5 Types of Drug User

5 Types of Drug User

by | Jul 8, 2024 | Articles, Counselling, Therapeuo, Understanding Addiction

When I was an active drug user I was always baffled by the individuals who could use with us and then abruptly stop. Those who could try cocaine or meth and just not like it. Those who were able to wake up in the morning after a hard night out and not crave a little something to get them going. Those fortunate individuals with the self-control and soundness of mind to party on a Friday night, and stay in watching movies and drinking tea on a Saturday.

For me it was not that simple. I needed drugs to get up in the morning. I needed to smoke a joint at work just to cope with my co-workers. I needed a drink at night to go to bed. It was as if I couldn’t do anything without a vast amount of chemicals running through my system.

It took me a while in recovery to understand this phenomenon. Even the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book makes a distinction between different types of drinkers – from the teetotaler to the casual drunk and the full blown alcoholic – we come to realize that there are different kinds of users, and therefore different interventions for each individual case.

In terms of addiction the UN World Drug Report sheds some light on the matter.Their report indicates that more than 247 million people have experimented with drugs, and that from that total about 10% have a substance use disorder/addiction.

If you question whether or not you might have a substance use disorder and if you might need help, consider this: has your use of a substance led to disorder in any one or more facets of your life? If yes, please consider reaching out.

Below we will look at 5 types of drug users with a brief discussion of each.

It is important as we look into the classifications to realize that these are the ideal types. Most users will not fit neatly into any specific category, yet these definitions do remain quite useful for classification.

An abstainer or teetotaler might once in a while, for example have a drink.Others might shift from one category to another as context and circumstances change.

It is also important to understand that psychological dependence varies by degree.

This set of classifications, unlike the stages of addiction, does not follow a linear pattern. It is not a progression from one to the other. Simply these are the relative position one might find oneself in in terms of the use of substances. A description of condition dependent on circumstance, context and situation.

There is no predictable progression between categories, and one might find an individual user swinging from one extreme to the other.The full blown addict might abruptly discontinue his usage of mind altering substances and become an abstainer, or an individual might try crack for the first time and become completely physically and psychologically dependant.

The Abstainer

People might abstain from drugs and alcohol, or even certain behaviors like gambling or sex, for various reasons. Whether for religious (for example 7th Day Adventists going as far as abstaining from tea and coffee because of the caffeine content) or moral reasons, or as the after effect of a series of traumatic experiences (growing up in an alcoholic household) certain people abstain because of the belief that drugs or alcohol is inherently wrong. Others still become abstainers later in life after having seen or lived the horrors of active addiction or having had a bad drug or alcohol experience.

The Social User

This type of drug use is the most common and constitutes the majority of the drug using population. A social user is an individual who uses alcohol or other psychoactive substances but are able to limit their use, using only in social settings or once in a while.

Mind altering substances are seen as a way to enhance the pleasure of a social setting and is used to accomplish social goals.

Not every social user becomes dependent although the likelihood of addiction depends on the substance being used.

The danger however does come in with reinforcement of the behaviour.

“There is still considerable debate whether people can experiment with certain mind-altering drugs (e.g., marijuana, methamphetamine, crack, or heroin) without escalating into misuse (Type 3) or dependency (Types 4 and 5). With some drugs, like alcohol, most people seem to be able to continue indefinitely as social users (Type 2); research shows only about 20% appear to develop a more depen-

dent relationship. However, a larger percentage of marijuana users (as many as 25%) escalate into dependency if they regularly use over an extended time.” (The Addiction Counselors Desk Reference, Coombs and Howatt, 2005)

Drug Abuser

Where the social user might enjoy the use of mind and mood altering substances as part of a social experience where the use of the drug itself is not the priority, the drug abusers main goal in these same settings is intoxication.

The drug abusers usage patterns might still be sporadic, unlike the dependant, but might include binges and more risky use of the drug.

