Can you spot the signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one? This week on Bite of Bounce, we've got a crucial conversation for you. We've welcomed expert Holly Wade, LCPC, who specializes in substance use disorder, to shed light on this often misunderstood subject. We promise to keep this chat light and informative while delving into the nitty-gritty of identifying addiction, recognizing it as a disease, and showing you the help available.
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Can you spot the signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one? This week on Bite of Bounce, we've got a crucial conversation for you. We've welcomed expert Holly Wade, LCPC, who specializes in substance use disorder, to shed light on this often misunderstood subject. We promise to keep this chat light and informative while delving into the nitty-gritty of identifying addiction, recognizing it as a disease, and showing you the help available.
Cabana Pods offers a therapeutic experience through immersive reality, focusing on emotional resilience. Research shows that immersive technologies tailored to one’s needs can immediately positively change well-being, mood, stress relief, and mindfulness. Learn more about Cabana pods at https://www.yourcabana.com/pod
This is, bite of Bounce, your weekly snack size therapy sesh. I'm your host, christine, and this week we met with Holly Wade, LCPC, who specializes in substance use disorder. If you haven't already done so, go ahead and listen to our full link. At the episode Today we are going to dive back into our talk about substance use, so let's just jump in. Yeah, yeah, I know it's a heavy topic, but don't worry, I plan on keeping it light and informative, so let's keep going.
Speaker 1:
Let's start out with how the heck do you know if you or someone you love is dealing with addiction? Well, it's like a game of musical chairs, but with consequences. When you or someone you love are avoiding responsibilities or hobbies in favor of the substance of choice, it's time to pause the music. If you find yourself feeling physically or mentally unwell without it, then that's for sure a red flag. And when you start neglecting relationships or your finances, it's not a dance party anymore, it's a problem. Be sure that you are not giving yourself too much rope. If you identify it may be a problem, talk to someone you trust for a second opinion.
Speaker 1:
Let's talk about substance use disorder. It's not just a fancy term, it's a disease. The NIH identifies substance use disorder as a treatable mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like illegal or legal drugs, alcohol or medications. So if you or someone you know has tried to cut down or control substance use and failed, it's time to get serious about getting yourself the help you need. If you spend a lot of time obtaining, using or recovering from the substance, that's another telltale sign. And if it's interfering with your daily life, like your job, family or school, it might be time to stop thinking of this as a game. Sometimes loving yourself or someone else means doing the hard thing and making sure that you or they have the access to the help they need. And let's be real alcohol is very socialized in our society, and so it can be really easy to overlook the need for help.
Speaker 1:
The silver lining of substance use disorder is that there is help out there, and no, it doesn't have to be as awkward as some of the sitcoms out there on TV. You don't have to be the resident expert, but you do your research so you know how to steer your loved ones into the treatment they need. And remember, a recovery is not a one size fits all. Sometimes it will be a wild mix tape of therapy, support groups, medication. Like Holly told us, substance use disorder is protected under the ADA. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It's a disease and there are people who can help. All right with that.
Speaker 1:
Here's this week's balance tool. Remember that identifying addiction is like spotting the music, stopping in the game of musical chairs. Look for changes in priorities physical or mental health or personal relationships and when you see those signs, be ready to offer the support and resources that they need. You don't have to be an expert, you just have to be a friend. Remember when you're playing the game of life, you want to keep dancing and not scrambling for chairs. And if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, help is out there. Keep it in the front of your mind, stay informed and make sure you take care of your health. Lauren and I will be back next week for a brand new episode of You're Always Fine. Until then, mind your health. 第7 3rduk.