Getting the right help for the individual is essential to successfully treating addiction. Getting help for the family of the individual is also very important, and it is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Everyone in a family suffers when a member has an addiction to substances. Help is out there, and below are some resources designed to treat the family members of addicts.

Spouses of Addicts

Oftentimes, spouses understand more than anybody about how an addict is suffering. Whether the couple had a healthy relationship before the addiction took over or not, the other adult in the household can see what both the addict and the family are sacrificing because of the addiction.
Al-Anon holds regular meetings throughout the country to encourage families of alcoholics to focus on their own peace of mind and strength. Nar-Anon, like Al-Anon, focuses on the Twelve Steps to healing for family members. Nar-Anon helps families of individuals addicted to narcotics, and it also holds free meetings throughout the country.

Co-Dependents Anonymous is another support group for spouses. Because of the stress that addiction can put on a couple, often the spouse of an addict develops an unhealthy co-dependence in an attempt to hold it all together. Co-Dependents Anonymous helps individuals to free themselves from destructive behavior and if possible live their lives with their spouse, but not dependent on them.

Parents of Addicts

Adolescents addicted to drugs pose a difficult problem. Being so young, it is important that the child and their family get help for the addiction right away so the teen can look forward to a life free from this suffering. Adolescents are usually still living in their parents’ homes and under their rules, so it is especially important for parents to be informed about the methods of treatment and ways to help their child when they are back home.

The Phoenix House is a New England-based coalition of professionals that work together to provide treatment for young addicts as well as counseling for the entire family. Parental involvement is key to these programs and education, activities, and therapy are provided for entire families.

Inspirations for Youth and Family is another organization that treats adolescents for drug and alcohol abuse. Families are also provided with therapy and activities that work toward the goal of reuniting the family.

Children of Addicts

Not to be overlooked, children in a family with addiction also suffer and should receive treatment. The Center on Addiction and the Family (COAF) offers a wide range of programs that help the whole family deal with addiction, some specifically geared toward children. Alateen offers meetings for teens of alcoholics, much like Al-Anon. Even though they might not have a very large voice when it comes to addiction in the family, children are very much in need of counseling or treatment as they suffer with a loved-one’s addiction.

Families have many options to getting treatment as they deal with an addict among them. It is important to reach out for help from professionals in order to free themselves from the addiction.

More Resources
http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com/families-addiction-treatment.html

drug addiction support groups

• Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)
• Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.)
• Crystla Meth Anonymous (C.M.A.)
• Marijuana Anonymous (MA)

other addiction support resources

• Find an AA Meeting Near You
• AA Meetings Online
• Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
• Find an MA Meeting Near You
• Find an NA Meeting Near You
• Nicotine Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

For some people this time of year is, quite honestly, a struggle. It’s not just the hurry of the approaching holidays, or the long list of things to do, or the colder weather. For some people it is actually the decrease in daylight hours that cause their mood swings, and it can be very debilitating. It’s called SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it affects half a million Americans today.

Symptoms

Sufferers of SAD feel an overwhelming feeling of the “blues”, lethargy, hopelessness, anxiety, social withdrawal, and change in appetite. Sounds like depression, doesn’t it? The fact is that SAD is a recognized form of depression, only it comes in cycles along with the climate changes. During summer days that are bright and warm, these SAD sufferers feel happy and can function normally. But when the days are shorter and cloudier and colder, these individuals feel the depression setting in and lose interest in things, often wanting to stay in bed for days on end.

Mechanisms

SAD has been said to be caused by lack of sunlight hitting brain receptors that tell the body to sleep or wake up. A new study suggests that it is an actual mutation in a gene that is responsible for SAD. This gene regulates a pigment in the eye that controls hormone levels and sleep, and without it functioning properly, low levels of sunlight exaggerate problems in the body. Low levels of serotonin then occur, which lead to instability in mood. This theory is also backed up by the statistic that SAD seems to run in families, which also suggest a genetic factor.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Another concern with SAD is that sufferers will sometimes turn to alcohol or drugs to ease their minds and pick them up, but this only adds to the problem. Sometimes it becomes a vicious cycle – the person feels bad for using drugs or alcohol, which depresses their mood even more.

Treatment

There are things that can be done about SAD and some people are able to manage it on their own. Joining a gym and exercising, or getting out and socializing rather than sleeping may be easier said than done, but will actually help the mind and body get moving again. It may seem easier to stay in bed and sleep it off, but the best thing to do is to stay active and keep the mind busy with good things.

