We are celebrating Oscar season as I write this, so I want to give a nod to the famous, faceless gold statuettes, and a Walt Disney classic. Allow me to review a critically acclaimed movie that’s not in the running — in fact it’s 68 years old. It features a sort of wooden performance. Yet, counselors can creatively use the movie’s dynamic main character, and his escapades, to teach any number of lessons. And may my nose grow if I exaggerate that “Pinocchio” provides tremendous insight into the consequences of addiction.

Spurts of creativity are a welcome reminder of my Higher Power. This one began with a group discussion of how to make different choices in recovery. It ended with my discovery that a 12-minute segment taken from the 1940 Disney cartoon fairly bristles with addiction and recovery symbols.

To those who don’t remember the plot, it revolves around Pinocchio’s intention to forego being an actor and return to school. The characters of Felonious Fox and Lampwick, which to my mind represent the disease of addiction incarnate, sidetrack these plans and lead the puppet with no strings down the path of alcohol and other drug experimentation. A series of behaviors and consequences ultimately lead to Pinocchio’s transformation from a naïve boy to something close to a “jackass” on the verge of substance dependence.

Model Home Open for Destruction and an Eight Ball

When Pinocchio and several other boys land on Pleasure Island, they are encouraged to drink and smoke, as there is no adult supervision. I call addiction the greatest thief of our time because in the pursuit of “pleasure,” it destroys material things, relationships, freedom, and ultimately, lives. And that’s what happens when Pinocchio and his new best friend, Lampwick, find themselves in “A Model Home Open for Destruction.” Vandalism reigns. I remind clients that the ax-wielding Pinocchio is made of wood and, should his hand slip, he could maim himself or hurt another. I propose this is analogous to driving under the influence, endangering ourselves and others. Lampwick, with brick in hand, thumbs his nose at religion and spirituality by purposely throwing the projectile through a stained glass window.

When the duo settles on playing pool inside a hollowed out eight ball, my savvy clients recognize the drug reference. And when Lampwick shames Pinocchio into taking a big drag on a cigar (or is it a blunt?), the puppet with aspirations to be a real boy, falls flat on his face. When he sits up, the mangled stogie resembles marijuana leaves. After Lampwick’s substance use literally transforms him into a jackass, there is redemption, recovery and rebirth for Pinocchio. Having sprouted the ears and tail of a donkey, Pinocchio is led away by Jiminy Cricket, his conscience and, I say, his Higher Power.

The puppet that desperately wants to be a real boy takes a leap of faith from a craggy mountaintop into the waters below. (Did he climb 12 steps to get to the top?) Invariably, clients enthusiastically point out other signs of the disease of addition. Check it out and put your own interpretation on a marvelous portrayal of how the bonds of an addiction are too weak to be felt — until they are too strong to be broken.

Relating versus comparing

The wonderful thing about bringing a creative mind to work is it invariably enhances the range of topics a counselor can pursue as a jumping off point from the original topic — in this case, intention in a life of recovery. As a precursor to the viewing of “Addiction and Recovery Symbols in a 12-minute Segment of Pinocchio,” I engage clients in a discussion of the differences between relating and comparing oneself to others in 12-Step recovery. I suggest that relating is a positive way to connect, while comparing has decidedly negative connotations. On the white board, I list the responses of group members to what they think of when they hear the word “relating” and some interesting relating takes place. Finding common characteristics, accepting others and their struggles, and making an effort to keep an open mind while people are sharing their feelings, are common threads each group defines. The bottom line, I say, is that relating is about a genuine endeavor to take part. Comparing boils down to an expression of fear, superiority and resistance. It’s an effort to be apart and disconnected, which is where active addiction invariably succeeds in isolating us both emotionally and physically from loved ones and ourselves.

Creativity is not so much a talent as a state of mind — a willingness to make mental connections and create new possibilities. It has the ability to not only enliven a discussion, but to refresh a career. Research indicates that, in a profession prone to burnout and disillusionment, treatment organizations recognize employee retention must be a priority.

In 2003, Knudson, Johnson and Roman, in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment article, “Retaining counseling staff at substance abuse treatment centers: effects of management practices,” found several specific factors help maintain staff longevity. “... Increasing counselor autonomy, providing rewards for strong job performance, and establishing a work environment that supports creativity and innovation” improve agency loyalty and lessen turnover.

So, if your own performance as a counselor is getting a bit wooden, maybe it’s time to think of yourself as a cartoon character. Shhhhh, Joe Califano, creator of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, is approaching the podium. “And the Oscar, for creativity in group substance abuse counseling goes to…(Long pause and the sound of an envelope being torn open in haste…) ___________________________ (insert your name here!)

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