Nov15 issue by The Sober World,LLC

TIME TO BALANCE OUT YOUR WORLD. A different way to treat people. We aim to provide the highest quality treatment for each and every individual that will enable them to maintain long term sobriety, giving them the time to face the world again.

Call Us Today! 877.659.4555 soberlivingoutpatient.com

www.thesoberworld.com

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Readers, I welcome you to The Sober World magazine. The Sober World is an informative award winning national magazine that’s designed to help parents and families who have loved ones struggling with addiction. We are a FREE printed publication, as well as an online e-magazine reaching people globally in their search for information about Drug and Alcohol Abuse. We directly mail our printed magazine each month to whoever has been arrested for drugs or alcohol in Palm Beach County as well as distributing locally to the schools, colleges, drug court, coffee houses, meeting halls, doctor offices and more throughout Palm Beach and Broward County. We also directly mail to treatment centers throughout the country and have a presence at conferences nationally. Our monthly magazine is available for free on our website at www.thesoberworld.com. If you would like to receive an E-version monthly of the magazine, please send your e-mail address to patricia@thesoberworld.com Drug addiction has reached epidemic proportions throughout the country and is steadily increasing. It is being described as “the biggest manmade epidemic” in the United States. More people are dying from drug overdoses than from any other cause of injury death, including traffic accidents, falls or guns. Many Petty thefts are drug related, as the addicts need for drugs causes them to take desperate measures in order to have the ability to buy their drugs. The availability of prescription narcotics is overwhelming; as parents our hands are tied. Purdue Pharma, the company that manufactures Oxycontin generated $3.1 BILLION in revenue in 2010? Scary isn’t it? Addiction is a disease but there is a terrible stigma attached to it. 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 through an arrest, getting thrown out of school 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 one’s life. They are more apt to listen to you now than 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 Interventionists who will hold an intervention and try to convince your loved one that they need help. There are detox centers that provide medical supervision to help them through the withdrawal process,

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

There are Transport Services that will scoop up your resistant loved one (under the age of 18 yrs. old) and bring them to the facility you have chosen. There are long term Residential Programs (sometimes a year and longer) as well as short term programs (30-90 days), there are Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Wilderness programs, Extended Living and there are Sober Living Housing where they can work, go to meetings and be accountable for staying clean. 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 as an alternative to 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. 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. 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 honors 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 was 7 months clean when he relapsed and died of a drug overdose. I hope this magazine helps you find the right treatment for your loved one. They have a disease and like all diseases, you try to find the best care suited for their needs. They need help. Deaths from prescription drug overdose have been called the “silent epidemic” for years. There is approximately one American dying every 17 minutes from an accidental prescription drug overdose. Please don’t allow your loved one to become a statistic. I hope you have found this magazine helpful. You may also visit us on the web at www.thesoberworld.com. The Sober World wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving We are on Face Book at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sober- World/445857548800036 or www.facebook.com/steven.soberworld, Twitter at www.twitter.com/thesoberworld, and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=6694001 Sincerely,

Patricia

Publisher Patricia@TheSoberWorld.com For Advertising opportunities in our magazine, on our website or to submit articles, please contact Patricia at 561-910-1943 or patricia@thesoberworld.com. 3

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 (USA) 800-736-9805 (LOCAL) 561-236-8183 CENTER FOR GROUP COUNSELING 561-483-5300 WWW.GROUPCOUNSELING.ORG CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS 561-364-5205 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 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 and 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 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.serenityhousedetox.com WWW.1800RUNAWAY.ORG NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) WWW.SUICIDOLOGY.ORG ONLINE MEETING FOR MARIJUANA WWW.MA-ONLINE.ORG OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS- BROWARD COUNTY WWW.GOLDCOAST.OAGROUPS.ORG OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS- PALM BEACH COUNTY WWW.OAPALMBEACHFL.ORG RUTH RALES JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES 561-852-3333 WWW.RUTHRALESJFS.ORG WOMEN IN DISTRESS 954-761-1133 PALM BEACH COUNTY MEETING HALLS

Imagine your life

without

addiction When you call Serenity House you can expect to find the help you need. All of us here at Serenity House understand the difficulties of detoxing and are here to support and encourage you with tenderness, offering the understanding and compassion you need, in a comfortable environment where you can maintain your dignity and get the help you deserve.

CENTRAL HOUSE 2170 W ATLANTIC AVE. SW CORNER OF ATLANTIC & CONGRESS CLUB OASIS 561-694-1949 CROSSROADS 561-278-8004 WWW.THECROSSROADSCLUB.COM EASY DOES IT 561-433-9971 LAMBDA NORTH CLUBHOUSE WWW.LAMBDANORTH.ORG THE MEETING PLACE 561-255-9866 WWW.THEMEETINGPLACEINC.COM THE TRIANGLE CLUB 561-832-1110 WWW.THETRIANGLECLUBWPB.COM BROWARD COUNTY MEETING HALLS 12 STEP HOUSE 954-523-4984 205 SW 23RD STREET 101 CLUB 700 SW 10TH DRIVE & DIXIE HWY LAMBDA SOUTH CLUB 954-761-9072 WWW.LAMBDASOUTH.COM POMPANO BEACH GROUP SW CORNER OF SE 2ND & FEDERAL HWY PRIDE CENTER 954-463-9005 WWW.PRIDECENTERFLORIDA.ORG WEST BROWARD CLUB 954-476-8290 WWW.WESTBROWARDCLUB.ORG

NEW LOCATION

in West Palm Beach coming this summer 24 Hour Admissions Call Toll Free:

888.960.7798

NOW HIRING

Please send resumes to hr@serenityhousedetox.com www.thesoberworld.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA By Paul D. Alleva, MSW

There have been many articles written on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma which involve symptoms associated with events such as rape, violence and murder, but rarely do we hear or talk about the psychological or emotional trauma that is experienced by a large portion of patients admitted to mental health and addiction recovery centers. Emotional trauma affects everyone: adults, teens and children. It is perceived as chronic verbal abuse, creating feelings of shame, humiliation, self- doubt and manifesting into symptoms and traits of low self- esteem that are often debilitating and hinder the abused person’s ability to function successfully in everyday life. Often times the abused person doesn’t even realize or have a full understanding of the implications and impact that the abuse has had on their lives (I often call it the silent psychological killer). I am a trauma therapist and the owner of two substance abuse and mental health recovery centers in Delray Beach, Florida and I have seen the effects that emotional trauma has had on my patients. More than ninety percent struggle with emotional trauma. This is a staggering number, and it seems to have become the norm rather than the exception. Emotional abuse halts personal growth and throws up a road block with every situation, circumstance and choice that life presents us with. However, once we become aware of something, we have the power to change it. Awareness most typically happens when we see or hear others doing something in a different way than we are used to, allowing it to dawn on us that we can change something. But this is also something that we abused people need to understand that is not in our control, however, the way we choose to use it- is in our control. Understand that at a certain point in our lives, usually the moment we realize we are in charge of our own life, we give up the excuse of playing the victim, and are responsible for the choices we make. Blaming others at this time is obsolete, it’s just an excuse. Unfortunately, we become so comfortable playing the victim that it’s easier to blame others than to take responsibility for our own lives. Most of us do this automatically especially when the abuse lasted over multiple years. Living in that kind of vibrational pattern (constantly living under duress and being told that you are less than) gets wrapped into the fabric of our behaviors; it filters into our DNA and puts a strangle hold on it while poisoning the cells in our body with a thick gunk of negative smoke producing an unhealthy and unclean feeling. But we can choose to bring light to the abuse by having compassion for the abuser, as abuse is typically passed on from generation to generation, with a realization that the abuse was not and in no way the truth, it was simply just a reaction of an ignorant behavior. Releasing this saturation of negative energy that has built up in our bodies is the first step to clearing the mind to make better rational decisions. Energy healing practices such as yoga, meditation, core energetics, neuro-vibrational beds and devices, listening to healing music (No, it doesn’t have to be the typical meditation guru music, but change the station a bit. Add some new music themes and genres that you’ve always listened to but be open minded and learn to appreciate different art forms as this leads to enrichment of the soul), healthy diet, exercise, following principles and practices that bring peace of mind, and of course a little clinical hypnosis with Spiritual Growth Therapy (SGT) helps too. When someone experiences trauma or a traumatic event, the emotion of the event is not processed correctly, getting stuck in one part of the brain. The way human beings process information is from one side of the brain to the next, allowing all the information associated with that event to be stored in the subconscious for later use. However, when the emotion gets stuck like that, and the mind is triggered by anything associated with that event, the mind reacts as if the event is happening again and reacts accordingly (anxiety,

depression, fear, frustration, in a heightened sense). In actuality, the event is not happening, confusing the mind to the point where we seek to cope with what is happening. Many times these coping skills are negative manifestations of the emotional abuse (example: an addict will either use drugs to boost self-confidence to make up for the abuse, or drugs that make the emotion go away, dissipating it to the point where it doesn’t exist. Both lead to the outcome and withdrawal of severe shame and low self-confidence). Hypnotherapy works by helping the brain process the emotional circumstances related to the abuse which get stuck in part of the brain, therefore disconnecting the emotion from the abuse and allowing the mind to think clearly, reasonably, and rationally about the abuse without the negative coping skills (addiction, cutting, self-injury, eating disorders, low self-confidence) that had been associated with the abuse. The protocols of SGT teach and guide patients towards a path where the ability to self-heal is manifested into reality through practices explained in the book Spiritual Growth for the New Millennium. The point is to teach the brain, both the conscious brain and the subconscious brain, how to cope positively and successfully with current circumstances, choices, and decisions without the distractions of the past. Remember, the battle between the brain and the spirit is won through the heart. Exercises such as Decompression teaches mindfulness and helps keep people in the here and now; transformation and manifestation brings the person closer to their hearts desire while wrapping themselves in a peaceful and kind thought process. Purpose connects the person to their heart- strengthening self-confidence. The goal is to produce truly free and peaceful human beings. The way we treat each other, especially our children, is paramount to the survival of the human race. What children need is encouragement, positive loving kind attention and strong intellectual stimulation (we want them to be smarter and more worldly than ourselves). This is how we make good human beings and give the world a peaceful future. Life is what you make of it and if you find it unsatisfying that is on you, not your children. Be an inspiration, not a negative force. Paul is the founding owner of Lifescape Solutions and Evolve Mental Health which he opened in December of 2011, based on a new model of healing and psychotherapy called Spiritual Growth Therapy. His newest book, Let Your Soul Evolve: Spiritual Growth for the New Millennium 2nd edition describes the model. www.SpiritualGrowthTherapy.com

www.thesoberworld.com

spiritual growth

therapy.com

A New Way of Thinking

Spiritual Growth Therapy (SGT) is a therapeutic way of living that incorporates spirituality into everyday life. Thinking and making decisions from a foundation of love and connection and with a future purpose that finds love and comes from the heart. Promoting individuality with a community driven connection that benefits and prospers all involved is the goal behind spiritual growth. Our devotion is to all individuals who need that extra help. We’ve created a spiritual paradigm to heal people suffering from substance abuse and mental health symptoms within our licensed treatment centers.

Visit our blog for intriguing articles on current events, philosophy, and spiritual growth!

www.SpiritualGrowthTherapy.com

CALL NOW! 844-305-4357

Medication & Comfort Equal The Perfect Detox.

888-443-3869 Lake Worth, FL • Orlando, FL • Ft Lauderdale, FL Toms River, NJ • Stirling, NJ • Cherry Hill, NJ • Alpharetta, GA

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? BOUNDARIES AND RELATIONSHIPS By Dr. Louise Stanger, ED.D, LCSW, CIP

Before they were famous, Ike and Tina Turner performed at the first prom I ever went to some 52 years ago. Their hit song, “What’s Love Got to do with it?” permeated my young being as I pondered to myself -- but surely, isn’t everything driven in the name of love? I was idealistic and still immune to the lure of carnal passions; the concept of lust was yet foreign to my heart and body. This silent boundary was still in place; not for much longer, but still there, a psycho-spiritual border crossing. Every young parent I talk to today wants to be friends with their children. I shudder as I think what a disservice we have done to ours. In our zeal to give them everything that we didn’t have, we have created a group that holds us hostage in their constant need for instant gratification and whose emotional default demand is to swim in an endless sea of “yes.” Gone are the days where using ones’ imagination reigned free, and a simple cardboard box and crayons metamorphosis into daytime pleasure. I fondly remember old socks made into puppets creating endless hours of riveting (we thought!) drama with our audiences being asked to watch performances that danced on living room stages. Perpetually winking at us with their teasing neon message-received lights, grabbing and commanding our children’s’ undivided attention is technology that lulls them into otherworldliness and non-communication. Their little hands deftly tap into the wonder of the digital world and when a seven year old must teach an oldster like me how to change my ringtone or create an Instagram and Twitter account, we know we have entered foreign terrain. What does that do to relationships? How do we teach our young to speak and not text across a room, to look another in the eye and to hear the simple sounds of everyday life? What holds us hostage as our loved ones lose themselves in a drug laden sea of chemical Forget-Me-Nots? Noted child development specialist, Joe Newman talks about the compassionate art of Raising Lions. He advocates setting consistent healthy limits or boundaries as the key to success. Simply put, a boundary is an interaction with another and signifies the separation of one from another. It also signifies what is acceptable behavior in social discourse. If that is a boundary then relationships are the interactions we have with others, friends, family, children, work and love. In my work as a clinician who specializes in substance abuse and mental health, I too often come across youngsters and oldsters who have had no boundaries, or ones with the resistance of rubber bands. They have long held their loved ones hostage in the name of love. I have met many a family member who was afraid to speak except with their checkbook and who in the name of love let their loved one run roughshod over them with endless nonsensical and ultimately hurtful demands. I have had clients whose mothers are still making peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches for 34-year-olds, doing their laundry and not requiring them to work. And we have fathers who are afraid to set limits, putting daughters up in fancy hotels which serve Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in methamphetamine rooms. We have loved ones who are afraid to say “no” to their spouses, as they fear their wrath, the loss of an idealized version of marriage, withholding of income and subsequent disintegration status. I have had estate attorneys and business managers held captive, as they are afraid of losing their almostfamous client. I have seen aging parents 88 years old who want to save their 62-year-old son or daughter who has failed to launch in life on multiple and crippling levels. All in the name of love. Love, love, love -- the stuff of which songs are sung, sonnets are written and tapestries are woven in smitten celebration. Love is the amorous adhesive that binds us to one another and in its most elemental stages mimic’s addiction. In its first stages our brains experience an increase in dopamine and decrease in serotonin, so our mood, like that of the addicted brain, is highly unstable. Just stop and think for a moment about your first love. Heart beating fast,

