About 25 years ago I observed a way of looking at addiction that seemed like it might be helpful. People I served in my tobacco cessation practice often seemed overwhelmed by the idea of quitting smoking. I felt that way myself every time I tried to quit smoking. Logic led me to look at ways to break it down, or deconstruct the relationship with tobacco. Maybe if we presented it in ‘bite sized chunks’ people would feel less overwhelmed.
That’s when I saw it – a way of looking at addiction (to tobacco, originally) that gave people hope and direction! Hope – because the overwhelming, amorphous, idea of my addiction actually consists of five components. When I look at them individually, addiction seems a little less overwhelming and I have hope that I might be able to escape addiction’s hellish grip. Direction – because even if I’m not ready to take aim at the whole thing, I can still work on at least one of the five aspects. I have a clear direction and I can take at least a small step today along the path towards my freedom. This way of looking at addiction was a game-changer!
Thousands of brave hopeful folks have used this approach and found their freedom from tobacco, typically in small groups meeting in community and corporate settings. Many years ago people started applying the BESOCHEMPS model of addiction to other substances and even to behaviors that weren’t typically considered to be addictions at the time (binge-spending, self injurious behavior, gambling, etc.) Today the BESOCHEMPS is being used to address the full spectrum of addictions.
BESOCHEMPS
The 5-headed Dragon!
The BESOCHEMPS model of addiction has been used to successfully address every sort of illicit substance use, and even compulsive behaviors that aren’t directly related to a substance (gambling, binge-spending, cutting, etc.) The dragon has helped brave folks reclaim their freedom in substance use treatment settings, hospitals, faith-based organizations, mental health settings, academic institutions, community based groups, and correctional facilities.
Online Recovery Groups
The BESOCHEMPS model of addiction has been used to successfully address every sort of illicit substance use, and even compulsive behaviors that aren’t directly related to a substance (gambling, binge-spending, cutting, etc.) The dragon has helped brave folks reclaim their freedom in substance use treatment settings, hospitals, faith-based organizations, mental health settings, academic institutions, community based groups, and correctional facilities.
Groups
QuittersWin Groups are always offered without cost to participants – no cost, no co-pay, no insurance requirements. Other groups are offered by special arrangement and therefore participation is limited by certain criteria. Find a group or contact us to host a group.
Phone Support
Sign up for phone support on Fridays or text support anytime and join our Facebook group and receive free, positive, motivational text messages as a way of reminding you that you aren’t alone on this journey! Find the support to help you quit smoking!
Postcards
Over the years, I’ve passed out lots of “postcards” to my brave friends. And it’s absolutely true that what we see (think about) can influence how we feel, and even how we behave! Not convinced? Read about The Law of the Funnel!
Strategies
These are some practical strategies for your toolbox along your journey of change and recovery! Learning new coping skills is essential as you move forward from your unhealthy relationship with tobacco or other substances.
Thousands of brave folks trying to quit tobacco have certainly convinced me that there are many ways to succeed at quitting. What works for one person doesn’t always work for the next person.
Encouragement
On your journey (aren’t we all on a journey?) hope can definitely change your outcome, whether you believe it or not. In fact, whether or not you believe it is part of the key that can unlock hope’s power. So try to stay hopeful. And if you have trouble staying hopeful, stay in touch with your friendly neighborhood hope dealer!
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Thank you for some of those suggestions
I guess the head of the dragon is emotional (stress).when I quit several times. I have done all the thing you have brought up. My biggest fear was the weight gain and not able to shed if off quickly. Walking a lot. Didn’t make the pounds shed.I know I still needed to quit because of medical reasons. I don’t want to be obese.
Interesting and totally makes sense!
All of these give you the chance to look into yourself. Once figured out, you can change it. Thank you.
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