At Angel’s Recovery we treat you with Love, Kindness and Respect. Our positive reinforcement program combined with a Serene and Tranquil Environment will secure your success.
Why choose Angel’s? We make treatment feasible by working with your schedule and life circumstances. • Five Star Non Institutional Type Facility • Fully Licensed • Inpatient Treatment • Intensive out-patient services • Angel’s accepts Insurance • Individualized Treatment is Emphasized • Treatment plans customized to address Substance Abuse and Co-occurring Disorders • Medical and Holistic approaches • Programs for Business People who have to stay in the Loop
"Today I am able to be the man, the husband and father, the citizen that God made me to be. I would like to give Angel's Recovery and their amazing team my heart felt thanks for the many gifts I have been given. I hope any addict or alcoholic reading this will give themselves the opportunity to get the help needed to lead a life as blessed as mine." Thank you for my new life.
• Pet kennels and horse stalls available
To learn more visit our site www.angelsrecovery.com Call now for a FREE Detox by referral: 877-634-8488 2
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A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Readers, I welcome you to The Sober World magazine. The reason you are receiving this magazine is because a family member or close friend living with you has been arrested due to drugs or alcohol. Many petty thefts are also drug related, as their need for drugs causes them to take desperate measures in order to have the ability to buy their drugs. Drug addiction has reached epidemic proportions throughout the country. Florida is one of the leading states for drug use in the country. People come from all over to obtain pharmaceutical drugs from the pain clinics that have opened virtually everywhere and are still opening as you are reading this. The availability of prescription narcotics is overwhelming and as parents our hands are tied because it is legal. We have to sit back and watch while doctors write out prescriptions for drugs such as Oxycontin, and Oxycodone (which is an opiate drug and just as addictive as heroin) to young adults in their 20’s and 30’s right up to the elderly in their 70”s, thus, creating a generation of addicts. Addiction is a disease but it is the most taboo of all diseases. As family members affected by this disease, we are often too ashamed to speak to anyone about our loved ones addiction, feeling that we will be judged. We try to pass it off as a passing phase in their lives, and some people hide their head in the sand until it becomes very apparent such as an arrest, or even worse an overdose that we realize the true extent of their addiction. I know that many of you who are reading this now are frantic that their loved one has been arrested. No parent ever wants to see his or her child arrested or put in jail, but this may be your opportunity to save your child or loved ones life. They are more apt to listen to you now then they were before when whatever you said may have fallen on deaf ears. This is the point where you know your loved one needs help, but you don’t know where to begin. I have compiled this informative magazine to try to take that fear and anxiety away from you and let you know there are many options to choose from. There are Psychologists and Psychiatrists that specialize in treating people with addictions, there are Education Consultants that will work with you to figure out what your loved ones needs are and come up with the best plan for them, there are transport services that will scoop up your resistant loved one (under 18 yrs old) and bring them to the facility you have chosen, there are long term programs (sometimes a year and longer) as well as short term programs (30-90 days) there are Wilderness programs and there are sober living housing where they can work, go to meetings and be accountable for staying clean.
To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
Many times a criminal attorney will try to work out a deal with the court to allow your child or loved one to seek treatment instead of jail. I know how overwhelming this period can be for you and I urge every parent or relative of an addict to get some help for yourself as well. There are many groups that can help you. There is Al-Anon, Alateen (for teenagers), Families Anonymous, Nar-Anon and more. This is a disease that affects the whole family, not just the parents. These groups allow you to share your thoughts and feelings. As anonymous groups, your anonymity is protected. Anything said within those walls are not shared with any one outside the room. You share only your first name, not your last name. This is a wonderful way for you to be able to openly convey what has been happening in your life as well as hearing other people share their stories. You will find that the faces are different but the stories are all too similar. You will also be quite surprised to see how many families are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. Addiction knows no race or religion; it affects the wealthy as well as the poor, the highly educated, old, young-IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. This magazine is dedicated to my son Steven who graduated with top grades from University of Central Florida. He graduated with a degree in Psychology, and was going for his Masters in Applied Behavioral Therapy. He was a highly intelligent, sensitive young man who helped many people get their lives on the right course. He could have accomplished whatever he set his mind out to do. Unfortunately, after graduating from college he tried a drug that was offered to him not realizing how addictive it was and the power it would have over him. My son had 7 months clean when he relapsed and died of a drug overdose. Whatever you decide to do, or wherever you decide to send your child or loved one, I beg each and every one of you. Do not give up on your child. Do not enable them but do not give up either. Please don’t allow your child to become a statistic. They have a disease and they need help. There is a website called the Brent Shapiro foundation. Famed attorney Robert Shapiro started it in memory of his son. I urge each and every one of you to go to that website. They keep track on a daily basis of all the people that die due to drug overdoses. It will astound you. I hope you have found this magazine helpful. You may also visit us on the web at www.thesoberworld.com. Sincerely,
Patricia
Publisher Patricia@TheSoberWorld.com
