Chapter 2 – The Mind of an Addict
In the work of treating addictions a variety of treatment modalities are employed by providers.
When Hope Is Not Enough!
Chapter Two (Excerpt)
The Mind of an Addict
It is most useful for us to begin by reviewing what is a substance use, abuse, or dependence problem before we even attempt to respond to it.
The following excerpt was taken from a bibliography written by David Hazen in 1993. Mr. Hazen describes chemical dependency as follows,
“Chemical Dependency (alcoholism and drug addiction) is the compulsively repeated alteration of brain chemistry by means of a toxin (drugs or alcohol) in order to produce temporary relief from frustration, grief, or pain quickly without changing the thoughts or behavior that cause these negative feelings.”
I find this to be a good description of chemical dependency that omits only two things:
• The first being that the dependent person develops a relationship with his or her substance of choice.
• The addicted person has had what they would describe as positive experiences with chemical use, that had nothing to do with seeking relief from frustration, grief, or pain.
Thus, when attempting to separate the person from their drug of choice it is crucial that the relational implications of their abuse or dependence is considered and incorporated into our efforts to intervene. Their motivation to change, as well as their view of themselves has been effected by the relationship they now have with their substance.
The abuser will often continue to have varying levels of positive regard for their substance use intermixed with their disillusionment with it.
This is pertinent information that will help you understand and anticipate how the addict may respond to the varying types of interventions that may be employed now and in the future. Here things get a little tricky because what I am asking you to do is to be non-confrontational of their internalized positive ideas about their drug of choice.
Do not get caught up in the struggle of trying to get them to see the error of their thinking regarding this and other similar issues at this juncture. After all, in order for someone to become addicted to something, they must have derived some real or imagined pleasure from it, especially in the earlier periods of use.
To argue such issues at this juncture is foolhardy and wasteful in terms of what we are attempting to do. Rather, let us focus our attention and the attention of the addict on the obvious (here and now) harm caused by their drug of choice.
No matter your response to this issue the point is to not get stuck or side tracked by concerns or behaviors that are not immediately relevant to initiating change.
The addicted person has, or is developing a maladaptive relationship with a mood altering substance. And this relationship has or is becoming a primary relationship.
The importance of understanding it as a primary relationship is that we can therefore anticipate that the person will take steps to protect this relationship. While this may fly in the face of common sense given the pain that the addictive process causes, we must remember that to attempt to view this situation through the lens of normalcy is to misread and misunderstand the problem from the outset.
Once you have established that you are dealing with a chemical abuse or dependence problem, and are agreed that there are relational components to this problem, we are ready to begin the discussion of how to respond.
When Hope Is Not Enough, by Fred Wade
- C.A.S., R.A.S. Certified Addition Counselor
This book provides families reference points to refer to when and if an alcohol or chemical abuse problem were to arise with someone they love. It will provide a framework for thinking about and responding to alcohol and chemical abuse problems, as well as a means to finding answers to many unique situations.
Fred Wade holds both National and State certifications as an addictions counselor. He has worked in the field of addiction since the mid 80’s, having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Weyland Consultation Services which specializes in outpatient treatment of addictive disorders for adults and adolescent males and females. Weyland Consultation Services is located in Walnut Creek California, and serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Weyland Consultation Services
Discrete Outpatient Alcohol & Drug Treatment
Weyland Consultation Services - Discreet and Confidential Outpatient Alcohol & Drug Treatment serving the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Cities of Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Lafayette, Moraga, and Pleasanton California.
Learn about our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) A multifaceted, comprehensive and highly individualized program designed to help individuals address chemical dependency issues while remaining in their homes.
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2930 Camino Diablo, Suite 110
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
(Serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area)
Phone: (925) 945-7816 ext. 41
Website: http://www.weylandservices.com
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