Let's Bring Awareness To ADHD

October is ADHD Awareness month and for people without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder it can be difficult to grasp what it feels like for those who do. Individuals with ADHD may hear people flippantly say, “Everyone is a little bit ADHD” or dismiss their experience without compassion. However, contrary to popular misconception, ADHD is not a new term nor a medical fad. The medical condition was first mentioned in 1902 by British pediatrician Sir George Still who described “an abnormal defect of moral control in children.” He noticed that some children were unable to control their behavior the way a typical child would but were still intelligent.

Originally, ADHD was known as hyperkinetic impulse disorder. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) formally recognized ADHD as a mental disorder.

What Is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects children and young adults and can continue into adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty remaining still for long periods of time, limited attention spans, and high activity levels. You may notice that these are generally common behaviors in young children; however, the difference with children who have ADHD is that their hyperactivity and inattention are noticeably greater than that of their peers. This can lead to distress and/or problems functioning at home, school, or with friends and family.

ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types:

• Inattentive type
• Hyperactive/impulsive type
• Combined type

Although some research indicates that genetics may play a factor in ADHD, scientists have yet to discover the specific cause of this mental disorder.

What Are the Effects of ADHD?

Many adults and young adults with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder, which can put them at a higher risk for developing other issues such as depression or anxiety. Often someone with undiagnosed ADHD will turn to substance use to self-medicate in an attempt to calm themselves or control feelings of anxiety or depression. Addiction and other compulsive habits are more likely in adults with undiagnosed ADHD than individuals in the general population are.

Potential symptoms of ADHD include:

• Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Employment problems
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Impulsiveness
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Poor organization skills
• Procrastination
• Low frustration tolerance
• Chronic boredom
• Difficulty concentrating when reading
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Relationship problems

Attaining the right diagnosis and the proper treatment can transform your life.

ADHD Help at The Meadows

The Claudia Black Young Adult Center, a specialized treatment program of The Meadows, utilizes the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A) in the assessment protocol of its young adult patients. Essentially, T.O.V.A. is a computerized test of attention that assists in screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring of attention disorders, such as ADHD.

T.O.V.A. complements the work of the multidisciplinary treatment team at the Claudia Black Young Adult Center. The T.O.V.A. report often accompanies a history of substance use disorders, relational trauma, anxiety disorders, and mood dysregulation. The symptoms of ADHD may at times be directly due to a substance withdrawal syndrome, the consequences of trauma or a mood disorder itself. The presence of such comorbidity complicates the diagnostic process and necessitates a careful consideration of the specifics unique to each individual’s clinical presentation.

Using the T.O.V.A assessment raises the high standard of service and outcomes at the Claudia Black Young Adult Center.

At The Meadows family of treatment programs, we work closely with patients to tailor treatment to best fit their unique needs. This highly specialized focus is one of the many reasons why we have successfully treated thousands of patients for over 40 years. To learn more about The Meadows or the Claudia Black Young Adult Center, please call 800-244-4949.

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Young Adults Are More Likely to Develop Seasonal Affective Disorder

 

January. The excitement of the holidays is over. It’s time to return to your college classes after a nice, long break. For those in northern climates, there’s also less sunlight and painfully cold temperatures to contend with. It’s completely normal to feel a little bummed out about it all, right?

In most cases, yes, it is normal to feel a little “blah” during the winter months. But, if those feelings seem to be having a negative impact on your ability to complete your day-to-day responsibilities and your desire to get out of your house or dorm room and hang out with others, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of clinical depression that strikes people in the fall and winter months. Like other types of depression, SAD often results in fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, anxiety, overeating, alcohol and/or substance misuse, sleep disruptions, and difficulty concentrating.

Who Is Most Likely to Develop SAD?

Some evidence indicates that SAD is most likely to occur in young adults in their late teens and early twenties. Though no one is exactly sure why it may be due in part to the fact that many young adults have a lifestyle that is not conducive to a regular sleep schedule.

They often have college class schedules and jobs that require them to study or work outside of the typical 9 to 5 schedule of older adults.Young adults also sometimes struggle with the additional stress that comes with uncertainty and instability. They are typically in a stage where they are sorting out what they want to do with their lives, striving to become financially stable, and trying to determine what they want and need from romantic relationships.

