Category: Addiction Treatment

In the first two parts of this series we have examined how to approach the subject of treatment with a loved one suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. Further we looked at how to help that individual make the transition into treatment. In the previous two pieces (which you can find here Part 1 and here Part 2) I tried to make many helpful suggestions and to provide some insight into the potential pitfalls. In this article I would like to make some good general suggestions on how to help a loved one transition back into home life and their native community upon completing a treatment program. Getting sober is one thing, but of course the real goal is having someone stay sober. While we can’t do it for them, as the family of an addict we have a role to play in helping them stay sober. This article should is in no way meant to replace working with a professional. Every individual situation is unique and no one article could possible address every unique iteration of sobriety or family dynamics.

Returning To Your Home Environment

For many addicts returning home from treatment can be a shock to the system. For the past several months they have been sequestered in a supportive community with both staff and peers committed to their recovery. The individual has been receiving as much as six hours of daily therapy, in addition to their engagement in a 12 step fellowship. Upon graduation they return home and without a proper after care program in place can begin to experience a significant degree of loss. This experience of loss can be a major hurdle for one who is newly sober. For this reason it is often recommended to have the individual enter an aftercare program upon graduation from long term treatment. Aftercare programs take many forms. It can be as simple as seeing a therapist or other professional clinician once a week. On the other extreme it could be a five day a week four hour a day outpatient program. Each individual’s therapeutic need will be there own and any meaningful long term program will make aftercare recommendations to the patient and his or her family. In most cases the facility can and will help coordinate with local service providers on behalf of the patient. The important thing is that whatever the specific plan turns out to be the addict feels therapeutically supported and a part of a larger community of recovery.

Having an After Care Plan…. And Following Through With It

This thought brings us to our next point which is the importance for the addict of engaging in a 12 step fellowship and the recovery community upon arriving home. The old suggestion of a 90 in 90 (attending 90 12 step meetings in 90 days) is advisable but not mandatory. Almost everywhere in this country these days has a wealth of 12 step meetings on a weekly basis. One can find a meeting directory most often by Googling the name of the 12 step fellowship (i.e. AA, CA, GA, HA, NA, etc) and the name of your town. 12 step fellowships are still the largest support network for alcoholics and addicts available. To this day they are also the most effective. The important aspects are to attend often enough to first create the habit of attending. Secondly, attend regularly enough to become a part of the community of support. There are certain aspects of an addicts life that only other addicts will be able to understand. Membership in a 12 step fellowship not only provides a foundation for recovery, but also friendships, fellowship, purpose, and meaning. It is possible to stay sober without membership in a 12 step fellowship. However what is vital to recovery is community, fellowship, purpose and meaning.

One of the most important aspects and perhaps the one addicts are least equipped to address is the necessity of creating a life of meaning and connection. How to do this is a difficult question to answer and in much detail lies outside the scope of this article. That being said, I think, I can provide some helpful suggestions. Engaging with family is a very important part of recovery. Include the addict in family life and events as much as is possible. The greater the connection becomes between the addict their family and community the harder it becomes to go back to the old way of living. Substance use takes away many of the things that once made life meaningful. In order to help your loved one think back to a time before their addiction really took hold. What were their interests and hobbies? What did they like to do with their free time? Encourage your loved one to return to these interests, especially those that were community based activities.

Finding Meaning and Remaining Accountable

One of the biggest helps you can provide to the addict is to help them feel fully responsible for their life and recovery. Try not to allow the addict to impose on you for money, or other material support. Encourage them instead to be self supporting as much as possible. Support them mentally and emotionally instead of financially and materially. For recovery to be long term the addict must take the lead and be fully responsible for their own lives. As loved ones we can be supportive and compassionate but must be careful not to assume the responsibility for them. If we allow this we may be hindering their growth.

Our last point is to make sure, as much as possible, that the addict is able to have fun. Life is meant to be enjoyed. If our new life is a happy one it will be harder to return to our old way of living. There is no easily definable recipe for fun. However, if you and your loved one work to accomplish the above points and take some time just to enjoy each other and the new life he or she has been given, this should put you on the right track toward a happy, fun, fulfilling life.

Once again this article is not meant to replace working with a professional. Nor is it within the scope to address each individual situation. Rather it is my hope that it has answered some questions, while maybe posing others, and that it has been able to give some comfort to those who are bound to one suffering from substance use disorder by ties of affection.

Until next time
Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development

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If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder, give us a call today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our program.