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IMPORTANT HELPLINE NUMBERS 211 PALM BEACH/TREASURE COAST 211 www.211palmbeach.org FOR THE TREASURE COAST www.211treasurecoast.org FOR TEENAGERS www.teen211pbtc.org AAHOTLINE-NORTH PALM BEACH 561-655-5700 www.aa-palmbeachcounty.org AA HOTLINE- SOUTH COUNTY 561-276-4581 www.aainpalmbeach.org FLORIDA ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-962-2873 www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/abuse/ AL-ANON- PALM BEACH COUNTY 561-278-3481 www.southfloridaalanon.org AL-ANON- NORTH PALM BEACH 561-882-0308 www.palmbeachafg.org FAMILIES ANONYMOUS 847-294-5877 Billy Bob Club 561-459-7432 561-312-2611 Center for Group Counseling 561-483-5300 www.groupcounseling.org CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS 1-800-254-1333 www.pbcoda.com COCAINE ANONYMOUS 954-779-7272 www.fla-ca.org COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING 800-426-7711 www.gamblinghelp.org CRIMESTOPPERS 800-458-TIPS (8477) www.crimestopperspbc.com CRIME LINE 800-423-TIPS (8477) www.crimeline.org NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) www.suicidology.org DEPRESSION AND MANIC DEPRESSION 954-746-2055 www.mhabroward FLORIDA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 800-500-1119 www.fcadv.org FLORIDA HIV/AIDS HOTLINE 800-FLA-AIDS (352-2437) FLORIDA INJURY HELPLINE 800-510-5553 GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS 800-891-1740 www.ga-sfl.org www.ga-sfl.com HEPATITUS B HOTLINE 800-891-0707 JEWISH FAMILY AND CHILD SERVICES 561-684-1991 www.jfcsonline.com LAWYER ASSISTANCE 800-282-8981 MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS 800-766-6779 www.marijuana-anonymous.org ONLINE MEETING FOR MARIJUANA www.ma-online.org NARC ANON FLORIDA REGION 888-947-8885 www.naranonfl.org NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS-PALM BEACH 561-848-6262 www.palmcoastna.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD 800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) www.1800runaway.org Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561-852-3333 www.ruthralesjfs.org
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SUNSET HOUSE Helping Men Free Themselves from Addiction Sunset House is a licensed, residential treatment program for men struggling with chemical dependency. We are committed to helping our men develop the skills necessary to lead sober and productive lives. Our goals are to safely and effectively transition our residents back into their communities with all of the tools necessary to maintain long-term, meaningful sobriety. Our clients are men looking for an affordable alternative to intensive inpatient treatment. Our 2-acre campus is located in Palm Beach Gardens, just minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, numerous places of employment, 12-Step meetings, and public transportation. Amenities include an on-site laundry facility, gym, and Recovery Library with internet service.
Early recovery can be a difficult experience; our program is intended to aid residents in body, mind and spirit at every step of the way. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call Sunset House today at 561.627.9701 or email us at darthur@sunsetrecovery.com.
SunsetRecovery.com
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Miracles DO Happen HOPE. BELIEVE. RECOVER.
A STRUCTURED, WOMEN-‐ONLY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM IN DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA Millie Tennessee, Executive Director 561-‐302-‐9584 Theresa Rafferty, Director of Admissions 561-‐767-‐2603
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To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
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RESOLVING SEXUAL ABUSE THROUGH SOLUTION FOCUSED BRIEF THERAPY AND RAPID TRAUMA RESOLUTION By Anthony G. Foster
Sexual abuse is a pervasive problem with alcoholics and substance abusers. Although studies have varied widely in the last decade, it is thought that as many as 64% of substance abusers have sexual abuse in their background. Furthermore, sexual abuse is the single strongest predictor of alcohol dependence in young girls and women, even stronger than family history. In order for me to help many of my clients have a better chance at succeeding at sobriety it is important that I have a good understanding of the issue of sexual abuse and the survivors of sexual abuse. Solution-focused Brief Therapy and later, Rapid Trauma Resolution, have been found to be effective methods to combat the long-term effects of sexual abuse. The use of solution-focused brief therapy began with Milton Erickson and others at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California in 1972. It had gained some independent popularity by therapists during the 1960’s, but began to be more organized at the Mental Research Institute. However, it was the work of Steve de Shazer and others, who were inspired by Erickson’s work to move the therapeutic strategy forward and began to use brief therapy techniques in a therapeutic setting. They were the first to give the therapeutic strategy a name and to create specific steps so that it could be put to practical use. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), also called simply SolutionFocused Therapy, was further developed by de Shazer (1940-2005) and his wife, Insoo Kim Berg (1934-2007), and their colleagues beginning in the late 1970’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Brief Family Therapy Center. SFBT is based on decades of theoretical development, clinical practice, and empirical research. Since that early development, SFBT has not only become one of the leading schools of brief therapy, it has become a major influence in such diverse fields as business, social policy, education, criminal justice services, child welfare, and domestic violence offenders treatment. Described as a practical, goal-driven model, a hallmark of SFBT is its emphasis on clear, concise, realistic goal negotiations. The SFBT approach assumes that all clients have some knowledge of what would make their life better, even though they may need some (at times, considerable) help describing the details of their better life and that everyone who seeks help already possesses at least the minimal skills necessary to create solutions. The first technique that de Shazer used was to ask clients to pay attention to what was better between Session 1 and Session 2. He found that two thirds reported improvements and half of the third that didn’t, noticed later things that were better, even though they had initially gone unnoticed. This led de Shazer to realize that a client’s problems or issues were not presenting all the time. In short, he found that a client did not always feel the problem they came to therapy to resolve. At that time de Shazer and his colleagues shifted their approach from problems to solutions. This is when de Shazer came to the