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Archive for September, 2009

Recovery Month 2009 Comes To An End

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Today is the last day of September, representing, among many things, the end of this year’s Recovery Month. Over the past month, we shared different personal stories of alcohol and drug addiction and recovery. Some were better-known stories than others, others simply from better-known storytellers; we had stories of long-lasting sobriety and others of multiple attempts at sobriety.

Most importantly though, all were deeply personal and shared in the spirit of healing through honesty.

As Recovery Month comes to a close, we would like to hear from you. What did you do to celebrate your or your loved one’s recovery throughout the month?

What will you do to commemorate the final day?

Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Personal Stories, Recovery Month | No Comments »

New Poll Suggests Americans Willing to Include Addiction Treatment in Health Care Reform

Monday, September 28th, 2009

A new poll released this month suggests that Americans on both sides of the aisle support including addiction treatment in health care reforms. Furthermore, a great majority of Americans polled are willing to pay to make treatment options more affordable and accessible.

The poll, sponsored by the Open Society Institute for Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap initiative who advocates accessible addiction treatment options, found that Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike agree that treatment is an effective, ongoing process. Furthermore, the poll shows that:

77% of Americans support including addiction treatment in health care reform
69% support paying $2 more a month in health insurance premiums in order to make addiction treatment more affordable, and thus accessible
47% report having an inadequate number of affordable, quality treatment options in their community
49% reported that they could not afford the costs of treatment if they or a family member required help

Of those polled who knew or knows someone who has looked for addiction treatment, 46% reported difficulty finding affordable, quality services.

According to Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap’s statistics, 23 million Americans are currently struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. They estimate that only one in ten receive addiction treatment, largely due to the high costs and lack of insurance coverage.

Image courtesy of freefoto.com

Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, News, Substance Abuse | No Comments »

Teen Substance Abuse: Family Dinners Are the Key

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

According to new report released Wednesday, September 23 2009, by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, teens who have infrequent family dinners are, overall, more likely to use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

The Importance of Family Dinners V is part of the Center’s Back to School Survey.

CASA reports that teens with infrequent family dinners, qualified as less than five times a week, compared t0 teens who do sit down to family dinners five or more times per week, are:

1.5 times more likely to drink
2 times more likely to smoke tobacco
2 times more likely to use pot
about 2 times more likely to acquire prescription drugs and marijuana within an hour, suggesting regular drug purchasing and/or use
2 times more likely to expect to try drugs in the future
2 times more likely to have friends that use marijuana or ecstasy
more than 1.5 times more likely to have friends that drink, abuse prescription drugs, and use methamphetamine
almost 1.5 times more likely to have friends that use cocaine, acid, and heroin

Furthermore, the study looked at frequent family dinners without distractions versus infrequent family dinners with distractions, and found that teens are three times more likely to smoke pot and tobacco, and two and a half times likelier to drink alcohol when having infrequent, distracted family dinners. Distractions were categorized as talking on cell phones, texting, blackberry and other smart phones, laptops, and Game Boys or other hand held devices.

“The emotional and social benefits that come from family dinners are priceless,” said Elizabeth Planet, Vice President and Director of Special Projects at CASA, in a press statement. The key is clearly parental engagement in a teen’s everyday life, and active family dinners are a fantastic opportunity to create this dynamic.

Posted in Alcohol, News | No Comments »

Family Members Suffer From Addiction Too

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Addiction isn’t an individual problem. Addiction affects an entire community, both from a macro perspective and micro. As we have previously discussed on the Heritage Home Sobriety Blog, addiction affects every member of the addicts Unit–that inner sanctum populated by those who love you unconditionally.

Brothers, sisters, parents, lovers, wives, husbands, friends, colleagues are all affected by your addiction. And you, in turn, are effected by them–their denial, pain, and, at times, even their support.

