The month of November is “gratitude month” whereby people indicate one thing they are grateful for every day of the month. The volume of people thinking about what they are grateful for has seemingly grown with the advent of social media - when friends see their friends posting about what they are grateful for on Facebook, it prompts them to do the same.
In addiction treatment programs and 12 step programs, gratitude is one of the many cornerstones that help people recover. Everyday people are encouraged to think about what they are grateful for and the simple praise for not picking up a drug or a drink each day goes a long way. After all, many in recovery can recall a time when they had no choice, when each day they tried to abstain from abusing their substance of choice but by nightfall they were in the grips of addiction yet again. Being able to go even just one day without succumbing to one’s addiction is a lot to be grateful for.
Drug and alcohol rehab and 12 Step programs engrain gratitude within those recovering because it becomes the anti-venom of negative and dismal thinking that can spark someone to pick up a drink or a drug. By taking a moment to reflect on all the great things in life, it nullifies the poison of negative thinking. Often addicts use negative thinking to manufacture an excuse to pick up a drink or a drug, gratitude offers the excuses to not pick up a drink or a drug.
While people sanction days like Thanksgiving or months like November for gratitude, those in addiction recovery make this a daily reflection - and it pays off. Several studies correlate gratitude and good health, including a study in Personality and Individual Differences that analyzed 1,000 people between 18-80. It concluded that gratitude improved one’s physical health because it drastically improved psychological health. Those with psychological well being are more likely to engage in activities that improve physical health such as exercising or seeing a doctor when they are sick. This naturally allows people to sustain well being which is the opposite of addiction, which perpetuates self-destruction and deteriorating physical health.
Gratitude is just one of the many tools and gifts of sobriety, that have multifaceted positive effects on one’s overall condition. For example, when addicts are in gratitude together, many recognize that the positive turn their lives have taken is indeed part of their own work, but they also credit it to others that have helped them and to a divine intervention as well. Gratitude is therefore a spiritual and social emotion that can improve relations - after all, everyone is attracted to those that behave graciously. This in turn fosters social support and interaction that relieves stress and depression which is essential in the sustenance of sobriety. The many gifts of gratitude are just one thing to be grateful for. What are you grateful for?
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Drinking Energy Drinks in Recovery
Speculations about the harmful effects of energy drinks have been growing in recent years and the spotlight is now on Living Essentials, the company that makes Five Hour Energy drinks.
This week, the New York Times reported on the Food and Drug Administration’s investigation of 13 deaths and 32 hospitalizations blamed on the consumption of Five Hour Energy. The drink, which comes in a shot form, contains 215 milligrams of caffeine among other ingredients like taurine and phenylalanine. It is not clear yet if the deaths were a direct result of Five Hour Energy, as the FDA warned, "It is important to note that submitting a serious adverse event report to the FDA, according the agency itself, is not construed by FDA as an admission that the dietary supplement was involved, caused or contributed to the adverse event being reported.” Skeptics say it is improbable that the ingredients in Five Hour Energy were the culprit in the deaths or hospitalizations but studies have revealed the asscoiated health risks with consumption of such drinks.
Despite these reports, a growing sober trend is the consumption of energy drinks instead of alcohol when “going out” on the town - or going anywhere. While most energy drinks are banned from addiction treatment programs, many addicts in early recovery jump on the bandwagon of consuming copious amounts of Red Bull, Five Hour Energy shots and the like. Some hardliners say that these drinks are “mood altering” and therefore don’t support the code of abstinence. Others say that these drinks give them they energy they need while in post acute withdrawal, or for life in general, after years of bodily damage from which they are still recovering.
While physical recovery is a large part of recovery writ large, studies reveal that these drinks are doing little to help with recovery or with energy. In fact, there are known health risks associated with energy drinks that are antithetical to helping addicts recover, they include:
1.) Greater Risk of Drug Abuse and/or Relapse
According to a 2010 study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, students who consumed energy drinks in the second year of college were at greater risk of prescription drug abuse, such as the use of stimulants like Adderall, in their third year of college. Similarly, for those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse who consume energy drinks, the effects from ingredients like phenylalanine may mimic stimulants such as Adderall or cocaine, which may “trigger” them into using. For the addict, consumption of such drinks for chemically induced energy may not be “enough” and they become at risk of relapse.
2.) Impaired Cognitive Function
According to a Live Science article, energy drinks can impair cognitive function when consumed in excess. The study reports that while 40mg of caffeine improved student performance on a reaction test they were given, students who drank an excess of 80 mg, such as a can of Red Bull or shot of Five Hour Energy, had poorer performance on the same test.
