In this video, Evan, Cadre's Addiction and Mental Health Therapist, shares a common conversation he has with clients who are seeking help with substance abuse. In this video, you will learn how he uses specific communication strategies to reduce resistance and remove the shame and stigma of using substances. A special thanks to Nick the Poet for collaborating on this.
Evan: My wife thinks I drink too much, and I'm an alcoholic. He says cutting back would improve his relationship with his wife and improve his work. Evan: Let's make a plan and meet weekly to work on those goals.
So you told me you're having some problems at home because of drinking. Tell me more about that. Sure. My wife thinks I drink too much, and I'm an alcoholic. I mean, I know I like to drink, but I don't know if it's really an issue for me. So it sounds like you all have a different opinion on how healthy your drinking is. Exactly. I don't get why she's always on me about it. So would you say there's no downsides to how you currently drink and that she's way off? Well, I wouldn't say there's no issue.
I got a DWI last year, and it has affected my work. Cause I can't drive the work truck anymore. I know I drink a lot, probably more than I should, but it's not the end of the world. I'm not really hurting anybody else. I totally get that. So, taking away what your wife thinks, what do you think is healthiest for you? Well, I agree I should cut back. I drink most days with usually just a few beers, sometimes more. So why cut back? What would be the upsides? Well, I think it would improve the relationship with my wife, for sure, and I wouldn't have to worry about work issues and would definitely be healthier.
So it really sounds like you value your health, how you show up to work and how you show up in your relationships. I really do. I've always wanted to be the best person I can be. That's what my dad taught me. Well, what do you think he would say? Well, I think he would tell me to get this under control and just be the best man that I can be. So how do you think you could get to that point? Are there any steps you're willing to take today to make those changes? Well, I think I could try cutting it out on the weekdays and maybe just having one or two on the weekends.
Wow, that sounds like a healthy first step. Do you think it would be helpful to make a plan and meet with me weekly to work on those goals? Absolutely. Everyone just tells me to stop and tries to control me. You know, I think if you do things on your terms, it'll help you be more successful. So let's you and I come up with some goals and limits and see how that goes first. We can also find some new and healthy behaviors to replace the gap that drinking filled for you. That sounds great. I'd love to get back into fixing cars and exercising.
I used to do this kickboxing class. I feel so much better when I do those things that sounds great. Well, let's check in next week to see how you did on your goals and how you feel about the plan. Sounds great. I appreciate that. I gotta be honest with you, Evan. It feels good to talk about this stuff with you. Not with my wife or, you know, all these other people trying to control me. But it. It feels good to emote. Thank you.
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