The Complexity Of Treating Young Adults

By Claudia Black and Leanne Lemire

Leah, 22, enters treatment with a history of substance abuse since the age of 14. She also has a history of disordered eating and is addicted to Adderall. By the time she enters treatment, her use of drugs has ranged from alcohol and cocaine to a variety of speed derivatives, yet it is heroin from which she needs to detox. She has been raped more than once while under the influence and has just made her third suicide attempt.

Josh, 25, is seeking help for depression. He was severely isolated in his bedroom at his parents' home, always playing video games. He has few peer relationships and lacks any motivation for attending school or getting a job. He describes his depression as experiencing a deep emptiness and darkness inside. As Josh seeks treatment for his depression, it quickly becomes apparent he is addicted to gaming and should be assessed for porn addiction as well.

Sara, 19, comes to treatment wearing all dark clothing, avoids eye contact with anyone and is unable to attend school in her severe depressed state. She was adopted, which often fuels attachment disruption issues, and she experienced chronic bullying throughout her school years.

At the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona, the addictions we see run the gamut from substances to process addictions. Usually, people with addiction enter treatment identifying the most behaviorally problematic addiction, but seldom do clients show up with only one.

Depression is prevalent for many young people with addiction, and depression and some form of anxiety disorder are the most common mental health issues and co-occurring diagnoses. With sound psychiatric assessment, it is not uncommon to identify an untreated bipolar disorder and conditions of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Trauma is also pervasive in this age group. For both men and women, sexual assault has often occurred. Both in the context of their addiction and growing up years, many have been exposed to accidents and violence. Acrimonious divorce, parents with addiction, the death of a peer or family member, chronically absent or rejecting parents, and bullying are just some of the experiences that fuel their self-loathing, self-mutilation, anxiety, depression, and the desire to medicate with alcohol and other substances.

When we started taking patients, our perception was that we would be addressing the stereotypical failure-to-launch experience. What we have come to realize is that those in need of treatment are not launching due to their undiagnosed addictions and mental health issues that are most often combined with unhealthy parenting practices.

Core Treatment Elements

At the Claudia Black Young Adult Center, we have found the following core programming elements are needed to address the complexity of this age group:

• Grounding techniques that range from breath work, sensorimotor psychotherapy modalities, neurofeedback, yoga and tai chi, and acupuncture help clients regulate their emotions and focus on treatment.
• Treatment-specific trauma therapies including eye movement desensitization and processing, Somatic Experiencing, The Meadows signature "Survivors" five-day workshop, action-based experiential modalities, art therapy, and sand tray help clients identify and work through their negative self-beliefs and destructive behavioral patterns.
• Community peer culture keeps clients accountable to one another, creates mentoring associations and allows them to experience drug-or-alcohol free peer relationships.
• Gender-responsive programming facilitates opportunities for clients to form connections and develop support within their own gender.
• Life skills such as problem-solving, negotiation, healthy communication and time management help the transition back to everyday life.
• The 12-step program of some form is encouraged even for those who do not identify as addicts and could Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics or Codependents Anonymous, which is particularly popular with clients who are depressed and anxious.
• Fun in recovery is important. If they don't believe they can have fun being clean and sober, they won't stay clean and sober. The client who has a primary mood or anxiety disorder often experiences laughter and fun for the first time in the treatment setting, giving them a glimpse of how life can be as they move on with their recovery plan.
• Family involvement during treatment is critical to treatment.

It is important to note that it is from their family that the young adult will find either their greatest support or greatest sabotage. They come into treatment very angry or distant from their parents, yet they only want to know they are loved and accepted. The flip side that we see is the severely enmeshed family relationships where learning autonomy will be critical for their recovery. For these reasons, family engagement is the foundation of what we do.

The Possibilities

Our clients come to treatment full of guilt, shame, self-loathing and hopelessness yet may present as arrogant, entitled and angry or overwhelmed, withdrawn and fearful. The exciting aspect of working with this age group is that with a highly mindful, well-structured program and high staff-to-patient ratio, we witness transformation. These young adults are now believing in their own self-worth, have greater coping skills, and leave with hope and concrete plans for ongoing recovery and healing. They embrace the future knowing their lives will be different and are ready to take those next needed steps.

