Emotional Intelligence in Addiction Recovery

Building Emotional Vocabulary

• Building emotional vocabulary is crucial for connecting with oneself and others and regulating emotions in a healthy way.
• Recognizing emotions such as anger, sadness, happiness, insecurity, and fear is a foundational part of addiction recovery.
• Practicing emotional vocabulary can be done by asking oneself what a character is feeling while watching TV or reading a book.

Removing Addictive Substances

• Removing the addictive substance or behavior is the next step in addiction recovery, but it can lead to feelings of depression or loss.
• Research shows that neurotransmitters can regulate over time, allowing individuals to resume a normal, addiction-free life.
• Processing childhood issues or trauma and receiving support are essential for overcoming addiction.

Self-Care

• Self-care is the second most important contributor to success in addiction recovery.
• Connection with others and self-care are the two most powerful tools in the journey toward freedom from addiction.

Identifying Addiction

• Identifying addiction can be done by asking oneself questions such as:
  • Do I feel low, insecure, or anxious before engaging in the behavior/substance?
  • Does the substance/behavior make me feel better about myself?
  • Do I think about the substance/behavior every day?
• If most answers are "true", it may indicate an addiction.
• Talking to a trusted friend or counselor is the first step to finding freedom from addiction.

Connection and Addiction

• The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but connection.
• Connection with others is vital in overcoming addiction.
• Emotional self-awareness and safe relationships are essential for overcoming addiction.
• Building deep, meaningful relationships with others can help individuals move toward freedom from addiction.

Rat Parks and Addiction

• Scientists have studied addiction by observing how rats interact with addictive substances.
• In a 1969 study, rats chose cocaine-laced water over plain water, becoming addicted.
• However, this study does not fully capture the complexity of human addiction.

Addiction and Recovery

• Brett, a former first responder, struggles with shame from his drinking and infidelity, but is now focusing on self-awareness, self-care, and rebuilding his family relationships.
• Resentment is a major obstacle to recovery, and Brett's wife is still hurt and angry after 30 years of marriage.
• Shame and self-criticism can hinder recovery, while self-compassion and self-care are essential for overcoming addiction.
• Trusting others is crucial in recovery, especially for those with adverse childhoods or neglectful upbringings.

Self-Care and Recovery

• Self-care is essential for recovery, including exercise, sleep, healthy eating, and mindful breathing to increase self-control.
• Individuals with addictions often struggle with self-neglect and must learn consistent self-care habits.
• Healthy living includes healthy movement, rest, nutrition, play, learning, and relationships.

Relapse and Triggers

• Risks of relapse include boredom, which can lead to addictive behaviors.
• Addicts often trust their addiction more than people, leading to social isolation.
• Firefighters need a robust support web to overcome addiction and select healthy means of destressing.

First Responders and Addiction

• First responders often struggle with social anxiety and loneliness after retirement.
• Firefighters need to build a support web, including friends and healthy relationships, to overcome addiction.
• Sobriety can lead to unintended isolation due to the prevalence of alcohol in first responder social gatherings.

The Firefighter Support Web

• First responders need a broad web of individuals and habits to sustain and help them recover from a busy, stressful career.
• A robust social support web is essential for emotional well-being, focusing on the actions of balanced people.

Seven Dimensions of Wellness

• Dr. Bill Hettler developed the "Six Dimensions of Wellness" in 1976, which can be used to analyze wellness.
• A seventh dimension, environmental wellness, is often added to the list.

Elements of the Firefighter Support Web

• Relationships: Spouse, Family, Brotherhood, Trusted Friends, Department Leadership, Peer Supporter(s), Counselor/Mental Health Community
• Resources: First Responder Training, Leadership, Department Emotional Wellness Training, Chaplains, Peer Support, Addiction Treatment Programs
• Self-Care: Meditation, Walking Meditation, Writing, Counseling, Prayer, Yoga, Exercise, Nutrition, Rest, Connecting with Nature
• Self-Awareness: Setting Boundaries, Connection with Trusted Relationships

Addiction and the Firefighter Support Web

• Addictions can replace human connections, leading to mistrust of people and preferred reliance on addictive behavior or substances.
• Firefighters struggling with addiction need to build a robust support web to select healthy means of destressing instead of turning to addictive substances or behaviors.
• Quitting addiction often results in lifestyle changes, including social life changes, and connecting with others in healthy environments is crucial.

The Development of an Addiction

• A healthy relationship with alcohol or other substances can escalate over time, especially for first responders who face intense situations daily.
• Residual cortisol and adrenaline in the body can lead to reaching for alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism.