San Diego Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Blog

Development of Alcoholism - Middle Stage

2009-07-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

In addressing this Middle Stage of the disease of addiction here in San Diego County, you may be asking the question: Given the already negative effect of drinking alcohol, as outlined in the Early Stage, why do I keep on drinking?

The answer:
There is a growing illusion in this disease, that alcohol is continuing to have the same effects as it once had. We refer to this as Euphoric Recall.

People keep using alcohol for the effect they remember - the drug's action is pleasant or useful, including social or medical uses, and it allows people to temporarily feel more pleasure, less pain or discomfort or both. People recall how alcohol used to help them feel more at ease in social situations. Only now, in the Middle Stage of the addiction, the effects of the drugs have changed.

This Middle Stage is often called the Loss of Control Phase. During this phase drinking has different effects. Occasionally we can drink socially and do not crave the alcohol once we have been exposed to it. Other times we are confused as to why, drinking the same amount, it seemed to take us over. As rationalization begins to dominate the individual, i.e., we make up excuses to ourselves and others as to why we drank more, or ended up in an embarrassing situation. Rationalization are the lies we tell ourselves and how we learn to avoid others because we are thoroughly confused at our behavior. For many of us, we are able to control a lot of things in our life and think that if we just tried a bit harder, we could consistently control our alcohol use as well. So we firmly tell ourselves that we will not drink more than two drinks at the next party, or that we will not drink at all.

We this stage progresses without help, we are unable to keep our commitments to not drink, so we begin making excuses or lying about drinking. We may drink in bars or restaurants to hide the evidence of bottles if we drink at home. Many of us then decide that going out socially to drink alcohol becomes such a disaster that we would rather stay at home and drink.

Our anxiety is actually increasing as the alcohol does progressively more damage to the brain and body. Nutrition is negatively affected, and important vitamins and minerals are depleted. At the same time, we ironically keep remembering that alcohol once reduced fear, anxiety and even anger. It used to help us feel more confident, helped us sleep and reduced physical discomfort.

Instead, what alcohol actually does is cause drowsiness, disorientation and blackouts. Alcohol may impair our motor coordination and cause impaired judgment. Some people will receive a DUI, have an extra marital affair, or make poor financial decisions while under the influence. We may experience nausea or vomiting after drinking - a minor overdose. In this Middle Stage there are increased memory blackouts and the beginning of early morning tremors. Toward the end of this stage, many people begin to break their rules about not drinking before 5, or noon and start earlier and earlier in the day and eventually drink alcohol in the morning. The compulsion to drink overrides commitments we have make to ourselves, to our families, friends and employers.

We then avoid family and friends, and experience a loss of other interests. The efforts to control the drinking fail repeatedly. We are unable to discuss problems as the alcohol has taken over our days and nights. At the end of this stage, we find ourselves drinking alone.

If e we reach out for help now, we will avoid the Late Stage of alcoholism. Our Staff at Lasting Recovery can answer any questions for you or your family member about getting help with detoxification or intensive outpatient treatment. If we are unable to meet your needs for detoxification and outpatient care, we will refer you to a program that can. Give us a call at 858-453-4315.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Development of Alcoholism

2009-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Every day in San Diego people are feeling confused and asking themselves why they drank an entire bottle, or 2, of wine. Some people have told their wife, husband, friend or child that they were not going to drink more than 2 small glasses. Or that they were going to quit drinking. Some people begin to justify this drinking episode with the thoughts that they changed their mind, or it wasn't that bad, or they could not have an alcohol problem because they do not drink in the morning, or before 5pm, or drink and drive.

How do we know if our drinking is a problem?

Many millions of people are social drinkers and many millions more are just crossing over the line from social drinking into the early stages of alcoholism, or the addiction to alcohol.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. They define this disease to be often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic impaired control over alcohol or drugs, preoccupation with drugs or alcohol, use of addictive substances despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.

The time it takes from the early stage of the disease, to the last stage of addiction, where there are severe medical, family or legal consequences ,varies between men and women. Research has shown that men process the alcohol more quickly in their bodies, and the severe effects take an average of 15 years to show up.   Women, who process the alcohol more slowly, thereby staying in the body longer before it is discarded, the damage occurs within an average of 8 years.

SYMPTOMS OF THE EARLY STAGE
     --- An increase in alcohol tolerance. It takes more than 2 standard drinks to obtain a change in mood.

     --- Drinking to calm nerves. Alcohol or drugs become the favored way to reduce stress, quiet generalized anxiety and fears of the unknown in relation to work, family, finances, or health issues.

