Answer Addiction

Author: Addiction Blog

  • Treatment Options for Youth Diagnosed with Substance Addictions

    Treatment Options for Youth Diagnosed with Substance Addictions

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and experimentation and unfortunately for most teens, this means experimenting with alcohol and drugs. While some teens don’t end up addicted after their first few encounters, plenty of others do… leading to a lifelong struggle.
    Here, we’ll explore just what substances teens use. Then, we look at the direct interventions that can save your teen’s life. Finally, we invite your questions at the end.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Common Substance Addictions Teens Face

    1. Marijuana. Marijuana or weed remains hugely popular among teens with 45% of 12th graders reporting having used it at some point in their lives. [1] Most teens don’t consider marijuana addictive or harmful, explaining its popularity. [2]

    2. Alcohol. Alcohol is perhaps the most readily available and widely consumed substance among US teens. According to the 2017 Monitor The Future survey, up to 61.5% of 12th graders and 42.2% of 10th graders have taken alcohol at least once. [3]

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    3. Opioids. Prescription drugs are alarmingly easily available to teens with most obtaining them right in their home’s medicine cabinets. Common opioids abused by teens include codeine, Vicodin and OxyContin.

    4. Study aid drugs. Study drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta are regularly misused by students in a bid to boost their grades. [4] These drugs sharpen focus and heighten attention spans, making it possible for teens to concentrate for longer periods. Unfortunately, they’re also highly addictive.

    5. Hallucinogens. Teens usually experiment with hallucinogens for fun and to “expand the mind” but before long, they’re hooked. Hallucinogens such as LSD, Salvia and magic mushrooms like psilocybin have seen a resurgence in teen use in recent years.

    Rehabs Offer the Best Treatment

    The signs of drug use and addiction vary with individuals and the substances used. It’s therefore recommended that parents know what signs to watch out for in their teens since early detection of illicit drug use might improve treatment outcomes. [5]

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    When it comes to treatment options, teen drug rehabilitation programs offer the best chance for teens to beat their addictions. As of 2015, there were more than 14,500 substance abuse treatment centers across the U.S. but only less than 10% of addicted teens are enrolled in these centers. This means that most of those who desperately need help aren’t receiving it.

    Even among those who access rehabs, full recovery from addiction isn’t completely guaranteed and about 40-60% of addicts eventually relapse. To parents, this might seem like failure and a futile endeavor. Why take my teen to rehab if they might start using again?

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    However, it’s important for parents to remember that addiction causes extensive damage mentally, physically and psychologically and is a tough habit to beat, especially for teens who are still growing.

    If your teen relapses that doesn’t mean that the rehab process failed. It simply means that treatment has to be reinstated with a few tweaks and adjustments. Most of all, parents should remember that taking their teens to rehab gives them a shot at regaining their lives.

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    Available Treatment Options

    There are two main types of rehabs:

    1. Outpatient rehab. This gives teens daily, part-time support so they don’t have to commit to residency. They arrive at the rehab center for appointments, therapy sessions then they’re free to return home. Outpatient rehabs are ideal for teens who don’t require constant supervision and those who don’t mind daily commutes.

    2. Inpatient rehab. These rehabs have proven hugely successful in helping teens fight addiction, especially when it’s become a deeply entrenched habit that significantly affects a teen’s life. The most common types of inpatient rehabs are residential treatment centers for teens where they enroll for a period of time, receiving full support to help overcome their addiction. One of the reasons inpatient rehabs are so effective is because teens are removed from the influence of the environment that led to their addiction.

    The Rehab Treatment Process

    Once your teen is admitted to rehab, they undergo a complete diagnosis then receive a custom treatment plan according to their addiction. The treatment program will likely include a variation of these addiction treatment modalities:

    1. Detox

    Detoxification is the body’s way of flushing out drugs or alcohol so that your teen can start healing. [6]  This is a natural process that takes anywhere between a few days and weeks depending on your teen’s individual situation.
    Since they’re in rehab, they’ll receive full professional care and assistance to make the detox and withdrawal process as comfortable as possible.

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    2. Therapy

    Teens in rehab take part in different therapies depending on their addiction and situation. Common ones include:

    Cognitive behavioral therapy. Usually done in individual sessions, this type of therapy seeks to uncover the thought patterns that drive a teen’s addiction and seek to reshape them. Teens learn how to develop strategies to help avoid high-risk situations as well as communication, problem-solving, coping and self-regulation skills.

    Family Therapy. Families influence most of a teen’s behaviors and beliefs and play a huge role both in developing and overcoming addiction. Family therapy, therefore, brings together those who are closest to the addicted teen in a bid to help them address underlying issues that caused the addiction in the first place. Families learn constructive ways of communicating, solving problems and bonding.

    Group Therapy. Participating in group therapy allows teens to share and draw strength from others who are going through similar issues. They learn more about themselves and the group can act as a support system and sounding board.

    Recreational Therapy. Most teens with a substance addiction end up so focused on feeding their addictions that they miss out on a huge part of their lives. Recreational therapy helps teens engage in leisure activities including sports, games, arts and crafts, helping them rediscover an enjoyable part of their life. Additionally, they get to improve their social skills by interacting with other teens in a healthy way while building positive personal traits.

    3. Medication

    Getting over an addiction sometimes requires the use of medication to restore normal health, reduce cravings or treat any underlying psychiatric disorders. Given the strong nature of some of these medicines, they should only be taken under strict medical supervision to avoid creating a new addiction.

    Helping Your Teen to Stay Clean

    It’s normal for parents to worry about helping their teens stay clean once they come home from rehab. One of the key components of successful rehabilitation is having an aftercare plan to prevent relapse. [7] A 12-step program like the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be invaluable in providing your teen with the guidance and support they need to stay clean. Scheduling one-on-one counseling for your teen can also help them stay on course with their recovery.

    It can be daunting to discover that your teen has a substance addiction but getting them the right treatment goes a long way towards helping them not only beat the addiction but also get their lives back on track.

    Reference Sources: [1] Addiction Blog: Trends in Popular Drugs Among Teens
    [2] NIDA: Monitoring the Future Survey: High School and Youth Trends
    [3] NIDA: Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Various Drugs
    [4] Drug Abuse: History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”
    [5] Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience: Early Detection of Illicit Drug Use in Teenager
    [6] Addiction Blog: What is drug detox and how does it work?
    [7] Addiction Blog: The 3 Secrets of Successful Addiction Rehabilitation
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • How to Resolve Your Addiction Past Once And For All

    How to Resolve Your Addiction Past Once And For All

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Recovery is about freedom. But how can you move beyond past hurt? How do you deal with the shame of addiction? This article aims to guide you towards resolution…and outlines consequences when you try to ignore the past. Your questions are welcomed at the end.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    The Baggage We All Carry

    There is no doubt that each of us who makes it to addiction recovery faces a certain burden about his/her addiction past. That past may not be pleasant. In addition, the past can be full of real trauma. Events from the past can continue to haunt us…for some of us, all of our lives.

    But however uncomfortable your addiction past may feel, you should acknowledge the fact that without this experience, your life would never have been the same. The past allows us to grow. It can teach us something. The past does not need to be about guilt or shame or anger or resentment.

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    Facing and embracing yourself “as a person who made mistakes” is a new perspective. In addition, facing and forgiving past injury can help you let go of unnecessary emotional baggage. The experience can develop more maturity. No only do you take responsibility for your actions, but you accept what has happened.

    Guidance is Key

    So, how can you move past the memories and past time struggles that seem to keep haunting you? Managing complicated feelings can be successfully done by the help of a guide. That’s why we recommend that you seek help from  professionals that are trained to lead you on your way to sustained sobriety and long term addiction recovery. [1] But there are some things you can do to get a head start.

    Continue reading here and learn more about the ways to resolve a past that includes addiction…once and for all. In case you have any additional questions, or simply want to share a personal experience connected with releasing from your addiction past please feel free to use the section below. We always try to provide you with a personal and prompt response.

    Ignoring the Past

    There are no clear symptoms which show that you are not at peace with your addiction past, but there are some unwanted consequences which might occur as a sign of the lingering issue. The consequences of burdening yourself with your addiction past can be physical or emotional.

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    The physical consequences

    Holding onto the past can cause long term stress and frustration. However, stress eats up you energy reserves and has an influence over your health and well-being. How does this typically manifest?

    Firstly, holding onto the past can influence your quality of sleep. This can result in troubled sleeping, difficulties falling or staying asleep. However, sleep influences EVERYTHING. Recent studies have shown us that less than 6-8 hours of sleep per night can result in disease. In fact, this 2017 meta-analysis found that notable health complications and diseases can be the result of sleep problems. [2] These include conditions such as:

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    • Cardiovascular diseases
    • Depression
    • Diabetes mellitus
    • Dyslipidemia
    • Hypertension
    • Obesity
    • Stroke

    In addition, repressed feelings related to the past can affect many body systems. In short, the inability to accept your  past can physically manifest through the following symptoms such as:

    • Eating disorders
    • Headaches and migraine
    • Infections
    • Muscle tension
    • Ulcers
    • Weight loss

    The emotional consequences

    Emotional imbalance is the second major sign that you haven’t dealt with the past. When we are stuck repeating our past experiences, the mind is preoccupied with negative thoughts. This can leave us feeling all sorts of backwards; we can feel insecure and full of doubts about our abilities; we can question our value; we can even hate ourselves.

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    When you enter addiction recovery, all of this can change.

    However, recovery is hard enough. To begin, you will be challenged…first to face your ear of failing. The fear of not succeeding can serve as a base for all further frustrations and emotional upheavals. The usual negative mental-case scenarios that people face when they are unable to release the chains of their addiction past includes the following questions:

    • What if I FAIL to complete my recovery program?
    • What if I LOSE my loved ones’ support along the way?
    • What if I CAN’T do it?

    If you pay a closer attention to these questions, you will see that they are all built upon negations, or negative assumptions. It won’t take too long before this emotional roller-coaster takes over.  The questions you should be asking are: “Is my past worth all this trouble? Isn’t it easier to surrender yourself to a recovery program, instead of being torn between the past and future?”

    Your only certainty is the present!

    Here and now is all you have! Why not make the best of it? Save your energy and put it all into your recovery. It will help you more than you can know. Isn’t that a good enough reason to let go of the  past? [3]

    What Do The Experts Say About the Past ?

    Here is what Brian McAllister, author and founder of the Full Recovery Wellness Center has to say about releasing your addiction past for good. [4] According to his opinion you have to pay attention to the way you talk to yourself. [5]

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    “We talk to ourselves all day long. And the conversations either propel us forward or drag us backward. During active addiction many of us developed the habit of mentally beating ourselves up. This sadistic habit can stay with us long after we stop using. “The voice” in our head tells us: I’m not good enough, pretty enough or talented enough.” 