SAD is most prevalent among women, and among those who have a predisposition for depression. This would include those who have a family history of depression, or who have experienced other types of depression—like major, chronic, or manic depression.

Content Source: https://goo.gl/vxKJGl 

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Becoming Fearless with the Help of Al-Anon

 

By the Mother of a Past Claudia Black - Young Adult Drug Treatment PatientAs my daughter does her recovery work from drug and alcohol addiction and anxiety, I too work my recovery through Al-Anon.

I won’t go into details of how my daughter and I both came to this point because I’m guessing many of you are already familiar with the scenario— failing grades, arrests, court appearances, isolation, detachment, and on and on.

I spent many fear-filled nights of insanity sleeping with my phone next to me waiting for that call parents fear most… Was she in jail again? Was she in an accident? Did she overdose? Was she dead? I received one of those calls. My daughter was in such a bad place that she couldn’t even finish her last semester of college.

Finally, I gave in to my fear, checked my ego, and accepted the help of many friends and family. With mixed emotions of anger, pain, shame, and guilt, I put aside my resentment of being forced to face my daughter’s issues, and on a Sunday morning her intervention team showed up at her college rental house. To say things didn’t go as planned would be an understatement. The well thought out plan of getting her to agree to go to treatment failed; she would not go.

I left the intervention feeling defeated and numb. What now? As hard as it was, I tried tough love and cut her cell phone service off and thus lost total communication with her. However, she still had our family dog, Bailey, at the rental house.

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Kid Cudi, Shame, and Depression

 

Hip-hop artist and actor Kid Cudi announced yesterday that he is currently receiving treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts.

 

In a Facebook post he said, “It’s been difficult for me to find the words to what I’m about to share with you because I feel ashamed…”

Shame and guilt are, unfortunately, emotions that often accompany depression. The illness takes a big toll on a person’s energy levels, often leading them to stop doing things they feel they should do, want to do, and need to do, and can leave them feeling “lazy” or “worthless.” As they struggle to complete day-to-day tasks and goals, their self-image may also start to suffer, and they may feel ashamed of not achieving their goals or living up to the expectations they have for themselves.

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Inpatient, Outpatient, or IOP?

Most psychiatrists and behavioral health professionals agree that addiction is a complex disorder caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. It can also vary in intensity; The DSM-5 defines addiction as a spectrum disorder that can be categorized as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe.” Many other mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, can be described in much the same way. Because there can be so much variation in the causes and severity of an individual’s disorder, there are varying levels of treatment to meet patients’ differing needs.

Generally speaking, behavioral health and addiction treatment programs can be described as inpatient, outpatient, or intensive outpatient (IOP). The biggest differences among each of the three are in the complexity and severity of the conditions they treat, the length of the programs, and the patients’ living arrangements.

What is Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment programs, also sometimes called residential treatment programs, aim to treat the most severe and complex addictions and disorders. They are full-time programs that are usually anywhere from 28 days to 6 months long. They provide patients with a controlled environment in which they can begin untangling the web of physical, emotional, and interpersonal havoc that their out-of-control conditions have wrought.

In an inpatient treatment facility, patients have no access to drugs or alcohol; so, the chances of them relapsing while they are in treatment are extremely low. They live at the treatment center—away from work, friends, and family— so that they can focus exclusively on working through their emotional trauma and behavioral and on developing new coping skills to help them succeed in their recovery.

A good Inpatient Drug Addiction Treatment center will also offer 24-hour access to medical care. (The Meadows’ programs, for example, are certified by the Joint Commission, due to their commitment to excellence in providing medical services.) They also will have experienced well-qualified and credentialed psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists available to assess patients, develop individualized treatment programs for them, and meet with patients individually and in group settings.

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College-Age Suicides Escalate

Untreated Depression Costs Lives

Each new day brings rays of sunshine that invite life’s pleasures – the enticing scent of freshly brewed coffee; the warmth of embracing young children as they scurry off to school; or savoring simple bowls of delightful berries in all of its sweetness.

