Addiction Wellness News

We're Hiring!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Tate) — Thu, 29 May 2014 20:31:00 +0000

We are hiring for a Tech Supervisor position, and also a Transportation Manager.

Tech Supervisor job duties would include:

Communication and Supervision of Tech Duties
Scheduling
Training
Client Supervision

Transportation Manager:

Supervision of Client Transports
Scheduling Transportation
Training

If you or anyone you know is interested please give us a call at (225)490-0999

Synthetic Drugs and the Growing Health Concern

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Tate) — Fri, 09 May 2014 18:56:00 +0000

Synthetic drugs have become a terrifying problem across the country, and the worst part is that they can be available over the counter at your local gas station, or convenience store. These synthetic drugs are marketed as spice, potpourri, or bath salts, with names like "Blue Cloud" or "Mojo". They are made to simulate the effects of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or ecstasy. Because these synthetic drugs are sold over the counter many users think that they are legal, and safe, which is far from the truth. Synthetic marijuana use alone caused over 11,000 emergency room visits in 2010, and synthetic drug use caused 28,000 emergency room visits last year.

On Wednesday, May 7th the DEA raided synthetic drug manufacturers in 29 states. The crackdown was coordinated between more than 45 DEA offices, and hundreds of kilograms of the raw ingredients used to make the drugs were seized. Congress has regulated 26 of the synthetic drug combinations, but the drug manufacturers change the chemical formula of the drug as quickly as the regulations are passed. The problem is that very little, if any research goes into the changes they make to the drugs, or the short and long term effects. The manufacturers label the drugs as "Not for Human Consumption" to bypass FDA regulations, but people are still use them.

As with any drug information about the drug, its effects, and warning signs are important. If you suspect that a loved one may be using these synthetic drugs take the time to talk to them, and show them the evidence as to why these new types of drugs are so bad. Discuss the possible health risks, long term effects, and encourage them to make the right choices. Below are some of the warning signs of synthetic drug use:

out of control thinking
paranoia
panic
unwanted and overwhelming feelings of violence
hallucinations
tremors
seizures
irregular heartbeat
chest pain

These new drugs are a serious problem, and extremely harmful. If you think a loved one is using synthetic drugs do something before it is too late. If you think a loved one has overdosed on synthetic drugs call 911, or get them to a hospital as quickly as you can.

Its a Family Disease

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 19:51:00 +0000

One of the things that people in recovery have to come to terms with is that their actions affect others. Usually the people that are closest to the addict to are the ones who suffer the most.

Here at St. Christopher's we place a lot of importance on healing the relationships that were hurt, or even lost, due to addiction. We try to involve families and loved ones in the recovery process, because we want everyone to recover.

Throughout the course of treatment there a few different family therapy sessions that we ask families to attend. These family sessions allow families and loved ones to express themselves in an open, structured, and safe environment.

The work doesn't stop there though. The clients in our care are not only encouraged to go to meetings, but also to read the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous. There is a saying in Alcoholics Anonymous, time takes time. Recovery doesn't happen overnight, it is something that has to be cultivated, and it takes a continual effort.

Just as we encourage our clients to continually build upon their own sobriety, we ask their loved ones to do the same. Just as Alcoholics Anonymous has become a worldwide organization for people recovering from alcoholism and addiction, Al-Anon is there for the loved ones and families of people in recovery. We encourage family members to attend Al-Anon meetings in their area so that they can begin to heal, and also to learn how to deal with their family member who is in recovery.

Another great resource for the families of people in recovery is the book "Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie. Codependency refers to the dependence on the needs of, or control of, another person. This book can be a great help to the families of people in recovery who have lived their lives around the addiction of a loved one.

If you are tying to understand more about addiction, and how someone struggling with addiction thinks, you could read "Addictive Thinking" by Abraham Twerski. This is a book we use here at St. Christopher's to help our clients understand their own addiction. It is a short book, and very easy to read, but it provides a lot of insight.

For information about AL-Anon meetings in your area you can visit the Al-Anon website here: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

Preparing for the future with the SAGE program

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 16:38:00 +0000

The SAGE program at St. Christopher’s was created to help people in recovery get back into school and develop a formula for success. It is easy to assume that if you take away the drugs and alcohol from the addict that they will inherently do better in school. This is not always the case. For a lot of students in recovery, school is extremely difficult and stressful especially since healthy routine and study habits were not acclimated into their routine while they were using. Oftentimes school can be a distraction from working a healthy program of recovery.
The SAGE program helps to deter these stresses by working directly with the client and developing a comprehensive schedule that allows the time to balance both recovery and school. The client meets with a SAGE adviser once a week to discuss their progress, set up their schedule, and develop a strategy for the upcoming week. The client is also required to develop a formula to calculate how many study hours will need to be allotted to each class. All SAGE clients are required to meet with each other once a week to share about their successes and struggles in school as well. The SAGE Program gives addicts the tools to use school as a means to strengthen their recovery as opposed to distracting them from it. A client who enters the SAGE program and is successful will be able to demonstrate the ability to manage a balanced schedule, develop healthy study habits, maintain a good GPA, and be on a tract for a successful post graduate career, all while working a program of recovery.