    Another expert shares suggestions about moving past guilt in addiction recovery. [6] Stephen Scoggins, teaches faith and self-understanding. Here is what he says from his personal experience:

    “Daily, my father had to relive the mistakes he made during the years he spent drinking. Once he identified an alcohol problem and committed to getting sober, he realized that he missed years of my life and that of my brother. He had a hard time holding down long-term jobs for extended periods of time. When his heart broke over those mistakes, my teenage heart broke too. I had never seen such a broken man. My father had tears in his eyes almost daily as he looked back at all the years he felt were wasted. He repeatedly asks for forgiveness from all hurt he caused, both intentional and unintentional”. [7]

    How Can You Get Rid the Past?

    I’m not an expert on behavioral change. But the following steps have helped me immensely. They just might lead you to freedom. Here are some suggestions that you can begin implementing … before you seek help from a mental health professional. For more guidance on how to find someone to help you in the process, see the next section below.

    STEP 1: Stop over exaggerating things!

    This behavior typically comes as the result of negative thinking. When you are burdened with shame or anger from past events, you tend to catastrophize the present. [8] You can make things seem worse than they really are, especially if you take the stance of a victim.

    In other words, people in recovery can make a mountain of a molehill.  Quite literally.

    I still do this. A missed appointment or unforeseen challenge can throw off my day. However, our most precious gift is experience. Once we learn to perceive issues with a new perspective, we’ll see how life throws things at us … so that we can learn. We have to experience both positive and negative in order to learn, but this does not mean that we have to reach the point of destruction in order to “get it”.

    Instead, try to look at life for what it REALLY is. Aim for objectivity. To exercise this, express yourself out loud…and ask for feedback. If you are catastrophizing and exaggerating, a close person can call you out on it. And then, you can do something to change the WAY you’re thinking.

    Step 2: The present is all you’ve got!

    This is obvious, but hard to grasp. To understand it better, there is a quote that goes like this: “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.”

    HERE and NOW is all you’ve got, so make the most of it. Literally, shift your focus from the past to the present. Focus on your treatment and imagine what you want…you’ll never have to make your present a past regret. Recovery and letting go can occur only when you decide to.

    Step 3: The only thing the past offers us is a lesson.

    Re-framing the past as “experience” is very helpful. I remember when my first 12-Step sponsor told me that I never had to be that person with low self-esteem AGAIN. I never had to walk home, barefoot and hungover. Or, wonder what I did the night before.

    Instead, she taught me, “Who I am today is who I decide to be.”

    Previous hard times serve you as a stepping stone to something bigger. Maybe it’s more responsibility in your life. Maybe it’s a new direction, a new relationship, a new adventure. Looking to the past as a learning tool can help make you more mature. But it’s all in what you do … now.

    Step 4: Find the real reasons behind your addictive behavior.

    Substance use disorders are a short cut way to reach pleasure or to self-medicate. But taking drugs does not work for long. And it isn’t the only activity that brings pleasure or relief.

    If you want to make peace with your addiction past you need to get to the bottom of what lead to reaching for drugs in the first place. These issues are always discussed when a person enters a treatment program as a part of their addiction history. Call us to learn more about the rehab process.

    Together with a psychologist or psychiatrist you can get to the deepest issues of your addiction past, before you determine a treatment plan. Do not skip this phase, face your addiction past, understand it, in order to be able to accept it and move forward.

    Step 5: Target your goals in recovery and celebrate every accomplishment.

    Planning your recovery journey will include milestones. For me, these milestones morph. At the beginning, the milestone was 90 meetings in 90 days. I did about 75. Yay!

    Then, another milestone was to hold down a steady job. Check!

    Then, pay off debts…Check!

    Together with an addiction counselor, you develop a treatment plan that can lead you towards your new life. When you begin to map your future goals, you will move forward. This means that you will redirect your energy into taking some actions towards reaching your sobriety.

    However, do not forget to celebrate every small accomplishment on your recovery journey. This will motivate you to keep fulfilling your goals and eventually step by step reach a healthy and a drug-free life. Recently, I held a party for myself. I invited my closest colleagues and friends to celebrate the publication of a book, The Definitive Guide to Addictions. [9]

    Seriously, I never knew that this would happen…but one day at a time, I made goals and achieved them. You can, too.

    Who Can Help You?

    So, what professionals can help? When you seek for help, I suggest that you start locally. Ask for a referral from your primary doctor or someone you trust. You can also look through the member directories of the following professional organizations:

    • ABAM, the American Board of Addiction Medicine
    • APA, The American Psychological Association
    • APA, The American Psychiatry Association
    • The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers

    Your Questions

    I hope that you’ve found this information applicable and useful. In the case you have something additional to ask, feel free to post all your questions in the comments section below. We do our best to provide you with a personal and prompt response.

    Reference Sources: [1] Addiction Blog: Addiction Recovery
    [2] Sleep Medicine: Short sleep duration and health outcomes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.
    [3] Addiction Blog: Letting go of the past – How to let go of anger
    [4] Addiction Blog: Brian McAlister
    [5] Addiction Blog: Coping with life after getting sober: 3 TIPS!
    [6] Addiction Blog: Guilt and alcoholism recovery: How to move beyond guilt
    [7] Addiction Blog: Stephen Scoggins
    [8] Addiction Blog: Guilt and shame in addiction recovery: 10 activities to help cope
    [9] Routledge: The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • 6 Ways of Helping Your Alcoholic Child

    6 Ways of Helping Your Alcoholic Child

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Finding out that your child has become addicted to alcohol is a challenging situation for any parent to face.  But where do you start to look for help? What treatment approach is the best? We answer these questions here and invite your questions at the end of the page.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Warning signs of alcohol addiction

    It is natural for parents to think that alcoholism only occurs in other households; however, addiction does not discriminate. Alcohol abuse can affect people at almost any age, from the teenage years to adulthood. It can also become a problem for any individual, regardless of income level, race, region or gender.

    Even straight-A students can fall prey to the dangers of alcohol abuse. The important thing is to watch for signs of abuse in order to know when it’s time to help an addicted child quickly and effectively.

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    Common signs among teenagers include:

    • A decreased interest in physical appearance.
    • Asking for money without a good explanation or stealing items.
    • Increased obsession with privacy, such as locking the bedroom door at all times.
    • Sudden lack of interest in schoolwork and other responsibilities or activities.

    Some common signs of addiction in all ages include the following:

    • Confusion
    • Decreased appetite and unexplained weight loss
    • Drowsiness
    • Memory problems
    • Sudden change in personality or behaviors, such as increased irritability

    Part of knowing how to help an addicted child is becoming aware of these signs and knowing when to intervene.

    How can you help?

    1. Research addiction and understand what it is.

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    If you want to truly help a child struggling with alcoholism, it is important not to avoid the problem. Some parents ignore the issue due to embarrassment or denial. Rather than blaming themselves or hoping the substance abuse will go away on its own, parents need to understand that their child’s alcoholism does not reflect on them; addiction is a disease.

    That’s right, a disease.

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    In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines problem drinking as more than one drink per day for women or more than 2 drinks per day for men. [1] Additionally, the organization goes on to describe alcoholism as severe problem drinking that requires diagnosis and intervention. [2] Browse this website to learn more about alcohol addiction, the most common and pervasive addiction on the planet. Or, ask us a question in the comments section below.

    2. Wait for a moment of sobriety.

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    It is important to talk to your child about the alcohol use. Approach your child when he or she is not currently using alcohol. An important part of knowing how to help an addicted child involves trusting your own instincts as a parent. Wait for a time when you are both calm and at ease, rather than letting emotions to spiral out of control. Instead of expressing accusation, talk calmly, yet seriously, about your concerns.

    3. Stop enabling behaviors.

    It is natural for parents to want to help their children, but alcoholic children need to learn to deal with the negative consequences of their behavior. Do not lie to teachers, bosses or other family members about your child’s alcohol abuse. Discuss the repercussions if your child does not stop abusing alcohol. For a teenager, this might mean having a car taken away. For a grown child, this could mean that you will no longer lend money or bail your child out of tricky situations. Knowing how to help an addicted child includes using your own knowledge of your family and the specific situation.

    4. Stage an intervention.

    Call us on the phone number listed here to learn more about this process. Usually, you meet with an addiction counselor or therapist before the intervention, but without your child. Together, you discuss how you’ll approach the child and what each of you will say. You can also discuss about possible reactions with the therapist.

    You may want to write down what kind of behaviors will not be tolerated and what will be the consequences if they appear, as well as writing down all the things that were lost after your child’s behavior has changed.

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    Keep in mind that an intervention is successful even if your child refuses to go to rehab, because at least the family has united to set a boundary. This means life will not be the same for your child, and a process has started that will one day result in him or her getting treatment.

    5. Seek treatment.

    If your child is unable to stop abusing alcohol on his/her own, it may be time to seek professional treatment.  Many rehab centers offer options for teenagers and younger patients. Inpatient treatment can help by removing your child from a harmful peer group and providing professional guidance and supervision during detoxification.

    6. Family therapy and support groups.

    In addition to learning how to help an addicted child, parents should also focus on the whole family. Dealing with an alcoholic child can be draining for any family, so it is also important to learn healthy coping mechanisms, avoid extra stress and seek support. Parents can benefit from support groups that specifically address the challenges faced by parents of alcohol abusers.

    What if your child doesn’t accept rehab?

    Offering help and providing your child with rehabilitation options may be all you can do. In most cases, people with drinking problems overcome addiction when they are too tired to fight anymore, when they are faced with too much pain, or when they realize that alcohol isn’t the answer. What do they all have in common?

    People who enter addiction recovery have made a decision to try something different. This decision is their own…you cannot force it.

    You should not put too much pressure on yourself if your child does not want to quit. If your treatment offers are contantly refused, you can work on doing research together to show him/her why they should get better. And, you can focus on yourself.

    Often, drinking problems exist as a red flag to dysfunction in a family or social system. Are there other things going on in the household that require your attention? What about your own mental health? Turn the magnifying glass inward, to yourself or to your family system. Start asking questions.

    Finally, even though your son or daughter might refuse treatment, you should continue visiting family support meetings and find help for yourself on how to deal with your inner struggles on this issue. The only other thing you can do is keep encouraging your child to go to treatment. But you also need to have a strong base of self-awareness and love. No one else can do this for you.

    Your questions

    Are you still afraid of addressing your child’s addiction?

    You are not alone.

    Please leave us your questions or comments in the section below. We’ll try to respond to you personally and promptly, or refer you to help.