The motivation changes from social reward and becomes way more internal.

Some might start using drugs to avoid or numb unwanted feelings, to change mood or personality or even to enhance performance (eg. Amphetamines for studying, or marijuana to be more ‘creative).

Others use drugs and go on binges to escape from the reality of their responsibilities at home, work or school, or just be less themselves.

Physical Dependence

Physically dependent users are not necessarily psychological addicted to the substance they are using, but because of prolonged use and tolerance these users often have to continue their use of the substance because of the severe discomforts of detox and withdrawal. We see this especially in those addicted to their prescription medication.

The physically but not psychologically dependent user might even come to despise the medications or drugs they are on and might want to stop, but discontinuation poses certain challenges.

Detox can be between 3-5 days for fast acting substances like heroin, alcohol or cocaine, or up to two weeks in the case of drugs like benzodiazepines or methadone.

“Situational addicts, such as some Vietnam veterans, offer another example of Type 4 addicts. Although numerous enlisted men became addicted to narcotics while serving in Southeast Asia, many stopped without aid on their return to the United States. They returned to normal living by reconnecting with schools, families, churches, and other social support structures that provided the psychological nourishment psychoactive drugs only simulate. After detoxifying, a large percentage walked away from drugs, or used them only intermittently for recreation. Surprisingly, full recovery did not require abstinence. Although nearly half of Vietnam veterans who became addicted tried narcotics again after their return, only 6% became readdicted.” (The Addiction Counselors Desk Reference, Coombs and Howatt, 2005)

Physically and Psychologically Dependent

“Unlike Vietnam veterans, individuals in this condition cannot simply walk away from their addictions and resume a normal life. They depend on psychoactive drugs to cope with life. When the reward-pain ratio shifts and unpleasant and disruptive events accelerate, rather than discontinuing the drugs as Type 4 users do, they increase the dosage, switch to other drugs, or try to titrate various substances. Instead of blaming drugs for their spiraling decline, they regard

them as the solution and often mourn their loss just as one mourns the death of a loved one.” (The Addiction Counselors Desk Reference, Coombs and Howatt, 2005)

Type 5 users have become fully dependent on the drug and cannot return to being a social user. This is the kind of solution that AA and other 12-step fellowships offer. Complete abstinence is the cure for this obsession of the mind and allergy of the body.

Besides the physical consequences that comes with physical dependence, the psychologically dependent user is completely hooked and obsessed with the next fix. Drug-seeking behaviour becomes a survival instinct and users of this type will continue to use and self-medicate their feelings.

Even guilt or a desire to stop can cause the psychologically addicted user to reinforce his use as he tries to escape the feeling of impending doom and hopelessness that comes with abuse, hoping he can dig down and out of the hole he has found himself in.

These users might try to stop, but cannot do so without a healthy support system and a program. Relapse is common among this kind of user, and this condition is the most severe.

If the Type 5 user does go back to trying a mind-altering substance in a social setting relapse is almost certain as they cannot stop once they start. As the AA adage goes ‘1 is too much and a 1000 never enough.’

Unlike other categories of users the Type 5 user has a permanent, chronic chemical dependence and left untreated will almost inevitably lead to debilitation or death.

Reach Out

If you believe you might have a substance use disorder or fall into one of these categories, reach out today. There are so many options available, you do not have to do it alone. Contact us on 0653703806 or via email.

You are not alone.

Finding Help: The Matrix Model

Finding Help: The Matrix Model

by | Jul 8, 2024 | Articles, Counselling, Therapeuo, Treatment Modalities

The Matrix Model is a highly structured 16 week program originally developed in the 80’s to treat stimulant dependent users. It was originally developed as a response to the growing problem of cocaine addiction and is still one of the most effective approaches in the treatment of stimulant (eg. cocaine and methamphetamine) abuse. During a time where most rehabilitation programs and centers were geared towards addressing heroin and alcohol abuse, focusing on 28 day in patient programs and relying heavily on the twelve step fellowships, the Matrix model was thought to be a more targeted approach to benefit this new group of users who had started showing up at treatment facilities all over Southern California.