pulse racing, palms all sweaty and the rest of the world irrelevant, shut out. Surely this must be that type of love that stops us from saying no? Or do we use the excuse of love to make poor decisions when it comes to our loved ones? Are we truly afraid they will never speak to us again, cry uncontrollably and throw a three years old temper tantrum if we dare to utter a “no”? As the great Dr Martin Luther King once said, “We Shall Overcome!” and you too can overcome the endless sleepless nights, the GPS tracking of cell phones (remember -- you did not grow up to be a detective or to continually play Where’s Waldo?), the baited breath waiting for that overdosed, under-conscious phone to ring and starting and finishing everyone’s sentences and the endless employment of the royal enmeshed We. You no longer have to consider handcuffing your loved one, mortgaging your home or thinking that a medical marijuana card is indeed surely the answer to your loved one’s dilemma. You no longer have to make up false stories in your head about where your loved one is: “Oh, he’s on sabbatical from school, he’s finding himself in the jungles of South America,” or “That silence must mean he’s touring the country in search of the perfect rock band.” You no longer have to run down Anguish Alley or Pity Path. While you may in the name of love have lived on Nagged Road, RagedAt-Parkway or Enmeshed Avenue those can be tossed aside for Boundary Lane. Think about this, as a friend and ally I urge and encourage you -- in what ways have you pleaded, nagged, yelled, scolded or otherwise tried to control an uncontrollable situation? I have met many a parent or spouse, brother or sister who has lost their way in their worries about their loved one. They have forgotten their hopes and dreams and locked them in a trunk waiting until their loved one improves. When I think about my own life, I realize I was a mother, a daughter, a wife, a friend and a social worker who could have told you in Judith Vorst’s terms; I was a no good, very bad person, as there was nothing I could do to help my loved ones. Standing on my head, robbing a bank, taking back all the bad things that happened, taking the bullet- I was in short, totally, absolutely, powerless. Today I ask you to think about this first, what is special about yourself? Then stop and reflect on what is special about your loved one? Tell me what makes your heart jump with joy about your loved one. Was she your first born? Do you remember when he learned how to tie his shoes and put those chubby arms around you with a big hug; or his first Little League game; or her first birthday party? Look in your heart and consciously reconnect with the experiences that make your memory smile. Continued on page 46

www.thesoberworld.com

Our core residential treatment program

Three Strands is a comprehensive, non-denomi-

This uniquely engaging program is designed

empowers you to develop the knowledge,

national faith-centered program. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll participate

for young adults ages 18 to 25 who are at

motivation and skills needed for lifelong recovery.

in intensive therapy, Christian support groups,

high risk of relapse. Using innovative ap-

With a combination of intensive therapy, attention

worship at local churches, and relapse prevention

proaches, we help young people maintain

to past trauma, education about triggers and de-

planning, among other approaches. We provide

their recovery through hands-on skill-building

velopment of coping skills, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be prepared to

the tools you need to rebuild your life, within the

and intensive relapse prevention.

face recovery challenges head on.

embrace of a faith-based, accepting community.

A Fam ily M e m be r of E le m e n ts Be h a vior a l H e a lth

Recovery Place ad Sober World MagaIne .5 page colorscape.indd 1

To Advertise, 561-910-1943 Recovery Place adCall Sober World MagaIne .5 page colorscape.indd

4/15/2015 4:02:27 PM

4/15/2015 4:02:28 PM

ESCAPING OR ACCEPTING? By Joseph A. Troncale, MD, FASAM

As far as I’m aware, there has been no time in history when the human race has had the majority of human beings attempting to accept their feelings rather than attempting to escape them. Escape is a natural way of avoiding pain and unpleasantness. This technique works for short term relief, but it impedes the individual from working through events and feelings. Often leading to emptiness at best, and guilt or shame at worst. It is my belief that escape is at the heart of all addiction. Brene Brown in her book Daring Greatly, points out that shame and guilt are fostered by our attempts to escape our feelings. She identifies three primary ways of escaping feelings, and I suspect there are quite a number more, but for purposes of this article, I will stick to her paradigm. Escape mechanism number one is the set of behaviors I see in patients such as drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, sex or gambling addiction etc. Engaging in mind-altering or body-numbing behaviors tends to take one out of reality and suspend time, so that life seems better in the short run. The second escape is perfectionism. On the surface, perfectionism doesn’t sound like escaping, but in fact, we all know the phrase “Nobody’s perfect.” So if that is true, then perfectionism by definition, is a set up for failure. Trying to control everything with perfectionism is another short term escape. In the end, the imperfection that is predestined leads to shame and guilt because one is never able to achieve what one believes one “must” do. We see so many patients that have the bar set so very high that failure is unavoidable, and yet it is taken personally. The third mechanism is what Brown calls “waiting for the other shoe to drop.” How many people, when things are going well, cannot enjoy the moment because “it can’t last.” Being “too good

to be true” is the escape that allows people to suffer in the face of prosperity and good times. Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is an evolution of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) attempts to teach us to stay in the moment (so as to deal with whatever is in front of us) move towards our values (as opposed to moving toward suffering). When we actually apply our values to our lives, we achieve happiness. At the heart of escape is the feeling of self-invalidation. As crazy as it may sound, there is no difference between the treatment of chronic pain and chronic addiction because they both stem from the feeling of a need to escape. It is important to help individuals recognize that the disease of addiction carries with it the voice of shame and invalidation. When that voice is speaking, there seems to be only one way out. What we are trying to instill in our patients is for them to be nice to themselves first. Self-care, proper eating, good sleep, having a job they enjoy, doing things with free time that is meaningful, honest and having open relationships all contribute to this. The disease of addiction is powerful, but addiction is not more powerful than living one’s values through self-validation, honesty and love. Joseph Troncale, MD is Retreat’s Medical Director. Over the past 35 years Dr. Troncale has established himself as one of the premier physicians working in the field of addiction. He is both a fellow and a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and was named Outstanding Clinician by Addiction Magazine in 2010. He has publications in journals such as The Journal of Addictive Diseases and other peerreviewed journals.

www.thesoberworld.com

GET HELP TODAY! DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WAIT! If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, call us immediately!

The journey begins after Detoxâ&#x20AC;Ś DCF Licensed for the following services: Partial Hospitalization (PHP) Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Outpatient (OP)

Way Beyond Detox offers over 20 types of therapy to help clients. Please visit our website to learn more about these programs along with additional information on our organization. Call Today!

Way Beyond Detox will ensure you or your loved one is in good hands. We specialize in dual diagnosis clientele. With our top notch diverse therapists and excellent medical staff, we make sure individuals suffering from addiction get the attention and help they deserve. Way Beyond Detox only works with the best Detox centers in South Florida. All centers that we partner with are internationally accredited and go that extra mile to ensure the client leaves their care and enters ours in the most comfortable fashion possible. Way Beyond Detox believes where you sleep at night and spend your weekends are very important in Recovery. Way Beyond offers properties from single family homes to apartment style living all with trained 24/7 supervision.

1 844 WAY BEYOND (929-2396) WAY BEYOND DETOX, LLC. 6415 LAKE WORTH RD. GREENACRES, FL. 33463 P 561.327.6977 F 1.888.463.3113 WWW.WAYBEYONDDETOX.COM

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

THE TRUTH ABOUT ADDICTION TREATMENT By John Giordano, DHL, MAC, CAP

Addiction is a chronic, incurable, life-threatening illness that can be managed. We have learned more on the subject of addiction in the last thirty-years than all prior accumulative knowledge. We now know that addiction is hardwired to our brain’s reward circuitry which is influenced by genetics and environment. Addiction is a hiccup in the way the brain’s ‘happy chemical’ messenger, dopamine, communicates the ‘all is well in the world’ memo to the rest of the reward center in our brain. These people suffer from a condition described in the SAGE Encyclopedia of Abnormal Psychology as Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). They do not feel the rewards from everyday life; nor do they feel calm or at ease. Therefore, addicts who do not receive dopamine’s ‘all is well in the world’ memo, search out ways to stimulate dopamine pathways in the brain, whether it be drugs or risky behavior, that will improve their dopamine function so they can feel at ease. Perhaps one of the most astounding facts regarding addiction treatment that – in my opinion – contributes greatly to the high recidivism rates in addicts is that there are no national treatment standards to assure quality care. Addiction treatment is the only field in medicine without treatment standards. In the United States alone there are approximately 14,500 clinics and programs dedicated to providing treatment for Reward Deficiency Syndrome. A Google search ranked the top ten addiction treatment programs in America in 2015 [1]. A review of their information revealed that only one cited ASAM guidelines as their evidence–based approach, but at least six of the ten relied on the 12-steps (an 80 year old program) as an important aspect of their aftercare policy. None of the top ten programs listed provided any inference for evidence- or neuroscience-based approaches to healing the brain. If we are to have effective addiction treatment, we believe the huge gap between science and practice must be closed. Additionally, I question the efficacy of 30 day addiction treatment paradigm. In a recently published study, researchers found that “Brain dysfunction associated with heroin addiction is sustained even after at least 3 years of abstinence, according to the first brain imaging study to evaluate long-term outcomes of former addicts.” [2] Although there is no scientific evidence at this time to support the speculation that other opiates/opioids, including the FDA approved MAT drugs, have the same shelf-life; it is reasonable to suggest they share similar long-term affects on the brain. These facts clearly demonstrate the need for longer residential treatment combined with long-term aftercare. Certainly expectations need to be adjusted to conform with reality. The best example of effective addiction treatment is the Physicians Heath Program (PHP). The program is a minimum of 90 days that can extend to 180 days of residential treatment and followed up with long-term comprehensive aftercare. Quoting a study titled: ‘Setting the Standard for Recovery: Physicians’ Health Programs;’ researchers reported ‘Remarkably, 78% of participants had no positive test for either alcohol or drugs over the 5-year period of intensive monitoring. At post-treatment follow-up 72% of the physicians were continuing to practice medicine’ [3]. The PHP program is abstinence-based. The physicians in the program were subject to frequent random tests typically lasting for 5 years. Failing a test led to swift and significant consequences including the possibility of losing their license to practice medicine. There are some who will say that the program is cohesive, yet there is no arguing with the results. I am also concerned about the use of toxic FDA approved MAT drugs in long-term (1 year or more) treatment. A number of these drugs work by blocking brain receptors and may even induce down regulation of dopamine. Moreover, there is even evidence of suicide with these drugs and in a number of cases severe withdrawals, if not adequately tapered. While I accept FDA approved MAT drugs as a short-term therapy and good idea to attach to other holistic

approaches, we cannot stand behind long-term utilization of dopamine blockade. In the latest breakthrough study – conducted by lead author Dr Kenneth Blum, co-discoverer of the first known addiction gene, and included world renowned scientists and researchers including John Giordano – involving laboratory testing on rats – whose brains are strikingly similar to the human brain – the amino acid nutraceutical KB220Z – a non-toxic, non-addictive or habit-forming amino acid nutraceutical made from things found in nature – demonstrated a significant improvement to resting state functional connectivity across the brain’s reward circuitry. ‘Resting state functional connectivity” is the gold standard among scientists and researchers. KB220Z seemed to effectively restore dopaminergic functionality, or “dopaminergic homeostasis,” in the brain reward circuitry. This means that messengers like dopamine can communicate their message – in this case calm and wellbeing – through neural pathways in the reward center with greater ease compared to previous difficulties – and perhaps for the first time reach its final destination. Additionally, this study showed that KB220Z increased brain volume recruitment (connectivity volume) referred to as neuroplasticity. This is noteworthy because this amino acid nutraceutical causes greater activity in key regions of the brain that control relapse, cravings and cognition – all critical elements that support a healthy and enduring recovery. This same effect in the rat was also shown in abstinent heroin addicts. KB220Z is unlike the FDA approved MAT drugs in that it has little to no known undesirable side-effects. Treatment facilities are using this nutraceutical to detoxify heroin addicts to great success [4]. Ibogaine – extracted from the root of the Iboga shrub found in West Equatorial Africa – also presents a natural option to the toxic drugs used in detoxification. There are some who claim its efficacy is superior to the drugs used today. Ibogaine – a naturally occurring psychoactive substance – is used in its native country where it is known as “Holy Wood” and has been central to indigenous spiritual, divinatory and diagnostic practices for thousands of years. In the United States, Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance along with other psychedelics. However, it remains unregulated and unlicensed in most other countries. Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, and New Zealand have taken the lead in using Ibogaine in detoxification and the treatment of addiction to a great extent and continued success. American and European addict self-help groups claim that ibogaine promotes long-term drug abstinence from addictive substances, including psychostimulants and opiates. In a study published fifteen-years ago in the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Mash (et al.) stated: We report here that ibogaine significantly decreased craving for cocaine and heroin during inpatient detoxification. Self-reports of depressive symptoms were also significantly lower after ibogaine treatment and at 30 days after program discharge. Because ibogaine is cleared rapidly from Continued on page 42

www.thesoberworld.com

YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU The Shores Treatment & Recovery provides

highly individualized treatment plans for both men & women. Our integrated holistic &

medical methods of care foster healing for mind, body & spirit, all in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Beachfront MenĘźs Housing Substance Abuse Treatment Mental Health Treatment Residential & Outpatient Support Faith-based & 12-Step Options Strong Recovery Community Alumni Support Nutrition & Physical Wellness Massage Therapy Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Thank y o reaching u for One pho out for help everyth ne call chan . ged ing. -Your fu

ture sel f

We Are Here For You

772.800.3990 TheShoresRecovery.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

ON THE LEDGE: SURVIVING EVERY PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE By Joan E. Childs, LCSW