    Reference Sources:[1] NIAAA: Drinking Definitions
    [2] NIAAA: Alcohol Use Disorder
    Ohio – Department of Youth Services: Project Know – Understanding your addiction: How to Help an Addict or Alcoholic Child
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Is Burning Man All About Drug Use? The Answer Might Surprise You

    Is Burning Man All About Drug Use? The Answer Might Surprise You

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: According to the Burning Man website, the event is, “not a festival. Burning Man is a community.” This article seeks to look teach you about the purpose of Burning Man and whether or not it’s simply another backdrop for drug use.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What is Burning Man?

    The first Burning Man was held in 1986 on Baker Beach in San Francisco, California. Founded by Larry Harvey and Jerry James, both of whom produced the first “Man” to be burned, the event had the intention of creating a community which investigated a variety of forms of artistic self-expression. According to Harvey himself, his motivation behind the ritual was an impetuous act of “radical self-expression.” [1]

    The first Man to be burned stood 8 feet tall. By 1988, that height grew to 30 feet. Likewise, the number of people attending the event increased from 35 to 200. [2] This was mainly because Harvey handed out flyers surrounding the event and actively spread the word throughout San Francisco. With the city’s hippie history and open-minded community, it comes as no surprise locals were attracted to the original concepts of Burning Man.

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    The main concept?

    The main concept behind the Burning Man Festival is to let go. To burn away your bad memories and make light for optimism. To create and understand, no matter what the effort, it won’t last.

    Today, Burning Man is a yearly event which goes on from the last Sunday of August to the first Monday of September. It’s located in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada and attracts over 65,000 people annually. [3] [4] It’s described by many as an experience rather than a festival. An experience in community and art.

    In order to properly understand Burning Man and why it holds the potential to attract drug abusers, we must first look into its 10 primary principles.

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    Burning Man’s 10 Primary Principles

    We know that people use drugs at Burning Man. And while the festival permits psychedelic experience – even encourages breakthroughs in perception – the principles behind the event tolerate but do not celebrate drug use. In fact, it might be surprising to know that civic responsibility is one main principle of Burning Man.

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    In other words, following laws that keep people safe is encouraged.

    The purpose of the founding principles gives newcomers a sense of the atmosphere. They also establish boundaries. [5] Below is a list of the 10 primary principles that surround the event as well as a description of how each principle defines the experience:

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    1. Radical Inclusion

    The idea of radical inclusion is that anyone and everyone is invited to the Burning Man event. Though it’s a community with a strong history, the people who participate always welcome strangers. Those who decide to attend don’t need to have any preconditions. All that’s asked is that they provide themselves with their own basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.

    2. Self-reliance

    People go to Burning Man to experience something within themselves. The experience has people seek out something within their “inner resources” which may have been held back priorly. The hope is that attendees will not only learn something about who they are as individuals, but that they also reflect on the experience later in life. Ultimately, the hope is that the experience can help you become a better individual.

    3. Self-expression

    The idea behind self-expression is to act upon your inner talents. Yet, not just to act on them, but to offer it to others. What these talents are is up to you to determine based upon discoveries you may make at the event or perhaps a skill previously known. Organizers hope that you realize a hidden talent you didn’t know you had to offer or never honed in on. And through your discovery, realize what is yours is also everyone else’s. Then the task is to not be afraid, but to share what you have to offer to everyone.

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    4. Community Cooperation

    Going along with self-expression, community cooperation is a principle based on interacting and working with others at the event. This can be something as simple as producing a sculpture to burn at the end of the week or to explore deeper conflicts within yourself through another person. The principle encourages you to network with those around you, to protect the safety of the space, and to keep the space in which all this occurs as clean as possible.

    5. Civic Responsibility 

    This principle is based on a respect of civil society. It’s expected that those who participate in Burning Man must follow local, state, and federal laws. They must understand their responsibility for the property of the event as well as each individual within the community.

    6. Gifting

    According to the event’s website, “Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving.” People within this community consider the act of gifting as a wholehearted form of value. Furthermore, those who give shouldn’t expect anything in exchange. They should give to others without expecting anything in return.

    7. Decommodification

    At this community event, commercial business is not allowed. To promote, advertise, or attempt a transaction for your business is entirely prohibited. People who consider doing this should be aware those at the event will shut them down. Not only would these kinds of acts change the overall atmosphere of Burning Man, but it would also take away from the community’s promotion of giving.

    8. Participation

    At Burning Man, there’s a belief that a metamorphosis can only be made through personal participation. The concept behind this is that if the world worked for others rather than for individual gain, much progress can be made within society. Therefore, at Burning Man, everyone is invited and encouraged to work.

    9. Immediacy

    It is believed that in day-to-day life, we place barriers between us and our inner selves. We don’t experience life within the moment. One of the purposes of Burning Man is to experience reality immediately. To take in what’s around you, whether that be other people or the natural world, and accept it as is. The principle encourages you to place yourself beyond the human experience.

    10. Leaving No Trace

    Quite simply, the people of Burning Man have a respect for the environment and don’t want to leave any trace of the activities performed there. The purpose of this principle is to encourage everyone to clean up after themselves, whenever it may be, and to make sure upon leaving, they don’t leave anything behind.

     

    What Drugs do People do at Burning Man?

    Unless you’ve been to Burning Man, there’s no true way to tell what kinds of drugs circle around the event. As mentioned above, those who host the event expect those to follow local, state, and federal laws. Therefore, since drugs are prohibited, it’s expected people must keep their use private.

    However, after getting a taste of the principles of Burning Man, it’s understandable that the event attracts a certain kind of crowd. Particularly, those seeking to open their minds, experience something new and of which can bring upon a great change. Generally, people of this category are attracted to psychedelics. [6]

    Psychedelic drugs include:

    • 25I-NBOME/N-BOMB
    • 2C Family
    • Dextromethorphan (DXM)
    • DMT/Ayahuasca
    • GHB
    • Ketamine
    • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
    • Marijuana
    • MDMA
    • Mescaline/Peyote
    • PCP
    • Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
    • Salvia

    These are psychoactive drugs that transform perception and mood and influence a variety of cognitive processes. [7] Of all drug seized by police at Burning Man in 2017, 1,913.75 grams were that of psychedelics, not including 217 tabs of LSD. [8] The only other drugs seized included 231.85 grams of cocaine, 13.5 grams of methamphetamine, and about 170 unidentified pills.

    Though these drugs aren’t addictive physically, they do have psychological affects which can develop a dependence. For example, some people may turn to a hallucinogenic as a means of avoiding particular life stressors. [9]

    When it comes to Burning Man, the twist is the community wants you to face life stressors head on; to accept yourself for who you are and the environment you choose. 

    It’s not surprising some people think they can get there with the help of drugs. However, not everyone who goes to Burning Man is on drugs. Some people go purely for the experience. Like people who just want to watch their favorite band live or enjoy themselves at a club, Burning Man isn’t solely a place people go to to take drugs.

    So, if that’s the case, what is Burning Man all about?

    What is Burning Man All About?

    To assume that an event is all about drug use simply because it attracts that kind of crowd is unfair to those who host the event and are strong participants. Burning Man isn’t all about drug use. Rather, the Burning Man website advertises its experience as, “…entering a ‘decommodified’ space that values who you are, not what you have.”[10]

    Essentially, Burning Man is about being a part of a community that values a collection of people and the talents they can offer the world. It’s about discovering who you are or who you really could be without social barriers. It’s about experiencing something very difficult to experience in other settings.

    Burning Man can’t be defined by its drug use because people don’t go there for the sole sake of taking drugs. Yes, there will be drugs at Burning Man and people will hold the belief that drugs are essential to amplifying the experience. However, drugs aren’t what Burning Man is all about.

    It’s about community. It’s about valuing who you already are. It’s about discovering something new. It’s about being one with the earth and planet.

    Is It Safe For Me to Go to Burning Man?

    This depends on what you define as “safe”.

    To begin, it should be noted that people in early addiction recovery SHOULD NOT go to Burning Man. The easy access to drugs could lead into a relapse of addiction. [11] It’s important for people in the first 2-3 years of recovery to avoid triggers. This often means staying away from environments where drugs are known to be in use, such as clubs or festivals.

    If you’re currently facing a drug addiction and thinking about going to Burning Man, it should be noted the safety precautions involved. The disease of addiction can lead to hazards to your health both in long-term and short. Since Burning Man takes place in the middle of a desert, there’s not nearly as much access to emergency services as there would be in a city or suburbia. Therefore, if anything were to happen – such as an overdose – there’s more of a risk involved.

    Furthermore, if you’re facing a drug addiction then it’s important to seek out treatment before seeking out further ways too get high. If you don’t know where to look to find treatment, you can give us a call.

    If you want to go to Burning Man purely for the experience, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out an enlightenment the festival has to offer. However, it needs to be noted that you’re going to be in a environment of people who participate in drug use. With that in mind, there are precautions to be considered in order to stay drug safe at the event.

    Lastly, the website informs all those who attend to be aware of the environments’ harsh natural climate. This includes very hot days and cool nights as well as the necessity for food and water. You can find their safety video: Burning Man Safety – Desert Survival. [12]

    Your Questions

    If you have any further questions pertaining to Burning Man, we invite you to ask them below. If you have any experience at or information on Burning Man, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to reply to everyone in a prompt and personal manner.

    Reference Sources: [1] THE NEW YORKER: How Larry Harvey, the Founder of Burning Man, Taught America to Experiment
    [2] BURN.LIFE: 1986-1990: THE EARLY YEARS
    [3] The New York Times: Scenes From Burning Man
    [4] Burning Man: Timeline
    [5] Burning Man: The Culture – Philosophical Center
    [6] F1000 Research: Over 30 million psychedelic users in the United States
    [7] Pharmacological Reviews: Psychedelics
    [8] Reno Gazzete Journal: What were the top drugs police seized at Burning Man last year?
    [9] SAMHSA: Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use Handout
    [10] Burning Man: The Even – Preparation
    [11] Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine: Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery
    [12] Burning Man Safety: Desert Survival

     

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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • DUI Laws in Texas

    DUI Laws in Texas

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Have you been caught driving under the influence? You are not alone. Voluntary rehab can help. In this article, we’ll review the laws, penalties, and general legal procedures for DUI in Texas.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    DUI vs. DWI

    DUI = “driving under the influence”

    DWI = “driving while intoxicated”

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    OWI = “operating while intoxicated”

    What’s the difference?

    When you’re arrested for a DUI or a DWI, it means the same thing in the state of Texas. Both acronyms describe a person who drives with a blood alcohol count, or a BAC, over the legal limit. If the police officer wrote a DWI on your ticket, they’re saying you were“driving while intoxicated”. [1]

    In the state of Texas, these two terms are interchangeable. Both are referring to alcohol and drug-related driving incidents.