For more information on the Claudia Black Center, call 866-764-9263 or visit us online.

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PTSD in Children of Alcoholics

In addition to the basics of food and shelter, children also need stability, consistency, and emotional care in order to thrive. Typically, at a young age, children form an emotional attachment with their caregivers and this has an influence on their development. The most important emotional attachment for a child is usually their parents. Children learn from their parents how to behave, how to function in life, and how to form other healthy relationships. When children grow up in unstable environments, it can disrupt normal development and lead to difficulties, such as mental health conditions.

Effects of Alcoholic Parents

One environment that can be challenging for children is a home in which one or both caregivers struggle with alcoholism. The characteristics of alcoholism can interfere with a person's typical parenting abilities. They may have an unusual schedule that leads to instability in the child's life and they may not be able to provide consistent care. They may act in unusual or harmful ways towards the child, including making hurtful statements or becoming violent while under the influence. Further, the parents may not be emotionally available, and therefore, the child is not able to have their emotional needs met.

Traumatic Effects on Children

Each child is unique and consequently may respond to such conditions in different ways. One outcome that some will develop is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (more commonly known as PTSD). Many of us associate PTSD with veterans or sexual assault survivors, but in fact, PTSD can grow out of any situation where a person experiences a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Unfortunately, for children growing up with alcoholic parents, where the caregiving is unstable or even abusive, and this situation can represent a complex (or on-going) trauma experience. When children develop PTSD, it often appears different than it does in adults.

PTSD Symptoms in Children

Many factors combine to affect the exact symptoms an individual with PTSD will exhibit. Specific factors can include the child's intellectual development, presence of other caregivers, and amount of time spent in the traumatic environment. When adults experience PTSD, they often have symptoms of flashbacks and nightmares. Certain reminders of the trauma experience may serve as triggers that launch the person with PTSD into a cascade of difficult memories and psychological effects. However, the developmental level and dependence of children on caregivers can result in other symptoms.

When children experience trauma, they may feel helpless or they may take on responsibilities in the home, while still being unable to resolve the larger situation. They may withdraw or shut down. They may disconnect or dissociate from their surroundings. They may learn to exercise avoidance just to keep going. Other times, children want to seek out help and act out with tantrums or other behavioral problems. These may be methods they developed to help them survive the difficulty of home-life. Unfortunately, any of these behaviors can negatively affect children at school and in other settings.

Comorbid Mental Health Conditions

If left untreated, children of alcoholics (especially those who also experience PTSD) may develop other problems too. Many will also struggle with symptoms of depression or anxiety. Some will struggle with perfectionism and low self-esteem. These children may also have difficulties forming attachments and trusting other individuals in their lives. They may develop other more difficult disorders such as Reactive Attachment Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder. These types of mental health conditions can make it difficult for individuals to form healthy relationships.

Risk for Personal Substance Use

Children who grow up in homes with alcoholic parents, experience trauma, and develop PTSD often go on to have their own issues with substance use disorders. The reasons for this are three-fold. First, these children may have a genetic predisposition towards substance use. Second, they have witnessed substance use and it was role modeled for them. Third, sadly, in their efforts to cope with their PTSD, they often turn to substances as a maladaptive means of coping. They may find that it helps them “numb out” or temporarily reduce their symptoms and set aside their traumatic memories.

Adult Children of Alcoholics

For some individuals, who grow up in homes with alcoholic parents, their childhood is all about survival. They are just trying to get through each day, often taking care of themselves, younger siblings, the home, and even their parents. This survival mode may lead them to just keep functioning (at least on the surface). These children may not notice significant mental health problems until they are able to get themselves into a different situation (sometimes by entering college or moving out on their own). These adult children of alcoholics may then seek help to deal with their unresolved trauma.

