Finding the right facility to treat drug or alcohol addiction is the first step toward a successful recovery. A good treatment facility will typically first deal with the patient’s withdrawal symptoms, followed by intense counseling and therapy.

There are different methods that treatment facilities have begun to use in order to enhance their therapy sessions. Things such as art therapy and play therapy can help a patient express themselves more easily than with a typical one on one conversation with a counselor.

Phototherapy is another method that has been used in psychiatric treatment since the 1850’s. Phototherapy refers to the use of photographs in a therapeutic setting, in order to help a patient work through painful psychological issues. Often a recovering drug or alcoholic abuser has underlying issues to sort out in their therapy sessions. Past trauma or abuse can often lead to substance abuse, and unless these issues are addressed, recovery will be difficult. Substance abuse counselors often have to break through barriers that a patient will put up as a defense, such as denial, deception, and minimization. Photographs may help a patient distance themselves from painful memories, while still being able to discuss them. Patients may also make excuses for their addiction, blame others, or minimize the problem. According to Benshoff and Janikowski (2000), “Defense mechanisms are unconscious efforts of the mind to protect the individual from psychological assault. Attempts to batter down defense mechanisms through verbal confrontation may only strengthen them.” (2)

Self Portrait of the Addict

With one technique of phototherapy, patients see pictures of themselves and are asked to talk about the pictures. Patients are generally more able to open up and talk about their feelings when talking about the pictures. It is easier for an individual to admit the pain they are causing their loved ones when they talk about themselves as a person in a picture. Or they may be able to verbalize the abuse that happened to a child in a picture more easily than talk about what happened to them when they were younger. Phototherapy is used, not in order to interpret the picture, but to help the patient open up and talk with the counselor.

Addicted Client-produced photography

Another use of phototherapy is patient-produced photography, in which the patient is asked to photograph objects as they wish. This allows the recovering addict to decide what it is they want to preserve in a photograph, and it helps the therapist see how they view objects around them, and what reality is to them.

There have been very few studies on the effects of phototherapy for substance abuse recovery, but for some it might be a useful tool. We know different people respond differently to certain types of treatment, and for some patients, phototherapy could play a part in their healing.

1 Healthwatch- Cameras to fight addiction September 15, 2008

2 The use of phototherapy in group treatment for persons who are chemically dependent Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin March 22, 2006

Last week Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and their supporters took a stand against the American Beverage Institute (ABI) in an argument over a new bill in California that MADD believes will greatly reduce the incidence of drunk driving. The ignition interlock bill AB2784 would require breathalyzers to be installed in cars after a first conviction of DUI, something MADD says will save hundreds of lives. The alcohol ignition interlock is an electronic device that is linked to the ignition system of a vehicle, and when someone wants to start the vehicle they must first blow into the device with a blood alcohol concentration below a preset level. Studies show that interlock devices are 65 percent effective in reducing drunken driving offenses.

So who wouldn’t want this device mandated for convicted drunk drivers? After all, an estimated 13,000 people were killed last year in drunken driving accidents in our country, and it seems we should do something about it.

It turns out that the American Beverage Institute, a restaurant trade association, is against the penalties this bill would put on first time offenders. According to both MADD and ABI, the greatest threat on our roads comes from drivers with very high blood alcohol concentration and more than one DUI conviction. ABI believes that this bill would target the wrong groups of offenders when what we really want to do is get the “hard core” alcohol abusers off the road.

ABI has some suggestions of their own on how to curb drunk driving, such as putting more patrols out on the roads looking specifically for drunk drivers. By doing this, ABI says, offenders wouldn’t be able to predict where they may get caught, as they would with the sobriety checkpoints that MADD is also campaigning for.

We may debate over the best way to solve the problem of drunk driving, but let’s not let the arguments stand in our way of accomplishing something. MADD has a long history of fighting drunk driving, and their new Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving is another way they are helping to make our roads safer. Even if they are targeting first time offenders as well as seasoned drunk drivers, do we really want anyone behind the wheel that has had too much to drink? And who knows, by implementing stricter penalties for even the first crime, maybe fewer people will go on to be repeat offenders.