Why am I writing about this issue? It’s so hard to lose a loved one, but the loss of a loved one due to suicide is perhaps the most unbearable loss of all. The only thing worse, is to lose a child through suicide. In my book, WHY DID SHE JUMP? My Daughter’s Battle with Bipolar Disorder, I speak of my daughter’s death as an involuntary decision caused by her BiPolar I Disorder. I believe that her executioner was her illness. However, in spite of her mind having been invaded and convoluted by this hideous interminable illness, she did in fact plunge to her death from a 15- story apartment. As much as I would prefer to define and blame her death as a psychotic, delusional demand perpetrated by the mental disorder she suffered from for so many years, I must conclude that it took her life in the form of suicide. She is not the first to die in this manner, and will not be the last. Losing a child is unnatural. Committing suicide is an act against nature. The preservation of life is the strongest will of all in human behavior. To live and maintain life is part of our human consciousness. Therefore, when such an act is committed, it defies human understanding. In most religions of the world, it is considered a sin, a crime against God and forbidden. The individual has to either believe there is no other solution, or holds the belief that life will be better after death. Those who suffer from Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder I and other psychotic mental disorders, such as Schizophrenia are more prone to suicide. They either feel hopeless, desperate or are irrational in their belief system. In many cases, patients who do not maintain their medication as prescribed, often lose reality and respond to the will of their disease. It is imperative that patients do not discontinue medication without discussing the decision with their doctor. Adolescents who are depressed often take a temporary condition and solve it with a permanent solution. According to the National Mental Health Association, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States and the 10th or 11th cause of death for young people aged 15-24. More years of life are lost to suicide than to any other single cause except heart disease and cancer. There are more suicides than homicides. Thirty thousand Americans commit suicide annually: an additional 500,000 Americans attempt suicide annually. The actual ratio of attempts to completed suicides is probably at lease 10-1. Thirty to forty percent of persons who commit suicide have made a previous attempt. The risk of completed suicide is more than 100 times greater than average in the first year after an attempt – 80 times greater for women, 200 times greater for men, 200 times greater for people over 45, and 300 times greater for white men over 65. Suicide rates are highest in old age: 20% of the population and 40% of suicide victims are over 60. After age 75, the rate is 3 times higher than average, and among white men over 80, it is six times higher than average. Substance abuse is another great instigator of suicide; it may be a determining factor in half of all cases. About 20% of suicides are alcohol abusers, and the lifetime rate of suicide among alcoholics is at least three or four times the average. Completed suicides are more likely to be men over 45 who are depressed or alcoholic. Suicide took the lives of approximately 35,000 Americans last year. In my book I deal with the grief, loss and guilt parents suffer from losing a child to suicide. I speak about our sub-standard health system that can’t support our loved ones and provide them with the standard of care they need. The sad truth is that our country deprives our children of the professional help that is necessary in order for them to get well and function in society. As a result we are subjected to violence and murderous rage perpetuated by poor gun control laws and a lack of care for the mentally ill. It is not the guns that kill our citizens; it’s the people pulling the trigger that have no right to be gun owners.

I speak of the anguish, the heartache, the feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness parents sustain. I share my own story in hopes that others who struggle with my tragedy can learn from my experience; not just as a mother but as a professional as well. Now my mission is to help people survive every parent’s worst nightmare. I want to speak on this subject so others who struggle as I have, can feel the courage, hope and healing that will come if they make the conscious choice to be a survivor and not a victim. I see hundreds of parents who cry out for help. Hundreds, who can’t shake the blame and guilt for feeling like they should have been able to do something. The “what if’s” that are perseverated a hundred times a day and the mental replays of seeing the way their children took their lives. Some never survive the grief. Some can’t bear to let go fearing they are abandoning their child’s memory. That was not going to happen to me. I made the choice for my four other children, my patients and my life. I wrote as a catharsis. Grievers are nocturnal, so I wrote every night for seven years. I was compelled to go to the computer. I never thought I was writing a book. I was just pouring my heart out to the computer and at the end of seven years I realized I had a book that could help others who shared my experience. Time was my best friend. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of my daughter. But there is healing. There is recovery. Choose to be a survivor; not a victim. (*See National Mental Health Association Fact Sheet: Suicide) WARNING SIGNS The Mental Health Association gives the following warning signs. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that the person is suicidal, but may signal a need for help: • Verbal suicide threats such as, “You would be better off without me,” or “maybe I won’t be around.” • Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness. • Previous suicide attempt. • Daring or risk-taking behavior. • Personality changes. • Depression. • Giving away prized possessions. • Lack of interest in future plans. • Inability to function. • Loss of interest in life. WHAT TO DO If you have reason to suspect that someone is depressed, irrational, or severely dysfunctional, you can assume that they may be vulnerable to committing suicide even if they deny such a thought. Continued on page 46

www.thesoberworld.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

DOUBLE TROUBLE IN RECOVERY: 12-STEP SUPPORT FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADDICTION By David Susman, PhD

If you ask anyone dealing with a substance use problem what “AA” means, they will immediately say “Alcoholics Anonymous.” Established in the 1930’s, AA is a well-known, effective peer-run approach used to help people in recovery from alcoholism. Several dozen offshoots of AA have been developed over the years which use the same “12-step model,” including NA (Narcotics Anonymous), OA (Overeaters Anonymous), CA (Cocaine Anonymous), GA (Gamblers Anonymous), EA (Emotions Anonymous) and WA (Workaholics Anonymous), just to name a few. One of the more recent spin-offs of the AA-based approach is “Double Trouble in Recovery,” or DTR. Let’s review a few of the frequently asked questions about DTR. What is DTR? DTR was established in 1989 to provide a welcoming, 12-step group environment for individuals who are “dually diagnosed” with both a mental illness and a substance use problem. Hence, the term “double trouble” recognizes difficulties in both of these areas. More than seven million U.S. adults reported having both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2013. Are the 12 steps in DTR the same as the AA 12 steps? Yes, with two slight changes. The language of Step 1 in DTR says “we admitted we were powerless over our mental disorders and substance abuse” and Step 12 in DTR says “we tried to carry this message to other dually diagnosed people.” Apart from these changes, the DTR 12 steps are identical to the AA 12 steps. Does DTR follow the 12 Traditions of AA? Yes, but there are two minor differences. In Tradition #3 of DTR, it says “The only requirement for DTR membership is a desire to stop drinking and drugging, and to work on one’s mental health.” Also, DTR uses the term “dually diagnosed person” in place of “alcoholic” in Tradition #5. Are DTR meetings similar to AA meetings? Yes, DTR meetings are very similar to AA meetings. They typically include a welcome, a moment of silence, reading of DTR principles, group member introductions, a guest speaker, sharing of experiences, and a closing (often using the Serenity Prayer). What group guidelines does DTR use? • Alcohol, nonprescription drugs, or drug paraphernalia are not allowed in DTR meetings. • DTR group members who have used alcohol or nonprescription drugs in the past 24 hours are asked to refrain from sharing during the second part of the meeting. • DTR, like other 12-step meetings, is an anonymous program. What takes place in the meeting “stays in the room” after the meeting. • The names of DTR group members and what they said or did during the meeting remains confidential. • DTR members are asked to limit their comments during the sharing time to five minutes. Does DTR use sponsors like AA? In AA, a sponsor is traditionally defined as a person who has made some progress in their own recovery program who volunteers to share their experience on a regular, individual basis to encourage and support another person in the program who is attempting to attain or maintain sobriety. Similarly, DTR values and encourages the use of sponsors to help others manage their mental illness and addiction. What does DTR say about the use of psychiatric medications? The DTR approach recognizes and supports the appropriate use of psychiatric medications in the treatment of mental illness. This

is in contrast to some previous 12-step approaches which have given either direct or indirect messages to members that those in recovery from addiction should not take any medication. This attitude against the use of medications was due to the potential for addiction from some types of prescription medication, including certain pain medications and some medicines used to treat anxiety. However, for someone with a serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, etc.), this antimedication message was too extreme, for without medication, such illnesses cannot be adequately treated and stabilized. What does DTR not do? DTR is clear in saying it does not: • Provide treatment other than the mutual support from members. • Make psychiatric diagnoses or dispense medication. • Take attendance, keep records, or do case management. • Provide advice, advocacy, or training. • Provide religious guidance apart from the spiritual experience members derive from the program. • Affiliate with community agencies or other institutions. Is DTR effective? DTR is listed in SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. One research study was reviewed. It showed that at a 6-month follow-up (comparing DTR participants to non-DTR participants), the DTR participants: 1) Reported fewer days of drug and alcohol use in the past 90 days. 2) Had better psychiatric medication adherence. 3) Attended traditional 12-step groups more frequently. How do you find a local DTR group meeting? It’s been estimated there are over 200 DTR groups in the United States. Since there isn’t a comprehensive directory of all of these groups online, it’s more effective to search online for local DTR groups in your area. How do you start a new DTR group? The following suggestions are provided if you are interested in starting a new DTR group: Continued on page 36

www.thesoberworld.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

PAIN EPIDEMIC – ARE NARCOTICS THE CURE OR THE CAUSE? By Fred J. Von Stieff, MD, AAFP, ABAM, CSAM, ASAM

An estimated 90% of the narcotics produced worldwide are consumed right here in the United States, according to distinguished researcher and addiction expert Mark Gold, M.D. Why does that matter? Because in the near future, the U.S. will be faced with an unprecedented dilemma: A pain epidemic. Millions of Americans will be unable to find relief from the various aches and pains incidental to advancing age because of the current overprescription of narcotics. This dilemma, however, can be adverted through education. Doctors and patients alike must be informed about the dangers of over-prescribing narcotics. Narcotics like methadone, Suboxone, and Subutex are prescribed by well-meaning Doctors in alarming quantities to cope with pain and to detoxify people off other opioids. Following the method of harm reduction, these well-intentioned doctors believe they are saving lives by switching the patients off dangerous drugs such as heroin and putting them on other narcotics. Fully aware that methadone, Suboxone, and Subutex are also opioids, they think it is the only option and that the benefits of getting patients off heroin outweigh the costs of being on these narcotic medications. What they are unaware of, are the long term side effects of this treatment method, the extent of damage this will do to patients’ neurotransmitter systems and all the future implications of that damage. By using these medications for extended periods of time, they are suppressing, possibly even eliminating the body’s natural ability to cope with pain. To illustrate the concept of suppression, consider a young woman who has suppressed her ovulatory cycle through birth control pills for ten years. These pills have worked by suppressing her pituitary-ovarian axis. Once she stops taking the birth control, it would be unrealistic to expect her to be immediately fertile again. Suppression has taken place, and it will take a while for the woman to return to being fertile. It is similar with the suppression of the opioid system; after coming off the narcotic medications, it takes a while for the natural opioid system to work again, if it ever does. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals within our brain that cause us to experience various feelings and sensations. There are different neurotransmitter systems and each system produces unique reactions. The opioid system in particular is in charge of fighting pain. Any time the body gets hurt, its natural response is to increase opioid production to manage the pain. These opioid neurotransmitters, also known as endorphins, are essentially the body’s natural narcotics. However, when a person takes narcotic medications, like Suboxone, Subutex, oxycodone, methadone, or morphine, the body stops producing its own opioids/endorphins. Taking these narcotic medications over a long period of time means long-term suppression of these endorphins, resulting in damage to the body’s natural opioid system that may be permanent The question then becomes, when patients’ own pain-fighting neurotransmitters are left ineffective, and their tolerance is built up to all the narcotic medicines out there, what is left? The future looks pretty bleak. Why hasn’t this damage been publicized? These narcotic medications are still too new. Decades of use is often needed to prove a medication’s danger. I have worked as the medical director of three chemical dependency units over the past two decades and I have witnessed the damage of these narcotics. For ten years I, myself, prescribed Suboxone, Subutex, and methadone to patients coming off of other opioid drugs. Using this method of prescribing narcotics to get off of other narcotics was and still is common practice, yet using this method yields a 62 percent relapse rate for patients. After ten years of these terrible odds, I decided I could no longer tolerate such a high relapse rate, and I stopped using these narcotics all together in my practice, replacing them with other more effective medications and methods. I explain this method

in my book, Brain in Balance: Understanding the Genetics and Neurochemistry behind Addiction and Sobriety. These narcotic medications and the manner in which they are taken are so damaging to patients, that it is easier to detoxify five patients off of heroin daily than just one patient off of Suboxone and/or methadone. When someone is on heroin, the effect wears off and the individual intermittently battles with withdrawal. Withdrawal is the result of the person’s own opioid neurotransmitter system coming back to life, as it were. That means the body’s endorphins are not being continuously suppressed. A heroin addict comes on and off the high four or five times a day, therefore stimulating the opioid system, which in turn affects other important neurotransmitter systems. However, patients using Suboxone or methadone are continuously suppressing their opioid system, sometimes for years. When trying to get people off methadone who had been on it for ten or more years, I absolutely could not get them off, due to their increased amount of pain and depression. This pain and depression was the result of the destruction done, not only to the opioid system, but also to the GABA and dopamine systems. The GABA and dopamine neurotransmitter systems are essential to our ability to relax and feel confident. Having damage to these three systems is incredibly detrimental to one’s mental well-being. Our present practices in addiction medicine of over-prescribing Suboxone, methadone, and other opioid medications are having disastrous effects that will not fully be felt until decades to come. Doctors today are still largely unaware of the severe suppression and chronic problems that are resulting from the long-term use of these narcotics because these unintentional consequences remain undocumented. There is virtually no literature on the matter because it is unethical to do human studies on these patients, therefore the consequences go hidden. If doctors do not change their methods, we will be facing a fierce pain epidemic in the near future. World-renowned Addictionologist, Dr. Fred J. Von Stieff has handled virtually every kind of substance abuse case there is. His pioneering methods of steering clear of narcotics and focusing on neurotransmitter balances throughout treatment has met with unprecedented success. He not only treats patients, but also educates them on the best ways to avoid relapse and take control of their health. He also educates fellow medical professionals on the best way to lead patients to a life of sustained sobriety. You can read about his methods in his groundbreaking book, Brain in Balance: Understanding the Genetics and Neurochemistry behind Addiction and Sobriety, which can be found on Amazon. His next upcoming book will focus specifically on treating opioid addiction.

www.thesoberworld.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

2015

Events Calendar Open A.A. Meeting Schedule Monday ................................ 5:30pm

Wednesday .......................12:00pm (Womensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) Thursday ....10:30am

Recovery Starts

From Within

Saturday .............................12:00pm Creative Journaling Tuesday ............................. 10:00am

Holiday Savings!