Built on empirical evidence from clinical studies this mode of treatment has been proven to be effective in reducing the use of alcohol and substance abuse as well as improvements in psychological indicators.

Where many other treatment plans find their basis in a singular psychological orientation, the Matrix Model is an integrative approach which makes use of a variety of treatment styles and methods.

This includes CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), motivational interviewing, behaviorism, supportive person centred therapy, family/couples/marriage counseling, group therapy with an emphasis on social skills and twelve step fellowship meetings.

Being highly integrative and adaptable the Matrix Model can be customized to suit the individual client. Incorporating the most effective tools and facets of various approaches this treatment model is proven to be highly successful in treating those who are new to recovery and those who have not found other approaches helpful.

The methods are tried and tested for their appropriateness and effectiveness in the population being treated.

The focus of this treatment model is to teach individuals about addiction and recovery, to prevent relapse and to teach social skills, especially within a drug-free environment. This approach also encourages family members to participate in the recovery of their loved through education and counseling – whether group, family, marriage or individual counseling.

Relapse prevention and contingency management is often prioritized. In contrast to alcoholics, those who use cocaine or other stimulants often have shorter histories of use, experience periods of abstinence followed by relapse and are generally not in denial of their addiction. Since the craving the client experiences for the stimulant in question can be so overwhelming contingency management and relapse prevention is a key issue in this approach to therapy.

To encourage participation and program compliance this outpatient program also includes weekly drug testing over the course of the 16 week period to monitor and assess recovery progress.

The most common incarnation of this treatment model is as an outpatient program meaning that clients will come in weekly to the treatment facility or provider and then return home.

Some studies have observed:

  • A 1985 pilot study found that users who chose the Matrix Model program over a 28-day inpatient hospital program or a 12-step group showed lower rates of cocaine use 8 months after they were treated, compared to those who participated in those other types of treatment.
  • Another study of methamphetamine users who were treated using the Matrix Model found that this group had significantly reduced their meth and other drug use 2 to 5 years after treatment. Many of these people also had also become gainfully employed and stayed out of jail.
  • A 48-session alternative Matrix Model program for gay and bisexual men who abused methamphetamines found those who participated were less likely engage in risky sexual behaviors (due to their reductions in drug use), an important factor in preventing the spread of HIV.

The Matrix model can also, as previously asserted, be adapted to treat other substance use disorders as well.

A Matrix Model therapist must be properly acquainted and familiar with a variety of styles and therapeutic methods while also being adaptable.

The most appropriate kind of therapist/counselor would be someone who is experienced in CBT, motivational interviewing and the physiology as well as pharmacology of addiction.

Since this treatment model is non-confrontational the therapist will often take on the role of a teacher or coach, and it will be his/her duty to create a safe space – free of judgement – an environment based on openness and positivity. Empathy and a solid understanding of the clients needs is of the utmost importance.

The therapist facilitates group, individual and family counseling sessions, encourages attendance and participation in 12 step groups, engages the client in notions of CBT to understand connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviors as well as coordinating with other therapists and social services to see to the needs of the client.

The therapist is also there to praise and reward desired behavior and to provide consistency and structure to the client’s recovery journey.

Since this is an intensive program it would require that the client participates daily – attending formal therapy more or less three days a week and informal treatment like fellowship meetings on every other day.

The main components of the program are as follows:

Individual Therapy Sessions: These sessions often involve treatment planning and checking in to assess the client’s progress in the program. It may also invole family members or significant others.

Early Recovery Groups: These groups are for individuals in the first few months of sobriety and aims to build a support community for the recovering addict while also teaching valuable social skills and coping mechanisms.

Relapse Prevention Groups: In these sessions users focus on learning strategies to maintain their sobriety. These groups are very organized and the curriculum includes 32 different topics on preventing relapse. Such as changing behavioral patterns, altering ways of thinking and getting involved in 12 step fellowships.

Family Education: Usually facilitated as a therapeutic group, these sessions take place over the course of 12 weeks and teach family members about the physiology of addiction, the health affects of drugs, the conditioning of addiction and the effects of addiction on the family.

Social Support Groups: In the last month of treatment the client will attend these group sessions to focus on finding drug-free activities and healthier drug-free relationships.

Twelve Step Meetings: An integral part of most approaches to the treatment of SUD is introducing participants to the 12 steps and encouraging them to attend meetings. Some programs even have onsite meetings.

CBT/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a type of therapy which aims to help users understand how their thoughts influence their behavior. They learn how to replace negative thoughts that can lead to self-destructive behaviors with positive thoughts and healthier behaviors.

Motivational Interviewing: A counseling technique which is used to identify the users motivation for getting clean and make positive changes in their life. The therapist/client relationship is a partnership, and this technique is used to bolster rapport, overcome their resistance to quiting drugs and to encourage the client to engage in their recovery.

Contingency Management: This strategy rewards drug free behavior – such as attending 12 step meetings – or withholding rewards or even implementing consequences for drug-using behaviors – for example, failing a drug test or not taking prescribed medication.

Progress in terms of the program is monitored through goals set during individual sessions as well as random weekly drug testing. The drug testing is imperative to keeping the client accountable and to reward sobriety – it is never used to punish or break down a user.

A failed drug test may indicate the need for more structure in the program.

As stated before, this program is highly adaptable and can be used in a variety of settings and circumstances to provide the appropriate treatment for the individual.

If you need help finding a facility or treatment center you can contact us today.

We are always willing to help you find the right help.

You are not alone.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction phone us today on 0653703806.

 

Tabernacle Typology 1: God Wants To Dwell In Our Midst

Tabernacle Typology 1: God Wants To Dwell In Our Midst

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

In Genesis 3:15 we see that, shortly after Man’s disobedience, God makes a promise, the promise of salvation. God has a plan, for each and every one of us individually, and more often than not you can find the type (or the foreshadowing) in the Old Testament, and the final, full-fledged result, the fulfillment, in the New Testament.

After their Exodus from Egypt, the people of Israel found themselves safe at Mount Sinai. Here Moses had given them the laws and regulations of God, but that would not be the end of their journey with God.

An interesting aside is that God threatened to leave them, to abandon them – instructing Moses to lead the people, but saying “ Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” (Ex. 33), Moses acted as intercessor, just as Jesus was an intercessor for our sins, and reminded God of His promise. This would not be the last time Moses would intercede for the unbelief and obstinate of his people (Numbers 14).

Shortly after this the construction of the Tabernacle started.

God knew the plan He had for the Israelites, He knew what lay ahead (Jer 29:11). He also knew that their hearts would be hard and unrepentant, and that they would remain a stiff-necked people throughout. He knew what the consequences of their stubbornness would be…

Because of this unique knowledge, knowledge that only our God possesses, He designed the Sanctuary so that it could be a portable temple; a portable structure that could travel with them on their wanderings, so that they could have a physical emblem of God’s presence on their journey. It is important to note that when He instructs them to make for Him a sanctuary, the emphasis is not so much on God dwelling in it, but rather that He may dwell in their midst, among His people.

Even in the desert God would be with them. Even in their stubbornness. Even in their stiff-neckedness. Even in their sin. Even in their deafness.

God loves His people, loves His creation and wants to see it glorifying Him, He wants to see His children prosper and live in abundance and so, after the fall of Man, he made a new and living way for us, so that we could break the shackles of sin, and lay all our burdens down and truly be free through Him. Therefore, as you go through the Old Testament, you find people and events that foreshadow the coming of a Savior, the coming of Salvation.

