

A Controversial New Way To Think About Addiction | Carrie Wilkens
24 snips Sep 13, 2023
In this discussion, Carrie Wilkens, Co-founder and CEO of the Center for Motivation and Change, tackles the stigma surrounding addiction and the differences between addiction and substance use disorder. She emphasizes the importance of positive communication and empathy in recovery while exploring alternatives to traditional abstinence. Wilkens highlights that many individuals naturally recover without formal treatment and presents effective strategies for supporting loved ones facing substance challenges, encouraging open dialogue and mindfulness.
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Stigma and Traditional Approaches
- Substance abuse carries significant stigma, impacting open discussion and effective treatment.
- Traditional approaches like tough love and abstinence-only models may hinder some individuals' progress.
Addiction as Learned Behavior
- Addiction is a complex behavior driven by individual factors, not solely a moral failing.
- Substances offer various effects, and people repeat behaviors that work for them, leading to complex dependencies.
Alternatives to Abstinence
- Explore alternatives to abstinence; it's not the only path to recovery.
- Many people successfully moderate or change their substance use without complete abstinence.