Located in The Shoppes of Atlantis 5865 S. Congress Ave. Lake Worth, FL 33462

20OFF %

Any Christmas Item

Certain exclusions apply 1/2016

Monday - Friday 7:30am-5:00pm Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm Closed Sunday

561-922-0313 WithinBooksCafe.com

OFF

Any 50$ Purchase

Certain exclusions apply 1/2016

www.thesoberworld.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943 Untitled-1 1

3/27/15 10:36 AM

MANAGING PAW SYMPTOMS By Terence T. Gorski Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAW) are symptoms of brain dysfunction cause by addiction that makes it difficult to think clearly, manage your feelings and emotions, remember things, sleep restfully, and manage stress. If you don’t recognize and manage PAW symptoms they can spiral out of control and lead to progressive problems that cause relapse. Knowing that the PAW symptoms you are experiencing are a normal part of recovery tends to relieve anxiety, guilt, and confusion caused by not knowing. Once you know what is happening, you can learn how to manage the symptoms. Recognizing and managing PAW is an important part of preventing relapse. If you are experiencing PAW symptoms, it is important to bring them under control as soon as possible. Here are some suggestions that may help you be aware of what is going on and help you to interrupt the symptoms before they get out of control. 1. Verbalization: Start talking to people about what you are experiencing. It will help you look at your situation more realistically and help you to consciously identify areas of stress in your life and the PAW symptoms caused by the stress. 2. Ventilation: Express as much as you can about what you are thinking and feeling even if it seems irrational and unfounded. Using a feeling list and a list of addictive and irrational thoughts can also be helpful. 3. Reality Testing: Ask those who are in recovery and who know you well if you are making sense. Ask for feedback about both what you are saying and what you are doing. Getting another point of view on you problems can be very helpful. 4. Problem Solving and Goal Setting: What are you going to do right now about what is going on? You can choose to take action which can change things. 5. Backtracking: Think back over what has been happening. Can you identify when the PAW episode started? What triggered or turned on the symptoms? What could you have done to turn it off sooner? Think of other times when you were experiencing symptoms of PAW. What turned the PAW symptoms on? What turned them off? Were there other options that might have worked better or sooner? High stress triggers and intensifies the symptoms of PAW. Learning to manage stress is the first step in learning how to prevent and manage PAW symptoms. Stress management involves: • Learning immediate relaxation methods, including mindfulness meditation. • Identifying the sources of stress in your life. This is done by doing a daily plan each morning and a review of your day each evening before going to bed. • Learning and using decision-making and problem solving skills. The better you are at identifying and effectively solving problems, the lower your stress and the less severe the PAW. • Developing a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, daily exercise and a daily schedule that includes addiction recovery activities. • Learning how to recognize and challenge addictive and negative thinking and getting into the habit of using sober and positive thinking. A Quick Guide for Managing Post Acute Withdrawal (PAW) You can manage Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAW). Here is a quickguide of the steps you need to take. 1. Accurate Information: Explain PAW and have the person do a self-evaluation of PAW and review the results. This will give them words and ideas to explain what they are experiencing. It will also help people to stop feeling crazy, judging themselves for having the symptoms, and being anxious and afraid because they don’t know what is happening.

2. Stress Management, Relaxation and Meditation: PAW is stress sensitive. This means the symptoms get more severe when experiencing high stress and less severe under low stress levels. 3. Proper Diet: Have an alcohol and drug free diet. Eat a high protein, complex carbohydrate meal plan. The diet plan closest to this is a hypoglycemic diet. Ask a nutritionist or look it up the internet. Avoid foods high in sugar and limit your caffeine intake. Supplement with multiple vitamins, Vitamin B-12, and broad spectrum amino acids. 4. Aerobic Exercise: At least twenty minutes per day, three days per week (at least) in a heart-measured aerobic zone. (Subtract your age from 220. 80% of that number is you minimal training zone. 80% is the max). Too high or too low doesn’t seem to help much. 5. A Recovery Program: Have a regular schedule of recovery activities that put you in places and around people who support your recovery, a place where you can talk honestly about yourself without judgment. It is also important to have a sponsor/ mentor and therapist who is a trained addiction professional. These practices stabilize you brain chemistry and reduce the frequency and severity of PAW episodes. Don’t leave PAW management to chance. Get a plan. Work the plan. If it doesn’t work, get additional help. Please don’t spread the mistaken belief that there is nothing that can be done to lower the severity of PAW symptoms. This is just not true! The brain grows in response to experiences especially when stress is managed well during the experience. Having a structured recovery program, scheduling time each day for relaxation, meditation and connecting with how to build a sober and responsible life provide the experiences needed for the brain to heal in sobriety. PAW symptoms and the habits of thinking and living which cause them, can threaten your recovery. Reducing the stress by learning meditation and how to identify and solve immediate problems in recovery must be one of your top priorities. In order to protect yourself from unnecessary stress, you must first identify your own stress triggers- those situations that might bring about an overreaction from you. Then, learning to change those situations by avoiding them, changing your reactions, or learning to interrupt them before they get out of control can make a big difference. This is what a structured recovery program is designed to do. Terence T. Gorski is the Founder and President of The CENAPS Corporation. He is an internationally recognized expert on substance abuse, mental health, violence, and crime. He is best known for his contributions to relapse prevention, managing chemically dependent offenders and developing community-based teams for managing the problems of alcohol, drugs, violence, and crime. He is a prolific author and has published numerous books and articles. Terence is the Director of The National Certification School for Relapse Prevention Specialists. Terry Gorski Blog: www.terrygorski.com Terry Gorski, via www.facebook.com/GorskiRecovery Gorski Books: www.relapse.org

www.thesoberworld.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

www.thesoberworld.com

To Learn More About How We Can Help Consultants available 24/7

Call 800.971.1589 To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

AmericanAddictionCenters.com

THE “HOW TO” ON DEVELOPING A NUTRITION PLAN FOR A SUBSTANCE ABUSE RECOVERY PROGRAM. By Dr. Keith Kantor

When overcoming addiction, a comprehensive nutrition plan will contribute to the success of any rehabilitation program so you can get back to a normal life with your family. A credible nutrition program implements their nutrition plan initially only in the controlled environment of an addiction or rehabilitation center. We recommend this to ensure a successful outcome of any nutrition program. The number one objective of a nutrition plan during the rehabilitation phase of addiction recovery is to avoid stimulating the opiate receptors. Opiate receptor is defined as cell membrane receptors that can bind with morphine and other opiates; concentrations of such receptors are especially high in regions of the brain having pain-related functions. When these receptors are stimulated, the brain often craves addictive substances such as drugs, alcohol and even certain foods. If the opiate receptors are suppressed this will increase the success of addiction rehabilitation. These foods should specifically be avoided because they have been shown to stimulate opiate receptors: • Simple sugars, in the form of white bleached flours in crackers, breads, cookies, pastries, and high fructose corn syrup found in candy, certain flavored drinks, yogurts, sodas, etc. Instead go for high fiber carbohydrate options like fruit, vegetables, steel cut oats, sprouted grain breads, quinoa, flax seed, etc. • Artificial sweeteners, in the form of saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame. These are often found in diet foods that are labeled low calorie or sugar free like drinks, juices, sodas, bars, yogurts, and snacks. Stevia which is a natural non calorie sweetener is fine to consume in moderation, and in its most natural form. • Gluten, which is a protein composite of wheat, typically found on most mainstream breads, cereals, snacks, and even seasoning packets. Instead, aim to have foods that are naturally gluten free like potatoes, wild rice, quinoa, etc. • Milk protein, mainly from milk, yogurt, and cheese should also be avoided. The consumption of extra sharp cheeses like Parmesan is okay once in a while in moderation but substituting unsweetened almond and coconut milk products is the best way to avoid milk protein. • Caffeine can also stimulate the opiate receptors, it is best for all patients to avoid consumption of caffeine, and switch to caffeine free herbal teas.

•

• • •

daily. This will reduce cravings while keeping the body in a state of balance. A daily checklist is a great way to develop habits and a feeling of accomplishment. Aim to eat 9-11 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Preferably a ratio of one fruit to three vegetables. This keeps fiber intake at optimal levels, and provides vitamins and minerals in their most raw form. Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of stable alkaline water daily. This will promote optimal organ function, electrolyte balance, and reduce cravings. Include a high quality source of protein, a heart healthy fat and fibrous carbohydrate at each meal. This is the most absorbable form of amino acids which have been shown to be critical in addiction and recovery. Vitamin and mineral supplements will also be helpful during recovery. A high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, B-complex, vitamin D, omega 3 fish oil, and a probiotic are all recommended to take daily with meals for optimal absorption. Get regular exercise, at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Moderate exercise naturally keeps hormones in balance. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Eliminate caffeine and stop smoking.

Dr. Keith Kantor is the CEO of NAMED Program

The second objective is to keep inflammation down through both nutrition strategies and the consumption of high quality stable alkaline water. The typical American diet is packed with sugar and processed foods, which throws off your body’s ability to optimize your pH. Although your body naturally has its own mechanisms to buffer your pH, many of us are likely living in a state of low-grade acidosis from consuming excessive caffeine and eating too many low-quality processed, depleted foods. Eating a diet rich in low nutrient processed foods puts the body in a state of mild, moderate or even severe inflammation, inflammation can affect our body’s ability to regulate insulin levels resulting in increased cravings for sugary foods. In recovery, sugary food cravings can often be misread as a craving for the once abused substance due to similar hormonal responses of serotonin and opiate receptors. Optimizing our pH through a balanced and whole food nutrition and hydration plan will reduce inflammation and help avoid cravings, hormonal imbalances and chances for relapse. When developing a nutrition plan for a substance abuse program it is important to take a holistic approach to daily nourishment. These nutrition strategies will ensure long term health and have an impact on reducing the occurrence of a relapse. • Develop a meal and snack schedule and adhere to the routine

www.thesoberworld.com

Our young adults can gain the life skills they need to make it on their own. Contact us for a consultation. A Family Business

benchmarktransitions.com

The Benchmark Transitions® Program Benchmark Transitions is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to therapeutic transitional living for young men and women, ages 18-28. Our dual-diagnosis model combines clinical treatment, behavioral health therapy, addiction recovery & aftercare, educational & vocational opportunities, job training and life skills in a structured and nurturing environment that fosters self-discovery and autonomy. Benchmark Transitions offers day treatment, IOP and structured transitional living in a sober environment. Minimum length of program is six months with extended care options available. Benchmark is designed to be a step-down transition program for participants coming out of other primary treatment programs, such as Detox, Residential Treatment Centers, Wilderness Therapeutic Programs, hospitalization/stabilization units, and for adolescents aging-out of Therapeutic Boarding Schools. Benchmark is also an ideal option for young adults who are “stuck” at home with failure to launch issues.

Benchmark offers Dual Track Treatment options · Recovery by Benchmark® students are those who have a history of substance use, abuse or addiction.

· Benchmark Behavioral Health students are those who have not exhibited issues with drugs and/or alcohol.

Both options include our comprehensive curriculum of personal growth, education, vocational options & work skills, life skills and clinical treatment.

1.800.474.4848

Eﬀective, aﬀordable drug and alcohol abuse treatment! WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL:

Together we can achieve anything Licensed, Joint Commission Accredited Primary and Extended Care Offering Successful Outcomes Since 1999 Outpatient Rehab with a Residential Component Separate Men's and Women's Housing Conveniently Located in Beautiful Bel Air, Maryland Affordable Care – Insurance Accepted Holistic approach including: Yoga, Meditation, Acu-Detox and Rhythm Therapy

21 W Courtland Street Bel Air, MD 21014

A real world recovery experience for life

YOUR REC OV ERY PA RT NERS CA L L TODAY:

(87 7 ) 762-37 66

w w w. m a r y l a n d r e c ove r y. c o m

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

CHANGING SEATS ON THE TITANIC - CROSS ADDICTION By Steven J. Drzewoszewski, CADC

Understanding Addiction Addiction is a bio-psycho-social illness that disrupts the lives not only of the person who is addicted but also their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Addiction is an illness because it has definite signs and symptoms, is progressive, can cause other illnesses, is treatable, and if untreated, can be fatal. In going forward we must understand that people can be addicted to drugs (alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, nicotine, cannabis), actions (gambling, shopping, internet, sex, work) and people can be addicted to more than one of the aforementioned. Many of my clients come to treatment with the perspective that his or her drug of choice is the only issue and believe all they need to do is stop using it and life will miraculously get better. Unfortunately, recovery does not work that way and people in early recovery still have to deal with all the issues that he or she left behind. The inability to cope with problems or the void left by the loss of drugs and/or alcohol can lead to relapse into other addictive behaviors or back to his or her drug of choice. I had an addict once tell me that using drugs was the solution to his problems but it was no longer working so he needed to find new solutions. Addiction is a biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual disease in which all affected areas must be treated and complete abstinence is vital. My Problem is Opiates A young opiate addicted client came into my office due to family pressure, which I noted as his primary motivation for treatment. He was a 20-year-old college student who admitted to opiate addiction and was willing to work on it. However, he did not believe that alcohol or marijuana were a problem. He told me that he had no intention of stopping drinking or smoking pot. “I am turning 21 in two months and all my friends drink and smoke pot” he stated when we explored the idea of complete sobriety. “Plus, I never had any problems with alcohol and I can function on pot.” “I actually work better when I am high,” he added. Unfortunately, many of my clients have had this initial prospective over the years - this is especially true for my 20 somethings. To compound the issue, his or her family members may have a similar view of the problem. It is not uncommon for a family member to believe that drinking and pot are okay as long as their son or daughter has stopped using heroin and other opiates. The fact is that all addictive drugs including alcohol trigger the pleasure center of the brain leading the addicted person back to maladaptive uncontrolled behavior. The addict’s brain through the abuse of his or her drug of choice becomes wired for addiction making the use of any additive drug a major risk. There is an old saying in AA that I think describes this concept perfectly, “once you become a pickle, you can’t go back to being a cucumber.” A Drug Is a Drug Cross addiction is a term used for addicts who had one drug of choice and became addicted or replaced it with another. You simply cannot be in recovery from one substance while using another. Cross addiction is not limited to opiates and alcohol, as all addictive substances and even actions are subject to this occurrence and could result in relapse. We must consider that complete sobriety is an extremely frightening prospect for an addicted person, as using drugs or alcohol is their primary coping skill. I had one young addict refer to using drugs as his solution and when he got sober, he needed to find new solutions for his problems. From my experience, an addict who attempts substitution usually ends up back on his or her drug of choice within a short time. They can also switch drugs and become addicted to a completely new drug, which I refer to as, “Changing seats on the titanic.” The ship is going down and the absolute best way it could end is back in treatment.