On the other hand, ABI has some good ideas themselves on how to fight drunk driving. By focusing on a long term screening and alcoholism treatment process for offenders, they have shown that they understand the help that people with alcoholism need in order to change their behavior.

And although both sides have their own opinions on the issue, they both have said that education is the key to solving this public safety problem. And like the rest of us in this country, they want to work toward safer roads as soon as possible

Drunk Driving Article Source Material

MADD Supporters Ask Why Some ‘Family-Friendly’ Restaurants Back Pro-Drunk Driving Group Market Watch Sept. 19, 2008

California Breathalyzer Bill Fails to Target Real DUI Problem, Dui Daily

http://www.abionline.org/issues.cfm

Butts, Charlie MADD pushes for ignition interlocks OneNewsNow – Sept. 18, 2008

Lannelli, Nick Authorities Doing More To Fight Drunk Driving Aug 6, 2008

Monday September 22 is Family Day, a day set aside to remind parents to interact with their children in order to prevent drug and alcohol abuse in young people. While it may seem that as parents we shouldn’t need a reminder to engage our children, but according to statistics, we do. Many parents today rarely see their children because of busy work schedules or commitments. Children are also getting busier with school, sports, friends, and other extra curricular activities. Many families pass each other on the way to the shower in the morning, and that is it. Sometimes when parents and their teenage kids do end up talking, it becomes an argument and no meaningful conversation takes place.

We know we are busy, but what are the consequences of all that running around in the long run? Family relationships begin to decline, parents lose the ability to relate to their kids, and kids begin to turn to other things to keep themselves occupied. Drugs and alcohol easily make their way into young people’s lives when parents are no longer watching.

On Family Day, parents are encouraged to do one simple thing in order to curb drug and alcohol use by their children and teens: eat dinner with them. According to research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, children who have frequent family dinners are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. In fact, the report says that children who never eat dinner with their families are 61 percent more likely to start smoking or use illegal drugs, and that children who have infrequent family dinners (less than three per week) are two and a half times likelier to have used marijuana and tobacco.

This year CASA celebrates its eighth annual Family Day-A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children. Parents are encouraged to celebrate their family today, and sit down and have a meal together. President Bush, Governors of all 50 states, and more than 800 cities have given their support to Family Day. Celebrities, politicians, and businesspeople are all dedicating this day to family togetherness.

It seems so simple, eating dinner with your family to prevent your kids from trying drugs and alcohol. The truth is, the more time families spend eating dinner together, the more likely parents are to talk with their kids about issues important to them. By sitting down together at the dinner table, parents show their kids that they are available to them, that they care about them, and that their kids can come to them with questions or problems.

This is not an event that should take place only once a year. Families need to regularly eat dinner together or find time to spend together throughout the week. Family Day is just one way to get us off to the right start.

http://casafamilyday.org/familyday/

Press Release The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University Sept. 15, 2008

Sharp, Tammy Westerchil encourages City to celebrate Family Day Leesville Daily Leader September 21, 2008

Metro Drug Commission prepares for Family Day Sept. 22, 2008

A friend of Treatment Solutions Network, Carolyn Jacobson has asked us to help her spread the word bout cervical cancer prevention. This is her latest in the good work that her and her organization are doing to improve the health and lives of women

This year, 11,070 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,870 will die of the disease. Women aged 65 and older comprise 20% of all new cervical cancer cases and are 35% more likely to die of the disease versus younger women.

The Women’s Health Task Force of the National Council of Women’s Organizations is launching a new campaign to help older women understand that cervical cancer can affect them and that they may benefit from the same advanced screening technologies as younger women. The Note to Older Women: Ask About Cervical Cancer Screening, Ask About HPV Testing campaign is an online effort that encourages all women to tell the older women in their lives what they need to know.