More Effective Than Any Protocol

Over the last twenty years increasing amounts of research has been done showing the link between exercise and a reduction in all sorts of symptomatic disorders.  It has long been known that exercise is beneficial for reduction in cardiac problems, diabetes, obesity, etc.  What we are now just beginning to understand is how exercise affects the brain.  Recent studies show that exercise is more effective than any other protocol at treating things such as depression, ADHD, PTSD, Alzheimer’s.  Diseases and conditions of the brain.  Much of this research has been done or inspired by the work of John Ratey.  In his groundbreaking book Spark! How Exercise Will Improve the Performance of Your Brain Dr. Ratey showed a link between a regular program and exercise and increased cognition in school children (among many other groundbreaking facts).  In this article I will briefly introduce these topics to the reader, as well as, highlight how Recover Strong takes advantage of this new science in our work of treating substance use disorder and other behavioral health challenges in our patients.  In the header of this article is a short interview of Dr. Ratey that can serve as an introduction to the Dr and his work.  If like me you find the science fascinating I have included at the bottom a much longer discourse on the science given by Dr Ratey at Google headquarters.

Over the tens of thousands of years of our species evolution natural selection favored those in the population who were most active.  Some experts estimate that during our evolutionary period the average human ran ten to twelve miles per day.  If you were quick and could run far you ate, if you couldn’t you didn’t.  These simple facts charted a course for our species. Our brains developed along with our bodies and so for millenia have been adapted by and for movement.  Since the beginning of the industrial revolution (an incredibly short time period in evolutionary terms) human beings have been moving less and less, this has never been more true than in our contemporary western culture.  As movement has become less central to our daily lives we have seen an increase in the rates of all sorts of negative physical and mental phenomena.  As an example, currently between 35-40% of all adult Americans are obese.  Many of these phenomena, including obesity, have reached epidemic proportions.

How The Brain Is Effected By Exercise On Multiple Levels

The work of Dr Ratey has shown that exercise affects the brain in three primary ways.  The functioning of the brains systems, from a cellular level, and in terms of stimulation new cell growth.  We will look at each in turn.  When we speak of brain systems we are speaking about things like the attention system, the brain’s ability to pay attention to a task.  The memory system which is the mechanism that determines the brain’s ability to retain and recall information, and the motivation system which determines how much motivation we feel for a task.  These are not the only systems in the brain but should give the reader a good general idea of what we mean by systems.  Dr Ratey states, every study that has ever been done on the subject shows that exercise creates increased activity in the parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling these systems.  Second exercise causes a release of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins into the brain.  These brain chemicals are responsible for cell repair, and creating an environment within the brain which inoculates our brain cells from the ravages of stress, and time.  Dr Ratey , calls this “soup” of chemicals Miracle Grow for the brain.  Just as Miracle Grow fertilizes soil to encourage plant growth so to does the soup of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins encourage brain cell repair and growth.  The newest research (and by far the most exciting to me) shows that exercise creates neurogenesis, or the birthing and growth of new brain cells.  We have the ability through exercise to not only repair our brain but to actual improve our brain.   As exciting as these findings are the most amazing conclusion of the research is this, researchers have found nothing that contributes to the repair and creation of new brain cells than exercise.  Current research shows that exercise is a more effective treatment for depression than medications.  These are just two examples of the far reaching implications of this research.  

The Results By The Numbers

Much of the research done in this area has focused on two magic numbers, 45 minutes and 75% of max heart rate.  These are the dual objectives of any program designed to create neuroregeneration.  When an individual operates for 45 minutes or more at or around 75% of their max heart rate they are able to create within themselves a brain environment which is ripe for neuroregeneration and increased levels of neuroplasticity for a period of 2-3 hours.  This means for 2-3 hours post exercise they are able to learn more effectively, and in effect rewire their brains.  With our Recover Strong program on of our primary aims is to take advantage of this time period.  We begin the day with a work out that lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.  Immediately after the work out we engage in a process group, and then into other therapies which are determined from an individual clinical level.  The emotional and stress reducing impacts of the exercise last throughout the day, which is great.  We are on a daily basis, in effect, engaged in a process of rewiring our own brains.  Combining the controlled exercise experience with more traditional therapies has enabled our patients to engage in wholesale transformations.  The results, in many cases, are so profound that they need to be seen to be believed.  As we continue to develop this one of a kind therapeutic model we are planning to include nutritional elements, and additional cognitive methods to encourage neuroregeneration.  At Granite Mountain we are not try to teach our patients new skills alone.  Rather we are engaged in a process that allows our patients to heal their own brains, and transform their lives.  

