Answer Addiction

Tag: California

  • Outpatient Detox: An Important Option

    Outpatient detox lets you access medical care while still sleeping in your own bed at night.

    Before you can start the work of recovery, you need to go through detox — the process of allowing all drugs or alcohol to leave your body. For many people, detox is the most intimidating part of the recovery process. It can be physically painful and even dangerous. That’s why many people opt for going to an inpatient detox. For others, however, the thought of leaving their home and family can cause even more distress. If you’re one of those people, outpatient detox can be a great option.

    During outpatient detox, like that offered at Vanity Wellness Center, you’ll meet with a medical team every day. They check up on you to make sure that you’re healthy, and also provide the accountability that can make all the difference during the tough moments of detox. Wondering if outpatient detox is right for you? Keep reading to find out.

    What is detox?

    If you’re using drugs or alcohol frequently, you might be tempted to just stop. Well-meaning friends and family members can give that advice as well. However, suddenly stopping drugs or alcohol can make you very sick and be dangerous.

    That’s because when you use, your body becomes physically dependent on your substance of choice. You need more and more of it just to feel normal. If you don’t use, you might experience symptoms of dope sickness, like nausea or sweating, or symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including tremors and anxiety.

    The physical and mental effects of detox can be severe. Because of that, it’s important to have a medical team by your side. They know what typical detox looks like. They can help you understand what to expect and where you are in the process. And if you experience complications — like hallucination — they’re at the ready to get you the medical help you need.

    How does outpatient detox work?

    When you sign up for outpatient detox, you’ll talk with your providers about what to expect. Part of that discussion will include how long your detox process is likely to last. In most cases, withdrawal from alcohol and opioids lasts about three days, but some people experience symptoms for less time or for longer.

    When your detox begins, you’ll visit the treatment provider each morning. They’ll take your vital to make sure that you’re stable. They’ll discuss symptoms, talk to you about coping strategies, and possibly connect you with other people who are going through detox. After that visit, you’ll return home or to another safe space to continue detoxing. You’ll return to your provider again the next morning.

    Medical supervision of detox is incredibly important. So is the fellowship that you’ll feel knowing that someone else is on your team. Detox can be isolating — you’re beginning to cut yourself off from the people you used drugs with, and your sober friend or family don’t understand what you’re going through. In that vulnerable moment, the support provider by your outpatient detox center can make the difference between failure and success.

    Does outpatient detox work?

    Some people have more success detoxing when they’re completely removed from their day-to-day lives. For these people, an inpatient detox is a good option.

    However, inpatient detox isn’t for everyone. Many people feel more comfortable in their own homes, around the people they love. With the support of an outpatient detox program, you can clear your system of drugs or alcohol just as safely and effectively at home as you can in a residential program.

    When you use an outpatient detox program you have a team of professionals ready to help you meet the challenges that daily life presents. They’ll help you figure out how to talk to your boss about your illness, or cope with your children’s questions. All of that can make it easier to get through detox. Most importantly, the team will connect you with treatment immediately following detox so that you have a clear next step in your recovery process.

    Unfortunately, outpatient detox isn’t a quick fix or easy option. Simply put, there’s no quick and easy detox. But for many people, outpatient detox is the best of both worlds: it provides you peace of mind through medical supervision, and optimizes your comfort by having you stay in your own bed. If that’s appealing, outpatient detox can be the first step toward your new, sober life.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • The Role of Trauma in Treating Addiction

    People who have suffered trauma often need to address its lasting effects before they can get a handle on their substance use.

    The word trauma is used today more than it ever was ten years ago. While some people might feel like the word is overused, many mental health professionals would say that we’ve just become better at recognizing the lasting impact that events — from losses to abuse — can have on our psyches.

    Many people with substance use disorder have trauma in their backgrounds. Trauma causes residual lasting mental pain. If you don’t address the trauma, you might find yourself self-medicating to escape the mental pain. Although that might work for a moment, using drugs or alcohol to cover your mental pain will just cause more difficulties in the long run. That’s why it’s so important to find a treatment center that understands the interplay of trauma and addiction.

    Understanding Trauma

    The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as an emotional response to a terrible event. What constitutes a terrible event varies from person-to-person. An event that is traumatic for one individual might not cause trauma for other people, even if they experience the very same event. Anything from abuse to a natural disaster to an accident can cause trauma.

    It’s normal to experience some psychological distress after a major event. Consider the stress that we all experienced early on during the pandemic. But, for most people, the stress gets better with time. If you find that your stress continues to interfere with your life, you might have trauma. Symptoms of trauma can include flashbacks, headaches and nausea.

    Sometimes, trauma can evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by lasting effects of trauma that impacts life. People with PTSD might have flashbacks or nightmares; they might avoid certain situations that remind them of the traumatic event.

    The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

    There’s a close connection between trauma and addiction. A 2019 study compared people who were getting treatment for opioid abuse disorder with healthy individuals. It found that the people in treatment reported more severe traumas and more instances of trauma in their lives. The study found that the more trauma people experienced, the more likely they were to experience addiction.

    The connection can be particularly strong for people who experience trauma as teens or children. Among teens who needed addiction treatment, 70% reported trauma in their backgrounds. In addition, 59% of teens with PTSD go on to develop a substance abuse problem.

    Research like the ACEs study — which looked at adverse childhood experiences — have solidified the connection between trauma and addiction. Even seemingly minor ACEs, like growing up with divorced parents, can increase the risk for substance use disorder later in life.

    Treatment for Trauma

    If you have experienced trauma or ACEs, and particularly if you believe you may have PTSD, you need to access a recovery center that is trauma-informed. Trauma-informed treatment centers have knowledge about the ways that trauma impacts the brain. They are able to help you address your substance abuse disorder, while also helping to control your trauma.

