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Subtle Betrayals

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2bits  “The unraveling of one’s life is often a gradual process, influenced by a series of choices and decisions that chip away at the foundation of one’s integrity. It is not always the major events that shape our destinies, but the small, seemingly insignificant choices made in a split second that silently lead us astray from our moral core. These subtle betrayals of character, when left unchecked, accumulate over time and transform us into strangers to ourselves. The path to self-destruction is not paved with one big mistake, but rather with the countless compromises we make in our daily lives. For me, the turning point did not come with the introduction of alcohol into my life, but with the moment I chose to avoid discomfort. It was this split-second decision, driven by the desire to escape difficult truths and obstacles, that set me on a profound and destructive path. Looking back, I realize that it was the subtle evils within each minute choice that eroded the innocence and g...

I’d rather have you drunk than dead

In a society that often stigmatizes and condemns individuals struggling with alcohol or drug use, it’s crucial to delve beyond the surface and recognize that these substances might be more than mere vices. The notion that “I’d rather have you drunk than dead” highlights a perspective that urges us to consider the deeper reasons behind substance use rather than solely focusing on the act itself. Substance use can often be a symptom rather than the root cause of the issue. It serves as a coping mechanism for individuals grappling with overwhelming emotions, trauma, or unresolved psychological struggles. Simply taking away the substance without addressing these underlying concerns could be akin to treating a symptom while neglecting the disease. In a poignant example, a client who successfully quit alcohol and drugs found themselves in a perilous emotional state. This case sheds light on the fact that removing the substances doesn’t automatically alleviate the pain or resolve the issues t...

Understanding addiction

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 Understanding addiction requires grappling with its multifaceted nature. While driven by individual choices, addiction can also be influenced by deeper factors, including its potential as a disease and its role as a coping mechanism for managing underlying trauma and emotions. Addiction is a complex issue that encompasses a spectrum of experiences. While it's important to acknowledge the power of personal choice and agency, it's equally crucial to consider the intricate interplay between biology, psychology, and the environment. Addiction can be viewed as a disease, much like other medical conditions. As diabetes or heart disease involves physiological changes, addiction alters brain chemistry and function, impacting decision-making, impulse control, and the brain's reward system. Furthermore, addiction can emerge as a way of managing underlying trauma and challenging emotions. Individuals who have experienced trauma or face emotional distress may turn to substances to esc...

The absurdities of addiction

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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 real...

Distracting/disrupting the working memory when trying to reduce past trauma

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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...

A pandemic's shadow

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  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...

Don't do nothing

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