Substance Use Disorder

A problem develops when an individual continues to use a rewarding substance despite the intention to quit or cut down. The individual or a loved one may seek help from a therapist, treatment program, or support group. The strategy of seeking an externally based solution to this problem has a fundamental weakness: Relapse is likely when the external agent is not available to control performance during actual encounters with stress and temptation.

Assuming the passive “patient” role, which requires compliance with the treatment provider's plan for you, is easy and familiar but incompatible with good long-term outcome. Success requires that you develop the ability to cope with stress and temptation so that you prevent relapse.

A wide range of information and tools are available free of charge by following the links in the right column.

• Tina's musings provides a female psychologist's perspective on women's issues and relationships. Bill's PIG Review provides summaries of the professional literature on topics pertaining to the Problem of Immediate Gratification.
• The "Listen Now" section contains two free hypnotic inductions that you may download for use on an MP3 player to evoke states of focused attention and relaxation respectively.
• Other invitations to experience phenomena directly (rather than conceptualizing them abstractly) are presented throughout this web site. They are designed to help you develop your capability to exercise will. The procedural skills you will develop by accepting these invitations will enable you to make the irreversible changes required to achieve good long-term outcome.

 

---

"If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed."