About different counseling model theories
Spiritual malaise is a common yet often overlooked dimension of addiction that affects many individuals during active substance use and throughout recovery. It is experienced as a deep sense of emptiness, loss of meaning, inner disconnection, or spiritual fatigue that persists even after physical withdrawal and psychological stabilization. Addiction can erode a person’s sense of … Read more
Faith-based addiction programs for the homeless play a significant role in addressing the complex intersection of substance use, homelessness, trauma, and social exclusion. These programs often provide shelter, food, community, and recovery support grounded in spiritual values such as compassion, hope, accountability, and service. For many individuals, faith-based approaches offer meaning, belonging, and moral structure … Read more
Addiction counseling requires skill, consistency, and a real commitment to create lasting change for people. The 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling provide a clear roadmap that guides counselors through every stage of treatment. From initial contact through ongoing support, aftercare, and relapse prevention, these functions help ensure that care is ethical, organized, and effective. … Read more
Addiction can be a tough and confusing topic to understand because it isn’t just about what someone is using or doing too much. It’s about what’s happening inside a person on different levels. When people talk about the “threefold disease of addiction,” they’re pointing to a way of understanding addiction that covers the body, mind, … Read more
Mental health can feel like a tough puzzle to sort out, but there are some simple ideas that can really help build a stronger foundation. When I think about what makes up good mental health, I always come back to four main things: Connection, Communication, Coping, and Confidence. I call these the 4 C’s of … Read more
Addiction is a topic that gets a lot of attention, but most conversations focus on substances, behavior, or biology. There’s another side that’s just as important to think about—what I call the “7 sins” in addiction. These aren’t traditional sins in a religious sense but more like thinking patterns and habits that pull people deeper … Read more
The Public Health Perspective Theory of Addiction views substance use and addiction as population-level health concerns that affect individuals, families, and entire communities. Rather than focusing solely on personal behavior, this approach examines patterns of substance use, risk factors, and protective factors across populations. It emphasizes prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, and equitable access to … Read more
The Sociological Approach Theory of Addiction explains substance use as a result of social environments rather than individual choice alone. It highlights how family dynamics, peer influence, cultural norms, economic conditions, and access to resources shape addiction risk. By focusing on social stressors like poverty, discrimination, and isolation, this approach shifts the focus from blame … Read more
Negative thought patterns are among the most persistent barriers to lasting recovery in addiction therapy. Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or self-blame can erode confidence, leading individuals to question their progress or relapse into harmful coping habits. Effective treatment goes beyond detoxification—it involves retraining the mind to recognize and challenge self-defeating beliefs. Through structured self-management, individuals … Read more
If you’re curious about addiction or trying to understand it a bit better, knowing the two main forms is a pretty handy starting point. Addiction isn’t just about a lack of willpower or making poor choices; there’s real science behind it, and it actually shows up in a couple of different ways. Here, I’ll lay … Read more