Solutions for a Moral Future

Reimagining Recovery Society

Having explored the critical distinction between ethics and morals, the systemic “addiction to dissociation,” and the powerful personal testimony of Adam O’Brien (PhD), we now turn to the most crucial part of “Moral-Ethics”: the proposed solutions and calls to action for building a truly moral society. O’Brien’s vision is not about incremental reform, but a fundamental shift in consciousness that he has learned by becoming a Healer in recovery.

1. Reestablishment of the “Healer” Profession: the “creation of the profession Healer is the only way to remain on the right side of history.” This new profession is designed to be an “objective fulcrum” between the current system’s flawed ethical framework and the necessary moral imperative. Healers are distinct from mere “providers,” embodying a deeper purpose and approach to healing that challenges the “ignorance and shortcomings of the current parent professions.” This isn’t just a new job title; it’s a strategic move to create a moral vanguard, leading by example and demonstrating what true moral action entails.

2. Comprehensive Substance Policy Reform: A significant and immediate call to action is the “legalization of all psychedelic medicines,” citing their historical injustice and current misunderstanding. This is coupled with a call for “decriminalizing all other drugs like alcohol.” Furthermore, O’Brien advocates for “regulating/stopping Big Pharma from making more powerful drugs,” arguing that the potency of these drugs is the main issue with addiction because drugs that potent being mainlined into the body is the trauma. Just because it is the norm, does not mean that it is not traumatic (to some aspect or part of self). This reform is a direct challenge to the system’s fear-based, short-term ethical framework, prioritizing healing over control and profit.

3. The “Morality Clause” in Professional Ethics: Perhaps one of the most innovative proposals is the addition of a “morality clause to all professional Code of Ethics.” This clause would explicitly “include the ability of the professional’s act in accordance with their moral values when laws or other industries are predominating over our primary purpose.” This aims to formally embed moral courage and personal conviction into professional conduct, allowing individuals to prioritize their moral values over potentially conflicting laws or industry pressures. It would shift accountability from mere compliance to genuine moral discernment between professional ethics and the industry of law.

4. Code of Ethics and Morals for Government Workers: To counteract the “deep state” phenomenon, where individuals prioritize job security and power over public service, logic proposes a “Code of Ethics for those who work in government.” He argues that legal liability is necessary to ensure adherence, as individuals often only act morally when legally compelled. This call directly targets perceived corruption and self-interest, aiming to re-align government functions with their stated purpose of serving the citizenry instead of lobbying interests.

5. Justification for Civil Disobedience: Drawing inspiration from Sir Thomas More, O’Brien expresses belief in “civil disobedience against laws that will eventually be overturned by historical context” or already have been by common sense (e.g., psychedelics). He asserts that “if the law is unjust, then it can be broken in good faith and in good conscience.” This principle elevates individual conscience above state authority (Moral-Ethics), suggesting that true moral responsibility may necessitate defiance, empowering individuals to challenge oppressive structures within themselves before they start with external ones or telling another citizen what they can and cannot do on this shared planet.

6. Key Truths for Societal Re-education: O’Brien provides a list of “truths” to “re-educate people on,” aiming to deconstruct conventional understandings and foster a moral and spiritual awakening. These include challenging beliefs about pathology, the importance of the physical body as the psychological unconscious, and the need to distrust systems that sell unnecessary things to people who don’t need them. This radical pedagogical framework seeks to provoke a fundamental re-orientation of individual and collective consciousness, crucial for embracing the “Healer” philosophy.

O’Brien’s “Moral-Ethics” is more than a critique; it’s a awakening for a moral revolution over ethical compliance when laws are criminal to one’s civil and moral rights. It calls for a society where “Moral-Ethics are the bare minimum that they could do for people who pay their taxes, will actually die for their country, and will peacefully revolt against all forms of tyranny.” Reflecting Gabor Mates observation that “healing is a subversive act”, O’Brien aligns himself with those who are recovering, and have either outgrown, healing through, or retired from their profession. The recovery perspective is the right side of history. It’s a vision where the “Healer” profession preserves the art and traditions of healing, leading us towards a future guided by authenticity, kindness, and unwavering moral courage. The time for passive observation is over; “moral action is required here.”

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References

O’Brien, A. (2023a). Addiction as Trauma-Related Dissociation: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Addictive State. International University of Graduate Studies. (Dissertation). Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/courses/addiction-as-dissociation-model-course/

O’Brien, A. (2023b). Memory Reconsolidation in Psychedelics Therapy. In Path of the Wounded Healer: A Dissociative-Focused Phase Model for Normative and Pathological States of Consciousness: Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/courses/addiction-as-dissociation-model-course/

O’Brien, A. (2023c). Path of the Wounded Healer: A Dissociative-Focused Phase Model for Normative and Pathological States of Consciousness: Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/

O’Brien, A. (2024a). Healer and Healing: The re-education of the healer and healing professions as an advocation. Re-educational and Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/

O’Brien, A. (2024e). Path of the Wounded Healers for Thrivers: Perfectionism, Altruism, and Ambition Addictions; Re-education and training manual for Abusers, Activists, Batterers, Bullies, Enablers, Killers, Narcissists, Offenders, Parents, Perpetrators, and Warriors. Re-Education and Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/

O’Brien, A. (2025). American Made Addiction Recovery: a healer’s journey through professional recovery. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/