On Addiction, Complexity, and Freedom: Toward a Liberation-Focused Addiction Treatment.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2019
Source: PubMed
Summary
Addiction, historically linked to 'slavery,' is reframed: true freedom, not just abstinence, is the ultimate goal. This innovative addiction treatment champions personal liberation, empowering individuals to create rich, complex lives and make choices aligned with long-term goals. Through integrated addiction psychotherapy, including harm reduction strategies and exploring options like ibogaine, individuals can actively reshape their identity. This holistic approach emphasizes positive results, fostering profound freedom and self-determination.
Abstract
This article outlines a liberation-focused model of addiction treatment. Drawing on the Latin root word "addictus", addiction is seen as slavery and freedom, rather than the cessation of drug and alcohol use, is proposed as a viable, alternative treatment goal. Freedom is defined as: (1) the capacity to create a life of social and internal complexity and multiplicity; (2) the ability to make choices from an array of options; and (3) the possibility of engaging in long-term, goal-directed behavior. This vision of personal liberation is then embedded within a biopsychosocial model of care and treatment. Examples of how biomedical, psychological, and social interventions can each serve to promote the goal and experience of freedom and liberation are provided. Engaging in identity projects and using harm reduction interventions and philosophies are also seen as key to this transformative journey.