In part 3 of ‘What works in addiction treatment’, Geoff discusses one of the keys of successful recovery – getting a sense of connection with others. It is probably the most consistent finding of research and the most consistent factor from feedback from our clients. In practical terms, this would mean connecting to their counsellor or to their peer group. This need for meaningful connection may also explain the success of support groups such as AA, NA and Lifering.
From a psychological point of view, we know from research that we are ‘relational beings’ that are ‘hardwired’ to connect with others. Researcher Roy Baumeister theorizes that human children take much longer than other animals to reach maturity because they have to learn how to be ‘social’ animals. Many clients in our program express feelings of loneliness, of isolating. This is a key characteristic of addiction. Forming an authentic, deeply emotional connection is, apparently, key to breaking the addiction cycle.
As motivational psychologists Elaine Aron & Arthur Aron say, “caring for others is central to meaning.” It’s a survival tactic but much more than that – We need a connection with something greater than ourselves. In this 5th and final video reviewing Paul Wong’s 2nd edition of The Human Quest for Meaning, Geoff Thompson suggests that people avoid others not because they don’t want to be with others but, rather, because they are uncomfortable around other people or feel out of place. Many of the clients at Sunshine Coast feel a disconnection with family and this is typically a focus of their concerns.
Cathy Patterson-Sterling, Director of Family Services for the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, talks about euphoric recall and what to do when a loved one only remembers the positive aspects of addiction.
Geoff Thompson, Program Director for the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, talks about why the best way to understand an individual is to understand how the individual interacts with others.
Geoff Thompson, Program Director for the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, talks about dating in recovery and why it is important to connect with a significant other on a level playing field. Geoff also explains the phrase “13-stepping.”
Cathy Patterson-Sterling, Director of Family Services for the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, discusses her new pamphlet “Giving Your Adult Child the Gift of Adulthood.”
Cathy Patterson-Sterling, Director of Family Services for the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, discusses how to handle adult children that wait for you to fix everything for them, rather than taking responsibility.
Cathy Patterson-Sterling, Director of Family Services for the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, shares why it isn’t always a good idea to have adult children return to living at home with parents after finishing addiction treatment.
Cathy Patterson-Sterling, Director of Family Services for the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, discusses why it is so important to have a recovery support team in place rather than relying on just one person.
Sunshine Coast Health Center is a provincially-approved drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility licensed by VCH