Gambling, Sex, Food, and Shopping. When a person puts down his or her drug, they often seek to replace it with something else. Unfortunately, they can easily find themselves in the same place, unable to control or regulate compulsive behavior. Process addictions such as gambling, shopping, food and sex are risk factors and may lead to a completely new addiction or a relapse back to an individuals drug of choice. A client who was an alcoholic and had a couple years sober decided to start gambling despite warnings from his sponsor and others in the program. He thought it was not a problem for him and began going to Atlantic City about once a month. He started gambling increasingly more often eventually making several trips per week and gambling online when he could not make time for the trip. He eventually found himself in a worse situation than years earlier with his alcohol addiction, spending his children’s college money, mortgage payments, and borrowing large amounts of money to satisfy his gambling losses. Conclusion Addiction is complex and transferable in that one who has the disease and crossed that line can become addicted to many things. Balance is the key to maintaining sobriety; however, this can be difficult for an individual in early recovery. The following is some advice for creating balance and avoiding cross addiction. 1. Fill the void caused by the loss of drugs or alcohol with new positive activities. Activities like exercising, meditation, sculpting, playing an instrument, painting, reading, etc., stimulate neurobiological activity in a positive way increasing the rate of the healing. 2. Cut out toxic relationships from your life and surround yourself with positive influences. If you don’t want to slip, stay away from slippery people, places and things. You are who your friends are. 3. Do not take unnecessary risks by using other recreational drugs or alcohol. 4. Inform your physicians about your addiction and be sure to research any prescription before taking it. 5. Be humble; one can make many mistakes and stay sober but I do not believe one can lack humility and maintain recovery. 6. Forgive yourself and others, don’t harbor resentments as they can only hurt you. 7. You are not the exception to the rule or unique- many addicts have died from terminal uniqueness. Using drugs or alcohol is not an option. Steven J. Drzewoszewski is the Intensive Outpatient Coordinator at Carrier Clinic, a psychiatric hospital in New Jersey. He has worked in behavioral health for the past 10 plus years and specializes in the disease of addiction. He is also a recovering addict with many years in recovery so his writings, lectures and presentations are often from both sides of the coin. Being in recovery and having the clinical perspective helps Steven reach clients and their families as a professional and someone who’s been there.

www.thesoberworld.com

MAKING RECOVERY A LIFETIME OF ADVENTURE!

regon Trail Recovery combines clinical therapies with outdoor adventures that renew mind, body, and spirit.

Located in beautiful Clackamas County, Oregon, an incredible range of adventure environments lay within a couple hours in any direction—from ocean to mountain, forest to desert, city to countryside...

Our 3-9 month therapeutic and comprehensive Men’s and Women’s transition recovery programs include: • Individual therapy with a Licensed, Masters level therapist • Weekly groups facilitated by certified addictions counselors and a Master’s level therapist. • Spiritual group and guided meditation • Adventure Excursions that include camping, river and ocean fishing, hiking, biking, whitewater, snow trips and sporting events. • Job search and preparation, including resume building and interview skills • Upscale structured living homes provide a perfect environment to learn and grow in recovery. • Transportation and meals are provided. • Most insurance is accepted.

Oregon Trail Recovery provides clients with the resources and tools to address their core issues and behaviors to increase their ability for sustained recovery and mental and emotional well being.

Call 503.901.1836 or visit OregonTrailRecovery.com 1 0 6 0 0 S E M C L O U G H L I N B LV D . # 2 0 7

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

•

M I LWA U K I E , O R 9 7 2 2 2

HEROIN EPIDEMIC IN AMERICA By Steven Kassels, M.D.

In last month’s The Sober World Magazine, I reviewed the biological, psychological and sociological aspects of the disease of addiction; and differentiated tolerance, dependency and addiction. I also listed ten reasons of who or what to blame for the heroin/opiate epidemic raging through our cities, suburbs and rural America. The reasons include:

acting fussy or not eating well, the diagnosis was easy. However, suggesting initial treatment with Tylenol and decongestant remedies was frequently fraught with contempt, despite taking the time to explain how antibiotics do not treat viruses, can have annoying or harmful side effects, and can lead to antibiotic resistance. So despite my reasoning why we should hold off prescribing antibiotics and recommending a re-evaluation in a day or two if not improving, I would not infrequently hear responses such as: “My neighbor’s son had an ear infection and he got antibiotics”, or “I want my son to take an antibiotic”, or “I don’t care that you think it might be a virus – I have a busy life; why can’t you just prescribe an antibiotic and that way I won’t have to come back if my child’s not doing better.” You get my point; parents want quick fixes for their children and we as a society want quick results for ourselves. And when it comes to pain, Americans frequently have a common request, “Can’t you just put me out?” or “I don’t want to feel anything.” I wonder how many Americans would opt to have surgery under acupuncture!

1. War in Afghanistan 2. Injudicious Prescribing by MD’s 3. Patient Expectations 4. Internet Sale of Pain Pills 5. OxyContin Reconstitution 6. NIMBY 7. Supply & Demand - “War on Drugs” 8. Physician Training & Biases 9. Mental Health Treatment 10. Public Officials Last month’s article reviewed how the War in Afghanistan has fueled the heroin epidemic in America. Today, we will discuss three more reasons for the opiate scourge. When I was a medical student some decades ago, we were taught to very carefully prescribe opiates, such as Morphine, Demerol, Percocet and other pain medications typically referred to as “narcotics” (opiates). Well, it came to pass that we as physicians were under-medicating patients for relief of pain. In fact, it has been shown that for severe pain, if the patient waits for the pain to recur to high levels before taking their next dose of medication that in fact it may require larger doses of medication to again relieve the symptoms. With improved understanding of pain syndromes, physicians became more educated regarding opiate prescribing. However, the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction and there are several factors contributing to this such as: patient expectations to have “all” pain eliminated; “Big Pharm” focused on profits; the increasing number of pain pills available on the internet; and the need for additional medical education so physicians do not inappropriately prescribe pain medications to patients at risk of addiction and/or prescribe in excessive dose amounts, frequency of administration or length of treatment. In general, long term use of opiates in most cases of non-cancer pain has not been shown to be advisable. However, for intractable pain, exceptions may need to be made. Fortunately, many states now have continuing medical education requirements that obligate physicians to take courses in appropriate opiate prescribing as a prerequisite to renewing their medical licenses. So, yes we can and should blame the doctors for the increase in opiate/heroin addiction, but as we explore the other reasons, it will be clear that this is not just a physician prescribing issue – there is plenty of blame to go around. Let’s look at what role patients may play. Returning to reflect on my past as a medical student, I chose not to enter the field of Pediatrics despite loving the kids, relishing in a work environment of toys and games in the waiting room, and finding ways to entertain and distract kids while at the same time investigating their ills. Sure it’s tough when a young patient becomes extremely ill, is diagnosed with a terminal disease, or dies. But that is not why I shied away from this specialty. Simply stated, it was the ear infections! A large number of early ear infections are caused by viruses. When Mom or Dad arrived with little Johnnie or Suzy pulling at an ear and

So yes we can and should blame the doctors; but patients also contribute to the dilemma and in more ways than just their simply asking for complete pain relief. It is not practical to review all the ways prescription drugs find their way into so many lives, but I encourage everyone to read the article by the National Institute on Drug Abuse: Popping Pills: Prescription Drug Abuse in America. It clearly explains factors such as: Where prescription drugs are obtained? • • • •

Bought on the internet Drug dealer or stranger Bought/took from friend or relative Free from friend or relative

Some of the reasons teens use prescription drugs: • • • • • • • • •

Easy to get from parent’s medicine cabinets Available everywhere They are not illegal drugs Easy to get through other people’s prescriptions Can claim to have prescription if caught Less shame attached to using Fewer side effects than street drugs Parents don’t care as much if caught Easy to purchase over the internet

The last bullet brings us to the next reason of who or what to blame for the heroin/opiate epidemic: Internet Sales of Pain Pills – an easy way to get prescription drugs without a doctor’s approval. All one needs to do to fully understand the intricacy of the internet business of selling pharmaceutical drugs is to go to www.StreetRx.com “StreetRx.com gathers user-submitted information on street prices of diverted prescription drugs. Visitors can anonymously view, post and rate submissions in a format that offers price transparency to an otherwise opaque black market, while providing a novel data set for public health surveillance.” www.radars.org/home2/programs/streetrx The detail of the information is quite revealing as to the black market sales of medications that are purchased to “get high” or to offset Continued on page 44

www.thesoberworld.com

Treating men with substance abuse issues since 1956 Offering 6 months and 12 months programs

“If you have been arrested - CALL US!”

You didn’t get addicted in 30 days and you should not expect to be cured in 30 days.

ASI specializes in coordinating treatment alternatives to jail time for those facing alcohol or drug related charges in the court system.

Our 6 months “in patient” program is typically a lot less expensive than most 30 days programs.

For those who are not covered by health insurance for Substance Abuse Treatment, we offer rehab alternatives at a rate substantially discounted from what the treatment centers will normally charge you.

Call our Intake Coordinator for details 214-596-8225 www.soulsharbordallas.org

ASI is affiliated with a network of treatment centers and licensed attorneys who are qualified and experienced in defending alcohol and drug related charges.

Call for a FREE consultation WE PROVIDE: Myles B. Schlam,J.D.,CAP/CCJAP • Interventions • Drug Evaluations CEO, Advocare Solutions,Inc • Drug Charges * • DUI’s * 954-804-6888 • Expert Testimony mschlam@drugtreatmentpro.com • Marchman Acts * www.drugtreatmentpro.com • Criminal Record Expungement *All clients with legal cases will be represented by one of ASI’s licensed network attorneys

• Nationally Accredited Outpatient Alcohol Program • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Drug and Alcohol Addiction • Relapse Prevention Program • Certified E.M.D.R. Call or visit our web site for details.

www.SteppingSober.com

800-518-5205 North Palm Beach, Florida

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

LIVING BEYOND

A Monthly Column By Dr. Asa Don Brown

DEVELOPING A POSITIVE LIFE “Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.” ~ Walt Whitman Developing a positive attitude in the face of troubling and challenging times is a possibility. All-too-often, when people are faced with circumstances that are perceivably intolerable, they are conditioned to give up, or to give in to the challenge, rather than meet the challenge head on. After all, what is a challenge? A challenge is “a task or situation that tests someone’s abilities (or overall persona).” (New Oxford American Dictionary, 2015, Online). When we are challenged by life itself, an event therein, a circumstance, a person or group of people, or an addictive force; we are being prodded to prove that we have the fortitude to withstand whatever adversity may come our way. We do not have to cower in the face of adversity; rather we can rise above the adversity proving a force to be reckoned with. THE MINDSET “If you say you can or you can’t you are right either way.” ~ Henry Ford Whether you are overcoming thoughts related to an addiction, a life event, or negative personal thoughts or challenges; the greatest obstacle for an individual, is the individual themselves. The mindset is the overcomer. According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, to overcome is to “succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty) or to defeat (an opponent).” Of course, as clinicians we must recognize that addiction and other psychological and biological disorders are more than mere mindsets, but overcoming protruding thoughts created by our own volition is within our control. Developing a positive mindset begins by changing our core beliefs, attitudes and perceptions. As an individual, you have the power to change and to choose how you see the world. Are you choosing to see a glass half full or half empty? PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY “Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.” ~ Confucius Developing a positive mindset begins by accepting responsibility. Responsibility is the ability to act independently and without restriction. It is the ability to choose or make decisions without the need to gain authorization from another or group of individuals. Moreover, it is the willingness of being accountable for our deeds, actions, and personal lives. If you are currently struggling with protruding thoughts, ask yourself the following questions: • What is the catalyst of my thoughts? • Am I in charge of my thoughts, or am I allowing others to influence my belief systems and perceptions of the world? • Are you willing to accept responsibility for your thoughts? • What are your ambitions for life? Do they include living life to its fullest? • Is living life beyond the past important to you? Always remember, a millisecond ago accounts for the past. Personal responsibility is the willingness to claim ownership of one’s life. It is the willingness to claim complete ownership of one’s deeds, actions, attitudes, and perceptions. When an individual accepts personal responsibility, they avoid seeking to blame someone else

and are eager to accept complete ownership of choices made in life. For those who choose to accept personal responsibility, they are also willing to hold other’s accountable for their own choices. DEVELOPING A POSITIVE LIFE “The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” ~ Anne Frank The key to developing and living a positive life, is directly and indirectly a reflection of our perceptions and worldview. As you literally and figuratively view your person in the mirror, what do you see? What do you see when you view yourself in the mirror? Do you think of yourself in a positive way, or do you have feelings of indifference or disdain? Do you tolerate yourself or are you intolerant of your person? The following are key elements for developing a positive life: 1) Always strive to speak positively about yourself, your life, and others. 2) Avoid entertaining negative self-talk. 3) Be certain to think daily upon the positive perspectives of this life. 4) Reject pessimistic and defeatist attitudes, perceptions, and self-talk. 5) Always speak the truth and focus on your positive attributes. 6) Avoid conversations of doom and gloom. 7) Always be appreciative of those central to your life (e.g. family, friends, and associates). 8) Do not be a person who expects or is excessively ready to accept failure. 9) Be certain to always think carefully through any major decision. 10) Avoid participating in water cooler gossip. Gossip is the antagonist of healthy conversation. 11) Be willing to heed positively constructive feedback, input and consultation. 12) Always seek to consume positive information (e.g. literature, music, social media). 13) Be a positive influence on your friends, family and associates. 14) Maintain and establish friendships that are positively rooted. 15) Employ a daily diet of positive thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes. 16) Focus on the positive perspectives of life. 17) Be a consumer of the outdoors and nature. 18) Physical exercise is the key to physical and mental fitness. 19) Be certain to always be well rested, relaxed, and prepared. 20) Live a life centered on mindfulness. (e.g. breathing, meditation, and journaling). 21) Always focus on starting your day with a song in your heart and a smile on your face. A positive attitude comes from two places. One is the combination of experiences that create a sense of satisfaction and joy within ourselves. The other place comes from within in the form of mental discipline. Our positive experiences help provide context for developing a positive attitude. Mental discipline provides a way to focus our thoughts and push away distraction. Do not get discouraged because developing a positive framework takes time, work, dedication, and motivation. The moment that you change your negative perceptions and worldview, is the moment that you will begin living life completely. Always remember that happiness is not giddiness, smiling or a visual attribute, rather happiness is the ability to have peace through the good times and the bad. May you begin living beyond. Dr. Asa Don Brown

