“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” (Arthur Ashe)
Success – What Does it Mean to You?
Doc: With the above quote as my starting point for our Remission Posts, this post with five previously initiated articles, the destination is further along, and the journey for this particular catch-up mission, exemplifies how to overcome challenges associated with each of the following topic areas. For instance, success for me is accomplishing the things I set out to do, especially those that I have told another person I would do. Another important aspect of what success means to me is recognizing that my accomplishments were achieved with the help of others and their resources. In other words, my success is more often than not, our success! Over 25 years ago, when I said I was all done drinking alcohol, I followed through and kept my word and without the help of others this would not have been possible.
Treating Addiction Incites Stigma
Doc: This topic was inspired by the fact that folks using MAT (medication assisted treatment). Think of the diabetic who may have to inject insulin a few times a day to maintain a balanced blood sugar level. No one looks down upon such a person, or thinks, maybe the person should have made better choices. There is no anti-social or criminal element associated with the behavior.
Even attending self-help groups for diabetics, or bereavement groups, doesn’t incite any sort of stigma like that associated with those attending addiction recovery groups, especially substance use disorders. Those prescribed a step-down medicine like buprenorphine or marijuana as part of a harm reduction protocol, are not viewed similarly to those people injecting insulin, regularly, throughout their days. Addiction disorders are demonized. They draw the attention of witch-burners and judges casting stones and handing out confinement mandates.
Meet Dr. Zeiler. 
In order to help reduce the damage stigma brings upon clients, I have made an alternate persona available for confidentiality purposes. This contact avatar is able to provide those seeking help complete anonymity in order to avoid public exposure and associated stigma. Interacting via an online platform, Dr. Zeiler/LaBranche is able to grant privacy. As much as acceptance that addiction is not a volitional disorder (although abusing substances or engaging in excessive behaviors can be poor choices), removing associated stigma form our social cultures remains off in the distance. An Opioid Use Disorder, being treated with medication, exposes patients via insurance and pharmacies, all information that may be too sensitive for another family member to have access to, due to stigma. Getting a bit overly involved here; so, let me just close with: Addictions are treatable conditions. Like poison ivy or sprained ankles, they need not be blanketed in shame and guilt.
Thoughts on Suicidal Ideation Associated with Addiction’s Early Remission, Lapse and/or Relapse.
This topic came up because sometime folks attempting to extinguish an unwanted behavior, like an Addiction, become overwhelmed with failed attempts. It becomes really challenging to gauge where on the spectrum of blue-to-grey the psychological or physiological withdrawals takes them, especially when self-medicating is at the root of an addiction.
So, what is happiness?
Doc: Some say it’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you have! Well, having an addiction definitely interrupts any possibility of attaining happiness. I find I am most happy when I am plugged into the Vibrational Tapestry of Life. I am happy when those I love are happy, while accepting that happiness is when I hold the hand of love in one and the hand of respect in the other, and together we walk!
Bill: Happiness is an emotion characterized by feelings of Satisfaction, Contentment and Fulfillment. Some psychologists refer to happiness as “Subjective Well-being” and two key ingredients of Subjective Wellbeing are (1) Balance of Emotions and (2) Life Satisfaction. How do you know if you are happy? One: Feeling like you are living the life you want. Two: The Conditions of your life are good. Three: Feeling you have accomplished (or will accomplish) what you want in life.
Doc: There was one more topic for discussion which I am moving over into the Mentor’s Group for discussion because it is going to be a definite work in progress with lots to explore. The topic: how to break the treatment resistant barrier….
Please share any thoughts or ask any questions you have in mind, Thank You!