Action-Based Addiction Recovery
(Episode #241)
Alan Simberg, PhD, LMFT, LCDC
“All the suffering, stress, and addiction comes from not realizing you already are what you are looking for.”
― Jon Kabat-Zinn
Addiction is a complex and pervasive condition characterized by compulsive and harmful pursuit of a substance or behavior that is believed to provide a sense of euphoria while inevitably leading to adverse consequences. We’ve all heard of alcohol and drug addiction, but it is possible to become addicted to many other things, including gambling, eating, sex, and even video games. The negative side of addiction impacts not only physical, emotional and mental health but also relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Recovering from any form of addiction is a challenging journey that individuals undertake in order to regain control of their lives. Regardless of the specific nature of the addiction, the recovery process requires a combination of self-awareness, resilience, and external support. A fundamental aspect of addiction recovery is acknowledging the problem and embracing a commitment to change. This self-awareness serves as a catalyst for the transformative journey ahead, as individuals confront the root causes of their addiction and begin to understand the impact on their lives.
For this episode of Life Mastery TV, I’m delighted to welcome a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor to help us understand the nature of both addiction and recovery. My guest, Alan Simberg, PhD, LMFT, LCDC, has over 50 years of experience as a therapist and counselor and has written his own book entitled Back to Living: Action Strategies to Recover from your Addiction. Alan will be sharing from his deep background as we delve into this difficult and fascinating topic. Here is a sampling of what we plan to discuss:
The Nature of Addiction
What is it that causes people to become addicted to something? What sorts of things predispose certain people to become addicted in the first place? What are some of the consequences of addiction, both to the addicted person and to his/her family, friends, co-workers and associates? There are many factors that contribute to what some call “addictive personality”. Generally speaking, if you have a tendency toward addiction, there may be no actual cure for you; instead, you will have to engage awareness and discipline to manage your addiction. This is why it is a process of “recovery”.
The Path to Recovery
For many people, the path begins with a crisis moment, what many people think of as “hitting rock bottom”, where it seems like death may be right around the corner. For some, it can start from a simple “wake-up call” that helps them to become aware of the dangers of their behavior. For others, it may be the result of a single “scare event” that leads them to realize the folly of their current behaviors. In all cases, there might be difficulty in getting onto the path because of a focus on what’s is being given up rather than what might be gained.
External Support
External support is crucial in the recovery process. Friends, family, and professional therapists play pivotal roles in offering encouragement, understanding, and guidance. Rehabilitation programs and support groups provide structured environments where individuals can share experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and receive the necessary tools to overcome addiction.
12-Step Programs
12-step programs are widely recognized and utilized for addiction recovery. Although initially developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the “12-Step Program” has been adapted for various forms of addiction, including drugs, gambling, and more. The foundation of the program is a set of 12 principles and actions aimed at helping individuals overcome their addiction and lead a sober, fulfilling life. While the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the program, the core principles generally remain consistent.
Alternate Strategies
People sometimes mistakenly think abstinence is recovery from addiction. Without realizing abstinence is only a part of recovery, relapse is more likely to occur. Generally speaking, practitioners and programs tend to focus on abstinence, which includes developing a relapse prevention plan. Alan will share some of his proprietary strategies for managing the addiction during recovery.
Recovering from addiction is a profound and transformative experience that encompasses self-awareness, external support, and a commitment to change. It is a process that demands resilience, honesty, and a willingness to confront the underlying issues that contribute to dependency. The combination of professional help, support networks, and personal determination can help you embark on a path towards rebuilding your life and rediscovering a sense of purpose and well-being.
Episode Guest
Alan Simberg, Ph.D., LMFT, LCDC
Alan Simberg, Ph.D. has 50 plus years of professional experience and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and has a certification in Applied Clinical Nutrition. He has a chapter in three international best-selling compilation books and has self-published a book titled, Back to Living: Action Strategies to Recover from your Addiction. Besides being a guest on several different podcasts Alan has delivered presentations at national conferences and to general audiences on various topics including stress management, depression, spirituality, and addiction recovery solutions.
For more information, visit https://LifeMasteryWithAlan.com/