     --- Desire to continue when others stop. The loss of control or impaired control begins to take over most drinking experiences. The 2 standard drinks is many times not enough to feed the developing compulsion to drink larger amounts.

     --- Occasional memory lapses after heavy drinking. Research has shown that after only a few drinks, the alcohol can produce impairments in memory that is detectable. The degree of impairment is directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed. When large amounts of alcohol are consumed quickly, as in a binge, the brain and body are overloaded and unable to metabolize the substance. This is the beginning of the brain deficits that occur. Most notably the effects are seen in the lack of ability to transfer new information from short term to long term storage, as in a blackout.

     ---Secret irritation when your drinking is discussed. Many people begin to feel some confusion and guilt about their drinking, and start to rationalize to themselves and others as to why they continue drinking.

Rationalizing, a thought distortion, is the beginning of the development of the psychological defense system of denial. If there is no help requested by the person, or an intervention by the family, workplace or legal system to point out the beginning of the problem of early stage alcoholism, the disease will progress.

Next - Part 2 of 3 - Development of Alcoholism - Middle Stage

Thanks for reading and passing along this information.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D. MFT, CAS

Women Only and Men Only Addiction Treatment Serving San Diego County

2009-07-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

Substance abuse and addiction to alcohol and drugs is a problem that extends to people of all ages and genders ( men and women) and is prevalent in most communities in the United States. In fact, more than 700,000 Americans receive alcoholism treatment on any given day, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Treatment program, both private and public in cities throughout San Diego County, from Chula Vista to Lakeside, to Coronado, Del Mar and Carlsbad, are treating people for the destructive effects of chemical addiction. None of these women or men ever thought that they would need treatment. Seek assistance from professionals who can help you recover from chemical dependency. You want the best professional clinicians who are up on the latest research. Are there differences in treatment methods? Yes. One treatment difference is in gender specific groups.

There has been much research done on the differences in how women and men experience alcohol and drug addiction differently.

       --The factors that lead up to the first use of alcohol and drugs is often dissimilar for both sexes.
       --Brain chemistry among men and women shows that women are more sensitive to the reward
value of alcohol and drugs
       --The length of time for the disease of alcoholism to develop in women is eight years on average, and for men it is an average of 15 years.

Both men and women begin using substances for different reasons, referred to as predisposing risk factors, psychological disorders, family and social risk factors. Research by Stephanie Covington, Ph.D., a La Jolla therapist, author and researcher, showed that 74% of women with alcohol and or drug addictions had experienced some form of sexual trauma.

The trauma caused by sexual, emotional or physical abuse can lead to many forms of depression, anxiety, low feelings of self worth, guilt, shame, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Reserch has shown that women are 200 time more likely to develop PTSD from within their family and local communities, as men.

Men, on the other hand, are more likely to have suffered physical abuse and tend to struggle with co-occuring disorders of anxiety and depression along with their alcohol and drug dependency. In addition, men have more substance related legal problems as a result of their difficulty managing anger. Men's issues tend to be related to defiance and opposition.

Women are more likely than men to struggle with issues related to trust, self esteem and developing an assertive voice. In gender specific groups no one has to put up their social/sexual front. Letting down defenses in a safe and secure environment is what makes treatment possible. Many people have not been without a chemical mask on their thinking and emotions for years. When the chemicals are out of one's system, the thoughts and feelings are acknowledged in a safe, and confidential environment.

Lasting Recovery is a gender specific treatment center in San Diego, as we offer groups for women only, men only and also a co-ed group for men and women. If you want a personalized, intimate and caring treatment program for yourself or a family member, give us a call. If we can't help you, we will refer you to a program that can.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.d., MFT, CAS

Treatment of Opiate Dependency in Young Adults in Sorrento Valley

2009-06-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have something to celebrate this month - 32 years free from an opiate addiction.

Given opiates for a pain problem that became chronic, I was hooked for 10 years on codeine. As I write this, I recall how grateful I am to be free of the destructive power opiates had over my thoughts, emotions and quality of life.

Drug addiction to opiates in San Diego County continues to be a growing problem. The first time users are usually young men and women, who like myself, are emotionally sensitive and who find reducing emotional and physical pain with opiates quite intoxicating. The euphoria and increased sense of well-being by using the drugs, draw the user back into the illusion that all their emotional and relationship problems related to fear, anxiety and anger, will magically disappear...forever. We are chemically lulled into sleep, thinking that life is, indeed, very good.