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    There’s often confusion between these two terms as people get the notion they have different meanings. In all fairness, some states will use a DUI when solely discussing alcohol and use DWI when talking about drugs.

    BAC Limits

    However, one thing is standard. Throughout the United States, the legal limit for those 21 or older is 0.08%. If you’re under 21, in the state of Texas, the legal limit is 0.01%.

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    It should be noted that there are certain rules to a BAC count in the Lone Star State. For example, if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, then you’ll receive a Class A misdemeanor rather than a Class B under the Texas Penal Code. [2] In turn, this will result in harsher penalties.

    Sobriety Checkpoints

    Standard sobriety checkpoints are illegal in the state of Texas, as they’ve been judged to be unconstitutional. The issue is whether or not this violates a citizen’s Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.

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    However, if a police officer has a reason to believe that a driver is intoxicated, that driver may be asked to take a sobriety test. If arrested, a driver may be given a blood test.

    Sobriety checkpoints still exist in the state. They are usually in a highly visible location where a police officer will stop and inspect cars for impaired drivers. Checkpoints are usually set up on nights when people are expected to be drinking, such as Friday and Saturday. Generally, these are located in areas where people are expected to be partying, such as Dallas, Houston, or Austin.

    Though police may not inspect all cars, they will inspect all suspicious looking vehicles. When an officer stops you, you can expect to be given a breathalyzer test to measure your blood alcohol content. This is because, in Texas, all drivers must abide by “complied consent” laws. Complied consent means that by driving, you “consent” to take these sobriety tests if arrested. So, if you are driving on the road, you have already given your consent.

    While you may be able to refuse to take a blood test (except for in limited situations), it will result in the administrative suspension of your license. It is important to emphasize that police must possess a valid reason for conducting a test or arrest for DUI/DWI in Texas.

    Legal Process

    So, what happens an on-road comes back drunk or high? Or, what if you refuse a breathalyzer all together? To put it simply, you’ll be arrested and charged on the spot.

    These charges will then be sent to the department of motor vehicles, where your license will most likely be suspended. From there, you’ll have to go to court on your specific date. The court will then penalize you under the circumstances of your charges. The most common penalties for DUI/DWI in Texas are:

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    • Mandatory completion of DUI school
    • Mandatory use of an interlock ignition device
    • Delay in driver’s license return
    • Fine
    • Jail time

    It should be noted that these convictions will be placed on your public record. This is to track charges and inform the court if you are charged again in the future. Penalties can be expected to worsen if you’re caught driving under the influence again.

    Misdemeanor or Felony?

    When you receive your first DUI in the state of Texas, you’ll be charged with a misdemeanor. The same is true for your second DUI. However, upon your third DUI, you can expect to receive a felony charge instead.

    Also, just because it’s your first offense, doesn’t mean you’re automatically charged with a misdemeanor. There are cases where first-time offenders will receive a felony. For example, if someone is seriously injured from an accident caused by your DUI, then that’s automatically considered a felony.

    The difference between the two charges is misdemeanor charges are usually small monetary fines and minimum jail time while a felony charge can result in large fines and a prison sentence. [3] Furthermore, felonies are much harder to expunge off your record in comparison to a misdemeanor.

    1st DUI

    Upon receiving your first DUI in the state of Texas, you’ll receive a misdemeanor and penalties. [4] These include:

    • A fine of up to $2,000
    • An annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for 3 years to keep your license
    • DUI School and Classes
    • DWI Intervention Program
    • Jail time of anywhere between 3 to 180 days
    • License suspension of up to 2 years
    • Potential ignition interlock device, IID

    It should be noted, those who receive their first-offense DUI and are under the age of 21 will face different penalties from those above.

    2nd DUI

    Upon receiving your second DUI in the state of Texas, you’ll receive a misdemeanor and the following penalties:

    • A fine of up to $4,000
    • An annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for 3 years to keep your license
    • DUI School and Classes
    • DWI Intervention Program
    • Jail time of anywhere between 1 month and 1 year
    • License suspension of up to 2 years
    • Potential ignition interlock device, an IID

    3rd DUI

    Upon receiving your third DUI in the state of Texas, you’ll be charged with a felony and receiving the following penalties:

    • A fine of up to $10,000.
    • An annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for 3 years to keep your license
    • DUI School and Classes
    • DWI Intervention Program
    • License suspension of up to 2 years
    • Potential ignition interlock device, an IID
    • Prison time of anywhere between 2 to 10 years

    Jail Time

    As the above information reveals, jail time is a very real possibility when it comes to DUI in Texas. Even first time-offenders risk up to 180 days in jail. The amount of time you spend in jail depends on your DUI situation. The following are reasons why you might spend more time in jail in comparison to others:

    • Someone was seriously injured in an accident
    • You enter a plea bargain
    • You had a BAC of over 0.15%
    • You had a child in the car under the age of 13
    • You refused a sobriety checkpoint testing
    • You were driving well over the speed limit

    If another person is killed in an accident due to your DUI, you will automatically be charged with a 2nd-degree felony under Chapter 12 of Texas Penal Code. [5] The penalties for this felony are as follows:

    • A fine of up to $10,000
    • A prison sentence of anywhere between 2 to 20 years.

    In order to get a true sense of the amount of jail time you risk, you’re going to need to talk to a lawyer. A lawyer will know your situation and best be able to calculate the consequences which may follow.

    Classes and DUI School

    After receiving a DUI in Texas, you’ll most likely be required to attend DUI school and classes for a certain amount of time. It’s vital you know that online classes might not be eligible for completion in the state of Texas. In fact, they need to be approved before you enroll. It’s important you speak to someone on this matter first.

    The purpose of DUI school is to inform you of the dangers of drinking and driving. It’s in Texas’s best interest to keep people from committing DUI crimes multiple times. Therefore, education is vital in keeping awareness around the community. You may also learn about the dangers of alcohol addiction and how to practice safe driving.

    Typically, a first-time offender will need to complete up to 12 hours of DUI education classes. This will cost them just under $200. Depending on your situation, the judge may ask you to complete more or less time in a DUI school. [6] If so, the following are the prices for DUI classes in the state of Texas:

    • 8 Hour DUI Class – $139
    • 10 Hour DUI Class – $169
    • 12 Hour DUI Class – $189
    • 14 Hour DUI Class – $229
    • 16 Hour DUI Class – $269
    • 18 Hour DUI Class – $299
    • 20 Hour DUI Class – $329
    • 24 Hour DUI Class – $379
    • 32 Hour DUI Class – $479
    • 36 Hour DUI Class – $529
    • 45 Hour DUI Class – $589
    • 60 Hour DUI Class – $779

    You also might need to attend a Victim Impact Panel. If so, this will cost you $55.

    Statute of Limitations

    In the Lone Star State, a DUI which results in a misdemeanor will have a statute of limitations for 2 years. A DUI which results in a felony will have a statute of limitations for 3 years. This means that if the state prosecutors don’t file a criminal charge within these limits, you’ll be free from prosecution. The purpose of this is to make sure eyewitness memory doesn’t weaken over time and evidence doesn’t deteriorate over time.

    It should be noted, a statute of limitations DOES NOT mean a DUI charge will be erased from your record after the time has passed. In fact, within Texas, a DUI will stay on record indefinitely until you either expunge or erase it. This means that a court of law and employers will have access to this knowledge.

    Expungement

    The truth is most people who receive a DUI or DWI in the state of Texas aren’t allowed to get it expunged. There are incidents where DUIs are expunged depending on your situation. These include:

    • A not guilty verdict
    • Case was deferred in accordance to Texas Law
    • Were arrested as a minor and only had a DUI offense as a minor

    If you happen to fit one of the above scenarios, you’ll want to contact a lawyer in order to learn how to expunge a DUI off your record.

    DUI Lawyer Costs

    It should come as no surprise that a lawyer can be very expensive. If you’re currently considering one, you may want to reconsider. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from simply accepting the penalties. For example, if you’re a first time offender facing little jail time and a reasonable fine, a lawyer isn’t necessary.

    More often than not, people only seek out a DUI lawyer if they’re facing a large amount of jail or prison time. An average lawyer will cost you around $2,500 while an experienced lawyer will cost you around $6,000. When considering this with other expenses – such as fines, license fees, DUI school, etc. – you’ll begin to notice why some people opt to just accept the penalties.

    Is Rehab an Option?

    Alcohol or drug rehabilitation is always a smart option. The truth of the matter is, you can look at your DUI as a wakeup call for a bigger problem at hand. This might be your opportunity to make a change that has long been waiting. Even if you must face criminal penalties for your DUI doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider reconstructing your life.

    Still, as mentioned above, it’s in Texas’s best interest to help criminals. Therefore, you may want to seek out a Drug Court. These are specialized courts which stray away from traditional punishment and seek to rehabilitate you. Through these courts, instead of being penalized with jail time, you’ll be placed on probation and sent to a drug treatment facility.

    It should be noted, not everyone will qualify for a drug court. For example, people who receive felonies for their DUI are automatically not allowed. You can speak to a lawyer to see where you stand.

    Your Questions

    If you have any further questions pertaining to DUI laws in the state of Texas, we invite you to ask them below. If you have any further information on Texas DUI laws, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to reply to each comment in a prompt and personal manner.

    Reference Sources:[1] NHTSA: Drunk Driving
    [2] Texas Constitution and Statutes: Home
    [3] Justice.gov: Federal Laws vs. State Laws
    [4] DMV.org: DUI & DWI in Texas
    [5] Texas.gov: Penal Code Title 3. Chapter 12.
    [6] DUI Law Center: Texas DWI Offender Classes Local & Online
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Tips for Talking with Teens about Drugs and Alcohol

    Tips for Talking with Teens about Drugs and Alcohol

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Your teen won’t always behave as you expect. Learn what messages are important … before they choose to experiment. This article helps prepare you for that conversation.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    The Main Goal

    Raising children is not always easy, and you face a new set of challenges once they grow into teenagers. Remember, your teen is only human and will make mistakes. So, what should be your goal?

    Your #1 goal should be to help your teen understand the risks of drugs and alcohol so that they can make the right choices for themselves.

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    Still, it’s important to be realistic. You’ll have to accept that your teen won’t always behave as you expect. But we believe that you can best influence your child BEFORE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS are even an option. How? Through prevention.

    Many parents overlook the risk of drugs and alcohol because they don’t believe their teens would ever make poor choices. A series of conversations can be just the thing to prevent those poor choices. If you need a little nudge in the right direction, this guide will help.