For those that have a more severe form of SAD, or have been suffering for a long time, therapy or treatment by a professional may be necessary. Antidepressants may be prescribed, or phototherapy may be in order, which exposes the patient to artificial lights in order to stimulate the brain. Hormone treatments and psychotherapy may be other ways a physician will choose to treat SAD. The good news is that when the weather turns nicer and the days are longer, most SAD patients recover well and are able to live life again, and with help, this disorder can be overcome.

Breakthroughs tips and trends: November 7th

Conwell, Vikki De-stress to fight off seasonal depression The Atlanta Journal-Constitution November

Klockenga, Janet Your winter survival plan 10/27/08

Baker, Eliot As days shorten and skies darken, sufferers of SAD gear up to fight winter blues October 30, 2008

Dirk Hanson Shining New Light on Addiction SAD phototherapy may help with alcoholism September 29, 2007

Michigan Drug Law Votes

Michigan voters have recently joined with other states in voting to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. In a Proposal that was voted on last week by the public, lawmakers have pushed to allow seriously or terminally ill patients to use marijuana as prescribed by a physician for medical purposes only. These patients, under the Medical-Marijuana Proposal, will also be able to grow and possess limited amounts in order to create a supply for their medical use. 12 other states currently have the same allowance of marijuana for medical purposes.

Advocates to this proposal include the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care, the Michigan Nurses Association and other public health associations, mainly because they have seen the medical benefits of marijuana in very sick patients. Many would argue that no other legal medication can provide the relief that marijuana can give when an individual is suffering from a long-term illness. Supporters of this measure see this as a victory for patients and their families who are struggling to be heard.

Those opposed to the proposal, however, include law-enforcement, anti-drug organizations, and groups like Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Kids. These groups and individuals believe that acts like this one are making enforcement of anti-drug laws more and more difficult, and creating setbacks for our nation’s anti-drug campaigns.

Massachusetts Drug Law Votes

Massachusetts also passed a measure this week that would lesson the punishment for possession of marijuana of less than one ounce in that state. Currently, offenders can be penalized with fines up to $500 and also 6 months jail time for simple possession of the drug. It seems that both sides of the issue in this state have many of the same views as those in Michigan. Either marijuana is seen as a real benefit to those physically suffering, or the legalizing of it would go against all we tell the public and our kids about the risks of drugs.

California Drug Law Votes

Voters in California also had their say in their state’s Proposition 5, the Non-violent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA). The majority of voters turned this Act down. The measure would have given more funding for the treatment of substance addiction and offenders would be more likely to go to a drug treatment facility than to prison. Those opposed to the Act voted against it because they believe, in part, that an addict and his or her family have to want to get treatment for the addiction, and not have it imposed as a punishment. Those in favor of NORA include some healthcare providers and others that see an overwhelming need to get some of these addicts into treatment any way they can.

Through the voting that took place last week, individuals in many of our states were given the chance to give their opinion regarding drug laws. Different people had their reasons for voting the way they did, but the important thing for us to remember is that we need to keep working toward eliminating illegal drug use and substance addiction, and that help is out there for those suffering with addiction.

Karoub, Jeff Voters approve medical marijuana November 05, 2008

Helmuth, Eric Calif. Prop 5 Defeated, Marijuana Initiatives in Mass. and Mich. Pass
November 5, 2008

Billy, Michael Michigan Voters Legalize Medical Marijuana, Massachusetts Loosens Penalties Nov. 5, 2008

Mich. Voters Lean Toward Legalization of Medical Marijuana
September 29, 2008

This week is National Red Ribbon week, a time set aside for students to learn about the risks of drug and alcohol use. Created in the 1980’s, National Red Ribbon week began in order to create awareness in the U.S. of the dangers of substance abuse. It is known today that many violent acts are connected to substance abuse, and many people throughout the country are now working to stop that trend.

Red Ribbon Week History

In 1985 a Drug Enforcement Agent, Enrique Camarena was kidnapped and tortured because of his work against a Mexican drug operation. His community in California made a statement that year by wearing red ribbons while speaking out against illegal drugs. In 1987, Red Ribbon Week became a national campaign in order to educate others about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse.

Schools Take Part

Many schools across the country now observe Red Ribbon Week as a way to discourage students from using alcohol and drugs. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) now helps out and sponsors many events in honor of this week. Ribbons are still worn, posters are made, fliers are handed out, and announcements are made at schools to create awareness for this week.

Schools use many activities to participate in this week, including pledges to be drug free, rallies, and special reminders for kids to stay away from drugs and alcohol. There are all sorts of ways schools and police departments can cleverly encourage kids to stay sober, including “fatal vision” goggles which simulate the disorientation of intoxication (1), or a “Too Cool for Drugs” day where kids are all encouraged to wear sunglasses to school (2). Still other schools choose to do a balloon release or bring in a guest speaker to motivate the youth.