 

 

Until next time
Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications and Market Development

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If you or somebody you love is in need of help for substance use disorder, contact us today.

When it is time to seek help for drug and alcohol addiction there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration.  The decision whether to stay close to home for treatment or to go out of state can often be seen as a minor part of the decision.  I would urge the reader to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this decision carefully.  There are many important reasons to seek treatment away from home and some equally good reasons one may choose to stay close.   In this article we will examine these reasons in turn.  This should serve as a good guide for anyone concerned with this aspect of where to pursue treatment.  

   

Getting away from it all

First let’s examine the reasons someone may want to go out of state for treatment.  The first reason that comes to mind is that leaving home will separate an individual from environments and relationships that may be toxic  Addiction does not develop in a vacuum.  Whether its proximity to the bars one frequents or many of the relationships that have created emotional and other challenges for an individual, staying close to home can prove problematic for an addict.  If one seeks treatment geographically remote from home they have effectively removed these potential challenges, at least for a time.  This in many cases makes the commitment to recovery easier.  The distance can also help provide individuals with a different perspective on many of the relationships in their lives, helping them to make more health decisions when considering returning home post treatment.  

Proximity as a Barrier to Success

Next, if someone decides to go out of state for treatment it becomes much more difficult to decide to leave treatment.  If one is close to home and leave treatment he or she can just go home.  On the other hand if an individual finds themselves in another state they may have to purchase plane tickets, arrange rides, etc.  All of these barrier make the choice to leave treatment more difficult.  Once one has committed to go out of state and have arranged travel these costs are an investment that can not be recouped if they decide not to go or not to stay.  Sometimes these simple barriers are the very thing that encourages an individual to stick it out through the tough times and ultimately find recovery.  

Privacy Concerns

The third consideration is that going away for treatment gives an individual increased levels of privacy.  When staying in one’s home town for treatment it is much more likely that he or she will run into someone they know either in the community or even within the treatment program.  The individual may not be able to determine when and how they will disclose their new way of life to those they know.  These privacy worries can be a major distraction to some clients.  If an individual chooses to go out of state he or she will effectively eliminate these concerns.  

    No Distractions

Another consideration are the normal day to day distractions of work and family life.  There is nothing inherently wrong with work and family.  In fact for many these form the very essence of a meaningful life.  That said at the outset of the journey of recovery many find it beneficial to get away from it all so they can focus on their recovery for a time.  If one goes out of state to a brand new environment they can anticipate having far less distractions than if they stay close to home.  Having a period of time where the sole focus of one’s life is their recovery can be immensely beneficial.  

A Greater Chance for Success

All of the reasons mentioned above, and several not mentioned result in one simple fact.  The likelihood of success is greater for an individual who goes away from home for treatment.  Every time research is conducted it is found that individuals who go away for treatment have a much higher likelihood of recovering from addiction.  Recent research indicates that there is a 12-15% chance greater likelihood that an individual who goes out of state for treatment will complete their program.  When dealing with addiction and the pain and suffering it causes why wouldn’t we do everything within our power to maximize the chance for success and lasting recovery?

    Proximity to the Love of Family

Above I have enumerated many of the reasons why one would seek to go to treatment away from home.  I would be remiss if I did not include some of the very good reasons for staying close to home for treatment.  The first and most important reason, the proximity of loved ones and family.  Having family close can be a major source of support and inspiration for someone who is new in recovery.  This is of course assuming that family is safe.  Many facilities offer family programs that range from informational, and inspirational, to truly therapeutic.  If family is near they can participate in these programs with the addict.   

“In-Network” or “Out-of-Network”

Cost is of course an important consideration when making a treatment decision. Several insurance carriers prefer to have patients stay “in-network” when seeking treatment.  Networks are often geographically driven (especially in the case of HMO, and state funded insurance).  Staying in-network for treatment can have a profound impact on the cost of treatment.  How important this consideration is to a family is impossible to gauge from the outside and is a decision each family must make in light of their current financial realities.  

As a final thought, the decision of where to seek treatment is multifaceted, there are many important issues that must be considered.  Geographic proximity is a very important one.  I have tried to present some of the reasons for going out of state, and for staying close to home.  Every individual situation is unique and requires careful consideration before ultimately making the very important decision of where to begin the journey of recovery.  There is no one right answer for all.

If you or a loved one is considering your treatment options an would like an open and frank conversation about how to make this decision please contact us we would be happy to help.