realization that when therapy shifted strictly to solutions, the need for exploring the client’s past, essentially became a waste of time and effort. However, in the intervening years this has also caused some concerns and criticism that solution-focused brief therapy pays little attention to the client’s history, missing an opportunity to get to know the patient in a more intimate way and thereby thumbing its nose at clinical wisdom. This is countered by the argument that SFBT’s allows therapy to be effective and efficient, not needing twenty-five sessions to help clients to improve. In fact, its efficiency allows it to be learned by the therapist in a simple and practical manner. An additional aspect of solution-focused brief therapy is the fact that the client, not the therapist, determines the goals of the therapy. Further, de Shazer, et al, thought it important that the therapist’s job was to be to help the client to identify when the condition improved or no longer existed and to identify what the client had done to help the improvement occur. He did this
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through an initial five-step session which did the following: 1) established the client’s goal in concrete, positive terms; 2) through asking the “miracle question”, presented a hypothetical picture of what life would be like if the problem no longer existed; 3) explored when the problem improved or went away, and what the client did to make that happen; 4) the client explored their present progress and assessed what could be done for additional improvement or complete success; and, 5) it concluded with a positive message towards the client’s improvements and gives them homework. There are many symptoms that a survivor of sexual abuse might indicate. They include, but are certainly not limited to, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, a lowered level of self esteem, hyper alertness, sexual dysfunction, sexual compulsivity, eating disorders and substance abuse. In our residential treatment facility we find an extremely high percentage of patients reporting childhood sexual abuse. Often some of the “red flags” of sexual abuse come out in the bio-psychosocial, hidden in discussions on eating disorders, sexual compulsivity, and difficulty concentrating. Another aspect of working with a patient who is a sexual abuse survivor is that of depression leading to suicide attempts. Many of our patients come into treatment having multiple attempts, and although we’re not a hospital per se’, we have specific protocol for those who have identified past attempts. Usually it begins with a contract between the patient and the facility as to what is expected if the patient is having suicidal thoughts. In further regards to self-destructive behaviors, self-mutilation is a symptom of a sexual abuse survivor. In practice we find it a common instance, particularly in patients under the age of twenty-five. Since my clients are substance abusers, it is important to discuss sexual abuse survivor’s drug and alcohol abuse. The statistics vary, and may be inaccurate due to the nature of the subject, but substance abuse is often a method of survivors dealing with the negative self-perceptions, flashbacks, depression, and low self esteem that are common in sexual abuse survivors. Although it is known that survivors use many different drugs to accomplish this, commonly they drown out their emotional, and sometimes physical, pain with alcohol to a greater degree than other drugs. I should note that the symptoms I have discussed are only a sampling of the symptoms exhibited by survivors of sexual abuse. Hypnosis is an excellent tool to help the patient with their emotional pain. It is the use of hypnosis which first piqued my interest in solution-focused brief therapy. Over the last three years I was trained and became a certified practitioner of “Clinical Hypnosis with Rapid Trauma Resolution”. Rapid Trauma Resolution (RTR), also known as Rapid Resolution Therapy, is a form of brief therapy developed by Dr. Jon Connelly in Jupiter, Florida. Dr. Connelly is a long-time psychologist in New York and Florida who has developed methods that are similar in nature to Solution-focused Brief Therapy. They include “clearing” of a problem in very few sessions (usually one with RTR), and they do it by using “symbols for the present”, visual metaphors and models, a form of the miracle question, and culminating in hypnosis. While Dr. Connelly does not credit SFBT, or any other therapeutic strategy, the similarities are obvious. Additionally, Dr. Connelly developed RTR while operating the Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence. With that in mind, in addition to the sexual abuse in my client population, the text “Resolving Sexual Abuse” was an obvious choice for me. One of the great challenges in working with those who have been sexually abused is in helping them to have some hope that they won’t be crippled by the events that have overwhelmed their thoughts for many years. Solution-focused strategies and interventions and Rapid Trauma Resolution are both interventions that are useful in such circumstances. THE
To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
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Healing from Addiction Requires More than Detox. by Emily Rosen, M.A. The negative emotional fallout from addiction impacts families, friends and loved ones and creates challenges for them --- as well as for the person in recovery --- that go beyond the addictive behavior. The CENTER FOR GROUP COUNSELING has been serving the mental health needs of all segments of the community since 1973, helping people to cope with life circumstances that often seem to be beyond their control. Located in Boca Raton at 22455 Boca Rio Road, just south of Palmetto Park Road, THE CENTER is unique in the community for its low cost, high quality service and the fact that no one is ever turned away for an inability to pay. Helping individuals who have six months of sobriety to tackle other problems, is one of the missions of THE CENTER. People with substance abuse disorders often struggle with co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Addiction also significantly impacts family and friends of the substance abuser. Helplessness, loss, anger, and depression are common reactions in the loved ones of people struggling with addiction. Problems or Challenges with relationships, health, finances, and self-esteem are often the inevitable consequences. The Center offers a variety of programs for adults, children, seniors, families and couples dealing with a range of problems from common life challenges to more serious mental health issues. These counseling and support services help family members cope more effectively with their life circumstances. The Center for Group Counseling’s counselors believe that every person has the capacity to grow and develop in constructive ways. Utilizing professional expertise while also providing a warm, accepting and confidential environment, all members of the clinical staff are people who care deeply about the clients they serve. Counseling Groups provide therapeutic conditions in which the conflicts, tragedies, and triumphs of life can be shared. Counseling groups for couples experiencing problems, parents facing child-rearing dilemmas, adults seeking personal
