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. Understanding Sexual Orientation From a Psychological Perspective. 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. 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. There are others however, who still can exhibit a degree of progress with reduced substance use without abstinence at least for a time period if not longer. The answer starts with a combination of two key concepts: >stimulationorarousalofthemind,feelings,etc,tospecialor unusualactivityorcreativity, >thestateorqualityofbeingsostimulatedoraroused, Inspiration is a combination of motivation and insight, which are at the very core of the Escalator. takingtheescalator.com Addiction and Substance Use Resources, Non 12 Step Motivational Harm Reduction Tools for Substance Use & Mental Health. In the rehab community, youll see two common viewpoints: harm reduction and total abstinence. It was really eye opening for me when I expanded my work with adolescents and young people. Even if inspiration is short lived, those inspired moments we might have can bring us closer toward self improvement. Moderate marijuana use might help that unique individual reduce anxiety and avoid alcohol relapse, while causing fewer harms than drinking. Along the same line of reasoning, it is important to be careful with labels. I couldnt go back to work. 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. But over time, you could begin to obsess over exercise, and may even overexercise your body to the point of harm. Abstinence is often the ultimate goal, however people, often guided by their level of motivation and insight, often take many different paths toward that goal. Finally I found a charity called Headway East London, which helps people with brain injuries. Our program is an affordable alternative to mainstream rehab, and can allow you to work towards change long-term, without turning your life upside down. Even if we go backward after a period of progress, the next time we travel that road moving forward we know the way a little better. 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. Your email address will not be published. Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: phago- or phag-, Cleanup vs. Clean Up: How to Choose the Right Word, How Psychology Defines and Explains Deviant Behavior, Operational Definition of Behavior in a School Setting, Behavior and Classroom Management in Special Education, Understanding Hyperthymesia: Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory. For example, people who compulsively wash their hands get no pleasure from doing so. >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. I was running down the escalator, and I was drunk, so I must have tripped and fallen, and I ended up in a heap on the floor at the bottom. Even if the now 350 pound man is still considered morbidly obese with a cholesterol level twice the acceptable limit, his doctor and family likely would still embrace his progress in a positive encouraging way with the hope he will continue in that positive direction. Half of the accidents were kids falling, while about a third were kids getting something caught in the escalator. Until that day when (and if) someone ever invents a pill or an operation that somehow removes substance use issues without change, then change will always still be needed in order to get better. Taking the Escalator needs you - Click here to see how you can support - (It won't cost you a cent), Finally a New Way to Combat the Opioid Epidemic, Alternative Counseling & Recovery Coaching Tools. Are you taking examples out of context by only considering one aspect of the situation at the expense of considering the entire incident? 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. As stated earlier, it is more often than not the best decision but it is not the only one, at least in the beginning. But, long-term, does a history of substance or alcohol dependence really make you more vulnerable to future addictions? https://www.thoughtco.com/psychology-of-compulsive-behavior-4173631 (accessed March 4, 2023). Discouragement can suck your positive energy and motivation right out of you if you allow it to fester in your mind. Compulsive behaviors are actions a person feels driven or compelled to do repeatedly, even if those actions appear to be irrational or pointless. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/psychology-of-compulsive-behavior-4173631. Make sure you don't tilt and also that no one is in front of you, or check with them to see if it's okay if you do this. 1 But many people feel at least a slight nervousness when contemplating a long elevator . For example, research suggests cross-sensitivity is possible for sugar and alcohol among some individuals. Updated: August 15, 2022. There were three questions/goals of the study: The findings have some interesting implications regarding the notion of cross addiction: In fact, the researchers concluded that the opposite of the notion of cross addiction was more likely that individuals who have successfully negotiated treatment for a substance use disorder were less likely to develop another substance use disorder. 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. 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. In a nutshell, it refers to a new addiction following in the footsteps of another. While there is no cure for OCD, its symptoms can be managed through medication, therapy, or a combination of treatments. 