I Can’t Help It, I Was Triggered: How the Language of Powerlessness Can Inhibit Recovery from Addiction
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. We know that self-efficacy is vital to successful recovery from addictive problems. We know that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are cornerstones of depression. We know that underlying issues like depression tend to fuel addictive problems. Yet, mainstream addiction treatment continues to promote language that encourages and reinforces feelings of helplessness […]
Simple Truths Still Not Accepted About Addiction: People Who Use Drugs Are Not Bad People
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Drugs are bad, therefore, people who use drugs are bad, or so the faulty groupthink of our epoch goes. For people who seek decency and efficacy in addiction treatment, obtaining results in the realm of positive change often feels like beating one’s head against a wall of misstatements, misinformation, and misanthropy. […]
The Beauty of Basic
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Lifestyle impositions stifle our sense of freedom and challenge us to get back to the basics in order to maintain psychological and emotional wellbeing. Restriction conjures rebellion. Rarely is the spirit more determined than when caged. The essence of finding the feeling of freedom amidst extreme limitation lies in reconnecting […]
APA Encourages Harm-Reduction & Telehealth During Pandemic
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD The American Psychological Association (APA) recently published an article offering advice from leading professionals on effectively treating and preventing addictive problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our own Dr. Horvath is quoted multiple times in the APA article, speaking about the value of telehealth during pandemic and the importance of fostering resilience […]
Four Tips for Getting Sober During Coronavirus Pandemic
Coronavirus Update: We are still seeing and accepting new clients via online rehab. Sessions and groups occur by video or phone. Call 858-546-1100 for details and to schedule. We are presently authorized to work in some other states (in addition to California). Call to find out about your state. Need intensive treatment, but fearful about […]
COVID Crisis Highlights Value of Long-Term Rewards
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Some experts argue that it takes about 10,000 hours to build mastery, others disagree. Few would disagree that building mastery requires discipline and a significant sacrifice of immediate pleasures over time (aka work). Sacrificing right now for later is not something humans are particularly well equipped to do. Sheltering-in-place during the […]
Harm Reduction Tips from the Experts
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Leading harm-reduction experts, April Smith and Kenneth Anderson, recently released an article outlining harm-reduction tips for safer drinking amidst shelter-in-place restrictions. Many are choosing to abstain entirely, others, not so much. Many, many industries are hit hard by the societal shutdowns, however, the adult beverage industry is not one of them. […]
Finding Personal Space During Shelter-in-Place
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Last week we covered five ways to cope with isolation. This week we address the other side of the shelter-in-place coin – the challenges of finding space for oneself when sheltering with others. Most of us live with people, and most of us can relate to the notion that enough time spent with anyone […]
5 Ways of Coping with Isolation
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. As the late, great Jim Morrison crooned, strange days have found us. As millions adjust to social life filtered almost exclusively through the cold, unforgiving pixilation of digital screens, the need for genuine connection is more intense than ever. Below are five ways of coping with isolation that do not involve […]
Is “Vitamin No” the Best Self-Care Supplement?
by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. Self-care is frequently pushed as a key to wellbeing. In the realm of addictive problems, family members are encouraged to put ‘self-care’ first as a way of curbing over-involvement in the lives of someone with addictive problems. People with addictive problems are encouraged to find healthier ways to practice self-care. Therapists are trained to […]