Best of the week from Choose Help "Going Deep" in Dual Diagnosis Treatment With a proper mental health diagnosis in place, therapists can effectively treat the symptoms of addiction. The deeper the dual diagnosis treatment, the better the overall outcome. As a seasoned intervention counselor and licensed psychotherapist, I have learned how truly important it is to ensure that the patient is provided every opportunity to receive a proper clinical diagnosis. Enough symptomatic topsoil needs to be removed, before the patient can get in touch with their own emotional bedrock - the place where real healing can occur.  A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach Drug rehab professionals have the opportunity to significantly improve overall treatment outcomes by identifying the root causes of addiction, and then effectively treating them with a multidisciplinary, solution-focused, and compassionate approach.  With a professional mental health diagnosis in place, drug rehab providers can effectively treat both the overriding and overtly daunting symptoms of addiction, in addition to those of the underlying, and perhaps the more elusive mental health issues and disorders embedded deep within the patient's core. I recommend working together with other like-minded addiction and mental health professionals forming a unified treatment team, ultimately using all clinical findings to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Here is a list of some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders found right alongside symptoms of addiction: Bipolar Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Major Depression Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Psychosis Introducing the Diagnostic Foundations Recovery is a process, a slow process at times, one that often requires a subtle, yet compassionately firm hand to move it right along. Given all of the potential multi-dimensional underlying issues that could be fueling the fire of substance abuse and addiction, I firmly believe that it is imperative for drug rehab centers to apply the most comprehensive diagnostic tools available if the expectation is to effectively establish a proper clinical diagnosis.  Here are some diagnostic tools your drug rehab provider may chose to consider: Alcohol Use Inventory Beck Depression Inventory PRISM-IV, Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders Psychosocial Pain Inventory MCMI III, Milan Multiaxial Clinical Inventory 3 MMPI2, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 WMS, Wechsler Memory Scale Affected Others to Be Proactive Concerned families and friends can play a vital role in the recovery process. All those impacted by the disease of addiction and mental illness should feel empowered to systematically advocate with purpose and direction on behalf of their addicted loved ones. Rather than taking the role of the squeaky wheel, making just enough noise to get noticed, affected others are encouraged to be proactive by communicating openly with the program, presenting both their individual, as well as their collective issues, concerns, and expectations, in many cases, even before their loved one ever admits into treatment. Perhaps equally as important, I encourage affected others to come from a place of unified strength, being ready to adapt to change without negotiating away both their individual and their collective conscience. And finally, I recommend a genuine willingness to explore their potential role in both the evolution of the underlying issues, as well as in the implementation of solution focused strategies to support the recovery process for all those impacted. Documentation Wanted! Now, given the importance of establishing an accurate clinical diagnosis, in addition to providing a historical record of milestones, medications, and mishaps, I recommend that families consider providing the program with any and all documentation that may help establish a more comprehensive mental health diagnosis, if one is to be found.  The documentation can then be reviewed with the patient's treatment team who will then be able to use the historical information as clinically appropriate.  Here is a short list of some of the documentation that may help the drug rehab center establish a more solid diagnostic foundation for dual diagnosis treatment: Court Records Medical Records Psychiatric evaluations Psychological testing School records At the end of the day, the deeper the dual diagnosis treatment, the better the outcome. In fact, treating addiction can be similar to treating cancer, in that the more invasive the treatment, the better the prognosis is for long term recovery.  Therefore, I recommend working with a drug rehab center that meets their clients where they are at, and then is able to take them as deep as they may need to go to get to the root of their individual underlying addiction issues. Similar to properly supporting the cancer patient immediately following surgery, or even after a powerful dose of chemotherapy, I strongly suggest finding a drug rehab center that is able to provide their clients with the therapeutic tools to recover with dignity while their emotional wounds slowly heal after going deep in dual diagnosis treatment. Read in browser »   Recent featured articles: 5 Questions to Evaluate Your Drinking or Drug Use Creating Sober Excitement – Beating the Blahs to Beat Relapse Addiction Recovery for Single Parents It’s Hip to Be Sober Protracted Withdrawal - What It Is and How to Make It Through And, as always, thank you for reading! All the best to you and yours, Martin Schoel, founder of Choose Help P.S. If you’d like to dive into the conversation, make sure to follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook (40K+ people do). FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO A LOVED ONE Do you or someone you know need rehab? Click or 'Tap' to speak with us now: (877) 333-5266 Facebook Twitter Google Plus Pinterest

Copyright © 2016 Choose Help, All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you are a member of Choose Help or you signed up on ChooseHelp.com. Our mailing address is: Choose Help 11301 Olympic Blvd. #351 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Opana ER Maker to Stop Marketing Drug as Crush-Resistant Under NY Settlement - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Opana ER Maker to Stop Marketing Drug as Crush-Resistant Under NY Settlement - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: The maker of the long-acting painkiller Opana ER has agreed to stop marketing the drug as crush-resistant, under a settlement with New York State. The company also agreed to accurately describe the risk of addiction to the drug, Reuters reports.