growth, and people facing the inevitability of the aging process, have helped participants to find positive ways to deal with negative situations. Specialized counseling groups are also available for teens, pre-teens, and children who are experiencing emotional challenges. Themed support groups at the CENTER, model a safe, comforting space for adults experiencing specific life challenges, which include Bereavement, Divorced and Separated, Men’s and Women’s issues; Senior Issues, and Caregivers for the chronically ill. and they offer low cost individual, couples and family therapy for clients on an as needed clinical basis. All of THE CENTER services are provided by doctoral psychology interns and practicum students in psychology, social work, and mental health counseling who are enrolled in our premier training program, and all clinical services are closely supervised by their licensed mental health staff. THE CENTER also sponsors educational workshops on a range of topics, including such issues as the keys to a successful marriage, understanding divorce, how to improve communication skills, coping with grief and loss, sex after 60. and more. These workshops are open to the general public. The mission of THE CENTER is to promote emotional well-being through a variety of free and low cost mental health programs. Their funding comes from a variety of sources, including their foundation, grants, contributions and the Center for Group Counseling Thrift Store located at Plum Park, Building E7, 141 NW 20th Street in Boca Raton. Tax deductible donations and contributions are very much appreciated. The ringing sounds of “The Center saved my life,” echoes daily as the dedicated clinical staff continues to administer to those who seek services. For more information visit www.groupcounseling.org or call 561/483-5300 for an appointment.
Stressed, anxious, depressed, lonely? Are you concerned about your teenagers' behavior or perhaps you have conflict in your relationship with your spouse or other family members? Worried about your job, your health? We can help! We are a not-forprofit counseling center that provides individual, family and group counseling, and a variety of support groups for children, adults, and seniors. Our low cost services range from $5 to $45 per session. Call for an appointment. Mention Sober World and your comprehensive initial evaluation is only $25. Caring, confidential, professional support is just around the corner.
CENTER FOR GROUP COUNSELING 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433
561/483-5300 www.groupcounseling.org To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
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Prescription Drug Abuse Skyrocketing Among Youth: Is Your Child Safe?
By David Sack, M.D. In the fight against teen drug use, it has been a classic case three out of 10 believe prescription painkillers are not addictive. of two steps forward, one big step back. Young people are Because doctors can prescribe these medications and their getting the message about illegal street drugs, but more parents may use them for legitimate medical purposes, young teens and young adults are using prescription drugs and people wonder, how dangerous could they be? over-the-counter medications to get high, often with deadly What Parents Can Do: Talk to your children about the consequences. dangers of prescription drugs and make it clear that drug Next to marijuana, prescription drugs are now the most use of any kind will not be tolerated in your family. Abusing abused drug among young people. According to the Centers prescription medications is illegal, and can result in heart for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription drugs attack, seizures, stroke, addiction and death, among other are responsible for a huge spike in teen poisoning deaths, problems. Start the conversation early (experimentation often which increased 90 percent between 2000 and 2009. begins as young as age 12) and revisit it frequently so that the lines of communication remain open. The drugs most commonly abused among teens and young adults are painkillers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin; The Problem: Prescription drugs are readily available stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall; sedatives and and easily accessible. Most teenagers steal prescription tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium; and over-the-counter medications from their parent’s medicine cabinet or from a cough and cold medicines. Why are these drugs so popular friend or relative’s home. Prescription drugs are also easy to among teens and young adults, and what can parents do to obtain from friends or on the Internet. More than half of teens safeguard their kids? say prescription pain relievers are “available everywhere,” according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. The Problem: Young people believe prescription drugs are safer than street drugs. As a result, they are often the first What Parents Can Do: To avoid becoming an accidental drug a child tries. Studies by the Partnership for a Drugdrug dealer, lock your medicine cabinet or place medications Free America have shown that four out of 10 teens believe in a lockbox, and properly dispose of any medication that prescription medicines are safer than illegal drugs and nearly is no longer needed. The Drug Enforcement Administration hosts regular Prescription Drug Take-Back Days to simplify medication disposal. Because your home is not the only potential source of prescription drugs, talk to your child’s friends, their parents and any relatives your child visits frequently about protecting your child from the dangers of Helping you move your life forward prescription drug abuse.
A ONE COACHING Laura KeLLey, CrSS Certified Recovery Support Specialist
Professional Life and Recovery Coach Is your life changing or troubled? Are you undecided which path to take? Do you need help determining the resources necessary to move forward? You need never again feel that you are alone in your decision making! I will help you find your own direction, set goals and move your life forward.
Call (561) 577-3083 www.aonecoaching.com aonecoaching@yahoo.com 10
The Problem: Many parents buy into the myth that only troubled kids use drugs, yet studies have shown that brainy teens are more likely to experiment with drugs than other children. The prescription drug epidemic has changed the face of the average drug user. Anyone, of any age, gender, race or walk of life, can get hooked on prescription drugs. What Parents Can Do: Even if you’ve been blessed with one of the “good kids” who brings home good grades, has close friends and participates in extracurricular activities, they may be hiding a prescription drug habit that could change the course of their life. Stay alert to the signs of drug abuse and address any issues at the first sign of trouble, even if your child is doing everything else right. Today, 2,500 youth will try prescription drugs for the first time. Will yours be one of them? David Sack, M.D., is board certified in Addiction Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He is CEO of Elements Behavioral Health, a network of high-quality addiction treatment centers that includes Promises, The Ranch in Tennessee, The Sexual Recovery Institute, and The Recovery Place in Florida. www.lockthecabinet.com http://blogs.psychcentral.com/addiction-recovery/ THE
Creating Extraordinary Lives
For More Information: (800) 595-8779 www.promises.com
Promises Proudly Provides: • Safe and Nurturing Home-like environment • Confidential and Secure Setting • Client-Oriented- Individualized Treatment Plan • Multidisciplinary World Class Licensed Medical and Clinical Treatment Team • Integrative and 12-Step Therapeutic Approach • Uniquely Tailored Executive, Medical Professional, and Young Adult Programming • Individual; Group and Family Therapy • Unparalleled Leadership and Experience
Malibu, Executive Care; WLA; Professional Treatment Program; Intensive Out Patient
Together we can begin the journey to lasting life change and recovery
Ft. Lauderdale
Life Changing Treatment For The Real World
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Sex & Love Addiction Eating Disorders Trauma / PTSD Mood/Anxiety Disorders
Confidential and Home-like setting Compassionate and Highly Skilled Clinical and Medical Team Experiential Therapy: EMDR; Adventure Therapy; Equine Assisted Therapy Comprehensive Clinical Program Including Individual, Group and Family therapy Primary Treatment and Extended Care Detox
For information: 866.463.5496 www.therecoveryplace.net For more information: 800.849.5969 www.recoveryranch.com To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
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An Inside Look at Drug Court: By Myles B. Schlam, J.D., CAP / CCJAP
As a Clinical Treatment Consultant and Criminal Justice Addictions Professional, my job is to assess clients in the Criminal Justice system and to determine the best treatment option for that individual. A good deal of my time is spent in the Circuit Drug Court. A defendant is diverted into the Circuit Drug Court when they have been charged with a Felony possession of Narcotics or over 20 grams of Marijuana. When a defendant is diverted into Drug Court, there are certain procedures and protocols. Here is a description of what typically occurs when a Defendant enters Drug Court in Broward, Dade or Palm Beach County, although there are slight diffences in each county’s drug court program. When the Defendant first appears in Drug Court the Judge will ask if there are any legal issues. The State Attorney then has the opportunity to object to the Defendant being admitted to Drug Court if they are a habitual offender or if the Defendant is charged with Trafficking or delivery or “Attempted” of either one. If there are no objections and the Defendant is accepted into Drug Court, they will be assigned to a PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention) Officer to whom he or she must report to once a month. They will be subject to urine drops at these visits and PTI will report at each status hearing whether Defendant has attended and the results of the urinalysis. Most defendants will be placed into the County Sheriff’s office treatment program. There are three phases to the program and the length of the program is designed to be one year, although defendants often are set back due to relapses or other forms of non-compliance, including lack of payment of fees for treatment and court-costs. When a Drug Court client finally graduates, the Court will dismiss the charges against them. This “deferred prosecution” will result in a dismissal of the case upon successful completion of twelve months of treatment. At that point, the client may be eligible for either a sealing or expungement of their criminal record, depending on their prior arrest history and other factors. On Phase I, the Defendant must attend treatment 3 days per week for an hour each night. On Phase II, they must attend only 2 days per week and on Phase III only once a week. Phase I is generally for the first month of the program, although as stated, a client can be held on a phase longer as a result of relapses, non-compliance, or Treatment recommendations or Judicial discretion.* A higher level of care may be recommended such as a 28-day residential program, a 30-day incustody program, a 90-day in-custody program or some combination of residential and out-patient treatment. The ultimate decision will be made by the Judge. The Judge may order in addition that the Client attend a certain number of AA/NA meetings per week and bring sign-in sheets to Court as proof of attendance. That is usually something that is suggested in any event. The Defendant usually must report to the Court at a Status Hearing once a month, but the Judge can order shorter or lengthier resets at their discretion. If a Defendant wishes they may “opt-out” of Drug Court and fight their case on Legal grounds in another Felony Division. If they are found Guilty in another Division, they may be adjudicated and sentenced to jail time or felony probation. A Defendant may not usually opt out once they have signed the Deferred Prosecution Agreement or “DPA”. They will not be eligible for Sealing or Expungement of record, unless the adjudication is withheld, they are acquitted of the charges or the case is Nolle Prossed or dismissed. What most Defendants do not know, and are not usually told, is that they have alternatives to the county treatment program. There are many excellent private as well as not-for-profit treatment facilities which will provide treatment that will meet all the Drug Court requirements. ASI is one such court-approved treatment provider. Clients will usually receive more individualized care in the private treatment facilities as they are less crowded and have more resources.