Positive Peer Pressure

In a time when peer pressure can be very destructive to our students, it is important for kids to encourage each other to make the commitment to stay away from drugs and alcohol. If young people see that so many of their friends don’t use substances like drugs or alcohol, it will be easier for the individual teen to “just say no”.

With the rates of students becoming involved with drug and alcohol use at a high level, it is encouraging to see schools and student groups that are working to curb substance abuse among teens. Groups like SADD are nationally known for the positive influence they are providing for so many young people. Sometimes the message sounds different when it comes from a peer, rather than an adult who is constantly telling kids what not to do. When kids support each other and encourage healthy behavior among themselves, the results can sometimes be greater.

Sources
1) Jensen, Brenda Students Learn About Substance Abuse 10-28-2008 http://www.richmond-dailynews.com/news.php?id=2153

2) Richardson, Hamilton Well-known speaker kicks off Red Ribbon Week October 28, 2008 http://www.prattvilleprogress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081025/PROGRESS01/810250312/1041

3) Haas, Harrison Weeklong observance targets substance abuse October 28, 2008
http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081028/GJNEWS02/710281781/-1/CitNEWS

Most people view police officers, firefighters, and EMT workers as those people that have it together and help others out with their problems. But what happens when it’s the police officer or firefighter that is suffering and in need of help? Public safety workers are constantly dealing with trauma and seeing things that most people don’t have to deal with, and while they are trained for such work, sometimes tragedies become too much to handle.

9/11 and PTSD

A study done after 9/11 showed that one in eight rescue and recovery workers at the World Trade Center suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that is generally caused by experiences of fear or terror. Anxiety is often associated with this disorder, and the cause can be any kind of trauma, such as war, accident, or personal injury. Many people who suffer from it develop family and work problems because of their fear, anxiety, trouble sleeping, emotional stress, and flashbacks. Drug and alcohol abuse are also common results of PTSD.

During the rescue and recovery of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, public safety officers encountered awful sights as they cleared up the wreckage and bodies of victims, including many of their colleagues. It may be natural to think that seeing those sights would cause someone to be filled with anxiety afterward, and turn to alcohol and drugs.

All part of the job?

While 9/11 was the most troubling task rescue workers have had to endure in our country, public safety officers face life-changing trauma every day. Firefighters are constantly putting themselves in danger; many times fearing they will not make it out alive. Police officers have to deal with the bad things people do, and the results of their horrific crimes. EMT workers see and treat injuries and attempt to save lives destroyed by accidents or trauma. Sometimes it is the stress of a few incidents that builds up over time, sometimes it is one tragic or scary event, but public safety officers are at risk for mental disorders such as PTSD, as well as substance abuse.

Bring it into the open

There are things we can do to help our public safety officers, the main one being to shed a light on the subject of mental illness and substance abuse. Since these workers are viewed as being the country’s rescuers and protectors, there is a feeling of pride associated with the job. To admit that there is a problem can be a difficult thing to do. Many workers suffer in silence today, when help can actually be very effective.

Getting help

Help is out there. Once the problem has been identified, PTSD can be treated with intense therapy and sometimes medication. The more time that passes before treatment begins, the worse the effects of the disorder will be. Anxiety will increase, depression could occur, and the risks of substance abuse increase. By talking about PTSD and the fact that real people suffer from it, we can encourage others to get treatment for PTSD.

Sources
Stress Disorder.” ScienceDaily 30 August 2007

McCooey, Paula Firefighter reveals pain to help save others The Ottawa Citizen October 6, 2008

Former firefighter fights mental health stigma Sept. 30, 2008

public saftey, addiction treatment, mental health

Countless studies have been done relating to drug and alcohol abuse and its treatment. However, every once in a while a study is done that seems to elude to some new substance addiction treatment, but for whatever reason there is little follow-through, and the results go unnoticed. Without subsequent studies, it is hard to say if the original scientist was on to something or not.

Perhaps one example is a study done last year by Steven LaRowe, from the Medical University of South Carolina, which showed that cocaine addicts that were given an amino acid, NAC, had a significant decrease in their desire to use cocaine. However, since that time, there have not been any subsequent studies about amino acids and drug addiction.

Drug Addiction and the Brain

The background for LaRowe’s study has to do with the effects of food on drug addiction. When an individual uses drugs like cocaine, the drugs interfere with the brain’s normal signals for things such as pleasure and relaxation. Some drugs mimic the brain’s neurotransmitters, while others increase the signals, all of which cause the body to stop sending the signal on its own. When this happens, a person’s body needs the drugs in order to carry out the signals, and addiction has resulted.

