Carrie Wilkens, PhD, discusses addiction and the invitation to change approach. They explore writing a book with multiple authors and the importance of shifting away from stigmatizing language. They also discuss the indirect effects of compulsive behaviors, understanding the root causes of addiction, changing the culture of shame and embarrassment, and effective communication strategies.
The Invitation to Change approach promotes empathy and understanding, focusing on supporting loved ones with addiction through positive reinforcement and self-care.
The concept of 'beyond addiction' encourages a shift in behavior through empathy, communication, and self-reflection, with an emphasis on replacing unhealthy habits with healthier alternatives.
Support, kindness, and non-judgmental environments are crucial in facilitating behavioral changes, requiring effective communication, active listening, and empathy for both individuals struggling with addiction and their family members.
Deep dives
The Invitation to Change Approach and its Importance in Helping Loved Ones
The podcast episode features a discussion with Kerry Wilkins, the author of a book on addiction. The focus is on the Invitation to Change approach, which aims to support family members in helping their loved ones with addiction. The approach emphasizes the role of kindness and understanding, moving away from stigmatizing language and punitive measures. It encourages family members to activate their loved ones' motivation for change, reinforce positive behaviors, and take care of themselves. The discussion also delves into communication strategies, self-awareness, and the challenges of supporting others in making behavioral changes. Resources and support for families can be found on the website cmcffc.org.
Shifting the Focus to Beyond Addiction
The podcast highlights the shift in language and approach concerning addiction, moving away from labeling individuals as addicts and focusing on the concept of 'beyond addiction.' This new perspective seeks to understand the function that substances serve for individuals and encourages a shift in behavior through empathy, communication, and self-reflection. The importance of replacing unhealthy habits with healthier alternatives and the need for ongoing support and practice in making behavioral changes is also emphasized.
The Power of Support and Kindness
The podcast emphasizes the significance of support and kindness in facilitating behavioral changes. It discusses the value of providing compassionate assistance to individuals struggling with addiction and the importance of creating a non-judgmental environment. The role of communication strategies, active listening, and empathy in fostering connection and understanding are highlighted. Additionally, the podcast explores the challenges faced by family members as they navigate their own emotions and offers resources and tools for them to support their loved ones effectively and maintain their well-being.
The Impact of Social and Digital Influences
The podcast touches on the impact of social media, digital platforms, and the pressures of achieving constant happiness in today's society. It acknowledges that these factors contribute to the struggle of finding true happiness and well-being. The discussion raises the need for increased self-awareness, reflection, and embracing the full spectrum of human emotions. Compassion and understanding are crucial in navigating the challenges posed by social media and digital platforms, especially for adolescents and young adults.
Beyond Addiction as a Marathon and the Invitation to Change Approach
The podcast emphasizes the significance of perseverance, practice, and long-term effort in making behavioral changes. It highlights the importance of recognizing that change takes time and that it involves ongoing work. The invitation to change approach is presented as a tool to support individuals and families throughout the journey of change. The podcast stresses the benefits of support systems, role models, and community reinforcement in assisting with behavioral changes, and it promotes a compassionate and understanding approach in helping others and oneself.
Carrie Wilkens is cofounder of CMC: Berkshires, a private inpatient/residential program employing the same treatment approaches in Western Massachusetts. She is also co-founder & CEO of CMC: Foundation for Change, a nonprofit organization with the mission of improving the dissemination of evidence-based ideas and strategies to professionals and loved ones of persons struggling with substance use through the Invitation to Change approach.
