Motivation to Change

Motivation to Change

Earlier I generally described an approach to the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction that includes generating the motivation to change and effecting that change through cognitive behavioral and community reinforcement therapies.  Let’s talk about motivation to change in addiction treatment.  What is motivation, how is it developed?  More importantly, how is it sustained?

First, what is motivation?  The dictionary defines it as “an inducement, incentive or reason to act in a specific way.”  More often we tend to think of motivation as a characteristic, something we either have or done have – “He just isn’t motivated to succeed in school” or “She is motivated to ensure that her kids have a better life.”  Typically motivation, or lack of motivation, is seen by others as key to recovery from alcohol and drug addiction or relapse back into the disease.

Motivation is a lot more complicated than just a personal characteristic.  It’s clear that our ability to change is also shaped in part by those who are closest to us.  Enabling or co-dependence certainly have an impact on motivation to change.  Describing addiction as a “family disease”  reinforces the perception that family roles influence, even motivate, continued use of alcohol and drugs.  Conversely, the use of family interventions to change the family dynamic and increase motivation to change are often effective in leading people to begin the road to recovery toward treatment for addiction.

Ultimately, William Miller, one of the founding fathers of what is called a “motivational” style of client interviewing and counseling, concluded that “motivation can be understood not as something one has, but rather as something one does.  It involves recognizing a problem, searching for a way to change, and then beginning, continuing, and complying with that change strategy.”  (Miller, Increasing Motivation for Change, 1989).

Therefore an important role of a good counselor and counseling program is to assist a person in identifying, developing and nurturing the motivation to change.  Something important to consider when selecting a counselor or program such as the Vince Carter Sanctuary.   We will continue this discussion by talking about the “stages of change.”

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Painkillers!

Painkillers!

Painkillers that are prescribed by the doctor are done so to alleviate the pain or discomfort that comes along with a disease or post surgery. But little do we know that these medications stand the risk of being addictive because in many cases they become the first choice to manage and ease the pain. The dependency on the chemicals can come very easily.  Painkillers have the ability to block pains from all parts of the body - right from the nerve endings to the brain. They release the chemical Dopamine, which is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and well-being. Thus the brain gets used to this kind of a pain-free environment and demands it whenever it experiences feelings of pain.

The body shows withdrawal symptoms while trying to avoid painkillers. Some of these symptoms include extreme restlessness and anxiety, pain in both the muscles and bones, sleep disorders, vomiting and various stomach ailments including diarrhea.

You can study a person’s behavior to determine if that person is getting addicted to such prescribed medicines. If you notice that their intake and usage of these medicines has increased more than what is recommended or if it is observed that the person is going through mood swings and shifts in energy levels then these are signs of addiction. Also social isolation and a compulsive need to go to any extent to get these medicines are also signs to watch out for. Other signs include lowered levels of concentration, and memory loss or forgetfulness.

The treatment of this addiction has to be done under the guidance of a qualified physician. This helps in dealing with the withdrawal symptoms that come up during the process. The treatment involves both physical and psychological assistance – which includes counseling and drug treatment programs conducted in clinics or residential treatment programs.  Programs which are inpatient (where the patient has to stay in the medical facility) are seen to be more effective than outpatient treatment programs.   This also allows for a removal from the environment and access to the drugs of abuse.

You should remember that painkillers are meant to relieve pain but should only be used under the guidance of your physician.  This is the best way to avoid a dependency.  It is in fact better to avoid any addiction and minimize or eliminate the use of pain medication. Always ensure that the prescription is followed as it is and not exceed it without your physician’s approval. The damage caused is not worth the pain itself.  If you or someone you love is dependent on these medications, please know that inFloridathe Vince Carter Sanctuary can provide you with the tools you need to beat this addiction.

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Help for the Family of the Addict

Help for the Family of the Addict

It is accepted knowledge that addiction is a family disease.  This means that every person in the family is somehow affected by the disease.  Once the addicted person reaches out for help, it is important for those close to the individual to participate in the treatment process. 

Florida addiction family programs recognize the concept of a “family system” in offering help to those we serve.  The “family system” model means that the family consists of individuals whose life is affected by the behavior of the addicted family member. Better healing occurs if family members and significant others work together in treatment to form a healthier group.  It is quite common to find relationships where communication was difficult, or non-existent, improve once the drugs and alcohol are gone.

