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Posts Tagged ‘
drugs ’
Statistics have shown that the use of alcohol and other drugs is often directly connected to crime, incarcerations, domestic violence, child abuse, and problems related to work. Understandably, the primary focus of treatment and intervention has been on the person who has a problem with substances. However, there are far more people affected than just those persons with alcohol and other drugs problems. Fortunately, more attention is now being given to the serious impact substance misuse has on family members and significant others, who are also greatly impacted by the problem.
Families (including spouses, partners, children, siblings, and others who are connected to someone with a substance use problem) can be affected emotionally, physically, spiritually, and economically. Many family members live in a state of constant fear and uncertainty about what to do. Six skills are summarized below that can be useful to family members and significant others in learning new ways to address substance use problems in the family.
Before reviewing the six skills it is important to note that whether a person with a substance use problem will seek help, stay in recovery, or relapse at some point is impossible to predict, as every individual is unique. Many times when families and significant others seek help first, the person with the substance use problem will follow, although there are no guarantees. Sometimes things can get worse before they get better and it is very important to always address any safety concerns immediately (see Skill #6)
This can be the most difficult idea to understand at first. Sometimes people understand this to mean that we should walk away from our loved one. Actually, detaching yourself from the problem means that you should know that the person who is misusing alcohol or other drugs has the problem, not you. It is very important to understand this.
Many family members have done things that seemed as though they could help, but they actually made it easier for the person to continue misusing substances. Calling in sick for them, bailing them out of jail, etc. can actually make things worse by delaying the substance user from having to address their problem. Limits need to be set to stop doing things that make it easier for a person to continue misusing substances.
As the substance abuser begins to see changes in the other family members, he or she may become irritable, angry, or hostile. By deciding on a position and sticking to it, family members will help the addicted person begin to learn that there is a new way that things are going to be handled. This is good for everybody– the person with the problem and the family. Consistency is essential.
There are many ways to support sobriety – to clearly let the person know that you are there for them in the recovery process. Compliments about positive change, bringing them to or picking them up from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, etc., and other support groups, participating in family therapy, and asking the person about their progress, are all examples of ways to support sobriety.
Those working towards recovery must set small goals like "One Day at a Time." The same is true for families. A good goal is a small goal. Indeed families can become very overwhelmed and it is important to step back and set one small goal just for today. For example, instead of setting a goal to attend Al-Anon meetings regularly, set a goal to attend one meeting on a specific day this week. Likewise, instead of a goal to take better care of yourself, set aside a specific amount of time today to go to a park and spend some time walking or sitting quietly.
A person's physical, mental, and/or spiritual health may all be negatively affected when they misuse substances. The same often happens to those who care about that person. Eating properly, getting exercise, taking breaks, and addressing any spiritual needs are all examples of things that family members should do to take care of themselves. Taking care of your personal needs is a must, and this also includes any safety concerns such as domestic violence or child abuse. It is critical that if there is an unsafe situation, you may have to leave the situation immediately or contact law enforcement for assistance to help remove others, such as children, from the unsafe situation.
Researchers have found that when family members are involved and supportive of individuals with substance use problems who are seeking treatment, the likelihood of success is improved. Not only can family members work towards making things better for themselves, but they can increase the chances of the person achieving recovery.
Many times we start to see changes in the person with an addiction history when they enter treatment. Their mood, eating patterns, appearance, or friends may change. They may also reduce or stop going to 12-Step meetings or counseling sessions. These can be the initial signs of relapse, which may be seen first in the home. As noted in the first skill, relapse is not a problem for which we are responsible, but we can support a person's sobriety (Skill #4) by providing feedback to them about the changes we see.
Having a loved one who is misusing substances can cause families to feel angry and fearful. The best antidote is to address what is going on. Staying alert and on-track is important.
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To read more articles by Dr. Ligon on this subject, please go to http://chhs.gsu.edu/socialwork/sixstepsligon.asp.