To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
Many Drug Court Clients are dually-diagnosed. The County-run facilities are not usually equipped to address these issues due to low funding and budget issues. That is not to say that some county facilities do an excellent job, considering the limited resources they have and tremendous case-loads. However, it is literally impossible for them to give the same level of care that can be provided in a more intimate, private setting. The private treatment programs are usually more accommodating towards the clients. The public programs are over-booked and underfunded. There are waiting lists which can exceed 6 weeks just to be admitted into certain County programs. In the mean time, the Judge may order that the client wait in-custody until a bed becomes available. Furthermore, some clients are under the impression that the public programs are free. While fees are usually set on a “sliding scale” basis, they will accumulate and may be several hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars when all is said and done. The Defendant’s case will not usually be dismissed until all fees and court costs are paid. Most of the private treatment facilities accept major health insurance providers as payment. Others even accept Medicare, Medicaid, or sliding When a client elects to attend a private treatment program in lieu of State or County-funded Treatment, the Judge will usually order the client to that facility for a certain length of time. The program must be approved by the Court. It is recommended that any drug court clients or prospective drug court clients wishing to explore the option of private treatment in lieu of the court default program contact ASI for an Assessment. Assessments are performed by appointment only. Any questions or comments regarding this article can be addressed to: Myles B. Schlam, J.D., CAP / CCJAP Advocare Solutions, Inc.- Executive Director (954) 804-6888 • WWW.DRUGCOURTPRO.COM
CONFUSED ABOUT WHICH TREATMENT CENTER IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Choosing a treatment center is an important decision-one that you should not make alone! I can help you with: Placements • Consultation • Case Management Services • Client Advocacy • Court Liaison Services • Interventions • In-Custody Evaluations • Expert Testimony • Alternative Sentencing• Marchman Acts. Call me today for a free consultation.
Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional Individualized Assessments
954-804-6888
Myles B. Schlam J.D., CCJAP CLINICAL TREATMENT COORDINATOR
voirdire34@yahoo.com www.treatmentguy.com
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The Window of Opportunity By Wally P.
I had the pleasure of meeting Wally P. a few years ago. I was so impressed by the work he did with people seeking recovery that I wanted to share his experience and knowledge with my readers. I called Wally and asked if he would like to submit an article. He was more than happy to share what he has written and will also be sharing the 12 steps with us in the next 12 months!
At the second facility, as I started into my scheduled history presentation, a young man in the back of the room raised his hand. I asked if I could help him and he said, “Wally, we are in a lot of pain here today. We don’t know what’s going on, but we do know it is bad. We need some relief. We know you take people through the Steps. Can you take us through the Steps right now?
Wally P. is an archivist, historian and author who, for more than twenty-three years, has been studying the origins and growth of the Twelve-step movement. Wally conducts history presentations and recovery workshops, including “Back to the Basics of Recovery” in which he takes everyone through all Twelve Steps in four, one-hour sessions. He is also the caretaker for the personal archives of Dr. Bob and Anne Smith.
I could have said, “Wait until you get out of treatment. There are Beginner’s Meetings in Kerrville. There you can take the Steps in a month or so.”
On pages 13-14 of the “Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous, we read that Bill W., while in detox at Towns Hospital in New York City, took the Steps in one day, recovered, and never drank again. In the chapter titled, “A Vision for You,” we learn that Dr. Bob relapsed after a couple of weeks on the program because he had not made his amends. He made them in one day and never drank again. Later in this chapter, we find that Bill D. is taken through the steps in a couple of days while in detox at Akron City Hospital. He too never drank again. In the story, “He Sold Himself Short,” Dr. Bob took Earl T. through the Steps in “three or four hours.” The pioneers repeated this simple and straightforward process hundreds of thousands of times during the “early days” with remarkable success. In a talk Bill W. gave in Hollywood, CA in 1951, he said, “Don’t make a project out of working your steps. Go through your day being the sort of person you would like to be, trying to help someone else, and making sure you don’t hurt anyone. And when you get to the end of your day, review the Twelve Steps and you’ll find that you’ve worked them all.” I know there are those who are skeptical that the Steps are simple and meant to be taken quickly and often. At one time, so was I. Then someone pointed out to me that the words used in the “Big Book” to describe taking Steps One through Nine are “next,” “at once,” “immediately,” and “we waste no time.” Recently, a friend told me the reason he takes newcomers through the Steps quickly. He described it in terms of “the window of opportunity.” He explained this “window” something like this: When a newcomer enters the Twelve-step community, whether from a treatment center, detox, or the street, he or she passes through a “window of opportunity”–a time when he or she is most “teachable.” How long does a person remain in this state? In other words, how much time does it take a newcomer to realize the pain he or she is experiencing in recovery is greater than the pain he or she remembers when using? How much time do we have to alleviate this pain? Do we have a year? Absolutely not! Do we have a month? Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t. Do we have a week? For many, that may be pushing it. What if we only have today? What if we assume the newcomer is going to relapse tomorrow (and in many cases this is true). Why not take him or her through the Steps today in order to prevent that relapse tomorrow? I personally experienced this “window of opportunity” on September 11, 2001. I had conducted a seminar in Austin, TX the previous weekend and was to speak at two treatment centers in the Texas foothills that day. I had not seen any television, but over the radio I did hear about the Twin Towers coming down and the Pentagon being attacked.