Veterans With Pain, PTSD and Substance Use Disorders May Benefit from Buprenorphine - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Veterans With Pain, PTSD and Substance Use Disorders May Benefit from Buprenorphine - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Buprenorphine may be more effective than opioid therapy in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans struggling with chronic pain, PTSD and substance use disorders, a new study suggests.

https://youtu.be/ebyB7RnFYk0

Binge Drinking May Increase Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke in the Following Week - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Binge Drinking May Increase Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke in the Following Week - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: A new study suggests having six to nine drinks in one day nearly doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke over the following week.

Dear Joseph: St. Patrick's Day is a holiday known for good music, delicious food and fun.And excess drinking. Your kids are watching – or they could be participating. But we are here to help! Donate now to prevent teen alcohol abuse. Contrary to popular belief, kids do listen to their parents. What you say and how you act matters! Holidays like St. Patty's Day are a great opportunity to talk with your teen about alcohol and begin shaping healthier behaviors. Remember to:  Set clear expectations about avoiding alcohol - and remind them of the risks of underage drinking Appeal to their self-worth by letting them know that they have a lot going for them and don’t need alcohol to have a good time Be upfront and open about any family history of alcoholism or substance abuse Celebrate safely with family by watching parades, making green pancakes and smoothies, or listening to traditional Irish music We are empowering teens to avoid alcohol and drugs every day with Above the Influence, our youth-serving program that reaches over 1.6 million teensthrough social media and community-based partnerships. Your support of just $20 will help us reach over 100 more teens. We can't just wish on a four leaf clover that our kids will make good decisions about drugs and alcohol. Your donation today provides essential support to teens, so that they avoid the unhealthy shenanigans of St. Patty's Day.              We're here to help. Call our Toll-Free Helpline 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)            DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages sent to this email address are not read. If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system. Subscribe to our RSS feeds. To prevent mailbox filters from deleting mailings from Drugfree.org, add thepartnership@drugfree.org to your address book. Partnership for Drug-Free Kids | 352 Park Avenue South | Ninth Floor | New York, NY 10010 unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser

March 12 CHP 25 v 15 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

My eyes are ever on the lord , for only He will release my feet from the snare.(GODS BIG BOOK)

(Snare)- Any thing by which one is entangled and brought into trouble.

STEP 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.(AA BIG BOOK)

Only HE will release you from the snare. Addiction was my snare ! I wonder why GODS BIG BOOK states only He can release my feet from the snare ! Could it be that Bill W figured that the Power greater than himself was God ,the God of the Bible the one with a son named Jesus Christ .I know a God of my understanding you say ,but what other God has a 2000 page plus book about life and everyday struggles. What other God can free you from something and give you peace ! If you study religions and Gods around the world you will discover the God of the Christian faith is the only one who has a book and the power to release you from your snare (addiction). There are no other Higher powers or gods who can even come close to MY GOD . If your life is still stuck in self medication because of fear , guilt , shame , and anger your definitely following the wrong God. I know from personal experience that their is only one true God who can and will help you ! Once I realized I was the problem and needed help ,I started my search . After many failed attempts of fixing myself , I discovered you cant do this alone and I think that is what Bill W also discovered sobriety is a we thing not a me thing !

Matthew 19;26 - Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible. ( GODS BIG BOOK ) By Joseph Dickerson

