Treatment FAQ

how does metaphor fit into substance abuse treatment

by Jaclyn Blick Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

A systematic analysis of the nature and function of metaphors in drug use would be valuable in furthering our understanding of societal beliefs and attitudes toward drug entities, the meanings which are attributed to drugs and drug effects, and how such meanings (as labels, symbols or metaphors) might influence drug-taking experiences and direct drug-taking behaviors.

Full Answer

How do you use metaphors in therapy?

If a patient is struggling to understand a concept or find a solution in therapy, using metaphors is one way to help them. Acceptance and commitment therapy uses metaphors as a teaching and therapeutic tool. In this article, learn all about this fascinating technique.

What are Act metaphors and how can they help you?

As you can see, the ACT metaphors can be really useful for understanding certain aspects of your life. At the very least, they can help you reflect and sometimes help you see the situation from a different perspective. It’s too easy to get stuck where you are if you don’t have any outside input.

What are the criteria for a metaphor to be effective?

The metaphor has to be effective, and not just a story that has nothing to do with the patient. Consequently, the metaphor should meet the following criteria: The metaphor should be consistent with the patient’s level of development. The patient has to understand the metaphor.

What are acceptance and commitment therapy metaphors?

Concretely, acceptance and commitment therapy metaphors are a valuable tool for therapists. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is based on two fundamental principles: acceptance and activation.

Abstract

The intention of this article is to demonstrate, within the framework of cognitive linguistics (Lakoff and Johnson, 1980a), how slang words associated with substance abuse are conceptualized via metaphors.

References (46)

ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.

What is metaphor therapy?

Acceptance and commitment therapy uses metaphors as a teaching and therapeutic tool. In this article, learn all about this fascinating technique.

Why are metaphors helpful?

In this sense, metaphors are very helpful because they tell a story that the patient can identify with. Of course, it’s crucial to know what metaphor to use, so that the therapist can offer a solution that aligns with the patient’s values.

Why is acceptance and commitment therapy important?

The important thing is for the patient to find them useful and for them to facilitate the necessary therapeutic changes. The metaphor has to be effective, and not just a story that has nothing to do with the patient.

What is the metaphor of the hole and the shovel?

The Metaphor of the Hole and the Shovel. “Imagine you fall into a fairly deep hole and the only thing you have to help you get out is a shovel. Since you don’t know what to do and you feel desperate, you start to shovel away. Little by little, you get deeper into the hole.

What is the metaphor for the hungry tiger?

Metaphor of the Hungry Tiger. “One morning you wake up and open your front door to an adorable tiger cub. You adopt the tiger and keep it in your house. Your precious tiger starts to meow and you realize that it’s hungry. You give it some hamburger meat.

What is the criteria for a metaphor?

Consequently, the metaphor should meet the following criteria: The metaphor should be consistent with the patient’s level of development. The patient has to understand the metaphor.

What is the wave on the shore metaphor?

The Waves on the Shore Metaphor. The waves on the shore metaphor comes from acceptance and commitment therapy. This tool is helpful for dealing with negative emotions and thoughts.

Stereotype Defined

A stereotype can be defined as repetition without variation. The word is most often used to refer to how humans hold a popular belief about specific individuals. These beliefs about other people can be negative or positive, and they can impact how people interact with each other.

Common Addiction Stereotypes

The word addict is associated with quite a number of different negative stereotypes. The subscribed characteristics can differ slightly depending on whether the person is an alcohol addict or a drug addict. The stereotypical image of the alcoholic is:

High Functioning Addicts

The reality is that most addicts do not fit the stereotype for the alcoholic or the drug addict. There are many who are high functioning, and this means that they are able to disguise their problems even from family members. A high functioning alcoholic might:

Dangers of Addiction Stereotypes

The addiction stereotype can dangerous for a number of reasons because:

1. Clean and Sober

Daryl Poynter is a successful real estate professional who’s also a cocaine addict. He steals from his company through an escrow account and loses money in the stock market. After an unsuccessful attempt to flee the country fails, he finds a drug rehab program that offers anonymity.

2. My Name Is Bill W

This movie is based on the true-life story of Bill W, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. This award-winning movie shows how Bill W had to deal with depression and alcoholism. He eventually formed the renowned Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has helped thousands work with others to overcome addiction.

3. Flight

An airline captain who’s heavily into drugs and alcohol wakes up after a night of drinking, drug use, sex and little sleep. He gets onto a flight going from Orlando to Atlanta. After the initial turbulent takeoff, his copilot takes over while he sleeps. He eventually wakes up as the plane takes a steep dive.

4. 28 Days

Gwen, the main character in the movie, is an alcoholic who ruins her sister’s wedding and crashes the limo while driving under the influence of alcohol. She has the option to go to jail or spend 28 days in a rehab center. She opts for rehab but refuses to participate in the programs initially.

5. When a Man Loves a Woman

Alice, a school counselor who has a drinking problem, is married to Michael, an airline pilot. Her alcoholism makes her reckless, and she neglects her kids when her husband is not at home. Eventually, she admits that she needs help, and her husband helps her on her path to recovery.

6. Everything Must Go

Salesman Nick Halsey gets fired because of his drinking problem. After drinking for a while in the parking garage, he stabs his supervisor’s tire with his Swiss knife as a farewell gift. He drives home and finds that his wife has left, the locks have been replaced and all his belongings are on the ground.

Discover How Addiction Treatment Can Transform Your Life

If you need help with drug or alcohol abuse, remember that we have 50+ years of experience and the expertise to provide effective treatment. Our caring and friendly staff offers high-quality service with evidence-based treatment that works. We provide continuous care, and we’ll stay with you even after you’ve achieved abstinence and sobriety.

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