Labels in themselves are not wrong or harmful. TheBoozemusings CommunityBlogis written by a diverse group. Researchers in future should use objective measures of substance abuse in similar studies. I havent had a fit for several months, and although I still have aphasia, its not as bad as it used to be. It means slightly longer but it's safer. Nevertheless, the Escalator is also not a method that promises help with or promotes controlled use, because as stated earlier, many people will find out that in their case, controlled use may just not be an option for them. Starting where you are and moving upward. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Even trained clinicians are known to have significant issues with cognitive biases, such as confirmation biases (only looking to confirm what you already believe), availability heuristics (just looking at the first examples that come to mind as opposed to evaluating all the information), or illusory correlations (believing that two things are related when in fact they are not). Why should it be any different for the often fatal disease of addiction? Compulsive behaviors can be physical acts, like repetitive hand washing or hoarding, or mental exercises, like counting or memorizing books. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. The one rule often ignored with labels is that they must be accepted by the person being labeled. Shame is a basic feeling of inferiority. How many individuals who developed a new substance use disorder had overcome or successfully treated their initial substance use disorder? We are current and former members of theBOOM Rethink the Drinkcommunity where we also blog privately, in an anonymous, supportive forum, open to anyone hoping to stop drinking or just slow down. Instead focus on behavior change which will influence better decisions in the present and future. Suppose this heroin addicted person entered treatment and over time reduced his heroin use to snorting 10 bags per day. Still, what about those people who cant even get past Step 1? The Escalator also is designed for those who do not want help or do not want to change as well as those who are unsure what they want. Substance abuse problems are just as varied; from the weekly drug experimenter whose parents are complaining to the daily 20 time a day emaciated, disease infected, homeless intravenous speedball addict. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. GOALS! Help us by submitting your sober resource here >>>, Sober Eastbourne Directory. The main point of this book is to outline some of those tools and strategies in a constructive and practical manner to help the reader better help others. The American Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and so requires all buildings to be made accessible to persons with disabilities. But in the hospital they discovered a blood clot on my brain and operated that evening; they also put in a metal plate to stop my skull collapsing. But is cross addiction real? One 2014 study investigated whether or not those in recovery are actually more prone to developing another addiction in the future. While almost any behavior can become compulsive or addictive, some are more common. anyself-restraint,self-denial,orforbearance. Taking the Escalator - An Alternative to the 12 Steps To learn more, view ourPrivacy Policy. So if the goal of the Escalator is not limited to just abstinence or sobriety then what is the goal of the upward change process? A huge collection of non 12 step, free addiction and recovery tools, including PDF worksheets, handouts, assessments, and videos. In order to better explain how this new method works, a great place to start is to actually look at some of the key terms often used in the world of substance abuse, addiction and recovery. It is important to note that the Escalator is primarily focused on substance use however, any difficult to stop, compulsive habit can be interchanged with substance use issues. People with deficits in motivation or insight or both should not be neglected nor labeled as not ready. These include: As with all mental health issues, persons who believe they may be suffering from compulsive or addictive behaviors should speak to a healthcare professional. When someone is abstinent, they are not using. As we have stated earlier, for a long time, the 12 Steps have been one of the primary methods for recovery. As touched upon earlier, the Escalator focuses more on the. "The Psychology of Compulsive Behavior." Should someone who uses heroin be treated exactly the same as someone who smokes marijuana? The person does the best that they can to buy the tools to build the house and then try to use these tools for the actual construction of the house. Exploring some of these classic social psychology experiments can provide a glimpse at some of the fascinating research that has emerged from this field of study. Common examples of this would be replacing opiates with alcohol, or replacing cocaine with ADHD medication. I recommend elevators instead, because they are a lot easier and safer. Although there is a lot of overlap, the comparison of addiction to diseases like cancer and diabetes is far too limited. Shame can involve feeling "flawed" "unworthy" or "not good enough". Not only was I developing an increased empathy for those who were not getting the full benefit of the 12 Steps but I was also noticing an increase in the number of young people entering programs who had difficulty with 12 Step recovery. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. In other words, the policy is definitely not abstinence or else! Of course, risk always plays a factor when it comes to this issue. Cross addiction is when a person with an addiction becomes dependent on a new substance or behavior, either at the same time or during the recovery process. The change part of this equation is an absolute requirement when it comes to the process of getting better from any substance use issue. Getting On and Off the Escalator with One Adult. Inspired Progress The Goal of the Escalator. The Escalator refrains from over-using the term disorder which, like the word addiction, can apply in many cases but also can be a very difficult to accept label for others. Robert Longley is a U.S. government and history expert with over 30 years of experience in municipal government and urban planning. In the spirit of the Escalator, the desired goal is to use terminology that includes a wider range of people. Compulsive Behavior: A Psychological Explanation - ThoughtCo Nevertheless, I and many of the colleagues I have worked closely with have seen a need for an inclusive, comprehensive design specifically created for the changing needs of problem substance users in the modern world. For all of the success that the 12 Steps have had there are still a huge number of individuals who have not responded. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Finally I found a charity called Headway East London, which helps people with brain injuries. As explained earlier, the Escalator is an alternative to the 12 Steps and for some the Escalator can even be a supplement to the 12 Steps. >People who believe that their other issues, particularly mental health or other behavioral issues, prevent them from benefitting from or embracing the 12 Steps. The invention of the escalator changed everything: suddenly, a constant flow of people could ascend into the air, or descend to . Buidling motivation and insight for inspiration and progress The term substance use issues is not only significantly more expansive and inclusive than other commonly accepted terms or labels, but it is also much less threatening, which is aligned with the overall philosophy of the Escalator as we will discuss later. When it comes to abstinence and substance abuse, there are some undeniable facts: >Abstinence is the ideal. 1. In a nutshell, it refers to a new addiction following in the footsteps of another. Most of the supporting evidence is based on anecdotal evidence and case histories that are not sufficient to support an overall theoretical concept. >Controlled use is impossible for some individuals: There are those people out there who most definitely fit the traditional disease model who no matter how hard they try will never be able to use successfully (or in other words, use without eventual consequences) When it comes to more serious substance abuse issues, this group is the majority. In actuality, recovery is a lot easier for those who can accept that they are powerless over their addiction (Step 1) then believe in and turn over their will to a Higher Power (Steps 2 and 3). Other people may hear of some of the expectations involved with traditional recovery models and consider these goals to be unrealistic, unreasonable or out of reach. No, Cross-Addiction Isn't Real (And Other Myths - Drug Rehab Options But when I tried working again after my accident, I couldnt even tell customers the names of the fish. only remember little bits and pieces of what happened. Surely, abstinence would be better, but progress is progress and it should be viewed that way. However, as a substance abuse and mental health counselor for many years, I have always been fascinated with those unfortunate individuals who just couldnt get it when it comes to the 12 Steps. By contrast, people with addictions want to use the substance or engage in the behavior because they expect to enjoy it. forbearancefromanyindulgenceofappetite,especiallyfromthe useofalcoholicbeverages. mason.script.plugins.twitterTweetPlugin.tweet. Taking the Escalator is an easy to understand method developing the inspiration to overcome the struggle with managing addictions. The more idealistic hope that people need to accept that they are an addict or alcoholic is in actuality not a requirement for self-improvement. You should be receiving an order confirmation from Paypal shortly. The harm reduction perspective understands that some people will not be perfectly abstinent from all substances in recovery. What makes a lot more sense is to provide the necessary treatment for people at the level where they enter treatment, based solely on their individual needs. For example, when looking at someone with substance use issues who has been using regularly since age 12 or 13, what former state of improved functioning would they in fact be recovering once they stopped using? Suppose that over the course of the next year, he lost 50 pounds and lowered his cholesterol 25%. This person also got to practice some of the skills involved in construction as well as learning to use the tools. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is an inability to control or stop drinking despite experiencing negative consequences. Also, make sure you step over the comb-plate when entering. These types of case study evidence are useful in describing aspects of a broader and empirically validated theoretical concept, but they are the weakest forms of evidence to describe an overall theoretical concept. Based on the most recent available research, it appears that the notion that an individual who has completed recovery program for a substance use disorder is at greater risk to develop another substance use disorder is the exception rather than the rule. Understanding the Fear of Elevators. The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. This post discusses everything you should know about cross addiction, including what it is, the research behind it, and whether or not you should worry about it. Even if the now 350 pound man is still considered morbidly obese with a cholesterol level twice the acceptable limit, his doctor and family likely would still embrace his progress in a positive encouraging way with the hope he will continue in that positive direction. These same individuals in treatment can become preoccupied with repeatedly asking their counselor, Do you think that I am an addict? Without even answering, in some cases it may be glaringly obvious (like for example, the daily fall-down, blackout drinker or the several hundred dollar-a-day crack user or the guy who has been arrested a dozen times for substance abuse related crimes). Cross addiction, also known as addiction interaction disorder, is when a person has two or more addictions. Its not always easy to tell if youve developed a cross dependence, especially when it comes to behavioral addictions. When looking at both research as well as the millions of personal testimonials from people all over the world, 12 Step programs have been a lifeline for countless people struggling with substance abuse and addiction for decades. The Escalator consists of the following areas of focus: Your email address will not be published. The Escalator promotes abstinence as the ideal way to stay out of trouble and then make progress and positive change but at the same time this method acknowledges that people have different paths toward their goals that are not all abstinence based. Consider the definition of Upward . Moderate marijuana use might help that unique individual reduce anxiety and avoid alcohol relapse, while causing fewer harms than drinking. It is also consistent with many strict disease models of addiction where individuals are unable to make rational choices regarding substance use due to changes that occur in the brain. These situations are not as easy as setting basic, one size fits all limits on people. Compulsive behaviors are actions a person feels driven or compelled to do repeatedly, even if those actions appear to be irrational or pointless. The answer starts with a combination of two key concepts: >stimulationorarousalofthemind,feelings,etc,tospecialor unusualactivityorcreativity, >thestateorqualityofbeingsostimulatedoraroused, Inspiration is a combination of motivation and insight, which are at the very core of the Escalator. It is the best and most guaranteed long term answer for sustained success in recovery. An ambulance came and took me to hospital. The Psychology of Compulsive Behavior. Last Updated: March 4, 2021 If we are not continuously working on changing for the better on some level, then life can get pretty mundane and meaningless. This article has been viewed 70,994 times. However, the Escalator accepts people exactly where they are at and uses the principle some change is better than no change .Therefore if the only thing that someone is willing to do is reduce their use for now, then it is better to start from there than do nothing at all. >A system for self exploration and mental expansion through learning to challenge your own beliefs in order to learn about yourself at your own pace, on your own terms without fear of judgment or harsh criticism from others. (For example, 12 Step groups have come a long way with regard to accepting mental health issues and issues such as medication however there are many people with mental health issues who still feel like they can not fit in due to their coexisting issues). Schedule a private call with a Ria Health team member and we can help you get started. This is because of the false belief that having an addiction to one substance puts you at a much higher . Starting and Staying on a Positive Note - Academia.edu All movements made in a positive direction are critical aspects of the upward change process. However, often there are setbacks on the road toward inspired progress where someone may actually takes steps backward or lose progress or lose motivation and insight and thereby temporarily lose there inspiration. Better outcomes means having to pay out less for treatment and 12 Step meetings are free. Lets again consider the rationale for developing this alternative method for recovery and the upward change process but this time we will go back a little farther and consider some personal experience: The Escalator is not an effort to undermine the 12 Steps. This maneuver only works if you have another adult with you. A few hours later, some time around midnight, I realised I would have to rush otherwise Id miss the last tube. The reason that formal research methods are employed to develop theories that lay the foundation for practical treatment is to minimize the effect of bias and subjectivity when considering the broader aspects of behavior. As my career and education in the field of substance abuse progressed I noticed another trend that increasingly caught my attention. It would be difficult for anyone to dispute the extensive history of the 12 Steps as effective path to self improvement and self help. "The Psychology of Compulsive Behavior." That leads directly back to the subject of how to look at abstinence. The Mirror of Awareness -Using the Group as a Mirror - Academia.edu This example has a direct parallel when it comes to substance use issues. If you can, take your child out and hold them while balancing the stroller next to you. Most places have an elevator in addition to the escalator, and it is much easier and safer to manipulate a stroller on an elevator. 