RIR Radio;  Dedicated To Addiction Recovery Education Through Music & Interviews.  Android App Available - Iphone App Available On March 16, 2016  Rockers In Recovery® - Addiction Education & Prevention Through Rock-N-Roll  Rockers In Recovery® Radio & Productions (RIR)  We are a for profit Recovery Media company which offers different platforms to carry the message of hope in an exciting new way. This makes it easy to reach into the millions of people globally with just a click of a mouse.  Through your Partnership we can provide free community education and information on help for addiction through our different platforms. If you would like to become a Recovery Partner call 786-488-6984. Since 2008 Rockers In Recovery® Radio & Productions has brought forth the following addiction recovery informational platforms over past decade  RIR Cafes®, Social Media Addiction Education,  Events, Concerts, Festivals, Meet & Greets, Magazine (in print and online), Addiction Talk Radio, and Live Concert and Event Streaming. Through the platforms we have developed we reach millions of recovery based people seeking information everyday around the United States. We are an independently owned Interactive Addiction Recovery Education Based Media Company.  RIR® We are a registered trademark for profit company,  with a passion for creating engaging, intelligent and innovative user experiences in the digital space. We are a multi-platform agency, creating online ads, viral campaigns, digital radio applications, content management tools and everything related to planning, media buying and optimization of online campaigns. From Clearbrook Treatment Centers - "I would like to express our gratitude for the tremendous support and attention Rockers In Recovery has garnered for us. Combining Music with Recovery Media along with recovery music events was a remarkable vision and gift that John Hollis of Rockers In Recovery Radio & Productions has shared with us. The passion and dedication of John's organization is inspiring! John and his team touch millions of people in recovery every day with their song of hope. Thank you John for all you do for us and everyone battling this disease!" - Clearbrook Treatment Centers of Pennsylvania - CEO, Dr. Nick Colangelo (570-313-3001)     Sincerely, John Hollis, Founder/Owner, Rockers In Recovery® Radio & Productions Inc. 786-488-6984