Food and Neurotransmitters

A new theory is out there because of research like LaRowe’s, which says that diet may be able to play a part in drug rehabilitation. The human body turns amino acids found in certain foods into the neurotransmitters needed to send signals in the brain. One amino acid is N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is found in nuts and seeds and was studied by LaRowe and his colleagues. A second one is tryptophan, which is found in meat, brown rice, fish, and milk. Other studies have shown that increasing these amino acids can promote relaxation and reduce depression.

Drugs and Food

Because drugs target the same signal-sending molecules as some foods, it has been suggested that by increasing these foods in the diet of a drug addict, we should be able to reduce their addiction. It is thought that in some cases the amino acids in the foods will allow the body to send its own signals again, thus reducing the craving for the drugs, while others will give the individual a more positive outlook on their life as they break from the drug abuse. Some are suggesting that food could reduce drug withdrawal symptoms including depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness, which would give the addict a boost in breaking the habit.

More Research

As is often the case, while these ideas may appear to be scientifically sound, they have not been explored in depth. Last week, Food for the Brain organized a conference in London centered on the use of dietary changes to treat drug addiction. Perhaps this topic will now be in the forefront of research, and some much needed studies will be done to either develop this idea, or explain why it may or may not be feasible.

Sources

Treatment on a plate. A dietary approach to treating addiction seems worth investigating Oct 16th
A look at substance abuse, awareness, treatment and recovery in Emery County October 14, 2008
LaRowe, Steven Is Cocaine Desire Reduced by N-Acetylcysteine? 2007 American Journal of Psychiatry
Ross, Julia The Role of Diet in Mental Health Excerpted from The Diet Cure

food, addiction treatment, studies. addiction, drug abuse

Of all the illegal drugs in our country, perhaps none is as well-known for its addiction and harmful effects on the user’s life as cocaine. According to a 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35.3 million Americans aged 12 and older reported having used cocaine, and 8.5 million reported having used crack cocaine. There were an estimated 977,000 new users of cocaine in 2006—most were 18 or older when they first used cocaine. (1)

Cocaine addiction

Cocaine is a derivative of the leaves of the coca plant, which is either snorted, dissolved in water and injected, or smoked. While under the influence of cocaine, the user develops a “high”, which increases mental alertness and reduces fatigue. This high only lasts for a short time, and after as little as 5-15 minutes, the user may feel the need to administer the drug again in order to maintain the high feeling. In fact, this is one reason why cocaine is so addictive – the user is constantly trying to maintain that great feeling of euphoria.

Cocaine causes a high by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain, which in humans signals something pleasurable. In healthy people this signal is shut off after a short time, but in cocaine addicts, the dopamine is kept from being recycled and large amounts of it build up in the brain, causing the high. Tolerance to the high of dopamine is likely to occur, and more cocaine is needed to feel the good feeling. After a short time, the user is addicted and may need cocaine detox.

Cocaine’s Effects

Cocaine has many detrimental effects on the body, including headache, nausea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, and problems with nosebleeds or with swallowing. Cocaine addicts are more likely to be irritable without their high, and suffer from anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Other serious risks are heart attack, stroke, respiratory arrest, and seizure.

Predisposition to addiction

A study done by Hans Breiter and his colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital (2) found that in cocaine addicts, the area of the brain that deals with decision making and preference is actually altered with cocaine use. The thinning that occurs in this region of the brain may explain why cocaine users become so addicted; their brain no longer cares about things other than the drug, and they aren’t able to make coherent decisions to stay away from the drug.

This study also found, however, that in drug abusers the overall thickness in the brain is more uniform than in non-drug users. Because this symmetry of thickness does not seem to be a result of drug use, researchers are beginning to think that some people have a predisposition to drug use.

Whatever the cause of addiction to cocaine, it is a disease. If you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine, it is important to get help right away. The risks of using cocaine make it a very unsafe drug, and many people have died suddenly from its effects. Find a drug treatment center to help deal with the addiction.

Sources
(1) Cocaine: Abuse With Alcohol Increases Deadliness 9/22/2008

(2) Thinner Cortex In Cocaine Addicts May Reflect Drug Use And A Pre-existing Disposition To Drug Abuse ScienceDaily Oct. 13, 2008

Cocaine and the Brain Ivanhoe Newswire Oct. 10, 2008

Every parent is bound to think about the risk of drug or alcohol abuse among teens as their child gets older. Some parents don’t become aware that their child has been experimenting with drugs until it’s too late. Other parents are alerted earlier, or have a child that doesn’t hide their drug use as easily. But being aware of the risks your teen faces, as well as the warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse, parents may be able to prevent their child from a life of addiction.

