Emotions Session Analysis

The counseling student attended two AA meetings as an observer in order to understand the dynamics of the AA culture and to experience the possibilities of working in the field of addictions. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the various behavioral patterns of use described in the AA meetings (e. g., intensity, frequency, length of time and attempts to quit). This paper also identifies other necessary information required for proper assessment and diagnosis. This essay concludes with a synthesis of the information gathered from personal observation and this course’s texts assignments.

At the beginning of my training, I was hesitant to work with people struggling with addiction. However, at this point, I am excited to begin working with this population. The raw honesty presented in the group setting along with the anger at the possibility of losing a safe place created a dynamic I wanted to further explore. Research supports that individuals attending group therapy in a 12 step program format succeed if they have the proper support and motivation (Cite). The group dynamic demonstrated that recovery takes time and self-discovery, similar to other situations dealt with in therapy. Subsequently, by using my sense of self and humor with clients struggling with addiction, I can help them in their journey. Furthermore, the client needs to identify accountability at their own pace in the process and not when others dictate. This knowledge and the personalization of addiction will aid me in the future support of my

It should be noticed that in the recent few decades, the science developed at an astonishing pace, and the problem of substance abuse cause a huge public concern. Currently, substance abuse has already become a pandemic around the world. It costs individuals substantially, and it of their family as a whole. It is essential for the society to help those people who struggle with drug addiction to get rid of their pain and get back their health and balance life. Therefore, I understand the substance abuse is a tough area, and people who are struggling with addiction really need help. During the course of the interview, I

In the book, Addiction & Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions, May explores how addiction develops and can be treated from a psychological, physiological, and spiritual standpoint. This theme is clearly shown through out the text as it shows addiction from a whole person view. The book covers the development of addiction from desire through the experience of addiction. The key focus on looking at the matter of addiction from multiple stand points in then broken down by explaining how addiction is an issue psychologically, physiologically, and spiritually. By focusing on these three areas the author is able to present the reader with a clear understanding of addiction from all sides of the problem. This is then

In today’s session, group members learned about how thoughts and emotions contribute to behavior, and how to observe, analyze and responses to those thoughts and emotions in different ways. The common behavior traits that related to substance use were discussed, as well.

So how does an addicted individual escape addiction? Miller (1998) argues that there can be a sudden shift in how the person perceives the pros and cons of their behavior. This is often seen over time as the suffering directly attached to the addiction increases and the ratio of pros and cons shifts. Through motivational interviewing, Miller suggests that therapists and other helping professionals can lend clients another perspective, a mirror image of themselves, so as to increase the client's conception of the consequences and saliency of their

Addiction is a serious problem, especially when it comes to drugs, and can severely impact one's life, which can be seen in these three following stories. First of all, Katrina K. had two addict parents and grew up in a one parent household, where she faced problems such as depression and molesting, which could be escaped through drugs. Next is an anonymous health professional that started his addiction in medical school when his friend offered him stimulants to stay awake to study, which developed into a continued use to keep up with the demanding workload of his practice. Finally, Tracey Helton Mitchell was a good student, but started addiction when she got her wisdom teeth taken out and received opiates, which led to many problems. Each of these previous addicts abused a different drug and started for several reasons.

Nivek, presented a normal behavior today, he discussed how he had fun playing outside and was excited he will be able to participate in his school ice-cream party tomorrow. In the activity he expressed his feeling in an approached manner by accepting the fact that he was losing rounds in the game. Modeled appropriate behavior when he displaced competiveness and how he was willing to continue playing until he was able to win the prize that he desired very badly. He showed no signs of anger or frustration but stated how he enjoyed playing the game and wining a prize at the end. Therapist praise Nivek for showing better self- control.

It was interesting how the addicts described their feelings of cravings to their respective substances. They described the

This learner believes that behavior and addiction should be accepted as the same as addiction to substances. Working in a substance abuse recovery program has allowed this learner to understand addiction as a behavior. Many individuals have a substance abuse addiction and issues because of their behavior. They have made a choice to use substances and their behavior has taken over their life. Overall, this learner believes that all addictions are just as important as a substance abuse addiction. In fact, it should not be considered the same type of illness despite of it being a food, sex, or even gambling addiction. However, the addictions have to be treated differently based on the type and the individuals. According Smith (2012), “Developing brain science brain science has set the

In result of his death are relationship failed to exist, however my mother concluded his alcohol consumption elevated after war attendance. Due to dramatic war background he attempted to reduce his pain with alcohol and isolated himself from people. Dr. Gabor Mates specialist in treatment of addiction “confirms that all addictions are attempts to sooth the pain.” In addition individuals more often than not seek stimulants that decrease pain temporarily. Depending on the individual, distracting stimulants are commonly establish in shopping, drugs, alcohol and sex. In place of utilizing stimulants as an escape goat, pursuing comfort from loved ones is a respectable method to prevent addiction. Dr. Gabor Mates concludes addicted people need a compassionate present which will permit them to experience their pain without having to run away from it.” In response to Mates claim, confronting pain with supportive individuals can help avoid bondages that produce deeper issues to accrue. Furthermore it is soothing when a person obtains compassionate assistance from another individual during hardship, rather than exploiting stimulants for

I made a conscientious decision to read Dr. Hart’s memoir with an open mind and a willingness to learn. As I have never had any formal education on drugs and addiction that were based on facts and scientific evidence, I made the determination that Dr. Hart’s memoir was an excellent place for me to begin my journey on educating myself to understand the truth about drugs and addiction. Dr. Hart’s personal life experiences while he was growing up fascinated me and were somewhat relatable. My personal views and opinions were mainly challenged by Dr. Hart’s reflection of his insights and observations that he derived through his life experiences. I would like to add that my personal views and opinions are based solely on personal experience and observation.

In today’s group, patients had an opportunity to evaluate how anger and other emotions were expressed in their family, and learned how past family interactions affect their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. PO moderately participated in the group process, stated “I burned a lot of bridges with my family when I was using, but I am not going to do anything to destroy my relationships with my family again. My son needs me”. It appears that PO’s family is supportive of his recovery. PO had a positive respond to the group discussion.

Addiction is all around us. It may be that cup of coffee in the morning for the caffeine stimulation, the cigarette that is smoked for the nicotine, or an alcoholic drink used to relieve a stressful day or situation. For some, the addiction may not be to a substance, but to compulsive behaviors such as gambling, playing video games, or shopping. Consequences to addictions can impact an addict’s physical or mental state. Addiction can also have detrimental impact on the people that surround them. Watching a relationship fall apart because a person has an addiction to drugs, alcohol, or another addictive behavior is a sad thing to happen to anyone. Unfortunately, those with addictions usually won’t admit they even

Drug addiction is a complex problem in society today. Addiction is a condition that extremely affects the person’s mind and body. Addiction also has wide sweeping effects on that person’s social connection and functioning. Unfortunately, many addicts don’t realize the social influence of their addiction until much of their functioning has greatly deteriorated.