Check out this video where Our CEO Jim Bevell has a great conversation about Music, Recovery the Treatment Industry and more.

Also come to the next concert event sponsored by Treatment Solutions Network and Rockers in Recovery. Mark Lundholm will be making everyone laugh, along with great music and great food! Learn more and get tickets here: Addiction Community Awareness Concert at the ITC in Delray

Steve Miranda is Treatment Solutions Network’s Director of Special Projects, Steve recently retired from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections where he spent 22 years of his life pioneering new programs and saving lives as the Director of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). That program services 5,200 employees, family members and retirees. As a loyal member of the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union (MCOFU), Steve understands the needs of people who are affected by addiction. Steve is also passionate about helping others. Feel free to contact him anytime if you have any questions or know someone who may need help with an addiction problem. You may contact him at stevem @ tsnemail.com or by phone at (508) 525-5974.

Let me start by saying that I love my line of work, but if I hadn’t lost my own brother to addiction, I’m not positive that I would have been this passionate about not only helping addicts, but also helping their families. I currently work for Treatment Solutions Network, who in my opinion has the absolute best approach to working with addiction in the workplace and addiction period. I feel confident saying this because I’ve worked in this field for many years and seen firsthand how to lead addicts along a better path and unfortunately, I’ve also seen companies lead addicts right out the door without even a chance. Treatment Solutions Network fights for every individual to get well, which is why I wanted to become part of their team.

Now, I wouldn’t talk the talk if I personally hadn’t walked the walk. For the past 22 years I was posted up at the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, where I was fortunate enough to be the Director of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). While in that position, my team serviced over 5,200 employees, family members and retirees so I learned a thing or two about addiction along the way. In fact, I dealt head-on with virtually every setback scenario you could imagine like drugs, alcohol, financial, post trauma, marital, and so on.

I am proud to say that our team was very successful at what we did and the simple reason our EAP resources were so effective was because we made it as simple as possible for the employee and their families. We did our best to be a one-stop shop, which in essence meant that when you came to us with a situation, we weren’t going to send you out the door with a bunch of homework, we were going to assess your particular situation and find a solution for you and your family. This obviously made the situation a great deal more bearable for the individual and their family, but also, the employer saved time, stress and money. An EAP is generally a peer-elected post for just that reason, you need to be a conduit between the problem and the solution for both the employer and employee. It is a fine line but one that must be done with pride and respect.

It was during this time when I had the good fortune to work with Treatment Solutions Network and see that their organization had the same goal as my EAP team, just on a much grander scale. Treatment Solutions Network is the ultimate one stop shop and has saved countless lives as a result. One of the most difficult situations for an EAP to face is working with Public Safety Officers struggling with addiction. These officers have a career built on public perception and are far less likely to ask for help than your average employee. Treatment Solutions Network is comprised of former officials and Public Safety Officers who have been humbled by personal hurdles in the past and are now in a position to apply their unique wisdom and experience to people in need of help. When I saw how members of the Treatment Solutions team were able to take the one stop shop notion to a level I never imagined and apply multiple services beyond drug and alcohol treatment, but stress, counseling, family therapy, and mental health to name a few, I knew I wanted to be part of their team.

The Treatment Solutions team is built with the finest union and business leadership from the workforce and a network of the absolute best resources available in the addiction and recovery industry. It only takes one call and not only will you have a solution, but also you’ll have the best possible solution for your specific need and equally important, the needs of your family. This is the finest team I’ve had the good fortune to be a part of and while I personally lost a family member to the disease of addiction, along with Treatment Solutions, I have been able to keep countless families alive and together.

As we head into the holidays, we need to recognize the challenge that alcoholics and recovering alcoholics face during this time. As we attend holiday parties (often focused on alcohol), endure stressful family gatherings, rush to finish up holiday shopping, eat too much, and sleep too little, there can be an overwhelming temptation to fill up on alcohol. 17.6 million people, which is equal to 1 in every 12 adults, have a problem with alcohol abuse or dependency. (1) That makes for a whole lot of people who ought to be concerned about their alcohol intake during the holidays. If you (or someone you know) have an alcohol problem, the following points can help you avoid the temptation to drink during the holidays.

Take Care of Yourself

Alcohol abuse and relapses in recovery can often be prevented if people would just focus on keeping themselves healthy. It starts with getting enough sleep, which is difficult when there is so much to do. Finding healthy ways to reduce stress will help us stay strong, including exercising, eating well, and getting help for any mental health issues. HALT is an acronym that is used at AA meetings, and it stands for hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness; personal needs that should to be taken care of in order to maintain health and strength to avoid alcohol.

