Delusions
Recently, I read another editorial in the local newspaper commenting on a proposed bill in the WV legislature recommending reducing low level drug possession to misdemeanors and increasing penalties for drug dealers. The author of the editorial was concerned that not giving individuals “ harsh penalties for drug possession would mean that they would wind up in much deeper trouble or even dead.” The author goes on to say “If lawmakers want to reduce the harm a criminal record could do to those who are truly interested in turning their lives around, fine. More provisions should be made for making sure those who receive less harsh penalties for drug charges are able to get the help they need – and take advantage of it.”
Reading the entire editorial again makes it seems as if most of us want to recommend treatment while, at the same times, make the symptoms of addition a criminal offense.
This editorial is very symptomatic of our ongoing conflicting feelings about illnesses which affect the behavior of an individuals, especially addiction related behavior. While there may be still a lot of unanswered questions about a more effective treatment for addictions there is no question about the fact that addictions are a thinking disorder which are a result of a brain disease.
The author of this editorial indicates those with addictive disorders need help and not punishment. Yet the author continues to talk about penalties. Penalties are not the same as helping individuals comes to terms with the fact that are consequences for getting the help they need to get and stay in active recovery.
In my work with those attempting recovery from active addiction it is obvious they are often conflicted about whether addiction is a choice or a disease; a disease such that once one feeds the addiction the command center of the brain functions changes drastically. The changed brain now directs that one must put core values aside and make feeding the addiction primary. The process is no different than it is for the person with an obsessive compulsive disorder who cannot ignore the commands of the brain to wash their body in a certain order and if they fail to follow exact instructions start over. The person suffering from this sort of disease can take hours to take a shower or do other tasks which are very simple for the person without an obsessive compulsive disorder.
If we, as a culture, are serious about reducing the financial, emotional and spiritual costs of addiction we must:
Written November 20, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
Recently, I read another editorial in the local newspaper commenting on a proposed bill in the WV legislature recommending reducing low level drug possession to misdemeanors and increasing penalties for drug dealers. The author of the editorial was concerned that not giving individuals “ harsh penalties for drug possession would mean that they would wind up in much deeper trouble or even dead.” The author goes on to say “If lawmakers want to reduce the harm a criminal record could do to those who are truly interested in turning their lives around, fine. More provisions should be made for making sure those who receive less harsh penalties for drug charges are able to get the help they need – and take advantage of it.”
Reading the entire editorial again makes it seems as if most of us want to recommend treatment while, at the same times, make the symptoms of addition a criminal offense.
This editorial is very symptomatic of our ongoing conflicting feelings about illnesses which affect the behavior of an individuals, especially addiction related behavior. While there may be still a lot of unanswered questions about a more effective treatment for addictions there is no question about the fact that addictions are a thinking disorder which are a result of a brain disease.
The author of this editorial indicates those with addictive disorders need help and not punishment. Yet the author continues to talk about penalties. Penalties are not the same as helping individuals comes to terms with the fact that are consequences for getting the help they need to get and stay in active recovery.
In my work with those attempting recovery from active addiction it is obvious they are often conflicted about whether addiction is a choice or a disease; a disease such that once one feeds the addiction the command center of the brain functions changes drastically. The changed brain now directs that one must put core values aside and make feeding the addiction primary. The process is no different than it is for the person with an obsessive compulsive disorder who cannot ignore the commands of the brain to wash their body in a certain order and if they fail to follow exact instructions start over. The person suffering from this sort of disease can take hours to take a shower or do other tasks which are very simple for the person without an obsessive compulsive disorder.
If we, as a culture, are serious about reducing the financial, emotional and spiritual costs of addiction we must:
- Consistently treat it as a disease.
- Come to terms with the fact that we are an addictive society. A majority use money, alcohol, other drugs, food, sex , things - anything outside of oneself – to prove our worth or to give our life meaning; This is a symptoms of the underlying belief that one not enough.
- Accept that addiction can also begin with a treatment for emotional or physical pain. Certain drugs will change the function of the brain; even the healthiest person.
- Accept that penalties in the form of punishment do not work. It is true that there is that occasional person who gets arrested and quickly realizes that they need help. It is not punishment but the interruption/intervention which makes the person stop and realize that it is okay to seek help. This person typically has already been wanting help but may have been too embarrassed to ask for it.
- Accept that It is true that there is a core group of people who are not able to respond to current treatment methods. We must find a non-punishment, compassionate method of dealing with such individuals while also protecting other members of the community.
- Accept that treatment is expensive but punishment is more expensive.
- Accept that addictive beliefs and behavior may start very young.
- Accept that the concept of free will falsely assumes that the brain is always able to access and act on core values which consider the rights and needs of others.
- Accept that free will is a delusional concept. How thoughts are formed, accessed and acted on depend on the balancing of a myriad of factors including environment, genetics, nutrition, exercise and a various of other influences. That may be a frightening concept for many but if we are to attempt to create a healthier community we must come to terms with this reality. Delusional or wishful thinking is not a reality which serves anyone.
Written November 20, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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