Addictions: Lasting Change is Not Only About Changing the Behaviour

In this course, Tanya Curtis, FABIC Director, Assoc Dip Ed (Child Care), BHlth Sci (BehMgt), MBehMgt, MCoun, draws a clear dividing line between the form and function of behaviour, explaining how when we focus on the form (the excessive drinking, gambling, drug-taking, etc.), we can reduce or eliminate the behaviour, but will not be able to help heal the addiction – or achieve lasting behavioural change – until the underlying function of the behaviour (the reason for engaging it) is understood. The Body Life Skills program, in separating a person’s identity from their addiction, helps the person to tune into the messages from the body about which parts of life the person feels ill-equipped to confront. The necessary skills for self-mastery can then be identified and the person supported to develop the skills to respond to that part of life.