Continuing to use a drug despite its negative consequences is the critical diagnostic criterion of Substance Use Disorders. The long-term outcome for individuals who have fallen into, or created, a chemical dependence trap is poor because of the exceptionally high relapse rate.
Making up your mind to quit using is not sufficient. Most drug users who try to quit on their own, as well ass those who enroll in inpatient or outpatient treatment programs relapse. A Substance Use Disorder is worthy of your respect. The same problem [the Problem of Immediate Gratification - the PIG] that makes a human vulnerable to addictive disorders also makes humnans desire immediate gratification of their desire to be free of the problem. The PIG sets up a nasty trap from which escape is deceptively difficult.
There are two primary strategies to escape a pathogenic relationship with a substance that can deliver immediate gratification:
- Turn it over to an external agent. For example, admit powerlessness over a disease and take the passive patient role, putting a program, treatment provider, or self-help group in the role of active agent for change.
- Develop the skills and faculties to intentionally influence your actions, despite the influence of local stressors and temptations. This approach rquires that the user accept responsibility to influence his or her actions during real time crises.
This web site contains strategies and tools to help high-functioning drug abusers develop the irreversible skills required to achieve good long-term outcome. The
author of these materials, William Dubin, Ph.D., is a Licensed
Psychologist who has been awarded
the Certificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other
Substance Use Disorders by the American Psychological Association.
Over the last 30 years Dr. Dubin has accompanied many individuals through the passage from dependence
on drugs to self-determination.
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