Unfortunately, life’s splendors are no longer in reach for suicide victims. There are no more tomorrows and no options to change course. No more laughter. No more aha moments. No more tender hugs from loved ones. Nothing can reverse the loss of a life to suicide. It’s finite. Over. There are no second chances.

Unfortunately, suicides on college campuses have been accelerating at an alarming rate. Paul Soutter, a sophomore at the College of William & Mary, recently took his own life. A once high-achieving young man, his death has brought increased attention to this epidemic of sorts. His death will forever leave a mark on his family, friends, teachers, and everyone else who knew this young individual who was once so full of life. This was the fourth student death at the college this year.

Full Article Here: Claudia Black Center Blog

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11 Signs Your Young Adult May Need Help

By Ashley Chesky, MA, LAC and Patricia Plum, MSW, LMSW

Do you sometimes feel that you no longer recognize the child that you raised? When you look at your young adult, do you find yourself asking,"Who is this person?" Do you feel "crazy," "lost," or “at your wits end?” Have you lost all hope?

Maybe this is where hope begins.

Dramatic personality changes often occur due to trauma, drug addiction treatment, mental health issues, or some combination. Oftentimes, as families, we struggle to identify what is "normal" and what are red flags.

Here are some warning signs, questions you should ask yourself, and questions you may already be asking yourself that might help you to decide whether or not to get help. The more red flags you identify the greater the urgency…

1. Emotional Extremes

Ask yourself, "Am I walking on egg shells?"

Has your young adult begun showing extreme emotions in any of the following areas?

• Extreme Anger

Raging or fighting. Reactivity when they are told “no.”

• Extreme Anxiety

Especially during everyday activities that once brought about no fear.

• Extreme Euphoria

Laughing for no apparent reason, or at inappropriate times.

• Extreme Lack of Emotion

Or, a vacillation between emotional extremes.

2. Physical Change

Are you saying to yourself, "They look different?"

• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

Have you noticed a lack of appetite, them showing little no interest in food or restricting themselves from eating? Have they begun to overeat or eat in response to emotion and not from actual hunger?

• Changes in personal hygiene

Has the young adult lost interest in their personal appearance, stopped bathing, stopped brushing his or her teeth, or failed to seek medical assistance when needed? Do they no longer clean their clothes or keep a clean living space? Or, to the opposite extreme, have they become obsessive about cleanliness or about looking and being perfect?

3. Withdrawing or isolation:

Are you asking yourself, "What are they up to?"

• Have they begun to disregard family time, no longer showing up to dinners, holidays, or special events?

• Have you begun to notice excessive time in their room, with "friends", on their phone, or other technology?

• Do they not answer when you call or "never see" the text message?

4. Dishonesty

Ask yourself, "Can I trust them?"

• Do you get the sense that you are being manipulated, lied to, or deceived?

• Do you feel they contact you only to get something?

• Do they answer every question with a question, biding their time?

• Do they appear to have an excuse for everything?

• Are they using phrases like, "I am fine," "It's ok," when it is obvious they are not?

5. Poor work or school performance

Are you saying to yourself, "Has there been any progression?"

• Is the young adult constantly blaming coworkers, teachers or others for their own short comings?

• Has the individual been unable to hold a job for more than six months?

• Has the young adult dropped classes or been placed on academic probation?

• Have they been suspended or expelled for dysfunctional behavior?

6. Legal problems

Have you had to ask, "Do we need to get a lawyer?"

• Has the young adult found him or herself in the jail system due to DUI, fighting, theft, minor in possession, drugs, or paraphernalia?

• Have allegations of sexual or physical assault been discussed?

7. Self Harm

Have you ever thought to yourself, "How did that happen?"

• Does the person in question have unexplained cuts, scratches, bruises, or abrasions?

• Are they wearing clothing that appears inappropriate to the season, perhaps to cover markings?

• Do they explain away cuts bruises or burns that appear in inappropriate places or in distinct patterns?

8. Suicidal or Homicidal Threats or Behaviors Have you asked yourself, "Are they serious?"

• Does the young adult make threats of harm to themselves or others?

• Do they talk about having a fantasy of harming to others?

• Have you found violent materials in their room, or on their computer, phone, etc?

• Do they have a fascination with weapons or death?

• Have they harmed animals?