For more information on the SAGE program you can visit http://www.addictionwellness.com/S.A.G.E.html

Tackling Trauma

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:41:00 +0000

Regions of the brain affected by PTSD and stress. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For some individuals, life is not an easy place. Lives have been disrupted by tragic events and, for some; the effects of tragedy can be carried with the individual, sometimes for a very long time. These situations act as monoliths, always looming over a person - in dreams, thoughts, and more significantly in the emotions. Often, events that leave “traumatic footprints” in the mind are revisited over and over, with the same accompanied feelings of terror, shame, guilt, and despair as if the situation were happening outside of the conscious realm.

One of the more interesting facets of trauma is that it doesn't have to be a life shattering event to have a lasting effect. An event may appear neutral to the outside world, but what really counts is the subjective views of the situation. Internally, the event may be interpreted in such a way that it creates extreme fear, horror, or helplessness. That is what causes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There is more information on trauma here

Traumatic events can be a significant part of an individual's development, affecting a person through their defenses to the traumatic event. For example, one person may withdraw from their life temporarily, only in rough circumstances, or become emotionally “stuck” after experiencing a traumatic event. Another person may avoid thinking about the event or anything that is similar to it. This is usually because the association with the event is too painful to deal with. Often, trauma leads to other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, to name a few.

It can be difficult to deal with traumatic events without help, so trauma responses may be ignored, despite how maladaptive a person’s behavior may become. Despite all of this, all is not lost. There are viable solutions to traumatic events. Some of these are based around peer support, such as a twelve-step program or support group. A professional therapist is also another keystone in recovering from trauma. Recent advances in the understanding of trauma have moved it from the painful recovery process of “re-experiencing” the traumatic event to processing the trauma in a manner that involves more cognitive or physiological processing than emotional. Put simply, treatment for most trauma has improved greatly over what it was ten years ago.

This post is to raise the awareness about trauma, because people with significant trauma issues feel guilt and shame for feeling the way that they do- and frequently turn to chemicals or other activities to deal with the feelings and behaviors that result. If you or a loved one has had a traumatic experience, please talk to a licensed counselor that specializes in trauma resolution to obtain help, and know that treatment facilities
continue to provide assessment and treatment that takes trauma into account.

Top 10 Reasons to Avoid Going to Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Unwilling shopper (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I wanted to do something a little lighter for this week’s post, so I set off to put together a list of excuses that drug addicts and alcoholics use to avoid going to treatment. Being separated from drugs and alcohol seems like a fate worse than death when living within a pathological relationship, like the relationships most alcoholics/addicts have with their substance of choice. Working with the drug addicted and alcoholic for a short time easily produces virtually every single reason that these individuals can think of to avoid coming to treatment.

I, with the help of our clinical and assessment staff, have compiled a list of the top 10 reasons the addicted use to get out of going to treatment:

“I don’t need to go to treatment; I know where the answer is. I can stay sober on my own”

I used this excuse plenty of times, especially after I had already gone through treatment. What I have learned since then is that knowledge of a solution is a very small part of the battle. If my car broke down, I would call a tow truck. I wouldn’t tell my passenger that everything would be alright, because I know of a tow truck.

“I could quit if I wanted.”

Chances are, if you are being confronted with going to treatment, you already cannot quit. Addiction is essentially a sick relationship that it enjoyable in some fashion for the addicted individual. The issue is not quitting for a period of time, but being able to quit- and stay quit.

“I’m not ready to quit; treatment doesn’t work until you are ready”

That is why we are here, we are professionals. I have seen scores of young men come into treatment, not wanting to stay sober. Many people don’t know the benefits until after they are sober for a while.

“People in treatment are all criminals!”

This is by no means the case. The disease of addiction does not discriminate, it affects everyone. People in treatment are all trying to get sober. While there is often controversy over one’s motivation for going to treatment, in my experience, as long as someone gets to treatment, they have a shot at a sober life.

“I can’t be away from my kids/wife/job/life for that long”

Experience shows that, often, if one does not get sober, the kids, wife, job and life disappear anyway. Frequently, temporary removal from home and work situations is necessary and highly beneficial so that one may focus on treatment and recovery.

“It’s a waste of money”

This is a common excuse. Treatment can be expensive, but not compared to the cost of saving a life and/or a family. It is amusing that while drinking and using, the addict may be unconcerned with whose finances they spend. But once he thinks about getting sober, cost is easily jumped on as an excuse not to go to or remain in treatment.

“I’d get the same result from going to therapy/AA”

Although therapy and 12 Step programs alone may work for some, many times this course isn’t enough. In a therapeutic/treatment environment, we incorporate therapy and 12 Step recovery into our education of the disease of addiction. We teach alcoholics and addicts the tools that help one live life sober, as well as assist them in creating a healthy lifestyle. Treatment gives one an opportunity to learn many positive things in an environment where temptation of drugs and alcohol is not an issue.

“I don’t want people to know that I have a problem”

Generally speaking, if an individual is being confronted with treatment, many already know that he or she has a problem. Drug addicts/alcoholics may think they have everyone fooled, but, usually, the only person that is fooled is the alcoholic or addict.