Visit the Note to Older Women: Ask About Cervical Cancer Screening, Ask About HPV Testing campaign website (http://www.womenshealthtaskforce.org/olderwomen) to learn more and get involved. Here’s what you can do:

1.) Send an e-postcard (http://www.womenshealthtaskforce.org/olderwomen/epostcard) to the older women in your lives and to your friends and colleagues so they can share it with the older women in their lives.

2.) Post the campaign button (http://www.womenshealthtaskforce.org/olderwomen/get_the_button) on your Facebook or other personal web page so others can learn about the campaign and get involved.

Carolyn J. Jacobson
Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW)
815 16th St., 2nd Floor South
Washington, DC 20006
202-508-6901 (Direct)
202-508-6968 (Fax)
cjacobson@cluw.org
Cervical Cancer Prevention
does work!
To find out what to do, click here:
www.cluw.org/cervcancer.html

Drug and alcohol abuse is a large problem for adults in our world today. But it is probably an even bigger problem for the children of today who are being raised by alcoholics or drug users. These children have to endure a family life that is often unpredictable and chaotic, which can lead to many problems later in life. To think that these children have their whole future ahead of them should cause much concern about how they are being raised today.

Family Life

Many parents that abuse drugs or alcohol will treat their families differently on different days, depending on their level of sobriety at the time. Often the mood swings and changes in parenting that these parents exhibit will confuse the child or make them insecure. Inconsistent care by a parent can lead to a child that either has to grow up quickly and assume adult responsibilities, or one that rebels and gives up trying to do well in school or life. Children in these homes need to constantly be prepared for a parent that is high or drunk, one that is irrational and unable to provide the care that a child needs.

Families that suffer with substance abuse are more at risk for domestic violence, mental illness, divorce, and sexual and physical abuse than other families. These issues are very detrimental and can lead to children with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Children in these situations may be withdrawn and have trouble bonding with others. Often they feel that the problems of the family are their fault or that it is their job to conceal the problem, and this can lead to low self esteem, lack of desire to perform well in school, or fear of failure. It would be difficult for these children to make friends because of the fear that someone in the outside world will find out about their secret, or will witness the chaos firsthand.

A vicious cycle

If a child is living with an alcoholic or drug user, the child is likely to develop a warped sense of normal when it comes to using these substances. They may know that their parent drinks too much, or does drugs, but over time, the child may not know what other families are like, or how many drinks a regular person is expected to have in a day. Children of alcoholics are 4 times more likely to become alcoholics themselves, which leads these families into a cycle that is hard to break. Fathers drink to deal with stress in their life, and when their children get older, they have learned that the way to handle stress is to drink.

Dealing with the issue

The good news is that children of alcoholics and drug abusers often develop an inner strength that helps them get through the tough times at home. With much love and encouragement from a sober parent, another relative, or even a social worker or teacher, these children can go on to live happy, successful lives. And of course, the best scenario is if the addict in the family receives treatment and overcomes the problem, and then the child can continue their life and work on a brighter future.

Sources

Treatment Improvement Protocols Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy HSTAT

Fischer, Judith and Lyness, Kevin Families Coping With Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Children of Alcoholics: Important Facts at health.com

Phoenix House Center on Addiction and the Family (COAF)

“I don’t have a problem.” “This time I’ll get clean for good, I promise.” “I just can’t do it.”
How many of us have heard statements like this in response to the thought of seeking treatment for substance abuse? How many of us have uttered them ourselves?

You are not alone.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2006, 22.6 million people aged 12 or older were living with substance abuse disorders in the past year, and of that number, only 4 million received some kind of treatment. There are many things standing in people’s way of getting treatment for substance abuse. Shame, financial concerns, mental health problems, denial, past failure; these all can make the thought of turning to professionals for help very scary.

But the statistics are favorable for recovery. People are able to overcome addictions with treatment every day. For those in treatment for alcoholism, the number that have overcome their addiction is as high as 70%.