• Do they struggle with self harm?

9. Paraphernalia

Have you ever asked, "What is this?"

• Have you recently found sexual paraphernalia such as pornography, condoms, or fetish objects?

• Do they have applications on their phone for "hooking up"?

• Do they have drug paraphernalia such as pipes, needles, or pill bottles?

• Are you discovering items out of place or in excess, such as tin foil, spoons, or baggies?

• Have you noticed household items gone missing or being purchased in excess such aerosol cans or over-the-counter medications?

10. Social Change

Have you looked at your young adult and asked, "What are you doing?"

• Have they changed their group of friends? Perhaps begun a romantic relationship and left their friends behind?

• Do they no longer find pleasure in the things they once enjoyed?

• Are they acting chronically younger than their actual age?

• Have they failed to "grow up"?

11. Financial Instability

Are you asking, "Where did all the money go?"

• Do they have creditors calling?

• Are they always asking for more money? Do they offer vague explanations on why?

• Have they taken money without asking?

• Is there entitlement to spending money?

• Do they appear to always need more?

Help Is Available

We encourage you as parents and loved ones to trust you instinct. Even if you are uncertain about red flags, but you know something is wrong, seek help.

It can never be too soon, but it can be too late.

You can speak with an Intake coordinator at The Claudia Black Center on the phone or online anytime. Call 855.333.6075 or Chat Live online.

- See more at: 11 Signs Your Young Adult May Need Help

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Claudia Black to Present at Young Adult Conference

The Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows is proud to serve as a co-host of Ben Franklin Institute’s Young Adult: Failure to Launch Conference, which takes place October 29 – 31 in Tempe, Arizona.

The conference offers advanced clinical training for therapists and counselors. Nineteen continuing education credits (CE’s) are available to those who attend.

The conference will feature the top faculty, authors, and thought leaders in the field of mental health and the issues that affect today’s young adults. Topics will include understanding young adults that get stuck; engaging with difficult clients; treating addiction and trauma in the young adult; intervention strategies for addressing marijuana use; trauma and eating disorders; young adults, sex and the Internet; Positive Psychology and the young adult; and many more.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, Claudia Black, PhD, will give a keynote address on “Addiction and Trauma: Complexity of Treating the Young Adult.” During the 1970s, Dr. Black gave “voice” to both young and adult children from addictive homes. This cutting edge work was critical in creating the foundation for the co-dependency field and a greater understanding of the impact of family trauma. She is a Senior Fellow and Clinical Architect for the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows.

Also on Thursday, Oct. 29, Leanne Lemire, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Director of The Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows, will give a presentation on “Honoring the Survivor Within.” Lemire’s specialty focus is with trauma resolution, addictive disorder, and complex psychiatric disorders among young adults. Her training includes Pia Mellody’s Post Induction Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing®, Ropes Challenge Course, Gestalt Therapy, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Ben Franklin Institute, the producer of The Summit for Clinical Excellence Conference, is the premier provider of continuing education for behavioral health, mental health, and addiction professionals. They bring together the best and brightest trainers from many disciplines to offer broader perspectives and to help therapists and counselors to better address the issues that their clients are facing day-to-day.

Behavioral health professionals can register online for the conference at www.bfisummit.com.

-See more at:- Claudia Black to Present at Young Adult Conference

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August 31 is International verdose Awareness Day

Drug overdose is now the leading cause of deaths from injury in the United States.

According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention deaths caused by drug overdose are on the rise. Deaths of women who overdosed on benzodiazepines have risen a staggering 640 percent over the last 12 years, while deaths for both men and women from prescription drug overdose have risen 340 percent.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year. It aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

You can pay tribute to friends and loved ones who have been affected by a fatal overdose on the IOAD’s Tribute page. And, you can help prevent overdose deaths by sharing the warning signs with friends and family.

Overdose Warning Signs

Signs of a drug overdose can vary from person to person. But, here are a few common symptoms:

• Problems with vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate,blood pressure)

• Sleepiness, confusion, and coma

• Skin that is cool and sweaty, or hot and dry.

• Chest pain and/or shortness of breath. Breathing may get rapid, slow, deep, or shallow.