    Of course, it is also a great idea to get specific treatment to help you overcome PTSD, if you are experiencing that condition. EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is a type of therapy that is particularly effective for treating PTSD. During EMDR, you recall your traumatic event while doing to back-and-forth eye movements. Scientists don’t understand exactly why this is so effective at reprocessing the traumatic event, but research shows that people make huge improvements in just a few sessions.

    The Takeaway

    Trauma is extremely common: up to 70% of American adults have experienced a traumatic event in their lives. Some people recover on their own, while the trauma lingers for others. Too often, people use drugs or alcohol to try to numb or escape the trauma.

    Oftentimes, people need help to overcome trauma in their lives. Finding and utilizing a treatment center that has a trauma-informed approach to treating substance use disorder can help you understand the role that trauma plays in your addiction. Then, by addressing the underlying cause of your addiction, you’re better able to stay sober long-term.

    Learn more about Oceanside Malibu at http://oceansidemalibu.com/. Reach Oceanside Malibu by phone at (866) 738-6550. Find Oceanside Malibu on Facebook.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Sober Partners

    This Huntington Beach rehab strives to make recovery accessible and fun, using creative and innovative solutions. Non-treatment hours are filled with beach-related activities such as surfing, fishing, and volleyball.

    Located just two blocks from the shore at Huntington Beach, Sober Partners offers residential drug and alcohol treatment in a comfortable and relaxed setting with a “beach community vibe.” Treatment is personalized, including gender- and age-specific programs, an executive track, and support for dual diagnoses. In addition to inpatient rehab, they also offer an outpatient program, aftercare, detox, intervention, a 1-on-1 intensive track, and more. All clinical staff hold advanced degrees. Sober Partners prides itself on making sobriety accessible and fun, striving to “tackle the drink and drug problem in an innovative and creative way.”

    Sober Partners alumni who took our survey reported a variety of factors that were most important to them in choosing this facility, but treatment quality and location topped the list. Length of stay varies from person to person with most staying for 30 days, but others for 60 or 90 days. 

    Alumni described their fellow residents as varying in age, income, and drug of choice. They ranged “…from wealthy to having nothing to their name,” with the majority described as “white-collar” and “upscale” young professionals ranging in age from early 20s to 40s, and recovering from a variety of substances including opiates, meth, and alcohol. One common theme was that residents were “serious about recovery and treatment,” although one client felt their peers were “too high brow for me.”

    According to alumni, life at Sober Partners is “very structured.” As one former resident recalled, “Staff kept us on a tight schedule because it’s not good for addicts to get bored.” 

    A typical weekday at Sober Partners starts with breakfast (and any prescribed medications), followed by “various types of groups always starting with some sort of meditation/reflection to set the tone for the day.” Lunch is served at noon, followed by another group. While groups and treatment make up much of the day, clients are kept busy with other activities as well. The remainder of the afternoon is spent enjoying one of the center’s many recreational activities such as getting a massage or working out at the gym. 

    “We were educated on the benefit of a balanced lifestyle that incorporated exercise and building relationships with our peers,” one alum said. On weekends, mornings follow the same schedule as weekdays, but in the afternoon “we would do a group activity that showed us that we could have fun in sobriety.” In addition to the aforementioned activities, clients can participate in beach and water-related recreation including volleyball, fishing, and surf or scuba lessons. Clients also mentioned outings to go hiking and shopping. “Everyone was encouraged to stay active.”

    The newly remodeled accommodations are very comfortable, according to alumni. One resident who had previously been to other treatment facilities felt the facility was “nicer than I was accustomed to.” Some residents had roommates while others had private rooms. Everyone was expected to keep their rooms and the common areas clean and tidy, and follow “house rules.” Sober Partners is pet-friendly.

    Mealtime was described as a “family-like atmosphere,” where staff and clients cook and eat together. Teaching the residents to prepare meals is part of life skills training. One person observed that “Some clients seemed to come from privilege and didn’t even know how to cook for themselves.” Meals were described as “Healthy, but tasty,” and there was always more than enough to eat. Burgers, barbecue, pizza, and salmon were a few of the popular items. One alum who praised both the chili and the meatloaf (favorites for many) liked everything and “couldn’t wait for the next meal.” Another “didn’t care for the tofu burgers.” For those with specific dietary needs, there is “enough choice for everyone.” Coffee and snacks are always available. 

    When it comes to dealing with infractions, staff practiced “firm but not tough love, more enlightened than that.” All respondents spoke highly of staff, saying they were “caring, fair and professional.” Clients who violate rules are assessed on a case by case basis with everyone being “treated like adults.” Verbal, then written warnings could be followed by termination, depending on the severity of the infraction(s). And while one alum pointed out that staff “didn’t need to be [overly strict] as we had a group of people that were serious about getting clean & sober,” another described them as “no nonsense, they will kick you out if not serious.” One resident indicated that a verbal warning was usually all that was necessary and that problems could be turned into learning opportunities: “The conversation ended with more insight into how important changing behaviors was in recovery.” 

    Phone use is restricted for the first seven days, after which clients are allowed one call per day. If a client wishes to make additional calls, it is contingent upon case manager approval which is usually granted…“as often as needed but not excessive.” TV is allowed in common areas or bedrooms at the end of the day after groups are completed. Using phone and internet for work while in inpatient treatment is highly discouraged. “They wanted to have individuals maintain their attention on their recovery by staying present,” said one alum. Once patients move into partial and intensive outpatient treatment, “a lot more freedom and liberty was provided with phone and internet” to help residents transition back to regular daily life.

    Treatment consists of evidence-based approaches combined with an introduction to the 12 steps. “The program did introduce 12-step programs, and it was recommended to find some sort of self-care program to attend aftercare, however, it was not forced,” said one alum. Another described “a unique, broad-based approach.” Staff were “up to date on addiction treatment topics and procedures. Treatment is personalized, with staff “trying to find the right approach for the individual which I appreciated.”

    Religion is not part of the program, but they provide access to houses of worship. “I felt respected in regards to my personal religious beliefs,” said one former client. Another recalled that staff would “work with me where I was in regards to spirituality and didn’t strong arm me, I appreciated that approach.”

    Sober Partners employs full-time nursing staff and physicians on site who provide regular medical evaluations for all patients. The doctors were “Very helpful,” and “Well-qualified in addiction science,” although in one case, the “bedside manner could be better.” Most alumni had high praise for medical staff. “I was going through a medical detox & the doctor that treated me was fantastic!” “Love the nurses…Always there to help.”

    Overall, alumni had high parting praise and felt grateful for their time at Sober Partners. “People there became like family,” said one. “They really try to provide something you’re not going to get at other treatment centers.” Alumni expressed the most praise for the staff, who “care about the growth and wellbeing of the individuals there seeking treatment.”

    Most of the Sober Partners alumni who took our survey have maintained their sobriety since leaving treatment (with a few reporting a “slip”). One alum explained, “By utilizing the tools and developing a recovery foundation back home, I am proud to say that I have been sober for over 18 months!”

    To learn more about how Rehab Reviews are created by The Fix, click here

    To learn more about how we create Rehab Reviews, click here

    Read more Rehab Reviews

    Read more Rehab Reviews

  • AToN Center

    AToN Center

    This San Diego luxury rehab provides customized treatment by highly qualified staff and, according to one alum, “Sets the gold standard for all other treatment centers.”

    AToN’s treatment program is based on a collaboration with each individual resident to “Achieve a recovery philosophy that works in their life.” AToN (which stands for “aid to navigation”) does this by drawing from a variety of modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is meshed with individual and group therapy. Add one or more of the various holistic treatments such as massage, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy and you can see how comprehensive their program is. They also provide EMDR and biofeedback therapy, as well as weekly breathwork and mindfulness groups.

    AToN is a luxury rehab, but pretension is at a minimum: “In general, AToN draws an affluent crowd. However, I felt accepted right away and felt no sense of pretense or judgement,” said one alum. Residents range in age from “20’s to 60’s” and come from “different educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.” There is also a range in terms of “duration/stage of active alcoholism/addiction.”

    Residents at AToN stay in one of five houses, “like mini mansions,” complete with pools and jacuzzis. All the houses are adjacent, creating a 10-acre campus/sanctuary which residents describe as “beautiful” and “peaceful.” Some who responded to our survey had a roommate while others had a private room. No chores are required at AToN other than making your bed and keeping your room tidy. The focus is on the clients’ individual needs and comfort.

    Alumni had high praise for AToN’s homemade meals, describing them as “Gourmet and truly exceptional,” and “Like a 5 star restaurant for every meal.” For those with food-related allergies, restrictions, or personal preferences, “The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate special requests and dietary needs.” One resident felt there was “Too much ‘comfort’ food. High carbs.” But while you can find fried items and pasta on the menu, “Anything and everything was readily available in abundance,” said one alum. 

    AToN employs three chefs who provide a wide variety of delicious and healthy meals and snacks. Some resident favorites were filet mignon, ribs and pho. The seafood bar was another big hit, and, according to one alum, “Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits accompanied every meal.” Outside of meal times, clients noted that coffee, sweets, snacks, and “A mix of healthy options and baked goods [were] readily available at all times.” For those who tire of the world-class gourmet meals, AToN takes residents to a different nearby restaurant every Sunday.

    During their stay, clients at AToN are allowed fairly unrestricted access to their cellphones and computers during free time (television is allowed after 3 p.m.). One client appreciated being able to stay connected: “The freedom to access my personal life while in residence made me all the more willing to make my stay a success.”

    Life at AToN is “Very structured,” according to one alum, “which is what I needed.” Clients attend group and individual therapy sessions daily. “The amount of one on one counseling is exceptional. You have a one on one everyday. This is what I got the most out of during my time here,” said one person. 

    In addition, residents are given their choice of activity each day, with options such as personal training in one of two onsite gyms, equine therapy, tennis, swimming, and more. Personal yoga sessions and massage are also offered. On weekends, AToN clients go on recreational outings such as “Stand-up paddle boarding in the local lagoon, playing miniature golf, visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.” 

    AToN offers up to five offsite self-help meetings weekly, including AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Refuge, Lifering, and Celebrate Recovery. “I specifically attended ATON because it was not 12 step oriented,” said one former client, while another pointed out, “It was 100 percent open to both 12 step and alternative which I found very appealing.” Religion is not part of the program at AToN but in keeping with their policy of catering to each resident’s needs, transportation to outside houses of worship is made available to all who request it.

    Rules at AToN are “made clear from the beginning,” said one resident, “but most don’t have a problem following them.” Additionally, “Clients are encouraged to work out personal differences in process groups.” When rules are broken, staff response is “prompt and judicious.” For example, “There was a young lady who was clearly high and then tried to frame her roommate for pills that were found. The young lady was immediately escorted off the property.” 

    Most alumni were impressed with the care provided by medical and clinical staff at AToN. The center employs seven full-time staff psychologists and four full time staff chemical dependency counselors, and every residence has a nurse present 24/7. Alumni described staff as “empathetic and caring” and “very sensitive to individual needs.” In addition, there are four EMDR-certified therapists specializing in the treatment of trauma and two biofeedback certified therapists who treat patients with anxiety.

    “AToN stuck out for me because of the trauma therapies they offer and the high clinician/client ratio (1:2),” said one alum, who had struggled for years before coming to AToN. Others appreciated the individualized and holistic treatment: “Each patient was assigned a group of therapeutic staff which included two or more Addiction Counselors, one or more Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Medical doctors…The therapy I received from the group was better than if I had just one therapist.” One former resident was grateful for the focus on trauma, but suggested: “Start emdr prep in the first couple weeks so an adequate amount of sessions can occur.”

    Detox at AToN is medically supervised. Three of the center’s five houses are licensed for IMS (Incidental Medical Services) which allows physicians to provide medical care onsite. 

