All Things Substance

Substance use is under the umbrella of mental health therapy, where it belongs. The field just has to choose to acknowledge its place there and begin equipping us to navigate it with our clients. In today's episode we'll talk about the possible reasons why substance use was seen as separate for so much of our field's history.

Stop referring out when substance use comes up. You have the skills you need to help your clients with their substance use issues. You may just need a little more information and perhaps some guidance. But the type of substance use that comes up in outpatient therapy is something that can likely be handled in-house. Today I'll break this down and tell you how and why.

There's a myth out there about who can work with substance use.  The truth is you don't need to get certified or specialize to do substance use work! In today's episode I'm going to break down this myth and explain the truth on whether or not substance use is part of our scope.

How can you  tell if client substance use is recreational or is  becoming problematic? It can be hard to tell where someone's use lies on this spectrum. Today I'll tell you some of the things I believe are indicators of problematic use.

It's National Recovery Month in the United States and today I'm going to be sharing my own recovery story. I have told parts of my story but wanted all of you to get to hear the full story of how I found recovery, my journey of becoming a therapist and eventually bringing this podcast to you.

The love of others, the law, nor the hope of a good future are enough to keep someone sober long term. Today we'll talk about why that is and what to do about it.

The main skills we use every day in therapy sessions are what you need to start working with client substance use. You already HAVE the skills you need to work with substance use and today, I'm going to tell you how it works. 

Treating a medical symptom without looking for the cause is what its like to treat substance use without addressing mental health.  Mental health therapists are vital to recovering people. We are needed and wanted in that space. Today we'll talk about the role of mental health therapists in recovery.

Why it's just not true that people who are using choose their substance over their loved ones. My heart, like yours,  has hurt for my clients. I've been livid with their family or friends and felt helpless. Listen to this episode to hear how I found compassion.

I first "met" Jean, the person featured in today's episode, while being a guest on her podcast, The Bubble Hour.  Jean has been hosting the Bubble Hour for several seasons and provided space for hundreds of guests to share their recovery stories. Serving as an inspiration to people all over the world. In this episode we get to hear her story.

So what's behind the client's choice of substances? Why does one person choose alcohol vs marijuana? Why does one person choose pills instead of cocaine? There are actually specific reasons why people choose one drug or another and it can really be helpful to understand the reason.

So what's behind the client's choice of substances? Why does one person choose alcohol vs marijuana? Why does one person choose pills instead of cocaine? There are actually specific reasons why people choose one drug or another and it can really be helpful to understand the reason. Helpful Links https://betsybyler.com/over-the-counter-medications/ https://betsybyler.com/what-are-barbiturates/ http...

Even mandated clients can make progress and get sober. It can seem challenging to work with mandated clients. In some respects it can be, but therapy can be far better than people think. Check out this episode to hear my tips on how to have a therapeutic relationship with a mandated client. Helpful Links RACGP - Motivational interviewing techniques – facilitating behaviour change in the general pr...

We are taking a side step from substance use today to talk about the very real impact of the Roe v Wade ruling. Today is an honest and frank conversation with friend and colleague Dr. Jenny Hughes about how the restriction of our rights impacts us professionally and personally.  Helpful Links https://www.abortionfinder.org - Helps you find a verified abortion provider or other safe methods of abor...

Treating chronic pain is challenging. Mental health definitely plays a role in people's recovery  and is recommended by the medical community. Check out this week's episode on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at betsybyler.com/podcast.

Natalie is a mom of two, a wife and a therapist specializing in treating trauma and substance use. Her use history  is a little different from the things we usually see in outpatient therapy. She managed to skate by several therapists without getting honest about her addiction. Today we'll hear about how she found recovery and now helps others in their struggles. 

What is normal marijuana use? How much should be used for medical purposes? We have a standard for alcohol, but we don't have a set standard yet. I'll talk about these things and share my opinion as it relates to how we do therapy. 

Marijuana issues that impact therapy aren't just about our clients. Sometimes it's us that can't decide what we should do about marijuana. People are using it, should we do anything about that? Today we'll start the first part of a 2-part conversation about marijuana.  

What is normal drinking? This is a very common question I've been asked over the years. In today's episode I'll talk about what government entities say is "moderate" and talk about a few common scenarios  that come up in therapy.  Check out this week's episode on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at betsybyler.com/podcast.

Steps to take a substance use history can vary from therapist to therapist. Today I'll give you the things I focus on when I'm exploring someone's substance use history. Check out this week's episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or at betsybyler.com/podcast.

Helping an addicted loved one can be really difficult. What should a person do? What shouldn't they do? I had an opportunity to talk with Dr. Kate Watson of the podcast Only Trying to Help about this very thing. For this episode Kate asked me to come up with some tips for listeners about interacting with their loved one who is struggling with addiction. 

Good therapy depends on both therapist and client to show up ready to work. Sometimes substance use can get in the way. We can do things to help make that hour more effective. 

We already use a mental health lens, a trauma-informed lens and a lens for whatever our main theoretical orientation is. Today we'll talk about how things shift when we add a substance use lens.  

Gabe is celebrating 16 years clean. The days when he was using feel like a long time ago. But his life really did take a turn for the worst and things could have gone very differently for him. Check out his story in this week's episode.

We have lots of difficult and sensitive conversations with our clients. Today we'll talk about how to prepare your client for the conversation about substance use. It will put them at ease and help encourage them to be more open.