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea .Vomiting blood, or blood in bowel movements, can be life-threatening.

Get Help Before It'S Too Late

If you suspect someone is experiencing a drug overdose, call 911 immediately. If you can, gather any prescription bottles and/or chemical containers that you suspect the person may have taken and bring them to the emergency room doctor.

Overdose tragedies are preventable. Many addicts have experienced at least one non-fatal overdose in the course of their addiction; sometimes it is the event that leads them into recovery. But, if you or a loved one has been experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol, we urge you not to wait for a catastrophic, and possibly fatal, overdose to occur. The Claudia Black Center has Intake counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call and let us help you find a recovery program that’s right for you.

-See more at:- August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day

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Wings of Hope

We understand how tough making the decision to seek treatment can be for those struggling with trauma, addiction or mental health issues. We want to help recovery take wings, so we’re offering to cover airfare for individuals admitting to inpatient treatment at any of The Meadows programs: The Meadows, the Claudia Black Center for Young Adults, and Gentle Path at The Meadows.

• Admission must occur between July 20, 2015 and August 31, 2015.
• Offer is available for a one-way airline ticket to treatment. Cost not to exceed $1,200.
• Flight arrangement will be made through our corporate travel agent and coordinated by our Intake department.
• There is no monetary value to this offer.
  
  

Please contact our Intake department today at 855-333-6075 for more information.

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Connection is the Key to Recovery

In a recent TED Talk, journalist and author Johann Hari suggests that “Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong.” He argues that most people in our society see addiction as a simple chemical dependency, when it is actually the result of a failure to connect ─ with family, with friends, with the community, with God, or with a larger sense of purpose.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs?feature=player_embedded]

His ideas are proving to be somewhat controversial in the recovery and addiction communities, not so much because of his basic premise, but because of his assertion that these ideas are “new.” (The studies he sites have been well known to psychologists and addiction professionals for years.) He does also seem to oversimplify, in some ways, what is often a very complicated and nuanced problem. And, he calls for the legalization of all recreational drugs as a possible solution, an idea which always sparks a strong debate.

In spite of some of the questionable aspects of his speech, at The Meadows, we do agree with his core principle: that disconnection─ with peers, with communities, with one’s sense of self and/or with a higher power ─ can play a major role in triggering addiction and other behavioral issues.

Interdependence

One of the most important goals we have for our patients at The Meadows is that they learn how to become interdependent. The Meadows Model, developed by Pia Mellody, names dependency as one the four core issues that must be addressed before a person can make a full recovery from addiction or mood disorders. Doing so requires one to reconnect with the child he or she once was. Being too dependent comes from not having needs and wants met as a child. Being anti-dependent comes from being shamed for having needs and wants as child.

Becoming interdependent means learning how to balance your own needs and wants with those of others. If you are interdependent, you are able to ask for help when you need it, help others when they make a reasonable request, and say “no” when necessary to prevent yourself from stretching yourself too thin and becoming resentful.

Without interdependence, there is no recovery. As an addict, the ability to rely on others for help and emotional support, and to give that help and support to others, is critical to staying sober. Without the tools to make and maintain these connections, recovery is impossible to sustain.

A Higher Power

Step 11 in the 12 Step Model for Recovery requires the addict to find a connection with a higher power:

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out.”

In most cases, addicts have either always struggled to connect with God, their Higher Power, or their sense of purpose; or, in some way, they got disconnected along the way. Recovery is about getting connected or reconnected.

Jim Corrington, Director of The Meadows Outpatient Services, likes to use the analogy of an orange extension cord to explain:

An orange extension cord is useless and without purpose when it’s hanging on the wall. You have to plug it in to a source of power to give it potential. It does not reach its full potential until you plug something else into IT. So, too, an individual must stay plugged in to their source of power, AND, stay connected to others around them to reach sobriety, and with it, their full potential.

How to Reconnect

Addictions manifest in those areas where people are disconnected but seeking to connect. “Faulty wiring” caused by childhood trauma can make it difficult for them to connect with others or with their sense of purpose, so they end up trying to fill the gap with substances or unhealthy behaviors.

