The 6th Step: Surrendering to Change and Seeking Transformation in Addiction Recovery
Cracking Addiction6 Dec 2023

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)

Cannabis withdrawal management

Cannabis withdrawal management

In the latest episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal syndrome and the duration that can be expected for these symptoms, the common reasons that people use cannabis and how to manage these symptoms post cannabis withdrawal, the pharmacological management options for cannabis withdrawal which is largely symptomatic management and also the the common clinical scenarios of comorbid dependency with cannabis and other substances such as tobacco and caffeine and the need to often manage withdrawal of other substances whilst managing cannabis withdrawal.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

27 Juli 202216min

Cannabis use disorder

Cannabis use disorder

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the symptoms of cannabis use disorder and cannabis intoxication, the different preparations of cannabis and the THC contents of these various preparations, the harms associated with cannabis use, the harms of cannabis when compared with tobacco and alcohol usage, the risk factors for developing cannabis use disorder, how to identify a person with cannabis use disorder, the social determinants impacting substance use and the classifications systems for cannabis use disorder mainly DSM 5 and ICD 11.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

20 Juli 202226min

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD)

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss cannabidiol (CBD) and discuss the clinical effects of CBD, how CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors, the clinical indications for CBD products, the potential areas where CBD may have the most clinical benefit and discuss the lack of psychoactive properties of CBD. We also discuss the risks associated with CBD and how to counsel patients on these risks. Finally we discuss the potential future role of CBD in the management of chronic pain and people on high dose opioids and also in the treatment of cannabis use disorder.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 Juli 202216min

THC

THC

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and how it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors and how this interaction with the receptors causes its effects on the body. We also explore the clinical effects of THC, side effects of THC and the clinical indications for THC products.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 Juli 202216min

The Endocannabinoid system

The Endocannabinoid system

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the endocannabinoid system, the different types of endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the location of the different receptors, the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors and their synthesis and breakdown and briefly touch on the two best known cannabinoids THC and cannabidiol. 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 Juni 202219min

Chasing the scream

Chasing the scream

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Scot Aitken and Dr Ferghal Armstrong chat about Johan Hari’s book, Chasing The Scream. We explore some of themes of the book including the motivations that underpin the war on drugs, the economic factors that affect the war on drugs and the role of decriminalization of drug use.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 Juni 202222min

The Evidence for vaping

The Evidence for vaping

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we are again joined by Dr Colin Mendelsohn to discuss the controversies around vaping including the risks around vaping, the thoughts of vaping being a gateway to smoking cigarettes, the risks of EVALI, the role of 'Big Tobacco' in vaping, looking at the evidence around vaping and challenging some of the latest reviews around vapingDiscussions 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

16 Juni 202217min

How to vape to aid smoking cessation

How to vape to aid smoking cessation

In part 2 of 3 episodes. In this episode of Cracking Addiction we are again joined by Dr Colin Mendelsohn to discuss the different types of vaping products on the market, the different types of nicotine e-liquids available, how to source vaping products, how to prescribe nicotine and how to vape safely.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

8 Juni 202216min

Populärt inom Hälsa

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