If you haven’t seen the TV specialty series Intervention, you may want to catch it next time it is on. Intervention itself, as demonstrated on the program, can play a huge role in an addict entering into a treatment facility. However, not every intervention is successful.
No one can be forced to go into treatment no matter what the stakes are. However, an intervention can often open up the eyes of an addict into seeing what damage they are doing to themselves and others around them. It can also force them to see their soon coming rock bottom.
Interventions are far more successful if all parties involved are solid on their commitment on what they will and will not do any longer for the addict. If there is still one or two people hanging on the sidelines willing to still enable the addict, they see that window and are not forced to see the bottom.
Interventions are a very involved process that requires extensive planning and should not be done just on a whim. It can be done by family members and those close to the addict with out profession help, though is generally more effective with the services of someone who can help the family and friends also work through their roles. Interventionists are trained counselors specific to addiction that can help you draw up your bottom line and see the importance of the follow through. They can help you conduct an intervention in a safe and productive manner. The most important part of an intervention though is to have it set up to where immediately after the intervention, your loved one goes directly into a treatment center if they say they are willing to go. If you wait even a day, the addict will more than likely change their mind.
If the addict refuses the help, you have to stick to your bottom line and stop enabling the addict in all fashions, emotionally, financially, and even shelter. The intervention will not be totally lost then as the addict sees that the family and friends involved meant what they said. The addict will then see the road they are just became a whole lot harder to continue and may be what it takes for them to willingly enter into a treatment center. As long as the addict continues to have others around him or her that support their addiction in any form, they will continue to use. Love the person you knew before the addiction enough to not let them to continue destroying their life or yours.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Living with an Addict
Addiction doesn’t just effect the addict, but everyone and everything in its path. Anyone who has ever lived with an addict or is living with an addict is quiet aware of this fact. Living with an addict is a painful experience that has long lasting consequences. Everything from ones emotional well being to financial well being can be destroyed and at the least, severely damaged. The best way to avoid this type of devastation is to change your living situation or encourage the addict to get help. More often than not, it is easier to move out of the situation then get the addict to accept the help they desperately need. They have to want it and no matter how much you want it, and all your good intentions in staying in the current situation, the addict will not seek the help needed until they hit their bottom. This does not mean your words go unheard, just that sometimes actions need to follow behind the words to make them really sink in.
Until you are ready to follow through with the ultimate ultimatum – leaving the addict- here are some tips to help you deal with a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Put you first. You have to take care of you. If you put all your efforts into the addict you will quickly become emotionally drained. You lose focus of who you are as a person and will not be able to separate “you” from the addiction.
Protect your finances. Seriously! Addiction has no conscious and a open wallet is fair game to an addict no matter how much you may want to believe they would never take from you what was not theirs. They will and although they may show remorse from time to time, remember, an addict learns quickly to become manipulative in order to get their next fix. Valuables can easily become missing. Draw the line the first time something is taken to feed the addicts addiction. If they will steal once from you, they will do it again. Use that behavior as a strong indicator that you need to separate yourself from the addict.
Stop enabling. Do not be their proxy for their responsibilities. Do not make excuses for their behavior or their inability to do what is required of them such as call into work for them. And by all means, if they get into legal trouble due to their addiction, do not bail them out of it. An addict needs to feel the consequences of their addiction. It may be that court involvement may be what it takes them to hit their bottom and get the help they need.
If the addict displays abusive behavior, draw the line and separate from the addict. Addiction is not a free pass for physical or emotional abuse. Stay away from the addict until they have sought help and have gained sobriety.
Join a support group. There is much to be learned from others who are experiencing the same thing as you. It can give you insight to your own behavior and role in your loved ones addiction and give you alternate ways in dealing with the addict.
If there are children involved in the relationship, always put their best welfare first. You may want to believe that the addict will stand a bigger chance of seeking help if they have a bigger support circle, but if the support circle does nothing but enable and does not have solid boundaries drawn, more often than not it only prolongs the addiction. Your children’s emotional and physical well being is far more important than an addict is.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Until you are ready to follow through with the ultimate ultimatum – leaving the addict- here are some tips to help you deal with a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Put you first. You have to take care of you. If you put all your efforts into the addict you will quickly become emotionally drained. You lose focus of who you are as a person and will not be able to separate “you” from the addiction.
Protect your finances. Seriously! Addiction has no conscious and a open wallet is fair game to an addict no matter how much you may want to believe they would never take from you what was not theirs. They will and although they may show remorse from time to time, remember, an addict learns quickly to become manipulative in order to get their next fix. Valuables can easily become missing. Draw the line the first time something is taken to feed the addicts addiction. If they will steal once from you, they will do it again. Use that behavior as a strong indicator that you need to separate yourself from the addict.
