The 6th Step: Surrendering to Change and Seeking Transformation in Addiction Recovery

The 6th Step: Surrendering to Change and Seeking Transformation in Addiction Recovery

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek discuss the 6th step of the twelve-step process of addiction recovery. They explore the concept of God in this step and emphasize that it can be interpreted as a higher power or even nature. They also question the passive nature of this step, as it involves asking an external force to remove our character defects. The discussion delves into the Christian origins of the steps and how they may not resonate with everyone. Ultimately, Dr. Petracek suggests rewording the step to focus on being willing to acknowledge and actively work on our faults and shortcomings.

Key Points:

1. The 6th step originally had a Christian foundation but can be personalized to a higher power of choice.

2. Asking God or a higher power to remove defects of character may absolve individuals of personal responsibility for change.

3. Motivational interviewing can help individuals identify obstacles to change and improve readiness.

4. Sponsors play a crucial role in guiding individuals through the steps, but may not have psychological training.

5. The phrase "we are entirely ready" implies a commitment to change without holding back or making exceptions.

6. Modern psychological tools like CBT and motivational interviewing can complement the twelve-step process.

7. The reworded 6th step focuses on acknowledging and actively working on faults and shortcomings, providing a more accessible approach.

8. Accountability and agency are emphasized in the reworded step, promoting personal responsibility for change.

9. The process after the 5th step involves a simple prayer expressing readiness for defects to be removed.

10. The 6th step is brief and vague, leaving room for interpretation and individualized implementation.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the historical context of the 6th step and the potential limitations of its Christian origins.

2. Recognize the potential pitfalls of passively relying on a higher power to remove character defects.

3. Explore motivational interviewing techniques to assess readiness for change and identify obstacles.

4. Appreciate the importance of sponsors who possess psychological insight in guiding individuals through the steps.

5. Reflect on the significance of being entirely ready and the commitment it entails for personal growth.

6. Integrate modern psychological tools, such as CBT and motivational interviewing, to enhance addiction recovery.

7. Reevaluate the wording of the 6th step to focus on personal accountability and actively addressing faults and shortcomings.

8. Empower individuals to take responsibility for their own growth and change in addiction recovery.

9. Understand the simplicity of the 6th step process, involving a prayer expressing readiness for change.

10. Recognize the individualized nature of implementing the 6th step and the room for interpretation.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Assess your willingness to change and reflect on any attachments or payoffs that may hinder personal growth.

2. Engage in motivational interviewing with yourself or seek help from a sponsor to identify obstacles to change.

3. Seek sponsors or support networks knowledgeable about psychological tools like CBT and motivational interviewing.

4. Embrace the concept of being entirely ready without making exceptions or holding back from personal growth.

5. Adapt the 6th step to be more accessible and relatable by focusing on actively acknowledging and working on faults and shortcomings.

6. Foster personal accountability and agency in the recovery process by taking responsibility for your own growth and change.

7. Incorporate modern psychological tools, alongside the twelve-step process, to enhance addiction recovery outcomes.

8. Practice the simple prayer expressing willingness and readiness for change in the 6th

Avsnitt(218)

Understanding DBT: Four Components and Three Pillars Explained

Understanding DBT: Four Components and Three Pillars Explained

Dr. Laura explains in more detail about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its four core components: distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness training, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. DBT is a type of therapy that helps people regulate their emotions and develop coping skills.Dialectics is a key concept that runs through each of the modules of DBT. It involves accepting both sides of a situation rather than seeing things in black and white, either-or terms. For example, instead of thinking "I'm in pain and it's never going to end," a dialectical approach would be to acknowledge the pain but also recognize that it will eventually pass.The three pillars of DBT are dialectics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness. CBT involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns, while mindfulness involves being present in the moment and non-judgmentally observing one's thoughts and feelings.Originally developed to help women with borderline personality disorder, DBT is now used to help people with a wide range of problems, including substance abuse issues. DBT provides individuals with a toolkit of skills to help them manage difficult emotions, communicate effectively, and cope with stressors in a healthy way.Overall, the episode provides a brief but informative introduction to DBT and its core components, as well as its applications in various contexts.Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