And while you seek help for your addiction, by entering into an addiction treatment program or attending a 12-step meeting, often times members of your Unit don’t feel they need to get involved in the process. Here are 8 reasons why, according to Carole Bennett, published on The Huffington Post:

Embarrassment and shame. People may view them as bad parents unable to “control” their husbands, wives’ or children’s behavior. Irresponsible upbringing of the children or disrespect to the spouse. The shame of it all with tongues wagging and fingers pointing behind their backs; too embarrassed to admit such a problem to anyone!
Private. It’s nobody’s business. They don’t air their dirty laundry. They will work this out as a family in the privacy of their own home.
Denial. He/she isn’t in trouble at work or with his/her home life or with the law, so things aren’t that bad. It’s just a passing phase, nothing to worry about. Everyone needs an outlet or escape these days. It’s how he or she unwinds from a tough day.
Lazy. Someone else will handle the problem. The other spouse will deal with the child, the other sibling will deal with the parent, or this friend will deal with that friend.
Not wanting to make waves. Doesn’t want to be punished or scolded for bringing up such a volatile issue. Discomfort in the possibility of being denied love or security. Peace at all cost…no matter what that cost is.
Their child or spouse or friend is “doing better”. A few days of “normal” behavior and everyone breathes a sigh of relief. They’ve turned a corner, the worst is over; or so they desperately want to believe.
The alcoholic/addict has promised they will get help and please trust them, as all will be fine. A couple of AA meetings or even professional counseling; looks good and there is another sigh of relief; until the next incident.
Frightened. How involved do I really want/have to be? If the friend or family member seeks professional guidance, then they are now enmeshed and have to work on their part of the recovery and not just sit back and wait for their loved one to take action on their own. Old behaviors that have permeated the family member or friend have to now give way to different thinking and actions. Fear of not being able to follow through with new boundaries and expectations coupled with the fear of anger and rejection from their loved one; the alcoholic/addict.

At Heritage Home, we mediate family counselling or therapy sessions, interventions, and actively involve all loved ones. To heal you, your circle needs to heal.

Posted in Personal Stories, Recovery Month, Treatment Approaches | No Comments »

Untreated Addiction Epidemic

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Building on a SAMHSA’s earlier report, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data, the director of the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap initiative reports that untreated addiction has reached pandemic levels in the United States.

Although the SAMHSA survey found that both prescription drug and methamphetamine abuse declined in the US in 2008, the overall rate of drug and alcohol abuse remained steady. Declines in some drugs were offset by an increase in popularity of other drugs–marijuana and hallucinogens in particular.

According to the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap initiative, however, as recently published on Wellness.com, only 1 in 10 of the 23 million alcohol and drug addicts in the United States enter into an addiction treatment centre. This sad discrepancy is due most commonly to the inability to pay for treatment.

Access to affordable addiction treatment options, whether through the federal public health insurance plan or by some other means, is a necessary step in addressing this public health issue. Clearly, a punitive-stance on drug abuse and addiction does not result in recovery. In fact, overall, it breeds further substance abuse and cyclical incarceration. In this time of the healthcare reform debate, addiction treatment, which has been grossly overlooked, must be addressed. Now is a chance for substantial change.

“Ignoring any disease — be it addiction, diabetes or hypertension — is bad medicine and should not be an option in today’s healthcare system. Addiction treatment should be fully covered by all insurance plans,” says Victor Capoccia, director of the initiative.

The initiative actively advocates for addiction treatment programs to be covered by health insurance coverage, be it private or public.

Source: wellness.com

Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment Approaches | No Comments »

Burt Reynolds' Prescription Drug Addiction

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

As Recovery Month continues, it’s important to recognize the power of sharing one’s addiction and recovery story. Healing comes from sharing, as the weight of holding on is lifted, replaced with feelings of understanding and support.

Yesterday, it was announced that Burt Reynolds entered into a drug rehab program to address his addiction to prescription painkillers. The celebrated actor recently underwent back surgery, the recovery from which can be excruciating. This is not his first battle with prescription drugs. He has, in the past, battled with a reliance on the sleeping aid Halcion.