“I’m not half as bad as some people I know”

This may be the case. In the addict’s mind, there is always going to be someone worse off than him or her, and it is very easy to justify continued use when people around them are using/drinking more or more frequently than they are.

“I know what I need to do to stay sober, and I can’t do it in treatment!”

This excuse is fallacious also. The way I look at treatment is as a learning experience and a test. Treatment is not a particularly easy experience. If I learn to stay sober in treatment while confronting many of my issues and facing realities, I will be able to stay sober anywhere. Again, knowledge is not enough to stay sober. Treatment is a lesson in application.

These are simply examples of excuses that we have heard used in the past to avoid going to treatment. Some of these, I have even used!

I hope that this list was able to elucidate some of the more commonly used excuses, and able to help those who are entertaining any of these rationales.

What are some excuses you have heard not go to treatment? Is there really a good excuse to not have a life threatening disease treated? I am truly curious, so please leave me a comment and tell me what you think!

If you enjoyed this, and would like to stay abreast of other Addiction Wellness News, follow our blog!

Seize the Day

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:04:00 +0000

Nandi Statue | Jejuri, Pune (Photo credit: mukerjichinmoy)

For today, I have set out to come out with a brief inspirational post, without being too cheesy or mushy. So please, take this opportunity to enjoy today

“Look to this day,
For it is life,
The very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
The realities and verities of existence,
The bliss of growth,
The splendor of action,
The glory of power --

For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision,
But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day.”

-Sanskrit proverb
by Kalidasa,
Indian poet and playwright,
fourth century A.D.

I don’t know about anybody else, but I tend to live in the future or the past. Whether that is an hour ahead or a day behind, it is far too easy to not be present.
In recovery, people are encouraged to just think about today. The “24 hour plan” is a way of only taking what we can handle and leaving the rest. It is a simple reminder to stay focused on what is important, today. And so I extend this to you, dear reader, no matter who you may be.

Take today just for what it is. One sunrise to one sunset, and see what you can do in this beautiful day that we have. What if it were all you had? What if this were your very first day to live? What would you really want to do?
There is no answer too simple.

-JBS

New Years

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:52:00 +0000

New years

The holidays around St. Christopher’s are rather light in comparison to our normal day to day goings on, which, at times, can be rather intense. This year, we arranged something special for all of our dedicated and new readers. We asked our clients to share what they hope to accomplish in the coming year. Some of the guys wrote down their wishes for 2013, now that they are living a healthy, sober lifestyle. Please read what they shared:

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

“I would like to learn more about the way my mind works and to learn how to develop better, more meaningful relationships with myself and others”

“Peace with myself”

“Family Serenity”

“I want to be the fun joker that I was, but now without drugs”

“To have a relationship with my wife and family that I have never had while using”

“To have a new approach and outlook on education and college.”

“I want to have a better, more constructive relationship with my parents and brother.”

“Get to know my Grandparents before they pass away”

“A relationship with a woman that I don’t screw up due to selfish intentions.”

“To build a solid foundation for my future.”

Please note that, due to HIPAA restrictions, these quotes do not have any identifying information regarding by whom they were written.

~ Happy New Year!!

Examining Fear

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:18:00 +0000

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Before I came into treatment and entered recovery, I was ruled by fear. Fear seemed to be a guiding force in my life. I was afraid of nearly everything, and, because of fear, I developed a deep seated hatred of many things. It was a short, simple leap from feeling vulnerable about a situation or a person to hatred of that person or situation in my addicted brain. I remember feeling horrible anxiety every time I was in a group of three or more people, and, as a result, withdrawing from those groups. I was afraid of sobriety, so I withdrew even further into drugs and alcohol. Eventually, I became so accustomed to these feelings that my fears took me out of life entirely. It was a self-defeating cycle; I was afraid to do anything, yet, even more afraid to change anything.

It is not surprising to me that fear is the most basic of emotions. Fear itself is not necessarily a negative thing. Evolutionarily fear is an almost instinctual condition by which our brains promote survival of the individual. Usually, fears can be traced back to anticipation of threatening events or the presence of a threatening event, and were used in early humans to avoid the dangers and pitfalls of hunting and gathering.

For the alcoholic and the addict, these fear instincts are skewed greatly by one’s perception of the world. For me, it was fear of rejection, judgment and failure; my faulty perception used these fears to hijack my life. Many alcoholics/addicts are driven by fear, even if they don’t realize or acknowledge it. Sometimes, these fears are masked with a gamut of other emotions ranging from rage to depression to false happiness presented to the outside world. Personally, I had learned to smile whenever I felt a twinge of fear, as it was much safer to go on smiling away than to expose what was really going on inside.

There are really two types of feelings, “pursuit” feelings (such as pleasurable or comfortable feelings) and “avoidance” feelings (such as uncomfortable or bad feelings). These two categories not only separate feelings themselves, but also the responses to them. Fear is an “avoidance” feeling, and people, not just the alcoholic/addict, tend to avoid the things that cause them fear. The significant difference is that the everyday person often knows how to handle these fears, and the addict falls easily into the avoidance response, as this is frequently the more comfortable solution.