Until next time
Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development

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If you or someone you love is in need of help for substance use disorder please don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We understand and we are happy to help.

In our last article in this series, we discussed strategies on how to effectively have the initial conversation leading toward an addict entering into treatment and how a family can detach with love from the addict in order to help both themselves and the addict.  Also, recently we published an article about substance use disoder with some helpful guidelines on how to select an appropriate facility for a loved one. Today, I would like to cover the transition period that begins once and addict agrees to seek treatment and lasts through the individuals arrival at a facility. This can be a very uncertain time for both the sufferer and his or her family. This is especially true for a family that has not gone through this process before. I will endeavor to give a rough outline of some of the challenges that this scenario may present.  That said, as always, this article is not meant to be comprehensive and is in no way meant to replace working with a qualified professional. My hope is that by providing some suggestions those reading this who are concerned for a loved one may find enough comfort in this passage to begin moving toward a solution, and further that those engaged in the process will feel empowered to reach out to a qualified professional for help.  The best day for someone suffering from substance use disorder to begin the journey of recovery is today.  Tomorrow may be too late

Once The Decision Is Made

Once an addict admits they need help and agrees to pursue treatment time is of the essence.  In the life of any addict (I speak from personal experience here) there are moments of clarity where he or she can see the truth of their situation.  They comprehend the damage they have caused to themselves and others.  They understand and can feel the hopelessness of their attempts to manage their alcoholic and drug addiction on their own.  These moments are fleeting as the urge to drink and use comes back quickly and generally speaking stronger.  If you or a loved one finds yourself in one of these moments of clarity it is of paramount importance to seek treatment immediately.  As I sit here writing this article I am reflecting on the twenty-two families I have spoken to in the last six months who were seeking treatment for a loved one, who never made it to treatment.  In each case there was a delay.  In some cases the delay was unavoidable, in others it was manufactured.  For at least three of these families it is too late now.  Their loved one died from addiction before they had another opportunity to seek treatment.  I do not bring this up to be sensational, rather it is the stark reality of addiction.  Today very well may be the last opportunity someone has to get well.  Before an addict is approached by family, arrangements should be put into place to begin treatment with as little delay as possible once it is agreed upon.  Plane tickets, if needed, should be reserved, detox, if needed, should be arranged, and a bed should be secured at a facility.  Intake personnel at most treatment facilities can assist in coordinating these arrangements.   Time and time again I have watched as families have secured agreement from the addict to begin treatment, then in the few days spent coordinating travel, facility etc, the madness of addiction has returned and the opportunity has been lost.

Changing Perspective and Gaining Insight

It is important to remember that when dealing with addiction we are not dealing with a rational person.  They may be reasonable in every other facet of life, but when it comes to their addiction they will be irrational, sneaky, dishonest, and incredibly selfish.  When considering treatment the addict is being asked to give up the one thing that has made their internal condition bearable.  Right or wrong, you can ask any addict and this is how the choice feels.  This is a tough decision to make.  Many times I have had the experience of speaking to an addict and their family, securing agreement to begin treatment, setting up travel, etc.  The addict then says something to the effect of “I just need to go home for a few days” sometimes the reason is related to relationships.  For example “I just need to go home for a few days to see my kids”.  Other times its to attend to practical details.  As in, “I just need to go home for a day to pay my parking tickets, or, “ I just need to go home to get a new pair of glasses”.  They go home for a few days and we see no more of them.  Over time some of these individuals resurface, others do not.  I am not alleging that the individuals making these statements are intentionally being deceptive (though I’m sure in some cases thats true).  Rather I am highlighting a pattern that is recognizable across time and specifics.  I believe it highlights the powerlessness with which an addict is confronted when trying to overcome their addiction.  I believe in many cases they truly believe they are going to go home “for a few days” to take care of legitimate concerns.  They get home and the grip of addiction begins to tighten, and they are off on another run.  I cannot emphasize enough there are no practical details that need to be attended to that couldn’t sufficiently be addressed while in the care of a facility.  When you consider the gravity of the situation and the fleeting nature of the moment of clarity we already discussed it rarely if ever makes sense to delay treatment.  It can be hard for the family to be resolute in their decision to send a family member to treatment.  This is especially true in the face of what seem to be reasonable requests.  The best advice that I have is to keep foremost in mind the life and death nature of addiction and that you are engaged in a potentially life saving effort.  

If the family engages in some advanced planning, and is steadfast in their decision to seek treatment without delay, the road to recovery can begin. Working with a professional either connected to a facility or not can be extremely helpful both because of their expertise and their experience.   In these situations the most important thing is to begin the process.

