03/16/2026
JBJ Counseling
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- JBJ Counseling
“Solution Focused Care — Harm Reduction Saves Lives”
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Newton, MA
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The identity of addiction...
I’ve worked with many clients over the years -- hundreds, at this point. When first sitting with an individual, I’ll often ask them about their interests in life -- things like hobbies, passions, and pursuits.
More often than not they reply, “I have no idea. I don’t even know who I am anymore.”
This is a sad and a startling moment for the individual. People in life often say that they would like a chance to “start again”, to have a “clean slate”, a chance to “do it all over”. To this, I might offer, “be careful what you wish for”. Those at the beginning of their journey through recovery ARE starting over, with a clean slate, a do-over -- and it is always a frightening and confusing experience.
Addiction is much more than just a pleasure-seeking illness. It is a force that envelops all aspects of the user. It is not uncommon to see the culture of drugs and alcohol influencing the way that people dress & speak, the company they keep, the places they go, even the music and media that they consume. Addiction becomes an identity unto itself -- one that can further alienate the individual from others, and from more healthy and sustainable pursuits.