When sobering up, many alcoholic/addicts are plunged into a world where everything is suddenly very real. Initially, they have little ability to cope with this reality. Luckily, twelve step programs give the newly sober addict social support and tools with which to deal with this new world.

When relating the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson to me, the path to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction taught me the meaning of life by teaching me to conquer fears. Actually, this can be applied to anyone suffering with fear, as the best way to deal with it is to turn and face the situation, thing, or person of which one is fearful, head on. Eventually, by doing this, fears may be overcome. In my experience, however, it can be a slow process, as I have had to walk through many fearful situations that feel endless.

In the rooms of AA and Al-Anon, there is a saying that “Fear stands for ‘Face Everything and Recover.’” Twelve step programs offer tools with which to examine the causes and conditions of our fear. Learning to talk openly about my feelings, getting beneath the fears that had held me for so long, I was able to learn who I really am. I believe that this is what recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction really is; it is about seeing who you are at a root level and working to change that. Even the most basic emotion such as fear can be a crucial building block to creating a happier lifestyle.

No matter who or where you are, dear reader, take a risk and face your fears.

What are you afraid of? Leave us a comment, any feedback is appreciated.

My story of 4 years of recovery

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:17:00 +0000

July 15, 2012

Four years ago today, I took my last drink.

By the grace of God and the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, I am sober today. I am happy. I am useful. I feel love for myself and others. I have peace and serenity. I have a spiritual connection with and reliance upon a Power greater than myself. I have solutions.

My whole life has changed since the day I walked into the Hacienda Valdez in Desert Hot Springs, California for treatment on July 16, 2008. I couldn’t do it anymore, the drugs, the drinking, the desperation, the misery. I entered that facility completely broken and ready to change. I had children that I hadn’t seen in almost 2 years who were being raised by their wonderful father (the husband that I abandoned in my addiction). My children were growing up thinking (I imagine) that they weren’t worth their mom getting sober, that I loved drugs more than them. When I looked back, I thought I did. My actions said that. But, in treatment and in Alcoholics Anonymous, I learned that I did not voluntarily choose those actions. I was sick. I had a physical illness and a mental obsession. I had a deep soul sickness. I could overcome these maladies if I was willing, honest and open-minded. I needed to trust in a Power greater than myself to help me recover. I was definitely ready to surrender. It was time to let go of the past, look toward the future and do the work. It was time to get well and let the healing begin.

Fast forward 4 years…

Sobriety – recovery – has given me a life beyond my wildest dreams. Often, I marvel over how different it is today… It’s the little things, like laying in my best friend’s pool yesterday, listening to the trees moving, feeling peaceful and grateful, not wanting or needing to be anywhere else or do anything except what I was doing. You see, I was never able to “be present” or feel serene before I got sober. My mind was always “over there,” plotting my next move, not satisfied for long in the moment, no matter how precious or perfect it seemed. My life is different, too, because of the big things, like having relationships with my 2 beautiful children, having the opportunity and privilege of being their mom. Because I am available for them, sober, and have allowed them go through what they have needed to go through during this process, those bonds have gotten better and stronger, one day at a time. Patience, love, acceptance, gratitude, trust in God and the process; those are terms and ways of living I’ve learned in recovery. Being a loving and caring friend, a good daughter, a trusted employee, a faithful girlfriend, an honest person, one who experiences true joy, who has priceless and meaningful relationships, who is willing and happy to serve others… those things I’ve become from living the Steps, living the program and listening to the experience, strength and hope of other members of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have changed. I believe that, today, I am the woman that God intended me to be. AA’s “design for living” has taught me how to be that, has given me more miracles than I could ever convey here.

I love my life today. I love myself today. I get to be of service today. I have people in my world that I cherish and who cherish me. I have a job at St. Christopher’s that I adore, where I find purpose and satisfaction in performing needed tasks and carrying the messages of hope, treatment and recovery. I am challenged to do things I have never done, while surrounded by incredible, supportive and dedicated people. When times are good, I am grateful for them and know I am worthy of the gifts. When problems arise or I’m feeling out of sorts, I have solutions, hope and faith that things will get better, if I stay connected to my Higher Power, do the next right thing and think of others besides myself. (I don’t always do that, and I continue to feel pain. But, at least I know WHAT the solution is and can choose to follow it!) It’s not always easy, and I am far from being perfect, but it is so much better! I have gone from having almost no life at all to a magical, miraculous existence in recovery. For that and so much more, I am truly thankful and grateful.

By the grace of God and the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, I am sober today. I think I’ll stick around!

