I have been thinking about “psychological dependence” and "physical dependence” a lot lately. It seems to me our field is losing these concepts. Psychological Dependence Back in the late 1980’s counselors and patients alike would bring up “psychological dependence” from time to time. But over the last 20 years this concept seems to have slowly … Continue reading The Concepts of Psychological Dependence and Physical Dependence Are Being Lost
It Is Painfully Obvious That Discrimination Remains Our Greatest Challenge
Purdue Pharma funded drug abuse campaign media Painfully Obvious was the propaganda campaign that Purdue Pharma deployed to teach school children in America that addicted people are bad people. What is also painfully obvious is it is far too easy to influence Americans discriminatory and stigmatizing ideas that affirm existing biases. The graphic here is … Continue reading It Is Painfully Obvious That Discrimination Remains Our Greatest Challenge
Pseudoaddiction, Truthiness and the Moral Model of Addiction in America
The moral model of addiction is alive and well in the United States of America. Viewers of the Hulu series Dopesick learned something about this in episode four. It featured Purdue Pharma executive Dr. David Haddox. He is infamous now. He helped fabricate a condition called Pseudoaddiction. He did so to help Purdue Pharma sell … Continue reading Pseudoaddiction, Truthiness and the Moral Model of Addiction in America
Moral Panic? Replace ‘moral’ and ‘panic’ with what?
Sam Quinones' recent Atlantic article about methamphetamines came up recently in a conversation with a couple of friends recently. I hadn't read it, but one of the friends responded that it had elements of moral panic. This response was consistent with comments I had seen on Twitter. My impression was that moral panic has been … Continue reading Moral Panic? Replace ‘moral’ and ‘panic’ with what?
On Pervasive Systemic Stressors and Restoring Safety
I was thinking about writing on something entirely positive in the recovery space, and yet here is the piece which does not fit that Bill, pun noted. All things considered, I am optimistic about our future, and underpinning this is the knowledge that a primary facet of recovery (and the recovery movement) is acknowledging uncomfortable … Continue reading On Pervasive Systemic Stressors and Restoring Safety
Gratitude Friday 10/22/21 – The Labor of Recovery Service
I have decided to post this on both blogs I write on, my own and Recovery Review it is a personal reflection on recovery service and related tribulations and what keeps me going. This week was my recovery anniversary. I am getting closer to two thirds of my life in active recovery. I got into … Continue reading Gratitude Friday 10/22/21 – The Labor of Recovery Service
An Open Letter to SAMHSA and the SSA’s On Inclusion – Our History and A Cautionary Tale
The redoubled focus on recovery within our federal administration is heartening. This is an area in which history is instructive. Many years ago, advocates from the recovery community, including those in my own home state of Pennsylvania met with SAMHSA and educated them on the value of creating a funding stream for recovery community on … Continue reading An Open Letter to SAMHSA and the SSA’s On Inclusion – Our History and A Cautionary Tale
Interview 12 – Betty Currier – Recovery Review Blog Series – Reflections on the Historic 2001 Recovery Summit in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the start of the New Recovery Advocacy Movement
Forward: I am quite sure I had never met or spoken with Betty before this interview. She is 83 years young and her zest for life and learning came through the telephone line loud and clear.She was modest when sharing her significant life accomplishments. I felt like some additional context on what Betty contributed to … Continue reading Interview 12 – Betty Currier – Recovery Review Blog Series – Reflections on the Historic 2001 Recovery Summit in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the start of the New Recovery Advocacy Movement
The tortuous routes to rehab
I’ve been reading a bit recently about the challenges of healthcare funding in the United States - an ‘international scandal’ according to Noam Chomsky. And although the problems are not the same, those issues have become linked with my thinking on the difficulties of accessing funding for residential rehabilitation in Scotland. The Lord Advocate’s recent statement allows … Continue reading The tortuous routes to rehab
It is Time to Reform Our Care System Inclusively To Save Lives and Communities
This week, I am attending Mobilize Recovery in Las Vegas. Recovery advocates from around the nation, have gathered together here for a third year through the Recovery Advocacy Project. PRO-A the statewide recovery community organization of Pennsylvania has been honored to participate in it since its inception. The message here is that together, we can … Continue reading It is Time to Reform Our Care System Inclusively To Save Lives and Communities