BECOMING A FUNCTIONAL ADULT

What is an adult and how does one become more "adult"? It seems simple enough, right? Just reach the ripe age of 21 and there you have it. But it's not that simple is it? What exactly constitutes becoming an adult. Those of us asking this question might have either a) an addiction; b) childhood trauma or c) all of the above. As I was talking with a trusted friend today we came up with something foundational. In order to become an adult one thing definitely has to happen: Any active addictions must be arrested. We had begun our visit discussing the recent DUI's of two female Episcopalian clergy over the last few months. We both lamented how sad it is that our society, particularly the church, still views addiction - alcoholism, drug addiction, sex addiction, etc. as a stigma. Today in 2015, a full 80 years after Alcoholics Anonymous was founded, we still don't totally accept that alcoholism is a disease. why else would we continue to hide and deny this fact? Despite all our talk about vulnerability, and the gifts of imperfection etc. we are a far way away from accepting the disease of alcoholism is as real as the disease of cancer or diabetes and needs to be addressed and treated as such. Adults face reality and that's the first thing: We cannot be an adult and be in denial about our addictions. We must face them and treat them with justice and compassion. I will be beginning a series on Becoming a Functional Adult. Drawing from over 25 years experience as a psychotherapist in private practice, I hope to shed light on the process of becoming an adult and hopefully help us all Become Fully Functioning Adults - because that's when we get the good stuff:)