In our next article we will review what to expect the first couple of weeks after an individual’s arrival at a facility.  Later in the series we will closely examine some best practices for reintegration into family and community after treatment.  If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction and think now may be the time to begin recovery please contact us without delay.  We are here to serve.  

Until next time.

Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development

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If you or your loved one are in need of treatment call us today at 1.844.878.3221

Questions Worth Asking

Through our organization website last night I received a question that was so succinct and addressed such an important issue I wanted to take a few minutes today to reprint it here (editing out all personal details) and to address the issue publicly.  Please find this below.

“I have a niece that’s in her 4th/5th time in rehab for heroin (addiction).  She’s considering your place.  How do I know that you guys aren’t just another money grubbing institute enjoying the profits of this latest epidemic.”

This is a great question and one I feel passionate about answering.  It is truly a dilemma, to have a loved one in a state of impending crisis and not feel confident about where to turn. I will reprint excerpts of my answer to this question below as I think they may be useful to anyone reading this article.

“Before I answer your question let me say that it sounds like you or your family has had a bad experience in the past with the treatment industry.  Please let me extend my sympathy for this if it is the case.  There is no excuse for anyone who would profit off the misery of another human being.  

That said, the short answer to your question is that from the outside you can’t be certain that we are different.  While I’m certain that is not the answer you were hoping for please continue reading so that  I may elaborate.  Our industry is rife with bad actors who portray themselves as saints .  I would venture to say, unless an individual has done extensive research into the industry they would be shocked at how pervasive a fact this is.  Honestly it is disgusting to me that this is the case.  Trying to change this reality is the very reason I am working in the treatment industry.  

How Do You Navigate Your Way?

Many of those bad actors have very smooth presentation and make elaborate promises.  As a result it can be very challenging to sort out whom can be trusted.  This is only compounded by the fact that every single individual and family we speak with is in the middle of a crisis, which makes sound judgment all the more difficult…

…Getting back to your question, as you stated, how can we help you determine if we are a safe place for your niece.  You can, of course, look at all our resource materials either on our website or on our YouTube channel.    They should provide you a good general understanding of our culture, facilities, and program.  However if I were in your shoes I would still be skeptical.  To that end I would invite you to read our Google and Facebook reviews from former clients and their families.  Again, while helpful this would probably still not make me feel totally comfortable if I were in your position.  So I would invite a conversation . I would be happy to speak with you at length and share with you anything you would like to know about our organization, our program, our business practices, the neuroscience which is the grounding of our clinical approach, or anything else.  I would be happy to speak to your attorney or anyone else you would like to use as an advisor.  I can promise that myself and my staff will always be candid, honest, and frank.  Further I would happily invite you to personally come tour our facility if you would like.   One of the experiences I enjoy the most is watching an individual take in our program for the first time.  There is so much about a place and a culture that must be experienced to be understood.   I cannot promise you that I will always give you the answers you want but I can promise you that I will always give you the truth.”  

What Matters Most?

At the time of this writing I have not gotten a response to my email, so can’t report if it helped.  When a family is seeking treatment for a loved one it is a very sensitive time.  In my view trust must be earned not given as a result it can be difficult to know who to rely on.  Central to my role with Granite Mountain is to interview potential partners within our industry.  Please find below some of the things I look for when speaking to others in my industry, or when touring a facility.

• Transparency in all matters.  When I ask a simple question I look for a simple answer.  This sounds basic, but I have found that when I’m dealing with an honest person they will have simple answers.  When dealing with a dishonest individual their answer to a simple question often leaves me feeling more confused than when I began.   Further if a program is open and transparent about their strengths, their weaknesses (we all have them), and everything else, this demonstrates a level of honesty that can begin to be relied on.  
• Clarity of purpose.  All great organizations do a few things very well.  I am immediately skeptical of any organization that claims to be all things to all people.  In any profession it just isn’t possible to be great at all things.
• Consistency of culture.  When speaking to multiple individuals across an organization is the message I’m receiving significantly consistent?  Or am I left feeling like perhaps I’m speaking to people from different organizations?  Do the pictures on the website match what I see with my eyes when I’m there? I look for consistency in all levels of communication when speaking to an organization.
• Leads with program.  Sometimes when I ask people to describe their organization they lead with their therapeutic program and what sets it apart.  Many others lead with their amenities.  When I am selecting prospective partners for our company I am drawn to those who lead with their program.  This sends a clear message to me that they take their program, and by extension the wellbeing of their patients seriously.  
• Am I a person or a commodity?  In speaking to a facility do I feel they are taking the time to understand my unique situation, do I get a quick and professional response, are they trying to help me to a solution to my problem or are they trying to get me in their facility?  These are questions which I ask myself.  At the end of the day do I feel like the organization views me as an individual who needs help or as a commodity to be traded upon.
• Trust my gut.  At the end of it I need to listen to my gut.  All of us, have great instincts when it comes to who to trust.  These insticits have been honed by millenia of evolution.  If I get a bad feeling about someone I need to trust this feeling and walk away.

The above list should give the reader a good start on determining whom they can rely on during this crucial time.  The more of the bolded statements that I encounter when speaking to an organization the better I feel about a potential partnership.  

If you or a loved one is considering treatment, and feel you need some help please reach out to us.  If the cost of providing the advice is that you wouldn’t consider Granite Mountain as an option then please reach out anyway.  There are many fine programs in the country and we will be satisfied knowing that we helped another family find their way to recovery.  At Granite Mountain we live by a simple mantra “do the right thing, for the right reason, every time.” This is never more true than when helping someone find recovery and a new life.

Until next time

Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development

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If you or a loved one is considering treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us today.

Transition Requires Courage

Making the transition to a life in recovery is never easy.  This is true whether the individual has been addicted to alcohol, opiates, heroin, or anything else.  Often the transition is as big for the family as for the addict.  Often I am asked by family members of our clients how they can help, what they can do to give support.  In this article I am going to try to give some general guidelines for anyone concerned with a loved one entering treatment on how to have conversations around seeking treatment, and what to expect when their loved one first enters treatment.  In a subsequent article I will cover what to expect when their loved one returns home.  

Making the decision to enter treatment is a very difficult one for an addict.  Some of the most persistent experiences in an addicts life are the feelings of a lack of connection, a sense of not having a place in the world, of being alone.  It can be hard for the family of an addict to understand that these feelings are not necessarily connected to the realities of the families life.  When an addict ingests the drugs or alcohol they prefer in addition to creating a state of intoxication they feel connection to others and the world.  It is very difficult for any of us to conceive of a life without connection.  When an addict is considering treatment this is the choice they feel they are making.  On the one hand they can continue down the road they are on with all the consequences, hurting those they love, and causing harm to their own life, but with a feeling of being connected.  On the other hand, a loss of the one thing that has helped them to feel connected with uncertain results.  Not easy alternatives to face, even when you want to.  

Family Help Can Make The Difference

A family can do much to make this an easier, and thereby more successful process.  If a family allows the following suggestions to guide their actions there is a much greater likelihood that their loved one will get better.  The first suggestion is to begin detaching with love.  Detaching with love does not mean that you quit loving the addict.  On the contrary, it means that you continue to love the individual but that you make a decision to refrain from giving all of your time and energy to focusing on them.  It means further, not allowing the addicts actions and addictions to consume your life.  In order to take care of anyone else we must first be taking care of ourselves.  Detaching with love is no easy task, especially for parents.  As parents we have an instinctual response to want to take care of our children, and it can be quite counterintuitive for a parent to detach in order to help.  What we want to try and do is to thread a balance between helping the addict and enabling them.  The truth is that for most addicts, until they can begin to feel the full weight of the consequences of their actions they won’t truly be ready to change.  At the very least learning to detach with love will enable the parent or loved one to be more available for the others in their life who need their love and support.

If the family is in a position where they agree (with or without the addicts input) that the addict needs to seek treatment, the question will arise how to confront this situation with the addict.  This is a delicate proposition and while I can provide some general guidelines consultation with one or more professionals is advisable at this point.  First, the guiding principle of this step in the process is to act as a mirror for the addict.  Reflecting to them through your words how their actions are affecting those around them.  Many times it is suggested that prior to a conversation of this nature that the family members prepare letters to the suffer, expressing honestly and compassionately their concern for their family member who is suffering.  This process will allow the family to express their worry without blaming or shaming the addict.  This should not be a negative or confrontational conversation.  Rather it should come from a place of love, concern, and compassion.  Some other guidelines to consider; it is best that this conversation take place in a neutral location, it should take no longer than an hour or two, the purpose of this conversation should be to help provide understanding to the addict, as well as, the family as a whole.  