Best of the week from Choose Help 5 Questions to Evaluate Your Drinking or Drug Use If you had an opportunity to change the present course of your life and you knew you wouldn't have to do it alone would you be interested in knowing more? Thinking about quitting drinking or drugs? It has been said that the truth will set you free so here are five questions to evaluate your drinking or drug use that only someone concerned about their substance use can answer. Remember--once you know something you can't "unknow" it. Is it true you can stop using any time you want? Is it true no one really gets hurt when you use? Is it true the world is really out to get you? Is it true using helps you get a grip on things when things get out of control? (Does it help you relax and think more clearly)? Is it true family and or friends avoid you when you are around them at a social function? How did I come by these questions? These are the ones that made me think about what I was doing when I finally was confronted by some people who really cared about me and what was happening to my life. I understand what it feels like when we finally reach that place where we can't even look at ourselves in a mirror without being frightened and angry both at ourselves and the world we live in. The wheels are falling off and we just can't seem to get a grip on anything long enough to slow it down. So here are my answers--my real truths--regarding the 5 questions above. After these I'll suggest some things that can happen to make things a bit better. Confronting the Truth 1. Can You Stop Using any Time You Want? Can you really stop drinking or drugs? For me, stopping wasn't a problem--"I've quit a thousand times" is the refrain that is heard during most NA, CA and AA meetings. It's the comeback of choice for those who are scared, angry and beginning to feel hopeless and helpless. My truth was I really could stop any time I wanted. The bigger problem, however, was I couldn't stay 'quit'. As soon as I got feeling a little better and things started to look a bit different I'd start up again and it wouldn't be long before another crisis was born. In essence I was just living a life built on a really shaky foundation and I began to see my use as a much greater problem. The REAL TRUTH was that I was not equipped to deal with the outcomes of the decisions I was making and my life, as I knew it, was slipping away from me--it truly was becoming unmanageable. The bigger the problem the more I used. 2. Is It True that No One Really Gets Hurt When You Use?  As a counselor in this field I became aware of the truth that somewhere between 5-10 folks, and more in many cases, are directly affected and seriously hurt by our use and our efforts to deflect or discount what people around us are saying. The REAL TRUTH here is that our loved ones, our close friends, our neighbors, our close family members-brothers, sisters, cousins, grand parents and on it goes get hurt by our behavior.  When things get serious, and they always do, we will cheat, lie, scam, manipulate and use all the above people mentioned in some way and then justify how and why we did it. Many people get hurt when we use. This doesn't make us horrible people but it does make us responsible for the decision to stop doing it once we realize what is going on. 3. Is the World Really out to Get You? The more I lost the more I felt like a victim. Self pity was a regular staple. I never let the consideration or the connection of what I was doing--my lifestyle--and what was happening as a consequence even enter my reality. I truly felt that nothing and no one understood me and if they didn't then they must be out to get me for some reason or another. Paranoia was a rampant everyday mindset. Why else would all this bad stuff be happening to me? I just needed a break but it never came. The REAL TRUTH is that most of us are the authors of our own stories and if they aren't pretty then we need to look at what we are doing to contribute to it and begin to change some things. This is hard to do when when we are impaired most of the time. Even if we aren't actively using we can still be mentally and emotionally incapacitated because of the journey we have been on. 4. Does Using Really Help You Relax and Get a Grip on Things?  Using drugs or alcohol to handle feelings? A mistaken belief by many is that 'a few tokes, a couple of shots or a tab or two of this or that will help me to relax and calm down so that I can get a better grip on things'. I don't agree that this is a viable solution at the best or worst of times. If the situation was one of unspeakable grief I could understand taking something that would dull the pain. The REAL TRUTH is when we take something--a drug of some kind to help us get through things so we can think more clearly, we are actually using to stop feeling anything or having to make some tough choices. Fear is often a motivating factor and we don't do well feeling fear. Those of us who managed our lives by using something to alter our moods have few life skills or strategies in our 'kit bags' to help us deal with what is going on around us. Using for me was about employing a coping strategy that I knew would work even though the outcomes of employing that strategy created other problems that I was ill equipped to handle. In other words I just traded one thing for another. I was further behind then when I started out. 5. Do Family and/or Friends Avoid You at Social Functions?  This one was more difficult to deal with than any of the others. When this happened, and it happened a great deal near the end of my run, I truly felt abandoned and disconnected from those whom I cared about the most. I was embarrassing to be around and those closest to me didn't know how to respond to me any more. Instead they just stayed away from attending any public event I might be at so they wouldn't have to deal with whatever was to come. I became unpredictable and for those who have kids you might understand how and why they became frightened as well. Responding to Unpleasant Truth with Life-Change The good news is there are strategies to consider that can be very helpful in changing all of this for the better - but one thing has to happen first. There has to be a clear, unconditional commitment made to pursue a clean and/or sober lifestyle. This means that the substance user needs to be ready to make a change happen. He may not know how to do this but we can help with that. This decision cannot be made out of fear of losing the remainder of things but rather a recognition that some things might be gained back that are meaningful but currently not available. The REAL TRUTH is fear is a poor motivator to ensure long term change. I suggest the following 30 day approach to many clients. Does it work for everyone--no it doesn't. Does it work for many-yes it does. You can be one of the many. A 30 Day Approach You enlist the help of a close and trusted friend. Most good friends will help if they know their help is given and received as support. This asking for help is often the first step for many substance users in that it can begin the process of re-connecting with those who were important.  You agree to abstain from using anything not prescribed for 30 days during which time you do whatever you need to do to get through the struggles and the tough times that confront you. Your friend agrees to observe you over those 30 days and at the end he/she is to share with you what they saw and heard from you. For example you might have been agitated at the start but less so a the end of the time.  At the beginning of the trial run you write a number on a piece of paper from 1 to 10 that represents where on the scale you feel you need to be to say that the quality of your life has improved. You also write a number down that represents where you see yourself now (when you start the process) and put the date beside it. 1 indicates the lowest point and 10 represents the highest point--the best it could possibly be. Then put the slip of paper in your wallet.  At the end of 30 days you write a number on a separate piece of paper (even though you remember the original number) that represents where you are at that time--30 days later-- and then compare the two. Don't be disappointed by an increase of only one or two numbers. If your new number goes up a notch then that's improvement and that's what you want.  Ask yourself what you did that was different and may have contributed to increasing the number. Then continue to do what worked for you. Also ask yourself what else could you do to raise the number another notch? If your number at the end of 30 days goes down then that tells you what you tried to do didn't work and other strategies need to be considered. Either way you win because this exercise is about developing plans that will help you deal with your issues day to day. Of course we hope that what we are doing will move our number up not down. But knowing what doesn't work is also very important because it stops you from putting energy and time into a strategy that isn't moving you closer to where you want to be--stop doing what doesn't work. KEY POINT: Don't be concerned about how much the number changes and how fast it is changing, rather try to understand why it changed. If you like how things are going and if it feels better than it did before you were abstinent, then you can agree to do another 30 day trial. Ask your friend for their continued support and repeat the process. As for the other 4 items on that 5 item list a couple of them will begin to take care of themselves as a consequence of not using. The others can and will be dealt with in time. First there is a need to re-establish an element of trust and that doesn't happen overnight. Can trust be re-established? With the right approach I believe it is possible to re-build far more than you have now--that's for sure. Please send any questions or comments to me at ChooseHelp.com. Enjoy what I hope will be the beginning of a new way of living with Peace, Prosperity and Happiness! --- Jim Read in browser »   Recent featured articles: Creating Sober Excitement – Beating the Blahs to Beat Relapse Addiction Recovery for Single Parents It’s Hip to Be Sober Protracted Withdrawal - What It Is and How to Make It Through Beat Gambling Addiction, Sex Addiction or Internet Addiction with this 4 Step Program And, as always, thank you for reading! All the best to you and yours, Martin Schoel, founder of Choose Help P.S. If you’d like to dive into the conversation, make sure to follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook (40K+ people do). FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO A LOVED ONE Do you or someone you know need rehab? Click or 'Tap' to speak with us now: (877) 333-5266 Facebook Twitter Google Plus Pinterest