- FMK

Heart and Home

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:00:00 +0000

A FEMA trailer (travel trailer) in front of a formerly flooded house. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Say a prayer: “God, inspire my heart, mind, and fingers as I write these words so that I create something meaningful, purposeful, and helpful – or, at least something not selfishly self-centered, boring, or just plain wrong.”
Begin the story: After Hurricane Katrina I fled to the Ozark Mountains. I remember crying all the way there as I saw mile-long military caravans on their way to help us try to put back together the shattered pieces of our homes, our people, and our ways of living. Those mountains were as magical as I am sure Dorothy must have felt Oz was when she finally arrived. I stayed through winter, but the call came and I returned to New Orleans.
I was on staff at the first substance abuse treatment facility that opened in the city. Counselors lived in FEMA trailers in the parking lots and many had been eating MREs for quite some time. Clients began to arrive and, although almost all of us were suffering from some form of PTSD, we began to treat them. I provided therapy, I got therapy, we dealt with the trauma, and after a year, I moved on.
I arrived at St. Christopher’s homeless and with my car, some clothes, and the determination that nothing, not even that awful hurricane, would stop me. I focused all my attention on the intensive outpatient program, entered the doctoral program, and began really rebuilding my life. There are no words to express the gratitude I have for the support and help that came from the people at St. Chris. After two years I left St. Chris for a year, and then returned at the first chance to “come home”.
End the story: Recently I went back to the Ozarks, looking for the sweet thrill of magic that I’ve felt most times I have been there since Katrina. It was not there this time. Puzzled, I looked for it…and, finally, when I got still, I realized that I have lived the story of Dorothy in a very real way. My heart is with me now, and I am in Baton Rouge with my family – my son, siblings, and many people I work with at St. Chris. What does Dorothy say? Something like this; “if I ever think I have lost my heart I only need to look as far as my own back yard, because if I have to look farther, then I have not really lost it”.
Make meaning: Someone once said this about St. Chris… “People make their way here”… and he was right. Some make their way and stay a short while, while others stay for a very long time. Regardless, it is a place of wholeness. There is a spirit of healing and “heart” here that permeates what we do. It was what I was looking for all along. You see, “getting” the science part of my work as a therapist was easier than I ever imagined; it was the heart and soul lessons that were a little trickier to navigate! And, whether I stay a short while or for a very long time, I am a better human being, a better therapist, and a better supervisor because of my time here; and, St. Chris will always be part of my heart and home.
Close: We at St. Chris believe that we must do our own work in order to truly be able to help another human being heal from the ravages of addiction. It is a gift to be a part of this healing community.

Arlene Gann, MEd, LPC, NCC

Clinical Director

A Spiritual Solution to the Problems of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:34:00 +0000

I have been attempting to be spiritual every day for the last two years since I entered treatment. It is not especially easy for me to write about spirituality, as I feel that I don’t know enough to be definitive on the subject. Though it may be hard to be specific, as spirituality is a very broad topic, I will attempt to paint a picture of a spiritual solution to the problem of alcoholism and drug addiction. I should mention that there is no wrong path to this answer, while emphasizing that this is a solution that worked for me.

Power lines crossing sunrise at Watson Lake. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The twelve step model of recovery provides a spiritual solution to the problem of alcohol and drug addiction. It is easy to confuse the spirituality of the program with religion, as I did in my early days. The spiritual solution provided in Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve step programs is not the same as religion, insofar as that it does not mandate a particular belief in a god or gods. It simply asks that the drug or alcohol addicted individual be willing to believe in a power greater than himself or herself. In my opinion, this is really a “no-brainer” when looking at it from a logical standpoint. One individual does not make it rain, snow, or hail. A person does not make the sun shine nor control other people. It is plain to me that there is something (call it God, physics, nature…) that does what we human beings cannot, and allows the functioning of the world in which we live. Sometimes the higher power can be the belief in the basic goodness of self, or the belief in the power of a program like St. Chris, or a person like a sponsor, or a group of people like AA to help.

For the drug addict and alcoholic, the choice to believe in a power greater than oneself is not such an easy one when it is not fully understood. The addicted person’s experience often tells him that a belief in a higher power has strong (and possibly negative) connotations attached to it, through religious views or times when he or she was let down by others. Often, mustering up the willingness to believe in this power becomes the biggest block that stands between the addicted individual and recovery. S/he becomes stuck equating spirituality with religion or weakness, and resist. Many choose to drink or drug themselves to death before submitting to something so intangible, a “power” that they cannot feel, touch, taste or smell. The insanity of this notion is astonishing, but that is a topic for another post.

I know, from personal experience, that my previous religious run-ins caused me undue difficulty with the concept of spirituality. I was raised in a particular religion and simply didn’t like the whole church idea. Rejecting the church in which I grew up, I turned to science and logic as my higher power, thus, placing myself in control. Luckily, I discovered that within twelve step program solutions are provided as spiritual “baby steps” along which to grow. My first higher power was the concept of nature. After all, I did not make trees grow or the sun set.

Twelve step meetings provide additional entry level higher powers such as the meetings themselves. After all, the meetings and people who attend are entities upon which one can rely for social support and hope. A person early in recovery may not yet be able to believe in a higher power, but s/he can believe that the group believes, and sees that that power is working in their lives. Another example of a higher power is the idea of karma, which is a preferred concept for the more eastern oriented of the twelve step fellowships. The western counterpoint is “Whatsoever you do to the least of your brethren, that you do unto me.”
These examples are simply beginning points to accessing a spiritual life and help facilitate the working of the twelve steps. The belief in a higher power need not be based in a conception of God. In fact, I know some people who are practicing atheists and agnostics, have worked the twelve steps and are sober to this day. A spiritual life is all inclusive. When I began to recover, nearly all of these concepts were far too abstract for me. It took me a while until I began to actually believe in what I was doing. Much of that belief came from evidence. Once I saw that my connection to a higher power was working, my belief strengthened. I began with an ounce of willingness and that is all. For me, the rest seemed to fall into place as long as I tried to grow in the spiritual direction.