3 Maj 202318min

Pain is inevitable: suffering is optional

Pain is inevitable: suffering is optional

I chat with Dr Laura Petracek about unnecessary suffering. There is a famous saying: ”Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”.We all experience inevitable pain such as bereavement, separation, illness and ageing. Suffering is optional in that it is a function of how we react to the pain. Maladaptive coping strategies cause optional suffering. These include drug or alcohol misuse, or maladaptive psychological constructs such as wishing for a different outcome, anticipating the worst, ruminating on the outcome, or trying to change the outcome. Acceptance is the key to avoiding unnecessary suffering.When we practice acceptance and focus on what we can control rather than what we can't, we can reduce our suffering and increase our resilience. This can include accepting the reality of the situation, letting go of our attachment to a specific outcome, and finding ways to move forward in a positive direction.It's also worth noting that seeking support from others, such as friends, family, or a therapist, can be a helpful way to cope with pain and avoid unnecessary suffering. By sharing our experiences and emotions with others, we can feel less alone and gain new perspectives on our situation.Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

26 Apr 202318min

Power and  Control - The Duluth  Model

Power and Control - The Duluth Model

In this episode Stephen Herd and I continue our discussion on the power and control wheel.The Power and Control Wheel was developed by a group of activists in Duluth, Minnesota, in the 1980s, who recognised the need for a comprehensive approach to address family violence. The Duluth Model is based on the belief that domestic violence is a result of the abuser's desire for power and control over their partner.According to the Duluth Model, domestic violence is not caused by anger, substance abuse, or mental illness. Instead, it is a deliberate tactic used by abusers to control and dominate their partners. The Duluth Model identifies several different types of abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and psychological abuse. These are presented in the Power and Control Wheel as a circular diagram that outlines the different tactics used by abusers.The Power and Control Wheel helps to illustrate the cyclical nature of family violence. The abuser may use a combination of different tactics to gain control over their partner, and the victim may respond with different coping strategies, such as walking on eggshells or trying to appease the abuser. Over time, the abuse can escalate, and the victim may feel trapped and unable to escape the cycle of violence.The Duluth Model and Power and Control Wheel are useful tools for understanding the dynamics of family violence and identifying ways to address it. They help to shift the focus away from the victim and onto the abuser, recognizing that family violence is a result of a deliberate choice made by the abuser to maintain power and control.There are several different approaches to addressing family violence, including criminal justice interventions, civil protective orders, and community-based interventions. The Duluth Model emphasizes the need for a coordinated community response to address family violence, including law enforcement, the court system, and community-based organizations.One of the strengths of the Duluth Model and Power and Control Wheel is that they recognise the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing family violence. Family violence is a complex issue that requires a coordinated response from multiple sectors, including the criminal justice system, social services, healthcare, and educationDiscussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

19 Apr 202313min

The Power and Control Wheel

The Power and Control Wheel

In this episode Stephen Herd and I discuss the Power and Control Wheel: a widely used tool to help understand the dynamics of family violence and identify ways to address it.The Power and Control Wheel was developed by a group of activists in Duluth, Minnesota, in the 1980s, who recognised the need for a comprehensive approach to address family violence. The Duluth Model is based on the belief that domestic violence is a result of the abuser's desire for power and control over their partner. According to the Duluth Model, domestic violence is not caused by anger, substance abuse, or mental illness. Instead, it is a deliberate tactic used by abusers to control and dominate their partners. The Duluth Model identifies several different types of abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and psychological abuse. These are presented in the Power and Control Wheel as a circular diagram that outlines the different tactics used by abusers.The Power and Control Wheel helps to illustrate the cyclical nature of family violence. The abuser may use a combination of different tactics to gain control over their partner, and the victim may respond with different coping strategies, such as walking on eggshells or trying to appease the abuser. Over time, the abuse can escalate, and the victim may feel trapped and unable to escape the cycle of violence.The Duluth Model and Power and Control Wheel are useful tools for understanding the dynamics of family violence and identifying ways to address it. They help to shift the focus away from the victim and onto the abuser, recognizing that family violence is a result of a deliberate choice made by the abuser to maintain power and control.There are several different approaches to addressing family violence, including criminal justice interventions, civil protective orders, and community-based interventions. The Duluth Model emphasizes the need for a coordinated community response to address family violence, including law enforcement, the court system, and community-based organizations.One of the strengths of the Duluth Model and Power and Control Wheel is that they recognize the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing family violence. Family violence is a complex issue that requires a coordinated response from multiple sectors, including the criminal justice system, social services, healthcare, and education.Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