    The majority of those we surveyed have remained sober since completing the program at AToN, and for those who haven’t, AToN quickly helped them get back on the right track: “I did have a minor relapse after leaving ATON, but there is a weekly aftercare available that you can attend for life, and once a month a therapist reaches out to you to see how you are doing and talk with you. It is amazing.”

    Overall, alumni are grateful for AToN’s “loving and very empathetic environment” and its “competent and genuinely caring” staff. They credit the program with giving them the tools to stay sober and help them turn their lives around: “I highly recommend ATON center if you are serious about sobriety and recovery. Like I said this place changed and saved my life.” Or, as another alum put it, “Aton is the most amazing treatment center I have ever attended.”

    AToN is in network with Anthem Blue Cross of California. This allows BlueCard members from across the U.S. to be treated as in-network (with the exception of Blue Shield of California).

    To learn more about how Rehab Reviews are created by The Fix, click here

    To learn more about how we create Rehab Reviews, click here

    Read more Rehab Reviews

    Read more Rehab Reviews

  • Back to School: 5 Things You Should Know About Staying Sober in College

    Back to School: 5 Things You Should Know About Staying Sober in College

    Avoiding drugs and alcohol can help you have a healthier, more productive college career.

    College is a time to focus on building your career, and getting the most our of the huge investment that you’re making to get a degree. But too often, that focus gets lost among the pop culture messages that seem to scream that college is for one thing: partying. 

    Students who are sober can feel like fish out of water on campus. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Although drinking — specifically binge drinking — is common on campus, more and more college students are opting to stay clean and sober. If you’re headed back to school this fall, here’s what you should know about sobriety on campus. 

    1. Being sober isn’t as unusual as you might think.

    Often, it seems like everyone on campus is drinking, but that’s simply not true. Data from the National Institute of Drug Abuse found that in 2017 just over 56 percent of people age 18-25 reported using alcohol in the past month. That means that nearly half of all people in this age group are abstaining, at least temporarily. 

    Racheal Doll, admissions director at Asana Recovery, which offers detox and treatment in Costa Mesa, California, says that movies and television shows make drinking and partying look a lot more common than they actually are during college. 

    “Society and mainstream media has a huge role to play in why we associate college years as the ‘wild’ or ‘experimental’ time in someone’s life, because for most people it may be the first time young adults haven’t lived under their parents’ roof,” she said. “This is what we see in movies and hear in songs but it doesn’t have to be the rule.”

    2. There’s strength in numbers. 

    Hearing about the rates of drinking on campus can be reassuring, but it does little to improve your confidence if everyone around you is partying. That’s why Doll says it’s important to connect with other students who are in recovery. 

    “The important thing is to stick with the pack,” she says. “Find like-minded people, sober fellows, and stick with your routine. Continue to go to meetings and work with a sponsor.”

    Recovery groups are common on campuses around the country. In addition, many colleges now offer sober dormitories, where students are committed to living in an environment without drugs or alcohol. Joining one of these communities can give you the confidence and framework to prioritize your recovery while you’re in school.

    3. Set boundaries before you need them. 

    Especially when you’re new on campus, it can be easy to fall into a risky situation where people are using drugs or alcohol. Before you find yourself in a bind, take time to think about what you’ll do when these situations arise. Be honest with yourself, and set your boundaries ahead of time. 

    Saying that you won’t drink or use is easy. But it’s also important to think about what your boundaries are when people are using around you. If you’re socializing and people start drinking, will you leave? What if your roommate wants to drink or use in your room? Considering these questions ahead of time will leave you better able to respond in the moment. 

    4. Being sober can improve your college experience. 

    If you’re sober on campus you might initially feel like you’re missing out. However, that’s not the case. Living without drugs and alcohol can improve your college experience, academically and socially. 

    “Because you aren’t intoxicated or hungover you are aware and present, which allows you to fully absorb the knowledge you went there for in the first place,” Doll says. “It also allows you to really appreciate the experience with your friends. You will be able to remember and look back on all the great memories as opposed to having it all be a blur.”

    Since you’re not prioritizing partying, you’ll be more likely to take advantage of sober events offered on campus, like concerts, art displays and other events. 

    5. Help is nearby, if you need it. 

    Although being sober on campus has perks, it can still be challenging. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or letting your recovery slip, reach out for help before things get out of control.

    “There are many helpful resources/tools on campus which many students may not be aware of,” Doll says. “If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol just don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

    One of the most important resources on campus is the student health center, which can connect you with professionals who can help support your sobriety. If you’re concerned about your mental or physical health, going to the health clinic is a great way to connect with resources that you may not have realized you had. 

    Asana Recovery offers residential and outpatient treatment in Costa Mesa, California. Learn more by calling 949-438-4504.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Casa Palmera

    Casa Palmera

    The facility offers a bio-psycho-social-spiritual curriculum of care that not only treats symptoms, but also heals the root, underlying causes of conditions.

    Introduction and Basic Services

    Located in the beautiful coastal city of Del Mar, California, Casa Palmera is a luxury residential treatment facility that specializes in the care of clients with alcohol and substance use disorders as well as a range of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating. Founded in 1987, this Joint Commission accredited facility provides a continuum of care that includes medical detox, residential care, PHP, IOP and standard outpatient services. Casa Palmera offers a bio-psycho-social-spiritual curriculum that integrates holistic therapies, 12-step, evidence-based practices, recreation, nutrition, psychoeducation and relapse prevention. The facility specializes in dual diagnosis support for clients suffering from co-occurring mental and physical disorders such as depression, anxiety and trauma.