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Instead, I turned to one of the counselors and asked, “What do you think? He answered my question with one of his own. “How many times have you done this? To which I replied, “This would be the first.” “Then go for it,” he said. I matched everyone up as sharing partners and took them through the first three steps in about 10 minutes. Then I explained the Fourth Step inventory and asked each of them to share with their partners, for the next 10 minutes, what was bothering them. They spread out to do their one-on-one, mini Fifth Steps. I reconvened the group and took them through the next four steps. I then explained the Eleventh Step, had them get quiet for five minutes, and asked them to share what had come to them during their “quiet time.” I finished up with the Twelfth Step question. After the residents acknowledged they would carry this simple message to others, I looked at my watch. I had taken everyone in the room through all Twelve Steps in 52 minutes. How thorough was this “Introduction to the Twelve Steps?” It was thorough enough to demonstrate the simplicity of the process. It was thorough enough to move people out of the problem and into the solution. It was thorough enough to give them the confidence to go through the Steps again and again. Since that monumental day, I have made this “Introduction to the Twelve Steps” hundreds of times at treatment centers, correctional facilities, and recovery workshops and conferences around the world. In 2011, at the request of many members of the recovery community, I released the DVD version of this presentation titled, “Back to Basics-101.” This DVD is for newcomers and old-timers alike. It can be presented in its entirety or divided into three segments. The accompanying CD contains the facilitator guidelines and participant handouts. To learn more about this life-changing DVD, go to www.aabacktobasics.org. Biography Wally P. Lives in Tucson AZ. He is an A.A. archivist and historian. He began his spiritual journey of recovery on October 30, 1988 and had a conversion experience in Dr. Bob’s living room on November 16, 1989, while making a pilgrimage to Akron OH to learn more about the early days of the fellowship. He has been studying the miraculous history of the Twelve-Step movement ever since. In 1992-1993, Wally was elected to the position of Arizona Area Archivist. In 1994-1995, he became a member of the National Archives Study Committee reporting to the General Service Office in New York City. Since 1999, he has provided oversight for and has conducted seminars on the Dr. Bob and Anne Smith Archives, which are on display at Brown University in Providence, RI. Wally conducts archival presentations on “The History of A.A. (A.A.’s Ancestors, The Four Founding Moments from the New York City and Akron, OH perspectives, The Writing of the Big Book, and Early Publicity),” “A.A. in the 1940’s (Why it Worked),” “A.A.’s Unsung Heroes, (Anne Smith—the Mother of Alcoholics Anonymous and Lois Wilson—Cofounder of Al-Anon),” “The History of the Twelve Traditions,” “The Intergroup and Central Offices in the 1940’s,” “ Back to Basics-101: An Introduction to the Twelve Steps,” and “Back to the Basics of Sponsorship.” He also conducts one-day workshops (Back to the Basics of Recovery) during which he takes participants through all Twelve Steps in four, one-hour sessions using Dr. Bob’s “Keep it simple” program of recovery. THE
Back to Basics Basics--101 An introduction to the Twelve Steps of Recovery
During this seventy-five minute DVD, Wally Paton, noted archivist, historian and author, takes you through all Twelve Steps the way they were taken during the early days of the Twelve-Step movement. Experience the miracle of recovery as Wally demonstrates the sheer simplicity and workability of the process that has saved millions of lives throughout the past seventy years. Wally has taken more than 500,000 through the Twelve Steps in his Back to the Basics of Recovery seminars. He has made this “Introduction to the Twelve Steps” presentation hundreds of times at treatment centers, correctional facilities, and recovery workshops and conferences around the world. This is a DVD for newcomers and old-timers alike. You can watch it in its entirety or divide it into three segments: Surrender (Steps 1, 2 and 3); Sharing and Amends (Steps 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9); and Guidance (Steps 10, 11 and 12). The accompanying CD contains twenty-four pages of PDF presentation materials for facilitators and handouts for participants. Here is everything you need to take or take others through the Twelve Steps “quickly and often.” Wally has modified the “Big Book” passages so they are gender neutral and applicable to all addictions and compulsive disorders. In keeping with the Twelve-Step community’s tradition of anonymity, he does not identify himself, or anyone else in this DVD, as a member of any Twelve-Step program. This DVD was recorded at the Public Broadcasting Service television studio in Tucson, AZ using high definition cameras, flat screen graphics, and PowerPoint overlays. It is a state-ofthe-art production that is both instructive and enlightening. “It works—it really does.”