Guest Contributor: Shari Weiss, Ph.D. Candidate Author: Asa Don Brown, Ph.D., C.C.C., D.N.C.C.M., F.A.A.E.T.S. Website: www.asadonbrown.com

www.thesoberworld.com

ADDICTION TREATMENT FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL Recreational Therapies | Gender-Specific Facilities | All Major Insurances Accepted

1-561-469-6472 | greenwayrecovery.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

TAKING BACK THE POWER – FINDING A WAY BACK AFTER HITTING ROCK BOTTOM By Allan McDougall

As the saying goes, once you hit rock-bottom, there’s no place to go but up. My experience with overcoming alcoholism is a testament to the adage. Having dug my way out, my goal now is to keep others from hitting their rock-bottom. I’ve mapped a pathway of transformation for others at a crossroads wanting to turn their lives around. At age 37, I was living as a hard-rock miner in Northern Ontario and was deep into my addiction to alcohol. Working underground had become a metaphor for where my life was heading. Having grown up with fear, insecurity and not believing in myself set the stage for my serious drinking problem. Booze became the love of my life. It helped fortify the artificial bravado I displayed at work. And, in my dependent state, it filled a hole in my soul that allowed me to live with myself. Then came my personal cave-in, which, in retrospect, saved my life. My body rebelled. The day came when, with every sip of booze I took, I threw up. My body was telling me what my mind wouldn’t accept: Continuing down this reckless path would soon lead to my death. Left with two equally unthinkable choices -- seeking help or suicide -- I chose to seek help and reached out to the Employee Assistance Program through my union, the United Steelworkers. The day is imprinted in my mind like the day President Kennedy was shot is etched in my generation’s consciousness. The staff at the Employee Assistance Program had me take a survey from Johns Hopkins University that assesses a person’s drinking pattern. I answered “yes” to 17 of the 20 questions. (Only three “yes” answers indicated a strong drinking problem.) They put me in touch with Alcoholics Anonymous, a program I’d always belittled. In all my years, I’d never opened my mind to any message of help. But people stood up at the meeting and said how long they’d been sober, and I thought, “Wow. This program does work. Maybe, just maybe, this program will work for me.” I wanted sobriety, even though I didn’t have a clue what sobriety meant. I just knew it could mean not waking up each day with guilt and remorse. As the quote wisely states, “The anticipation of change is worse than undergoing the actual event,” but that doesn’t mean change was easy. Becoming sober is harrowing work. It’s essentially like walking along a precipice, requiring all one’s concentration to place one foot in front of the other. The AA program has an outstanding success rate through its 12step program. It helped cure me. But apart from AA’s 12 steps, I found these nine tips essential to taking back my personal power: 1. Don’t wait to get better before seeking help. Anyone who shows up to an AA meeting for the first time comes there emotionally beaten, empty, and with no shred of self-respect. This is their life-or-death moment of truth. But, remarkably, the old paradox rings true that becoming strong first starts by admitting one’s weakness. All it takes is the courage to ask for help. 2. Take to heart the message of longevity. Hitting rock bottom means there’s no hope in sight. Yet, hearing how others have found a way to maintain sobriety over days and months and years is living proof that it really is possible. Find hope through the success of others. 3. Accept help when it’s offered. When someone sincerely makes an effort to bring about change and truly tries to improve the condition of his or her life, other people notice and want to help. Once I was sober, a proprietor from my old drinking establishment would buy me lunch when

I went in for coffee, and a woman from my finance company gave me an early return on my income tax to help me stay afloat. These are just two of many examples. 4. Hitch your wagon to a successful mentor. Gravitate to people who are successful at what they do and who have more than empathy to offer. This pertains to mentors within or outside of addiction. Les Brown, a motivational speaker and one of my professional mentors, says: “If you’re the smartest person in the group, get a new group.” 5. Find inspiration wherever you can. To keep a razor-sharp focus on the path to sobriety, draw inspiration from whatever sources come along, using it like a mantra. One source for me was an epilogue to Og Mandino›s book, Mission Success, titled “The Seeds of Success.” I studied them every morning for five years, engraining the messages in my mind, such as “I will face the world with goals set for this day.” Another was a cassette recording of Les Brown’s motivational speech, “It Is Not Over Until You Win.” It literally gave me goosebumps. 6. Learn the value of being “other-centered.” Addicts approach the world with self-centered absorption. They cast blame on everyone but themselves. But as the fog lifts, so does the ability to see the ramifications of their actions. The big picture comes into view, along with greater clarity into others› needs and feelings. Becoming other-centered means becoming aware of the greater humanity and finding ways to contribute. 7. Know that change takes time. Sobriety is an ongoing process, not an instantaneous event. Today’s society is caught up in instant gratification, but it’s a fallacy to think you can fast-track recovery from addiction. It takes time to build trust and to gain self-esteem. After more than 20 years, I’m still mining the vein of self-discovery and am convinced it’s a bottomless source. 8. Proclaim your uniqueness. Each of us is a unique individual with our own thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Not only do we have to recognize our uniqueness, we have to proclaim it. When we can express who we are, what we can bring to the table, and why anyone should care, people will more easily accept and be open with us. 9. Vow to live responsibly. Make a habit of taking a fearless moral inventory at the end of each day. Look over the last 24 hours and ask yourself: Did I hurt anyone? Did I offend anyone? Do I need to apologize or make amends? If so, make a conscious decision to do so at the earliest opportunity. Then ask: Have I helped someone today? Have I listened to someone who needed to talk? Have I given someone an insight? Have I reached out to family (or to myself)? Even in my beaten-down state with my life nearly buried under, I was able to make my way back from the living dead. The riches I discovered by digging deep within myself have been immeasurable. I’m convinced others can also find a way to make the journey back to the light. Allan McDougall is a member of Les Brown’s elite Platinum Speaking Network, and international coordinator of the United Steel Worker’s emergency response team. His new book, Breaking Through: Discovering the Riches Within (AM Publishing), is an inspiring memoir that sheds light on the tortured path of the alcoholic and offers a moving example of how one can leave addiction and pain behind for a life of sobriety and vision. Learn more at www.ampublicspeaking.com.

www.thesoberworld.com

GOLF AND ADDICTION RECOVERY? ADDICTION

REACH HOME SHORT TERM INTENSIVE CONCIERGE TREATMENT IN SOUTH FLORIDA

. One-On-One with Master & PHD Level Clinicians . Advanced Medical Technology/Biomechanics . Golf Therapy, Swing Instruction, On-Course Play . Holistic Amenities . Luxury Accomodations Change the Course of Your Life FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES & FAMILIES IN ALL STAGES OF RECOVERY Similar Intensive at Home Programs for Florida Residents.

561.427.1900

addictionreach.com

info@addictionreach.com

South Florida is known globally for golf courses and addiction treatment resources. You would be amazed to know that the same strategies used in your golf game can help in addiction recovery, whether you are a scratch golfer or a beginner. Emotional mastery and composure, identifying things that you can manage, what you cannot control and being present in the moment are prime examples of techniques that can improve your game and life. Defining oneself not by performance, setting goals that are possible and believing in self can be learned. If the substance abuser is motivated internally to enter treatment instead of at the urging of loved ones, friends and colleagues, their chance of recovery is so much better. For that reason, addiction programs are dual purpose now. They are designed to engage potential people looking for recovery. Holistic amenities may attract woman, wilderness adventures for young adults or golf swing instruction and play for sports minded boomers and seniors. These added activities make addiction treatment more relevant. For instance, if one was able to improve their golf swing as well as learn to enjoy life sober, one may consider participating. Of course, solid medical and physiological services are still the basis of treatment. But to some, the addition of golf makes the process feel more like a positive experience than a punishment. Golf alone is not enough for successful long term recovery, but lessons learned during play can make a big difference in the course of life. Addiction Reach manages the practices of treatment providers that offer customized concierge addiction recovery services for individuals, couples, and families in all stages of recovery, including GOLF THERAPY. For a complimentary consultation call 561-427-1900 or visit www.addictionreach.com

Alcohol & Drug Treatment Recovery Sober Living Halfway House

♥ 24/7 Supervision ♥ Transforming Lives From What Was to What Could Be ♥ Relapse Prevention Program Call or visit our web site for details.

www.CypressHouseFlorida.com

561-408-0623 North Palm Beach, Florida

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

INSPIRED BY FEAR By David Vied

How can this become a strong point? There were many times in my life when failure was comfortable and losing everything became second nature. How do you tell a person with years of emotional collateral damage that he can become an asset? I have come to realize lately that my identity is no longer realistic in the world I now live in. Living a clean and sober life comes with many hurdles. Hurdles not created by my peers, colleagues or family, no- the hurdles I face are created by me alone. Becoming “ok” with who I am has been nothing but an excuse to stop pursuing. They say true happiness is in the “pursuit” of something. What are we pursuing and why? Most importantly, how can we overcome stigmas and social constructs of how recovery is viewed? With this comes truth, recognizing truth from what we’ve been taught. The world is bad, school is hard, and dream jobs are just that, a dream. All not true, yet we grow up with a mindset that this is all real. We diminish ourselves from our own potential. We sell ourselves short. Mark Twain once wrote “The two most important days of our lives are the day you were born and the day you find out why!” Why are we so afraid of success? Better yet, why are we so afraid to lose what we have acquired? For many years I have seen my life through blinders. The next 10 minutes was all my mind could consume. Now that I am clean for some time I have taken those blinders off, a process that has been by far the scariest part of my journey. With any process comes some pain and discomfort, with discomfort comes growth. We call these growing pains. This has opened new opportunities, relationships and major self-awareness. Disclosing this information to a “normal” person may create mass confusion. How can anybody that is given so many gifts after years of heavy drug use, prisons, and institutions become so consumed with fear? That’s easy; it’s like a famous baseball player signing your glove when you’re a young kid. You have that glove and you cherish it, you’re even protective over it. You show it to all your friends yet you will never let them borrow it, use it or maybe even touch it. It’s the glove that he holds as his shining moment. Now say someone in recovery is handed a job, a girlfriend, or a car, you will find that same exact reaction as we did with the little kid and his glove. Now ask yourself, what do we have left once our “glove” is no longer there? The bottom line and my point to all this is perception. Perception is everything, truth is not what we have been taught yet it is something we discover. With the blinders off and a change in identity we can find this process quite simple. I can easily say “Hi, I am an ex heroin addict and alcoholic”, or I can say, “I am capable, I have strengths and experiences most don’t live through. I harness those strengths with a desire to pursue a long fulfilled life. I exert those strengths when beneficial to myself and others. I have evolved into an ever changing man. I am a human being experiencing a spiritual journey. Today I am capable, successful and able to overcome fear”. So when I say “inspired by fear”, I am saying your strong, you are not a label. You are not what you have done but what you are now capable of doing. Know that today has nothing to do with tomorrow or yesterday and cherish what you have inside. Build a foundation of awareness, acceptance and love. Life is life, that will never change, yet our perceptions of even our hardest days will become strong points for our next, realizing our greatest gift is what we hold inside- a power held inside by fear and false perception. Faith is the courage to get through fear. Welcome to a lifelong journey, we’ve already been born, let’s find out why! David (R.J) Vied is a licensed peer to peer specialist and outreach coordinator for Lifescape Solutions in Delray Beach. He is also the coordinator for several outreach programs including assisting first responders struggling with trauma and PTSD as well as program director for STEPP, a non-profit organization aimed to assist people struggling with substance use disorder.

DOUBLE TROUBLE IN RECOVERY: 12-STEP SUPPORT FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADDICTION By David Susman, PhD

Continued from page 16

• • • • •

First attend a DTR group. Start with a small group and select a chairperson. Find a meeting place. Understand the DTR meeting format. Keep your expectations realistic.

