In most cases, those addicted to alcohol and drugs feel the
shame and stigma that accompanies a substance abuse disorder. And frequently
this keep them feeling alone. The disease of addiction is frequently very
isolating for people. Furthermore, this is compounded when an individual is
wealthy or has an elite identity. This is sometimes referred to as the double
closet.
Although it's rarely acknowledged, talking about money can
also be a taboo. In the American culture and within families, money is
frequently a subject that is discussed privately, behind closed doors. And even
when it is discussed, regardless of how much money people have, discussions
around money can come with feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and powerlessness.
In fact, research indicates that most are more comfortable talking about
sexuality than they are discussing their finances.
It might be difficult at first for those who are wealthy and
who possess an identity of wealth. For instance, they might at first see those
around them, if they make the choice to attend a sober living facility as
serving them. Those with money might even look at a therapist in that way,
believing that he or she is serving them, rather than having an equal
client-therapist relationship.
In fact, having a relationship in which a wealthy client can
trust sober living staff or a therapist will facilitate him or her in
surrendering to the process of recovery. One of the most essential components
to therapeutic change and the sober living treatment of substance abuse is the
relationship. The therapeutic relationship has been proven to be the most vital
ingredient to seeing a client improve. In fact, there is growing research that
points to the therapeutic relationship as the most significant factor in the
improved well being of clients and this has proven to be true regardless of the
diagnosis. Additionally, many clinicians might also agree that although there
are specific treatment interventions they work with, without the therapeutic
alliance, those treatments may not be as effective.
Also, because wealthy clients tend to often feel
objectified, used, and idolized for their wealth, in sober living facilities
they must be able to feel as though they are heard and understood. "They
must intuitively feel they are valued for the emotionally vulnerable human
beings they are and not manipulated as the result of their elite status. In
short, they must become vulnerable with their full identities and trust the
people and communities in whom they've entrusted their care," said Dr.Paul Hokemeyer, Senior Clinical Director at Caron Renaissance.
Essentially, empathy between a wealthy client and the sober
living staff around them will help to facilitate trust, openness, honesty, and
a sense of surrender and relaxation. Developing empathy is a social skill that
comes with their developing brains. Empathy is a skill that most therapists,
counselors, and parents have. It’s the ability to place yourself within the inner
landscape of another person. It’s an experience of connection with another that
takes into account his or her entire inner world – thoughts, ideas, attitudes.
Once a client feels the empathetic space around him or her,
this milieu can also facilitate insight,
the ability to explore memories of the past, along with memories of the
present, and imagine how it might be in the future. That client feels safe to
surrender and to begin the process of healing and personal exploration.
It's important that the empathetic milieu of a sober living
facility is present for those who feel guarded or defended against the
perceptions of others. If a client of elite status were looking for a sober
living facility, this factor would be important to keep in mind in order to
feel safe and secure in the recovery process.
