Compulsive Behavior: A Psychological Explanation - ThoughtCo People in recovery from substance or alcohol use disorders may end up replacing their primary addiction with something else. However, the Escalator accepts people exactly where they are at and uses the principle some change is better than no change .Therefore if the only thing that someone is willing to do is reduce their use for now, then it is better to start from there than do nothing at all. Many people will continue to benefit from the wisdom of the 12 Steps and the 12 Step philosophy. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. >People who have given the 12 Steps a sincere, honest try but they continue to feel like they just dont fit in because their unique personal situation just is not a good match for the 12 Step methodology, >People who just dont like groups. In the rehab community, youll see two common viewpoints: harm reduction and total abstinence. Thus, individuals who were unable to address their original substance use issue were more vulnerable to developing other substance use issues than individuals who were successful in addressing their substance use disorder. There are those to whom the concept of recovery directly applies but it does not make sense to exclusively refer to this process of getting better only as recovery due to the existence of many individuals to whom recovery does not apply. This often happens after a person has quit one substance, and is looking for new ways to cope. [1] Does Your Health Insurance Cover Treatment? (2021, August 1). In order to better explain how this new method works, a great place to start is to actually look at some of the key terms often used in the world of substance abuse, addiction and recovery. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds toupgrade your browser. Industry Accreditations, Reviews & Ratings. Cross addictionalso known as addiction interaction disorder or addiction transferis a phenomenon you might've heard of in recovery. I was in an induced coma for a week, and I remember having these powerful, vivid dreams. That would be even more reason for someone to develop alternative treatments for the disease. In any case, theres cause for concern when a behavior or substance creates any level of harm in your life (or meets any criteria for addiction). Renaming the Process Taking another Look at Recovery. ThoughtCo, Aug. 1, 2021, thoughtco.com/psychology-of-compulsive-behavior-4173631. This book is not designed to put down or disparage any 12 Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous or anything at all involved with those programs or concepts. And I take a lot more care on the escalators. However, as a substance abuse and mental health counselor for many years, I have always been fascinated with those unfortunate individuals who just couldnt get it when it comes to the 12 Steps. Hence, the point is not to undermine the relevance of the concept of addiction or dismiss those who wish to identify themselves as addicts or addicted because they themselves have come to that conclusion. Suppose that over the course of the next year, he lost 50 pounds and lowered his cholesterol 25%. If inspiration is the fuel that moves us forward, then progress is the mileage we accumulate along the road we travel on. We may have insight about our need to change, and motivation to want that change happen but it is finally when we hit a point of inspiration which is when we are ready to take action and make change happen, >amovementtowardagoalortoafurtherorhigherstage, >growthordevelopment;continuousimprovement. The Psychology of Compulsive Behavior. "The Psychology of Compulsive Behavior." Addiction is based on a form of dependence, and as a result, the two words: addiction and dependence have become synonymous ** It is well documented that addiction is growing problem over the years affecting the lives of millions. Some compulsive behaviors are symptomatic of the psychiatric condition called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Longley, Robert. The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. If youre struggling with a cross addiction in recovery, youre not alone. How many individuals who developed a new substance use disorder had overcome or successfully treated their initial substance use disorder? 9 Sources. Elevators have a unique, precise, and tightly constrained mission. 2K. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. This article has been viewed 70,994 times. Consider another example: If there was a fatal disease that had an available course of treatment that could cure two thirds of those inflicted with the disease, would it be fair to cast off the other third who did not respond to the accepted treatment as hopeless? In other words, many individuals start using drugs and alcohol so early in life that they never had a truly developed a state or level of functioning that they could recover to. What do cross addiction and cross dependence mean? Do You Really Need to Avoid Alcohol on Antibiotics? Therefore going forward, we will just refer to addiction to cover all three similar terms. I was running down the escalator, and I was drunk, so I must have tripped and . Therefore, it is important not to exclude or discourage abstinence as a part of the goal because for many individuals abstinence is the only viable outcome for them. That is a question that tickled my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Of course, this person is better prepared as they can learn from past mistakes and use experience from the first attempt for the future. The focus will primarily be on Twelve Step recovery. In other words, even if someone never stops using substances (abstinence) there still can be a measurable level of progress. Nonetheless, these weaknesses do not invalidate the findings. 