Did you know that nearly 23 million Americans struggling with addiction, nearly 14 million also suffer from some form of mental illness, either stemming from or leading to substance abuse?
Did you also know that nearly six out of 10 addicts also suffer from a mental disorder such as ADHD, PTSD or schizophrenia. People who are addicted to drugs are twice as likely to suffer from a mood or anxiety disorder and vice versa, and roughly three quarters of addicts in rehab treatment also suffer from some sort of mental disorder. Furthermore, many drugs of abuse have qualities that can mimic the symptoms of mental illness and withdrawal side effects that are often diagnosed as mental illness. Well no matter the statics people do recover.
Below is an empowering video that focused on recovery stories with peers from around the world at the Alternative Conference in Auston Texas, from the Cafe TA Center .
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug user– according to(health experts). Sounds like stigma, and that is discrimination. The principles of harm reduction can and should be utilized by those who suffer with any form of addiction.
Harm reduction (or harm minimization) is a range of public health policies designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with various human behaviors, both legal and illegal. Harm reduction policies are used to manage behaviors such as recreational drug use and sexual activity in numerous settings that range from services through to geographical regions. Critics of harm reduction typically believe that tolerating risky or illegal behavior sends a message to the community that such behaviors are acceptable and that some of the actions proposed by proponents of harm reduction do not reduce harm over the long term. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Today so many people are fighting the war of behavioral health issues of addictions, mental health and suicide called (co-occurring disorders) and they are seeking hope through new integrative ways that could change their life.
The Harm Reduction theory:
So let’s look at addiction and mental health disorders using the theory from the stages of change as it relates to harm reduction.
Pre-contemplation is:Not yet acknowledging that there is a problem that needs to be changed
Contemplation is: Acknowledging that there is a problem, but not yet ready or sure of wanting to make a change
Determination is:Getting ready to change
Action is:Changing behavior
Maintenance is:Maintaining the behavior change.
Recently the medical health professionals are adding relapse as the six level of change. (You Think) The question is why not include or explore harm reduction as a therapy method for change such as:
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is-a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique to get to a stage of acceptance.
One-on-one therapy
Not everyone is able to share and discover their issues of life in a group. One-on-one therapy allows the person to dig deep with an qualified behavioral health professional to reach the help that is needed before attending group therapy.
Group therapy
Group therapy allows one to be able to share with others to gain a better understanding that they are not alone!
No one wants to be an addict of any form. however what about those with co-occurring disorders?
Society must understand that addiction or mental health disorders or suicidal thoughts are issues that just do not go away. With harm reduction it gives those with behavioral health challenges a fighting chance to deal with the root of their problem instead of returning to risky behavioral. The time has arrived for society to understand that harm-reduction strategies are showing results in reducing HIV transmission in injecting drug users, sex-workers, those with eating disorders alcohol, gambling and more.
If we deal with harm reduction for those who suffer with co-occurring disorders issues of addictions, depression, bipolar, eating disorders, schizophrenia and suicide– just maybe the lives for our youth, young adults as well as the mature adults can be approached from a different stage wise level by accepting and moving forward in a realistic way.
I welcome your thoughts, wisdom and remarks on harm reduction
Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth one step and or one door at a time.
What does wellness mean to you?
Maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely crucial to live a higher quality life. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. In turn, our well-being directly affects our actions and emotions. It’s an ongoing circle. Therefore, it is important for everyone to achieve optimal wellness in order to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive interactions.-According to the Student Health and Counseling Services
Strategies for wellness:
There are believed to be eight dimensions of wellness according to SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration that include:
Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep
Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
Spiritual—Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life
While all eight dimensions of wellness need our attention for us to truly flourish, there doesn’t have to be a balance among all dimensions. Instead, the goal is to find a personal harmony with the dimensions that are most authentic for you. You can’t get there passively, it requires active awareness, acceptance, and commitment through choices you make every day no matter how small.-According to the University of Maryland Health Center
Did you know that:
Halbert L. Dunn, M.D. (1896–1975) was the leading figure in establishing a national vital statistics system in the United States and is known as the “father of the wellness movement” -According to Wikipedia
The Evolution of Wellness:
Although Dr Dunn, is known as the father of the wellness movement. The evolution of wellness has been around for a long time.
No matter how one looks at wellness, it is important to note that there are four important elements of wellness and they are:
Physical
Mental
Emotional
Spiritual
More Education:
Education is the key to unlocking the doors of change to moving forward in wellness in-order for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements to be in harmony.
