Millions of Americans have been prescribed medication by their physicians to combat any number of ailments. While these are very beneficial for the patient, the problem comes when these drugs get into the wrong hands, are abused, and cause either death or a lifetime of addiction. Some organizations are working on different ways to keep these drugs away from kids and drug abusers, including a take back program.

The wonderful world of medicine has come up with solutions for nearly every pain or disease there is. Many of these drugs are controlled substances and are very powerful and addicting. Opioids are the prescriptions that generally treat pain. Depressants treat anxiety and sleep disorders, and stimulants treat things like ADHD.

Misusing Medications

Sometimes a patient no longer needs these pills or their prescription changes, and this often leaves these people wondering what to do with the leftover pills. If these pills are left in the house, a drug seeking friend or family member may get into the medicine cabinet, and use the patient’s personal medications as their supply. When in the wrong hands or overdosed, prescription medications can give the person a high, or cause hallucinations, and they can also cause heart problems, brain damage, addiction, and death.

Prescription drug abuse has been a rising trend in the past decade, but in the last year or so, the numbers seem to be falling. This could be because of education and greater awareness of the dangers of prescription drugs. However, prescription drug abuse still happens, and is still a serious problem in many areas.

Take Back Programs

Many cities are now trying a take back program where individuals are able to drop off their unused prescription medications in a safe place. Usually there will be a safely locked box for pills to be put into, and later these meds are destroyed. The take back programs are offered for a limited time, in a set location. Programs like this are helpful because the unwanted prescriptions are not left in a place where they can be found and abused.

Saving the Environment

The take back programs also help the environment and the water supply. In the past, patients were told to simply flush their unwanted pills down the toilet to dispose of them. But now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeing an increase in these substances in our water supply. The medications are not always removed in the water treatment process. The pharmaceuticals are also getting into groundwater, lakes, and rivers, causing mutations and problems with fish and amphibians.

While these programs are helpful in their fight against substance abuse, there still needs to be a focus on education about prescription drugs. With take back programs and with keeping careful tabs on medicine cabinets, people can make it harder for drug seekers to get their supply. But there are other ways to get these drugs, so education is necessary to continue to keep this problem in check.

Sources

Innovative Clallam drug take-back program on hold

Police and Boehringer will collect prescription drugs

NIDA InfoFacts: Prescription and over-the-counter medications

Police department’s take-back programs aimed at curbing prescription drug abuse

September 28^th is the eighth anniversary of Family Day, a day when families are encouraged to spend time together, especially around the dinner table. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University began Family Day in 2001 as a way to combat substance abuse. Research has shown that children that eat dinner with their families are less likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs. To get the word out about these findings, Family Day is now being celebrated across the country, and parents are being asked to have dinner as a family today.

Eating Dinner Together Reduces Substance Abuse

Eating as a family used to be the norm, and tradition was that dinner was a special time for families to gather together. Our country has come quite a way from that tradition. Today families are busy and soccer games, cheerleading practice, and parents’ jobs are keeping many families from that necessary time together. The dinner table is a place where parents and children can sit for a few minutes and talk about their day, about their troubles, and about their feelings. Many people don’t realize it, but our failure to spend time as a family is harming our children in the long run. Many teens don’t feel a connection with their parents, or a loyalty to their family, and without that positive parental influence, many kids are being carried along with the crowd. If parents want to prevent their children from smoking, doing drugs, or drinking, they need to tell them so and instill those values in them. It is hard to pass on values in a child that you never have contact with.

Nationwide Celebration

Many groups are planning ways to celebrate Family Day this year. Local activities are planned to get families together, and the movement has gained momentum in recent years. For the fifth year TV Land is celebrating Family Day by showcasing an episode of “Little House on the Prairie” during the dinner hour in an effort to encourage families to eat dinner together. Mayors, governors, and county executives have also shown support for Family Day.

It shouldn’t just happen once a year. Families eating dinner together should become a regular occurrence again. Parents should do all they can to adjust their schedules and activities to make time for dinner with the family. But we are all busy and many families feel they have no options. If it can’t be dinner time, it could be a morning spent together, or a valuable talk in the van on the way home from school, or any bit of time a parent can fit into their day to really talk to their child. The important thing is that parents take the time to spend with their family.