    TIP 1: Choose the Right Place and Time

    Choosing the right time and place to talk with your teen about drugs and alcohol is vital. You want to find a time and place where your teen will feel comfortable discussing the subject and opening up about any experiences they’ve had. Here are a few things to consider that will help you determine when to talk to your teen:

    1. Privacy. Make sure you approach your teen when the two of you are alone. Avoid trying to start the conversation in public or when friends and family are present.
    2. Distraction. Select a comfortable room in your home or take a walk with your teen. Put away the devices and focus on the conversation.
    3. Mood. You and your teen should both be in a calm mood before starting the discussion. Avoid trying to talk to your teen when either of you are in a bad mood or if emotions are running hot.

    TIP 2: Have an Open Mind

    No matter how close you and your teen are, you will have to break through a generation gap to make noticeable progress. This requires you to take a few steps back and make an ongoing effort to keep an open mind. Your fears and concerns may be palpable. But put them on the side for this conversation.

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    Instead, try putting yourself in your teen’s position and think back to when you were in middle or high school. Remember what dealing with the stress and peer pressure was like?

    It’s also important to remind yourself that you are speaking with your teen, not to your teen. The difference is that you must know when to stop talking and simply listen to what your teen has to say. Each time you speak or make a point, you should pause and give your teen time to respond.

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    TIP 3: Offer Reasons for the Rules You Impose

    Parents will often tell teens not to drink or do drugs, but then fail to list reasons that support their stance. Most teens are at the point in which they are feeling independent and ready to choose how their life will play out. The last thing you want is your teen trying to rebel against everything you say.

    One of the best ways to stay on the same page is with communication. Discuss the rules and boundaries you are setting and be sure to explain your reasons why. Try getting your teen to think of the ways the choices they make now can impact their future and the goals they would like to achieve in the coming years.

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    TIP 4: Show Your Teen You Care

    The way you interact with your teen plays a big role in the way your conversation will unfold. It’s important you show your teen that you care for them above all.

    The message is that you are doing what you feel is best for them.

    Doing so won’t always be easy, but you must give it your best shot.

    Some teens might feel the boundaries and limits are a strangle-hold on their independence. On the contrary, let your teen know you want them to stay away from drugs because it could prevent them from living the life they want.

    Teens often feel as though their parents can never understand the things they go through each day. It’s difficult for them to imagine their parents as teens trying to make their way through high school. This disconnect can make it hard to reach a common ground. Another way that you can let them know you care is to remind your teen that you were once in their shoes. You’ve faced the same problems they are facing now…and this can show that you truly have their best interest in mind.

    TIP 5: Give Examples of Problems Caused by Drugs and Drinking

    Rather than telling your teen that drugs and alcohol can make trouble in her life, think of real-life examples you can use. Perhaps you have a family member or friend in recovery. S/He might be willing to share a little of their experience, strength, and hope. Personal testimonials go a long way.

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    Or, look to a role model. Many celebrities today have chosen to be open about their addiction recovery with the public. There are plenty of interviews in which celebrities discuss the negative affects drugs had on their life and how much better their lives are now that they are sober. Share these stories with your teen as real-life examples.

    TIP 6: Let Your Teen Know S/He Does Not Have to Follow the Crowd

    The teenage years are some of the most stressful and complicated years in a person’s life. Teens deal with shifting hormones and a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They feel a need to fit in and belong.

    Although the temptation to be part of a group is wired into our brains, it’s not always a positive force in our lives. Help your teen build their self-confidence and remind them that they do not have to follow the crowd. If you can help your teen overcome peer pressure, you will go a long way toward keeping them drug-free.

    TIP 7: Let Your Teen Know They Can Come to You for Help

    One of the worst mistakes that parents make when talking to teens about drugs and alcohol is showing too much anger. You must remain in control of your emotions and let your teen know they can come to you if they need help.

    If your teen thinks you will overreact, they will be too afraid to call for help if they find themselves in a bad situation with no other way out. You must impose discipline if necessary, but do so with as much compassion as possible.

    Final Thoughts

    Helping teens stay away from drugs and alcohol is not always easy, and some teens will still go down that path no matter what you do. As a parent, your goal is to guide them in the right direction and help them make smarter choices in the future. Nothing will guarantee your success, but the tips discussed above will give you a much better chance at your teen living a life free of addiction.

    Got questions?

    Please ask them in the section below. We’ll do our best to answer each real-life parenting question with a personal and prompt reply.

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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • DUI Laws in Massachusetts

    DUI Laws in Massachusetts

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Have you recently been pulled over and charged with a DUI? You’re not alone. Additionally, voluntary entry into rehab might help. This article reviews laws, penalties, and general legal procedures for DUI in Massachusetts.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    DUI vs. DWI

    Have you recently been pulled over and charged with a DUI in the state of Massachusetts? You’re not alone.

    In Massachusetts, 2.2% of adults report driving after drinking too much … at least once a month. [1]

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    There’s sometimes confusion between the terms DUI and DWI as some states use each term for different charges. A DUI is defined as “driving under the influence” while a DWI is “driving while intoxicated”. [2] In Massachusetts, you may also be charged with an OUI which means “operating under the influence”. All three of these terms are interchangeable and, therefore, will be used against you if you either drive while drunk on alcohol or high on drugs.

    When it comes to alcohol, police officers test blood alcohol content, BAC, to see if it’s over the legal limit. If you’re 21 or older, the legal limit is 0.08% across the country. If you’re under 21, the legal limit in Massachusetts is 0.02%. [3] Penalties can be higher if your BAC is over 0.15%.

    Furthermore, there are specific rules within Massachusetts which will determine the consequences you face due to a DUI. For example, if you’re on probation, you’re not allowed to have over 0.01% BAC in your system. Therefore, you’ve broken multiple laws and will be charged accordingly. We discuss these situations in more detail below.

    Sobriety Checkpoints

    While driving around the Pilgrim State, you may run into a sobriety checkpoint…especially if you’re in a heavily populated area, such as Boston or Springfield, where drinking is centered.

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    A sobriety checkpoint is a highly visible location where drivers are stopped to verify their ability to drive. If suspicious, a police officer may ask you to take a breathalyzer test.

    If your BAC is over 0.08% or if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test altogether, your license will be taken away and you will be arrested on the spot.

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    Upon arrest the Department of Motor Vehicles takes immediate action and your license will be suspended. Afterward, you’ll be assigned a court date. There’s no telling what the outcome will be, as it all depends on your situation and police report. However, common penalties following a sobriety checkpoint failure are:

    • Completion of DUI school
    • Delay in driver’s license
    • Fine
    • Jail time

    Whatever charge or conviction you receive from the court will be placed on your criminal record. There are two reasons for this:

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    1. To inform employers who do a criminal background check.
    2. To notify the court if new convictions appear in the future.

    Penalties can be expected to worsen if you’re caught driving under the influence again. However, you can take a DUI as a learning lesson. It might even be life changing, especially if you seek medical treatment for possible addiction.

    Misdemeanor or Felony?

    Whether you receive a misdemeanor or a felony for your DUI entirely depends on your circumstances. Typically, if you were simply pulled over, caught with a BAC of over 0.08%, and it was your first offense, you’ll be charged with a misdemeanor. However, if someone else was either hurt or killed in an accident due to your DUI, then you’ll face a felony charge. [4]

    1st DUI

    Upon receiving your first DUI,  Massachusetts courts and judges will charge you under a misdemeanor. [5] Following penalties are typically ordered:

    • A fine between $500 and $5,000.
    • Alcohol education program.
    • Jail time of up to 2 and a half years.
    • License suspension of up to 180 days.
    • A license reinstatement fee from $100 to $1,200.

    2nd DUI

    Upon receiving your second DUI, the following penalties are typically ordered by Massachusetts courts and judges under a misdemeanor charge:

    • A fine between $600 and $10,000.
    • Alcohol education program.
    • Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device, an IID.
    • Jail time between 60 days and 2 and a half years.
    • License suspension of up to 2 years.
    • A license reinstatement fee from $100 to $1,200.

    3rd DUI

    Upon receiving your third DUI, the following penalties are typically ordered by Massachusetts courts and judges under a felony charge:

    • A fine between $1,000 and $15,000.
    • Alcohol education program.
    • Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device, an IID.
    • Jail time between 180 days and 2 and a half years.
    • Potential prison time for up to 5 years.
    • License suspension for up to 8 years.
    • A license reinstatement fee from $100 to $1,200.
    • Potential vehicle registration revocation.

    4th DUI

    Upon receiving your fourth DUI, the following penalties are typically ordered by Massachusetts courts and judges under a felony charge:

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    • A fine between $1,500 and $25,000.
    • Alcohol education program.
    • Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device, an IID.
    • Jail time between 2 years and 2 and a half years.
    • Potential prison time for up to 5 years.
    • License suspension for up to 10 years.
    • A license reinstatement fee from $100 to $1,200.
    • Potential motor vehicle forfeiture.
    • Potential vehicle registration revocation.

    5th DUI

    Upon receiving your fifth DUI, the following penalties are typically ordered by Massachusetts courts and judges under a felony charge:

    • A fine between $2,000 and $50,000.
    • Alcohol education program.
    • Mandatory use of an ignition interlock device, an IID.
    • Jail time for a minimum of 2 and a half years.
    • Potential prison for up to 5 years.
    • License suspension for up to your lifetime.
    • Potential motor vehicle forfeiture.
    • Potential vehicle registration revocation.

    Jail Time

    As can be seen with the above charges, any DUI offense holds the risk of jail time. Though misdemeanors will most likely result in little to no jail time, it’s the felonies that get most people worried. You’re more likely to receive jail time for a DUI if:

    • Someone else was hurt due to your DUI.
    • You refuse a sobriety checkpoint testing.
    • You enter a plea bargain.

    The amount of jail time you face depends on your situation and the judge’s perspective of that situation. For example, if your DUI leads to another person’s death, you risk between 5 to 20 years in prison. That timeframe gap is to give the judge leeway in deciding how s/he feels your circumstance fits the sentence. Furthermore, jail sentences can rise for the following reasons:

    • You had a child under the age of 14 in the car.
    • You were driving well over the speed limit.
    • You’re under the age of 21.
    • You had a BAC of over 0.15%.
    • It’s even worse if you had a BAC over 0.20%.

    Again, jail times highly vary on each individual’s circumstances. In order to get a clear sense of how much jail time you risk, it’s vital you speak to a lawyer. S/He will have a much better understanding of your case and the consequences which may follow.

    Classes and DUI School

    In Massachusetts, DUI school is often referred to as Alcohol Education Programs. The purpose of this school is to give you knowledge and insight into the dangers of addiction and driving while under the influence. The hope is this knowledge will prevent you from making a DUI offense again in the future.

    Most education programs are only for 1st and 2nd-time offenders. [6] Though the judge may rule otherwise for further offenders, the goal of education is to prevent you from committing these crimes again in the future. These classes are often divided into the following:

    • Community-based self-help meetings.
    • Individual discharge sessions.
    • Individual intake sessions.
    • Psycho-educational group sessions.
    • Victim impact awareness offered by MADD.

