Stage of Change (SOC) is a term casual readers may like explained. It refers to where the explorer, person or client is regarding ability to or readiness to change. One school of thought is there are five stages. Another mentions a sixth category. I’m proposing yet a seventh. The first five are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, […]
Author: Stan Dokmanus
Happy Mother’s Day
Gratitude seems to be the word that has the most meaning. Think of all the sacrifices our Mothers have made for us. Mothers put themselves at the bottom of the needs list. You get the new dress, suit or shoes first. Mom is cooking and cleaning for you and the family. Moms sit up with […]
Herding Cats with ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, or its fraternal twin, ADHD, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder begin in early childhood but may not be detected until later. This could be during middle school when courses can become more difficult – requiring more focus. You might ask, what courses? Good question. Algebra is a good example. Now, for the first time […]
Drug Problems and Sexual Abuse
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) problems as well as Criminal Thinking and Conduct (CTC) could have been rooted deep in the past. Way back in your lifetime or of someone else who is suffering with these ghosts of the past. Family History. You might wonder how far back? Trauma can be generational and learned. Ancient […]
Discharge Against Medical Advice.
AMA is another notation. It means against medical advice. Some patients who are in an acute hospital or residential program may get the urge to leave thinking “I’ve got this.” Famous last words. Although you may have the right to discharge yourself it may not be in your best interest or the best for public […]
Driving Without Insurance and Drunk Driving.
How do I know if I have a drinking problem? This is a frequently asked question. The question by itself is a clue that there may a problem. A person once asked me that. In context considering the setting I thought it was unusual. The reason for the question presented perhaps a week later. This […]
Women, Men, Stress and Drug Problems.
Do women and men respond the same way to stress? No, they don’t. Our bodies react differently to stress and how we deal with it. Today, with the Coronavirus threatening our children and our lives we may need new and better ways to meet the challenge. The link just below has helpful tips: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/202003/new-research-stress-quarantine-and-5-ways-feel-better What […]
Drug Problems, Anxiety and Stress.
Anxiety and stress can create an imbalance leaving us vulnerable to alcohol and other drug problems, relapse and recidivism. As you probably know, relapse is returning to thinking about or to using drugs of choice. Irrational thinking goes with substance use disorder. The substances could be alcohol, other drugs or even food. Food is a […]
Understanding addiction as a choice or disease.
When someone is suffering with addiction to whatever substance it is very painful, scary and dangerous. Depression can be a part of the diagnosis. Helpless, hopeless and worthless are how people feel. The irrational thoughts that go with these are not helpful either. How did this happen to me? you might ask. The root word […]
Get help with stress and anxiety. Learn to manage anxiety that can lead to relapse.
We are an interesting species. We miss goals, make mistakes and get different outcomes than we intended. I meant to do this but I got that. What happened? I wasn’t even thinking about that. Really! What happened? One answer could be – maybe it is ADD. Attention Deficit Disorder. Adders can be on the way […]