    Facility and Meals

    Casa Palmera is situated in a 37,000 square foot resort 20 miles north of San Diego in picturesque Del Mar, California. Designed in the style of feng shui, the facility and the surrounding five-acre campus offer a calm and soothing atmosphere ideal for anyone beginning their recovery journey. Residents have the option of staying in either a semi-private or deluxe private room. Bedrooms include an ensuite bathroom and either a queen-sized bed or two full-sized beds with nice linen, pillows and a comforter. Calma Palmera offers plenty of amenities including gardens, outdoor meditation areas, landscaped courtyards and patios.

    Residents enjoy an amazing culinary experience at Casa Palmera. An on-site chef provides delicious and healthy meals with fresh, local ingredients. Individuals with dietary restrictions, preferences or allergies are easily accommodated with a plethora of tasty options. In addition, clients struggling with eating disorders work with expert dietitians to learn about meal planning and preparation. Clients participate in supervised trips to the grocery store.

    Treatment Protocol and Team

    Rather than simply treating symptoms, Casa Palmera seeks to heal the “whole person.” As such, clients benefit from individualized treatment plans. Before beginning treatment, individuals undergo a comprehensive intake assessment that includes a complete account of substance use, as well as a personal and family medical history. From there, the Casa Palmera team designs the most effective personalized care strategy tailored to address the unique needs, expectations and circumstances of the individual client. When necessary, clients transition immediately into the detox program before beginning the residential phase. The facility provides a medical detox with around-the-clock supervision and medications to mitigate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Upon completion, individuals typically move straight into the residential program.

    Casa Palmera offers a multifaceted approach to care that includes a host of therapeutic and medical services. Clients engage in individual and group sessions rooted in CBT, DBT, ACT and the emotional freedom technique. Psychoeducation courses focus on a range of topics including communication, anger and stress management, codependency, body issues, nutrition as well as relapse prevention.

    Residents participate fully in the 12-step program during their time at Casa Palmera. PHP and IOP participants are encouraged to attend at least two 12-step meetings a week. In addition, the facility offers brain mapping and neurofeedback to teach clients how to regulate their own brain function. Casa Palmera understands the importance of family involvement to the success of a long-term recovery. As such, the facility incorporates a three-day family program in the middle of treatment. Families learn about the disease of addiction as well as effective techniques to help the client prevent relapse.

    Casa Palmera offers comprehensive PHP and IOP programs on a step-down basis. The PHP program runs all-day Monday through Friday. The IOP meets three times a week for three hours a session. With flexible morning and evening options, the IOP is an ideal option for clients that require a consistent therapeutic structure but cannot make the commitment to an inpatient or PHP plan. Individuals are able to receive comprehensive care without taking time off of work or school. While the length of treatment varies from client to client, the typical stay at Casa Palmera lasts between 25 and 30 days. For clients that continue into the IOP phase, treatment can stretch to 40 days. Towards the end of their stay, individuals work with a case manager to establish a continued support system that includes finding a 12-step sponsor.

    The Casa Palmera team is made up of psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, therapists, addiction specialists, dietitians, an acupuncturist and a nursing team. Certifications includes MD, DO, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LPCC and RN. Medication management and medical services are available for individuals with co-occurring mental and physical disorders such as chronic pain, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

    Bonus Amenities

    The facility has a world-class fitness center a complete ropes course and a climbing wall. Many residents work with a personal trainer during their stay. There are visiting hours for friends and family every day.

    The facility provides an array of holistic practices including art and music therapy, massage, mindfulness meditation, yoga and Reiki.

    Casa Palmera believes that residents must re-learn how to have sober fun. As such, the facility takes full advantage of the beautiful locale that is Del Mar. Residents enjoy walks to the beach, swimming and boogie boarding.

    Summary

    Casa Palmera is a luxury treatment facility in Del Mar, California, right up the coast from San Diego. The facility specializes in the care of adults struggling with substance use and eating disorders as well as co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. The facility offers a bio-psycho-social-spiritual curriculum of care that not only treats symptoms, but also heals the root, underlying causes of conditions. As such, the facility tailors comprehensive care plans to address the specific needs of the person. A myriad of therapies are offered including evidence-based modalities, holistic measures, nutrition, experiential, recreation and 12-step. There is also an active alumni program. For anyone seeking a full continuum of care and completely integrative programming, Casa Palmera offers the best. The facility’s team of compassionate experts and the luxury accommodations make for a world-class treatment experience.

    Casa Palmera Location

    14750 El Camino Real
    Del Mar, California

    (858) 481-4411

    Casa Palmera Cost

    Call for details. Most major insurances accepted.

    Find Casa Palmera on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

    To learn more about how we create Rehab Reviews, click here

    Read more Rehab Reviews

  • Promises West LA

    Promises West LA

    The amenities, comforts and personally tailored program that Promises is known for make the West LA location a premier destination for young adults looking to get clean and sober.

    Introduction and Basic Services

    A leader in treatment for many years, Promises is known as a ‘rehab to the stars.’ It’s a luxury facility that caters to music/television/film celebrities, politicians, and other elite figures. Promises has two locations. The main campus and original location are in Malibu. The West LA location has been in operation for some 25 years and is in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles.

    The West LA program is geared toward young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. The Promises West LA location is ideal for a younger person who is struggling with chemical dependency or dual diagnosis but still desires proximity to the excitement of a big city. The primary treatment offering at Promises West LA is residential, but sober living, day treatment and outpatient programs are also available. Promises recommends beginning treatment in the residential treatment center and sequentially moving through the other levels of care.

    Promises treats all forms of chemical dependency and dual diagnosis. Mental health issues such as ADHD, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, sleep disorders, codependency, sexual compulsivity and trauma can all be treated.

    Facility and Meals

    There is plenty to do and see in the upscale West LA area. The West LA location provides a peaceful homelike environment for residents to recover in privacy. Initially resident are housed in cottages on the estate grounds. Once clients have completed the residential portion of treatment, they move to the sober living across the street from the cottages or into the historic “Craftsman” home on the estate.

    Professional chefs prepare gourmet meals served family style or as individual meals. Vegetarian, vegan, kosher meal options are accommodated as are any other specific dietary needs. Food is outsourced locally when available.