Such studies are particularly important for those in early recovery to consider, especially those in post acute withdrawal whose cognitive functions are just beginning to heal. With the growing trend of people attending 12-Step meetings with super sized energy drinks in tow, they may want to consider how such drinks impact their recovery. It is no wonder many drug rehab centers have prohibited the consumption of such drinks, because while there is only speculation so far on the deaths from Five Hour Energy and other said detriments of energy drinks, it just isn’t worth the risk - especially when one is just re-starting their lives.
This week, the New York Times reported on the Food and Drug Administration’s investigation of 13 deaths and 32 hospitalizations blamed on the consumption of Five Hour Energy. The drink, which comes in a shot form, contains 215 milligrams of caffeine among other ingredients like taurine and phenylalanine. It is not clear yet if the deaths were a direct result of Five Hour Energy, as the FDA warned, "It is important to note that submitting a serious adverse event report to the FDA, according the agency itself, is not construed by FDA as an admission that the dietary supplement was involved, caused or contributed to the adverse event being reported.” Skeptics say it is improbable that the ingredients in Five Hour Energy were the culprit in the deaths or hospitalizations but studies have revealed the asscoiated health risks with consumption of such drinks.
Despite these reports, a growing sober trend is the consumption of energy drinks instead of alcohol when “going out” on the town - or going anywhere. While most energy drinks are banned from addiction treatment programs, many addicts in early recovery jump on the bandwagon of consuming copious amounts of Red Bull, Five Hour Energy shots and the like. Some hardliners say that these drinks are “mood altering” and therefore don’t support the code of abstinence. Others say that these drinks give them they energy they need while in post acute withdrawal, or for life in general, after years of bodily damage from which they are still recovering.
While physical recovery is a large part of recovery writ large, studies reveal that these drinks are doing little to help with recovery or with energy. In fact, there are known health risks associated with energy drinks that are antithetical to helping addicts recover, they include:
1.) Greater Risk of Drug Abuse and/or Relapse
According to a 2010 study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, students who consumed energy drinks in the second year of college were at greater risk of prescription drug abuse, such as the use of stimulants like Adderall, in their third year of college. Similarly, for those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse who consume energy drinks, the effects from ingredients like phenylalanine may mimic stimulants such as Adderall or cocaine, which may “trigger” them into using. For the addict, consumption of such drinks for chemically induced energy may not be “enough” and they become at risk of relapse.
2.) Impaired Cognitive Function
According to a Live Science article, energy drinks can impair cognitive function when consumed in excess. The study reports that while 40mg of caffeine improved student performance on a reaction test they were given, students who drank an excess of 80 mg, such as a can of Red Bull or shot of Five Hour Energy, had poorer performance on the same test.
Such studies are particularly important for those in early recovery to consider, especially those in post acute withdrawal whose cognitive functions are just beginning to heal. With the growing trend of people attending 12-Step meetings with super sized energy drinks in tow, they may want to consider how such drinks impact their recovery. It is no wonder many drug rehab centers have prohibited the consumption of such drinks, because while there is only speculation so far on the deaths from Five Hour Energy and other said detriments of energy drinks, it just isn’t worth the risk - especially when one is just re-starting their lives.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Marijuana Legalization and Addiction Treatment Providers
Colorado has voted to legalize marijuana, but now how will that translate into day-to-day life and will it mean for addiction treatment providers?
So long as the federal government defers to Colorado state law, anyone 21 and older can legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana outside of their homes. They can also grow six plants in their homes - where they can have more than an ounce if the plants are harvested. Legal possession isn’t determined by residency - when stores begin selling marijuana, which could be as soon as next year, out-of-staters can purchase it. They just can’t bring it over state borders, because similar to how alcohol or helmet laws vary from state to state, individuals are subject to state law once they leave Colorado.
Since Federal agents have a full plate, coming into Colorado to arrest someone for an ounce of marijuana is unlikely. They are more likely to have what the Governor John Hickenlooper calls “passive accommodation” over individual small-scale possession of marijuana. But as Governor cautioned voters: “Don’t break out the Cheetos or the Goldfish too quickly.” Because it will be a month or more before the law is official and even longer before state officials draft all the tax rules, regulations and state codes for Amendment 64.