Sources

Casa Family Day

Gather Around the Table with the Ingalls Clan

Share a Meal on Family Day 

A lesson is defined as “an experience, example or observation that imparts beneficial new knowledge or wisdom”. In active addiction, I consistently refused to ‘learn my lesson’, so to speak. Time and time again, I’d repeat the same behaviors and receive negative consequences. Towards the end, I was aware that I was acting in a totally self-destructive fashion but continued to do so because I was unwilling to allow any new information in and find another way to live.

Recovery is a process of learning lessons slowly over a period of time. The biggest lesson we learn is that for us to use drugs and alcohol, we immediately put our lives in jeopardy and face an entire host of unpleasant outcomes. From that simple starting point, we become open to grow. Through experiencing life without drugs and alcohol, having a support group and being allowed to make our own mistakes, we come to learn many lessons. We learn where our attitudes, beliefs and behaviors fall short or fail to work for us. We learn where we can do better next time. As long as we don’t pick up a substance, we always have the opportunity to do better.

In recovery, none of us are perfect. The recovering addict or alcoholic is simply another human being who is motivated to learn from life’s lesson in order to affect change and to grow for the positive. The miracle of it all is that the same addict or alcoholic who once existed as a plague to their loved ones for so long in active addiction can become, in recovery, an inspiration for family, friends and peers to seek change in their own lives. The shift from negative to positive that the recovering addict or alcoholic experiences is an enormous testament of hope for all involved.

At TSN, we take great joy in participating in this process. We believe that any addict or alcoholic, given the opportunity and the proper support, has the potential to make a miraculous change in their lives. The individual, the family and the entire community reap the benefit any time an addict or alcoholic begins to seek a new way of life. And one day at a time, we here at TSN are very pleased to play our part.

People cope with difficulties and afflictions in different ways. When addiction strikes, some people will toughen up and fight back, others will try to give up, and still others will ignore it and hope it goes away. We all are individuals and react differently to situations, which is why personalized addiction treatment is so important. That’s also why much research has been done to determine new ways to help people overcome addiction. There are certain groups now that are promoting a new way to reach people and help them deal with substance abuse: comedy.

“MazelTov Cocktail”

Jamie Fox’s one-person play “MazelTov Cocktail” is gaining ground as a funny, yet helpful way to look at addiction. The LA-based actress wrote the story and also performs it, giving audiences a glimpse into the family of a drug addict. “MazelTov Cocktail”, formerly known as “inDEPENDENCE”, follows a Jewish woman who is struggling with her job, with her cocaine-addicted brother, and with her parents who try to cover up for the addiction. The humor comes in exploring the roles of these different family members, and the accuracy of how many families act when faced with an addiction. In the play, the woman is forced to confront her drug abusing brother and her parents who try to maintain complete normalcy. Many people can relate to the family described in the play, which makes it appealing to families coping with substance abuse.

Using Comedy to Create Awareness about Addiction

There are many different forms of comedy, and not all of them are helpful when dealing with substance abuse. There are the destructive comedies that only magnify the pain and difficulty caused by substance abuse. But “inDEPENDENCE” is said to be powerful in its message, and opens doors for people to talk about addiction. “The humor comes out of the truth of the moment,” Fox said. “This person — what they’re doing — is so clearly ridiculous. There’s a lot of power in comedy. If you can make people laugh, they hear you a little bit easier. They don’t realize what’s kind of hitting them. You’re not laughing at yourself. You’re laughing at these characters. Then secretly relating to it.”

The play made its east coast debut on September 10^th in Deal Park, New Jersey. It was presented in conjunction with “Prevention First” an agency that provides education in schools on substance abuse. Perhaps the most important part of this show was the discussion panel after the show, where the audience was given the chance to share stories and relate to each other in some way.

The response for the play has been very positive overall. It is all about helping people take a closer look at their lives, and helping to heal some of the hurt and pain that addiction causes. The play might not be for everyone, but for those that are able to step back and see that others are making it through the same things while still keeping their sense of humor, it can be of great value.