In a recent statement from his publicist, Mr. Reynolds “felt like he was going through hell and after a while, realized he was a prisoner of prescription pain pills. He checked himself into rehab in order to regain control of his life.”

The purpose of sharing his story is not as celebrity gossip or fodder for the water cooler, but in hopes of educating and enlightening. Prescription drugs can be highly addictive. Possibly most dangerous of all, is their misconception–because a medical professional prescribed them, they are safe and trustworthy. The symptoms of addiction can be hard to recognize, easily ignored and excused away. With time, you can find yourself taken hostage by the pills, unable to live without them, requiring ever more as your tolerance builds.

By coming forward, Mr. Reynolds’ story can serve to highlight these dangers and help ease the stigma of addiction some. In his own words: “He hopes [others] will not try to solve the problem by themselves, but realize that sometimes it is too tough to do on their own and they should seek help, as he did.”

Source: MSNBC

Posted in Drug Addiction, Personal Stories, Prescription Drugs, Recovery Month | No Comments »

Prescription Drug Abuse Declines in 2008, According to SAMHSA

Friday, September 11th, 2009

A new study released yesterday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed a decline in prescription medication abuse in 2008 in the US. Approximately 6.2 million Americans, or 2.5% of the population, abused prescription medication in the past month, down from 2.8% in 2007.

The decline is attributed to the national, and much publicized, health reports on the dangers of their misuse and the federally funded anti-drug ad campaign.

Methamphetamine use also declined in 2008, from 529,000 users in 2007 to 314,000 in 2008. But, in amongst this good news, the study found that overall the national rate of drug use remained steady due to the increase in both marijuana and hallucinogen use. Approximately 20.1 million Americans, or 8% of the population, reported past-month drug use in 2008.

Drug use amongst the 50-59 year olds also increased, from 2.7% in 2002 to 4.6% in 2008. The study attributes this increase to aging baby boomer drug users.

Drug use among the 12-17 year olds remained steady at 6.7%.

Posted in Drug Addiction, News, Substance Abuse | No Comments »

Drug and Alchol Addiction in Baby Boomers

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Late onset alcohol and drug addiction is quickly becoming a prevalent problem that poses many new problems to addiction treatment specialists. A recent study from SAMHSA, for example, reported that drug use is continuing well into the later years of life.

Older addicts fall into one of two groups–the older addict and the young older addict (i.e. the baby boomer).

The baby boomer addict represents a significant challenge both in their sheer number and the complexity of their treatment and addiction requirements. Studies have shown that, between 2003 and 2005, illicit drug use among those aged over 50 years increased by more than 60%. It is estimated that there will be 4.4 million older addicts by 2020, versus the 1.7 million in 2001.

Each generation of addict poses their own challenges, requiring their own addiction treatment model. The older addict, for example, mostly abuse alcohol or prescription medications (often accidentally) and require a much slower-paced treatment process that considers the demographic-specific values, taboos, moral judgments, and worldviews. This generation holds a disdain for illicit drugs and users; respects and trusts authority; prides itself on handling one’s own problems, often privately and alone; and was never taught to express their feelings freely. Peer group therapies are ideal for this group for both treatment and ongoing sobriety.

The baby boomer generation, on the other hand, has spent their life pursuing youth and happiness, resorting to quick fixes for pleasure and problem alike. The Me Generation, baby boomers grew up with a distinct distrust for authority, rebelling against both their parent’s generation and the establishment as a whole, while freely experimenting with marijuana and psychedelic drugs. Beyond their generational values, baby boomers are facing unique emotional issues, such as death of a spouse and retirement, as well as the physical issues that come with aging, such as hormonal changes.

