The following pages describe a radically new way of addressing substance use dilemmas. Our approach is different from conventional approaches in that we do not describe the excessive use of alcohol and other drugs (no matter what the amount!) as a disease, nor do we label people as addicts or alcoholics. We have discovered that there are other ways of changing our lives without adhering to these traditional ways of thinking. Another feature of our approach is that we see the problem of excessive consumption as much larger than an individual problem—we see it as a societal problem because it takes place in a culture of consumption. When an individual’s desire to use substances is shaped as much by economic, social and cultural factors as anything biological or psychological, it becomes imperative to address these larger factors too. Because of this, the Deconstructing Addiction League offers solutions that are both individual and social in nature.

We believe that when people get together to celebrate, to have fun, and to connect, all without alcohol and other drugs at the center, that they are deconstructing addiction. This may seem frivolous to some of you, but here’s why it isn’t: breaking from the tradition of using a substance for the purpose of good times, for bonding and for hospitality is a revolutionary act because it is transgressive—it crosses the boundaries of social norms. If you ask almost anybody, “How do you have a party where people have a blast without alcohol?”, most people are at a loss, because alcohol is the main social lubricant used for hospitality purposes—it is the vehicle for fun. Without alcohol and other drugs, hospitality and connection are elusive. People often struggle to access the playful side of themselves, they become uncomfortable, and they withdraw into a self-conscious headspace. 

The Deconstructing Addiction League is looking to change this by exploring activities that create fun, a sense of belonging and with practices that make people feel alive and connected. Our social events (which we hold in addition to our therapeutic groups) help draw people out of their comfort zones, by creating a warm atmosphere that will enable meaningful bonding to take place. Our goal is to develop a cultural climate where people have as much (or more) fun as when they were drinking and using drugs. In this way, the desire to use substances becomes less urgent, and a substance-free lifestyle (for those of us that need it) becomes a no-brainer.

Creating these groups might at first seem artificial and awkward because they are deliberate and have to be planned, but as we become more skilled and our 'know-how' becomes more realized, it will be seamless. Over time, we can create a new kind of party, one that doesn’t cost anything, one that doesn’t give you a hangover, and one that doesn’t have you hustling all day to support a drug habit that’s exhausting and wreaking havoc with your life. 

These events enable people to deconstruct addiction socially, in an indirect way, by providing alternatives to the culture of consumption. To deconstruct addiction more head-on, our groups offer therapeutic conversations that will help people respond to issues of craving, disconnection, despair, and other issues such as trauma or anything that is causing suffering. Using tools from Narrative Practice, we are equipped to address the many difficult dilemmas that come up on this journey away from substances. In all that we do, our approach maintains a playful position towards deadly serious problems—that is our ethos. 

Come join this experimental social scene and help us find the fun!