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, and it allows us as a country to renew our commitment to preventing addiction. Many local organizations have planned activities this month to recognize those who have had the courage to recover from addiction, as well as their families and support providers. This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery,” which emphasizes that recovery is possible and many people who have recovered from addiction have gone on to lead healthy, productive lives.

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, which is supported by SAMHSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also encourages those still struggling with addiction to seek help. These individuals need to be given hope that they too can work to rebuild their lives. There has been and still is often a label of disgrace held by the public for those addicted to substances. Education is the key to helping people understand that addiction is a disease and it will take more than a positive attitude to overcome. The things that will help deal with the issue of addiction are support for treatment facilities, encouragement for the families of the addict, and encouragement and help for the addicts themselves.

Getting help

Families need to be aware of the signs of addiction. Sudden changes in behavior, lying, depression, hostility, and fatigue are just some of the warning signs of drug or alcohol addiction. Once an addiction has been identified, getting a loved one to accept treatment is the first step for families. Finding the right treatment facility for you or your loved one is the next step.

It will be a hard road. The recovery process is long, and it is common to suffer setbacks. But the anticipation of regaining one’s life and joining with others who have been down that road already can give great comfort. That’s what this month is all about.

Royer, David Don’t let shame preclude treatment Columbus Local News September 3, 2008

Scott, “Sonny” NAIC: A voice for recovery Sept. 3, 2008 The Norman Transcript

Romalino, Carly A month for turning clean and sober Gloucester County Times September 08, 2008

http://recoverymonth.gov

This week, people around the world are joining forces to create awareness for a disorder that affects newborns and children throughout the world – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The week of September 9th has been named FASD Awareness Week, and on September 9th (the 9th day of the 9th month) bells tolled around the world in an effort to remind women not to drink any alcohol during the 9 months of pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder refers to the all of the disabilities that are caused in unborn babies by exposure to alcohol. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, and birth defects due to prenatal alcohol consumption are all included in FASD.

Alcohol and the developing fetus

In a pregnant woman, alcohol passes through the placenta and enters the fetus’ bloodstream, causing the baby’s blood alcohol level to become the same level as the mother’s. But because a fetus cannot break down the alcohol like an adult can, the level remains higher for a longer period of time. Alcohol in the fetus’ bloodstream can cause the fetus to develop abnormally or fail to develop, leading to retardation or even death. The brain cells and nerve cells are particularly at risk for improper development, causing parts of the brain to even be missing in some cases.

Children with FASD may have physical disabilities such as small or large motor deficiencies, or vision and hearing difficulties. Other children will suffer effects on their learning. Mental retardation, learning disabilities, trouble with problem solving, behavior problems, and memory problems are all results of alcohol on a fetus.

As these children get older, they are likely to suffer long-term effects from things such as depression, alcohol and drug use, and trouble with the employment because of the developmental delays they have experienced.

Solutions

We know it’s a problem; now what do we do? FASD is the leading cause of mental retardation in the Western World, but it is also completely preventable. A big push is on now to educate and screen pregnant women for alcohol and drug use, and give them encouragement to prevent this problem.
Many people think that drinking occasionally during pregnancy is ok, but it is important to educate society on the risks of alcohol on the developing fetus. According to a report to Congress from the Institute of Medicine, “Of all the substances of abuse (including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana), alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus.” By encouraging health care providers to do routine screenings on pregnant women for drugs and alcohol and educating the public on the issue, there is hope that the occurrence of this syndrome can be reduced.