6 talking about this. A compulsive behavior is an action that a person feels compelled or driven to do over and over again. A drug is a drug is what some may say but in reality, there is definitely greater harm associated with some drug behaviors than with others and that fact cannot and should not be ignored. Required fields are marked *. Therefore, the discussion of labels is often irrelevant and unnecessary and in many cases can even be a distraction as opposed to being helpful. The habit of having a glass of beer with dinner, for example, becomes an addiction when the desire to drink turns into a physical or emotional need to drink. For example, when considering going on a diet, think about how many times a person may experience little bursts of inspiration until finally one day they stick with the diet and actually start losing weight. Also, make sure you step over the comb-plate when entering. A few hours later, some time around midnight, I realised I would have to rush otherwise I'd miss the last tube. Evidence Based Online AlcoholAddiction Treatment Program. Although it was a very bad accident, it turned out also to be quite a good accident. This method is in part designed for the growing number of individuals who are not yet ready or able to strive for the ideal recovery as outlined in the 12 Steps. The other accidents happened when the kid was riding the escalator outside of the stroller. 1 But many people feel at least a slight nervousness when contemplating a long elevator . Below is a simple but effective list of 5 things that can inhibit the upward change process and five things that are helpful with regard to enhancing the upward change process: 5 Things to Avoid 1 Discouragement-This includes both discouraging thoughts and discouraging people. Be open to what family, friends and coworkers are saying and seek help to avoid a cross addiction issue. When one is taught the disease model of addiction, one of the most powerful illustrations is the comparison of addiction to a widely accepted disease like cancer. In statistical terms, individuals with a history of successfully addressing their substance use disorder were significantly less likely to develop another substance use disorder compared to individuals who were unable to address their substance use disorder in the time period covered by the study. Most compulsive behaviors attributed to OCD are extremely time-consuming, cause major distress, and impair work, relationships, or other important functions. Quitting alcohol completely can be a challenge, but there are more ways to do it than ever before. Taking an even broader view we see that life itself is a process of ongoing change as we gain experience, mature, learn and grow, and as our circumstances shift for the better or at times for the worse. So instead of sobriety as our goal, the Escalator uses Inspired Progress as the standard to work toward. The harm reduction perspective understands that some people will not be perfectly abstinent from all substances in recovery. Nevertheless, the Escalator is also not a method that promises help with or promotes controlled use, because as stated earlier, many people will find out that in their case, controlled use may just not be an option for them. Obviously, the greater the degree that an individual is able to sustain inspiration and demonstrate actual progress and upward change then the more successful the experience has become. Even trained clinicians are known to have significant issues with cognitive biases, such as confirmation biases (only looking to confirm what you already believe), availability heuristics (just looking at the first examples that come to mind as opposed to evaluating all the information), or illusory correlations (believing that two things are related when in fact they are not). The Name behind This New Method The Escalator, >something that constitutes the place or point from which something else originates, takes form or develops, >tobringoutthecapabilitiesorpossibilitiesof;bringtoamore advancedoreffectivestate. The Escalator is for those people who will benefit from: >An individualized, personalized approach, guided by each persons internal capacity and ability for change, >A method for growing as a person from the inside-out as opposed to an outside agenda dictating the recipe for change. Alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, and gambling are perhaps the most common examples of addictions. Enjoy! Beside the millions who have benefitted from the 12 Steps there have always been those lost individuals who just didnt catch on to 12 Step philosophy and programming. It is very difficult to make sense of the types of observations that are reported by clinicians who base their concepts on personal experience and then relate these observations to a broader notion. thestateofbeingwithoutadrug,asalcoholorheroin,on. The change part of this equation is an absolute requirement when it comes to the process of getting better from any substance use issue. This leads to the following question which has been an area of debate for quite some time: Does there need to be abstinence for there to be success, when it comes to substance use issues? Is it ethical and reasonable for those who fund treatment to implement a 12 Steps or else policy? Once an accurate starting point us determined, each individual can choose to move to different areas within the matrix as needed based on their individualized needs with ongoing consideration to variable motivation and insight levels which can change with time and circumstances. As touched upon earlier, the Escalator focuses more on the. Taking the Escalator - Home | Facebook The findings would also suggest that the development of a cross addiction is the exception and not the rule, but it is something that individuals in recovery should be aware of. Substance abuse problems are just as varied; from the weekly drug experimenter whose parents are complaining to the daily 20 time a day emaciated, disease infected, homeless intravenous speedball addict. Some of these methods have been effective, while some others have never really caught on. It would not be fair to label someone who does not want abstinence as unworthy of a chance for improving their life and changing in a positive or upward direction. In other words, you dont have to start at a specific point and then try to make progress by following the predetermined steps in successive order. The Mirror of Awareness -Using the Group as a Mirror - Academia.edu Taking the Escalator - An Alternative to the 12 Steps This example has a direct parallel when it comes to substance use issues. However, for the purpose of including the many more people who are involved with overcoming substance use issues who are not yet ready to accept abstinence as their goal then the goal of this process needs to be of a broader scope. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. It would be difficult for anyone to dispute the extensive history of the 12 Steps as effective path to self improvement and self help. Unlike compulsions and addictions, which are acted out consciously and uncontrollably, habits are actions that are repeated regularly and automatically. Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe. The Escalator emphasizes quality over quantity when it comes to levels of inspired progress. Taking the Escalator: Express by Kenneth Pecoraro | Goodreads At the heart of it is understanding that you do not need alcohol to function and have a good time. >A collective approach for building self awareness which considers your own unique personality, circumstances and lifestyle. The 12 Steps have been the ideal when it comes to recovery from substance abuse issues and addiction for a long time. 10. Many past programs that teach controlled use of substances have failed. Compulsive behaviors are actions a person feels driven or compelled to do repeatedly, even if those actions appear to be irrational or pointless. By definition, the Escalator is a comprehensive, multi-dimensional system for personal development as opposed to a step by step linear program. A cold can mean a lot of things across a wide spectrum. This is because of the false belief that having an addiction to one substance puts you at a much higher . In one, there was a man who was covered in soot and holding a massive book, and he went up to this other guy and said, Youre going to die. And then he came up to me, and I said, I dont want to die, I want to stay alive, and he replied, OK, off you go.. When it comes to abstinence and substance abuse, there are some undeniable facts: >Abstinence is the ideal. For the legal system it makes fiscal sense to mandate 12 Step attendance because 12 Step meetings are free and there is that undeniable aspect of improved outcomes with regard to sobriety goals for those in the legal system who embrace 12 Step recovery. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. What makes a lot more sense is to provide the necessary treatment for people at the level where they enter treatment, based solely on their individual needs. Still, what about those people who cant even get past Step 1? Recover -. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. But over time, you could begin to obsess over exercise, and may even overexercise your body to the point of harm. I was awake, and I seemed OK; the paramedics were asking me the date and the time, and I knew the answers. Discouragement can suck your positive energy and motivation right out of you if you allow it to fester in your mind. takingtheescalator.com Addiction and Substance Use Resources, Non 12 Step Motivational Harm Reduction Tools for Substance Use & Mental Health. Ive got a garden, so Im often out and about, thinking about what I can plant. In persons with OCD, however, these feelings become so consuming that the fear of failing to complete the repeated action causes them to experience anxiety to the point of physical illness. For example, it would not be advisable for someone who has a history of serious suicide attempts when they are drunk to attempt controlled drinking. For all of the success that the 12 Steps have had there are still a huge number of individuals who have not responded. The Escalator therefore defines the process by which someone gets better, improves, and develops healthy skills for managing their issues as The Upward Change Process, In sticking with the analogy of an escalator, moving us upward is what an escalator is often designed to do. Nonetheless, individuals in recovery should remain vigilant and follow the treatment regime of their aftercare program in order to ensure that they enjoy continued success and abstinence. We change with time whether or not we even want too. I remember being at a meeting of supervisors of treatment programs in my area and one program manager said At my program, the policy is: Two positive urines and you are discharged! I remember questioning myself quietly how someone could put an arbitrary number on something as complicated as relapse when substance use issues and recovery issues vary such a great deal from person to person. >It cannot be ignored, however that there are millions of people who need help but are unwilling to try or stick with abstinence This issue has been a thorn in the side of the substance abuse treatment and 12 Step communities for years. >People who are on Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use issues (Methadone, Suboxone) who do not feel comfortable with the 12 Steps or the meetings as a result of their using these or other medications. The process is easy: Take turns allowing everyone in the group to make a thoughtful statement Then, the group should all say "Well said!" and applaud. Starting and Staying on a Positive Note - Academia.edu The Escalator allows each individual to determine their own starting point based on the unique circumstances that brought about a need for change. Taking the Escalator is an easy to understand method developing the inspiration to overcome the struggle with managing addictions. Definition & 5 Examples. There is something to be gained each time anyone attempts the process of upward change. Another way to look at this same question when examining the goals of the process of getting better is: The next section searches into this sometimes controversial topic, Answering the Questions about Abstinence . http://www.panynj.gov/path/rules-regs.html, http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/01/26/safety.mistakes.parenting/, http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/safety/escabrochure.shtml, http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2009/10/how-to-take-a-stroller-on-an-escalator-a-tongue-in-cheek-guide/. >People who are not convinced that abstinence is the only way to get better. For some people, attempting controlled use is a life and death issue. However, the Escalator welcomes not only those who want recovery and who are willing to make changes in order to get it. TheBoozemusings CommunityBlogis written by a diverse group. With that said, however, is addiction the best way to truly define this problem? In a nutshell, it refers to a new addiction following in the footsteps of another. Instead, they are just having fun or trying to fit in. Often, it takes a devastating consequence like a drunk-driving conviction, a divorce, or getting fired for persons with addictions to become aware of the realities of their actions. Below is a simple but effective list of 5 things that can inhibit the upward change process and five things that are helpful with regard to enhancing