About different counseling model theories
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
The “5 A’s” of intervention—Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange—are one of my favorite frameworks for supporting behavior change. Whether you’re a health professional, a counselor, or simply someone who wants to help a friend quit smoking, these practical steps give you a structure that feels both approachable and easy to remember. I’m going to … Read more
Addiction recovery is an adventure full of ups and downs, but checking out the four pillars of addiction can make a real difference in how someone approaches treatment and healing. These pillars are the main building blocks that support long-term recovery: Biological, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual. Each one targets a different side of addiction, but … Read more
Recovery can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, with emotional, physical, and behavioral pieces that don’t always seem to fit together at once. Breaking the process into simple, repeatable steps can make healing feel more manageable and less overwhelming. The “3 R’s in Recovery” — Recognize, Reflect, and Respond — is a … Read more