Substance Abuse Counseling: Books & Streaming Videos

Addictive disorders occur when an individual uses a substance or medication to the point where they experience clinically significant stress or functional impairment, leading to possible intoxication, abuse, addiction, and withdrawal. Those suffering from addictive disorders may have their cognition, perceptions, or physiology debilitated. They may continue to use substances, even with they experience negative effects. They may be so dependent, that ceasing or reducing substance use causes negative consequences.

Lucy spent many years in complex drug use and would describe herself as an addict. Addiction counselor Tracy Postings differentiates between experimental, recreational, and dependent drug use. She reads several definitions of addiction and discusses the word's Roman origins.

SOBRIETY ROAD explores the world of addiction and the challenges to recovery. The full feature documentary includes interviews with individuals struggling with addiction, their families, inmates and professionals in the field. Sharing their insights, experiences and hope, SOBRIETY ROAD takes the viewer on a journey filled with possibilities.

Contrary to what is often claimed, the source of addictions is not to be found in genes, but in the early childhood environment where the neurobiology of the brain’s reward pathways develops and where the emotional patterns that lead to addiction are wired into the unconscious. Stress, both then and later in life, creates the predisposition for addictions, whether to drugs, alcohol, nicotine or to behavioral addictions such as shopping or sex. Helping the addicted individual requires that we appreciate the function of the addiction in his or her life.Once we recognize the roots of addiction and the lack it strives (in vain) to fill, we can develop a compassionate approach toward the addict, one that stands the best chance of restoring him or her to wholeness and health.