Applying What We Know

Practically speaking, we want to use this information and here are some ways:

• For parents struggling with their own alcohol problems, this may be your call-to-action to get help and improve not just your life, but also the lives of your children.
• For adults who may see children in difficult situations, speak up and link them to help. Specially trained mental health providers can work with children to help them cope with trauma experiences and build their resilience for their lives ahead.
• For adults, who grew up in homes with alcoholic parents and complex trauma situations, seek help. Some mental health providers have specialized training in working with trauma.

These providers will be best able to help you alleviate symptoms of PTSD and go on to a better life.

How The Meadows Can Help

The good news is there is hope for individuals who grew up around alcoholism. Research has identified ways that therapy can help. Having a collaborative therapeutic relationship with a skilled therapist will provide a space where you can learn new skills for coping, process through your history of trauma, and move forward into your own healthier life. Specific therapy approaches can be used to best match your personal situation and unique characteristics. You can explore these options with a therapist.

For over 35 years, The Meadows trauma treatment program has been helping trauma victims heal and learn the skills necessary to cope with the devastating, and often hidden, effects of trauma. The trauma treatment program at The Meadows was specifically designed for trauma survivors by Pia Mellody and a team of world renowned experts including Dr. Peter Levine, John Bradshaw, Dr. Shelley Uram, Dr. Jerry Boriskin, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Claudia Black.

We have helped over 45,000 clients to date, through workshops and inpatient treatment programs. To learn more about the trauma workshops and treatment programs at The Meadows, call us at 800-244-4949.

Getting Help For Alcohol Addiction

At The Meadows, we treat all phases of alcohol addiction. From detoxification to our primary treatment program, we build foundations for long-term abstinence and sobriety. We focus on making changes in the way one lives, faces problems and relates to others.

Recovery from alcohol addiction may not seem possible, but it is. Once a person admits to having a problem, he or she has started down the path of recovery. Many patients trust The Meadows’ Alcohol Treatment Program to help them begin their journey toward sobriety. For more information please contact us online or call 800-244-4949 to speak with a representative to discuss your needs.

Content Source PTSD in Children of Alcoholics

Read also Get Treatment at Alcohol Rehab Center : Claudia Black Center, AZ

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When Parents Have a Distorted Sense of Boundaries

Excerpted from the book Changing Course by Claudia Black, Ph.D., Senior Fellow at The Meadows

Many times abandonment issues are fused with distorted, confused, or undefined personal boundaries. We experience abandonment when parents have a distorted sense of boundaries, their boundaries and ours. They want us to like what they like, dress like they dress, and feel as they do. If we in any way express differences from our parents, or make different choices than they would, we know we run the risk of rejection.

How many of us attended colleges that our parents chose for us? How many of us married who we did or when we did because that was expected or desired by our parents? Having done what our parents expected, wanted, or demanded does not mean that it was the wrong thing to do. It just means that the decision was never totally ours. Certainly, many people do exactly what their parents don’t want them to do. Often this is an attempt to be a separate person. We choose to marry the person they would like the least, or simply choose to not attend college at all. It is not the outcome that is the issue as much as it is the decision-making process. Instead of choosing freely, we make a reactive decision based in anger.

When parents hold children responsible for what should be their responsibility, they are expecting something impossible of a child. In effect, they are telling children that they have more power than they truly have, setting them up to experience futility and inadequacy. Many times parents develop relationships with their children in which they are their friends, their peers, their equals. In doing so, they share information that is not age-appropriate for a child. Inappropriate information often creates a sense of burden, or even guilt, for children. That is not fair.

When parents are disrespectful of their children's boundaries and violate them, the message given is that they don't value the child as a person. That message becomes internalized as "I am not of value. I am not worthy." When parents don't acknowledge children's boundaries, the message they give is "You are here to meet my needs," and/or "I am more important than you," and/or "It is not okay to be your own person with individual feelings, desires, or needs." When children experience chronic abandonment with distorted boundaries, they live in fear and doubt about their worth. The greater the clarity a child has around boundaries, understanding who is responsible for what, and the greater a child's self-esteem, the more likely a child will be able to reject, rather than internalize, shameful behaviors and messages.