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Tags: abuse, addiction, advice, coping skills, drugs, families, limits, steps, substance abuse, tips
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Addictions, Tip Sheets |
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An Invisible Epidemic
A great deal has been written about alcoholism and drug addiction over the last two decades. However, information regarding prescription drug abuse and addiction only seems to surface when someone famous has a problem, needs treatment, or dies.
Historically, prescription drug addiction has been the most under reported drug abuse problem in the nation according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. It may also be the least understood. Addiction to and withdrawal from prescription drugs can be more dangerous than other substances because of the insidious nature of these drugs.
Two types of the most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids and benzodiazepines. Opioids are generally used to control pain. Benzodiazepines, or tranquilizers, are used to manage anxiety. These drugs are prescribed for short-term use such as acute pain and anxiety that is in reaction to a specific event. They may also be prescribed for chronic pain or generalized anxiety.
Prescription drug addiction is no different from alcoholism or an addiction to any other substance. People who suffer from chronic pain are in a very difficult position. Painkillers will relieve their pain. For people who suffer from constant and chronic pain, narcotics may be necessary to allow them to have any quality of life. Unfortunately, they may risk becoming physically and psychologically dependent, and addicted to the medication.
While it is true that the drugs themselves are highly addictive, not everyone who takes painkillers becomes an addict. The statistics of those suffering from chronic pain that become addicted to these drugs are actually pretty low according to the Chronic Pain Advocacy League, a grass roots organization dedicated to helping those who suffer the debilitating effects of chronic pain. However, this is not to say that those who suffer with chronic pain are not at increased risk of prescription drug addiction.
There is a difference between dependence and addiction. Dependence occurs when tolerance builds up and the body needs the drug in order to function. Withdrawal symptoms will begin if the drug is stopped abruptly.
In contrast, when a person turns to the regular use of a drug to satisfy emotional, and psychological needs, they are addicted to that substance. Physical dependence exists as well, but the drug has become a way to cope with (or avoid) all kinds of uncomfortable feelings.
Many prescription drug addicts are initially prescribed the drug for medical reasons. Somewhere along the line, however, the drug begins to take over their lives and becomes more important than anything else. Nothing will stop them from getting their drug of choice.
It may be difficult to understand how someone could let this happen. How could someone who is reasonably intelligent and sophisticated in regards to drug addiction become an addict?
Addiction has nothing to do with intelligence. And addiction to prescription drugs is no different than any other substance abuse problem. Some 12-step recovery program members have described addiction as a disease of the emotions.
Detoxification is a treatment devoted to purging toxins from the body in a medically and psychologically supervised environment. There are many treatment facilities located throughout the country. Many insurance plans cover inpatient detoxification. Some insurance companies will pay for a week, or maybe two. Some health insurance plans may pay for rehabilitation as well. It's important to get help and not to try to get off pills on your own.
Unfortunately, some people may feel that they can't afford to take a week or two out of their lives to spend in a treatment facility to undergo detoxification. The demands of children, a job, school, or other responsibilities may make inpatient treatment seem like a luxury. It is not. It is unquestionably better to leave the routine responsibilities of your life for a week than it is to suffer the inevitable outcome of prolonged drug addiction.
Social workers are involved in quite a few areas regarding treatment. Hospital social workers can help refer an individual to find the right treatment program. Many social workers advocate for their patients. Inpatient detoxification programs tend to have long waiting lists. Therefore, having the help of a social worker intervene on a patient's behalf can make the difference between getting into a program or not.
Many recovering prescription drug addicts become involved in 12-step help programs. Groups like Pills Anonymous can be very helpful and supportive. The meetings can help alleviate some of the guilt and shame through hearing and sharing the similarities of yours and others' experiences. Unfortunately, there are very few Pills Anonymous meetings around the country in comparison to the numbers of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. So many pill addicts go to those meetings in addition to or instead of Pills Anonymous meetings.
Some people struggling with pill addiction will enter therapy at this point in their lives. Therapy can help you find out what emotional need the pills served and what will fill that need now.
Social workers who are licensed in clinical social work, can offer the patient both the insight-oriented perspective as well as the cognitive and behavioral perspective. It is important for the therapist to be aware of the unique stressors each recovering addict must face when going back to the environment that they were active in.