While many are equating the legalization of marijuana to the end of prohibition, it is unknown how this will impact addiction treatment admission statistics. As most treatment providers know, the old adage “marijuana isn’t addictive” isn’t true. Addiction treatment centers across the US get their fair share of admissions for those seeking treatment for marijuana dependence. Even 12 step programs like Marijuana Anonymous show that there is powerlessness over the substance. In addiction recovery, no matter what the substance/drug of choice is for an addict, those that are serious about their recovery abstain from all mind and mood altering substances, including marijuana - even if it is legal. That is because a secondary drug can always lower inhibitions and lead an addict back to their drug of choice or because the biochemical makeup of an addict’s brain allows any substance to “wake the sleeping dragon” or their dormant addiction.
There are a few ways in which the legalization of marijuana can impact treatment admissions. First, because it is legal, youth may be more apt to trying it. There are a handful of reports that coin marijuana a “gateway drug,” and studies that show teens who use marijuana are more likely to end up with more substance abuse problems later in life. Second, those who are recovering from addiction to another substance may use the legalization of marijuana as a reason to use it, which can bring on a full-blown relapse. Third, while alcoholics can avoid bars or the smell of alcohol, its difficult for recovering marijuana addicts to avoid the thick mass of pot smoke - which may have a triggering effect. Lastly, those who may have never tried marijuana because it was illegal may opt into trying it and develop dependence, just as many did with alcohol after prohibition ended.
Although these are negative projections, they are important considerations for treatment providers - who may want to look into the efficacy of their current marijuana dependence programs or any special treatment protocols for marijuana addiction and incorporate them into their youth, young adult addiction treatment and adult treatment programs.
Harmony Foundation is an affordable addiction treatment center in Colorado that can help men and women recover from addictive disorders such as marijuana dependence.
Since Federal agents have a full plate, coming into Colorado to arrest someone for an ounce of marijuana is unlikely. They are more likely to have what the Governor John Hickenlooper calls “passive accommodation” over individual small-scale possession of marijuana. But as Governor cautioned voters: “Don’t break out the Cheetos or the Goldfish too quickly.” Because it will be a month or more before the law is official and even longer before state officials draft all the tax rules, regulations and state codes for Amendment 64.
While many are equating the legalization of marijuana to the end of prohibition, it is unknown how this will impact addiction treatment admission statistics. As most treatment providers know, the old adage “marijuana isn’t addictive” isn’t true. Addiction treatment centers across the US get their fair share of admissions for those seeking treatment for marijuana dependence. Even 12 step programs like Marijuana Anonymous show that there is powerlessness over the substance. In addiction recovery, no matter what the substance/drug of choice is for an addict, those that are serious about their recovery abstain from all mind and mood altering substances, including marijuana - even if it is legal. That is because a secondary drug can always lower inhibitions and lead an addict back to their drug of choice or because the biochemical makeup of an addict’s brain allows any substance to “wake the sleeping dragon” or their dormant addiction.
There are a few ways in which the legalization of marijuana can impact treatment admissions. First, because it is legal, youth may be more apt to trying it. There are a handful of reports that coin marijuana a “gateway drug,” and studies that show teens who use marijuana are more likely to end up with more substance abuse problems later in life. Second, those who are recovering from addiction to another substance may use the legalization of marijuana as a reason to use it, which can bring on a full-blown relapse. Third, while alcoholics can avoid bars or the smell of alcohol, its difficult for recovering marijuana addicts to avoid the thick mass of pot smoke - which may have a triggering effect. Lastly, those who may have never tried marijuana because it was illegal may opt into trying it and develop dependence, just as many did with alcohol after prohibition ended.
Although these are negative projections, they are important considerations for treatment providers - who may want to look into the efficacy of their current marijuana dependence programs or any special treatment protocols for marijuana addiction and incorporate them into their youth, young adult addiction treatment and adult treatment programs.
Harmony Foundation is an affordable addiction treatment center in Colorado that can help men and women recover from addictive disorders such as marijuana dependence.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
New Treatment Component for Legal Professionals
Harmony is proud to support the addiction recovery process for members of the legal profession. As a leader in the field of addiction treatment for 40 years, Harmony Foundation has seen that drug addiction and alcoholism affect upwards of 10% of the population. The rates of addiction are even higher among legal professionals, as the American Bar Association estimates 15% to 20% of lawyers suffer from substance abuse and chemical dependency.
