It Doesn’t Affect Me: The Long & Short of Drug and Alcohol Use

It Doesn’t Affect Me: The Long & Short of Drug and Alcohol Use

It happens over and over again. People use substances “recreationally” on a consistent basis and believe that it does not affect them. Just yesterday, I had someone who has been smoking marijuana for the past sixteen years beginning in her teens. She stated that everyone else thought that it was a problem for her, but she did not. A little further into the session, she cited that she has been trying to stop since last June (five months now). She has multiple mental health issues that she had been soothing with her marijuana…continue reading →
Talking to Your Doctor: “I only had a few”

Talking to Your Doctor: “I only had a few”

One thing about being a chronic substance user is that you’re often ill. Aspirin, ibuprofen, visine, cough & cold over the counter meds become fixtures at your party. It was always the absolute last resort where being nearly immobile and bedridden would take me to the doctor. I despised this. He would often have a series of questions that would make me cringe just thinking about them. Doctor: “Do you drink alcohol?” Me: “Yes doctor, I do.” Doctor: “How much do you drink?” ME: “Oh, I only have a few glasses of wine…continue reading →
“I’m NOT an Alcoholic”

“I’m NOT an Alcoholic”

Yesterday, I received a call from someone who was asking me about what recovery services were available. The individual told me that he had a problem with drinking in the past, but he no longer does. I asked him if he has ever obtained help and he quickly responded, “I am not an alcoholic.” I explained to him that one does not need to be an “alcoholic” in order to have problems due to alcohol use. I added that I was not looking to label anyone and the term “alcoholic” is subjective, if…continue reading →