Article Sources

PA State Health Officials Recognize Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Week The Earth Times Mon, 08 Sep 2008 Pennsylvania Department of Health
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/pa-state-health-officials-recognize-fetal-alcohol-specturm-disorder-awareness-week,531248.shtml

Hines, Lora Prenatal exposure examined August 28, 2008 The Press-Enterprise
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_exposed29.3a89934.html

Armstrong, Colleen Sept. 9 is Fetal Alcohol Disorders Awareness Day Islands Weekly News.com Sept. 09 2008
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isw/news/27930644.html

International FASD Awareness Day The FASD Center September 9, 2008
http://fascenter.samhsa.gov/

If your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, you might be one of the many parents in the world today that are concerned with the medications that have been prescribed for your child. While there have been studies on the long term effects of medications prescribed for ADD or ADHD, such as Adderall or Ritalin, the conclusions from these studies have been conflicting.

In the past (before 2007), studies have suggested that these medications actually decrease a child’s chance for abusing drugs when they get to be adolescents. However, a study reported by Harvard researchers in March of 2008 shows that by adulthood, these individuals are neither more nor less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than their non ADHD/ADD peers. The study also reports that children taking these medications are not likely to become addicted to the stimulants, which help them ease their restless brains. To sum it all up, these children are not supposed to be any more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than those who haven’t taken these medications.

Not everyone would agree. Some would argue that individuals with ADHD often end up turning to addictive substances as they get older, in order to self-medicate and try to feel normal. Often ADHD sufferers experience restlessness, difficulty with organization, and shame over their condition. Sometimes their medications seem to lose their effectiveness over time. Sometimes drugs and alcohol help ease their symptoms at first, but then become addicting and binding.

As far as the addicting qualities of ADHD medications go, it is known that amphetamines (Adderall) may pose a risk for abuse if used for prolonged periods of time. However, many of the cases of addiction to ADHD medications seem to be the result of improper use or lack of education. If a child sees their doctor increasing the dose of their Adderall in order to make the child feel better, the child may then learn to self medicate and increase the dose by themselves in the future.

Don’t Wait

One thing that most experts do agree on is that the sooner a child is treated for ADHD, the better. Children suffering from ADHD that go untreated over time will be more likely to feel depressed, restless, and suicidal. The research is clear that medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are usually effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. By successfully treating the symptoms, a child will be made to feel more normal, and the less likely they will need to self-medicate.

The best thing parents can do if their child has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD is to follow the doctor’s advice and give the medication as directed. However, it is important for parents to be aware of the risks the treatment may pose. By watching their children for signs of depression, self-medicating, or substance abuse, parents can help their children avoid any harmful consequences, while easing their restless brain and helping them gain control of their lives.

Richardson, Wendy ADHD and Addiction adders.org

Coker, Matt Adderall Treats ADHD But Can Lead to Addiction. One Clinic Tries to Help OC Kick ‘College Crack’ August 28, 2008 OC Weekly News

Shulman, Matthew Ritalin and the Risk of Substance Abuse U.S. News and World Report March 3, 2008

Most of us know that alcohol abuse causes conflict and problems in families throughout the country. And you may know that individuals and families spend millions of dollars each year on the effects of the disease of alcoholism. But do we know just how big of an impact on our economy alcoholism has?

When measuring the cost of alcohol abuse in the U.S., we have to consider such things as health services and medical expenses, premature death, loss of productivity, and alcohol related crimes. In total, the U.S. economy loses an estimated $185 billion each year to alcohol-related problems, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.(2)

Drunk Driving Costs

Drunk driving is a sensitive subject to many people because so many lives have been affected by this crime. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and nonfatally injure someone every two minutes. During 2005, 16,885 people in the U.S. died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, comprising 39% of all traffic-related deaths. (1)

Medical and Social Costs

Alcohol inflicts costs in many other ways as well. Alcohol abusers are medically at risk for liver damage, brain damage, and cancer, as well as causing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in pregnant women. Alcohol is often a factor in homicides and suicides. Crimes caused by individuals influenced by alcohol put a strain on the criminal justice system, and inflict costs for police officers, legal fees, and property repair.

Workplace Costs

Another large portion of the cost to the economy is the impact on employers by their alcohol-abusing employees. Health care costs have already skyrocketed, and because of the increased risk of medical problems with alcoholics, these individuals will incur higher health care costs.

