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THE ABSURDITIES OF ADDICTION   Alcohol and drug addiction exist as enigmas in the world of human behavior. These substances, which often start as a choice, spiral into something far beyond comprehension. They’re like Pandora’s boxes, each with its own unique set of chaos and complexities. What’s truly absurd is our inability to fully grasp the inner workings of addiction. We can chart the chemical reactions, study the brain’s responses, and analyze behavioral patterns, yet addiction remains elusive, always shifting, always adapting.   One absurdity lies in how addiction can strike anyone, regardless of background, intelligence, or willpower. It defies our neatly organized categories of good and bad, strong and weak. It sneaks into the lives of doctors, lawyers, artists, and laborers alike. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, or social status. Addiction doesn’t play by society’s rules, and that, in itself, is baffling.   Furthermore, the way addiction shapes reality is absurd.

When pulling up past stress or trauma into your working memory and then having someone distract you or give you another task to try to focus on, the process can be connected to the concept of memory reconsolidation. This technique is often used in therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and can help reduce the impact of traumatic memories. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works: 1. Memory Reconsolidation: Memory reconsolidation is a process by which existing memories are brought back into our conscious awareness and then re-stored in the brain with potential modifications. When a memory is recalled, it becomes temporarily malleable, which means it can be modified before being stored again. 2. Working Memory and Distraction/Disruption: When you pull up a past stressful or traumatic memory into your working memory, it becomes active and accessible to your conscious mind. At this moment, the memory is vulnerable to change. Introducing a distraction

  In days gone by, a pandemic's shadow cast, Its touch on lives, an echo from the past. Yet still, anxiety lingers, a silent guest, Two years have passed, but not found rest. Through solitude's embrace, we stayed apart, And fear took root in many a heart. Uncertainty, a tempest swirling inside, Leaving traces of anxiety far and wide. In isolation's veil, connections frayed, From loved ones distant, spirits swayed. The human touch, a treasure once cherished, Now elusive, its absence, anxiety nourished. The world transformed, a paradigm shift, In every soul, a lingering rift. The sense of normal, forever changed, And in the aftermath, anxiety arranged. Loss and grief, a bitter taste, Mourning loved ones, time can't erase. In the depths of sorrow, anxiety arose, A constant companion, it imposed. Yet amidst the shadows that anxiety brings, Resilience blooms, like a phoenix with wings. We find strength within, the will to cope, To heal and find hope, in life's kaleidosco

 

  Tim Welch, LPCC Mental Health Counseling,  Newark, Ohio Licking County Online Therapy.  Virtual Counseling for Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Anxiety, Depression & Mental Health Issues. twelch.com

  Understanding the Connection Between Codependency and Guilt/Shame Codependency is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects many individuals in their relationships. It is characterized by an excessive reliance on others for self-worth and identity, often at the expense of one's own well-being. In the context of codependency, guilt and shame play a significant role, intertwining with one another and exacerbating the challenges faced by those affected. The Role of Guilt in Codependency Guilt is a common emotion experienced by codependent individuals. It arises from a sense of responsibility for others' feelings, actions, or well-being. Codependents often feel guilty when they prioritize their own needs or set boundaries, fearing that they are being selfish or neglecting their role as a caretaker. This guilt can be overwhelming and lead to a cycle of self-blame and self-sacrifice. Codependents may constantly seek validation and approval from others, using their action