Regardless of what kind of spirituality one has, or would even like to have, this solution is one that works. Initially, it may be difficult to try to walk a spiritual path, but just like many other things in life, it becomes easier (and more fulfilling) with practice. The most surprising thing I have found is that there is peace in this kind of life, a peace that an addict like me didn’t even know was possible in an un-medicated state…

We would love to hear from you! If you enjoyed reading this please leave us a comment, or follow our blog to stay up to date on all the latest Addiction Wellness News

Testimonial of Recovery

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:57:00 +0000

AA meeting sign (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hey guys! Just wanted to let all of you know I made 4 years clean and sober today! St. Christopher's has been monumental in my getting and continuing to stay sober. St. Christopher's introduced me to the wonderful world of Alcoholics Anonymous and I have been very active since day one. I am probably more active now than ever through sponsorship, home groups and hosting Lascypaa Baton Rouge 2012!! Thanks again, just tooting my own horn! TooT!
JM

The Science of Cross Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:55:00 +0000

(Photo credit: Horia Varlan)

Consider this story: A man who is a heavy marijuana smoker knows he needs to stop because of court ordered probation for which he will take drug tests. This individual abruptly stops smoking marijuana and, instead, starts drinking a couple or more beers after work during the week to “unwind” after a hard day. After he takes his drug tests and has completed his probationary period, he abruptly returns to smoking marijuana.
This story demonstrates how cross addiction works in a general way, though the chemicals may vary greatly from person to person. It is relatively easy to gain a similar level of relief from different chemicals. As with our story, the man felt he needed to relax from a hard day but could not smoke marijuana, so he turned to beer, a more socially acceptable and legal alternative.
In the throes of addiction, it is easy to move from one compulsive behavior to another. Some people manage to stay clean for a period while indulging in compulsive sexual behaviors or turning to gambling to get their fix and satiate the gnawing hunger that comes with drug and alcohol cravings. Even with the less addicted, where the gnawing hunger isn’t quite as powerful, substances are quite frequently substituted when the choice chemical is not available.
Cross addiction is exemplified when a drug addicted individual uses another chemical such as alcohol, or another substance beside the drug to which they are primarily addicted. This is why we often encounter many drug addicts who insist that they are solely drug addicts and don’t have a problem with alcohol. Upon relapse, the individual discovers that he is also alcoholic.
A Psychology Today article offers that cross addiction stems from the mental component rather than the physical addiction.
This statement must be true; otherwise, treating addiction would simply be withdrawing an individual from the addictive behavior or chemical. There is much more to addiction treatment because of this strong mental component. It’s largely about retraining the brain. Scientists believe the chemically addicted receive a kind of chemical reinforcement for their behaviors when drinking or using, often relieving stress or helping individuals to cope in other ways. The reinforcement comes in, not only by providing relief from the stress, but also on the chemical level through a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine produces the good feelings in our everyday life that we experience after eating, having sex, exercising, or even accomplishing a task. One physician, writing for recoverytoday.net, cites these reward centers in the brain are the same structures that provide us with survival instincts. These neurotransmitters cause the drive to replace drugs of abuse with other substances or behaviors. This goes far in explaining the ease at which a “true alcoholic” can become similarly addicted to prescription drugs or sex.

When in recovery, the addict learns methods designed to re-teach the brain; this can be a taxing and sometimes painful process which requires a lot of redirection. It is quite similar to training a full grown dog not to urinate on the carpet when he has been doing so all of his existence. In the addicted brain, the person has been coping with stress, pressure, and other uncomfortable emotions for a very long time with drugs and alcohol. Now, the brain must look for new ways of coping. In early sobriety, it takes a lot of diligence and effort to resist the urges to cope as one has become accustomed. This is why cross addiction is prevalent in those trying to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction. The instinct of turning to something that is not specifically the drug of abuse can be powerful and sometimes overwhelming for the addict. The urge/idea may be as seemingly benign as indulging in excessive exercise or sex, as devastating as drinking beer instead of smoking marijuana.

When it comes down to it, addiction is addiction. Some addictions are much more destructive than others. Even so, there is a solution. Recovery is not easy. Yet, even after slipping into various addictions, one may always have more chances if he still takes breath. Recovery is a process, sobriety is earned.

-JBS

-J

Recovery and Social Media in the Digital Age

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:37:00 +0000

In dealing with addiction, social support is one of the key elements that helps bring addicted individuals out from the depths of a hopeless state. New advances in technology have aided the ability to find social support in one of the most unorthodox places, the internet.

A medley of networks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the rise of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and other such sites, the nature of social support is changing. Where it used to be that one needed to have access to a phone to talk to another person, now, all that
is required is a computer. This has a huge impact on the way that we stay connected with one another, being able to communicate without even saying a word. These types of networking sites are connecting people from all over the globe with one another, further broadening the social horizon.