Where can you find additional resources on DTR? A “Double Trouble in Recovery Basic Guide” may be purchased through www.hazelden.org. It includes detailed descriptions of the DTR 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, a format and script for DTR meetings, readings for DTR meetings, and a list of peer support group resource websites. A DVD and manual on starting and running a DTR group are also available for purchase. Additional free DTR resources on the same site include suggestions for starting a DTR group, the role of sponsorship, posters of the DTR 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, and a sample script for a DTR meeting. DTR is certainly a beneficial addition to the array of 12-step group options. If you or someone you care about is dealing with both mental illness and addiction and could potentially benefit from DTR, check out a local group or give some thought to starting your own group. David Susman, PhD is a clinical psychologist and mental health advocate in Lexington, KY. He blogs about mental health, wellness, and recovery at www.davidsusman.com. He was recently named by PsychCentral as one of the “21 Mental Health Doctors and Therapists You Should Be Following on Twitter.” You can follow him on https://twitter.com/davidsusman https://www.facebook.com/DavidSusmanPhD https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsusman

www.thesoberworld.com

We know Lives are on the line...

Florida Screening & LC/MS/MS Confirmation Laboratory 24 HOUR TURNAROUND We understand a fast turn around time is required, NOT optional. Which is why our lab technicians will do whatever it takes to ensure you receive your results within 24 hours.

ACCURATE RESULTS Results are checked by 2 MT’s before the certifying scientist reviews and releases the results.

EASY TO FIND RESULTS We can customize how you view your laboratory results: mail, fax, portal, even automatically upload them into many EMR’s.

NO LOST SPECIMENS Our SOP’s require hand offs and sign offs whenever samples change hands. Specimen tracking is more than important.

1501 Green Road, Suite A, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064 To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

CUSTOMIZED PANELS Don’t get forced into a panel you don’t want, customize your test panel based on your patients needs, not the labs.

SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

As a full service laboratory, we pride ourselves on keeping you completely satisfied. Our customer service and laboratory teams stand ready to answer your questions anytime.

754-222-5150 | 844-DRUG-LAB

AtlanticBioTech.com

ANGER: IS YOUR TEMPER GETTING THE BEST OF YOU? By Joy Erlichman Miller, PhD, LCPC, MAC

Are some people just born angry or is it a behavior that is learned? Lets explore some recent research related to anger and a behavior that you can’t afford to ignore. Is anger something that is genetic or is it a behavioral disorder? • Mental health professionals typically classify anger as a normal feeling, but when the actions are severe or it turns outward it is then classified as a disorder that is learned or behavioral. • Anger is usually accompanied with feelings of depression, shame, guilt, anxiety or bipolar disorder. • Many times anger is classified as Intermittent Explosive disorder when anger is against people or property out of proportion. • Estimated that 1/20 have Intermittent Explosive disorder (mostly men) and is treated with talk therapy and some antidepressants. • Many researchers believe that anger is correlated with impulsive control disorder. What if your anger is out of check and things escalate? What things can YOU do to calm yourself down? • Count. The old adage was correct. Breathe, count and allow yourself to calm down. When you are angry your blood pressure goes up. Take deep breaths and try to calm down. • Reframe the situation into a way that is not so hurtful. • Become aware of what makes you mad. Learn to identify your triggers and learn ways to calm yourself down when you realize you are being triggered.

Three days of workshops by industry leaders covering dynamic treatment approaches, research developments, and current industry trends with the opportunity to earn over 20 CEUs!

Bill Scott | KEYNOTE B��, Board Cer��ed Neurofeedback �nstructor BrainPaint® ‐ EEG Biofeedback KEYNOTE | LaMarr D. Edgerson Psy.D, LMFT, NBCCH PTSD ‐ The Case for a Bo�om‐Up �pproach

• Talk to yourself in a new way. Change the message so you are not the victim. • Try not to think of past affronts or past injustices and focus on how to calm yourself down. • Never use alcohol. Drinking or drugging when you are mad will only make things worse. • Will this matter tomorrow? Slow down and decide if this will matter to you tomorrow or next week. Many times people lose their temper with their significant other. What are some tips to keep your anger in check? • Call a “time out” if things start to get out of hand. Leave the situation for 30 minutes and come back to discuss. • Leave the room and get some distance. • Come back and try to acknowledge what you think the other person was saying. • Try to compromise or negotiate and look for win-win situations. Dr. Joy is an internationally known licensed psychotherapist, professional trainer, author, and the director of Joy Miller & Associates located in Peoria. She has appeared on Sally Jessy Raphael, Oprah Winfrey, Jenny Jones, Montel Williams and Geraldo Rivera. She has taught in the doctoral program at Walden University, as well as at Bradley University. Dr. Joy is part of the WEEK-TV team, and NBC affiliate, as their mental health consultant, with her early years hosting a radio show on WMBD1470. Currently she is the author of 7 published books and the Promoter of highly successful Women’s Lifestyle Show in Peoria for the past 25 years.

addicted to

pain killers OR heroin?

Julio Victor Cochoy Human �ights �c�vist My Journey From Hate to Hope & Healing

Prudence Farrow Bruns PhD Mental Health from the �nside Out� Explora�on & Discovery in the Science & Experience of Transcendental Medita�on

Learn with us and celebrate our profession in Mardi Gras style!

Gorge out on CEUs, network, enhance your resume , and more!

Norman Hoffman Trio Friday Night Jazz Session Engage with inspired visionaries to explore the union of old and new approaches and theories in psychotherapy

You may be eligible for a clinical research study • No Insurance needed • You will be compensated up to $2,050 Call

1-877-734-2588 www.thesoberworld.com

LIFE’S ONION®

Breakthrough Therapeutic Tool Produces Big Results for Clinics and Clients We all know the saying about what to do when life gives us lemons - make lemonade! But what do you do when life gives you onions? If you’re Mark Wetherbee, founder and creator of Life’s Onion, you make a therapeutic tool so innovative that it is awarded a patent. Life’s Onion is a handheld, onion-shaped device with 12 peels which transforms into a flower when opened. People in self-help and therapy record their goals and achievements on the actual peels, and peeling them back to flower petals as progress is made. It’s a simple tool, but its application is what makes it unique: while there are other methods of tracking improvement, Life’s Onion is the only product which marks people’s progress in a tangible, visual form and remains with them to reinforce their successes. One Life’s Onion user stated, “It will be a daily reminder of my journey through treatment, self-reflection, growth, and continued success in life.” It is not often that people have a visible reminder of their growth and achievements outside of the therapeutic environment, and this was clearly the creator’s goal. Life’s Onion incorporates elements of journaling, art therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Schema Therapy. The tool can be used by an individual or with any therapeutic modality or style. In addition to the tool itself, there is a full package of support materials designed to integrate Life’s Onion into existing programs. After more than 3 years of research, development and field trials, Life’s Onion is now being made available to the public. To find out more visit: www.lifesonion.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

2015 NARR RECOVERY RESIDENCE QUALITY STANDARDS By John Lehman

The NARR Standard was first introduced in 2011. Two years later, David Mineta, Former Deputy Director of Demand Reduction for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) made this statement at a conference in Minnesota, “I believe the emergence of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is one of the more important things to have happened in recent years in the recovery domain—and the development of your preliminary recovery housing standards marks a significant milestone in our field. The work you are doing is extremely important, and we thank you for it.” Today, NARR is recognized by ONDCP as the National Recovery Housing authority. FARR, in collaboration with other NARR Affiliate organizations across the nation, participated over the last ten months in a series of weekly conference calls to update the preliminary standard. Last week, following the Unite to Face Addiction Rally in our nation’s capital, the NARR Board voted to implement the 2015 National Recovery Residence Quality Standards. The FARR website has been updated to reflect this revision. Visitors may view the 2015 NARR Standard online as well as download a print version by visiting http://farronline.org/standards. One significant enhancement to the 2015 NARR Standard is the introduction of a construct through which individual standards are organized under four domains and eleven Core Principles. This methodology helps to clarify the intent of each standard. Further, the new format includes a section for each standard titled As Evidenced By, guiding both the applicant for certification and FARR Certification staff to assess provider compliance with each standard. While there are thirty-seven (37) standards with over 130 substandard, this example illustrates how the 2015 NARR Standards enhances provider application as well as certification staff determination of compliance. STND

DOMAIN

CORE PRINCIPLE

STANDARD

1.0

Administrative & Operational

Operate with Integrity

Adheres to legal & ethical codes

FARR Certification of Compliance Of particular interest to stakeholders located in the Southeast Florida Corridor, is the substandard 1.03. “Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be, or could potentially be, responsible. This information needs to be in writing and signed by the applicant.” FARR frequently receives grievances filed by residents and/or their family regarding providers who engage in UA practices which invariably lead to excessive insurance billing. Often this, in turn, leads to collection letters from confirmatory laboratories requesting payment from the resident. These potential liabilities were not disclosed prior to enrollment of the resident in the provider’s program and thus, constitute an incidence of non-compliance. Failure to comply with the NARR Standard is not illegal in and of itself; however, continued standards non-compliance most certainly leads to revocation of FARR Certification. There is much speculation throughout South Florida regarding the potential effectiveness of recent sober home legislation now codified into law under F.S. 397.487. As is true of all laws they are only effective when enforced by the bodies empowered to act on instances of noncompliance. Unlike laws, standard non-compliance may be “curable”. In other instances, events of non-compliance are so injurious to the resident representing dishonest and intentional disregard for the wellbeing of population served that the only appropriate course of action is to immediately suspend certification pending further investigation. While we do not relish our enforcement role, FARR ends this year with a firm resolve to maintain provider accountability to NARR Standards & Ethics. Residents, their family, local communities, state and municipal agencies, neighbors and licensed behavioral healthcare all must be confident in the integrity of FARR Certification. To learn more regarding FARR Compliance Protocols, please visit http://dev.aspengrovedesign.com/farr/overview/ It is our intention and commitment to be completely transparent and uniform in the application of these protocols.

As Evidenced By: .01 An affidavit that attests to complying with non-discriminatory state and federal requirements. .02 Marketing materials, claims and advertising that are honest and substantiated as opposed to: 1. False or misleading statements or unfounded claims or exaggerations. 2. Testimonials that do not really reflect the real opinion of the involved individual. 3. Price claims that are misleading. 4. Therapeutic strategies for which licensure and/or counseling certifications are required but not applicable at the site. 5. Misleading representation of outcomes. .03 Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be, or could potentially be, responsible. This information needs to be in writing and signed by the applicant.

Certifying safe and digniﬁed recovery residences for individuals seeking peer-supportive housing.

.04 The operator must maintain accurate and complete records of all resident charges, payments and deposits. A resident must be provided with a statement of his/her personal charge and payment history upon request. .05 The operator must disclose refund policies to applicants in advance of acceptance into the home, and before accepting any applicant fees. .06 Staff must never become involved in residents’ personal financial affairs, including lending or borrowing money, or other transactions involving property or services, except that the operator may make agreements with residents with respect to payment of fees. .07 Policy and procedure that ensures refunds consistent with the terms of a resident agreement are provided within 10 business days, and preferably upon departure from the home.

Join

Volunteer

Support

www.farronline.org www.thesoberworld.com

CERTIFIED RESIDENCES JAX

Sober Living Recovery Residences JACKSONVILLE BEACH a safe, sober environment on the journey to sobriety... one day at a time.

904.300.6050

www.jaxsoberlivinghouse.com

e ady? ArR ouChangee Your Life? YTo

Safe and structured environments for women to build a strong foundation for long term recovery.

386-265-4955 â&#x20AC;¢ www.avenues12recoveryhouse.com

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

THE TRUTH ABOUT ADDICTION TREATMENT By John Giordano, DHL, MAC, CAP

the blood, the beneficial aftereffects of the drug on craving and depressed mood may be related to the effects of noribogaine on the central nervous system [5]. Although the research is on going, acupuncture has shown great promise in detoxification and long-term treatment programs. The use of acupuncture in addiction treatment was accidently discovered in 1972 by Dr. Wen of Hong Kong. Dr. Wen reported that acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation at 4 body points and 2 ear points relieved the symptoms of opioid withdrawal in persons with opiate addiction [6]. Dr. Wen’s discovery was later adopted in many clinical settings in Western countries. In 1985 Dr. M. Smith, head of the US National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), developed a protocol based on Dr. Wen’s findings. The NADA protocol advises that 5-point auricular acupuncture relieves withdrawal symptoms, prevents symptoms of craving, and increases patient participation rates in long-term treatment programs [7]. Also, several brain neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, opioid and amino acids including GABA have been implicated in the modulation of dopamine release by acupuncture. A comprehensive study conducted by World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that environmental pollution is the underlying cause of 80% of all chronic degenerative diseases. It is well established that heavy metals are the cause of many neurological issues, yet testing for heavy metal toxicity is not a standard diagnostic procedure. In an unscientific survey conducted at G & G Holistic addiction Treatment Center in North Miami Beach Florida, it was discovered that over 85% of the patients participating in the study tested positive for heavy metals. Heavy metal toxicity is one of many contributors to addiction that is overlooked by most treatment programs. The nervous system is the principal target for a number of metals. Inorganic compounds of aluminum, arsenic, lead, lithium, manganese, mercury, and thallium are well known for their neurological and behavioral effects in humans. The alkyl derivatives of certain metals--lead, mercury and tin--are especially neurotoxic. [8]. Heavy metals can cause depression and anxiety by disturbing brain chemistry. Lead poisoning in particular disturbs GABA balance. When it becomes deficient, GABA can contribute to anxiety, lead also dulls your intelligence. Lead, cadmium (from smoking) and arsenic disturb dopamine, the primary neurotransmitter of reward and pleasure. Mercury, lead and aluminum disturb acetylcholine, this neurotransmitter gives the brain a sharpness and good memory. Heavy metals can also significantly weaken the immune system [9]. Although the empirical data is lacking, it is the observation of the authors that chelation therapy has contributed to the continued clean time of many addicts. It’s well established that drug abuse over an extended period of time causes neuronal damage. Alcohol and drug abuse starves the brain of oxygen. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) – the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure – has been used to a great extent and success in treating traumatic head injuries. There have been several studies showing the positive effects HBOT has in the treatment of addiction. One study published in the National Institutes of Health over twenty-years ago found that: Hyperbaric oxygenation was used in the treatment of 340 patients with narcomania, toxicomania, and alcoholism in the post-intoxication and abstinence periods; 223 of these were alcoholics, 68 toxicomaniacs, and 49 opium narcomaniacs. A group of 185 patients administered drug therapy alone were controls. Exposure to hyperbaric oxygenation had a favorable effect on the patient’s status during sessions and persisted for some time after them [10].

