Addictions Workshops

Facilitated by: Dr. Michael Edelstein

Textbook: Three Minute Therapy by Michael R. Edelstein, Ph.D., and David Ramsay Steele, Ph.D.

This workshop will present the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) approach for overcoming practical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addictions. An addiction is defined as any repetitive behavior which interferes with, blocks, or sabotages your long-term goals. Addictive behaviors progress from initially harmless, pleasurable activities to compulsive, driven behaviors, self-destructive to your emotions and your life.

REBT posits that addictions are not caused by your dysfunctional childhood, a disease, your addicted friends or partners, or even by your strong craving for a substance. Rather, they're caused by your unrealistic thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes in the present. REBT helps you identify your addictive thinking and offers a cognitive-behavioral alternative to the 12-step model.

Issues to be discussed include: moderation vs. abstinence; tapering vs. cold turkey, the self-esteem trap; the roles played by disease, environment, and genetics in addiction; 12-steps and powerlessness; avoiding relapse; secondary disturbance.

Participants will learn to:

  1. Clearly identify those behaviors which are addictions and those which are not.
  2. Set realistic goals in harnessing your addictions.
  3. Identify the irrational beliefs causing addiction problems.
  4. Master cognitive concepts and strategies for overcoming addictive thinking
  5. Master behavioral tools for overcoming addictions

Course Procedures: Lecture, discussion, q&a, demonstrations, video, small groups/dyads.

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