Recovery specific websites exist, such as InTheRooms.com. Here, an individual may remain anonymous while partaking in an online community. He creates an alias, a profile, and links up with his community to gain social support. This is huge for the recovery world. Previously, twelve step meetings were confined to face to face interactions. Now, an exceeding number of people are meeting online to access a regular dose of recovery. While most of these meetings are held through chat rooms, there are recovery related meetings available through Skype, an interface system which utilizes cameras to have digital face to face interactions. Lists of digital twelve step meetings are available here, including AA, NA, Al-Anon and even a weekly Self Mutilators Anonymous meeting.

Not only are online meetings available, but, more importantly, social support is available 24 hours a day. When one is not able to access a meeting, he may gain the support through social networking sites and online recovery communities. For some, it is easier to log on to the computer than it is to pick up the telephone in times of crisis. In fact, in the recovery community, members discuss the metaphorical “1,000 pound telephone” when describing what it feels like to reach out by phone when an emergency or troublesome situation arises.

Even with this progress, one website describes the down side to these forms of media. An article in Social Work Today describes how the role of social networking websites in the recovery community can be over-emphasized. In fact, one person interviewed stated that these forms of social media may actually serve the same function as drugs in the recovering person’s life by pulling him or her away from the relationships that really matter. In essence, this social worker is describing a cross addiction to the internet which, in reality, is not unfounded. Newly sober drug addicts often try to fill the void from drugs and alcohol with other things. However, this fact does not suggest that, on the whole, social networking is harmful.

Even though there are potential negatives in this new technologically advanced world, I say that the online recovery community still has its place. After all, it can serve an essential function for those who cannot physically get to a meeting or do not have access to a telephone.

As far as the ramifications go, I am going to leave that up to you, dear readers. What do you think the significance will be of digitizing recovery? Will there be a day when face to face twelve step meetings become obsolete? How does the internet affect personal relations on a whole? Please let me know what you think, as for now the only perspective I have is my own.

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-JBS

Knowing Is Half the Battle

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:55:00 +0000

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985 TV series) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I was a little kid, Saturday mornings were meant for one thing: cartoons. I remember waking up early and watching all the favorites; He-Man, The Smurfs, Thundercats, and G.I. Joe, the real American Hero. At the end of G.I. Joe, there was always an example of things kids usually did wrong. One of the Joes would be there to help ‘em out and explain that "knowing is half the battle." Now, I very rarely paid attention to this part, but somehow those words would stick with me.

  When I was entering into treatment a little over 8 years ago, my understanding of recovery and sobriety was very limited. I knew that what I was doing was wrong and I needed to stop, but I had no idea why I was doing the things I was, or, what it would take to stop. Sure, I knew I liked to get drunk, or stoned, but why had it gotten to this point? Surely, there was more to it. After I had finally accepted the fact that I needed the help and was truly willing to put in the work, my counselor started giving me packets to read. I didn't necessarily want to study these, but he assured me it would help. As I started to read them, then understand them, I slowly started to see the connections. I learned things like all the ways I had become dependent... not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well. I discovered how my thinking patterns had changed, how feelings like anger, guilt, shame, and fear had begun to rule my world. I recognized how, despite all my best efforts, I could not do anything about these problems alone. I felt as though I was beginning to know my disease... and like the Joes said, "knowing is half the battle." Armed with this knowledge, I was able to put together a plan to battle my disease, to confront it head on. I developed a sense of worth that was vital to my recovery. I now knew what my disease had done to me, and what I had to do differently to combat it. Day by day, the fight wore on, as it still does, and will for the rest of my life. However, strengthened with the understanding of what it takes to win, it seems like at least now it’s a fair fight.

   In my experience, it's never okay or time to quit learning. As we enter new phases and areas of life, we are faced with new challenges and difficulties to overcome. The more we come to know about these challenges, the better equipped we will be to face them and persevere.

If you enjoyed reading this blog, please follow our blog to stay up to speed on all Addiction Wellness News.
    - - Written by Brock Self, head of the Utilization Review Department

Sponsors and the Twelve Steps

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Erasing addiction is less easy than anyone thought (Photo credit: Alan Cleaver)

When an addict enters into recovery, it is easy for him or her to become lost and confused. It is a brand new world for the recovering addict, much different from pre-sobriety, where regulation of emotion and stress was controlled by consumption of drugs and alcohol. Without this chemical crutch, the ensuing confusion can be a dangerous state. Twelve Step (12 Step) programs suggest that someone new to sobriety get a sponsor, someone who can help the addict navigate through these new waters.
Sponsors are invaluable to the recovery process. They provide much needed guidance, and act as a mentor in recovery. An essential function of sponsors is that they provide much needed social support. This is a vital role, as newly sober individuals are often plagued by difficult emotions and irrational thinking. By bouncing ideas off of their sponsors, addicts are able to reform their thoughts to meet this sober way of life.