Stop enabling. Do not be their proxy for their responsibilities. Do not make excuses for their behavior or their inability to do what is required of them such as call into work for them. And by all means, if they get into legal trouble due to their addiction, do not bail them out of it. An addict needs to feel the consequences of their addiction. It may be that court involvement may be what it takes them to hit their bottom and get the help they need.
If the addict displays abusive behavior, draw the line and separate from the addict. Addiction is not a free pass for physical or emotional abuse. Stay away from the addict until they have sought help and have gained sobriety.
Join a support group. There is much to be learned from others who are experiencing the same thing as you. It can give you insight to your own behavior and role in your loved ones addiction and give you alternate ways in dealing with the addict.
If there are children involved in the relationship, always put their best welfare first. You may want to believe that the addict will stand a bigger chance of seeking help if they have a bigger support circle, but if the support circle does nothing but enable and does not have solid boundaries drawn, more often than not it only prolongs the addiction. Your children’s emotional and physical well being is far more important than an addict is.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Friday, February 5, 2010
Crystal Darkness ~ Documentary Series on Crystal Meth
This is a video series about crystal meth that was locally produced by Global Studio and Reno youth advocates, including discussion by Reno teens. It was shown throughout Washoe County on all major television networks and local channels.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Matt S. Sharing his Road to Recovery Through Thanks
ABT received a wonderful letter from a former client, Matt S. Matt has allowed us to share his letter and story here in hopes it may inspire another to reach out and get the help they need.
Good morning! I was a client at ABT from Dec 7, 2009 to Jan 5, 2010. I would have liked to stay longer, but due to insurance and financial reasons, there just was no way I was able to. This was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
Though there were good days and bad, coming out to ABT, from Indiana, taught me about patience and tolerance of others. It allowed me to learn more about the tools/techniques that is helping me in my recovery. It will be 60 days on February 5, which I have been clean and sober. This time around has been a little easier, because I finally became honest/open about myself and have fully admitted I am powerless over drugs/alcohol and my life has become unmanageable.
People need to learn not to look at the differences, but the similarities of each other. We all have a disease of addiction and go through the same program. Now it is up to each person, whether they are committed to wanting the help and accepting themselves for whom they are. They can only make that ultimate decision.
I am so grateful for the entire staff at ABT and want to say THANK YOU! There are a few individuals that I would like to recognize, who had helped me get through the times during my stay and allowed me to share how I was feeling and not judge.
Kim/Counselor-Kim was my individual counselor and I was blessed to have her. She shared her experience, strength and hope, which allowed me to open up to her. She always carried a smile, which brought so much joy to my life. She would be patient and listen to my needs. She helped me work on my individual needs and guided me in setting up a relapse prevention technique, which has allowed me to be open/honest with myself and others. I am so grateful to have been in her presence. She is truly an inspiration in my life and will be to others.
Brian/Therapist-Brian was my individual therapist during my stay. Brian always opened the door whenever I needed to talk to him. He helped me get in touch with myself and really try to figure out what was hurting me so badly. He allowed me to share things that I have never shared before. He was not there to judge, but to be a sounding board and someone who could help guide me in getting more in touch w/ myself. Thank you Brian for all that you have done.
Kathleen/Interim-Kathleen is full of passion, caringness, love and dedication to what she does and others. She was like a mother to all the clients that go through ABT. There was never a day that she did not approach each individual and ask how they were doing, also offering a hug. Kathleen shared her experience, strength and hope in our sessions, which touched my life in more ways than she knows. ABT is so blessed to have her w/ them. It’s not about the money for her, but it is about giving back and helping others. She is an angel in my eyes and I will always cherish her.
Sorry for rambling on, but I feel we go to long in life without telling others how GRATEFUL we are for them in our lives and for what we have. THANK YOU all at ABT for the dedication, encouragement, love and compassion you give to each individual. Keep doing what you are doing, because it does work!
Have a WONDERFUL Tuesday!
Matthew S.
Matt (age 32) came to ABT from Indiana after struggling with drugs/alcohol for many years. Matt had been in treatment before and was able to maintain 7 months of recovery. However, dealing with every day life and not working a rigorous program, Matt went back out to test the waters once again resulting in his relapse. After a few months, it took Matt down a path of agony and despair and Matt had lost all self-worth. Matt stated “When I awoke on Thursday Dec 4, I picked up the phone and reached out for help. After several hours of research and phone calls, I felt an immediate connection w/ ABT, which I feel, my Higher Power, who I chose to call GOD, led me to them.”
