Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through understanding, personal development, and the cessation of suffering. One of the core teachings in Buddhism is the concept of the Four Noble Truths, which outlines the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Homophily is a sociological concept that describes the inclination of individuals to connect and form relationships with those who share similar traits or characteristics. It is natural inclination that can play a significant role in shaping our social circles, especially during challenging times. When individuals struggle with addiction or face mental health challenges, they often find comfort and understanding in friendships or intimate relationships with others who exhibit similar patterns.

By disrupting the brain's reward circuitry and creating a profound imbalance of neurotransmitters, most notably dopamine, cocaine induces a state of heightened suspicion and hypervigilance. This chemical shift does not merely cause fear; it often manifests as acute agitation and uncontrollable rage. The transition from euphoria to drug-induced psychosis is frequently marked by delusions that trigger defensive or "retaliatory" aggression, making the individual a potential danger to themselves and others.

‍ ‍Today, we delve deeper into understanding why some people react adversely to someone else's recovery and how to set boundaries with those who hinder your progress. These become the “losers” in our life as they lose us because of their negative or abusive behaviours.

Mental health care is not a luxury, but a necessity. By acknowledging its importance, breaking down stigmas, and prioritizing our mental well-being, we can lead happier, healthier lives. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let's work together to create a society that values mental health care and supports those who need it.

Family dynamics in the addictive family.

Learning about your Window Of Tolerance and adopting new coping skills to help with triggers and reactions will lessen the need to use substances to cope with the mental and physical sensations that come with hypo and hyper arousal.

How to f@#k up your chance at change and destroy your efforts.

I made a short slide show that discusses addiction and a brief intro to what addiction counselling entails.

People often ask what benefits counselling and recovery brings.

91% of recovering addicts have a very positive quality of life, with:

96% having stable housing;

94% being able to pay bills on time; and

90% actively participating in family activities

https://www.ccsa.ca/.../CCSA-Celebrate-Life-in-Recovery...

This is important because "1 in 3 people will experience mental illness in their lifetime" and "An estimated 21 percent of Canadians will experience addiction issues in their lifetime." - CAMH

Together we can stop the stigma and help our friends, family members, neighbours, and others get access to services and improve their quality and quantity of life.

Why counselling can improve your success in recovery.

What the Stoics taught us about control

Dichotomy of Control