The Cultural Addiction Paradigm is the invisible many-sided patterns of thinking about addiction that have trickled down on all of us over many generations. What’s important here is the “many-sided patterns of thinking” and the trickle down onto all of us, which distorts the content of our thinking, specifically our thinking about solutions for addiction.
From history, an example is Johann Hari’s book, “Chasing The Scream” (on page 27) about the Harrison Act of 1914, “It was more comforting to believe that a white powder was the cause of black anger, and that getting rid of the white powder would render the black man docile. . “ The Cultural Addiction Paradigm has a narrow focus on a problem and comes up with a narrow solution and minimizes the larger context. The narrow focus being on the “evil” white powder and the solution was to get rid of it, which in this example totally misses the larger context – the black/white tension surrounding the problem with the white powder in 1914.
A story that clarifies the tendency to focus on the problem while missing the larger problem is “The Parable from The River” which tells the story of a village by a river. One day a baby floating down the river is noticed. Someone immediately swims out to rescue the baby. Slowly, more and more babies float by, needing rescued. The majority focus is on rescuing babies, so much that only one lone voice asks about going up stream to look who’s throwing the babies in the water.
The point is that our Cultural Addiction Paradigm has a myopic focus on the problem and the solution. The reality is we need to focus on both the problem, and the problem around the problem – the context in which the problem emerges. Unless we focus on both, like The Parable of The River Story” we have more and more of the same problem.
We empathize with the Cultural Addiction Paradigm because this is the reality of our history. It’s important for us to accept our history. I know there were good folks who did their best to manage addiction in the past. There were also plenty of less then optimal situations in our history as well. If this is of interest to you, pick up a copy of Johann Hari’s book, or check him out on youtube.
But, we can learn a new skill – mindful focus of attention. First, focus on the problem. Look deeply into it. Then step back. Let your awareness expand. Consider everything around the problem. Give yourself some time. Now, think of the points you gleaned from your expanded awareness and bring them to bear on the problem in the narrow focus.
You can use this mindful focus of attention on any problem.
When we have a problem, like addiction in a loved one, just like “The Parable of The River Story” know that the tendency inside of you will be to focus on your loved one’s problem, or to find a solution for them. The Cultural Addiction Paradigm reinforces this myopic focus. Yes, it’s important to know the problem, AND we need to look at the problem around the problem. To come up with the best solution we need both.
You can learn how to use this mindful focus of attention in a group or with individual coaching.
Are you wondering which is right for your situation? Let us know of your interest by sending an email to jeff@thefamilyrecoverysolution.com or signup for individual coaching
Learn how your family starting a healing process can encourage your loved one to stop using and engage in their individual healing and recovery. https://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/whole-family-healing/
Jeff Jones LPC, CACIII, Certified Intervention Professional, and Family Coach has created online family groups for two reasons: 1) In the addiction crisis, families are the biggest stakeholder, with the least support to productively engage in longterm solutions, and 2) with the support of likeminded people, families can have a stronger voice for solutions in their own family, their community, and our world.
Would you like to see a particular topic addressed? Send me an email and let me know. jeff@thefamilyrecoverysolution.com