At The Meadows, we take a holistic approach to healing that helps patients to reconnect through their minds, bodies and spirits. Therapy sessions and workshops allow them to find out how they became disconnected, to work on ways to build better relationships with others, and to learn how to nurture themselves. Our new brain center helps them to address any dysregulation they may be experiencing in the brain and nervous system. And, physical activities like Yoga, Tai Chi, equine therapy and ropes courses, allow them to gain even deeper insights into themselves.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction or a disorder and are seeking ways to reconnect, we can help. Contact us for more information.

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Pain is at the Heart of Heroin Addiction

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control, the rate of heroin-related deaths has quadrupled in the past 10 years. Of people surveyed between 2011 and 2013, nearly 663,000 said they had used heroin in the past year; 379,000 said they had between 2002 and 2004.

Scott Davis, Clinical Director at The Meadows, says that the path that leads to heroin addiction is often different than that of other drug addictions. In many cases, it begins with a prescription for an opioid painkiller, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. (In others, it begins with prescriptions for Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Ativan.)

“A lot of the people who are coming to us with opiate addictions don’t necessarily fit the mold for most addiction. They don’t typically have the family history of addiction or the long-term dependence on the drug that you see with many other addicts.” “That doesn’t mean that they don’t have trauma, or that their family doesn’t have issues—in fact, they may have issues which exacerbated their dependence on the drug and made the addiction more likely—but, they might not have otherwise found themselves addicted had they not been prescribed an opiate as a pain killer.”

Once the pills become difficult to obtain, it can be easy for a person to slip into heroin abuse. Heroin’s chemical structure is very similar to that of prescription pain medications and works in the same group of receptors in the brain. It’s also cheaper.

Coping with Pain

For heroin and opiate addicts, there are typically three levels of pain that they must overcome in order to reach sobriety: the physical pain that led them to drug, the pain of detoxing from the drug, and emotional pain that led to their addiction.

Physical Pain

For many opioid addicts, their drug problems start with chronic physical pain. That pain is real and needs to be taken into account when developing a treatment program for the patients.

At The Meadows, we have a full-time medical doctor on our staff to help patients address the pain and the medical issues that are causing it. Patients cannot thoroughly address any underlying psychological aspects of their addiction if they are suffering too much from the physical pain that lead them to abuse drugs in the first place.

Pain from Detox

Heroin disrupts the brain’s natural opiate production process, which helps reduce pain and calm the nervous system. So, when a person stops taking the drug, he or she feels pain and anxiety more intensely than before. This makes detoxing from heroin especially painful. The Meadows highly-trained medical team, which includes a 24-hour nursing staff, can help patients safely and comfortably detox from heroin and opiates onsite. They develop a detox plan for each person that helps them to stabilize more quickly, experience less pain, and avoid some of the withdrawal symptoms they would have if they went off the drug cold turkey. Easing patients through detox makes it a whole lot easier for people to stay in treatment and stay off of the drug.

In many treatment systems, patients detox in a hospital or other setting and then go to the treatment program. Because we have the ability to help patients detox in-house at The Meadows, they don’t have to wait to begin treatment. As long as the patient is feeling well enough, they can begin attending classes and therapy sessions within the first two to three days after their arrival on campus. This makes the transition into treatment easier for them and allows them to start developing coping strategies for living without the drug right away.

Emotional Pain and Trauma

While the path that led to heroin use may have begun with a need to address physical pain, the user probably soon found that it also minimized their emotional and psychological pain as well. Whatever coping mechanisms the addict had used before to manage their stress and anxiety may have fallen by the wayside, as the drug was able to do the trick much more quickly and effectively.

That’s why a key component of the treatment program at The Meadows focuses on addressing trauma, family issues, and emotion regulation. Our staff works with patients to help them identify and address any buried psychological pain and repressed feelings that may have played a role in triggering their addiction.

Letting Go of Shame

Many people who become addicted to heroin found their way to the drug unintentionally. Many of them may also be the only people in their families with an addiction problem, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and shame. Scott Davis says that one thing that makes The Meadows program especially well-suited for them is that there is no shame attached.

“We’re not going to tell them that they are bad people. We’re not going to tell them that it’s all their fault and that they should have known better. Because drug addiction is a disease. We’re going to look at the chemical addiction, and we’re also going to deal with the underlying issues that make this drug particularly potent for them in a non-judgmental way.”