As children we cannot reject parents, because they are so desperately needed. Instead, we take on the burden of being wrong or bad. In doing this, we purge parents of being wrong or hurtful, which reinforces a sense of security. In essence, outer safety is purchased at the price of inner security.

What we must understand now is that our abandonment experiences and boundary violations were in no way indictments of our innate goodness and value. Instead, they revealed the flawed thinking, false beliefs, and impaired behaviors of those who hurt us. Still, the wounds were struck deep in our young hearts and minds, and the very real pain can still be felt today. The causes of our emotional injury need to be understood and accepted so we can heal. Until we do, the pain will stay with us, becoming a driving force in our adult lives.

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How to Cope with Mood Swings?

Mood swings are very hard to handle especially when you don’t know the reason behind it. Mood swings could be for various reasons. If a girl is having her days of month, then it is mood swing, if dumped or cheated by lover, then it’s a mood swing, but most dangerous of all is when a person is on drugs. Drugs could give mood swings that are near to impossible to handle. This happens because person becomes addictive and an addicted person can harm himself or others physically.handle especially when you don’t know the reason behind it. Mood swings could be for various reasons. If a girl is having her days of month, then it is mood swing, if dumped or cheated by lover, then it’s a mood swing, but most dangerous of all is when a person is on drugs. Drugs could give mood swings that are near to impossible to handle. This happens because person becomes addictive and an addicted person can harm himself or others physically.

So the big question is: how do we know a person has habit of intake of drugs?

Well, below mentioned are following symptoms, which are caused due to prescription drug abuse…

1. 
   
   Confused about surroundings: A person becomes confused about his surroundings. He doesn't know what is going on because he is subconscious all the time.
2. 
   
   Intoxicated appearances: When a person has habit of intake of drugs, he always looks messy. He has no time to clean up well. He won’t like to keep himself good because he doesn’t care about anyone but his drugs.
3. 
   
   The difficulty with memory: A person with prescribed drug abuse could have a hard time remembering important things. He could also forget to do his daily routine stuff. This could adversely affect his physical, emotional, social and mental self.
4. 
   
   Insomnia: Drugs could easily affect sleep pattern of a person. It generally makes a person restless and lazy that a person could have difficulty with the sleep. Also, this would make a person tired affecting his physical self with diseases like cardiac arrest, diarrhea, heart palpitation, etc
5. 
   
   Depression: When a human becomes victim of drugs, he fails to perform a basic task. His mood swings make it difficult to maintain relation with others. He hurts other as well as his own self. This makes him feel guilty when his drug dose-effect drains down. He feels bad about himself and depression hits him at its peak. Depression enables him to have more dosage of drugs and his deterioration starts.
6. 
   
   Alcohol addiction: As it is said one addiction leads to another, prescribed drugs abuse leads to smoking or alcohol consumption. Two addictions at a time are even more dangerous. Drugs abuse damages mind and mood swings, alcohol damages liver and other body parts.

Thus, it is advised to observe a person’s behavior for 7 days and then provide help. If you feel that you, yourself or someone, have become victim of these, do not hesitate to seek help from us. We are Claudia Black young Adult center that provides treatment for drug abuse and alcohol addiction in Arizona. Stay safe.

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5 Reasons why one should not have Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol has its origin from an Arabic term al-ḡawl which means bad influence or evil result for a headache. Alcohol has bad influence if its intake is in a higher amount. Any addiction is harmful to health but alcohol addiction leads to another addiction of drug or smoking or sex addiction. Too much intake of alcohol is not advisable and there are many reasons for you not to have alcohol but below mentioned are few of them.

1. According to one research, every year in the U.S., 5K people under the age of 21 dies from an alcohol-related incident such as car crashes, alcohol poisoning or other related injuries.
2. One bottle of champagne contains 90 pounds pressure per inch2, which is 3X the pressure of car tires. The cork of the champagne bottle popped, travels 60 miles per hour which cause serious damage.
3. Alcohol is a reason for impaired judgment when consumed. It could lead to unintended sexual activity, drinking, and driving, violence or other dangerous behaviors.
4. Proportionately more alcoholic women die from cirrhosis which means damage to liver than alcoholic men
5. Alcohol does not relieve depression - it makes it worse so do not think about forgetting problems with the help of alcohol.