Sources 

http://www.redbankorbit.com/wordpress/2009/09/a-mazeltov-cocktail-for-one/

http://www.app.com/article/20090904/ENT/909040308/1031/ENT/Play+explores++other+side++of+addiction

http://jamiemfox.com/

Family members and spouses of addicts are now learning to stand up for themselves, to work through their feelings, to get help for their loved ones and themselves. Addiction affects more than just the addict, and family members are beginning to take a stand for themselves and get the help they really need.

Discovering an Addiction

Spouses usually remember the exact day when they learned about their loved one’s addiction problem. Whether it was something that was suspected for weeks or even years, or if it came as a big surprise, the feelings are usually the same. Betrayal, rejection, pain, and loneliness are all to be expected when a person learns their partner has a substance abuse problem. Even though we may know addiction is a disease, it still causes those close to the addict to feel personally wronged. It is impossible to trust a spouse that has lied about their addiction, or has snuck out and gotten high when their spouse wasn’t around or paying attention. This is what so many people have a problem with – that they can’t trust their spouse anymore.

But as we see with so many families lately, there is hope for these relationships, and our emotional scars can heal. It is often just as important for the spouse of an addict to get help as for the addict themselves, because without healing our emotions, the relationship will continue to struggle.

Support During Treatment

Each spouse deals with treating their loved one’s addiction in a different way. Many people that attend counseling with their spouse carry with them so much anger and hurt; it is obvious that feelings need to be worked out. Other people are just so happy to have their spouse in treatment that they look past the pain they themselves have been in and do all they can to help their loved one. Still others are able to remember their loved one for who they were, (and who they will be again someday) and are able to happily stand behind their spouse in therapy. But for each of these couples, it is necessary to give attention to the feelings of the loved ones that have been affected by addiction.

Therapy for Loved Ones

Spouses of addicts need to remember that they can be part of the recovery process, and they need to work on their own recovery as well. Spouses working through an addiction should spend quality time together in a non-stressful setting. Keeping communication open will help heal feelings. Support groups like Al-Anon help family members learn from other people’s experiences and gain strength from people who have been in their position. Family therapy is helpful for relatives to work together to end an addiction and the pain it causes.

Sources

http://alcoholism.about.com/library/weekly/aa020101a.htm

http://www.michaelshouse.com/substance-abuse/spousal-substance-abuse.html

http://newsok.com/counselor-helps-addicts-reclaim-lives/article/3397195

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

“Just say no to drugs.” This message has been used so much over the years that many teens simply tune out whenever they hear another lecture beginning this way. Parents need to be more creative these days in keeping their kids off drugs, but for many parents, this task seems overwhelming. How do you get your kids to listen to you about things like drugs when it is hard enough to get them to listen to you about what kind of clothes they should wear? It might take a little contemplation and hard work, but it can be done. Here are some guidelines to keeping your kids off drugs and alcohol.

1.       Know what they do. Stay involved in your child’s life as they get older, and make sure they are supervised by you or another responsible adult. Don’t assume that just because they are legally old enough to be home alone, that they are ok being left for hours at a time. Kids that come home from school to an empty house will find ways to keep themselves busy, and this is when many of them start experimenting with drugs or alcohol.

2.       Know their interests. Not only will this help you know if your child is trying something harmful, but it will also help you build a healthy relationship with your teen. Get to know what kind of music they like, what their favorite tv show is all about, how they feel about the latest news stories. Sharing moments with them and listening to your child will teach you a lot about why they do what they do. Once there is a solid bond between parent and child, the say-no-to-drugs-talk will be much easier.

3.       Build their self-esteem. Help your child find something they are good at, give them encouragement and praise, and let them know you love them and are proud of them no matter what. A confident teen that knows that drugs can mess up their life will be more likely to stay away from them.

4.       Teach them how to say no. It might seem like enough to tell them to say no, but have you ever put yourself in their shoes? Think of your teen, surrounded by a group of friends that are all smoking pot, and if they don’t try it too, they will be the outcast. It is a very difficult thing to just say no. Instead, equip your teen with other things they can say to get out of this kind of situation. They could suggest other things to do (go to a movie, play a video game), they could say “I’m not into that”, or they could leave and find some other friends to hang out with.

