In a continued discussion about treating substance abuse, Murray State psychology professor Michael Bordieri speaks with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good.
Bordieri says he’s seeing changes in political leadership that support the treatment of substance abusers. He says President Barack Obama recently described abuse as a medical problem, not a criminal one. This could be a priority change and bring change in access to evidence-based treatments.
Some of these concepts include relapse prevention. Bordieri says it’s designed to anticipate situations where abusers would be tempted to use and have plans to do something different. An example could be a user at a bar being offered a drink.
Bordieri says one of the best predictors of relapse is mood. People may come out of rehab committed to change, but those negative feelings can come back and trigger a setback.
However, he says momentary lapses can be turned around before becoming a full blown relapse. Refraining from treating these instances as an all-or-nothing situation can bolster a positive mindset, too.
The professor says community can also play a big part in recovery, citing online groups and communities including virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
