#075: Own Your Healing with Jaime Jenkins

Addiction Theories

Addiction is often misunderstood as a mere character flaw or a disease, but Jaime Jenkins offers a different perspective. She follows the theory of Dr. Mark Lewis, who views addiction as a developmental, learned behavior. This theory suggests that addiction begins as a coping mechanism for stress, gradually becoming a habitual response. Mark Groves adds that this learned behavior is similar to other familial patterns, where children mimic unhealthy relational dynamics they observe 1.

You learn to be addicted.

--- Jaime Jenkins

The societal interpretation of addiction often fails to account for these complexities, especially for high-functioning addicts who maintain successful careers while struggling with substance use. Jaime argues that labeling addiction as a brain disease can be disempowering, as it removes personal agency and reinforces denial 2.

   

Empowerment in Recovery

Empowerment in recovery is about reclaiming personal agency and recognizing one's role in the healing process. Jaime Jenkins emphasizes that while support systems like AA are valuable, the individual is ultimately responsible for their recovery journey. This involves facing past behaviors and making conscious choices to change 3.

You now have the choice to make a different choice, and you consistently have to make that choice.

--- Jaime Jenkins

Mark Groves highlights the importance of separating one's identity from addiction, allowing for a more holistic approach to recovery. He shares personal anecdotes of individuals who have transitioned from traditional methods like AA to other modalities, underscoring the need for a personalized path to healing 4.