1 Such addictions may extend well beyond alcohol and other substances of abuse, including compulsive behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, gambling and excessive shopping are also addictions. Try finding an elevator instead. So the actual use of the term recovery is quite fitting and appropriate when viewing substance abuse and addiction in this manner. Home Blog What Is Cross Addiction, and Is It a Real Thing in Recovery? A matrix-based system as opposed to stepwise system, allows the user to select their own entry point into the paradigm based on ones personal needs and circumstances. -. In other words, abstinence is the direction toward which the Escalator guides people but abstinence is not an automatic requirement to work within the Escalator, especially early in the process. Let the front wheels rest on lower step and the back wheels rest on a higher step. 400+ Curated Sober, Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Apps, Podcasts & Resources. When one is taught the disease model of addiction, one of the most powerful illustrations is the comparison of addiction to a widely accepted disease like cancer. What if the number of people who failed to respond to the accepted treatment was growing? To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds toupgrade your browser. Listen to friends and family like the original addiction; it is common for people with cross addiction to minimize the reality and to make excuses for the behavior. Learn more about our teams approach. I have been trained in a variety of techniques that over the years and I found myself, like most counselors, breaking down and combining in order to utilize an array of the best principles, skills, techniques and ideas from various methods for the variety of situations and problems faced by people I was trying to help. Lost - Taking the Escalator therapy activity intro - YouTube How do you think an EzGoGo Stroller that can stand alone would go on an escalator with a special supporting device? While there are good habits and bad, unhealthy habits, any habit can become a compulsion or even an addiction. But epilepsy and alcohol dont mix, so I had to give up after my accident. Abstinence is often the ultimate goal, however people, often guided by their level of motivation and insight, often take many different paths toward that goal. OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood, with 19 being the average age at which disorder develops. Are you taking examples out of context by only considering one aspect of the situation at the expense of considering the entire incident? Taking an even broader view we see that life itself is a process of ongoing change as we gain experience, mature, learn and grow, and as our circumstances shift for the better or at times for the worse. The researchers suggest that this outcome is partially linked to the coping skills that come with recovery. What is Cross Addiction? (Signs & Statistics) - American Addiction Centers Common habits often develop into addictions when they result in a chemical dependency, as in the cases of alcoholism and smoking. Our challenges are designed to help people change their relationship with alcohol by shifting mindsets. The process outlined in this book is called the Escalator. Here is our guide to giving up (or cutting back) on alcohol. For example, many people simply may not feel like their personal situation or circumstances coincide with some of the more traditional views on recovery and self-improvement. The idea that any substance use equals relapse may actually increase the chances of relapse in some people. Fortunately, there are solutions. In the meantime, while awaiting the miracle cure, we need to focus on how we can change and make adjustments in our lives in order to break negative patterns related to substance use issues. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Taking the Escalator - Home | Facebook The best case scenario when it comes to achieving the goal of the Escalator is a degree of sustained inspired progress. *Do not be mislead by this statement: For many abstinence is the only way, but not everyone is ready to embrace that possibility, especially early in the process. Another way to look at this same question when examining the goals of the process of getting better is: The next section searches into this sometimes controversial topic, Answering the Questions about Abstinence . Myth #1 Cross-Addiction. toregainhealthafterbeingsick,wounded,orthelike:torecoverfromanillness. **Since the terms addiction and dependence mean essentially the same thing these two terms are often used interchangeably. They may resort to: Additionally, some believe that people with alcohol or substance use disorders are prone to cross addictions involving similar substances. In many cases, that outcome may involve sobriety which is a wonderful thing.
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