Previously I posted on addiction. This consisted of my working through the DSM-5 and how Substance-Use Disorder (SUD) might relate to the everyday you and I. Or, how we have the potential to abuse substances given our circumstances, and the propensity towards diagnosis. That's not to say that psychiatrists or psychologists are trigger-happy maniacs that diagnose every chance they get (some might be, who knows?), but rather that a diagnosis can be an end result where a number of criteria are satisfied.
This post is about a topic that I find remarkable. It's about the basic human's ability to exert willpower in any given situation. It's inspired by the ABC's All in the Mind program, and an interview with research psychologist Roy Baumeister on willpower.
Baumeister discusses willpower and substance use in summary when prompted by the show host, and this is where things get interesting. Not only in understanding the effect a lack of willpower has on people that are substance users, but also on understanding what the exercise willpower actually means for the everyday person (Baumeister & Malcolm, 2014, 29 June).
For example, did you know that in the morning after a good breakfast our biological makeup is at its optimum in engaging in tasks and high-order decision making related to one's willpower? The carbohydrate, glucose, which is essential for the practice of willpower and self-control, according to Baumeister, is at its best after the consumption of food. As it's linked to one's ability to exert control and engage in activities centred around the exercise of willpower, a practical application would be that of eating prior to engaging in a significant decision-making process. If you're company's future is the topic in point, maybe don't make any rash decisions on a friday afternoon when you hadn't had a good night's rest and haven't eaten properly.
Relating this to substance users, we can look again at glucose. Female users that are in their menstrual cycle and suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have highly elevated amounts of glucose in their systems. Since this glucose is being used at higher levels during PMS, it's harder for a female user to exert self-control over using their preferred substance given that not as much glucose is available as prior to PMS. Throw is a user that's dieting and going through their menstrual cycle, now the therapist's got a lot more to deal with in terms of relapse prevention!
What's important to remember for substance users isn't that the cravings are the culprits that instigate relapse, but rather the willpower of the person. Cravings fluctuate, and are stronger at some times as opposed to others. Willpower, given it's controlled through the amount of glucose in the person as they're deciding what they want to exert control over, needs to be considered at greater length.
For the everyday person that's not substance using and wants to diet, then it should be noted that willpower is extremely important in effective dieting. Some studies show that when an organism diets the first time then there's observable weight loss. When they try it a second time, weight loss is more difficult. The cycle continues until there's basically no difference from where one's dieting and eating junk. When we understand our metabolism, willpower, glutamate levels, and areas in our life where we need to exert control, we begin to get a bigger picture as to where we can succeed and where it's more difficult to succeed.
Returning to substance use, I'll speak a little about the implications understanding one's willpower might have on relapse prevention.
1. Understand the sex differences (if any) in glucose distribution in substance users, especially during PMS
2. Understand the current commitments of the clients, and where they want to make change
3. Understand sleeping patterns and current dietary commitments
4. Gage how many times client tried to quit
5. Look at the the above holistically, and work towards a relapse prevention plan (a plan that will be the subject of a later post) that takes into account willpower as a primary factor.
To sum up, willpower is not only important in the exertion of control of everyday activities and changes, but of extreme importance when taking into consideration substance users. Looking at and understanding the inner-workings of willpower for the individual is intrinsic in getting anything important done at all. Rest, diet, load of commitments, and all things in between must be taken into consideration through the lens of willpower-orientation (including an understanding of glucose levels on tasks and biology). This allows us as humans to make an in-depth and informed decision, and better prepares us in succeeding!
References
Baumeister, R., & Malcolm, L. (2014, June 29). Willpower. All in the Mind Podcast. Transcript retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/willpower/5552818#transcript.
Images retrieved from:
http://blog.whemsy.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/photo-Willpower-590x250.jpg
http://sudhara.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Fist.png
http://feresteanu.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/large.jpg
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