“The priority of any addict is to anesthetize the pain of living to ease the passage of day with some purchased relief.” — Russell Brand

After nearly 20 years of working with clients in both residential and out-patient settings, I’ve learned a few things about human nature. Firstly, we are pleasure-seeking missiles who desire to live devoid of emotional pain and discomfort.

Let’s face it, suffering simply sucks. And yet, it is an integral part of life that cannot be avoided. And because we (supposedly) possess executive functioning skills superior to all other species, we cleverly find work-arounds to deal with life’s unpleasantries. Whether it is smoking, drinking, drugging, eating, gambling, sex, shopping, exercising or any other activity we can perform in excess, we find a way to numb ourselves from BIG feelings and traumatic events. We all do it sometimes, in some way.

“90% of people are addicts; 10% are lying to themselves” — Dr Gabor Maté

Most of the population figures out a balance between indulgence, use, and abuse, by knowing how to self-regulate or “dial it back.” Substance Use Disorders (SUD) means the line has been crossed over into addiction because the governor of self-control malfunctions in the brain. That’s where BIG trouble begins and it affects every part of our lives.

Thankfully, there is promising news of a shifting focus on the addiction management front.

Traditional approaches to Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and addiction management focused on complete abstinence from all substances (or problematic behaviors). Very challenging. Very Judgmental. Very unrealistic for many. Shame and recidivism run high with the “old school” ways.

The new Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and addiction management treatment paradigm acknowledges limitations of the total abstinence approach and instead offers a more humanistic and compassionate alternative to treatment that meets people where they are at — if and when behavior(s) become unmanageable.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction prioritizes mitigating the negative consequences of substance use rather than demanding immediate abstinence. Without the readiness and willingness to change, it’s impossible to achieve success.

The idea is that we meet people where they are at and support them in taking small steps that increase safety, minimize risks, and improve functionality. This approach empowers people to take charge of their lives, make incremental positive shifts, and respects the autonomy of the individual.

Medication-Assisted Therapies (MAT)

Medication Assisted Therapies (MAT) involves the use of physician-prescribed medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, to assist in the treatment of SUD.

Medication Assisted Therapies (MAT) can help reduce cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment complementary programs. Research has consistently validated that MAT helps to reduce substance use, improves sustainability of treatment, and decreases the risk of overdose and infectious diseases.

An Integrated Approach

By combining harm reduction principles and MAT, healthcare providers and SUD professionals can provide an individualized approach to treatment that acknowledges abstinence might not be realistic or achievable for everyone. Instead the focus becomes on safety and reducing the risks of ongoing substance use while supporting small steps toward healing and recovery.

Sadly, stigma persists around substance use disorders (SUD) and Medication Assisted Therapies (MAT) causing a significant barrier to effective treatment. Society needs education, advocacy, and destigmatization that promotes a more universally accepted innovative and humanistic approach to addiction management.

Call to Action

By adopting a compassionate and more realistic evidence-based approach to Substance Use Disorders (SUD) , we can improve outcomes for individuals with SUD and reduce the societal burden of addiction.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food about this topic?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: Constant Cravings: Contemporary Solutions for Addiction Management with Dr. Joshua Lee MD or wherever you get your podcasts.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.

GUEST BIO: Dr. Joshua Lee MD specializes in medication-assisted treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. He conducts clinical trials and treats patients struggling with addiction as a primary care physician. As a Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, he leads the Addiction Medicine Fellowship and conducts research focused on justice and community outcomes. He is ready to explore the intersection of addiction treatment with innovative solutions, and personal and professional growth.

Website: http://www.oarhealth.com/podcast

Disclaimer: This communication is for information only and does not constitute mental health treatment nor is it indicative of a therapeutic relationship. Individuals in need of treatment for mental health or psychological concerns should seek out services from appropriate mental healthcare professionals.

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