13 Apr 202313min

Breaking the Silence: Understanding the Complexity of Family Violence

Breaking the Silence: Understanding the Complexity of Family Violence

Steve Herd is an expert in the field of family violence. In our first of a series of conversations, he explains that family violence is not just physical abuse. It includes emotional, psychological and sexual abuse as well. The abuser uses various tactics to maintain control over their partner, such as isolating them from friends and family, controlling their finances, and limiting their access to information.Herd also highlights the role of gender in family violence. He explains that men are more likely to use physical violence to control their partners. He argues that this is because society has traditionally given men more power and control over women, which has led to a sense of entitlement among some men.Overall, our conversation with Steve Herd sheds light on the complexity of family violence and its damaging effects on individuals and families. Understanding the root causes and different forms of abuse is crucial in order to prevent and respond to this pervasive issue.Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

6 Apr 202314min

Trauma Assessment and Management

Trauma Assessment and Management

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we are again joined by addiction psychiatrist Dr Dan Pham and discuss how to take a trauma history without further traumatising or triggering a patient. We also discuss the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and how to formulate this condition. In this episode, we discuss trauma-informed care and how to treat and manage trauma and PTSD, and what psychological and medical therapies may be useful to manage this condition, and briefly touch on some of the emerging research surrounding psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in PTSD.Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

29 Mars 202318min

Trauma, PTSD and Addiction

Trauma, PTSD and Addiction

In the episode of Cracking Addiction, we are joined by Dr Daniel Pham an Addiction Psychiatrist working at Turning Point who discusses with us the differences and similarities between Addiction Medicine and Addiction Psychiatry. We discuss the term dual diagnosis and the interplay between mental health and substance use disorders. This episode focuses mainly on trauma, PTSD and its interplay with substance use disorders and we discuss how trauma occurs and how to diagnose trauma and PTSD. We also explore integrated care and how to manage patients with co-occurring trauma or PTSD and substance use disorders and we touch on trauma informed care and how to approach taking a trauma history.Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

22 Mars 202320min

Working with Colleagues in the Grip of Addiction

Working with Colleagues in the Grip of Addiction

Join us in this episode as we hear from Dr. Tony Weeks, a former Director of Anaesthesia at Alfred Health, as he shares his experiences in treating doctors with addiction and working in a medically supervised injecting room. Dr. Weeks speaks candidly about the challenges of helping colleagues with substance use disorders, and the complexities of treating doctors who are also struggling with addiction.After retiring from his work as an anesthetist, Dr. Weeks volunteered at a drug consumption room in North Richmond, Melbourne, where he helped patients find veins to inject into, assisted those who overdosed, and provided opioid substitution therapy. Through his vast and varied career, Dr. Weeks has seen firsthand the life-saving work that takes place in drug consumption rooms. He shares his insights on the evidence-based nature of harm reduction interventions, such as drug consumption rooms, and the importance of treating addiction as a public health issue.Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Tony Weeks, where he sheds light on the challenges and rewards of helping those struggling with addiction, including colleagues and fellow doctors.Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.Latest Blogshttps://www.meducate.com.au/blogAbout Meducate ®Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

15 Mars 202341min

Populärt inom Hälsa

somna-med-henrik
rss-bara-en-till-om-missbruk-medberoende-2
alska-oss
johannes-hansen-podcast
inga-beiga-morsor
sexnoveller-deluxe
angestpodden
rss-the-house-podcast-3
not-fanny-anymore
rss-sjalsligt-avkladd
rss-viktmedicinpodden
sova-med-dan-horning
sa-in-i-sjalen
giggles-med-wiggles
brottarbroder
medicinvetarna
rss-sexmorgon
rss-the-house-podcast-4
sag-det-bara
rss-pa-insidan-med-bjorn-rudman