    Promises allows residents easy access to an off-site gym. The West LA area offers plenty of real-world activities to participate in, so movies and other city activities are regularly available.

    Treatment Protocol and Team

    Promises offers a wide variety of therapeutic services. Therapy models utilized may include CBT, DBT, EMDR, biofeedback and psychodrama. Other alternative therapy forms such as music, art, equine therapy and Wolf Therapy are also offered. Days are filled with program activities that vary from person to person. Promises tailors a program to the specific needs of the individual, so not everyone will have the same routine, but individual therapy and group therapy sessions are an essential part of the program. Highly qualified PHD or Master’s-level professionals facilitate therapy sessions.

    The Young Adult Program in West LA consists of four phases lasting four months in total.

    The first phase is the stabilization/inpatient rehab period. Doctors and nurses, if necessary, facilitate medical detox. Residents in the inpatient rehab reside in cottages. Residential treatment is focused on issues relevant to helping young adults grow and develop personally. Each resident works with an individual therapist on his or her specific issues. Group therapy in the young adult program is gender-specific.

    Mornings in the residential program begin at 6:45 am. During this time, the staff expects residents to shower, make their bed, and prepare for the day. Breakfast is served at 7:30 am. Following breakfast residents work on chores and have some free time before process groups and individual therapy begins at 9:30 am. Lunch is at 12:30 pm followed by more groups, which may include other therapeutic activities such as art therapy, equine therapy or writing.

    During the late afternoons many clients enjoy participating in themusic therapy program. This is a very popular program that includes professional musicians in recovery telling their story. It also allows residents to explore the medium of music as a means of articulating things that may be difficult to express otherwise. It is also a community building activity, as residents work collectively to form a band and write songs.

    Dinner is at 5 pm and is usually followed by attendance at an outside 12-step meeting. On some evenings there is an alumni meeting. During alumni meetings former Promises graduates come back to connect and support current residents. The Promises Alumni Group is an important support for current residents once they begin the process of transitioning back into the real world.

    At 9:30 pm residents attend a group that focuses on study/discussion of one of the 12 steps. There is also an evening reflection group that is held at the end of the day. Lights are out at midnight.

    Phase two is considered an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Clients engage in group sessions five days a week for six hours a day. Family Therapy is also provided at this time. Much of the focus during outpatient treatment is on developing job search skills, budgeting and applying for school. IOP clients attend 12-step meetings in the evening. Should someone want to admit directly into the IOP, it may be allowed if a residential treatment program was successfully completed elsewhere.

    Phase three is an extension of the IOP of phase two. It focuses on strengthening the skills already developed while transitioning into a sober living environment or other living situation. Promises provides more intensive assistance in job search skills, budgeting and college applications.

    Once phase four begins, former residents of Promises West LA should be on secure footing and back in life outside of treatment. This final phase is about leaning on and even providing the support that they found in the alumni program and 12-step fellowships.

    Bonus Amenities

    There are plenty of amenities available at Promises West LA. There are also several fitness activities including yoga, gym access, hiking, various outings and experiential adventures for residents to participate in outside of the facility. Massage and meditation are available, as well as equine therapy and wolf therapy. There’s even a Ping Pong table!

    Summary

    Promises West LA is an ideal location for a young adult who is looking to get clean and sober. This solid supportive environment blends a good balance of therapeutic services, and real-world outings and activities. This therapeutic environment provides a private homelike setting to reflect and recover while maintaining a healthy degree of real-world engagement. The amenities, comforts and personally tailored program that Promises is known for make the West LA location a premier destination for young adults looking to get clean and sober.

    Promises West LA Location

    3743 S Barrington Ave

    Los Angeles, CA 90066

    (888) 502-3329

    Promises West LA Cost

    $40,000 (30 days)

    Find Promises Treatment Centers West LA onTwitter and LinkedIn

    To learn more about how we create Rehab Reviews, click here

    Read more Rehab Reviews

  • Betty Ford Center

    Betty Ford Center

    Considered the flagship location, The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage treats alcohol and drug addiction, dual diagnosis and offers medical detox, residential and outpatient treatment, sober living, family care and after care.

    Introduction and Basic Services

    Founded in 1982 by former first lady Betty Ford, The Betty Ford Center for addiction treatment sits on 20 acres in Rancho Mirage, California, about 20 minutes south of Palm Springs. First known as the Betty Ford Clinic, it merged with the Hazelden Foundation in 2014. The umbrella organization has been renamed The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and is the nation’s largest nonprofit addiction treatment center. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has 17 locations throughout the United States that are licensed by The Joint Commission. The Foundation also has a graduate school of addiction studies, a publishing division, research center and various professional and medical education programs.

    Considered the flagship location, The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage treats alcohol and drug addiction, dual diagnosis and offers medical detox, residential and outpatient treatment, sober living, family care and after care.

    Facility and Meals

    The Betty Ford Center’s residential program treats men and women in four large gender specific dormitory-style halls. Each hall has a kitchenette, common living room space with a TV, deck and patio overlooking the campus lake. All rooms have two full beds, two desks and chairs, two wardrobe and a full private bath. The large, tree filled campus offers various outdoor recreational opportunities.

    Clients eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time of day with their hall members in a cafeteria. Meals are served buffet style and designed by a nutritionist.

    Treatment Protocol and Team

    Residential treatment first starts with a medical and psychological evaluation by clinical staff that provides a client with a diagnosis that includes substance addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions and a highly individualized, holistic recommendation for clinical care. Staff includes physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed addiction counselors and marriage and family counselors. Other staff includes nutritionists, wellness and fitness specialists, financial advocates and clinical case managers.

    Medically assisted detox at the Betty Ford Center is monitored by medical staff and length is contingent on a client’s needs. Treatment includes separate group and individual therapy to address substance abuse and dual diagnosis, wellness and fitness activities, educational lectures, trauma and grief therapy, family care and aftercare. Evidence-based treatments for alcohol and drug addiction includes Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and 12-step facilitation.

