuse substances or processes in a relatively mild, non-specific way, at the level of what we think of as a bad habit. Others repeat a certain behavior compulsively but without progressive results, and without deception or harm towards self or others. Although it can be tricky to tell the difference, and treatment is still available, bad habits and compulsive behaviors are not as severe as addictions. Compulsive behavior is a component of addiction, along with other recognizable symptoms. Addiction is a progressive, self-destructive collision course that gradually takes over one's life. Addiction is a primary condition, in that it must be treated in order for other or related problems to respond lastingly to care.

 Paradox and Self-Deception

One of the paradoxes of addiction that further prevents proper recovery is the symptom of denial, which grows along with the disease, so that many of the sickest addicts believe that they have only a minor problem, if any. Part of the quality of denial is only human, in that humans have a built-in mental and emotional protection from facing harsh realities. And who wants to think that their problems are more complicated than they can imagine? In a healthy person, denial allows bad news to sink in gradually. In addiction, denial over-develops and bonds with the obsession, blocking the addict from being able to grasp the true nature of their condition.

 Many Variables

  In most cases, people need specialized help to truly grasp the specific combination of actions necessary to successfully break their dependency and maintain their recovery.  Without experience in assessment and treatment, and without knowing what makes the difference between success and failure, progressive consequences will continue despite the person's sincere desire to change.  Inadequate assessment, lack of commitment to change on the part of the client, as well as incomplete education and integration can lead to repeated relapses and loss of faith in the process of recovery. Other conditions can sometimes mimic addiction. Other conditions can co-exist along with addiction. Addictions can co-exist with each other, and complicate the puzzle. These all must be considered in the process of correct diagnosis and treatment planning.