January 2021 - Louisville Health and Healing

Okay. Okay. Okay. I know we are all tired of our current situation. I am even hesitant to write and then post this. And, I also think it is important. It is important to understand that it may “feel” lonely and disconnected but that there are others that feel the same. Identification is the antidote to loneliness. So, this is my attempt to help you feel connected. Yeah. Yeah. We know times are hard. No end in sight. Blah blah. Okay, I got it. That’s just it. The powerlessness and lack of control and uncertainty are a recipe for maladaptive coping strategies (ie video games, drug use, alcohol use, pornography, online shopping [no he didn’t go there], infidelity). People want relief. We want an escape from the entrapment and smothering (of kids, NTI, back to back zoom meetings). We want to feel POWERFUL and IN CONTROL. This is where the problem is. The symptoms of these sufferings are isolation, depression, anxiety, uncontrollable rage, physical health problems, conflict with intimacy and connection with loved ones.

More and more people are experiencing a “re-traumatization” or re-living of past trauma that had been suppressed and/or forgotten about. This has been pretty common. This can be extremely difficult to manage and navigate. Symptoms of this “re-traumatization” are recurring negative thoughts or thoughts about negative events, nightmares and sleep disturbances, poor appetite, decrease interest in hygiene health, avoiding certain things or places associated with past events. It can be a lot to process. Luckily, there is help in the community. There are professionals that do specialize in this area.

I did want to offer some activities that can make a difference and hopefully offer some relief:
1) Exercise – Get outside even if its cold! Moderate exercise 2-3 times weekly.

2) Cook something – It doesn’t matter. Cook something you love or cook something you want try. Love Italian food? Make your own pasta and sauce. Following the direction and wait to see the result! That’s something you can control.

3) Yoga – This is a powerful practice that no only has physical health issues but also has emotional and spiritual health benefits. Yoga allows for centeredness, groundedness, and the embodiment of oneself.

4) Therapy – meeting with a non-biased person can have many benefits. The insight, clarity and support from therapy can be all that’s needed to find relief. A lot of therapist are offering teletherapy so you can meet with a professional from the comfort of your home or car or wherever.

5) Puzzles – Like cooking, it’s a cool experience to create something from nothing. Puzzles require mindfulness, focus and memory.

6) Meditate – breathe in peace, breathe out stress. Meditation can reduce anxiety significantly.

7) Hobbies – write, paint, draw, play music. Do something you enjoy or do something that you’ve always wanted to do. This is your time.

Self-care is important. Please take care of yourself through these times of uncertainty. Hold on to whatever hope you can find. If you need please reach out. If Louisville Health & Healing is not a good fit, then we will find a place for you.

What is a substance use disorder?

According to National Institute of Drug Abuse, Substance Use Disorder is a “chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by inability to control use, inability to stop despite consequences and experience of cravings.” I think this is one of the easiest explanations of “addiction”. The word addiction has Latin meaning of enslaved. Having a substance use problem can feel like being enslaved to the substance. That is literally the epitome of loss of control. People (family members included), often struggle to identify what a personal drug or alcohol problem looks like. The terms “alcoholic” and “addiction” can have negative connotations and it is an “either you are or you’re not” one of these. We use certain criteria to determine if someone has a substance use disorder. Instead, Substance Use Disorder is on a continuum of mild, moderate and severe. Here are the criteria for Substance Use Disorder:

Hazardous use: You have used the substance in ways that are dangerous to yourself and/or others, i.e., overdosed, driven while under the influence, or blacked out.
Social or interpersonal problems related to use: Substance use has caused relationship problems or conflicts with others.
Neglected major roles to use: You have failed to meet your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance use.
Withdrawal: When you stop using the substance, you experience withdrawal symptoms.
Tolerance: You have built up a tolerance to the substance so that you have to use more to get the same effect.
Used larger amounts/longer: You have started to use larger amounts or use the substance for longer amounts of time.
Repeated attempts to control use or quit: You’ve tried to cut back or quit entirely, but haven’t been successful.
Much time spent using: You spend a lot of your time using the substance.
Physical or psychological problems related to use: Your substance use has led to physical health problems, such as liver damage or lung cancer, or psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Activities given up to use: You have skipped activities or stopped doing activities you once enjoyed in order to use the substance.
Craving: You have experienced cravings for the substance.

It can be scary to identify with these criteria. It may cause anger, confusion, and self-doubt. It may come as a relief to finally have information that may resonate with you. Whatever you feel is appropriate! Getting information and an understanding of the problem is the beginning to addressing the problem. Treatment is available and there are many options. If you are concerned for yourself or loved, feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment.

Pandemic Alert—What to watch for.

What is Substance Use Disorder?

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