However, young women and men, living in all areas of San Diego, including La Jolla, Del Mar or Encinitas, who use opiates begin to realize after a short time that they want more of the drug (the craving has begun, and it is hoped that taking more will make the drug experience better, just like the first use) only this time the drugs do not bring the same positive effects. Instead they feel drowsiness, disorientation and dulled senses. The motor coordination in these young users is effected, and they may prefer to just lay around. Life starts to become depressing. It is not unusual that people begin to use different drugs and perhaps alcohol to try and get the chemical high through mixing substances.

Judgment about important decisions related to work, school money, relationships or family are impaired. People lose jobs, relationships, money and family. By this time, which could be 3-4 months or a couple of years, the positive effects of the drug are no long present, the negative effects of the opiates are dominating the person's life and living revolves around obtaining the drug to avoid the physical withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include feeling sick, vomiting diarrhea, poor appetite, stomach cramps, dry mouth, restlessness, headache, fainting attacks, stiffness, muscles twitching, fatigue, or tiredness, muscular tension, aches and pains, weakness and insomnia.

Feeling these same withdrawal symptoms for about 6 months, I'm glad I chose to withdraw from the opiates anyway, breaking my dependency on this drug. For 10 years I carried those little white pills in the brown plastic bottle, day and night. I couldn't remember what it felt like without them, and I was willing to give it a try. It had to be better than what I was feeling and the way I was living.

Today, 32 years later, I still know it was the best decision I ever made. I feel great most days and have the opportunity to help others who suffer from addictions.

Our medical director, Michael Markopoulos, MD can help you detox from the opiate/withdrawal wheel with the use of Suboxone. It isn't a long term answer, and it will help you reduce the early symptoms. You don't need to suffer withdrawal for 6 months. After a detox from the opiates you will benefit from entering an outpatient treatment program where you will learn how to stay clean and discover healthy way to meet life's opportunities.

Get the help you need today. Call us at 858-453-4315.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

What is Not-At-Risk Drinking?

2009-06-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Looking for alcohol in Del Mar or Carmel Valley? You can find large amounts of it for purchase in the grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, bars, gas stations, mini marts and liquor stores, throughout the north coastal areas.

Some people can ignore the multimillion dollar advertising campaign to get you to either order or pick up the alcohol for consumption, while other are seduced into purchasing alcohol regularly and enjoy evening drinks with their friends and family.

Still others will purchase alcohol daily to keep themselves from needing to enter a detoxification and treatment program, in full alcohol withdrawal with shakes and the possibility of a life threatening seizure. Which one are you? Are you safe from the risks of becoming the daily drinker, or the alcoholic?

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has examined the scientific literature to determine what constitutes not-at-risk drinking. The staff at NIAAA examined the physical, mental, social and legal risks associated with drinking and identified the amount men and women can drink without increased risk. Based on their analyses, the NIAAA recommends that:
--Men should consume no more than 4 standard drinks per day and no more than 14 standard drinks per week.
--Women, who process alcohol differently than men, should consume no more than 3 standard drinks per day and no more than 7 standard drinks per week.
--People 65 years of age and older should not drink more than one drink per day.

A standard drink equals a 12 oz. beer or cooler, 8-9 oz malt liquor, 5 oz of talble wine, or 1.5 oz of 80 proof spirits. Depending on the type of spirits and recipe, one mixed drink can equal from one to three or more standard drinks.

People who exceed the recommended daily limit have engaged in binge drinking.

Of the people who HAVE NOT exceeded the recommended daily and weekly limits in the past year (72% of the U.S. population over age 18), less than 1 in 100 will eventually meet the diagnostic criteria for either alcohol abuse or dependence.

People who HAVE engaged in binge drinking at least once in the previous 12 months (16% of the U.S. Population over the age of 18), 1 in 5, or 20% will eventually meet the diagnostic criteria for either alcohol abuse or dependence.

People who exceed both the limits recommended for daily and weekly use, which is 10% of the U.S. population over the age of 18, 50% or 1 out of 2 people will eventually meet the diagnostic criteria for either alcohol abuse or dependence.

Finally, people who exceed the recommended weekly limit but never binge drink (2% of the U.S. population over the age of 18) about 1 in 12 or 8% , will eventually meet the diagnostic criteria for either alcohol abuse or dependence.

