The Spark For Transformation

What Lights You Up?

My recent post "A Glimpse Of The Sacred Mountains" is a bold, deep dive into my personal view on creating motivation for substance use treatment clients. It also includes a candid look at how I've had to take some risks throughout my career by following my truth.

In the post, I describe how, for over thirty years, I've been helping substance use clients make treatment a transformational experience rather than simply a transactional one. And yes, I've employed some rather unconventional methods in doing so.

Spoiler alert: It involves addressing the topic of spirituality in addiction treatment.

To give you an idea of just how effective the approach I suggest is, just yesterday I used this article—in and of itself—as a motivational tool in a session with a client.

All we did was read the article together! We then used the discussion questions at the end to help my client:

1. Examine his process of becoming motivated for recovery.

2. Explore his views on spirituality and where this fits in with recovery.

End result: The client reported:

• "This was a REALLY good session. I got SO much out of this!"

• "I feel like this has been a spiritual experience just having this discussion."

• "I feel more motivated by talking about what motivated me for recovery."

I will add that his mood and energy by the end of the session were consistent with the excitement his statements conveyed.

Another comment from a reader:

“Excellent read, Jim! I’m forever grateful that you inspired me to begin my own journey on the road to recovery. Jumping Mouse is definitely a favorite of mine and certainly for many others. Thanks for igniting the spark in me... it forever transformed my life in the very best of ways that I never thought was even possible.”

Want to see what all the excitement’s about?

👉 Read A Glimpse of the Sacred Mountains and explore the discussion questions for yourself: https://sobrietydoesntsuck.substack.com/p/a-glimpse-of-the-sacred-mountains

And I’d love for you to join the conversation!

✅ What has motivated you for recovery? Or personal growth in general?

✅ What was a transformational moment that lit a spark of inspiration for you?

✅ What comes up for you in considering the topic of personal transformation?