If you think you or someone you love may have a problem with heroin or prescription medications, The Meadows can help. Give us a call at 800-244-4949 today or contact us online here.

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Five Ways to Practice Gratitude

Sometimes, it may feel simply impossible to see the positive in a given situation or to have gratitude for your position in life. We may feel like the world is intent on sending us obstacles and gratitude may seem out of reach. What’s ironic is that gratitude is just what we may need to conjure up solutions to life’s challenges.

Gratitude opens up new possibilities. The word itself is from the Latin gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. People who embrace gratitude can see the beauty in most situations and, as a result, are likely to realize the beauty in all aspects of life. Developing gratitude is like building muscles – doing so requires repetition and persistence.

HAPPY PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS, TOO

Gratitude can be cultivated in ways such as counting your blessings, prayer, journaling, mindfulness (appreciating the present moment) and writing thank you notes to express appreciation for the people in your life. Happy people can have a challenging day yet still find happiness in simple things – a phone call from loved ones, a hearty meal, or a stroll through the park. You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to be thankful. Start right here, right now! Here are five simple ways to embrace gratitude:

1. Dare to be Aware: Become more aware of your thoughts. How do you perceive the world? If you find yourself veering off into negative territory, bring it back to the positive. Try to see what’s good and realize that life will never be without struggle. Don’t take your blessings for granted. When you’re more aware of your thought patterns, you can choose to react differently to life’s circumstances.

2. On a Positive Note: Optimism is one outcome of showing gratitude. Taking an optimistic approach to life opens the door for happiness, which can significantly enhance your health and reduce stress. If you convey gratitude for what you have in life, you pour energy into the positive. This approach helps your mind, body, and spirit. It’s just as easy to look on the bright side of life as it is to focus on the negative, so take a walk on the sunny side.

3. Make Someone’s Day: Let the people in your life know how important they are to you and you may very well make their day. You can either craft a letter or share your feelings in person. When you receive a call from loved ones, let them know how happy you are to receive their call. Give a friend, coworker – or even a stranger – a sincere compliment (try to give one compliment every day) and put a smile on your face and theirs. You might even make new friends in the process or inspire someone to pay the compliment forward.

4. Write On: Keep a gratitude journal by your bed and write down three to five reasons to be grateful. Do so either first thing in the morning or right before bedtime. If you write in your journal before getting some ZZZs, you might find that you get an even better night’s sleep. Once you start compiling a gratitude list, you may realize that you have far more than three to five blessings in your life.

5. Lend a Hand: Spread good cheer by volunteering – whether it’s working with children, the elderly, animals, or any other organization. Or, raise money for an organization by selling your artwork or collecting donations from family and friends. Giving back allow you to feel good about yourself as you help others in need.

To learn more about the Claudia Black Center, or to speak with an Admissions representative, please call 855-333-6075 or visit us here.

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10 Ways to Have Fun and Stay Sober This Summer

Sober life can be filled with fun in the sun, so take advantage of all life has to offer this summer. Here are ten ideas to help you put some spice into sober life.

1. Take a Joke:LOL! There’s nothing like humor to soothe the soul. Grab a bunch of your sober friends and check out a recovery comedian. Or, have a movie fest in your living room by playing your all-time favorite funny flicks on a Friday night. Whip up a batch of popcorn and let the good times roll!

2. Hola: You may have thought about learning another language, but never had the time to see it through. Now’s a good a time as any. Learn Italian and head to Italy to show off your new vocabulary. How about a trip to France after your French is simply fabulous? Learning a language allows you to expand your social network and will keep your mind sharp. What’s more, you can learn via DVDs, online courses, or the old-fashioned way in classroom settings.

3. Team Effort: There’s a healthy supply of leagues to choose from –softball, football, soccer, baseball, basketball and even bowling – so jump right in. Get in some hearty exercise while joining forces with like-minded individuals. You’ll be compelled to show up for every game because the team is counting on you. You have to be in it to win it – so sign on.