It has been stated in various books and studies that the Tabernacle can be looked at as a portrait of the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus also paints a beautiful picture of God’s love for us, as well as some of the characteristics He expects believers to adopt. God wants to dwell, or tabernacle, in the midst of His children, and just as He revealed Himself to the Israelites,

He revealed Himself to man through Jesus, coming in the flesh through the indwelling of His Spirit, the same Spirit that lives in our hearts, seeing as we’ve accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and have, through Jesus, received all the promises of the Father, that is to say, the Holy Spirit which guides, teaches and edifies, building up the body of Christ into which we were baptized. (Eph 2:22).

His plan, displayed to us a single scarlet thread throughout the Old Testament, was fulfilled in Christ Jesus, and because of the fulfillment the old should be traded for the new. We should cling to Jesus, and not the type, but rather the fulfillment of it, for He now dwells in our hearts, God tabernacles among us, in Spirit.

In the Old Testament God lived in the Tabernacle, he dwelt among His people through the Tabernacle, but today, in this day and age, He revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and now reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of His Son), in us.


Where once God dwelt in a temple, He now truly lives among His people, He now truly tabernacles amongst His people, He now lives within us. Just as through the Tabernacle the priests had access to God, so to, through faith in Jesus we have boldness and access to God, through Christ we are a royal priesthood! (1 Pet 2:9)


He made a way for us, a new and living way, and we are free…

Reflect:

1. What are some ways in which we can see Jesus typified in the life of Moses and the event of the Exodus?

2. Reflecting on the purpose of the Tabernacle, what does it typify in terms of the modern day believer? What does the word ‘tabernacle’ mean to you?

3. The Tabernacle was in a lot of ways the ‘portable Presence’ of God in the desert. What does this imply in terms of our Christian walk?

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the depth of Your Word. That there is always more under the surface. As I continue to think along these lines, broaden my understanding. Come tabernacle in me Lord. Let me be full of You. Full of Your Presence and Power – a portable temple of sorts in the desert of this current culture. Help me carry Christ to dead and dry places, and let me see revival and restoration break out wherever I go. In Jesus name. Amen.

What is Typology? (An Introduction)

What is Typology? (An Introduction)

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Typology

Typology is the study of the New Testament in light of the Old. One of the biggest Biblical studies in typology is the book of Hebrews in which the author constantly points out how important figures, concepts and events point towards Jesus as the Messiah.

Looking at the Old Testament we can think of a few obvious ones, for example, the Brazen Serpent, symbolic of Jesus coming in the likeness of sin and hanging on the cross so that all who look unto Him could be saved, and the Rod of Aaron, typical of Christ’s priesthood and resurrection.

Essentially, ‘Types’ are a kind of prophetic foreshadowing. The idea is that all that was points towards what is and what will be – that God has hidden these prophetic lines in the tapestry of creation and history, like a secret scarlet thread for us to find, understand and marvel at.

God has been writing His love letter to mankind from before it all began.

And these ‘Types’ are like breadcrumbs leading us towards a more compelling, fuller view of the will and heart of God.

Beyond being food for thought, as we meditate on and enjoy the deeper things of God’s Word, there is also the potential of using it in conversation to explain who Christ is and what He did for us.

There is therefore the potential of employing it, like the author of Hebrews, for Jewish evangelism specifically as well – at the very least, the study of these types present the opportunity of using the Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures, to open the door for conversation about Jesus.

The names and concepts from the Old Testament will be familiar to a Jewish audience, and with a little bit of cultural awareness the knowledge of the Old can be used to point our brothers and sisters towards the New and Living Way.

Nonetheless, whatever our reasons for pursuing a study of the Old Testament and its types – whether for personal growth and understanding, purely academic or intellectual reasons, or more practical pursuits – it is a fascinating subject worthy of our attention and careful, diligent study.