    The price of Alcohol Education Programs entirely depends on your location. Some areas like Boston may cost more than others. However, the average price for these programs for a first-time offender is around $567. For a second-time offender, it’s nearly $1,000.

    Statute of Limitations

    From the date of your DUI arrest, the district attorney has 3 years to file charges for a misdemeanor. This timeframe can be more for a felony, depending on the situation. These statute of limitations are set for the sake of keeping eyewitness memory fresh and evidence from deteriorating.

    It’s important to note that even if the district attorney doesn’t press charges within 3 years, your DUI will stay on record for the next 10 years of your life. Therefore, it might be in your interest to find a way to expunge your DUI.

    Expungement

    People often seek expungement for the sake of employee background checks. As is expected, it’s in a person’s best interest not to have a DUI claim against them when trying to find work. Unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to get an expungement of a DUI in the state of Massachusetts. [7] There are only two reasons Massachusetts will allow you to expunge your DUI charges:

    1. Someone stole your identity and then received a DUI charge, making you entirely innocent.
    2. You are a juvenile and a lack of evidence has been displayed in court.

    Most people in Massachusetts don’t seek to get their record expunged. Rather, they seek to seal it. This means the public will not have access to it and, therefore, it won’t appear on your employee background check. Usually, the only people with access to this information is government agencies and courts. This is so that if you commit another crime, your DUI is on record.

    Receiving a seal of your record varies from person to person. It’s in your best interest to talk to a lawyer on the matter and find out the best course of action for you.

    DUI Lawyer Costs

    Lawyers are expensive.

    When it comes to a Massachusetts DUI, it may be in your best interest to accept the charges rather than seek out a lawyer. This is primarily due to the fact that you’re going to have to pay a variety of expenses as is, including:

    • Courts and fines which can add up to $2,000.
    • DUI school which can cost anywhere from $567 to $1,000.
    • Your insurance rate will go up to a potential of $2,500 a year.
    • You may be required to use an ignition interlock device, which can cost $500 or more.

    An average, experienced DUI lawyer used over the course of six months will cost you around $2,500 to $3,500. And a very experienced lawyer who will give you the best outcome can cost you upwards of $6,000. As you can see, adding a lawyer to these expenses might not be in your interest. That’s why you might want to look for alternative sentencing via drug court and mandatory rehab.

    Is Rehab an Option?

    Alcohol or drug rehab is always an option. Even if you must face the penalties for your DUI, you can always seek help. Maybe your DUI is a wake-up call to make a big change in your life. Quitting alcohol or drugs and creating a sober life can be rich and fulfilling.

    In Massachusetts, you might have access to a drug court. [8]

    What is a drug court? These are specialized courts which seek alternatives to DUIs rather than traditional punishment. These alternatives are often entering a rehabilitation facility and getting the help you need. In order to be eligible, you must meet certain criteria, including an addiction diagnosis, and be willing to go to treatment. Find more information on the official manual published by Massachusetts State Drug Court. [9]

    If you identify as having a drug problem, and want help…the state supports you! As stated on the state’s drug court website, “meta-analyses” or studies of drug courts over time have concluded that Drug Courts significantly reduce crime as much as 45% more than other sentencing options. [10]

    The purpose of a drug court is to decrease your likelihood of committing a criminal offense again and increasing your chance of success in sobriety. Depending on your situation, you may have the credentials for a drug court. You’ll want to speak to a social worker to find out.

    Your Questions

    If you have any further questions pertaining to DUI laws in Massachusetts, we invite you to ask them below. If you have any further information regarding Massachusetts DUI laws, we’d also love to hear from you. So, please leave your comments and questions below!

    We try to reply to each comment in a prompt and personal manner.

    Reference Sources: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sobering Facts: Drunk Driving in Massachusetts
    [2] NHTSA: Risky Driving, Drunk Driving
    [3] Mass.gov: Massachusetts law about drunk driving
    [4] Mass.gov: Consequences & processes after your arraignment or first court appearance
    [5] DMV.org: DUI & DWI in Massachusetts
    [6] NFI Massachusetts: Driver Alcohol Education
    [7] Mass DUI Guy: Is a DUI Expungement Possible in Massachusetts:
    [8] Mass.gov: Specialty Courts
    [9] State of Massachusetts: Adult Drug Court Manual
    [10] Mass.gov: Drug Courts Facts and Statistics
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  • Using Spiritual or Religious Beliefs when Fighting Addiction

    Using Spiritual or Religious Beliefs when Fighting Addiction

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Religious and spiritual beliefs can moderate the relationship between life stressors and quality of life. In fact, reliance on your beliefs can give you hope, strength, and provide meaning in addiction recovery.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What does the science say?

    Advocates of the 12 Steps and a spiritual way of life have been saying for decades that faith and belief are cornerstones to recovery. However, agnostics and atheists still have a hard time accepting the notion that spirituality must be a part of recovery. So, what does the science say?

    The facts are quite clear. Persons with strong religious beliefs report higher levels of life satisfaction, greater happiness, and fewer negative psychosocial consequences of traumatic life events.

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    In fact, scientific literature strongly supports the notion that spiritual or religious beliefs can enhance health and quality of life, also called QOL. In a review of 200 + studies, positive relationships were reported between a person’s belief and positive life outcomes. Indeed, the following positive relationships have been documented in people who actively practice religion in their lives:

    • Improved coping abilities
    • Greater emotional well-being
    • Reduced psychopathology
    • Physical and functional status

    These studies show that religious and spiritual beliefs typically play a positive role in adjustment and in better health. Furthermore, spirituality was included in the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life instrument, the WHOQOL, after focus group participants worldwide reported that spirituality was an important component of their QOL.

    The bottom line is: Suspended disbelief can lead to wonders.

    And if so, what are we up against? First, we are fighting inner demons. Then, we have to fight the world outside.

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    Common beliefs about addiction

    We find that addiction recovery is an uphill struggle. Not only do we deal with the inner demons, we are also demonized by the world around us. People who are diagnosed with substance use disorders may experience stigma as a consequence of the culturally endorsed stereotypes that surround the health condition. In addition, social stigma links addictive behaviors to a range of other health conditions such as:

    • HIV/AIDS
    • Hepatitis C virus
    • Mental illness
    • Unsafe behaviors (e.g. impaired driving)
    • Social problems (e.g. poverty, criminality)

    The negative stereotypes around addiction guide social action, public policy and allocation of health-care expenditures. Very often people who have substance use disorders are perceived to have control over their illness.

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    The blame and pressure thrown at us during addiction can change the way we view ourselves.

    People respond to this stigma with anger and punishment or avoidance, holding people in addiction recovery wholly responsible for their behavior. Psychological breakdown is a common occurrence during these hard emotional and/or physical attacks. So, how might we build resilience as we fight addiction? How can we fall back onto spiritual or religious practice?

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    Core concepts of addiction

    Before we examine the ways that we can use our own beliefs in recovery, it can help to look at models and concepts. It’s helpful to know how people see addiction…so that we can begin to position ourselves in the world accordingly. This serves two purposes. First, you can start to understand how and what others believe about addiction. Second, you can strengthen your own belief.

    These different concepts of addiction have been based in research but are not conclusive. Indeed, some have fallen out of professional acceptance altogether, such as the moral volitional model. Even though these outdated concepts do not accurately describe the nature of addiction, individuals may hold beliefs related to these concepts. So, although research suggests that addiction does not result from weak morals, people may believe that addicts lack moral fortitude. The most common core concepts of addiction follow.

    1. The Moral or Volitional Concept.

    The moral model finds people lacking in moral fortitude and suffering from addiction as a result of weakness. Proponents of this model deny that addiction is in any way an illness. Any reported “loss of control” is interpreted as evidence of weak character and depravity.

    2. The Psychoanalytic Concept.

    The psychoanalytic model defines addiction as the result of an underlying neurosis. Treatment consists of psychotherapy which seeks to lead to a mature lifestyle by penetrating early childhood emotions and memories. Therapy is typically a long and involved process with minimal success. The psychoanalytic model gave rise to notion of the addictive personality, which is the idea that certain negative personality traits are common to anyone diagnosed with substance use disorder.

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    3. The Family Interaction Concept.

    Family-interaction proponents view alcoholism or drug addiction as a role assigned to an individual family member, while the other relatives play complementary parts. Because the family members define themselves by the roles they play, removing the key actor results in the other members trying to restore him/her to an addictive state. A life of sobriety is possible with family therapy.

    4. The Alcoholics Anonymous Concept.

    The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) model states that alcoholism is a spiritual problem. The group identifies a need for a spiritual recovery in order to lead a life of sobriety. Participation in the meeting of AA helps the recovering alcoholic to maintain his/her relationship with a healing Higher Power. The AA model also states that untreated, alcoholism is a progressive and fatal disease, specifically a disease of the mind.

    5. The Disease Concept.

    The disease concept, or medical model, describes addiction as a progressive disease with its own set of symptoms. Often, the disease is hereditary and can be fatal. Most at risk are those whose body chemistry allows them to become addicted more readily than the general population. Under the medical model, addiction must be identified as a primary disorder and treated as such.

    6. The Adaptive Model.

    The adaptive model of addiction defines addiction as a failure to reach adult levels of integration. This failure drives the individual to find substitutes to provide meaning, social support, and organization. As a heuristic for clinical intervention and treatment, the disease concept serves a purpose. However, if its purpose is only to be an antidote for the guilt individuals feel over his/her substance use, then other models should be considered.

    Can your beliefs help you recover from addiction?

    Yes!

    Your beliefs can help you recover from addiction. In addition to enhancing the quality of life and offering resiliency in stressful situations, spiritual and religious beliefs have been studied in association with substance use behavior.

    Studies have shown that spirituality and religiosity reduced the impact of life stress on initial level of substance use and on rate of growth in substance use over time among adolescents.

    Possible protective mechanisms conferred by religious involvement may include:

    • Avoidance of drugs.
    • Social support advocating abstinence or moderation.
    • Time-occupying activities that are incompatible with drug use.
    • Promotion of pro-social values by the religious affiliation that includes leading a drug-free life.

    Additionally, many studies support the notion that religiousness and spirituality can increase success rates and help you attain and maintain your sobriety. Recovering individuals often report that religion and/or spirituality are critical factors in the recovery process. Research has shown that spirituality increases from pre to post-recovery and that among recovering individuals, higher levels of religious beliefs and spirituality are associated with cognitive processes which have been linked to more positive health outcomes, including:

    • Higher resilience to stress
    • Lower levels of anxiety
    • More optimistic life orientation
    • Positive & effective coping skills

    In sum, there is support for the positive impact that spiritual and religious beliefs can have on minimizing substance use behavior.

