Drug and Alcohol Abuse related to Addiction
The Approach • Outcomes • Areas of Focus • The Tools
Substance and alcohol use is present throughout society at all levels. When the quantity, frequency, or duration of use causes problems in functioning, relating, and managing/enjoying life, substance abuse is likely taking place. Addiction occurs when brain chemistry is altered by substance use such that drinking or using can, at times, appear to take on greater importance and meaning than caring for oneself or others. Individuals may use and subsequently become addicted to: nicotine, caffeine, marijuana, alcohol, stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine), narcotics (opium, morphine, heroin), and a variety of mood-altering prescription medications for mood control, pain, or weight control. Addiction can occur even when medications are taken as prescribed – it is the chemical changes in the brain that cause addiction, not one’s values, morals, willpower, or reasons for using. alcohol and substance addiction is a brain disease that most commonly manifests with one or more of the following patterns of experience:
- A need for increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired mood-altering effects
- Continued use in the presence of losses and adverse consequences
- The presence of withdrawal symptoms (physical or psychological) when running out of, or deprived of, the substance
- Engagement in behaviors deemed necessary to continue drinking or using that the individual would not have previously found acceptable or would condemn in others (hiding, lying, stealing, fraud, etc.)
- A significant shift in personal priorities and activities away from once pleasurable or manageable sober activities toward a drinking and using lifestyle
Who seeks help for substance use problems?
Individuals seek help for substance use disorders as they become aware of the disturbing, disruptive, destructive, or life-threatening consequences associated with drinking or using drugs. Among these are:- Health complications and illnesses
- Legal difficulties associated with substance abuse (DUI, drug possession, fraud)
- Mood problems related to substance abuse(hopelessness, depression, mania, psychosis)
- Interpersonal difficulties and relationship losses
- Spiritual disconnection and identity disturbances
- Increasing loss of self-esteem, freedom, employability, or clarity of thinking
- Encouragement to seek help for substance abuse from a professional or family member
Addiction Program
Our lives are situated in our “stories.” A life is created through the enactment of our stories – stories we tell ourselves , stories we tell others , stories that are told about us , and the cultural stories that surround us. Creating a story about ourselves results in our living out that story .We strive to become who we describe ourselves to be. We perform the roles created by our stories. We make choices and undergo experiences that are defined by the “story.”
Telling a new or slightly different story may require a shift or change in perspective, which then creates new experiences. Our choices and perception of our own responsibility may then change to fit this new perspective .These transformations take place through the ongoing interaction and interpretation between story and experience. New knowledge may be acquired as experience transpires and a new "story" evolves.
Alta Mira Treatment Programs mission is to illuminate, in a compassionate manner, the choices, the experiences and the responsibility inherent to the creation and fulfillment of a new and different personal life story and to identify the impact of that life story as it intersects with others and their unfolding life stories .This is the process by which individuals create culture and become critically conscious human beings capable of having meaningful interactions with others.
Most of us hold our stories to be quite sacred, in that they are highly personal and we take ownership of them . However, they are not necessarily spiritual. The spiritual dimensions of the story take hold when we connect to a larger audience.
This is an invitation to be an active participant in your own life and discover your relationship to the mystery of living. “Stories” are more about meanings than facts. If you can make sense of your story, you can change it . No one can tell another person how to change their story - that is a personal and spiritual process. Truth is an independent decision.
Addiction is a multi-faceted problem; there are medical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and lifestyle components. Often treating addicts who are addicted to drugs such as heroin, crack, meth and cocaine we find that women are just as affected by addiction as men. It appears as though an addict when choosing rehab looks for an addiction rehab center who's staff is familiar not only with street drugs such as "ice", crystal meth, and LSD in general; but who have experience with the specific nature of the crack addict, meth addict, cocaine addict, heroine addict and the like. There is no easy solution to the myriad of problems that addiction creates. However, there is a way to begin to unravel the web of confusion that surrounds addictive behavior; that is to go to the source - and the source is you.