As the addict begins to grow into his or her new found sobriety, sponsors serve another essential purpose. They help the recovering person work the 12 steps. These steps are the primary means of recovery utilized in more than fifty-four (54) 12 Step based fellowships around the world. A list of these fellowships can be found here.

In 12 Step programs the steps are used to change individuals from the inside out. The power of these steps has been proven by the millions of people worldwide who have suffered from addiction or other compulsive behaviors and have since recovered through active 12 Step work.
The sponsor utilizes his or her history in addiction and compulsive behaviors as a resource to help the newly sober individual work through the 12 steps and to provide support in hard times. Indirectly, the sponsor acts as a role model for the addict/alcoholic and paves a way for success. Through utilizing this support, the addict can recover from a seemingly hopeless state and be set on a path of freedom from his or her addiction.

Who serves as a role model in your life? There are plenty of examples of people we turn to for guidance, weather in recovery or outside of it. Who do you turn to in time of need? We want to hear from you!

If you enjoyed reading this and want to stay up to date on other Addiction Wellness News, please follow our blog.

-JBS

Emotional Sobriety

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:05:00 +0000

Robert Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When a person gets sober, it may be difficult for him to harness his new found emotions. Dealing with these emotions calls for changes to be made, especially in early recovery. For some people, the willingness to change is limited to removing the drugs and/or the alcohol. It is easy for one to overlook the rest of his life after he has removed the “primary problem.”
Recovery programs teach the fundamentals in emotional regulation. Beginning emotional regulation techniques are often based in distraction. Some of these techniques are outlined in a recent Scientific American article.
These distractions may be beneficial for the recovering addict/alcoholic, but can easily lead into other compulsive behaviors such as gambling, sex, social drama, and other negative actions.

Learning how to deal with uncomfortable emotions is a part of life.

When an individual only focuses on not drinking or drugging, much is lacking. Admittedly, physical sobriety is the foundation of healthy recovery; yet, it is by no means the sole structure of a happy and fulfilling life. We caution establishing a basis for life on uneven footing. The missing piece, a necessary component for building a strong foundation, is termed “emotional sobriety.” While emotional sobriety may seem like a simple concept, it is by no means easy to sober one’s emotions after sobering the physical person.
The term “emotional sobriety” was coined by Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, when he wrote an article entitled “The Next Frontier: Emotional Sobriety.”
The basis of this concept lies in abstaining from medicating our emotions through compulsive behaviors such as gambling, sex, work, and even internet surfing. Anything can become a ritualistic behavior which muffles feeling painful and uncomfortable emotions. Emotional sobriety so difficult to define because of its subjective nature – only the individual knows what medicates his emotions.

Even non-addicted people medicate their emotions. Everyone has the ability to slip into an intoxicating stream of distracting behaviors (shopping, exercising, etc.) in order to drown out feelings associated with being in a difficult relationship, experiencing unpleasant family circumstances, or even encountering problems at work. Emotional intoxication is prevalent in our society today; virtually every human has experienced it at one time or another. Inherently, there is nothing wrong with exercising, having sex, watching TV, playing video games or shopping. Similarly, there is nothing inherently wrong with moderately consuming alcohol. It is only when people take these activities to extremes that negative issues arise. Medicating one’s emotions ultimately leads to poor adjustment to everyday life.

I am by no means a guru on emotional sobriety, nor am I emotionally sober all day, every day. Therefore, this is by no means a comprehensive picture on emotional sobriety. In my limited experience, I have seen many people build their lives around trying to achieve and maintain qualities consistent with emotional sobriety. Some have succeeded, and others have fallen back into compulsive behaviors. Recognizing these behaviors and addressing them is imperative to getting back “on the beam.”
The thing that I continue to learn is that balance is never fully achieved, it can only be maintained.

If you have any stories, opinions, or differing views on emotional sobriety, please leave us a comment.
I realize that I have not outlined the full picture of this concept and any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

If you enjoyed reading this and would like to stay plugged in to Addiction Wellness News and other discussions, follow our blog!
-JBS

The Fall of A Star

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Cover of Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's death was caused by drowning and heart issues related to the presence of cocaine in her system. Though the official report has since been released, the coroner ruled that the death was accidental. Many of us view her as yet another victim of powerlessness. Since losing this popular icon in the music industry, millions around the globe have been touched by the gravity of her addictions, and her inability to get and/or accept help. To some, this may seem like another stereotypical drug-related death of a star. To countless others, it is sheer heartbreak to watch a kind and talented person lose her life to a problem that has a solution. It takes a great amount of pain and humility to sober up. The difficult journey to sobriety is surely worth it. One individual’s recovery can influence others, and bring hope to still suffering addicts. He or she can spread the message: there is a solution.

The fight against addiction is powerful, and the gains, if any, are painstakingly made. The greatest goal is that, in the end, the person in recovery may live once again and, by being an example, others will not have to die in vain.

-JBS

STC Crawfish Boil 2012

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:13:00 +0000

St. Christopher's Annual Crawfish Boil was well attended by staff and alumni. A great time was had by all! Thanks, Dwayne!!!

Here are some pictures of this year's festivities:

St. Christopher's Blog Now Live!

noreply@blogger.com (St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:30:00 +0000

We've just launched our new blog.