All Things Substance

The love of others, the law, nor the hope of a good future are enough to keep someone sober long term. Today we'll talk about why that is and what to do about it.

The main skills we use every day in therapy sessions are what you need to start working with client substance use. You already HAVE the skills you need to work with substance use and today, I'm going to tell you how it works.

Treating a medical symptom without looking for the cause is what its like to treat substance use without addressing mental health. Mental health therapists are vital to recovering people. We are needed and wanted in that space. Today we'll talk about the role of mental health therapists in recovery.

Why it's just not true that people who are using choose their substance over their loved ones. My heart, like yours, has hurt for my clients. I've been livid with their family or friends and felt helpless. Listen to this episode to hear how I found compassion.

I first "met" Jean, the person featured in today's episode, while being a guest on her podcast, The Bubble Hour. Jean has been hosting the Bubble Hour for several seasons and provided space for hundreds of guests to share their recovery stories. Serving as an inspiration to people all over the world. In this episode we get to hear her story.

So what's behind the client's choice of substances? Why does one person choose alcohol vs marijuana? Why does one person choose pills instead of cocaine? There are actually specific reasons why people choose one drug or another and it can really be helpful to understand the reason.

So what's behind the client's choice of substances? Why does one person choose alcohol vs marijuana? Why does one person choose pills instead of cocaine? There are actually specific reasons why people choose one drug or another and it can really be helpful to understand the reason.

Helpful Links

https://betsybyler.com/over-the-counter-medications/

https://betsybyler.com/what-are-barbiturates/

https://betsybyler.com/sleep-medications/

https://betsybyler.com/adhd-medications/

https://betsybyler.com/meth-facts/

https://betsybyler.com/benzodiazepines-benefits-and-risks/

https://betsybyler.com/difference-between-crack-and-cocaine/

https://betsybyler.com/what-is-lsd/

https://betsybyler.com/what-is-ketamine/

https://betsybyler.com/for-treatement-psychedelic-ptsd/

https://betsybyler.com/inhalant-abuse/

https://betsybyler.com/what-is-heroin/

https://betsybyler.com/facts-about-marijuana/

https://betsybyler.com/effects-of-alcohol/

Substance Misuse as a Coping Mechanism | Health.mil

Stress Coping Strategies of Drug and Alcohol Addicted Patients in Latvia - ScienceDirect

Frontiers | The Association of Drug-Use Characteristics and Active Coping Styles With Positive Affect in Patients With Heroin-Use Disorder and Methamphetamine-Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Even mandated clients can make progress and get sober. It can seem challenging to work with mandated clients. In some respects it can be, but therapy can be far better than people think. Check out this episode to hear my tips on how to have a therapeutic relationship with a mandated client.

Helpful Links

RACGP - Motivational interviewing techniques – facilitating behaviour change in the general practice setting

Understanding Motivational Interviewing | Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)

Motivational Interviewing: Definition, Techniques, and Efficacy

We are taking a side step from substance use today to talk about the very real impact of the Roe v Wade ruling. Today is an honest and frank conversation with friend and colleague Dr. Jenny Hughes about how the restriction of our rights impacts us professionally and personally.

Helpful Links

https://www.abortionfinder.org - Helps you find a verified abortion provider or other safe methods of abortion

https://abortioncarenetwork.org - Provides access to independent abortion clinics across the country

https://www.ineedana.com - After asking 3 simple questions with non-identifying information, this website gives you the closest clinic, access to financial support, and resources for telemedicine

https://aidaccess.org - Provides online consultations for abortions and medications from overseas

https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org - Provides information on self-managed abortion and your legal rights now that Roe is overturned

https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org - Has a search function to look up abortion laws and restrictions by state

https://wrrap.org/ - May be able to provide financial support for travel

Treating chronic pain is challenging. Mental health definitely plays a role in people's recovery and is recommended by the medical community. Check out this week's episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at betsybyler.com/podcast.