    Your Questions

    After reading, this article, we imagine that you might want to weigh in. What’s your perspective? Or, do you still have questions that you’d like to learn the answers to? Feel free to ask us anything about this topic. We will do our best to provide you with a personal, and prompt response.

    Reference Sources:  Illinois Wesleyan University: Concepts of Addiction: Assessing the Beliefs of Addiction in University and Treatment Center Populations
    NCBI: The Role of Social Supports, Spirituality, Religiousness, Life Meaning and Affiliation with 12-Step Fellowships in Quality of Life Satisfaction Among Individuals in Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Problems
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  • Aftercare Programs

    Aftercare Programs

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Aftercare programs are an essential part of every good rehab program. They will help you maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. This article offers details on aftercare programs for a drinking problem and their importance.

     

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Why Aftercare is Important after Alcohol Rehab

    You have successfully finished alcohol rehab! Congratulations. Now you have been discharged in the world. But, are you really cured and ready to face the everyday challenges? Can you do it without ongoing support?

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    Life after rehab can be difficult.

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) relapse rates for individuals who are in active treatment programs is actually relatively high, 40-60 % in most cases. [1] This is because addiction is a complex disease. Recovery doesn’t begin and end with rehab,but is a lifelong and continuous process.

    So,the longer you stay sober after completing a rehab program, the lower your chances of relapse are.

    How can aftercare help? Aftercare is the stage following intensiveand it is an integral part of every good alcohol treatment program.The primary goal of every aftercare program is maintaining abstinence and preventing relapse. In fact, aftercare programs are shown to considerably improve the long-term recovery and lead to higher rates of abstinence. [2]

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    Staying sober can be challenging, and that is whyyou need careful planning. Aftercare is the time when you implement the lessons and strategies you have learned in rehab in the real world.

    So, what are the benefits of an aftercare program?

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    • Building positive social relationships
    • Keeping your motivation high
    • Maintain sobriety
    • Preventing relapse

    Without individualized and carefully planned long term community based services that support sobriety, the relapse rates will be much higher, especially for socially vulnerable individuals.

    An Alcohol Aftercare Plan

    A reputable rehab center should be able to draft an aftercare plan tailored to your needs. The quality of your aftercare plan is closely connected with your overall success. In fact, its purpose is to connect you and your family to community support to help keep you sober and minimize the risk of relapse.

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    Your aftercare plan should include a collection of the following:

    • Education
    • Family therapies
    • Group therapy
    • Help with employment
    • Housing
    • Monitoring, done in eitherscheduled appointments, phone or email.
    • Outpatient appointments with a clinician / counselor
    • Participation in addiction support groups
    • Psychotherapy
    • Recommended or required alcohol testing
    • Relapse prevention strategy
    • Social services
    • A stay in a sober living home

    There are many different kinds of aftercare treatment options which can help you prevent relapse and live a sober life. However, knowing what works for you will help you achieve your goals. This is why aftercare needs to be 100% custom to your needs.

    Treatment Center Programs

    Aftercare is usually coordinated by your original treatment center. It is important that the treatment center you choose provides a continuum of care. Addiction affects many aspects of life: medical, mental, social, occupational, family, legal, and a treatment center should address the same aspect in order to be successful. [3]

    This why finding a treatment center that offersquality programs and services matched to your needs is a key step on your journey to recovery.

    Before choosing a treatment center program, do your research. Take into consideration the following factors:

    1. Can you get a private room?
    2. Does it offer medically assisted detox?
    3. Does it offer specialized programs for different groups (age or gender based, LGBT)
    4. Does the program address dual diagnosis issues?
    5. How close is the facility to your home, and will you need transportation?
    6. How qualified is the staff?
    7. Is the treatment center licensed?
    8. Is their approach evidence-based?
    9. Staff-patient ratio. The more staff per patient, the better the care.
    10. The length of the treatment programs.
    11. The quality of aftercare services.
    12. Inpatient vs. outpatient setting for treatment.
    13. Will you have access to email, phone or computers?
    14. Will your insurance cover payment and will it be enough?

    Many treatment center programs operate their own aftercare programs, and the services can vary greatly. Always check what does an aftercare program includes, and if it will fit your needs, or not.

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    Sober Living Homes

    These are typically apartments or houses that help people safely transition into the “real world”. A good sober home is a drug-free environment for people that dedicated themselves to a sober life.Although they don’t offer actual treatment and are not as strictly structured as inpatient rehab, they offer a lot more than a living environment. Many halfway or ¾ way houses provide recovery methods and 12-step programs. Every sober living home has its own house rules that need to be respected.

    If you want to live in a sober house, you are expected to be self- sufficient and pay rent. You can also work or search for employment during your stay. In general, it is a cheaper alternative to a residential treatment center where you can invest in your own recovery.There are no limits on the length of stay, although many people stay for at least 90 days.

    So, what are the benefits of living in a sober home?

    • Maintaining sobriety
    • Lower risk of relapse
    • Finding and keeping a job after recovery
    • Staying out of legal trouble
    • Safe environment free from triggers
    • Reconnecting with your friends and family

    Not everyone needs to stay in a sober living home. But for many people, staying in a halfway house can decrease the chances of relapse.A sense of comradery and sober living can start here…and last for a lifetime.

    Therapy and Counseling

    The purpose of aftercare counseling is to create a supportive and comfortable environment where you can speak freely and openly about your feelings, struggles, and strengths during the recovery process. It is particularly beneficial for people diagnosed with dual diagnosis who are also suffering from some mental issue.

    There are two types of talk therapy offered in alcohol aftercare programs:

    1. Group counseling.

    In a group therapy setting, you will share and listen to others’ experiences in a group of people recovering from alcohol addiction. This option is often less expensive, as you share the cost of therapy with those who attend.

    2. Individual counseling.

    In an individual therapy setting, you will meet one-on-one with a therapist to talk about yourself and your progress. Often, you set very personal goals during your sessions. Some people explore and resolve past trauma with a specialist.

    Counselling sessions are initially held weekly in most cases, and as you progress, you will gradually reduce your attendance to one session in two weeks or one in a month.

    Alternative Therapy

    There are many types of alternative therapies available in long-term treatment of alcohol problems. Know that scientific evidence is still being collected for some of these modalities. However, some people swear by these treatments and speak anecdotally of their effectiveness. [4] Some of the forms of alternative therapy in alcohol aftercare include:

    • Acupuncture
    • Art therapy
    • Biofeedback therapy
    • Chiropractic care
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • Contingency Management
    • Dialectical behavior therapy
    • Equine therapy
    • Exercise programs
    • Experiential Therapy
    • Holistic Therapy
    • Massage therapy
    • Mindfulness meditation
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Neurofeedback
    • Nutrition therapy
    • Animal therapy

    NOTE HERE: These therapies should only be part of a complete alcohol rehab treatment plan, and are used with the aim of maintain sobriety and improving overall well-being to the recovering person.

    Support Groups

    Most people are strongly encouraged to attend support group meetings.Support groups help you rebuild self-esteem and improve self-perception.These groups offer structured program of recovery and help you stay focused and motivated.

    There is no admission process or specified length of participation.In general, meetings are hosted weekly, although you can decide to attend more than one group or meeting each week.

    In a support group, members share experiences or concerns related with their addiction and recovery, provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. All members have one aim: staying sober.

    Most support groups are based on the 12-step program, which is spiritual in nature and created by the founders of AA, butthere are many alternatives for those who prefer a more secular foundation for treatment.Some of the most popular support groups include:

    • Alcoholics Anonymous, AA
    • Narcotics Anonymous, NA
    • Life Ring
    • SMART Recovery

    Aftercare for Alcohol Abuse

    For people in recovery, sobriety is a learned behavior. Abstinenceis maintained bymaking the rightdecisions and choices on daily basis. It is hard at the beginning, but as times passes and you learn new skills and strategies to cope with triggers it gets easier and new habits and routines are formed.

    In addition to the therapies offered in your overall treatment plan, you can develop your own aftercare strategy.

    So, what can you do, and when?

    1-30 Days After Rehab

    • Be aware of the negative impulses and learn how to cope with them.
    • Create a daily routine.
    • Create a support network you can turn to when tempted.
    • Make a recovery plan with goals you want to achieve.
    • Search for a psychotherapist and begin to attend sessions.
    • Search a support group and attend at least 2 meetings a week.
    • Start exercising.

    30 – 90 Days after Rehab

    • Create a recovery journal and record triggers and how you’ve handled them.
    • Go to career counseling.
    • Go to weekly therapy or counselling sessions.
    • Have weekly routines.
    • Keep on going to support meetings, minimum one weekly.

    90 – 180 Days after Rehab

    • Find new hobbies.
    • Set up long-term financial goals.
    • Set up short-term and long-term goals.
    • Work on fixing your broken relationships.

    180 – 365 Days after Rehab

    • Mark and celebrate 6 months and 1 year of sobriety.
    • Create personal, professional, and financialfive and ten-year plans.
    • Find motivational methods for success.
    • Help others in recovery.

    What Happens if I Relapse During Aftercare?

    Relapse: it can happen to anyone.

    Unfortunately, relapse is very common among recovering alcoholics. Addiction is a lifelong battle in a world full of triggers and stresses.

    So, what happens if you relapse? What can you do?

    First, get right back into an active routine that’s focused on recovery. It’s important that you don’t give up. Instead, continue on the path of recovery. Persistence is the key. Even if you started drinking again, that doesn’t mean you can’t get back on the right track.

    Then, know the difference between a slip and a relapse. A slip is an unplanned one-time event, while a relapse is a complete abandonment of the aftercare and recovery plan. If a slip turns into a relapse than you should immediately contact someone so they can help you get back to rehab.

    Don’t hesitate to call us if you have relapsed. Our treatment advisors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give you information about the next steps you can take.

    Reference Sources:[1] National Institute on drug abuse: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    [2] NCBI:Outcome of Alcohol Dependence: The Role of Continued Care
    [3] National Institute on drug abuse: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    [4] American Addiction Centers: Addiction Therapies for Treating Alcoholism

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  • Sober Housing Options in Florida

    Sober Housing Options in Florida

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Sober homes can help you establish routines in addiction recovery. They can be the bridge between treatment and daily life. But, how can you find a licensed sober home in Florida? What are the regulations in the state? We answer here.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Definitions

    To begin with, what is a sober home? In general, sober homes in Florida consist of communities of people who agree to live together in a drug-free environment. Sober living is NOT drug treatment. A drug treatment facility is much more proactive and offers medical treatment, so it must be licensed.

