Tag Archive: addiction treatment programs

  1. Addiction Treatment Programs for LGBT Youth

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    Addiction Treatment Programs for the LGBTAll over the world, even in its most developed nations, the LGBT community is one of the most discriminated-against populations. LGBT youth – lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender – are more likely than the general population to abuse drugs or alcohol. Even when treatment is offered, they tend to avoid it, perhaps out of fear of being treated poorly as an addict in similar fashion to the way they are in their daily lives as a member of the LGBT community.

     

    LGBT and Addiction Treatment

    Traditional treatment programs place a high emphasis on the privacy, safety, and happiness of their clients; no discrimination whatsoever. Staff take proactive measures to maintain a friendly environment, but that alone can’t make every patient feel comfortable. When patients are uncomfortable…there’s just no way they can make progress. Some patients need extra help feeling comfortable. Fortunately, there are several specialized forms of treatment for LGBT youth that work very well.

     

    Psychological Outpatient Rreatment and LGBT Addiction Support Groups

    Most adolescents, even the LGBTs, have an easier time opening up about personal issues when no one besides their therapist is around. The counselor won’t judge them, ridicule them, or harass them. That’s the benefit of private addiction counseling; you have a safe, secure, private conversation about your deep down feelings and innermost thoughts in a therapeutic way.

    Still, there are considerable advantages to group therapy settings as well. Talking with peers who understand your territory is a great way to expand a young person’s mind. Even if a teen is struggling with one of the most common problems known to man–a breakup, a failed class, etc–they can easily get caught up in the unique details of their situation and feel like they’re not completely alone.

     

    LGBT Residential Addiction Treatment Facilities

    Certain inpatient treatment facilities are beginning to offer LGBT-specific treatment regimens by separating their clients into different groups according to gender / assumed gender. The goal is to make everyone feel comfortable, not just the majority. Thus far, only a handful of treatment centers offer these services. Your best bet, of course, is to look in cities with large LGBT populations.

    If you can’t find any–that’s okay. With so many LGBT issues, controversies, and social advancements in recent years, there are lots of lik-minded LGBT-focused groups and organizations out there–not just politico-charged, but purely social, too. Most major cities have several, as well as most high schools and colleges, and for those that don’t have access–you can always go online and find endless support. Some young people simply wish to retain their anonymity, which is why those forums and chat rooms are so great. You can even attend AA online.

     

    LGBT Addiction Treatment Barriers

    Fear of ridicule, financial difficulties, perceived stigma, troubled family relationships are just a few of the obstacles that LGBT youth face today. They’re not alone–not even close–but are simply at a much higher risk of developing mood disorders, especially depression–perhaps the biggest catalyst for drug abuse. Another, equally significant factor is that they have a much harder time establishing support networks before or after treatment.

    The discrimination that faces LGBT youth isn’t limited to the outside world; for millions, the discrimination is felt at home, too. While a supportive family unit is endlessly helpful, it’s not the only support that’s out there. Sponsors, group therapy, private counseling sessions can do just as good of a job helping to keep adolescents on track. If money is the problem–the specialists can help with that as well.

    For more information on treatment programs sensitive to the LGBT community and its needs, contact our specialists here at Sustain Recovery Services.

  2. Addiction and Homelessness: How to Help a Loved One at His Lowest

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    addiction and homelessnessBy some estimates, between one fourth and one third of all homeless persons suffer from drug or alcohol problems. Drugs may be the cause of or the result of homelessness, but the connection between homelessness and substance abuse is beyond question. If someone close to you has suffered from drug addiction and has taken to the streets, that person’s long-term prognosis will not be good, but you will have options to help that person and to recover him from a life of harm and decay.

    Helping a Homeless Loved One

    Your initial reaction when you discover that someone you love has become homeless will likely be akin to panicking. You will feel a need to head out into whatever streets have claimed your loved one to bring him or her back to your abode. Panic reactions are normal, but they may not be the best option. Your ability to help a person that you care about will be enhanced if you first calm yourself down and force yourself to move deliberately and with proper planning and strategy. Rescuing your loved one with no consideration of how to address his or her addiction problems is, at best, a temporary solution. Before long, if untreated, your loved one’s addictions will push him or her back to the street.

    When you have calmed yourself and recouped your perspective, do some research into homeless shelters and addiction recovery programs that are designed to help homeless persons. A day or two of research will show you the available options, and you can choose the best option for the person you are trying to help. If you then re-connect with that person, you can take him or her directly to the shelter or center, where treatment for both the homeless problem and the drug addiction can begin.

    Addiction and Homelessness

    Many addicts who have lapsed into homelessness will sense that they have hit “rock bottom”, and that sensation may lead to a feeling of desperation that can drive a homeless person to do whatever is necessary to survive. Because of this, a homeless person might need to address legal problems in addition to his or her drug addiction. Be prepared to retain an attorney who can be your loved one’s advocate if legal problems do threaten to interfere with his or her recovery.

    Even under the best circumstances, recovering from drug addiction can be a years-long process that requires commitment from both the addict and from his support community. When an addict has fallen into homelessness, the challenges will inevitably be greater. A homeless addict will need to restart his finances, find a place to live after he is out of any rehab facilities, and start a program of counseling to address his addiction and any psychological issues that can threaten his stability. You will best be able to help him by supporting and encouraging him in these endeavors and by making sure that he is adhering to whatever plans or structures you helped him to put in place. Ultimately, the homeless drug addict will need to resolve to help himself. Your role is to keep your loved one on a path that helps him do that.   

     

    Please call the Sustain Recovery Services at (949) 407-9052 for more information on how you can help a loved one in your life who has become homeless, and for assistance in creating a recovery program that is specific to his or her situation.

The people at Sustain Recovery are truly passionate about their work. They put all their love, energy and spiritual strength in to it. They continue to support me today as I continue my ongoing journey in my personal recovery. I now have over a year of sobriety, my own apartment, a job, true friends and a support network that is always available to me. Although all that stuff is great, what matters most today is that I love myself and have the ability to love others. Thank you to all who had a hand and heart in Sustain Recovery

Jenn
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