Social workers are uniquely capable of working with these issues since they work with both the internal and external stresses and support systems. Social workers are trained to look at the person in their environment and focus on the psychological, social, economic, and familial aspects of the individual. Social workers are often part of the interdisciplinary treatment teams providing a range of services including individual, family, and group counseling, case management, education, advocacy, and resources referrals.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Association of Social Workers or its members.
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Tags: addiction, alcoholism, dependence, drugs, help, Patti Geier, prescription, prescription drugs, recovery, social, workers
Posted in
Addictions, How Social Workers Help |
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About Alcohol and Drug Addictions
Addiction is a misunderstood and common problem. According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 21.6 million individuals in the U.S. fit the diagnosis for substance dependence or abuse, which is over 9 percent of the population age 12 or older. At the same time, many people who wonder if they have a problem with drugs or alcohol feel alone and even ashamed, and this is often an obstacle to getting help.
There are a number of ways to define addiction. One of the simplest is to look at whether use of alcohol or other drugs has continued after it has led to problems. Problems can include difficulties in relationships with family and others. People may also be experiencing financial problems, health, legal, or job problems.
There may be risks that have not yet resulted in consequences, but are dangerous to be taking. There may be losses, such as money spent on drugs instead of home or vacation, or time spent obtaining, using or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol instead of investing in job, education, or relationships.
The next step is to look at how many of these areas of life have been affected, and how seriously. The idea is to look at the relationship the person has with alcohol or other drugs as we assess whether that person has a problem.
A substance abuse or dependency problem is more obvious when a person is using alcohol or drugs in order to feel normal, get through responsibilities or activities that he finds difficult, or if alcohol or drugs are needed in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to know that the symptoms of addiction can arise slowly over time in a person's life. For many, these symptoms increase in amount and severity over time, resulting in losses in several areas of life, and, all too often, in alcohol or drug related death. This is all the more reason to consult a professional if there is concern.
If an individual thinks he may have a problem and consults with an addictions professional, he will first go through an assessment to establish whether there is a problem and, if so, get an objective picture of that problem. Talking with a professional provides a link to the many resources and supports available for those dealing with substance abuse.
A program of treatment, rather than individual counseling only, is the most typical way an active addiction is addressed. Participants receive a number of supports.
- Health education and psychological counseling. The goal here is to increase understanding of the health consequences of continued use. In addition, people learn how the addictions process happens and the biological reasons why getting free of alcohol and drugs is so challenging. In order to treat an addiction, it is vital to understand the physical and psychological reasons why consistent support and hard work is necessary.
- Group support. Due to the psychology of addiction, people are greatly helped by participation in treatment groups which are run by addictions professionals including social workers. There they see that their experiences and struggles are not unique and they can be more honest about the nature of their difficulties.
- Individual counseling and resource referral. People in treatment work with a counselor with whom they set treatment goals, track progress and address obstacles. Counselors also help their clients find resources to address life areas that may have been affected by drug or alcohol use, such as job training and placement, education or family counseling.
- Self-help. People who participate in self-help programs, such as 12-Step programs, have greater success living without drugs or alcohol. Self-help groups are run by people in recovery from addiction who serve as volunteers, and the goal is mutual support rather than treatment. While in treatment, people are educated on the benefits of self-help and are supported as they establish an effective connection to a self-help meeting.
If an individual enters treatment, his success is far more likely if family members are willing to learn about addiction and recovery. Addictions professionals welcome family involvement and will guide family members in the best ways to help their loved one, including attendance at Al Anon or Nar Anon meetings.
If there is addiction or substance abuse in the family and the troubled individual is not ready to get help for himself, it is important for family members to seek their own support. Substance abuse has a tremendous impact on family members and they deserve assistance in dealing with this painful issue. Help can be obtained at a treatment center or with a qualified therapist.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Association of Social Workers or its members.
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Tags: alcohol, drugs, options, substance abuse
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Addictions, Your Options |
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