Matt’s first contact with alcohol was at the age of 20 and first contact with drugs was at the age of 23. Matt’s drug of choice was Crystal Meth and has been clean since Dec 5, 2009. Matt now has a sponsor and works a rigorous program on a daily basis. Matt says, “I keep myself connected with positive people, attend meetings on a regular basis and make sure I keep plugged in to the program. It does work, if you work it. You must be willing and able to completely surrender. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. You can do it, if you put your mind to it.”
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Drug Abuse in the Workplace
The stereotypes of drug addiction are just that – stereotypes. Drug addiction doesn’t pick and choose a particular lifestyle to attack. It is an equal opportunity disease. An addict isn’t always homeless, uneducated, or unemployed. Many addicts are very high functioning members of society. Approximately 75% of adults who abuse drugs are employed full time according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Common indicators of an employee drug abuser is frequent changes in employment, frequently late to work or absent, less productive, work place accident prone leading to workman’s compensation claims, extended breaks and lunches, unauthorized frequent breaks, avoidance of supervisors after break or lunch, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss or gain, poor attitude, attitude changes, and extreme mood swings, erratic behavior, and stealing. However, some employees may show little to no noticeable indications at all. They have grown very good at hiding their problem and covering the signs.
When you suspect an employee of using drugs on the job or signs of drug abuse it is not always easy bringing the subject to the table. However, if the use of drugs or alcohol has an impact on the employees work performance, places the employee at physical danger performing their duties, or puts other employees at physical or interpersonal risk, the employer needs to intervene.
If a workplace drug policy is not already in place it is imperative that one becomes implemented. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly a third of illicit drug users said they would be less likely to work for employers who conducted random drug testing. However, even with solid policies in place, workers who abuse drugs under the guise of bettering work performance will explain away the policy in their mind and continue to use. Prescription drug abusers will use the guise as it is “prescribed medication” and continue to use as well regardless of a policy. So although it will not deter all, it will lessen the numbers.
When you have a suspected drug abuser amongst your staff, you will need to confront the employee about your suspicions. Offer the employee assistance in seeking drug rehabilitation and then initiate random drug testing with consequences for positive drops. The employer will need to begin dealing with the employee’s drug use by no longer enabling the employee and holding them accountable for their actions – unexcused/unexplained absence, tardiness, performance, etc. Drug use in the workplace not only affects the users but the entire operation, from other employees, risks factors, and the bottom dollar.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Common indicators of an employee drug abuser is frequent changes in employment, frequently late to work or absent, less productive, work place accident prone leading to workman’s compensation claims, extended breaks and lunches, unauthorized frequent breaks, avoidance of supervisors after break or lunch, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss or gain, poor attitude, attitude changes, and extreme mood swings, erratic behavior, and stealing. However, some employees may show little to no noticeable indications at all. They have grown very good at hiding their problem and covering the signs.
When you suspect an employee of using drugs on the job or signs of drug abuse it is not always easy bringing the subject to the table. However, if the use of drugs or alcohol has an impact on the employees work performance, places the employee at physical danger performing their duties, or puts other employees at physical or interpersonal risk, the employer needs to intervene.
If a workplace drug policy is not already in place it is imperative that one becomes implemented. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly a third of illicit drug users said they would be less likely to work for employers who conducted random drug testing. However, even with solid policies in place, workers who abuse drugs under the guise of bettering work performance will explain away the policy in their mind and continue to use. Prescription drug abusers will use the guise as it is “prescribed medication” and continue to use as well regardless of a policy. So although it will not deter all, it will lessen the numbers.
When you have a suspected drug abuser amongst your staff, you will need to confront the employee about your suspicions. Offer the employee assistance in seeking drug rehabilitation and then initiate random drug testing with consequences for positive drops. The employer will need to begin dealing with the employee’s drug use by no longer enabling the employee and holding them accountable for their actions – unexcused/unexplained absence, tardiness, performance, etc. Drug use in the workplace not only affects the users but the entire operation, from other employees, risks factors, and the bottom dollar.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Triggers and their Detonator
Do you recognize all your triggers? If you are not familiar with that term, a trigger is something that compels you to use your drug of choice or behave in an additive manner. Remember, addiction comes in many forms, not just a bottle or a drug, but also gambling, shopping, sex, and so many more and as many different types of addictions there are, there are thousands upon thousands of possible triggers that can go with those addictions. Triggers are unique to the addict. Just because a certain trigger may make one-person use, doesn’t necessarily mean that same trigger will result in the same effect with another.