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. Definition & 5 Examples. Schedule a private call with a Ria Health team member and we can help you get started. thestateofbeingwithoutadrug,asalcoholorheroin,on. Understanding these differences can help in taking appropriate action or seeking treatment. Surely, abstinence would be better, but progress is progress and it should be viewed that way. Taking the Escalator is an easy to understand method developing the inspiration to overcome the struggle with managing addictions. Therefore, by definition, in many cases recovery is not possible because of the fact that there is nothing to really recover or get back. The ideal goal of the process of recovery is sobriety. CHAPTER 1 TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT ADDICTION, RECOVERY, AND SOBRIETY, If you are having trouble with the steps, try taking the escalator. Getting back the concept of sobriety, however, the second key aspect of sobriety is abstinence. How many individuals who developed a new substance use disorder had overcome or successfully treated their initial substance use disorder? Moving upward is a gradual, steady process of getting better, improving and developing. Nevertheless, I and many of the colleagues I have worked closely with have seen a need for an inclusive, comprehensive design specifically created for the changing needs of problem substance users in the modern world. We have all heard the warnings from our sponsors, counselors or friends, that there is no safe way for "the addict" to ever drink alcohol, take prescription stimulants, or use cannabis for the rest of their lives. Know what types of drugs may increase vulnerability in cross addiction. >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. >People who are not convinced that abstinence is the only way to get better. Nevertheless, regardless of how an attempt in the upward change process ends, if there were periods where both inspiration and progress were present there was a degree of success that is useful and valuable. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Although, experience is commendable and highly useful, someone does not automatically merit more consideration as being an expert based only on clean time. In many areas the legal system got wind of the success that 12 Step programs were having and therefore many judges, probation officers, parole officers, etc, have adopted the practice of making 12 Step attendance a required aspect for those they serve who use substances. >thedevelopmentofanindividualorsocietyinadirection consideredmorebeneficialthanandsuperiortotheprevious level. The researchers at Columbia University found that the highest risk group to develop a cross addiction after successful recovery from earlier substance use disorder were unmarried males, who had a relatively early onset of their substance use disorder, and had some type of comorbid psychiatric disorder, especially disorders that were marked by impulsivity. This article has been viewed 70,994 times. 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. to get back or regain (something lost or taken away) to regain health after being sick, wounded, or the like: to recover from an illness. 7. Fortunately, there are solutions. Labels can help someone gain insight and understanding into the nature of a substance abuse problem. >People who have tried 12 Step meetings for a reasonable amount of time with an open mind but have come to the conclusion that they do not feel right now that the meetings are helpful or beneficial enough to keep on trying to attend. Last Updated: March 4, 2021 Even small, intermittent bursts of inspiration can have a cumulative effect and can even strengthen over time. 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. There is no way of knowing if other individuals developed or would develop a substance use disorder at a later time. Shame is a basic feeling of inferiority. The participants in the study were surveyed in 2001 and again in 2004. The Mirror of Awareness -Using the Group as a Mirror - Academia.edu Since addiction is a disease affecting the reward pathways in the brain, this theoretically makes sense. 10. For example, someone with a history of alcohol issues may be more likely to abuse opioids in the future because both substances have depressant qualities. Cross addiction is a concept that implies that if a person has developed a severe substance use disorder (the term for addiction) to one substance, that person is at a higher risk to develop a substance use disorder to some other substance. 400+ Curated Sober, Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Apps, Podcasts & Resources. Cross addiction, also known as addiction interaction disorder, is when a person has two or more addictions. More lives have been saved by the 12 Steps than can be counted. The Escalator takes into account the whole person, beyond substance use or abuse and it respects ones unique individuality. 3 Ways to Take a Stroller on an Escalator - wikiHow The hope is that there can be a little inspiration to look at things differently (increasing insight) and also some inspiration to consider changing and working on these issues (motivation). The reason that formal research methods are employed to develop theories that lay the foundation for practical treatment is to minimize the effect of bias and subjectivity when considering the broader aspects of behavior. What do cross addiction and cross dependence mean? Elevators have a unique, precise, and tightly constrained mission. 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. Rather than letting the steps prescribe the path through the change process, the Escalator allows ones changing circumstances and needs to define exactly what is involved in next phase in the upward change process. Make sure to hold on to the stroller the whole time you are on the escalator. In other words, the policy is definitely not abstinence or else! Of course, risk always plays a factor when it comes to this issue. Individuals need to be looked at and treated on a case-by-case basis because circumstances are often so different from person to person. Unfortunately, however, for many individuals faced with a situation where they must look at their own substance use issues, striving for the ideal recovery may be out of reach for a variety of reasons. Taking Another Look at Addiction, Recovery and Sobriety For example, one person may not be able to drink alcohol without going overboard, but may be fine using cannabis occasionally. I recommend elevators instead, because they are a lot easier and safer. 