Mary Beth O'Connor

The key definition of addiction is continued use despite notable negative consequences!

And often have to address underlying trauma and/or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Exactly! We treat a chronic condition as an acute condition. And we don't offer evidence-based treatment of an appropriate length, that also addresses co-occurring mental health disorders, to many people who are struggling.

a cartoon of a man and woman sitting on a couch with the words " we have to protect our children from this " below them ALT: a cartoon of a man and woman sitting on a couch with the words " we have to protect our children from this " below them

Community factors that can create childhood trauma include #poverty, discrimination, and social injustice, with such trauma increasing rates of #addiction and other mental health disorders. #recoveryposse

#Alcohol causes 4% of all cancers, but reducing or quitting alcohol does reduce that risk. International Agency for Research on #Cancer #harmreduction

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I don't care if people pick the #addiction support groups with which I'm affiliated (LifeRing #Secular Recovery and She Recovers). I only care that they know they have choices. So they can find the best fit and thus increase their odds of success. #recoverposse

Thank you so much for your book, it was excellent. I feel motivated to stay sober, keep working, and like you look into #Law school in about 5 years! - Goodreads Reviewer Meg #quitlit #booktok
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For many of us, it gets easier with time. That's good news! That with practice and repetition, choosing sobriety becomes a way of life that doesn't require hyper-focused attention.

And noticing what makes you feel as if you need a drink, or any other drug, is information. What's going on? How can this be better addressed?

Good work!

Yes. And any addiction treatment program that doesn't do this, should be avoided.

Self-empowered recovery works! "Research shows that believing you are capable of self-control can help you succeed . . . After all, if you don’t think you can control yourself then why would you make any efforts to do so?” Dr. Ethan Kross, University of Michigan #Empowerment #RecoveryPosse

#addiction #sobriety #RecoveryPosse

I don't have any moral qualms about adults using drugs recreationally. I just want them to know the true risks (not the exaggerated or minimized risks) so they can make informed choices. And I want treatment on demand for those who develop an #addiction. #AddictionRecovery #harmreduction

Good work!

She Recovers co-founder Dawn Nickel phrases it as: The shit you did is just the shit you did – it’s not who you are.

Good work!

Good work!

Thanks! I don't think this can be over-emphasized. It's key for so many of us. Including me.

Shattering the STIGMA: Talking openly about MOUD in 12-step recovery programs Despite overwhelming evidence supporting Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) for substance use disorders (SUDs), stigma persists within recover…

Good summary of some of the obstacles 12-step members face in regard to meds for opioid #addiction and how to counter that problem. #harmreduction #opioids
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The Coproduction of a Recovery Evidence Base on the Frontiers of Future Recovery Research Frontiers of Recovery Research Series – William White Interview with Bill Stauffer   What an honor it is in my life to do this interview. I think the first time I ever heard the name William W…

Important interview of #addiction research grandfather William White, about what we've learned, where we should focus now, and hopes for the future of those seeking recovery. #recoveryposse #WeDoRecover
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Evidence-based, voluntary treatment of an appropriate length, also addressing co-occurring mental health disorders is the better use of these funds. And that doesn't exist for many people today.

Thanks for sharing! I do try to keep my feed useful. 😊

Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change - Kindle edition by Foote, Jeffrey, Wilkens, Carrie, Kosanke, Nicole, Higgs, Stephanie. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change.

For friends and family, I recommend this book as it's based on CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), which is twice as effective as tough love.
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I can still feel that younger version within me. In a loving way.

Interesting. You may have missed it, but there's a crisis in my family right now that's limiting my activities. So I can only wish you good luck.

When someone tells me their family member has "tried everything" b/c they've been to rehab multiple times, I ask if they were evaluated for a co-occurring mental health disorder. Failure to treat such conditions is a common reason for substance use recovery struggles. #addiction #recoveryposse

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Fun, engaging, stimulating, and social activities reduce relapse risk! #addiction #recoveryposse #soberlife

For a long time, the addict version of me felt more real.

No one program will be the right approach for everyone. Variety and choice are helpful as more options means more successes.