Triggers can be internal (feeling motivated) or external (a scent, action, item, etc). Some common triggers for many addicts on the internal factor are shame, boredom, anger, fear, loneliness, and frustration. Internal triggers are often harder to control than external. If a certain television program is known to be a trigger for you, you can stop the detonation of that trigger by simply not watching it however if loneliness is a trigger, it is not easily remedied.
Most addictions are an attempt to self-medicate a painful emotion away. “The more I use, the less I feel.” External triggers can be anything else under the sun and moon from family, financial problems, a phrase, a song, the smell of certain cologne; anything and everything specific to the addict that causes one to use.
It is important to be aware of your triggers in order to avoid them or understand them to counteract with a more productive response. Write a list of all the possible triggers that can affect your recovery. Share them with support people in your life. When you come upon a situation where a trigger is involved, recognize it as such, remove yourself from the situation, and use your support group to help you work past the power of your triggers. Remind yourself how far you have come and how you will not allow the trigger to have the power over you any longer.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Triggers can be internal (feeling motivated) or external (a scent, action, item, etc). Some common triggers for many addicts on the internal factor are shame, boredom, anger, fear, loneliness, and frustration. Internal triggers are often harder to control than external. If a certain television program is known to be a trigger for you, you can stop the detonation of that trigger by simply not watching it however if loneliness is a trigger, it is not easily remedied.
Most addictions are an attempt to self-medicate a painful emotion away. “The more I use, the less I feel.” External triggers can be anything else under the sun and moon from family, financial problems, a phrase, a song, the smell of certain cologne; anything and everything specific to the addict that causes one to use.
It is important to be aware of your triggers in order to avoid them or understand them to counteract with a more productive response. Write a list of all the possible triggers that can affect your recovery. Share them with support people in your life. When you come upon a situation where a trigger is involved, recognize it as such, remove yourself from the situation, and use your support group to help you work past the power of your triggers. Remind yourself how far you have come and how you will not allow the trigger to have the power over you any longer.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Monday, February 1, 2010
Is there such a thing as moderation with a former addict?
Some people think that they can have a drink at a social event and it will be okay, after all it is just one drink and not like they intend on getting drunk in their mind. It may be just a single drink, but is it worth the risk of relapsing back to what you fought so hard to come out of?
It is not uncommon for a former addict to want to and even think they can use in moderation after recovery. Rumors tell us there are other former addicts that have been able to use in moderation and not wind back in to a full blown out addiction mode. Truth of the rumor is however, more have failed than not falling right back into their previous deadly lifestyle.
A.A and other 12-step programs stress more on the side of “Don’t risk your sobriety, it is not worth it” and define an alcoholic as a person who can never drink in moderation. Other programs are more lax on that. The important question that should be asked is – is it worth it? Is it worth the risk of throwing away all that you have gained? Is it worth risking what you are trying to rebuild? Is it worth the risk of your health?
You will hear arguments on both sides of this debate, some with some pretty impressive research, both having their own merits, but regardless of all the research in the world, nothing is more important than your path to a full and healthy life.
Only you know what exactly you put at risk if you pick up a drink. It could be your children, your family relationship, a marriage, your career, your heath, etc. If you can spit on those things and never look back, then go ahead and risk it. But is it really worth the chance?
When you are tempted to give it a try, think about how far you have come and what all you had lost due to your addiction. Nothing can be found at the bottom of the bottle.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
It is not uncommon for a former addict to want to and even think they can use in moderation after recovery. Rumors tell us there are other former addicts that have been able to use in moderation and not wind back in to a full blown out addiction mode. Truth of the rumor is however, more have failed than not falling right back into their previous deadly lifestyle.
A.A and other 12-step programs stress more on the side of “Don’t risk your sobriety, it is not worth it” and define an alcoholic as a person who can never drink in moderation. Other programs are more lax on that. The important question that should be asked is – is it worth it? Is it worth the risk of throwing away all that you have gained? Is it worth risking what you are trying to rebuild? Is it worth the risk of your health?
You will hear arguments on both sides of this debate, some with some pretty impressive research, both having their own merits, but regardless of all the research in the world, nothing is more important than your path to a full and healthy life.
Only you know what exactly you put at risk if you pick up a drink. It could be your children, your family relationship, a marriage, your career, your heath, etc. If you can spit on those things and never look back, then go ahead and risk it. But is it really worth the chance?
When you are tempted to give it a try, think about how far you have come and what all you had lost due to your addiction. Nothing can be found at the bottom of the bottle.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
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