5.       Be a good role model. Keep yourself away from drugs and drunkenness. Teens do look up to their parents and will follow their actions more than words. Let them see you taking care of your body and following healthy habits.

It’s not enough these days to teach teens to just say no. Find ways to get to know your child and gain their respect, and then have talks with them that equip them with tools to stay away from drugs.

Sources

http://drugfree.org

http://prevention.samhsa.gov/about/default.aspx

http://www.jointogether.org/

http://www.aap.org/family/subabuse.htm

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS110568+14-Sep-2009+PRN20090914

I thought I’d take a quick breather from health care reform this week to refocus the attention on the reason I am so passionate about the topic in the first place…addiction. Listen, I know all of us have grown somewhat desensitized to the horror stories and cautionary tales that plague the headlines each day with regard to addiction; however, those of you who know me realize by now that I’m not afraid to shake things up when it comes to speaking my mind and now is one of those times. There are too many talkers out there and not enough walkers when it comes to pretty much everything, especially addiction. It has been this way for far too long and frankly, it is one of the biggest reasons our country is in such a precarious addiction predicament.

This week I am introducing a new regular segment to our humble little blogosphere here at Treatment Solutions, and that will be called the “Bevell Blast”. It is simple really, whenever anyone in the public eye comes out and publicly states that they have experienced a drug or alcohol ‘setback’ and vows to give back to the community as a result, I will immediately extend a hand to them and provide them with some ways in which they can take action. If they choose to ignore my invitation to walk the walk, and do not offer any proof of how they are supporting their “vow” to give back, they will instantly be put on “Bevell Blast”. Trust me, they will wish they weren’t. I will simply use my humble public forum to illuminate the individual’s hollow promises and lack of follow thru. Keep in mind, all they need to do is their part by giving back some of what they learned from their own experience and they will be immediately removed from the “Bevell Blast” and praised publicly for being part of the solution.

I want to be clear – I am not interested in doing anything but providing a little push wherever needed. I will be the first to admit that from experience, addicts are strong starters and lousy finishers so consider the “Bevell Blast” a good-faith insurance policy. Sadly, the court of law will let celebrities and public figures skate by on empty promises; however, there is a new sheriff in town and my domain is the court of public opinion…and this courtroom is never out of session. Just to reiterate, unless you have made a public statement that you are going to ‘give back’, you are safe. My team and I have grown tired of empty promises and through our network have designed some very simple ways for high profile individuals to give back, so there is no room for excuses.

Our very first subject is an individual that has impressed me as an athlete, an actor and a man over the years. Sadly, due to a pretty common set of circumstances. he found himself in a battle with addiction at the hand of prescription medication. He has battled with addiction in the past and is now in a position to save lives. In fact, he has been quoted as saying…

“I felt that in spite of the fact I am supposedly a big tough guy, I couldn’t beat prescription drugs on my own. I’ve worked hard to get off of them and really hope other people will realize they need to seek professional help, rather than ignoring the problem or trying to get off of the prescriptions on their own.

“This has been a challenging time for me personally, and I really appreciate the outpouring of love and support from my fans, friends and family. I am looking forward to getting back to teaching and working.”

That is a beautiful statement and I am here to help him follow thru. If you aren’t familiar with the story, that individual is Burt Reynolds and the details can be found here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=47925

Burt, I am extending an open invitation to you – please contact us and let’s discuss how we can work together to make an impact on this terrible disease and save some lives. I look forward to hearing from you and truly hope you never find yourself on “Bevell Blast”. You are too special a human being to go out like that.

Jim Bevell

CEO TSN

561 577-3174

jimb@tsnemail.com

Chemical dependency Treatment is, too often, Miss-treatment. This is a legacy from its beginning. For, the first treatment “centers,” were not centers at all. They were Therapeutic Communities. Therapeutic Communities began as a grass-root effort to treat addicts, mainly heroin addicts,  that did not blend into the culture of Alcoholics Anonymous, and other 12-Step groups. Ironically, much of their language, and practices, are still being enacted in modern Treatment Centers. Even in Treatment Centers that claim to adhere to an AA/NA 12-Step-based model of treatment.