Family programs attempt to change the habit of blame into actions of healing. Treatment programs assess the current “climate” of the family unit and promote skill building that enhances communication, builds problem-solving behaviors, and strengthens trust and commitment.  Families in treatment work with other families to support, encourage, and share experiences in an air of acceptance.

To this end, the Vince Carter Sanctuary provides family counseling support through family treatment interventions where the family can work together toward a full recovery and return to a happy and drug free lifestyle.  Family treatment works!

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Medical Detoxification – A must do!

In order to heal the body of substance abuse and overcome the associated problems, the most crucial step is to initiate medical detoxification. Your road to recovery begins with cleansing your body of the substance to which you were addicted.  This process has to be done under the supervision of a medically qualified doctor in a licensed treatment facility.

The first step of detox and rehabilitation starts with a medical evaluation from a qualified medical doctor.  Detox programs are not generic but vary from patient to patient and are individualized. The patient is stabilized under the supervision of the skilled medical practitioner.

LicensedFloridadrug treatment centers believe in providing the person with a safe, private and individualized detox program.  The number of days required for the detox program depends upon the level of addiction and the changes that it has brought about in the body.

A medical detox does not end until the doctor is convinced that the patient is stable and has been safely withdrawn from the drug of abuse and all detox medications.  The patient is then ready for the next phase of treatment.  It is very important that the patient, before initiating his treatment counseling sessions, be free from the drugs to which he was addicted.

InFlorida, one such program which can safely provide medical detoxification from drugs of abuse or alcohol, followed by rehabilitation counseling for the patient and family is the Vince Carter Sanctuary.  Give it a try; you will be glad you did!

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Keeping secrets continues family sickness

Keeping secrets continues family sickness

Substance abusers and those dependent on substances want to continue to use.  They will lie, manipulate, ask loved ones to hide their addictions saying it is no one else's business, and do many things to continue to use that they normally wouldn't do.  Their addiction and disease becomes more important than their children, loved ones, and even their own life.  Loved ones will often keep the addict's use a secret from others including family members and friends.  Family secrets are a part of the family sickness that perpetuates the problem and actually makes it worse.  Stop the sickness, get help for your loved ones, break the silence and do it now.  There are great, wonderful programs to help.  Save your loved one's life now -- don't wait or it may be too late!

Patrick Miley, Ed.S, CAP, LMHC

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Should I force my loved one into substance abuse treatment?

Should I force my loved one into substance abuse treatment?

If you are struggling with this question, please read this.  My brother-in-law is struggling with feelings of guilt after his wife (only 50 years old) passed away suddenly this past weekend.  She collapsed at home and died within 24 hours.  "I should have been more aggressive to get her into a program."  She lived in Virginia and we lived in Florida.  Although I'm in the field of addictions and knew there were issues, I never expected this.  What I also know from my training and experience in the field, coerced or forced treatment works.  Whether by civil, criminal, or personal persuasion, if you get them into treatment, a loved ones motivation can be influenced by treatment so they want the help.  But without being forced into it, they won't seek it out on their own.  Don't give in to keeping secrets, get help, and do it now before it is too late.

Patrick Miley, Ed.S, CAP, LMHC

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Is Marijuana Dangerous?

Is Marijuana Dangerous?

Marijuana swiftly moves to the brain from the bloodstream and to different parts of the body. It is generally smoked in a pipe or through a water pipe. The smoking effects are quickly felt; like dry mouth and throat, and rapid rise in the heart rate.  Marijuana also causes delayed reaction towards time, impaired coordination and people may also have problems with short term memory. Heavier use can cause severe paranoia.  It also makes it very difficult for the person to keep track of time or concentrate on what is happening around them.  Marijuana use can also cause lack of energy, inability to eat, nausea, increased heart rate, vomiting, dizziness, depression, and mood swings.  Some individuals have panic and anxiety attacks, loss of sleep, and hallucinations. Use also can lead to increased risk of cancer, impaired decision making ability and judgment, increased risk of accidents and failure of the respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems.   So, Is Marijuana Dangerous?  The answer is that it certainly is dangerous and this addiction requires help to get someone to stop.  This involves counseling and support.   You can get this help through a drug treatment and rehabilitation center.  The Vince Carter Sanctuary in Florida is the place to go for world class and compassionate help. 


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