    Under Florida law, a sober home is a place for recovering addicts to live. This type of housing operates under a typical landlord-tenant arrangement. The resident pays rent and the landlord provides a place to live … but the landlord does not provide actual addiction treatment.

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    There are three basic types of housing in Florida:

    Sober Living

    These houses are stable, supportive, and drug-free living environments for people who want to maintain their sobriety. Most sober living houses offer more than just a transitional period. They provide individualized recovery plans that allows residents to work on their own program. Based on peer support, these houses will help you become self-supportive. It is not necessary to have completed a treatment program, but it is expected that you support yourself, pay rent, and buy food. Moreover, some sober houses will encourage you to work, or to seek work. There is no limitation for the length of your stay.

    Halfway Houses

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    Halfway houses provide a safe and drug-free environment, but the main requirement for stay is that residents must have already completed or are actively enrolled in a treatment program. Usually, these houses are also funded by the government. Many residents are court-ordered to remain there. Drug testing is mandatory when you leave the house overnight. Also, residents may be randomly drug tested. Halfway houses should have 24-hour staff service which may include a clinical addiction treatment team. Generally, the maximum length of your stay in a halfway house is 12 months with a structured and rigorous program.

    ¾ Houses

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    A ¾ house is a drug-free living house similar to halfway house. The main difference is that ¾ house is less structured and with not so rigorous control. It is a type of step down in supervision. Generally, the curfews are later, and you will have the possibility to go to school or work.

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    House Rules

    The rules in a sober house vary, but they are some general rules that apply to most of the houses. Here are some of the most common house rules you’ll find a sober home in Florida.

    1. No alcohol or drug possession or use is allowed on or off the premises. To monitor compliance, staff can request drug testing for residents, often randomly, and discharge someone who refuses to comply.

    2. No guests or visitors are allowed in the house without staff consent. Overnight guests are not allowed.

    3. Residents must complete daily chores and adhere to the house curfew.

    4. Residents must attend one weekly household meeting as well as self-help meetings daily.

    5. Residents must be employed as soon as possible and devote several hours per day to the search.

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    6. Residents may not borrow money from others. Stealing results in immediate removal.

    7. Many houses do not allow pets.

    8. You must pay your rent and any other fees on time.

    9. You should keep mental health and medical appointments on time and take medications as prescribed.

    10. You are allowed to smoke only in designated smoking areas.

    11. Many houses allow a 48-hour overnight pass once a month, but you need to request this in advance and then submit a drug test sample upon return.

    12. Fighting and gambling are not allowed.

    What Sober Living is Really Like

    Living in a sober house after rehab is a challenge. You’ll live with people you’ve never met before who can be very different than you. You’ll need to comply with a strict set of rules. Believe it or not, these rules will help you maintain your sobriety. The idea is that you need rules at the beginning to return to everyday life. So, what’s a typical day like?

    In a sober home, everybody wakes up around the same time. The mornings are reserved for daily chores such as making your bed, cleaning your room and the shared bathroom, or helping with breakfast. After finishing with the morning routine, there may be a house meeting to assign duties for the residents. Those who have a job will go to work, while the others can search for employment.

    During the day, some residents may have a counseling sessions outside of the home, others may need to perform community service. Usually, the evenings are reserved for a support group session, social activities, and dinner. At night, there is time for reading, or watching TV. Everyone usually goes to bed around the same time, or lights out is around midnight

    Despite the fact that these rules may seem strict, there are quite effective to keep you on track with your recovery. A six-months study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs showed that 40% of the participants stayed sober during the 6 months period in the sober home. [1]

    Here is a testimonial about living in a sober home:

    “Now I no longer live to use. I live with a real purpose and ministry. I live to show others by example that “birds of a feather” can learn to live productive lives and come back from living hell by 70 sticking together. YES I go to meetings. YES I have a sponsor, and YES I am working the steps. BUT – Oxford House was the missing piece to the puzzle that saved my life and for that I am eternally grateful. The funny thing is, Oxford House has become a religious experience for me. I never thought that I would once again find a real purpose for living. Thanks to Oxford House, I am now fulfilling my purpose” Xavier’s Story [2]

    Finding a Sober Home

    Living in a sober home can bring you many benefits on learning how to live a sober life, and how to avoid triggers. But where you can find a sober home?

    1. Ask for a referral from your treatment facility.

    Usually, treatment centers are connected with sober houses or offer living in a sober house as part of their aftercare service. Speak with your case manager about options BEFORE you leave treatment. You’ll want to be sure that there is room in a sober home and that they will be ready for you when you arrive RIGHT AFTER TREATMENT.

    2. Ask for a referral from a mental health professionals or center.

    Most mental health centers in the state of Floridapost flyers for sober homes or have connections with sober households. Speak with an administrative person at a mental health center. Or, connect with a psychologist or counselor for a referral.

    3. Visit the National Alliance for Recovery Residences.

    This is a non-profit organization dedicated to support people in recovery by helping them access to quality sober homes.[3] Check the website listings for sober homes by city in Florida.

    4. Check out a list of Certified Recovery Residences

    Finding a good sober home is of huge importance since it has the power to shape your path in recovery. Here is a list of some useful tips you may consider before choosing your future home. [4] :

    • Be sure that you understand the house rules.
    • Check out the testimonials from people who lived there.
    • Find a house that is located near your work and counseling.
    • Try to find a home with people who are 6+ months sober.

    Laws

    There are specific laws in Florida that regulate the operations of sober homes. Additionally, some federal laws govern how sober housing should be provide throughout the U.S. Here is a summary of the most important state and federal laws and their main principles.

    H.R.4684, Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act of 2018

    SUMMARY: This law requires that SAMHSA publish best practices for operating sober houses, and to provide technical assistance to adopt those practices.

    House Bill 807, CS/CS/HB 807: Practices of Substance Abuse Service Providers

    SUMMARY: This law authorizes Office of Statewide Prosecution to investigate and prosecute offenders to patients, and to increase penalties for operating without proper license. Moreover, it requires that the Department of Children and Families, DCF, check out owners, directors, CFOs, and clinical supervisors of substance abuse service providers.

    The Americans with Disabilities Act
    The Federal Fair Housing Act (particularly its 1988 amendments)

    SUMMARY: People in recovery from substance abuse disorders are considered “disabled” under these laws. The latter law specifically prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing, or to otherwise make unavailable or deny a dwelling to any buyer or renter because of a handicap. It requires governments to make “reasonable accommodations” to preclude such discrimination.

    SAMHSA Block Grants for prevention and treatment of substance abuse
    42 U.S.C. § 300x-25 AND 45 C.F.R. § 96.129

    SUMMARY: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), administers two federal health care grants for SUD prevention and treatment that states may use to establish recovery homes and for related activities. First, under its Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment block grant, SAMHSA makes at least $100,000 available annually to each state to provide loans to organizations seeking to establish recovery homes. Second, states have discretion to use SAMHSA funding available under a 2-year grant for 2017 and 2018 primarily for opioid use disorder treatment services, to establish recovery homes or for recovery housing-related activities.

    NOTE: Florida SB 582 (2014) required all sober houses to register with the state’s Department of Children and Families and provided a criminal penalty for operating an unregistered sober house. The bill died in committee.

    FL State Sober Home Statistics

    The Sunshine State doesn’t not require license for recovery residences, but there voluntary certification is described by a law called the Florida Statute 397.487. [5]Currently, there are 392 certified recovery residences in the Florida Association of Recovery Residences. [6]

    This law states that a person who deals with addiction issues has a higher success rate of achieving long-lasting recovery when they have the opportunity to build a stronger foundation by living in a recovery residence after completing treatment. Moreover, Legislature protects these people by giving them adequate housing.

    The voluntary certification program establishes recovery residence certification requirements, monitors and inspect recovery residences, provides training, and develops a code of ethics.

    Licensing

    Federal Oversight and Regulations

    As far as the federal government is concerned, sober houses do not provide treatment; they provide a place where people can support one another in sobriety. They are not licensed by any state agency or subject to state regulation solely as sober houses. Instead, they may be subject to building and fire safety codes based on their size.

    State Oversight and Regulations

    The residential group homes in Florida are licensed by two state agencies: The Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Children and Families, DCF. You can a complete list of specific residential group care facilities that DOH has authority on in 381.006 (16) of the Florida Statutes. [7] The department provide annual environmental health inspection that covers things such as lighting, house maintaining, water supply, outdoor and indoor equipment, food hygiene and sanitation, etc.

    Local Oversight and Regulations

    Local governments sometimes try to restrict the establishment or operation of sober houses through zoning and housing codes, but the federal laws outlined above limits their ability to do so. Nonetheless, some towns have tried to use zoning and other codes to restrict the establishment or operation of sober houses.

    In Florida, some cities like Pompano Beach have outlined clear zoning guidelines that put restrictions on sober living homes. [8] In this case, for example, the city’s leaders have clarified that people without disabilities and people with disabilities who pose “a direct threat to the health or safety of others” such as prison preparolees and sex offenders are not covered by the 1988 amendments to the Fair Housing Act. Therefore, the logic goes, cities do not have to make the same reasonable accommodation for them as cities must for people with disabilities who do not pose “a direct threat to the health or safety of others.”

    How to Report a Sober House

    If you suspect that your sober house is committing a crime, a fraud, or has some improper management, you can call on the toll free hotline:

    1-844-324-5463

    This hotline is created by the State Attorney’s Office who is asking people in recovery, as well as doctors and counselors to report questionable business practice. [9]

    Your Questions

    Living in a sober house can help you determine the pace of your recovery. Definitely, it will help you focus on you and your health. Further, we believe that living in a sober house will help you transition safely into your day-to-day life. It is the bridge that connects treatment and real life. But it can be a big decision to live in a halfway or ¾ way house.

    Do you still have questions about sober housing in Florida?

    Call us for more information about your treatment and sober living options. Or, post your questions in the comments section at the end. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate questions.

    REFERENCE SOURCES:[1] NCBI: A Clean and Sober Place to Live: Philosophy, Structure, and Purported Therapeutic Factors in Sober Living Houses
    [2] Oxford House: Oxford House Stories
    [3] National Alliance for Recovery Residences
    [4] FL Statutes: Certified Recovery Residences
    [5] FL Statutes: Voluntary Certification of Recovery Residences
    [6] RARR: Certified Residences
    [7] FL Statutes: Public Health
    [8] Pompano Beach, FL Guidelines on Sober Housing
    [9] Sober Homes Task Force
    State of Connecticut: 2015 State of Connecticut Office of Legislative Research Report on Sober Houses
    FBI: Sober Home and Drug Treatment Center Owner Sentenced
    GAO, United States Government Accountability Office 2018 Report: Information on Recovery Housing Prevalence, Selected States’ Oversight, and Funding
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org