Has anyone had experience using reality therapy with addictions, particularly alcoholism?

-- Rhonda Cassiday (rhondahuffman@msn.com), November 20, 2002

Answers

I recently got out of a self-committed stay in a treatment facility to help me deal with my alcoholism. It was here that I first learned of Dr. Glasser and Choice Theory. Apparently very few treatment centers teach (the basics of) Choice Theory, and I was very fortunate to have one nearby in Wenatchee, WA. I was struck by how simple and obvious it all seemed once pointed out. I came to the realization that I was using alcohol, in a cycle of diminishing returns, in an attempt to satisfy my basic psychological needs. After a short time of focused concentration on each step of the cycle I was able to add some new behavior choices that are more effective in meeting those needs. Of course this is an ongoing process. While I have only 35 days sober, I feel much better about myself and my future, and only have to remind myself that drinking is a lousy way to meet my needs about a dozen times a day 8^).

-- Xander Lih (xanderlih@charter.net), January 03, 2003.