If you want to be safe and reduce your risks for becoming alcohol dependence, don't exceed the daily (a binge) or weekly limit. This is no guarantee, however that trying to reduce the consumption will work, as there are genetic as well as environmental risks factors that lead to continued use despite consequences. If you have tried to reduce your consumption and been unsuccessful, you are not alone. Alcoholism is often described as having an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind. The overconsumption, fueled by the obsession to continue drinking, can lead to blackouts, personality changes,a loss of self esteem, physical problems, and problems with family, friends, employers and the law.

If you or someone you love is unable to consistently control the amount of alcohol they are drinking, seek help now by using the assessments on our website, www.lastingrecovery.com, to to determine if you have a problem. There are solutions. If you would like more information, give us a call at 858-453-4315.

Judy Saalinger, Ph., D., MFT, CAS

Alcohol Detox in San Diego County

2009-06-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel sick of drinking alcohol and want to stop. Are the symptoms of withdrawal so uncomfortable that in the past you gave up and went back to drinking and hating yourself for it?
Be motivated to go through the detox and achieve recovery! You are worth it. And you can do it.

Adequate detoxification is important to beginning the longer process of complete physical and psychological withdrawal from alcohol. The proper management of this first stage will maximize your chances of lasting rehabilitation, by providing a net of safety and reduction of harm during alcohol or drug withdrawal. You deserve to have a new beginning.

How do you know if you are already in withdrawal from alcohol or just suffering a bad hangover? The onset of alcohol withdrawal usually occurs between 6 and 24 hours after the last drink, and an uncomplicated withdrawal usually lasts between 1-4 days.

The first thing to do is decide if you or your loved one will need an outpatient or an inpatient detoxification. The greater the amount of alcohol consumed in a day and the longer the period of time of drinking or ingesting drugs in the body, the greater the chances of a complicated withdrawal, which means an inpatient detox would be safest.

To determine if you or someone you love is suitable for an outpatient detoxification which usually lasts from 1-4 days, look at the following list:
      1. Not severely dependent
      2. No previous complicated withdrawal (no seizures, disorientation, confusion or hallucinations)
      3. No concurrent illness, injury or recent surgery
      4. No significant use of other psychotropic drugs that could aggravate withdrawal
      5. You are motivated to achieve abstinence
      6. A reliable caretaker is available.

Daily drinking by men of more than 6 standard drinks (1.5 ozs) a day, and women more than 4 a day, places a person at high risk for a complicated withdrawal. Weekly drinking of 42 standard drinks of alcohol for men and more than 28 for women places a person high risk. Other individual, drug and factors in the environment can effect the level of risk for alcohol related problems.

A simple withdrawal, manageable in an outpatient detoxification can begin by seeming like a hangover or a case of the flu, and usually occurs between 6 and 24 hours after the last drink. Some symptoms include:
     --tremulousness
     --perspiration
     --increased pulse
   --increased temperature
     --nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
     --restlessness, agitation
     --anxiety
     --insomnia, sleeping disturbance
     --fears
     --depression
     --headaches

If you would like more information on our detoxification program for alcohol, drugs or prescription drugs, including Suboxon, give us a call. We can help you 7 days a week.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Tranquillizer and Sedative Dependence in San Diego Neighborhoods

2009-06-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

More and more people who suffer from anxiety or sleeplessness are prescribed medications from their doctors. Some pople find that using these drugs to get high is a dangerous game. Young people are overdosing from using xanax along with opiate medications. We see young people whose have stalled their lives, from Carmel Valley, Del Mar, La Jolla and Encinitas due to the fact that they are suffering from having become dependent on drugs.

These medications are often obtained by young people from drug dealers and older people who tend to go to their physicians. Being unaware that the increasing physical dependence is taking over, these people will take the prescribed 30 days of medications in 2-3 days, leaving them desperate to get more medications. I have spoken with men and women of all ages who were surprised when they found they had taken the entire prescription in a few days, as if they could not get enough. Just like the person who finds that they now cannot stop at just two drinks, the compulsion to drink more or to use more of the drugs overpowers them and their physiological addiction is beginning to take control of their life. Whether it is alcohol or prescription drugs, people are confused and feeling guilty, and desperate, some people will begin to shop for more alcohol or doctors who will fill the prescriptions for the narcotics. Others will go on the internet and order a large supply of drugs which are then delivered within a day or two. Some people who are not addicted will go to Mexico to purchase the drugs from the pharmacies who sell to them without a prescription.

If you find that you are physically dependent on these medications, do not try to detox yourself. Withdrawal from alcohol, valium, librium, xanax and ambien,can cause severe anxiety symptoms, including seizures.