the upward change process: 5 Things to Avoid - 1 - Discouragement-This includes both discouraging thoughts and discouraging people. Shame can involve feeling "flawed" "unworthy" or "not good enough". Pleasure: Compulsive behaviors, such as those involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder, rarely result in feelings of pleasure, whereas addictions typically do. Try finding an elevator instead. At first, I would go to the centre and just sit in the corner and not talk to anybody; but then I met people who were in a similar predicament, and who understood what I was going through. PsychCreatives | Taking the Escalator: Comprehensive SUD Resource Avoid shame. Home Blog What Is Cross Addiction, and Is It a Real Thing in Recovery? Sobriety basically consists of two main aspects; change + abstinence. Finally, the Escalator is focused on two of the most critical factors for successful growth in the upward change process: Motivation and Insight. The main point of this book is to outline some of those tools and strategies in a constructive and practical manner to help the reader better help others. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Experience: I fell down an escalator | Health & wellbeing | The Guardian >Controlled use is impossible for some individuals: There are those people out there who most definitely fit the traditional disease model who no matter how hard they try will never be able to use successfully (or in other words, use without eventual consequences) When it comes to more serious substance abuse issues, this group is the majority. 0 reviews The 2013 book: Taking the Escalator - An Alternative to the 12 Steps, has been a much needed, refreshing new look at substance abuse and addiction in today's modern, ever-changing world. Lost - Taking the Escalator therapy activity intro - YouTube Therefore, by definition, in many cases recovery is not possible because of the fact that there is nothing to really recover or get back. It did not take long for me to curiously wonder about those people who could not make it in treatment due to an inability to accept key 12 Step concepts such as powerlessness or Higher Power. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. The American Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and so requires all buildings to be made accessible to persons with disabilities. Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? There are many people who are thinking about change and there are others who are being required to change yet neither may be ready to consider that they have an addiction and they may never be ready to accept that label. Typical of the denial stage of addictions, the individuals refuse to admit that their behavior is harmful. (For example, 12 Step groups have come a long way with regard to accepting mental health issues and issues such as medication however there are many people with mental health issues who still feel like they can not fit in due to their coexisting issues). And I had epileptic fits every day. It is also consistent with many strict disease models of addiction where individuals are unable to make rational choices regarding substance use due to changes that occur in the brain. The next time this person gets motivated to build a house again do you think that they are in better shape for the next attempt? The researchers suggest that this outcome is partially linked to the coping skills that come with recovery. If you sign up to the 28, 90 or 365-day challenges then you get daily emails and video support that []. Lost - Taking the Escalator therapy activity intro Taking the Escalator 319 subscribers Subscribe Like 928 views 3 months ago Link to activity - https://takingtheescalator.blogspot.c. Thus, there are a lot of recommendations regarding individuals with past alcohol use disorders not being prescribed narcotic medications for pain control, individuals recovering from benzodiazepine disorders not drinking alcohol, etc. Everyone has some kind of story where they were on a path in a direction that was not working for them and they were able to somehow turn it around and get moving in the right direction. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. In other words, you really can have too much of a good thing. For example, the good habit of exercising regularly can become an unhealthy compulsion or addiction when done to excess. . **Since the terms addiction and dependence mean essentially the same thing these two terms are often used interchangeably. Email [email protected], Experience: I lost my voice for three and a half years, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, I had epilectic fits every day. However, often there are setbacks on the road toward inspired progress where someone may actually takes steps backward or lose progress or lose motivation and insight and thereby temporarily lose there inspiration. More importantly, if someone is able to gain insight enough to recognize that right now in their life their substance use is a problem, and then they are able to develop some motivation to do something about it, then that is more than enough for the process of getting better to move in a positive direction. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. When I started in this field most substance abuse programs were still 12 Step based. Beyond addiction and recovery, she also covers topics relating to general well-being, mindfulness, fitness, mental health, and more. *SUDs The use of the term Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) is also accepted and in use in literature. They may resort to: Additionally, some believe that people with alcohol or substance use disorders are prone to cross addictions involving similar substances. What Is Cross Addiction, and Is It a Real Thing in Recovery? - Ria Health The Escalator is person-centered as it starts and ends with each person as a unique entity with a particular set of beliefs, attitudes, values, desires, circumstances, goals and experiences. >There are and always will be exceptions to the rule We will get into this area later however, when it comes to people and substance use, there are those who we just mentioned who through no fault of their own will repeatedly fail if they try to control their use. While these compulsive actions may appear to be irrational or pointless, and may even result in negative consequences, the individual experiencing the compulsion feels unable to stop him or herself.