This came to be because of an attempt to jumble two incongruent philosophies: the philosophy, of the Therapeutic Communities (T.C.), and the philosophy of the Twelve Steps Fellowships. To truly understand how this came to be, a brief history of the substance abuse treatment field is necessary.

Synanon

This brief history begins with Synanon; arguably, the most influential of the Therapeutic Communities. Synanon began with Charles E. Dederick. He had been an alcoholic for twenty years, and a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. In January of 1958, he ” had no job, two cents in my pocket, and was living off unemployment benefits, in a small apartment near the beach in Ocean Park, California.” (Yablonsky, L. 1965. Synanon the tunnel back) He, and other friends from AA, started a regular weekly meeting. In this meeting, mainly because of Charles, or “Chuck” Dederick, as he became known, the discussions became heated.

In this group, people challenged each other to become truthful. Any sign of rationalizing, or escaping responsibility, was met with strong challenges. Another defining feature of this group was that its members began to move close to each other. A small community, of alcoholics, and addicts, rented apartments around Chuck’s home. Chuck’s apartment became the “clubhouse.” The community began to live as one. They would share their resources, and meet regularly for groups in their apartments. They would also attend an A.A. group together.

This AA group met until a dramatic break that solidified the difference between Synanon, and A.A. This is the story as told by Chuck:

“The break with Alcoholics Anonymous occurred about the middle of August (1958)

It happened right in the middle of an A.A. meeting. Our whole gang had taken over the Saturday night meeting of the Santa Monica A.A. group at Twenty Sixth and Broadway and built it up from its attendance of ten people to an attendance of about forty five or fifty. There was some objection on some issue by the members of the Board of Directors of the A.A. club. I recall the leader stopping the meeting. They didn’t like us. The alkies didn’t like the addicts, and they didn’t like me in particular…and they didn’t like my gang because they were mostly addicts. They made things difficult for us. I remember getting up in the meeting and saying, ‘All right, lets go home-the hell with this.’ So the whole meeting got up, and we all got into our automobiles and came down to the club, and we never went back to A.A. again.

We were building something new and different. Although I will always be grateful to A.A. for helping me personally, Synanon has nothing to do with A.A., any more than a rowboat compares with an airplane. We have a live-in situation, with family characteristics. We emphasize self-reliance rather than dependence on a higher being.

We assumed a responsibility; we had to get up the rent, we had to feed the people when they came in, and so on. This was the point at which the few alcoholics in the club began to fall out. They didn’t want any responsibility. In fact, it was even verbalized. ‘We don’t want to do this; we want to have a lot of fun; we want to have a club as a club.’ The alkies began to say, ‘Well, it’s our club,’ and I said, ‘No, it’s my club.’ I became the champion of the addicts, chucked the alcoholics out, and Synanon was then fully launched for addicts.”(Yablonsky, L. 1965)

The differences between 12 Step Programs and TC

This story reveals the significant differences that exist between the 12-Step programs, and Therapeutic Communities. Differences that have become blurry. They became blurry when a new kind of treatment centers emerged. These treatment centers, unlike Synanon, were based on the 12-Step philosophies of A.A., and N.A. These became known as 28 Days treatment centers. The model of treatment that was created in them became known as the Recovery Model.

The problem was, and has been since, that, in order to house, and treat alcoholics and addicts in a living situation rather than congregating in “meetings” and then going home, these centers tried to incorporate the Synanon idea of community. A community in which addicts, and alcoholics would live together. Where they would participate in groups, and form relationships. But, unlike Synanon, they would be exposed to the philosophy, and the way of life of the 12-Step Programs. During their stay in these centers, the addicts, and alcoholics, would be oriented, and encouraged, to continue to participate in the 12-Step Programs, beyond the treatment experience, through 12-Step meetings.

