Yes! It has become fashionable by commentators in the addictions arena to point to research studies confirming three linked findings: 1) the course of alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems are highly variable rather than inevitably progressive, 2) the majority of people experiencing substance use disorders and broader patterns of AOD-related problems resolve these challenges … Continue reading Apples and oranges
Author: Jason Schwartz
I have been an addiction professional and social worker since 1994. I started blogging in 2005 as the Clinical Director at Dawn Farm. I currently serve as the Director of Social Work and Spiritual Care for a healthcare system. I've also served as the Director of Behavioral Health at another hospital. I'm also a lecturer at Eastern Michigan University’s School of Social Work.
Views expressed here are my own.
Keep in mind that the field, the contexts in which the field operates, and my views have changed over time.
The boundaries of recovery
In response to recent discussions about reclaiming recovery, Bill White has a thoughtful post on the conceptual boundaries of recovery. I encourage you to read the whole thing. He highlighted a few things. First, a survey of people who identify themselves as in recovery about how they define recovery. . . . a landmark survey of … Continue reading The boundaries of recovery
“Moral injury” and those darn peer approaches
On Being picks up on a fascinating framing of PTSD from an episode of Religion and Ethics Newsweekly: I really don't like the term 'PTSD,’” Department of Veterans Affairs psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Shay told PBS' "Religion & Ethics Newsweekly" in 2010. "He says the diagnostic definition of "post-traumatic stress disorder" is a fine description of … Continue reading “Moral injury” and those darn peer approaches
You’re in recovery if . . .
There's a lot of discussion about how to define recovery. Some expand the definition without acknowledging that they are doing it, for the purpose of recovery advocacy. Others more openly advocate to "reclaim" the word and expand the definition to include people who matured out, use moderately or abstain from one previously problematic substance. I've … Continue reading You’re in recovery if . . .
Courageous care
On Being has an interesting personal story in response to the question, "When you think of fearlessness or courage, what person or story or idea comes to mind?" The speaker was diagnosed with cancer and had to see a series of specialists before seeing an oncologist. Along the way she met with a pulmonary technician . … Continue reading Courageous care
The History of Gay People in AA – TBS
From 2008: ====== I'm reading a great book that I wanted to share a little about. I'm only 4 chapters into The History of Gay People in AA but I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone interested in the history of AA or, more specifically, the history of gay people in AA. (Here's the … Continue reading The History of Gay People in AA – TBS
Who’s “we”?
This article has been forwarded to me by several people. Its author has been writing a series of articles that seek to redefine addiction and recovery. As Eve Tushnet recently observed, "There’s another narrative, though, which is emerging at sites like The Fix and Substance.com." This sentence is representative of this alternative narrative: "The addiction field has … Continue reading Who’s “we”?
Do we really want to get each other angry?
Greg Williams says we need to get angry: It is apparently OK for those family members to angrily demand a better response from the federal government to the current health crisis. But when the addiction recovery community — more than 23 million Americans and their families — gathers to walk, speak and put a face … Continue reading Do we really want to get each other angry?
Michigan increases access to naloxone
It's official. The new laws will allow a state resident to obtain a prescription for naloxone, also known by its brand name, Narcan, to immediately reverse the effects of an opiate overdose, whether due to heroin or a prescription drug such as Vicodin or OxyContin. It also requires emergency medical technicians to carry it on … Continue reading Michigan increases access to naloxone
Childhood sexual abuse and alcohol problems – TBS
A new study (This is a TBS post from 2007) looks for a relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and alcoholism. It finds that women who experienced CSA have elevated rates of alcohol use at 12-13 years old, but their rates of alcoholism are not any higher than people with similar adolescent alcohol use, though they … Continue reading Childhood sexual abuse and alcohol problems – TBS
Recovery Review 