Remember, You Are Not Alone

People who struggle with a drinking problem feel ashamed and embarrassed, and want to keep their problem a secret. But admitting that there is a problem and relying on the support of family and close friends can take a huge load off of a person’s shoulders. Don’t feel alone, because you are not. Confide in family or friends and ask them to help you in your endeavor to stay sober. Find someone who will avoid alcohol with you. Make use of local AA meetings and keep in regular contact with your sponsor. Do not isolate yourself in the hopes of staying sober, because loneliness often leads people to drink.

Start New Traditions

It may not only be necessary to surround yourself with positive influences, but also with positive activities. If you are the kind of person who usually celebrates Christmas by boozing it up with old buddies or getting drunk at family gatherings, change your habits. Instead, volunteer at a local charity, or get together with people you’ve met through AA. Don’t put yourself in a position to fail by sticking with old traditions that involve drinking. Sometimes when we want something difficult like sobriety, we need to sacrifice the old practices that would jeopardize it.

Sources

(1) Bah HumBug! Gettin’ thru the Holidays

Avoiding alcohol problems during the holidays

Recovering alcoholics face challenges during holidays

Another interesting article from one of our guest writers, Michael Plahn, Founder of Life Skills Authorities. We hope you continue to his website and read the ent ire article there.

In Part I of this article, I wrote about 12-Step programs, individual and group counseling, and different levels of Outpatient Treatment.  The highest level of care and support is available at an in-patient ‘Residential’ program.  These programs are designed to encompass 30-90 days of primary treatment (but length of stay depends on the patient’s condition and progress as well as family resources).  There are some amazing residential treatment facilities that can help your loved one.

I am a big proponent of facilities that offer comprehensive multi-disciplinary assessments (e.g. Caron Treatment Centers) to determine the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan.   It just makes sense, doesn’t it?  Facilities that I personally like offer an entire continuum of care, as is the case at Promises, which allows the patient to continue to progress while maintaining the continuity of the same surroundings and treatment team.  Facilities such as The Canyon and Casa Palmera treat addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders (also called ‘Dual-Diagnosis’) for individuals struggling with mental illness along with addiction.  Some residential facilities, such as The Meadows, specialize in treating addiction and trauma.  For licensed professionals, there are facilities that offer specialized tracks catering to their specific concerns and needs (available at Hazelden’s Center City location).  I have also found companies such as Treatment Solutions Network to be very helpful as they represent a variety of facilities.

Read more at the blog at www.lifeskillsauthorities.com

Another interesting article from one of our guest writers, Michael Plahn, Founder of Life Skills Authorities. We hope you continue to his website and read the ent ire article there.

This can be a simple question to answer in some cases.  But, in others it can be a bit more complex.  One thing is certain, I do not recommend that you tackle this issue without the guidance of an objective addictions professional.  That means, I do not recommend that you seek counsel on this decision from: your family doctor, a physician friend (who is a well-known surgeon and you’ve know since high school), your Psychologist (who you have seen for ‘years’) who does not specialize in addictions and Co-Occurring Disorders, or your brother who has been in AA for twenty-five years (God Bless him).  SEEK OBJECTIVE GUIDANCE FROM AN ADDICTIONS PROFESSIONAL to help you make the decision (and not necessarily the nice person from the insurance company; remember that your insurance company is trying to keep their costs down).

This is such a large topic, that I will have to break it into two entries.  My hope is that you will get a cursory understanding of some of the primary treatment available and the jargon used to describe it.  I will write soon about Aftercare, Extended Care, Recovery Coaching, and other subsequent solutions that are extremely important to a long-term solution.

Read more at the blog at www.lifeskillsauthorities.com

Another interesting article from one of our guest writers, Michael Plahn, Founder of Life Skills Authorities. We hope you continue to his website and read the entire article there.

Following is a flat-out myth that I have encountered with multiple clients and prospective clients in the past few weeks; it is a commonly accepted view held by many (even some in recovery, who are unaware of proven clinical methods) about the addicted or persons suffering from certain mental illness.

“I know they (addicted person) must “hit bottom” before they can get help. I know there is really nothing anyone can do until this happens and they become willing to change.”

Yes, an addicted person is likely unable to change without help.  One of the main reasons is that addiction affects the mind and prevents some of the brightest and even high-functioning individuals from seeing the same reality as seen by an outsider.  Addiction and/or untreated mental illness can create extreme levels of denial and self-deception. Continue Reading

Maria Sorensen is a registered intervention in the New England area. We are proud to have her available to us as one of our Recommended Interventionists. Maria will also be writing guest posts for our blog. Here is the first of her articles, we hope that it encourages you to take the necessary steps to get your loved one into treatment.

