Guest Post: Addressing Addiction by Judeth Wesley

There are many disparities when it comes to addiction and mental health.  For years they were considered separate disorders, and presently, they are joined together as co-occurring disorders.  

Addiction of any kind doesn’t just happen.  There is a progression from casual use/experimentation to a dependence where the substance or behavior controls a person’s being, where every minute of the day is consumed with thinking about the substance/behavior.

During this progression, there is a change in a person’s physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual health.  At the onset of an addiction, a person’s spiritual health begins to decline as they truly believe that they are in control of their lives and nothing greater than themselves can “tell” them how to live.  The deceit, lying, and manipulation begin, and a decline in mental and emotional well-being occurs.  

The strong desire for the substance/behavior causes havoc in a person’s brain, and they will do anything to obtain that substance or do the behavior.  During this time, family members and close friends begin to see changes in behavior.  The person with an addiction will deny that they have a problem despite negative consequences such as a DUI or having employment issues such as tardiness or absenteeism at work.  Family members and close friends begin to see a physical change in the person, such as severe weight loss or skin changes.  In some cases, there may be extreme energy bursts or extreme lethargy.  The person’s only desire is to have the substance or behavior to take care of their physical needs.

RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION TAKES TIME

There isn’t a definitive time when a person will decide that enough is enough. As a result, some people experience relationship losses due to their addiction; others have involvement with the criminal justice system before they awaken to the fact that the addiction has taken over their life.  

Keep in mind that the physical well-being of a person comes back first. It is here that a person begins to feel alive.  Now that their mind has cleared, they begin to address any underlying emotional and mental issues related to their addiction.

SPIRITUALITY IS THE LAST TO RETURN

This is the time when a person turns their will over to God or a higher power.  It is here that a person awakens to the fact that they are powerless over their addiction, and something greater than themselves is needed to live a life without addiction.

RECOVERY IS LIFELONG

Emotional support and a community of like-minded people are paramount in the early years of recovery.  Once their life in recovery becomes familiar to them, they choose healthier ways to cope with life.

What are some of the other issues professionals in ministry need to address further?

She taught Addictive Behaviors and Diversity and Oppression classes at Rutgers University and served as director of training and prevention services at substance abuse agencies in New Jersey. In addition, she worked with older adults who were homebound due to aging issues through various state and county grants where the aim was to have older adults age at home.  

Currently, in her retirement, she provides professional support to clinical staff in the field of addiction through the New Jersey Prevention Network and as a liaison for MSW students who are completing their fieldwork.  

She also enjoys being a good neighbor and friend. Writing, knitting, reading, meditating, baking bread, practicing yoga, and connecting with former students and colleagues for social and emotional encounters take up most of her waking hours.  She embraces the time she spends with her children, grandchildren, and extended family.  She seeks adventure in change and finding new places to explore, especially with her Goldendoodle, Bella.