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A continuum of care is recognized as necessary to reduce the prevalence and consequences of addictive disorders. This continuum reflects that both prevention and treatment of addictive disorders are long-term processes that can be categorized into specific services. A Chance to Change Foundation provides services in all categories. The specific categories within the continuum are shown in red on the diagram above. A Chance to Change provides education, prevention, and early intervention (shown in blue) through various programs. These include the Education Series offered to the public every Monday night throughout the year. The agency hosts both an after school and summer program for middle school youth in the Putnam City School District. Other effective prevention services offered include speaking engagements, health fairs, and advocacy efforts to educate families and the public about what prevention is and how they can participate. The agency is a clearinghouse of educational information provided freely to the public. In addition, the department has partnered with Putnam City and Bethany Schools, community leaders and representative businesses and agencies to form a coalition, tasked with developing programs to reduce the abuse of drugs and alcohol. The agency also works with several other existing groups and coalitions to impact the public's knowledge of addiction and its effects on the family and the community. The clinical department (shown in green) provides services in the categories of early intervention, primary treatment, and continuing care. These services begin with Stage I recovery issues, such as early sobriety, initial 12-step work, and beginning the healing process in the family. Stage II recovery addresses any underlying trauma, abuse, and the family-of-origin issues. The specific clinical services include assessment, referral, pretreatment (often this means helping the family stop enabling), primary treatment, continuing care (previously called "Aftercare"), and mental health services to facilitate recovery from underlying issues. These services are accomplished through individual, group, and family counseling. The agency also offers A Chance to Grow, a unique therapeutic program for children 5-12 years old. Other special programs provide opportunities for individuals and families to continue the healing process. ADDICTION IS A DISEASE AND RECOVERY WORKS Those addicted to drugs, alcohol or other destructive behaviors are not bad people—they are sick people. Scientists, doctors, counselors and other professionals have determined that addiction is a disease and that many of those who are addicted can recover with proper treatment. Understanding and accepting addiction as a disease can help reduce the shame and stigma that addicts feel, help their families understand, and ultimately, help more people get into recovery. Addiction is a spiritual, as well as a physical and mental sickness. Twelve-step recovery programs work because they deal with all of these aspects. The Disease It takes substance abuse coupled with a genetic predisposition to addiction for one to become an addict. Those not genetically predisposed to addiction may abuse substances, but will not become addicted. Compulsion is a primary symptom of the disease, usually accompanied by denial. Addiction is a biological, genetic defect of the neurotransmitter systems within the primitive brain. Transmissions between several parts of the brain become abnormal, like a “broken filter.” When this system is broken, a signal of compulsion is sent and the neuro-chemical balance of the brain changes. As the brain gets “feel good” chemicals such as dopamine through abuse of drugs and alcohol, it quits producing these chemicals on its own. High risk behavior, gambling, illicit sex—all of these behaviors can also cause a surge in adrenalin, which floods the brain with dopamine. As the levels fall again, the compulsion to use becomes insatiable. At first, chemicals are like friends, making the addict feel good. Later he needs chemicals just to feel normal. Still later, he needs chemicals, but doesn’t feel normal even with them. He feels bad all the time. He becomes desperate to get dopamine levels up, but he is also very conflicted. He is filled with shame, knowing he is losing control, but his brain is no longer able to function on its own. An addicted person may appear to have no remorse, but is filled with shame that becomes so overpowering that allowing himself to feel it would be unbearable. It is only relieved by dulling his feelings, so he uses drugs or illicit behavior and the cycle continues. Loved ones look at this dichotomy of a person asking, what happened? Where is the person I used to know? Why doesn’t he stop? The truth is that the person they love is no longer in control. Like a beast, the addiction has taken over and will push away anyone who tries to stop him. That’s why the addict has new friends—other addicts. Normal people cause him great shame. He naturally wants to stay with the people, places and things that feed the addict within. The Recovery For too many addicts, the journey down this destructive path continues to its bitter and often deadly end. Others will, through intervention or crisis, have a chance to face the truth. At this point, the real person has two choices—to continue his addiction or to move into recovery. Is there hope? Yes! Millions of people have found recovery and are willing to help others recover when they are ready. Recovery means total abstinence from the addictive drugs, alcohol or high risk behaviors. Recovery starts when the addict admits that he is powerless over the chemicals or behaviors and that he cannot stop on his own. He has to reach a point where he is finally ready for the war inside his head to stop and he is willing to go to any lengths to recover, including asking for and accepting help. Twelve-step programs help the addict acknowledge his powerlessness. As he works the program, step by step, one day at a time, he begins to crawl out of his hole. Treatment centers offer a safe place for the addict to begin. Alcoholics Anonymous or other twelve-step programs offer vital ongoing help and support. When the addict stops using the chemicals or risky behaviors, the homeostasis of the brain usually begins to be restored. Many things can help in the process of restoration of the brain chemistry. Working the 12 steps—going to meetings, prayer and meditation, making amends, and working with others can help bring balance. Exercise or a hug can contribute to a sense of well-being. These and other activities can provide the tools necessary to live life on life’s terms and help restore a spiritual, physical and mental balance. Family members can find help through education, treatment centers, and support groups. The support of loved ones is very important in the suffering addict’s recovery. It is also vital that family members get the help they need to be sane and at peace with themselves, even if the addict does not recover. |
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