“Even though I’ve received a lot of therapy training and have been exposed to a lot of different treatment techniques, they are like going to repair a car when the engine is not running.”
“Something problematic is happening but you don’t know what the source of the problem is.”
Those are the words of David Oshman, a U.S. author and former addictions therapist who has been championing the importance of providing holistic based therapy services that break the cycle of stigma and prioritize patient recovery and care.
“Most people utilize the tools and it appears they’re successful, but the fact is that it’s just supplementation. It’s a process that reinforces the person’s denial of the source of the actual feeling and what is happening inside,” says Oshman.
David Oshman says that the key to providing successful therapy to a person experiencing addictions is to help them look inside themselves and understand what the source of the addiction is – that is to say, where the feelings, desires and cravings come from.
Society often approaches substance abuse on a moral, legal or psychological level, when in fact, it’s often about a person trying desperately to numb suffering or alleviate pain as quickly as possible, in any way possible.
“It’s often something deeper inside that doesn’t need to be eliminated, but acknowledged,” says Oshman.
“It needs to be embraced and loved,” says Oshman.
The Harvard Business review published an article that echoes the same sentiment, and it doesn’t just go for substance abuse – everyone can benefit from self-compassion. It’s much less destructive and provides the necessary environment required for healing.
“From the article entitled Give Yourself a Break: The Power of Self-Compassion: When you have a setback at work, treat yourself as you would a friend: with kindness and understanding.”
The truth is that modern media and oftentimes our culture perpetuates a shame cycle surrounding any perceived shortcoming, rather than promoting acceptance and healing. In Oshman’s work, he tirelessly forged a path towards self-acceptance and belonging for hundreds of patients around the world.
Oshman goes on to say that he has seen the most success in treating patients with this holistic approach because rather than unearthing shame or affecting their self-worth, he helps them understand and overcome the addiction using self-acceptance.
He helps patients recognize what drives their addictions and encourages them to build the skills and self-confidence to overcome it.
The idea of embracing yourself despite any perceived shortcoming is not taught enough in Western medicine and philosophy, according to Oshman. He says in Eastern traditions, and especially while he practiced at a rehab facility in Thailand that this practice was more commonplace.
“This type of practice doesn’t require as much continuation of therapy because it’s much more compassionate and much more effective,” says Oshman.
“It doesn’t remind the person not to do something, not to be something, not to feel something.”
To learn more about David Oshman and what you can do to break the stigma surrounding addictions, you can visit his official website.