There is no getting around the fact that you make choices to support your addictive lifestyle and there is no arguing that you are responsible for the path of your own life. Alta Mira Treatment Programs provides the opportunity and support that will allow you, if you so choose, to create your new "story."
“The Face of Recovery”
Our approach to addressing these issues involves individual and group experiences that will support you in discovering your truth. Drug and alcohol rehab at Alta Mira Treatment Programs is based on discovery. The path you take will be the path you create. Each path of inquiry provides something of value - some hint , some direction, some new insight on the voyage of discovery. A book, a teacher, a new experience, a therapist cannot provide you with the answer, but many combined resources can provide clues that you, yourself, must put together in your own unique way, to unlock the mystery.We provide an environment that supports change and transformation. Your journey here will include an intense look inward and a call to action. We challenge your investment to holding on to old patterns that bring old results. We challenge you to change.
The Approach
You will have the opportunity to recreate your path through a blending of both conventional and integrative services, including, but not limited to:- A medical, psychological and nutritional assessment to help develop a healing plan
- Individual, twice weekly sessions with your primary therapist to help you process your experiences
- Group therapy at least three times per week, as well as a variety of group activities, both on and off campus. You will encounter a number of different professional facilitators with expertise in their particular specialty areas (i.e. Equine Therapy, Adventure Therapy, Four Agreements, etc.)
- Optional IV, Oral and Dietary Nutrient Therapy to rebalance brain and body chemistry quickly
- Regular body work such as exercise, yoga, massage, and acupuncture will help you detoxify, heal, grow and relax
- Self-directed, individual growth experiences through literature, self-instructional CDs, DVDs and videos. Journaling is encouraged to record and track your experiences
- Attendance at support group meetings of your choice ( with staff approval ) at least twice per week and attendance at community meetings
- Participation in Experiential Groups where the primary focus will be on intense, personal experiences that will surprise and enlighten you
- Attendance at educational seminars on a variety of subjects (i.e. Nutrition, Sleep Hygiene, Native American Practices, etc. ) related to recovery, growth, healing, and transformation
- Close work with your Program Director and Support Team to develop and implement a program that is appropriate and effective for you
- Family Therapy to gain insight into interpersonal dynamics
Outcomes
The blending of traditional and non-traditional activities is designed to improve mental and physical energy, enhance focus and mental clarity, elevate mood, improve sleep, increase your ability to identify beliefs and feelings, increase your understanding of choice and personal responsibility, develop a basis for connection to the world around you, increase self-care capabilities and identify spiritual connections; to discover and honor your “truth.”Areas of Focus
Utilizing the methods previously mentioned, we will address issues that help you achieve your desired outcomes:A. Heightening Awareness
- Uncovering “your story”
- How do you defend and maintain you story? (Cognitive)
- How do you distract yourself from the “truth?” (Behavioral)
*Ego/image
*Illusion of control/power
*Tolerance for insanity (yours /others)
*Grandiosity/self-centeredness
*Alienation/detachment
*Beliefs/judgments
*Fears
*Addictions
*Attachments
*Drama
*Work/play
*"Stuff”
- What do you say you want?
- What are you attached to?
- What can you let go of?
*Values
*Actions
- What do you really want?
- What are you willing to do?
- What are you committed to?
- What "truth" will you live?
The Tools
These above questions help define your direction for a new path and the tools to clear that path. Your level of willingness to be responsible for new and different choices determines the depth and applicability of your discoveries. Some of the tools to assist your learning to be responsible for yourself and to others are:- Individual reflection
- Active, honest feedback from staff and peers
- The Four Agreements
- Meditation/Mindfulness/Breathing
- Journaling
- Self-care skills
- Body and energy work
- Awareness
- Participation (showing up)
- Honesty
- Nature
- Spirit
- Nutritional enhancement