Treating baby boomer addicts often requires a dual diagnosis–addiction in conjunction with, most commonly, depression and anxiety. They also often poly-addict alcohol or illicit drugs with easily-available prescription medications. Because of this, baby boomer addicts require a medically-based holistic treatment program.

The baby boomer makes decisions based on choice, requiring treatment providers to work closely with their clients when designing treatment plans, while being clear that there are no quick fixes in addiction treatment. Due to these unique and specific generational characteristics and attitude towards alcohol and drug addiction treatment, a personalized addiction treatment program that is holistic in scope, such as the residential treatment programs provided by Heritage Home, is ideal.

Sources: The New York Times, Aging Well Magazine

Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment, Treatment Approaches | No Comments »

CASA 2009 Teen Study Released: Attention All Parents

Friday, September 4th, 2009

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University released their annual National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents.

This years survey reveals scary statistics for parents. CASA researchers surveyed American teens, aged 12-to-17 years old, about their drinking habits and attitudes, and found that, overwhelmingly, teens who have seen their parent(s) drunk are more likely to drink, and smoke marijuana and cigarettes themselves than those who don’t see their parents drunk.

About 51% of 17 year olds, and 34% of 12-17 year olds, have witnessed one or both parents drunk.

Drinking in teens is strongly linked to their perception of how their father feels about alcohol use–teens who believe their father is accepting of drinking are two-and-a-half times more likely to get drunk in a typical month than those teens whose fathers are not accepting. This is about 5% of 12-14 year old girls, 9% of 12-15 year old boys, 13% of 16 and 17 year old girls, and 20% of 16 and 17 year old boys.

Teen decisions are inextricably linked to parental expectations, behaviours, and messaging about alcohol use.

Furthermore, 65% of 12-17 year olds, and 85% of 17 year olds surveyed, who drink monthly, get drunk at least once per month; and a third of teen drinkers drink to get drunk, 85% of whom do so monthly. Of the teen drinkers who do not set out to get drunk, about 35% find themselves drunk at least once a month anyways.

Teens who get drunk on a monthly basis face a multitude of repercussions, including an increase likelihood of smoking pot and having friends who smoke pot; of being able to find marijuana in under an hour; to know someone who abuses prescription medication; and to know someone who uses other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, etc. Lastly, teens who get drunk regularly are more likely to know a girl who has been forced to something sexually, and to know a guy who uses drugs and alcohol to “hook up”.

Researchers at CASA strongly recommend to parents to reconsider their teens behaviour. Chances are if your teen is drinking, they are getting drunk; and if your teen is getting drunk, chances are they are using illicit drugs and engaging in other dangerous behaviours.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Excerpt from "My Name is Roger, and I'm an Alcoholic"

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

In keeping with Recovery Month, we would like to share the following excerpt from Roger Ebert’s blog at the Chicago Sun-Times “My Name is Roger, and I’m an Alchoholic“, originally posted August 25 2009.

Roger writes:

“One day, after a month of sobriety, I went to see him [his doctor] because I feared I had grown too elated, even giddy, with the realization that I need not drink again. ‘Maybe I’m manic-depressive,’ I told him. ‘Maybe I need lithium.’

‘Alcohol is a depressant,’ he told me. ‘When you hold the balloon under the water and suddenly release it, it is eager to pop up quickly.’ I nodded. ‘Yes,’ I said, ‘but I’m too excited. I wake up too early. I’m in constant motion. I’d give anything just to feel a little bored.’”

This is the reality of new-found sobriety–new-found joy. After years of isolation and depression, the discovery of joy can be overpowering, like a lung-full of cool air after being submerged underwater.

Revel in these new feelings of happiness. Bask in the light. Celebrate your sobriety, young and old.

We salute Mr. Ebert for his 30 years of sobriety and thank him for continuing to share his story.

To read the full journal entry, visit Roger Ebert’s Journal.
Source: The Chicago Sun-Times

Posted in Alcohol, Alcohol Addiction | No Comments »