Continued from page 12

It is the opinion of the author that although we’ve made great strides in understanding addiction and the development of effective ways to treat it, only a handful of treatment centers apply modalities based in science. In saying this, I believe a minimum national addiction treatment standard would go a long way in improving treatment outcomes. It is also our belief that there are many holistic treatment options – including the ones outlined above – that have shown promise but for many reasons – including, but not limited to, lack of funding and insurance reimbursements – have stalled. In an effort to end America’s second opiate/opioid epidemic, I would like to encourage our government to increase funding for the research of these modalities as it has in the past with other diseases. I’m not hoping for a magic pill that cures addictions, but rather additional components to improve treatment outcomes and ebb the tide of this wretched epidemic. References: [1] http://www.quitalcohol.com/guides/top-10-alcohol-treatment centers.html#sthash.y4qDxLs6.dpuf] [2] http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/851116 [3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19161896 [4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25526228# [5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11085338 [6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296192/ [7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296192/ [8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1474439/ [9] http://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/28/ Heavy-Metal-Toxicity-Depression-&-Anxiety.html [10] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7653862 CONFLICT OF INTEREST It is acknowledged that Dr. Blum is the owner of US and foreign patents related to KB220Z a nutraceutical shown to reduce drug and alcohol withdrawal, reduce stress response in patients in recovery, enhance focus in healthy volunteers, reduce craving for alcohol, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, reduce inappropriate sexual behavior, reduce post-traumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms such as lucid nightmares and significantly reduce relapse rates following intravenous administration. https://lavitards.com/ In addition, Dr. Blum is paid consultant and stock holder of RDSS LLC. Reward Deficiency Solution System is a complete and all inclusive aftercare program consisting of the following: Genetic Addiction Risk Score, Comprehensive Analysis of Reported Drugs (CARD), Dopamine Agonist Therapy (KB220z etc.), Pre/post mRNA analysis of gene expression, many holistic and psychological additions (yoga, dopamine boosting foods, meditation, trauma therapy, brain spotting etc.), 12 step programs and traditions. Dr. Blum is a paid consultant of Rivermend Health, Atlanta Ga. and Victory nutrition International LLC, the Chief Scientific Advisor of Dominion Diagnostics, LLC and owner of Igene Inc. There are no other known conflicts. John Giordano DHL, MAC, CAP is a thirty-year veteran of clinical addiction treatment. Mr. Giordano is the founder and former owner of G & G Holistic Addiction Treatment Center, a 62 bed JCAHO accredited facility located in North Miami Beach, Fl.; and has contributed to sixty-five papers on addiction and its treatment published in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals and is considered by Research Gate to be one of the top researchers in the country.

www.thesoberworld.com

Calling All Leaders!

Join us for the addiction eXecutives industry summit (aXis). For its first year in 2015, more than 500 addiction executives and leaders met at aXis for an intensive 3-day “executive boot camp.” aXis offers executive-level leadership and strategic guidance by incorporating skill-building and direct intervention into challenges organizations are currently facing. This is accomplished with peer interaction, mentoring, and insights from industry experts. Don’t miss this valuable team learning experience.

Registration begins Nov. 1, 2015 www.axissummit.com. addiction eXecutives industry summit January 31- February 3, 2016 Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples, FL

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

HEROIN EPIDEMIC IN AMERICA By Steven Kassels, M.D.

withdrawal symptoms or to self-medicate for a variety of reasons. Here is a sampling of the information one might find on the internet: $60 Reasonable OxyContin (hard to crush) 60 mg Hartford, CT $25 Cheap OxyContin (old OC-crushable) 20 mg Wiscasset, ME $3.75 Reasonable Methadone 10 mg Hartford, CT $15 Pricey Oxycodone 15 mg Burlington, VT $3 Overpriced Oxycodone 5 mg Providence, RI $10 Overpriced Dilaudid 2 mg Worcester, MA There is plenty of blame to go around but we cannot ignore the ease by which one can illicitly purchase mind altering drugs with just a simple click of the mouse. As a result, our kids and our neighbors can easily get hooked on pharmaceutical pain (opiate) pills and then many will switch to heroin (a first cousin to morphine and other opiates) because the heroin of today is so cheap and so pure. And because of its increased potency, you can snort it – no needles needed! As a final thought, we must wipe out all our past visions of what a heroin addict looks like. It has become a white suburban disease and women in their 20’s and 30’s are among the most rapidly increasing group of heroin users. In next month’s and subsequent articles, I will explain how “Big Pharma” also plays a role; that many physicians are also biased toward patients who have drug

Continued from page 30

dependency/addiction issues; and how medical schools are woefully deficient in providing sufficient education and addiction training to students. One of the main reasons I wrote Addiction on Trial was to bring to light the complexities of addiction and to destigmatize the illness; but to do so in an entertaining manner to reach a wide audience of readers. I am extremely pleased that Addiction on Trial has been added to a medical school curriculum to give students an inside look at the complexities and to hopefully mitigate bias before it sets in. I look forward to sharing more with you in future editions of The Sober World Magazine. Dr. Kassels has been Board Certified in both Addiction Medicine and Emergency Medicine. He serves as the Medical Director of Community Substance Abuse Centers. He is the author of “Addiction on Trial”, written as a murder mystery/legal thriller to reach and educate a wide range of readers. The book has recently been entered into medical school curriculum to help decrease physician bias. The book is available at: Amazon (www.amazon.com/Addiction-Trial-Tragedy-Downeast-Maine/ dp/1491825316) and free author book club presentations and educational meetings (in person or using Skype) can be arranged at: www.addictionontrial.com/author-events/

THE LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION CONFERENCE

The Lifestyle Intervention Conference at the beautiful Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas was top notch all the way. The welcome reception was wonderful, as were the workshops and keynote speakers- Ralph Carson, Brian Cuban, Raymond Mis, Dug McGuirk, Louise Stanger, Judith Landau, Gerald Shulman and the list goes on. Tracie Duich (Cornerstone Recovery Center), Mike Morresi , Josh Katz (Destination Hope) and Stephany Mathews (Unity Recovery Group), Lynda Reilly with Patricia (Publisher, The Sober World) outside the Bellagio, Ben and Jen Randolph (Oregon Trail / Compassionate Interventions). A delicious lunch was hosted for all Monday by BDO, and Tuesday by William Blair & Company. If you didn’t make it there this year, I suggest you book it early for next year! A big thanks to Adam Mittelburg, Leah Miranda, Ashley Cesare, Olivia Terrell and everyone else at American Addiction Centers that worked so hard to make this a really memorable conference.

www.thesoberworld.com

EARN CE CREDITS, NETWORK AND ENJOY THE VIEW. INNOVATIONS IN RECOVERY 2016 Featured Speaker: Peter A. Levine, PhD

Hotel del Coronado | April 4 - 7 | San Diego, CA FoundationsEvents.com

where healing begins relationships are repaired and life becomes fun again

Transformations Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center offers unique treatment options through personalized PHP and IOP plans with a holistic approach that not only treats the addiction, but also heals the mind, body, family and spirit. We offer gender- and age-specific tracks, a First Responder program as well as a Christian/Faith-based program. And we are proud to be the only facility in Palm Beach County with a licensed equine outpatient therapy program.

866.211.5538 info@transformationstreatment.com TransformationsTreatment.center

To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? BOUNDARIES AND RELATIONSHIPS By Dr. Louise Stanger, ED.D, LCSW, CIP

What are your fears, your worries today? What has happened that makes your heart hurt so? What has your loved one done or hasn’t done? Have they emptied your check book and left it zero, stayed out all night without calling, flunked out of school, lost their job, changed their friends, lied, cheated, stolen, or had run-ins with law enforcement? What have you tried to do? No doubt you have cornered, threatened, given and withdrawn. You have set boundaries and let them crumble and disintegrate into powdered dust. You have gone down Pity Path and to Martyr Ville and ended up in Victim Valley. You saw the show Intervention and tried it yourself? The intervention failed. Now it is time for some professional help. Sounds like a great idea, but you do not know where to go, or what to look for. The Internet is full of confusing answers, everyone is an expert and no one understands your unique story. You wonder, “Where can I go for help -- who can help my loved one?” Loved Ones in Treatment When loved ones are in treatment, families are often anxious. They want instant results, 24/7 communication with treatment providers and get angry when they do not get instantaneous results. Some families prefer that their loved one has a mental health or physical illness rather than a substance abuse or process disorder. Believe me; they get mighty angry if professionals disagree. Sometimes in an attempt to control information a loved one might take a clinical professional off the consent form as a way to exert control over them. When this happens this is the time for the family to create a healthy boundary with their loved one by letting them know that it is not acceptable behavior as this hampers the treatment team’s ability to help them. Getting mad at the treatment provider is not the answer. Rather, setting and holding firm boundaries is the answer. Sometimes doing nothing is the answer. The family has to trust that they have entrusted their loved one into safe and capable hands, as they themselves know they have not been successful for years. In truth, the centers I have referred to have such excellent reputations and do such great work that they do not need your loved one unless it really is the right mutually aligned match. So let it go. Stand back, pause and let the center do the work! Let your loved one experience making his or her own bed and not ordering anyone around. The frustration you feel as a family is not that the treatment provider has failed but rather how long will it take for your loved one to join up their own dots and seek health and wellness for himself. Today it is not uncommon to meet families who overly indulge their loved ones. Affluenza has been described as having been grown up with a sense of entitlement, developed poor judgment after coddling by very indulgent parents. We hear all the time about these Failure to Launch clients that range from the early teens to the late 60s. These are folks who have never or rarely have had to experience the consequences of their behavior and who are used to doing nothing and getting their own way -- whether it’s having their mothers make them a sandwich while they are high in the middle of the living room sitting in the best chair as people scurry back around to wait on them, or they have never worked and have been on the trust-fund dole and still rage like a 3-year-old at age 63. In an effort to make the world a better place for their loved ones, well-meaning parents have provided cushions they thought were soft which turn out to be as prickly as a cactus, biting them in the behinds as they are scared and held hostage by the unrelenting demands of a 5-year-old housed inside a young adult, adult and older adult body. While in treatment it is imperative for the identified patient, client, or student to learn new ways of being. It is equally important for loved ones to get help. Sometimes loved one are sicker than the identified clients. There is a saying nothing changes till

Continued from page 8

someone changes. Waiting just for the identified patient to change may be pure folly if those around him/her do not change! Treatment centers must look at change beyond the standard traditional “family week” of treatment and develop practices which look at systemic long term change.” It is when we develop compassionate discipline and choose to abdicate our role as hostages and hostage-takers that we can really begin to not take love’s glorious and transcendent name in vain. Thanks to Jimmy Nguyen and Jo Bainbridge MFT for your input and assistance. Dr. Louise Stanger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, BBS) with more than 35 years of experience as a college professor, researcher, and licensed clinician helping individuals and families with substance abuse disorders, process addictions and mental health disorders. She has been heralded as one of San Diego Business Journal’s Top Ten “Women Who Mean Business”; Quit Alcohol named her as one of the Top Ten Interventionists in the Country; and Foundations Recovery Network proclaimed Dr. Stanger as the “Fan Favorite Speaker” at its 2014 Moments of Change Conference. Dr. Stanger is also an accomplished author of her acclaimed memoir, Falling Up: A Memoir of Renewal, which is set to release in early 2016. To schedule a keynote, training or to learn more about Dr. Stanger’s intervention processes, visit www.allaboutinterventions.com

ON THE LEDGE: SURVIVING EVERY PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE By Joan E. Childs, LCSW

Continued from page 14

It only takes a second to make that choice. Most suicides are planned and thought out. Some are not. Sometimes, all it takes is to ask the person if they have suicidal thoughts. That may open the door to revealing their feelings. We are often so afraid to ask that question due to our own fears, that we feel safer if we suppress the thought. Sometimes it is not even in our consciousness due to our own defense mechanisms such as denial and repression. It’s so difficult to consider it a possibility when you are close to someone who is ill. We tend to lose objectivity. This is why it is so important to get help. A good mental health professional will know what action needs to be taken; whether to refer the person to a psychiatrist for medication and evaluation, to hospitalize or to treat in a combination of ways. A family member or friend is ill equipped to make a decision, but can make an intervention to encourage seeking a mental health professional. There are resources in every community that have telephone hotlines, local Mental Health Associations and medical professionals. If you feel unable to help, call the national hotline, 1-800-273-talk * (Google is an excellent resource for information about Suicide.) Joan E. Childs has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1978 specializing in change work for human potentiality, personal growth and self-actualization. She was chosen to be the first affiliate of the John Bradshaw Center in the United States and is a consultant to many corporations, hospitals, universities and academic institutions. www.joanechilds.com

www.thesoberworld.com

The real cost in starting a High Complexity LC-MS lab is the opportunity cost if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it right.

Confirmation Laboratory | LC-MS Consultants

www.myadls.net | (561) 221-0353 To Advertise, Call 561-910-1943

P.O. BOX 880175 BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 33488-0175 www.thesoberworld.com

The contents of this book may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without consent of publisher. Every effort has been made to include accurate data, however the publisher cannot be held liable for material content or errors. This publication offers Therapeutic Services, Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitative services, and other related support systems. You should not rely on the information as a substitute for, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health care professional because of something you may have read in this publication. The Sober World LLC and its publisher do not recommend nor endorse any advertisers in this magazine and accepts no responsibility for services advertised herein. Content published herein is submitted by advertisers with the sole purpose to aid and educate families that are faced with drug/alcohol and other addiction issues and to help families make informed decisions about preserving quality of life.