Risks Factors of Teen Drug Abuse

Adolescents today are bombarded by drug and alcohol use at school, with friends, and even at home. There are many kids in school that provide each other with information about drugs, or encourage their friends to use drugs or alcohol. Then there are those kids who do drugs themselves or sell them to their classmates. And it seems that countless teenagers are listening to music or watching movies or videos that glorify drug use. Internet sites also pose a big problem for teens and adolescents today, providing them with information about drugs, or even selling them the drugs. With all the exposure to drugs that many teens face, it’s not surprising that adolescent drug abuse is such a problem.

There are groups of youth that are more at risk to use drugs or alcohol. Kids that have a hard home life are more likely to get involved with substance abuse to ease their problems. Parents that do drugs or are alcoholics themselves are more likely to raise children who try drugs or alcohol, and abuse of any kind will increase the risk of an adolescent trying drugs.

Warning Signs of Adolescent Drug Use

So what can you do if you suspect that your adolescent is trying drugs or alcohol? Experts say to go with your gut instinct. Don’t wait for the problem to explode in your face, but rather watch for warning signs ahead of time. Teenagers that are using drugs will often start having problems with schoolwork and grades. Teens will become more private, especially about their belongings and bedroom. Changes in who they are hanging around with will be common, and conversations will become more secretive with those new friends. Kids will try to hide the smell of chemicals or smoke by using air fresheners, incense, or mouthwashes. Red flags that should immediately alert you that your child is doing something they shouldn’t include missing money or missing prescription drugs from your possession, and finding drug paraphernalia among your child’s belongings.

There are many adolescent drug treatment facilities out there, and by stopping the problem before it gets too large to handle will aid in the recovery process. Be aware of what your teen children are doing with their time, who they are hanging around with, and what they are doing with the internet and other technologies. Don’t be afraid to set regulations with your child, and expect them to be followed. Being an involved parent is the best way for you to prevent drug and alcohol use by your teen.

Fletcher Stoeltje, Melissa Dealing with teen drug use 10/6/08

http://www.theantidrug.com/

Mapp, Marqui Combating teen drug abuse October 01, 2008

Every year the PRISM Awards recognize the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and addiction in film, television, interactive, music, DVD, and comic book entertainment. Presented by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC), the PRISM Awards have been televised nationally since 1997. Winners are selected by members of the creative community as well as scientific experts. Criteria include entertainment value, accessibility of the message, and scientific accuracy. Judged in different categories of production, winners are recognized for their entertainment, as well as their real portrayal of substance abuse.

Past films such as Walk the Line, Ray, City of God, Skins, Blow, and Traffic, have been nominated for PRISM Awards. Nominees of the TV series category include Monk, The Office, “Pinky and the Brain” ER, and Boston Legal. This year’s awards for TV series include The Sopranos and The View.

Actors are also recognized with PRISM Awards for their portrayal of substance abuse and mental illness. These actors use their performances to educate others about the real life challenges of individuals and families dealing with these issues. Winners this year in this category include: Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone), Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters), Hugh Laurie (House), and James Denton and Andrea Bowen (Desperate Housewives). Winners and nominees for the PRISM Awards are listed on the PRISM Awards website: http://www.prismawards.com/winners/

The EIC works with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and television networks to present the PRISM Awards. Founded in 1983, the EIC is a non-profit organization that works to promote the accurate portrayal of health and social issues in entertainment. The EIC in general supports the depiction of negative consequences of drug and alcohol abuse and substance dependence. Through the PRISM Awards, the EIC is able to encourage film and television producers to educate the public about these social issues, while still providing interesting entertainment.

This year’s awards took place on September 27th and were hosted by Nancy O’Dell. A featured speaker at the event was Brigitte Nielsen, who has struggled with alcoholism and the recovery from it. Having been through it first-hand, speakers like Brigitte are doing their part to bring the issue of Alcohol and Drug addiction to light. According to Nielson, the EIC, and many others, it is important for people to learn more about substance abuse and mental health issues and to be encouraged to get help for these problems. “It’s so important to communicate to our society and to our youth how important your health is, and to understand that this is a sickness….Not only is it the addict’s problem to reach out and get help, it’s the friends and family’s responsibility to reach out to stop the destruction,” says Brigitte. Together, the EIC and the entertainment industry are working to spotlight these issues, and to make a difference.

Kristine, Diane Brigitte Nielsen Helps PRISM Awards Illuminate Substance Abuse Issues September 27, 2008

http://prismawards.com/about/

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