Recently, I facilitated a family intervention and I’d like to share some thoughts on it. When the family called me for help, they were deeply concerned and frustrated with the alcoholic’s behavior. I was able to comfort them with the reassurance that treatment works and recovery is possible. They decided they wanted to be part of an intervention because they believed they needed to do something to help their loved one get into treatment.

I began the intervention process by getting to know each family member. Throughout the initial process, I helped the family gain more clarity on their feelings, thoughts and the goals of the intervention. Soon they began to work as a team with a well thought out professional plan to address the alcoholic’s disease. They learned how to express their concerns for the alcoholic in an honest, direct and non-judgmental way. As a result of this joined effort, we succeeded in getting the person into a thirty day residential treatment program and changing the family dynamics in a positive way.

As a substance abuse therapist and family interventionist, I’ve been able to witness how a family intervention can be a powerful tool in helping a person get into treatment. Most addicts and alcoholics are unable to stop on their own. It usually takes a crisis such as an arrest or a hospitalization to break an addiction cycle. We know that alcoholism is a disease which is chronic, progressive and fatal and like any disease it needs to be treated.

Alcoholism is a family disease and the family is often uncertain as to how they can help their loved one whose drinking has become out of control. This often leads to frustration, enabling, constant worry and many unsuccessful attempts to control the alcoholic’s drinking. With the expertise and objectivity of a professional, a family intervention can be highly beneficial to the alcoholic as well as the family. The purpose of an intervention is to get the alcoholic into treatment where he/she can be safe and begin their recovery. An intervention also…

1. Provides Substance Abuse Education- During the intervention process, the family receives useful information and begins to learn about alcoholism/addiction, codependency, treatment and the recovery process. Al-Anon’s three C’s-You didn’t cause it. You can’t control it. You can’t cure it.

2. Promotes Healing for the Family- Alcoholism is a disease of denial. The family finally has the opportunity to overcome their own denial. “He/she’s not that bad.” “He/she doesn’t drink every day.” “He/she has a good job.” The power of the individual is transformed into the power of the group which allows the family to honestly express their love and concern for the alcoholic in a group setting with the increased possibility that the alcoholic will listen to them.

3. Empowers the Family- Often the family feels powerless and uncertain as to what action to take which often adds to their despair as they witness the destructive behavior of the alcoholic. An intervention allows the family to know they did something positive and healthy for the alcoholic whether he/she chooses to go into treatment or not. They have at least planted the seed.

4. Raises the Bottom- Many people think an alcoholic must hit bottom. The truth is alcoholics can hit many bottoms and still continue to drink. Sometimes this is due to the fact that he/she still has enablers who unknowingly support his disease. The alcoholic can often dismiss, manipulate or justify their drinking to one person. During the intervention, when he/she is faced by family and friends who are prepared to tell the truth in a kind and loving way, the alcoholic is positioned to take a more honest look at their destructive disease.

5. Teaches Healthy Boundaries- Although you are unable to change the alcoholic, you can change the way you relate to them. Setting boundaries is all about telling the alcoholic what you will do if they continue with their unhealthy behavior which is exactly what takes place in the intervention.

6. Express the Love of the Family- It’s easy to confuse the person you love with the disease of alcoholism. Many times family members can become critical, judgmental, angry, and resentful toward the alcoholic and the love for that person seems to be lost. An intervention helps each family find that love again and use this love as a transformational tool toward recovery.

7. Changes the Family Dynamics Forever- The intervention usually helps the alcoholic get into treatment. However, even when the alcoholic refuses to accept help, the family has benefited greatly. The dynamics of the family have changed. The family is now educated about this disease. They are now more honest and willing to seek their own treatment. They told the truth and reached out to their loved one. They followed through on their plan.

If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party, following a few simple rules could prevent a tragedy:

• Plan ahead by naming a “designated driver.” Make this your responsibility as the host.
• Contact a local cab company to provide rides for your guests.
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option to your guests.
• Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.
• Provide your guests with a place to stay overnight in your home.

If you are attending New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations:

• If you drink, don’t drive.
  • Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before the party or celebration begins.
  • If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit, or get a sober friend or family member to come pick you up.
  • Or, stay where you are until you are sober.
• Take the keys from someone if you think he/she is too impaired to drive.

The tragedies and costs from drinking and driving impaired don’t just end with the potential death, disfigurement, disability and injury caused by impaired drivers. Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired isn’t worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant.