Larry Dubin, a professor of law at the University Detroit Mercy School of Law, says that addiction often begins when lawyers are in college when they are exposed to the actual lifestyles of attorneys - including substance abuse. Dublin states that students are also conditioned to hide their personal reactions and emotions and often have to represent clients or positions that may not gel with their own belief systems or moral constitution. Such pressures implicit in the profession can lead to substance abuse problems as the substances help further mask the emotional lives of lawyers.
Harmony Foundation recognizes that legal professionals are concerned that disclosing their addiction may cost them the respect of their clients and peers and possibly their licenses. Fortunately, over the past 30 years services have risen to meet the needs of professionals who are facing issues with chemical dependency or co-occurring disorders. Evidence based evaluation and treatment programs that work with professional monitoring agencies have achieved remarkable success. Treatment programs that work with professional programs have reportedly lower incidence of relapse (less than 3% relapse rate per year) and professionals are able to transition back into the workplace and preserve their careers.
Harmony supports and collaborates with such programs including the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP), the Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program (COLAP) and Colorado Lawyers Helping Lawyers (CLHL) and the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.
The Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program (COLAP) helps members of the legal profession (including law students) who suffer from physical or mental disabilities that impair their ability to practice, including substance abuse. They offer various confidential services such as interventions, aftercare services, monitoring services and peer support group meetings.
Colorado Lawyers Helping Lawyers, Inc. (CLHL) is a peer driven program that offers support, education and referrals for those who are facing substance abuse problems. The overarching goal of the program is relapse prevention and providing a confidential safe space for legal professionals to disclose their challenges with addiction.
Harmony understands the stress, strain, exhaustion, and isolation of the practice of law and the depression, anxiety, and addiction that can follow. This has sparked the creation of a specialized addiction treatment component for lawyers and other legal professionals, that is premised on the need for confidential and professional treatment.
Harmony Foundation’s treatment component for Legal professionals helps them cope with their addiction and learn skills to maintain a lifetime of sobriety. The 30-day (and variable) comprehensive treatment for legal professionals uses the evidence based Bio-Psycho-Social, 12-Step Residential Treatment Model. By overcoming the reservations and fear associated with admitting they have an addiction, legal professionals are able to regain their lives both professionally and personally in the confidential setting of Harmony's private campus, nestled in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, Colorado.
Larry Dubin, a professor of law at the University Detroit Mercy School of Law, says that addiction often begins when lawyers are in college when they are exposed to the actual lifestyles of attorneys - including substance abuse. Dublin states that students are also conditioned to hide their personal reactions and emotions and often have to represent clients or positions that may not gel with their own belief systems or moral constitution. Such pressures implicit in the profession can lead to substance abuse problems as the substances help further mask the emotional lives of lawyers.
Harmony Foundation recognizes that legal professionals are concerned that disclosing their addiction may cost them the respect of their clients and peers and possibly their licenses. Fortunately, over the past 30 years services have risen to meet the needs of professionals who are facing issues with chemical dependency or co-occurring disorders. Evidence based evaluation and treatment programs that work with professional monitoring agencies have achieved remarkable success. Treatment programs that work with professional programs have reportedly lower incidence of relapse (less than 3% relapse rate per year) and professionals are able to transition back into the workplace and preserve their careers.
Harmony supports and collaborates with such programs including the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP), the Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program (COLAP) and Colorado Lawyers Helping Lawyers (CLHL) and the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.
The Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program (COLAP) helps members of the legal profession (including law students) who suffer from physical or mental disabilities that impair their ability to practice, including substance abuse. They offer various confidential services such as interventions, aftercare services, monitoring services and peer support group meetings.
Colorado Lawyers Helping Lawyers, Inc. (CLHL) is a peer driven program that offers support, education and referrals for those who are facing substance abuse problems. The overarching goal of the program is relapse prevention and providing a confidential safe space for legal professionals to disclose their challenges with addiction.
Harmony understands the stress, strain, exhaustion, and isolation of the practice of law and the depression, anxiety, and addiction that can follow. This has sparked the creation of a specialized addiction treatment component for lawyers and other legal professionals, that is premised on the need for confidential and professional treatment.
Harmony Foundation’s treatment component for Legal professionals helps them cope with their addiction and learn skills to maintain a lifetime of sobriety. The 30-day (and variable) comprehensive treatment for legal professionals uses the evidence based Bio-Psycho-Social, 12-Step Residential Treatment Model. By overcoming the reservations and fear associated with admitting they have an addiction, legal professionals are able to regain their lives both professionally and personally in the confidential setting of Harmony's private campus, nestled in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, Colorado.
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