Absences are another issue for employers. Because of poor health, hangovers, or other alcohol related problems, alcohol abusers are more likely to miss work than many of their co-workers.

Finally, loss of productivity is a strain businesses have to manage with employees that abuse alcohol. Even if an alcoholic is present at work and not drinking, their performance at work can often be compromised by hangovers, health complications, lack of focus, or psychiatric issues.

Treatment and Prevention

A smaller portion of the cost on the economy is the money that is spent on the treatment and prevention of alcoholism. Estimates indicate that corporations spend less than 0.1 percent of their total healthcare bill on treatment, but businesses end up paying much more for the consequences of untreated alcohol abuse.(2) New approaches need to be made in order to successfully admit into treatment those affected by alcoholism. We need to keep in mind that alcohol abuse hurts not only the individual or the family, but businesses and society as well. We must encourage alcohol abusers and alcoholics to find the right treatment program for their success.

(1) Effects of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse June 2007 Health A to Z

(2) Alcohol Abuse Costing U.S. Economy $185 Billion Each Year Apr 17, 2007

(3) Seven Tools to Lowering the Business Costs of Alcohol Problems Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems

(4) Cray, Dan Alcohol Abuse Saps Nation’s Economy, Researchers Say USC News
05/03/93

There has been a push lately for research that shows whether or not exercise can help prevent substance abuse and/or aid in the recovery of addictions. Some say that there is new evidence showing that exercise can help prevent substance abuse. A study recently found that teens that exercised daily were 40% less likely to experiment with marijuana than those teens that didn’t exert physical activity. While the reasons behind these results are not fully known, it makes sense that teens that exercise and take care of their bodies may be too busy to get involved with drugs or alcohol. Exercise makes us feel good about ourselves, and helps people overcome the negative thoughts that can lead to substance abuse. Exercise is often a part of drug treatment programs, because of the distraction it provides, and the way it seems to give a boost of confidence while also relieving stress and depression.

But some of the studies now are showing what it is about exercise that helps in the struggle with addiction. Exercise stimulates endorphins, which are neurochemicals that help stabilize our mood. These neurochemicals are depleted in addicts, which leaves these individuals with negative thoughts to go along with their actions, leading them into a destructive downward cycle. With the benefits of exercise, an addict can bring positive behavior into their life to replace the substance abuse.
A study by Mark A. Smith from Davidson College suggests that physical activity can actually reduce the risk of becoming addicted to drugs. In his study, rats were less likely to ingest amphetamines if their cages had running wheels. According to Smith, exercise reduces the rewarding effects of drugs such as cocaine because it “alters the number of dopamine receptors in the brain, meaning that drugs then have less of a euphoric effect.”

Another study by Dr. Bess Marcus from Brown University found that smokers that exercised three times a week while trying to quit smoking were twice as likely to succeed as those that didn’t exercise.

However, the research in this area is minimal, and this has caused the NIDA to devote a two day conference this past summer to the topic. Scientists met in June to share their research on the connection between physical activity and the prevention of substance use. Some of the studies focused on neurobiological, developmental, and social effects of exercise and how this relates to substance abuse prevention. It was concluded at the conference that there are things scientists don’t yet understand about the role of physical activity in the prevention of addiction, but that there is some evidence that exercise aid in substance abuse prevention. However, the NIDA has plans to fund additional studies to discuss their questions about exercise. It is hoped that with further study on physical activity and its effects also on other health conditions, scientists will be more informed about the effects of exercise on substance addiction.

Sources

Neergaard, Lauran Can exercising exorcise addictions to drugs, alcohol? Associated Press Chicago Tribune September 2, 2008

Exercise May Prevent Drug Addiction Cocaine User Helping Hand July 11, 2008

Can Physical Activity and Exercise Prevent Substance Use:
Promoting a Full Range of Science to Inform Prevention NIDA Conference June 5-6. 2008