Lasting recovery Outpatient Detoxification offers confidential medically supervised detoxification from alcohol and prescription drugs. Our Medical Director, Michael Markopoulos, MD can help you with early recovery cravings for alcohol including Naltrexone, and Suboxon for opioid dependence.
You do not have to recover alone. Call Lasting Recovery for help with your chemical dependency treatment needs.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Prescription Drug Addiction in San Diego County

2009-06-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

Men and women of all ages, from San Diego County, including Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach and Carmel Valley contact us for information on what to do when they are afraid of stopping the use of these prescription drugs, including opiates and tranquillizer medications. Some attempts to stop use of the drugs, fail because of the severity of the withdrawal symptom. They report being extremely sick from opiates or experiencing severe anxiety from the tranquillizer or sedative medications including Xanax and Ambian. We often see people taking the opiates and tranquillizers or sedatives in a dangerous combination.

What is considered prescription drug abuse? Although most people take prescription medications responsibly, Nora Volkow, MD, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse stated recently that the nonmedical use or abuse of prescription drugs is a serious and growing public health problem in the country.

OPIATE ABUSE/DEPENDENCE
Research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse monitoring survey of grades 8 through 12, found that 9.3 percent of 12 graders reported using Vicodin without a prescription in the past year and 5.0 percent reported using OxyContin - making these medications among the most commonly abused prescription drugs by adolescents.

We have seen young adults who were introduced to opiates by being prescribed Vicodin or even OxyContin for sports injuries in high school, then abusing the drugs for recreation. They like the high they get and want increased doses as they gradually become addicted to the opiates and begin to buy them from local drug dealers. We see many young people from 18-26 whose lives have never gotten started on a solid drug free foundation and others whose work and academic careers are failing because of the physical, emotional, social and financial problems crated by addiction.

OxyContin is classified as a synthetic opiate and will give these young abusers a feeling similar to high grade heroin, but the physical withdrawal symptoms last longer. Symptoms of withdrawal include: perpetually being tired, hot/cold sweats, vomiting, nausea, heart palpitations, joints and muscles in constant pain, uncontrollable coughing, diarrhea, insomnia, restlessness, involuntary leg movements, watery eyes, excessive yawning, depression and cold flashes with goose bumps, hence the name cold turkey.

Symptoms can be reduced by using buprenorphine, sold as Suboxone. This medication is prescribed by certified physicians and through some treatment centers on a short term basis to help those with opioid addiction to recover from their dependence. At Lasting Recovery, the Director of Medical Services, Michael Markopoulos, MD is able to help those suffering from opioid addiction to detox with Suboxone.

If you or a family member is abusing these highly addicting opioid medications, reach out and get help. No one thinks it will happen to them. There is no shame in being addicted. The switch from pharmaceutical grade drugs to smoking, snorting or injecting heroin is the next step and sometimes a fatal one.

Lasting Recovery Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Addiction, located in San Diego, just north of Miramar Marine base, and University Town Center, in the Sorrento Mesa area, offers outpatient detoxification services for freedom from opioid, tranquillizer, sedative or alcohol dependence.
Don't put your life on hold any longer.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Outpatient Detoxification for Alcohol and Drugs in Sorrento Valley

2009-05-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Do you try to stop using alcohol and drugs and find yourself so sick, shaky or anxious that you give up by saying your self: what's the use, why bother? You are not alone. Many people in San Diego county are dependent on alcohol and or drugs and convince themselves that it is easier to live with the addiction than trying to stop drinking or using drugs.

Outpatient Detoxification, is the first step on the road of recovery, and is provided over 3 days, minimum, if you qualify medically. If you have experienced seizures in previous detox episodes, it would be safer for you be in an inpatient facility. If you would like to find out if your drinking and drugging can be stopped in an outpatient detoxification setting, give us a call. We are here, even in the evenings and on the week-ends to help you with a new beginning.You don't have to isolate or hide evidence of your substance use any more.

There are hundreds of men and women in La Jolla or Del Mar who would love to give up the shame and guilt of lying about their alcohol or drug use. Having to sneak a drink, whether it be in the afternoon or the morning is a sure sign that you have passed the limits of social drinking and now it is becoming a medical problem.

Please know that alcohol and drug dependence is not only very dangerous, but in some cases can be deadly, especially if alcohol and drugs are used in combination with one another. Alcohol and cocaine or tranquillizer medications used together generally alters the body signals to tell you that your body is on a dangerous alcohol overload. Using opiate pain medications or heroin can shut down body in overdose and death.