Structural Differences

However, structurally, these two models of treatment are different. Although the Recovery Model copied the idea of community living from Synanon, these two communities were based on different principles. Synanon was a grass-root movement. The 28-Day Programs were institutions. Sometimes they were part of established Hospitals. Also, they incorporated a medical, professional, and para-professional staff, while Synanon was staffed by its members, with a stated disdain for professional interventions; here is how a Synanon leader puts it: “This is one of the problems with you professionals. You are all involved with drug addiction. You want to know how an addict uses, how much, and all that crap. Around here we are interested in helping ex-dope fiend grow up, by talking about living clean” ( pg. 9)

As shown by the previous statement, philosophically, the differences are even more contradictory. The Synanon model states that addicts suffer from a character dysfunction. That, their dependence on a drug, and the means that they have used to obtain them, have turned the addict into a “dope fiend” A being without humanity; without morality, and without a sense of responsibility. A being that has lost the ability to live, and function among others, as illustrated by the following quote from another Synanon leader: “My problem wasn’t drugs, even though drugs made me subhuman. What I needed, and still need, is to learn more about proper living.”

In the Synanon model of the active addict is a “dopefiend.” “Subhuman,” as described above. This subhuman-dopefiend needs to be broken down, so that the human being can emerge. In the Synanon model of treatment, this is done by any means: confrontation, punishment, and humiliation, if necessary.

For, according to this model, if any part of the dopefiend  survives, “it” will take the person back to drug use, and its accompanying lying, stealing, cheating, etc. Deviations, not only from total abstinence, but from any rule of the community, is seen as an expression of the dopefiend, and is met with severe chastising, and consequences; by the staff, and by the entire community, with the encouragement of the staff. This philosophy is congruent with a structure of discipline, and accountability that facilitated orderly community living.

By contrast, the 12 Step Model is based on the disease concept of addiction; the concept that the addict, and the alcoholic, suffer from the disease of addiction. They are seen as suffering from an affliction that has affected them “physically, psychologically, and spiritually.” That has interfered with their ability to live, and function, normally. That has “high jacked” their brain, and its proper functioning, and this condition has caused negative behaviors that have caused suffering, to themselves, and others.

In the 12-Step model of treatment, the method is encouragement, to “keep showing up” to AA/NA meetings, and begin to “live as if” you are already sober. By practicing this consistently, and “turning over your will to a higher power, “a “miracle,” or “spiritual awakening,” will take place and the person will become sober. During this process, the community will be welcoming, and supportive, even when the person is not sober. There will be no blame, or judgment, but continued encouragement to “keep coming back.” This philosophy is congruent with a loose structure, based on voluntary participation, without coercion, and non-judgmental, unconditional support.

Building Congruency

So, the Recovery Model is grounded in the 12-Step philosophy, but seeks to create, and maintain, communal living. By the dictates of its most basic principles, it is a “program of attraction.” Coercion, of any kind invalidates the entire treatment. The treatment must be based on non-confrontation, and unconditional support. But, how can a treatment program, based on such concepts, work with the resistant adolescents that are sent to treatment by their families, or the people mandated to treatment by the law, or the employer, or simply, the addict, and alcoholic, in an acute state of denial about their condition and of the suffering it is causing?

Can you guess the terrible answer? Yes, profess the 12-Steps, enforce the T.C. Teach the 12-Step philosophy in groups, and lectures. And, institute a system in which the “recovering dopefiends” will be dealt with in the T.C. way: punishment, consequences, and humiliation, if necessary. This is when Treatment turns into MisTreatment.

In the following weeks I will be expanding on this theme: the question of how to build a truly congruent treatment model. I would like your input, and discussion.

J.E. Lesende

juanl@tsnemail.com

We’ve heard over and over how drug or alcohol addiction affects all aspects of a person’s life. Many people try in vain to hide an addiction, and keep it from ruining their entire life, but sooner or later things do start unraveling. Work may suffer, family and friends fall away, and for those that stick around or can’t leave, addiction has lasting effects for family members.

Family Members are Affected

When one person in a family has an addiction, the whole family experiences the addiction. Spouses of addicts suffer because of arguments, emotional conflicts, and even violence. Spouses have to worry about how the addiction is affecting their children, and also about the substance abuser’s own health and well-being. The other parent assumes responsibility for the addicted parent, which puts great stress on the relationship. Money troubles most likely occur between spouses when one of them spends too much time or money on their addiction, especially when they also aren’t able to hold down a job.