Additional Resources:

• Safety Tips: Winter Holidays
• Winter Holidays

Copied from USA.gov website

The weeks and months following the birth of a baby are supposed to be happy ones. The new mother, though sleep-deprived, is supposed to glow, and be thrilled to spend time with her new baby. But unfortunately, many new moms are ashamed to find themselves sad, resentful, and depressed.

The cause is a form of depression that affects some moms, and it is called postpartum depression. It leaves these moms feeling inadequate and unloving, but it has nothing to do with what kind of mother they are. Postpartum depression also has nothing to do with how good of a baby the mom has, but it is a serious condition that can negatively affect both the mother and child if left untreated.

Postpartum depression affects 10% to 20% of mothers of newborns. It is caused by hormones in the body that are released after the mother gives birth. Doctors don’t really know why some women are so severely affected by it, but some women have mild symptoms, some have severe symptoms, and some don’t experience this depression at all. We do know that a woman that has had postpartum depression with previous babies is more likely to develop it again.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

A mother with postpartum depression may feel like they have a case of the “baby blues”. They will feel sad, lonely, and unable to adequately care for their baby. While all women are somewhat overwhelmed with the task of taking care of a newborn, and all are lacking in sleep, women with postpartum depression feel overwhelmingly tired and run down.

The Silent Disease

The hard thing with postpartum depression is that it comes at a time when a woman is expected to be happy. This disease has been kept hidden for years, and many mothers have suffered in silence because they were too ashamed to say anything. Some mothers try to handle it on their own, or turn to drug or alcohol abuse to self-medicate. We’ve probably all heard the stories of horrific acts of new mothers that suffered from severe postpartum depression and didn’t get help.

But, thankfully, this disease is becoming more well-known and women like Gwyneth Paltrow and Marie Osmond have helped give a face to it. There is hope for those with postpartum depression. Medication is very effective and is usually needed for a few months until the body begins to regulate itself again.

The important thing is not to hide from this disease. It is a true medical condition that may cause severe depression among some people. Seek the help of a professional for the best recovery. Husbands and loved ones should be watching out for the new mothers in their life and encourage them to get help if they need it.

 Sources

Postpartum depression Mayo Clinic

Postpartum Depression NIH  

Lafayette group helps women with postpartum issues

Congratulations to Afeefa A. the winner of our Student Essay Contest! She and her family were treated to 4 luxury tickets to see the Miami Heat play at American Airlines Arena on November 9th (SEE PICS BELOW!). Afeefa is a very bright high school freshman from Hollywood Florida. Afeefa impressed us with her deep understanding and experience with a friend’s recovery from drug abuse. Here is her essay (unedited!) in its entirety:

“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald. Substance abuse is a growing problem amongst both teenagers and adults. I have had first hand experience of the adverse effects of substance abuse. My best friend was a victim. I helped her through this tough time by educating myself about substance abuse, getting her individual therapy, and getting her family to go see a counselor.

Before I could understand what was happening to her, I had to become informed. It took a while for me to notice the changes in our relationship and her behavior. But when I did, I started to dig deeper to further understand. I began researching the symptoms of substance abuse so I could look for warning signs. I wanted to educate myself in order to save her from this growing epidemic. During my research I uncovered the dangers and consequences that can occur. With this knowledge that I have gained I was more confidant that I can help her. I was better equipped and informed.

This knowledge motivated me to go to the guidance counselor and explain my dilemma and the need to want to help my friend. She informed me that she would set up a meeting. At first, my friend Sarah denied having a problem. I didn’t allow this to stop me. I persistently encouraged her to get help. Finally, one day she agreed to visit the counselor. After she came back from her first session I knew something had changed about her. Sarah religiously went to therapy. Following these sessions, it was time to get her family involved.

I went with Sarah to tell her family what she was going on. They were shocked and also seemed to be in denial. They readily agreed to see a family therapist. Her father included me since I helped them come to the realization that their daughter has a problem. The therapist helped them to deal with their emotions and guilt, since Sarah was using over the counter drugs, which she had access to right at home. The family therapist also told them how to deal with Sarah and her problem. Sarah’s family was encouraged to look out for signs to make sure she did not start again. This knowledge created an awareness amongst all of us.

In conclusion, I was able to help and save Sarah by becoming informed, getting her individual therapy, and getting her family therapy as well. You can help by learning about substance abuse and develop a consciousness among students. Over the Counter Drugs is becoming a growing problem, in South Florida.

-Afeefa A.

Affefa and Family with Burnie the Miami Heat Mascot

[/Caption]

Afeffa (Middle) with the Miami Heat Cheerleaders

Afeffa and Family with the Miami Heat Cheerleaders