    Length of treatment is contingent on the individual needs of the client. The staff works with the client, family and insurance provider to craft an individualized treatment schedule. Treatment plans can also include relapse prevention and sober living skills. Prior to leaving, clients receive an aftercare plan that includes support groups, connection to AA and NA meetings and recovery coaching.

    Once admitted, clients can contact family and provide phone numbers and times that they can be reached. Kiosks are available for clients to have limited access to email and account info like billing. Laptops, cell phones, tablets and email and video enabled devices are prohibited while in treatment.

    A typical day begins at 7 am and includes a full schedule of group and individual therapy for both dual diagnosis and substance abuse with meals served at the same time each day. Schedules are highly individualized and tailored to meet the treatment needs of the client. Weekends include on-site and off-site recreational activities and family visitation on Sundays.

    The Betty Ford Center also offers outpatient, intensive outpatient, sober living, recovery management, family and children’s program for family members of clients. Outpatient programs offer gender specific group therapy and utilize both 12-step and evidence-based treatment methods.

    A three day family care program is available for family members ages 13 and older of current clients. The program focused on the issues the family has experienced with a client’s addiction. Its Children’s Program for children ages 7 to 12 is a four-day program that helps children and their parents or caregivers safely share their feelings about addiction and rebuild relationships.

    Aftercare entails a personalized recovery plan that includes structured recovery support option that fit the individual needs of the client. Service include continuing care groups, mobile apps, recovery coaching, web-based tools, online social groups and retreats.

    The Betty Ford Center’s alumni program, Better Together, offers opportunities to stay in touch with alumni worldwide, including retreats and online support.

    Bonus Amenities

    The campus features an indoor gym, walking and meditation trails, volleyball courts, frisbee golid and a pool with water polo. There is also a pool, spa and on-site gym.

    The Betty Ford Center offers a wide array of wellness activities including yoga, Tai Chi and spiritual care and animal-assisted programming to its clients with its certified therapy dog, Irish, a male golden retriever who offers comfort to clients suffering from homesickness, grief or trauma.

    Summary

    A world-renowned multidisciplinary treatment program, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s flagship location in Rancho Mirage, California, The Betty Ford Center offers a wide array of substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment programs that include detox, residential, outpatient and sober living and family care programs. Located on a sprawling 20 acre campus, its residential program gives clients plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreational and wellness activities. Treating substance abuse like a disease, the Betty Ford Center crafts an individualized treatment plan for its clients using evidence-based models, 12-step, individual and group therapy and wellness practices. In addition to the main campus, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has 17 locations with different treatment programs throughout the United States.

    Other locations in California include Los Angeles and San Diego. Colorado, Florida, New York, Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington.

    Betty Ford Center Location

    39000 Bob Hope Drive, PO Box 1560

    Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

    (888) 430-2694

    Betty Ford Center Cost

    Insurance, Private Pay, Financial Assistance (30 days)

    Find the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram

    To learn more about how we create Rehab Reviews, click here

    Read more Rehab Reviews

  • The Recovery Ranch

    The Recovery Ranch

    This highly structured men’s program in California puts no deadline on recovery, allowing residents to stay for as long as they need. The focus is on building character, finding purpose, and taking responsibility.

    The Recovery Ranch bills itself as “much more than a sober living or addiction treatment center,” and its current and former residents agree. This men-only program puts no deadline on recovery, allowing people to stay for as long as they need. The Ranch uses a 12-step program and promotes the philosophy of John Wooden, the famous former University of California basketball coach who went on to write an autobiography that included his “principles for living.”

    These principles inform Recovery Ranch’s basic rules, which include never lying, cheating, stealing, complaining, or making excuses. The center also promotes the idea of “living as gentlemen,” which means that “we do not curse, use slang, or talk about things that could hurt our recovery.” They also require residents to “dress appropriately and use proper etiquette.”

    For men looking to focus solely on recovery from addiction, possibly for years at a time, this approach works well. Residents and alumni gave Recovery Ranch high praise for their highly structured, long-term, “tough love” approach to addiction recovery.

    The Ranch’s main property is in Santa Ynez, California, which is 45 miles northeast of Santa Barbara. There are four houses in total, plus a barn and a number of recreational options, including their very own movie theater. They also have three sober living locations, with two in Santa Ynez and one in Santa Barbara. Residents live together as roommates and while most alumni we surveyed were happy with their living situations, one felt there were “too many roommates” while another “only disliked them when they snored.”

    Other than being men only, alumni described the residents as being a diverse group, mainly from the ages of 18 to 40, with 55 being the highest age reported. Survey responses paint a picture of a place where differences don’t matter much. What’s important is what brought them together. “We have men of all ages and varying income and occupation,” wrote one former client. “What we have in common is that we’re all drug addicts who are setting a new standard for our lives.”

    Life at the Ranch is described as being very structured with daily chores and ample opportunities for more work. This appears to be a key aspect of the program’s focus on giving residents a sense of purpose and responsibility. “We are active and have constant purpose,” wrote a respondent. “This is our home and we take pride in caring for it. We value cleanliness and organization, something that most of us never cared about before getting sober.”

    Daily groups and 12-step meetings are also part of the schedule. In addition to chores, those who have been in the program long enough become eligible to get a paying job through one of the “ranch businesses.”

    When they’re not working, residents can look forward to a long list of recreation options: “Gym, fitness classes, beach days, fishing, camping trips, Lake Tahoe trips, backpacking trips, free days with movies and sauna, open gym, etc.”

    Alumni also reported that fitness is “a staple of the program,” with a personal trainer visiting the Ranch a few times each week to teach classes. Baseball, basketball, golf, surfing, and snowboarding were all listed as available sports to participate in. There is also a focus on outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, camping, and summer and winter trips to the nearby Lake Tahoe with the goal of showing clients “how beautiful a life in recovery can be.”