Setting Expectations And Boundaries

Once this conversation has taken place clear expectations can be put in place in terms of the addict seeking treatment.  If this expectations are not met the family needs to be prepared to detach with love and/or provide clear consequences for the addicts decision not to seek treatment.  This is sometimes referred to as “using leverage”.  Let me explain, let’s say for example that a family has been allowing the addict to live in their home they can decide that hereafter if the addict does not seek treatment he or she will no longer be allowed to live in the home.  This same idea can be applied to any form of material support being provided to the addict.  It is important however that if a consequence is promised it must be delivered.  Otherwise we will undermine our credibility and may lessen the chances long term of being able to help the addict to recovery.  

The above should be taken as a series of suggestions and helpful tips not a replacement for working with a properly trained professional.  That said If we can detach with love, have an honest conversation and set some appropriate limits we may greatly increase the chances our loved one can get the help they need and may save them years of needless suffering.

In part II of this series we will examine what the family can do from the point that the addict has agreed to enter treatment through the first few weeks of treatment.  Until then if you have any questions about how to help your loved one find a solution to their problem, or questions about your specific situation please do not hesitate to reach out to us, we are here to serve.

Until next time.
Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development

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If you or your loved one is in need of treatment for substance use disorder, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Picking up the phone could help save a life in need.

Last week I wrote an article in our blog that detailed the stages of the withdrawal process from alcohol. The response was so great to that piece that I thought I would add another similar article on the the stages of withdrawal from heroin. Heroin (and other opiate) addiction is currently an epidemic of unprecedented proportions. As of the end of 2016 over 115 people a day were dying because of overdose of some opioid. This makes overdose from opioids and heroin the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. As shocking as this number is it does not include all those who take their own life because of their addiction. Nor does it include all those who die in accidents or any other cause of death related to addiction. If we were to include these in the figures heroin and opioid addiction would sit comfortably in the top 10 causes of death in this country, perhaps even the top 5. Let that sink in for a moment.

Legislation Doesn’t Favor Treatment

Currently, our lawmakers, who have declared this a national health emergency have dedicated most of their resources to law enforcement not treatment as a means to combat this health emergency. I am not taking a political position here, merely I am pointing out that whatever positive impact increased law enforcement may have on combating new individuals from becoming involved with heroin and other opiates it will do little to help the approximately 2.5 million Americans currently suffering with opiate addiction. As a result we as individuals, members of our communities, and the treatment industry must pick up the slack to combat this rising tide of death and human suffering.

For those suffering from opiate addiction the fear of withdrawal is one of the primary factors that keeps them using (I know it was for me). If you or a loved one is suffering please read on, it is my hope that this article can provide you some comfort and may encourage you to seek help in recreating your life free from opiates. Also please know that help is available if you are ready to make a change.

The good news first. While withdrawal from heroin and other opiates may be painful and unpleasant, it is rarely if ever dangerous. For our purpose today I will split the withdrawal process into three stages. In each I will discuss the symptoms one may expect to experience and approximately how long they should last. That being said, the truth is each individual is different. Your individual experience of withdrawal will largely be determined by how long you have been using, and how much you have been using. Within this though there is still variability. Some individuals appear to experience withdrawal less acutely than others. Whatever your experience may end up being it is always wise to undertake this process under the supervision of medical professionals. If you are considering getting clean please consult a professional.

The longer you have been using the more challenging the withdrawal process will be, the best day to quit is today!

What Are The Stages Of Withdrawal?

Stage 1

The first stage of the withdrawal process will start approximately six to twelve hours after last consuming an opioid, and for sure within the first twenty-four hours. This phase of withdrawal is often painful and uncomfortable. It is characterized by symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Muscle cramps
• Mood swings

It is important to remember that these symptoms are only temporary. This is the period of withdrawal during which the symptoms are the most acute. The risk of relapse is, from our experience, the highest during the first three days of withdrawal. The good news, Stage 1 typically only lasts two or three days, and as it passes so do many of the more severe symptoms.

Stage 2

Stage two of the withdrawal process usually begins around the third day from last use and typically lasts for two to three days. At this point in the process many if not all of the most uncomfortable symptoms will have passed. The individual going through detox may still experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Minor muscle cramping
• Mood disturbances
• Some stomach upset

Exactly how long these symptoms persist is individual, but with each passing day they will get better.