To order this DVD plus CD, please contact: Faith With Works Publishing Company P. O. Box 91648 ~ Tucson, AZ 85752 520-297-9348 ~ www.aabacktobasics.org DVD+CD Price: $79.95 + $11.05 (priority s/h) Total Price: $91.00 To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
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Crossroads Club annual fundraiser
The Sober World is a proud sponsor of the Crossroads Club annual fundraiser. The Crossroads Club is a not-for-profit corporation providing a physically safe, properly maintained meeting facility for 12 –step groups, and to develop and implement programs and seminars that support and enhance the recovery process. 16
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JEWISH RECOVERY CENTER The Jewish Recovery Center offers sober living for all highly motivated Jewish addicts after they have completed at least 90 days of in-patient treatment. There are separate residences for men and women and it offers the necessary support for individuals who are transitioning back into society. The JRC is not a drug treatment facility but it has an extensive referral network with top addiction experts. The JRC is committed to ensure that all Jewish people who need recovery are given the opportunity and resources, as well as guiding family members on their parallel journey. The JRC offers lecture series by world renowned spiritual leaders, spiritual retreats with members of the Jewish community, support groups for parents and alumni, group outings for sports and cultural events and every Friday night, JRC director Rabbi Meir and Frumi Kessler welcome the recovery community to enjoy a Shabbos meal at the Community Center of Chabad in Boca Raton.
• Recovery Therapy, • Holistic Spiritual Therapy, • Life Coaching and more.. Specializing in: co occurring disorders 55 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 306 Delray Beach, FL 33444 ~ 9900 W. Sample Rd, Suite 300 Coral Springs, FL 33065
A New Day Therapeutic Services, LLC Daniel Schimmel LCSW, CAP Phone: 954.547.0788 Fax: 561.900.3344 E-Mail: schimmel34@aol.com Web: anewdaytherapeutic.com
Please call Rabbi Kessler at 561-450-5503 for more information.
A “Quick and Dirty” Alcohol Assessment By Alyssa Fredricks MS/EDS, NCC
The CAGE Questionnaire is a four-item questionnaire that assesses for alcoholism in a male and female adult population, but can also be modified to assess for drug abuse too. Research on the CAGE Questionnaire found that it is a powerful tool for assessing alcohol dependency. The CAGE questionnaire is a “quick and dirty” assessment that is generally administered verbally during a diagnostic interview. CAGE is an acronym for the four questions that are administered. The acronym CAGE stands for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye-opener. (C) Have you or a loved one ever tried to CUT DOWN on your alcohol or drug intake, (A) Have you or a loved one ever been ANNOYED by criticism from others about your alcohol/ drug intake, (G) Have you or a loved one ever felt GUILTY about your drinking behavior, and (E) Do you have a history of drinking in the morning which can be referred to as an EYE OPENER. The clinical rationale for administering the CAGE Questionnaire is to discriminate alcoholics from nonalcoholics and assess if the client may need additional testing for substance abuse. Likewise, by shortening the CAGE Questionnaire to only four questions it is easily administered and accessible. By administering the CAGE Questionnaire verbally, the counselor can also gauge behavioral responses to the questions and ask for clarification if the client gives a “yes response” to any of the questions being administered. The CAGE Questionnaire would be an appropriate assessment tool for male and female adult client who may have a problem with
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alcohol (though the test can be slightly tweaked to assess for other substances), and determine if the client needs further evaluation. Factors that increase success rates of a client’s treatment for substance abuse include matching the treatment setting to the client by conducting a thorough and reliable assessment and diagnosis of the client that also takes into consideration the client’s desires, and needs. Determining the most effective treatment setting is dependent on the client’s needs and severity of their illness. The general rule of thumb in providing the most effective treatment setting is to provide the least restrictive environment that provides optimal services that match the client’s needs. Likewise, a client can move between treatment settings depending on the progress of their treatment. As a practitioner at Angel’s Recovery, we provide free assessments and information to families and individuals struggling with addiction in order to ensure that they are matched in the most effective and successful treatment center for their specific needs. Providing treatment that is catered to the individual maximizes long-term sobriety and positive treatment outcomes. Additionally, by providing care in a less restrictive environment, clients are more likely to learn how to make sobriety a lifestyle and end the cycle of addiction. For more information about Angel’s Recovery, please see our advertisement in the latest issue of The Sober World.
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DETACHMENT... WITH LOVE I wanted to share this article that the Parents Support Group in New Jersey was kind enough to allow us to print in The Sober World. Detachment means separating the personality you love from the disease you despise. It means accepting the afflicted one unconditionally as an individual of worth and dignity, while steadfastly rejecting the destructive influences of alcoholism on yourself and on the family members in your care. Detachment means caring enough to relinquish your fantasies and fictions to accept the full reality of the alcoholic condition, and the reality of your-self as well. Detachment means forswearing anger, resentment, fear, recrimination, self-justification ,false pride, self-condemnation and self-pity, so that decisions can be made and actions taken dispassionately, in loving wisdom and with calm resolve. Detachment is a course of constructive independence, not a license for retaliatory self-indulgence. It is an assertion of your human rights, not a usurpation of those of the alcoholic. It is a tool for serenity, not a weapon for retribution. Detachment means being • objective, not indifferent, • flexible, but not indecisive, • firm, but not hard, • wise, but not clever, • patient, but not resigned, • strong, but not overbearing, • resolute, but not stubborn, • compassionate, but not indulgent, Detachment is profound love, wrapped in understanding and bound by courage, helping you to live with serenity and fulfillment in the environment, and in constant readiness for the alcoholic’s decision for sobriety...even without its expectation. 18
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Out-Patient • Intensive Out-patient • Day/Night Substance Abuse Treatment
Toll free (855) TRN-1212, phone (561) 822-3620 fax (561) 318-8136 www.totalrecoverynow.com To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943
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