May You Find Art & Lose Addiction in May
Substance use and mental health are deeply intertwined, often coexisting and exacerbating each other’s effects. Individuals with mental health disorders are more likely to turn to substances to self-medicate or alleviate their symptoms temporarily. Conversely, substance use can also precipitate or worsen mental health issues, leading to a vicious cycle of dependency and psychological distress. Common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder frequently co-occur with substance use disorders, highlighting the intricate relationship between the two.
Recognizing the connection between substance use and mental health is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Seeking professional help is vital for individuals struggling with these issues. Resources like counseling, therapy, support groups, and medication management can provide comprehensive support tailored to addressing both substance use and mental health concerns. Additionally, holistic treatment approaches that integrate behavioral therapies, peer support, and lifestyle modification can offer individuals a multifaceted approach to healing.
Promoting awareness and reducing stigma surrounding substance use and mental health is paramount to encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination. Education campaigns, community outreach programs, and open discussions can help debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding these issues. Encouraging empathy, compassion, and understanding towards individuals grappling with substance use disorders and mental health challenges fosters a more supportive and inclusive environment where people feel empowered to seek assistance and embark on their journey towards recovery. By fostering a culture of acceptance and support, we can break down barriers and facilitate access to the resources and assistance individuals need to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
Thank you, Bill, that was nice and very informative! As we find remission from our harmful addictions, Richard would like to share a helpful passion, possibly even an obsession of sorts, that has improved his life greatly. That passion is ART! When Richard speaks of art, he’s not just referring to drawing and painting. Art has many forms. The following are a few, some are the tools and supplies to create art, and some are the activities themselves. Here is his list and there are many more: architecture, banjos, books, crafts, ceramics, cinema, cooking, crayons, dance, drama, embroidery, film, guitars, holograms, ice sculpting, jazz, karate, landscaping, literature, music, mosaics, needlework, opera, photography, painting, performances, quilting, radio, self-portraits, sculpture, textiles, unique art, videos, woodworking, xylophones, yachting, zoography. So, taste the freedom of addiction remission and go create some Art! The ball is in your court-so-to-speak (RichardEbner).
Stigma is so real and so disturbing – Doc wonders how many times our human race will crucify itself? Are we close relatives of the Praying Mantis? Are we hardwired to set ablaze whatever is too mysterious and scary? How many women practicing alternative medicine did we tie to a stake in a town square? Are humans plagued with inherent xenophobia?
A recent article arrived from our editor-in-chief here at VSN. It was interesting to follow, while following stories pulled from the shadows, written by James J O’Connell, M.D. (2015). It was about halfway through Jim’s book that a reflection collided with news about our national homelessness debate reaching the Supreme Court in Oregon. Apparently, some community members are attempting to build gallows for the homeless there rather than Tiny Huts.
While reading Jim’s reflections of a street doctor, you encounter the Bear. We too have a Bear within our fold, a kind soul, and far from homeless. The lesson Dr. O’Connell conveyed nicely, is that our homeless neighbors are human beings deserving of the same love and respect as you do! In his reflection of the Bear, a homeless gentleman who died, Jim noted that a memorial was constructed in his honor. It consisted of a decorated tree in a park where Bear’s bench-bed was located. The memorial had an image of a big bear standing on its hind legs pinned to a tree. Above that was a card notated by his friends and neighbors, including notations from children who regularly played at the park. And above that, a rose! Bear provided essential Affirmation for those children and they in-turn loved having him there, as they learned to play together.
The article from Oregon mentioned disgruntled people with signs reading “parks are for kids.” (quote)… I am not sure how to explain the stigma writing on the wall, other than, many of our homeless addiction disorders are attempting to deal with severe emotional deprivation disorder (an unaffirmed childhood). Affirmation is the mainstay of our protocol and Jim’s Bear was clearly providing it for those children. Who knows, maybe the Bear prevented a future addiction disorder or two, by simply being an adult observing those children at play, affirming their fun! In closing, let’s hope we bare no strange fruit this season!