Here are a few places to start:

  • Numbers 21 – the Brazen Serpent (See John 3)
  • Exodus 11-13 – The Paschal Lamb (See 1 Corinthians 5:7)
  • Genesis 22-24 – Isaac as a ‘type’ of Jesus (See Hebrews 11)
  • The Book of Joshua – Joshua as a ‘type’ of Jesus (See Hebrews 4)

The prophets often saw in simile and metaphor, Jesus spoke in parables – and through the Holy Spirit we can gain a deeper understanding of the recurring themes, ideas and concepts in the Bible towards a more satisfying view of history.

As you look at these examples, ask God to show you that hidden scarlet thread – the scarlet thread of His mercy, grace, love and faithfulness – the scarlet thread that is Jesus.

Reflect:

1. Prayerfully look at one of the examples above, all typifying Jesus. How do these people, places and events point to Jesus?

2. Can you think of any other examples in the Old Testament that might be a kind of prophetic foreshadowing of the coming Kingdom?

Prayer:

Lord, all knowledge and wisdom is in Your hand. I ask today that as I read, as I study – as I approach Your Word with reverence and awe – that You will open up the Scriptures and grant me understanding. Help me see Jesus in the Old Testament. Enlarge the joy of my salvation as I consider the things of Old – knowing that from the foundation of creation You had me in mind. Since before time began You loved me. From the very beginning of it all, Your plan for me was Jesus. Amen.

Gratitude: Sharing Your Testimony

Gratitude: Sharing Your Testimony

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“I could sing these songs
As I often do
But every song must end
And You never do”

Gratitude, Brandon Lake

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.”

Psalm 107:2-3, NIV

Worship is a response to what the Lord has done, and sometimes even a response to what He might do.

How then do we respond to the Creator, Saviour and Keeper of our souls?

The go to response for many of us is to break out in song and prayer. Today I want to suggest something else.

Our testimonies are a form of worship.

Psalm 107 starts with the words: Give thanks to the Lord!

Give thanks here, or ‘yadah’ in the Hebrew, is to heap thanksgiving and praise upon the Lord – to give Him praise, to worship Him, to lift up our hands and make confession of His goodness, His Glory and His great deeds in the Earth.

The Psalmist then instructs us how to render the fat of our praise unto the Lord.

To praise God is to make His name great amongst the peoples of the world. To make His name great is to go out and share what He has done. “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story…”

This immediately brings to mind what Jesus told His disciples – “you will be my witnesses!”

Paul regularly shared his testimony with whoever would listen. We see this again and again in the book of Acts and in the Epistles that follow. The other Apostles did the same.

Our testimony is often the greatest form of worship we can give to God because it is the kind of worship that invites others into the fold as well.

True worship is like a flame that beckons others to come (See Psalm 103).

And sometimes it is quite simple – a handful of sentences shared in passing. Sometimes it is longer and full of twists and turns.

Regardless – your testimony has the power to change someone’s life for the better. It is the kind of worship that reproduces and multiplies.

A good place to start is to write down your testimony. Write down the highlights, briefly explore what you were like before you came to Jesus. Secondly, explain what happened – or rather how you came to Jesus. Finally, it is helpful to jot down what your life is like now that you have come to Christ – what change has occurred in your life? How do you feel? How has your situation improved?

Once you have done this it is easy to share the highlights of what God has done in your life with someone else.

Whether you share it with a close friend or an auditorium full of people – the process remains the same.

In this day and age where social media is so accessible you could even consider sharing your written testimony through a post on which ever platforms you use.

Sharing your testimony doesn’t need to be hard. It is actually quite simple – and it is a way to render the fat of your gratitude productively unto the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, help me today to remember You in every conversation and interaction I might have with those around me. Help me tell others of Your goodness and grace. Help me tell others about what it is You have done in my life. Show me the best way to show the world Your love and mercy – and give me the boldness to do so. Give me the boldness to be Your witness in this cold and lonely world. In Jesus Name. Amen.