Children often suffer their entire life because of the substance abuse of a parent. The arguing and possibly separation or divorce of their parents can lead to insecurity and relationship issues when they get older. Physical or emotional abuse from a parent that is high or drunk all the time leaves scars, and neglect can lead to disappointment or even physical harm. Children of addicts can easily grow up to be substance abusers themselves, and younger siblings learn bad behavior from brothers and sisters that do drugs.

Family Therapy Works

Because of all the reasons listed above it is often a good idea for entire families to go through therapy when one member has a substance abuse problem. The benefits of family therapy are for both the family as well as for the addict. Family members learn how to get the things they need, and to deal with the hurt of an abusing member. Family therapy helps the family reconnect and work toward a happier existence during and after the addiction has been treated.

Family therapy also helps the recovering addict in their struggle. A family that is willing to stick together and stand behind their members, even though it is extremely difficult, will have a better chance of full recovery. Every family, no matter how dysfunctional, has certain strengths that can help an addict learn to live their life without drugs or alcohol. Therapy helps families bring those strengths out for a more complete recovery.

While it is difficult for any family to go through the pain of substance abuse, there are many treatment facilities that offer services specifically for families. Help is out there, and many families have been able to work through an addiction by staying together and helping pull each other through.

Sources

http://www.teendrugabuse.us/DrugsNFamily.html

http://durangoherald.com/sections/Features/Columnists/Creating_Community/2009/09/15/Substance_abuse_affects_everyone/

http://www.kfsm.com/sns-health-addiction-families,0,3759837.story

Helping Alcoholics

We all have people that we love and care about that cause us concern. Maybe they are always drinking, or seem to have an obsession about something, or seem to have fallen into depression. Maybe they are our children who are getting to be teenagers, or our friends that don’t have it all together anymore. So many Americans suffer from addiction of some sort, and so many of their families and loved ones go about their business, denying anything is wrong.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Sometimes we need to follow our suspicions. Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing and who they are with. Don’t assume that because they tell you they aren’t experimenting with drugs or alcohol that they are telling you the truth. Talk continuously with them and watch for any changes in behavior that could suggest a drug or alcohol problem.

Spouses should be aware of how their partner spends his or her time. If they are spending too much time on the internet, at the bar, or doing things you don’t know about, there may be a hidden addiction problem.

Adults should be active in their parents’ lives and watch for excessive loneliness or depression, trouble hanging onto money, or change in behavior.

Even co-workers should be able to see if an acquaintance is struggling with something like substance abuse. A sudden decline in performance, or pulling away from the group could suggest a drug or alcohol problem.

We don’t want to be paranoid people. It’s not necessary or beneficial to investigate everyone you know for an addiction problem. However, there are usually signs that people give when they suffer with an addiction. Suddenly keeping a distance from friends and loved ones, money not accounted for, time not accounted for, new groups of friends – these can all be signs of addiction.

You Can Help

Maybe you are the only one in that person’s life that is aware enough to notice a problem. We all have busy lives and we can go along without really thinking about how someone is doing. So it might be up to you to say something to the person. Start by letting them know you care and that what you say is confidential and out of concern. Then tell the person what you are worried about, and finally ask if there is something you can do to help. Stand behind that person and let them know you will help them along the way, if they want.

What if you are wrong and the person does not have an addiction? If you’ve truly suspected something, most likely something is out of balance in the person’s life, whether they are addicted to something or not. If the problem hasn’t made it to the addiction stage yet (if the person abuses alcohol but isn’t dependent, or if the person spends too much time gambling but can still pull themselves away), help might still be necessary. Maybe the person would benefit from behavioral therapy or counseling in order to redirect their life away from the addiction ahead and back toward a healthy, happier lifestyle.

Sources

http://www.ulm.edu/safety/meetings/Reasonable%20Suspicion%20-%20Safety%20Training.pdf

http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/workforce-management/520699-1.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/C005038/recognize.htm