On last week’s show, I provided a couple of tips for those who have recently lost their jobs or are facing the prospect of an imminent lay-off.  As a family therapist, I look at the entire family system to understand the pressures and issues that result from various life experiences.  We all know that this is a difficult economy, referred to by some as the “Great Recession.” 

Almost all of my clients are mentioning the downturn as an enormous stress on their lives.  After discussing my observations and personal vignettes from some of my clients with my colleagues and Pam and Rochelle, I realized that I needed to return to some of the strengths of my practice.  The key is understanding that we are all part of a system, and our actions affect the health and balance of that system.

It’s quite common that some bad habits may materialize during difficult times in our lives, including addiction.  I refer to it as “medicating.”  While the use of alcohol or other substances to relax our troubled minds and souls may bring temporary relief, it can get out of control.  As a result, family relationships may suffer, holding on to one’s job may become more tenuous, and the stress meter may register new highs.  If you think that you may be experiencing the beginning or a worsening situation around the use of alcohol or drugs, we need to talk.

Take a look at the following hallmarks of substance abuse, and get in touch with me to talk about your situation.  I offer a free initial consultation, and promise that you will leave our first session with at least one idea to help diminish your stress, or a sense of relief from taking that important first step to arresting your descent into the abyss of addiction.

Partial List of Chemical Dependence Behaviors

• Consistent use of alcohol or other mood-altering drugs until high, intoxicated, or passed out.
• Inability to stop or cut down use of mood-altering drug once started, despite the verbalized desire to do so and the negative consequences continued use brings.
• Blood work that reflects the results of a pattern of heavy substance use (e.g., elevated liver enzymes).
• Denial that chemical dependence is a problem despite direct feedback from spouse, relatives, friends, and employers that the use of the substance is negatively affecting them and others.
• Amnestic blackouts occur when abusing alcohol.
• Continued drug and/or alcohol use despite experiencing persistent or recurring physical, legal, vocational, social, or relationship problems that are directly caused by the use of the substance.

Increased tolerance for the drug as evidenced by the need to use more to become intoxicated or to attain the desired effect.