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? Thats the most important thing for me now. To prevent the stroller from rolling down, have it facing the same way you would have it if you were going up the escalator (behind you instead of in front of you with the stroller facing upwards). 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. As explained earlier, the Escalator is an alternative to the 12 Steps and for some the Escalator can even be a supplement to the 12 Steps. I had been a manager in the fishmonger departments at Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason, and I used to add all the bills up in my head. However, a small number of individuals with a history of successful remission did develop a different substance use disorder. The Escalator allows each individual to determine their own starting point based on the unique circumstances that brought about a need for change. The Psychology of Compulsive Behavior. By the same token, it is not necessary for someone to label themselves in order to get better. The short term objective at each stage throughout the matrix is to develop increasing levels of insight and motivation, while developing and practicing the skills needed in order to escalate or enhance oneself toward the ultimate goal of Inspired Progress. Even though there has been some very mild and admittedly weak empirical evidence for the notion of cross addiction, most of the observations are anecdotal observations that are generated by individuals who deal with substance use disorders or treat substance use disorders. This blog is a space for sharing ideas, experiences, links to books, articles, and websites in relation to recovery from alcohol & drug addiction. toregainaformerandbetterstateorcondition. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 70,994 times. Not only was I developing an increased empathy for those who were not getting the full benefit of the 12 Steps but I was also noticing an increase in the number of young people entering programs who had difficulty with 12 Step recovery. And is it really always a bad thing to find a substitute to replace a more harmful behavior? A cold can mean a lot of things across a wide spectrum. 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. If followed wholeheartedly, success in recovery is not far off. Now suppose, in this example, that after a few weeks the house is built so clumsily that it does not pass inspection and cannot be lived in. 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). A compulsive behavior is an action that a person feels compelled or driven to do over and over again. This example has a direct parallel when it comes to substance use issues. They were terrible, violent Id be on the floor, couldnt move my body, couldnt talk, and I would be depressed for ages afterwards. The study is one of the few studies that looks at the actual notion of the development of a cross addiction in individuals and is able to make solid conclusions based on real data. That is a question that tickled my mind like a pebble in my shoe. For instance, exercise may have helped calm your anxiety early in recovery. The Internet is huge! The Taking the Escalator Method is focused on enhancing and sustaining these three essential qualities in the diagram (Insight, Internal Motivation and External Motivation/Support) to establish and drive the positive changes needed for inspiration and progress toward treatment and overall lifestyle goals www.takingtheescalator.com f The concept of cross addiction is partially based on the idea that people with past substance use disorders are highly prone to future addictions. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The Escalator promotes abstinence as the ideal way to stay out of trouble and then make progress and positive change but at the same time this method acknowledges that people have different paths toward their goals that are not all abstinence based. 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. A huge collection of non 12 step, free addiction and recovery tools, including PDF worksheets, handouts, assessments, and videos. The researchers suggest that this outcome is partially linked to the coping skills that come with recovery. It is important to note that the Escalator is primarily focused on substance use however, any difficult to stop, compulsive habit can be interchanged with substance use issues. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. However, a different and unsafe way would be to balance the back wheels on the step and use your strength to keep it straight. Any attempt that someone makes toward getting better from a substance use issue in which there is a degree of inspiration and at least some change in a positive direction can be considered as a positive and valuable experience. A compulsion is different from an addiction, which is a physical or chemical dependence on a substance or behavior. He has conducted research in sound, cognition, and community building, has a background in independent music marketing, and continues to work as a composer. PsychCreatives | Taking the Escalator: Comprehensive SUD Resource Are you confusing a low probability with a high probability? For some people, attempting controlled use is a life and death issue. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. The researchers concluded that evidence that individuals who recover from one substance use disorder are more vulnerable to developing a cross addiction in the future is not supported by the data. The biggest mistake people most often make is that they often want to be the exception to the rule when it may not be a choice. >A system for self exploration and mental expansion through learning to challenge your own beliefs in order to learn about yourself at your own pace, on your own terms without fear of judgment or harsh criticism from others.
Michael York Obituary, Articles T