    With all the work and active play, there is little room left for TV or internet use. A few alumni told us that TV, internet, and smartphones are not allowed during the first 30 days of the program, but movies were. “While in the program we don’t have access to phones or internet; they serve as huge distractions that are detrimental especially in early recovery,” wrote one individual. Also, access to these devices depended on “how the house was doing as a whole.” Other alums mentioned that phone use was allowed with permission, and that they would watch TV at night after all chores were completed.

    When it comes to food, meals are prepared in house by the guys themselves, providing the “opportunity for guys to learn how to cook and be responsible.” Food is served buffet style, with coffee available at every meal and a general store on the property where snacks can be purchased. Some described the food as being healthy while others complained that it was not healthy enough and contained “not really any vegetables or fruit.” There has been great variation in the menu over time, according to one resident: “Throughout the years we have transitioned rapidly between gourmet, basic, and experimental, depending on who is cooking and how grateful we are.”

    Treatment at The Recovery Ranch is described as being based on a 12-step program but not 100 percent loyal to the traditional format, and religion is not emphasized. Though there are regular group sessions, the program at the Ranch emphasizes applying the principles of the steps as opposed to “programs where you sit around and talk about your problems and struggles.”

    “[In] this program, you are asked to be proactive and live the things that you want to instill in your everyday life,” wrote one resident. Another lauded the “aftercare” program, calling it “bar none the biggest step into getting back into life and dealing with issues outside of the program but still getting help from the house.”

    Doctors are not available onsite and the Recovery Ranch is not a medical facility. Of course, those who need medical attention can request a trip to a nearby hospital, including detox if necessary.

    Treatment is definitely described as being “tough love,” but with compassion. Residents are expected to embrace “brutal honesty” and are always held accountable for their actions.

    “We’re not afraid to tell each other how it is and there were many times I was told things I definitely didn’t want to hear,” wrote an alumnus, “and by learning to stay open to hearing those things and working on changing them my life changed and I was able to become a man with integrity and character.”

    However, this does not mean that caretakers are cruel or harsh, even when mistakes are made. When there is a rule infraction, residents come together to talk about what happened and work things out, all while utilizing that brutal honesty. One alumnus reported that earlier wake-up and extra chores were punishments for rule breaking, with the idea that “we live by a standard. If someone is not living by the standard we talk to them and remind them that it is impossible to stay sober without holding a standard for yourself.” When it comes to broken rules, there are consequences but the atmosphere is described as “very forgiving.”

    “We don’t get in trouble or have infractions,” said one respondent. “We’re in recovery and learning to live a different way. We all make mistakes. It’s about owning your part and growing from the situations.”

    No one program can be right for everybody. However, it’s a good sign when every single survey respondent has remained sober since graduating. One alum states: “I have been sober for almost three years. Prior to coming to the ranch I wasn’t able to string together more than two days.”

    In addition to maintaining sobriety, many of the alumni we surveyed say that their lives and attitudes have changed in a positive manner from their time spent at the Recovery Ranch, something that they were unable to accomplish at other treatment centers:

    “I have learned how to hold myself accountable and surround myself with other people who are living the same standard as me,” one resident told us. Another reflects: “Learning to not cut and run when things get hard and form commitments that I follow through was something I was never capable of doing and today I can.”

    To learn more about how we create Rehab Reviews, click here

    Read more Rehab Reviews

  • Doctor Loses License After Prescribing Pot Cookies To 4-Year-Old

    Doctor Loses License After Prescribing Pot Cookies To 4-Year-Old

    The case was brought to light when the boy’s father asked a school nurse to give his son a marijuana edible.

    A California doctor lost his medical license after recommending cannabis cookies for a four-year-old boy who the doctor diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder after a half-hour meeting.

    However, the doctor continues to practice while awaiting an appeal. 

    William Eidelman, a natural medicine physician, met with the boy and his father in 2012, according to The Los Angeles Times. Eidelman, who estimates he had recommended more than 10,000 people for the medical marijuana program, had previously recommended that the father use cannabis to treat his son’s bipolar and ADHD.

    The father brought his son in when the child was having trouble behaving at school. After a brief meeting, Eidelman made a similar diagnosis and recommendation for the preschooler. 

    In the decision to repeal Eidelman’s medical license, the California Medical Board said that his actions were “grossly negligent.” 

    “Tantrums alone… do not support either diagnosis,” the board members wrote in a decision. “‘Being agitated’ and ‘having trouble sitting still’ hint at ADHD, but could simply hint at a preschooler not happy to have driven many miles to a doctor’s appointment.”

    The case came to light when the boy’s father asked a school nurse to give his son a marijuana edible. The nurse alerted child protective services, which ultimately led to an investigation into the doctor. The board found that he had acted irresponsibly.

    “Although he did not outright suggest a diagnosis… he all but made one up out of whole cloth,” the board wrote. “Labeling a child with a significant mental condition can be harmful… if those labels are incorrect, pernicious results may follow.”

    If the diagnoses were properly made, the recommendation of cannabis would have been acceptable, the board wrote, but because Eidelman did not consult with a psychiatrist the diagnosis was improper. 

    “It has not been established, by clear and convincing evidence, that the recommendation of medical marijuana to [the boy], with his father’s consent, violated the standard of care,” the board wrote.

    The board suspended Eidelman’s license in early January, but he is appealing that ruling, and says that he is practicing medicine currently while he waits for the March court date for the appeal. 

    “The judge ruled that the revocation is stayed, so yes, I’m still practicing,” he said. 

    However, the board insists that Eidelman should not be practicing, according to spokeswoman Susan Wolbarst.

    “The Medical Board of California has not received a court order, signed by a judge, indicating that the revocation was stayed. Accordingly, Eidelman’s license is currently revoked,” she said. 

    View the original article at thefix.com