Stage 3

This stage of the process typically begins from 5-10 days after last ingesting an opioid. On a moment to moment basis it is the least painful but it is the most important. By this point one is no longer physically dependent on the substance. The symptoms that one may experience are:

• Depression
• Aggression
• A sense of detachment
• A re emergence of co occurring disorders
• A sense of loss

When we are finally free from the physical dependence to an opiate we begin to experience what drove us to use in the first place. For some this was underlying mental or behavioral health challenges, for some traumatic experience, and for others we just didn’t feel right in our own skin. If we do not address the causes of our addiction we are almost without exception going to repeat it. I urge all who read this to not attempt to undertake this process alone. There are many professionals who are trained to be able to help, there are countless 12-step fellowships that can be of assistance. The key is to find someone who can help you to address the underlying causes. Do this and you will be able to transform your life.

The above is not meant to be a comprehensive picture of what withdrawal will look like. It is an individual experience, and the description of what it will look like for each individual lies outside the scope of this article. I have merely tried to sketch a rough outline, and it is my hope encourage some who are suffering from opiate or heroin addiction to take the first step toward transformation. The best day to begin this process is today. Please don’t delay.

If you or someone you love is suffering from opiate or heroin addiction please contact us we are happy to help in any way possible.

Until next time.
Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development

Identifying The Issue

One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with any addiction is admitting or identifying when the addictive cycle has gotten a hold of an individual.  This is especially true when the individual is a loved one.  We all want the best for our loved ones, and hate to think of them as having a personal problem especially one they may not be able to solve on their own.  This tendency to want to see the best in those we love is a very natural tendency.  However when dealing with addiction it makes the identification of a potential or actual addiction issue even harder for one to spot. Simply said, we do not want to see what our senses are showing us. At extremes this can become denial of the reality in front of us. This is harmful to ourselves, our ability to function as well as not being helpful for the addict.

Breaking The Stigma Of Addiction

Added to this is the persistent nature of the cultural stigma associated with addiction. Even today some in our community view addiction as a moral failing on the part of the addict. This is an outmoded view of substance use disorder and has no clinical or medical support. If however we were taught this view of addiction it can be easy to view our loved ones as failing in some respect or as having a moral or constitutional shortcoming.  If you gain no other insight from this article please believe these words, addiction is not a shortcoming it is a disease. Your loved one is suffering. If a loved one had cancer that was ravaging their body we would not look down on them as lacking the moral fiber to overcome the cancer. Rather, we would look upon them with empathy and compassion. While at the same time firmly insisting that they seek every known medical remedy for their disease. I urge every reader who has a loved one suffering from addiction to take this same point of view.  

Spotting The Signs Of Opioid Addiction

As with cancer, the sooner we can identify a potential substance use disorder as it develops the easier it will be to solve the problem and help the individual to a full and speedy recovery. Unlike with cancer and other bodily diseases wherein the sufferer once diagnosed freely admits they have a problem. Substance use disorder is characterized by the seeming inability of the suffer to admit they have a problem. Due to this challenge I have undertaken in this article to list several early signs of an additive cycle. Please find below a descriptions of many of the early signs and symptoms of addiction. These should prove useful for the loved ones of anyone currently using opioids and other addictive substances.

1. Unexplained or excessive absences from work or school
2. Negative consequences at work or school
3. Hyper emotional behavior
4. Loss of interest in hobbies, activities that used to be important to the individual
5. Withdrawal from friend and family relationships
6. Important engagements are not attended
7. Important commitments are not fulfilled
8. The individual continues to use in the face of consequences
9. Drugs , alcohol, and using behavior is a consistent topic of conversation
10. Disrupted sleep patterns (Sleeps far more or far less than usual)
11. Persistent financial problems (never enough money)
12. Increased levels of secrecy about activities and lifestyle
13. Minimization of responsibility when questioned about life circumstances
14. Excessive itchiness of skin
15. Persistent sniffles or runny nose
16. Rapid weight loss
17. Consistent defensiveness
18. Inability to deal with normal levels of stress
19. The individual looks paler than usual
20. Loss of control over the amount of a substance (including alcohol) consumed

The above list is not meant to be inclusive of every possible scenario. It would be impossible to create such a list as the behavior patterns of people vary. Instead it is meant to give a rough picture of the emotional, mental, and behavioral changes that can be an early sign of substance use disorder.  If you are concerned that a loved one may be suffering from addiction seek a consultation with a qualified professional immediately.  The old saying of, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is never more appropriate than when dealing with addiction.  If in reading this article you find yourself wondering if you or someone you love has a problem please reach out to us right away.  We can provide a no obligation no cost substance use disorder evaluation that may save years of heartache for your loved one and your family, and in many cases may save his or her life.  We are here to help.

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Your friend in service,
Rob Campbell
VP of Communications & Market Development