If you feel you or any of your family members are addicted to alcohol, you could opt for Treatment for Alcohol Addiction from Claudia Black young adult center. Claudia Black treats all kinds of traumas, addictions, and disorders. Care for your loved ones.

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How do I say NO to holiday drinking?

Holidays…It’s like music to ears, but are they actually good for us? A holiday is an excuse to abuse drinking. Holidays are not supposed to be enjoyed by drinking. There are several activities to enjoy vacation and alcohol intake is certainly not one of them. Alcohol could easily become addiction if not taken care. Following are the reasons for the addiction of alcohol:

• Stressful environment: When one feels that atmosphere around him/her is not healthy and they do not feel loved, they start drinking. The pressure of behaving in a certain way, acting in a certain way during vacations leads to alcoholism But alcohol is not the solution, talking is.Talking to someone who is patient enough to understand you, will help you out overcome it.
  
• Depression: Social life also complicated. A race to be in the competition is necessary and many times losing it causes depression.Things we bottle up and cannot share with others of lack of listening ears could lead to alcoholism. That happens because it temporarily helps you forget your problems. It is not helpful; instead, this stops progress of your life.
  
• Peer pressure: Sitting with group of friends and all forcing you to intake alcohol in one way or other is very common. Do not hesitate to say NO even if they consider you a loser. Looser is not the one who doesn't drink, instead he is the one who know what is good for him and what is not.
  
• Family history: People with family history of alcohol should be very careful because that could easily get you.Try healthy drinks instead of alcohol because that will work towards building a healthy you. Also, the member who is addicted, give them health drink too.

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U.S. Surgeon General Issues a Call to Action on Addiction

 U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s release of Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health at yesterday’s Facing Addiction Summit was an unprecedented moment in our country’s fight against addiction and substance misuse. It is the first time in history that a U.S. surgeon general has issued a report focused on drug and alcohol addiction. The report comes at a time when more and more Americans are struggling with the effects of addiction to opioids and heroin. One person dies every 19 minutes from an opioid or heroin overdose. And, the statistics related to other addictions are no less grim. One in seven people in the United States will face a substance misuse disorder, and only 10 percent will get the treatment they need to overcome it.

Shame and stigma are typically major factors in preventing people from reaching out for help and finding treatment. That’s why it was especially encouraging to see Surgeon General Murthy make it clear that addiction is a brain disease and not a sign of depravity:

“We have to recognize (addiction) isn't evidence of a character flaw or a moral failing,” Murthy told USA Today. “It’s a chronic disease of the brain that deserves the same compassion that any other chronic illness does, like diabetes or heart disease.”

Treating Addiction as a Brain Disease

At The Meadows, addressing the neurological aspects of addiction alongside the social and spiritual aspects has always been a top priority. The Meadows Senior Fellow Dr. Shelley Uram often says that our approach includes both “Bottom Up” and “Top Down” therapies. To put it in the simplest of terms, the way your brain has been primed to respond to emotional triggers through your childhood experiences has an impact on the development of addictions and other behavioral health disorders.

Automatic emotional responses (fear, anger, disgust, etc.,) are deeply embedded in your limbic brain—the “bottom” part of your brain—which operates subconsciously.

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Addiction and Eating Disorders Often Linked in Young Adults

In a recently published Recovery Campus magazine article, Remuda Ranch at The Meadows Senior Fellow Jessica Setnick takes a closer look at the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) eating disorder program at Texas Tech University. It is one of the first communities of its kind to recognize the need for eating disorder support services among students who are also struggling with drug or alcohol addiction

“Reports from eating disorder treatment facilities suggest that up to half of all individuals in recovery from eating disorders also have a substance use disorder. Some individuals develop an addiction to stimulants or diet pills by way of an unhealthy desire to manage weight or control appetite. Others experience dysfunctional overeating or undereating as an inadvertent replacement behavior for drug or alcohol use.”

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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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