Copyright © 2016 Choose Help, All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you are a member of Choose Help or you signed up on ChooseHelp.com. Our mailing address is: Choose Help 11301 Olympic Blvd. #351 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

https://youtu.be/ODjCufSt6_I

YOUR VOTE MATTERS! ​

This primary season let PRO-ACT help you get registered to vote. With everyone's help the recovery community will have a voice in this election!

This is a very exciting time for the recovery community as it becomes clearer to the public and the candidates that the country's next leaders must be prepared to address the public health crisis of addiction. Please lend your voice and your vote to this important cause.

​PRO-ACT will have people on-site to help you register at these times and locations:

March 14th 10-2pm

Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center - 1286 Veterans Hwy, Bristol PA 19007

March 14th 1-4pm

Philadelphia Recovery Community Center - 1701 W. Lehigh Ave. #6, Philadelphia PA 19132

March 14th 10-4pm

PRO-ACT Recovery Training Center - 444 N 3rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19123

March 14, 16, 17 and 18th 10-11am

Horizon's House - 121 30th Street, Philadelphia PA 19104

Please fell free to forward this email to your contacts.

If you or your organization would like to assist. We would be happy to add your information and provide you with the materials.Together our voice can make a difference.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Kindly,

Sharon White

Owner of Sycamore Gardens

C) 484-843-4025

(E): sharon3.npfh@gmail.com

ADDICTIONS VICTORIOUS

Celebrating 29 years of Christ-centered outreach !!! - Details below - 

Please help us get the word out, and join us in celebration of the Lord’s goodness and transforming power!

Our time of fellowship will include a sit-down meal (prime rib & crab cake combo), praise and worship, testimonials, etc. 

Our guest speaker is Enrique “Rick” Cartagena Director of Evangelism at clprm.org

Praise & Worship will be led by Dana Isles & Facedown.

And best of all, our blessed Redeemer JESUS, will be in the house as promised !!!

Blessings,Daniel Gavin, Executive Director

Can’t make it? Please consider a (tax deductible) donation to the AV ministry.

It will also help to sponsor those folks that we are embracing with the hope of

the Gospel who want to attend the luncheon and need financial help.

DETAILS:

DATE: Saturday, April 16th

TIME: 11:00 am

(seating begins at 10:30am)

LOCATION: Adelphia Restaurant

1750 Clements Bridge Rd.,

Deptford, NJ 08096

DIRECTIONS:

www.adelphiarestaurant.com

or call (856)845-8200

TICKET PRICE: $30.00

R.S.V.P. BY APRIL 3RD

PHONE: (856)418-1796

EMAIL: info@AddVicInc.org

Warnings to Doctors About Overprescribing Addictive Drugs Doesn’t Slow Them Down - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Warnings to Doctors About Overprescribing Addictive Drugs Doesn’t Slow Them Down - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Doctors who write many more prescriptions than their peers for potentially addictive drugs, such as opioids or stimulants, are not likely to reduce the number they write after they receive a warning from the government, a new study finds.

Heroin Overdoses Becoming More Visible in Public Spaces - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Heroin Overdoses Becoming More Visible in Public Spaces - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: The heroin epidemic is becoming increasingly visible as more people who use the drug are overdosing in public spaces, The New York Times reports.

Recovery by the Grace of God

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652700551649221/

Flakka Use in South Florida on the Decline - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Flakka Use in South Florida on the Decline - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Use of flakka has declined in South Florida since last year, but other chemical compounds continue to be sold under the same name, according to a drug prevention specialist in Broward County, Florida.

Sedative-Related Overdoses on the Rise: Study - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Sedative-Related Overdoses on the Rise: Study - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Fatal overdoses from benzodiazepines—sedatives sold under brand names such as Xanax, Valium and Ativan—are on the rise, a new study finds.

FDA Should Add “Black Box” Warning to Opioids and Benzodiazepines: Health Officials - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

FDA Should Add “Black Box” Warning to Opioids and Benzodiazepines: Health Officials - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Officials from state and local health departments around the country are urging the Food and Drug Administration to add “black box” warnings to opioid painkillers and sedatives known as benzodiazepines, to alert people that taking them together increases the risk of fatal overdoses.