4. Lend a Hand: There’s an abundance of organizations that would welcome your help. Volunteering is a win-win. Both parties reap rich rewards. The first question is where do you want to focus your energy? Would you like to tutor children? Feed the homeless? Comfort the elderly? Help preserve your local park? You can test out several options to figure out which one most warms your heart.

5. Hot Stuff: Eat and greet. Check out local cooking classes and dine in style with your co-chefs after your meal is elegantly served. Take recipe notes and recreate your meal for you and your fab friends in the comfort of your own home. You can even learn to create and decorate your next birthday cake at the abundance of baking classes springing up! Cooking classes are all the rage, so be sure to bring your appetite.

6. Get Crafty: Join the artsy crowd and get crafty. Take up beading, pottery or knit your favorite aunt a sweater. You’ll enjoy the process and feel a sense of accomplishment after showing off your creations. Or, try your hand at painting. You never know what talents lie within!

7. Take a Hike: Summer is a great time to embrace the great outdoors. Take a scenic hike through your favorite park or go camping with your best buddies. Be daring and have a karaoke competition with your fellow campers. Kayaking is another fun way to spend a leisurely afternoon. There’s nothing like a little fresh air to rejuvenate your soul!

8. Listen to This: Do you love the sound of guitars? Or, do you prefer the melody of a piano? Learning how to play an instrument does wonders for your self-esteem. Pick up some sheet music and take an online course to get you started. Gather your family and friends and play to a standing-room-only crowd.

9. Of Course: Do you have a craving to learn American History at midnight? Do you want to figure out how to amass money in the stock market? Are you eager to learn how to help your family eat better? Online courses cover the gamut from banking to baking, so choose a course and power on your computer.

10. Move On: Gyms now offer everything from dancing to dashing. You can opt for a Zumba class or make a dash for the treadmill. Opt for a few sessions with a personal trainer to secure an appropriate regimen for your fitness level. You’ll surely find something to get you going and you’ll feel better for it.

To learn more about The Claudia Black Young Adult Drug Addiction Treatment Centers or to speak with an Admissions representative, please call 855-333-6075 or visit us here.

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Five Ways to Empower Yourself by Journaling

Putting your thoughts and feelings on paper can accelerate your journey from young adults addiction to recovery. Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you process your emotions, so you can realize a life-altering transformation. Check out these five tips to effective journaling.

1. Let it Flow: Stream of consciousness writing can be empowering. Ask yourself a compelling question such as “What brings me joy?” Close your eyes, relax your body and jot down whatever comes to mind. Don’t feel compelled to polish up or refine your writing. Write without filters. There’s no need for formalities. Let your hand flow freely over the page and jot down your thoughts and feelings. You can opt for nifty notebooks with lots of bling or use a simple notebook. Write for five minutes or until you feel like you’ve exhausted your response. You may very well gain a new perspective on the concept of joy or whatever question you pose. Save your work, so you can refer back to it at a later date.

2. Come to Your Senses: Take a deep breath and still your mind. Become aware of your surroundings as you scan your senses. How are you feeling? Is there a familiar scent in the background? What do you hear? You can also respond with a drawing or picture. You’re in the driver’s seat. Noting the answers to how you feel at any given moment helps put you in touch with your authentic self. So, savor the now.

3. Attitude of Gratitude: There are things to be grateful for on even the most challenging days. So, count your blessings via a gratitude list. Write down three to five things for which you are grateful. You can accompany your words with sketches or pictures. Express gratitude for the flowers blooming in your garden or for your best friend. You can choose something simple or elaborate – whatever floats your boat. As you jog your memory for all the gifts in your life, you might be surprised to find that you have more than five items on the list.

4. Give Yourself a Hand: Allow your non-dominant hand to respond to a question written with your dominant hand. It could be anything from “my most cherished memory” to “what makes me laugh.” Doing so may very well tap into the unconscious thoughts of your inner child.

5. Take a Step: Writing out your step work in a designated journal is a great way to keep track of your progress. You can refer back to your notes to review the steps you’ve already completed and to remind yourself of how far you’ve come on your recovery journey. Keep the names and numbers of “program” people in the back of your journal, so you’re not scrambling to find important numbers in an emergency.

6. So, take that first step! Write on!

To learn more about The Meadows, visit us here or call (800) 244-4949.

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