The process of detoxification allows you to stop using the substances and gives you time to clear out harmful chemicals and toxins that your brain has gotten used to. Being free of alcohol and drugs is the first step in allowing your brain to begin producing neurotransmitters that had been previously altered so you can feel your brain and body pleasures again. Alcohol and drugs have hijacked the brain to alter the natural experience of pleasure. Most people at this point in their alcohol and drug use are using just to feel normal. Begin detoxing now and help yourself and your family.

If you want to stop drinking alcohol, or get off the addictive cycle of opiate pain pills or tranquillizers, call and get the help you need now. Call us at Lasting Recovery Outpatient Detox at 858-453-4315, or 800-808-6373.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Women and Men with Alcohol Problems Begin their Healing In Sorrento Mesa

2009-04-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

How can you tell if you have a problem with alcohol? After all, it seems as if alcohol is served everywhere in La Jolla, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, and Mission Hills, even at the spa and beauty salons. Alcohol is served at parties to celebrate your local soccor, basketball, football, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Indian Princess activities. Co-workers and business associates in Sorrento Valley, La Jolla and Downtown San Diego, attorneys throughout San Diego County, get together for dinner and drinks, create events such as wine clubs and wine tasting parties for fundraising or social events. Opportunities to drink alcohol are scattered throughout communities in San Diego.

If you are questioning your drinking and if you work or do not work, are a parent or not, here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself:

Do I want to go to the activity because alcohol is going to be served, or because it usually becomes a big drinking event for me?
Do I have a rule for myself about drinking and driving with my children or their friends in the car? Have I ever broken that rule, or thought about breaking it, just one time?
Am I isolating with my alcohol or prescription drugs in my room, while my family is being together and doing homework, talking or watching TV?
Am I isolating with my alcohol or drugs and not returning phone calls, avoiding friends and family because I would rather come home from work, get comfortable and drink my alcohol, alone, with no one bothering me, except the cat?
Do I wonder if my alcohol and drugs are really more important to me than my partner/spouse/chidren, even though I hate to think like this?
Do I hide bottles in trash cans that belong to my neighbor or drop them off in different neighborhoods so I will not be discovered?
Do I go to different liquor stores so the clerks will not ask me why I was just here buying alcohol yesterday, or earlier today?
Do I usually defend my alcohol purchase by saying that I am getting ready for a big party - usually with myself, however I do not say that.
Do I think I might have some physical pain this weekend, so I call the doctor and lie about my current level of pain so I can get a refill from the pharmacy for my favorite prescription medication?
Have I ever gone to see doctors including than my primary or family physician, trying to get a prescription for tranquillizers or opiate pain medication, knowing I would drink alcohol with the pills?
Have I ever thouight maybe I was addicted to alcohol or to the prescription drugs?

If you would like to do an online assessment, go to our home page and find alcohol and drug assessments. Or call our office at 858-453-4315.

Only you can decide if your drinking or drug use has moved from social use, to early or middle stage addiction.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Relapse Prevention Treatment for Addicted Women in San Diego County

2009-04-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

How many times have you said to yourself that you were not going to drink or use drugs again, then found yourself with a drink, a line or a prescription bottle in your hand? Many women discover that the relationship they were in during their alcohol and/or drug use, or a new relationship begun in early recovery, is a trigger for relapsing. Letting go of the relationship with alcohol and drug use is essential to recovery. For most people who have addictions, the substance is number one relationship in their lives, and people, including spouses, children, and parents become number 2. The number one relapse trigger for women who are trying to remain free of alcohol and drugs, is a relationship difficulty. If your drinking and/or use of drugs was connected with a difficult relationship, get some support from others who understand the strain addiction has on relationships and marriages.

Research has shown that alcohol and drug treatment for women is most effective when learning includes an understanding of the development of codependency in relationships. Women often value pleasing and seek approval from others, over their own self care and sobriety. Alcohol and drug treatment for women in groups with other women, help to build self esteem, boundaries and increase effective communication with others, the essential foundation for long term quality of life issues. Family education and family therapy helps family members also understand the effects of chemical addiction on their side of the relationship with the chemically dependent woman, and to make changes for healthier communication patters. Listening and being heard and understood are the hallmarks of creating intimacy in relationships that has been robbed by the addiction.

Depression and anxiety are common co-occurring problems with women who seek treatment for alcohol and prescription drug dependence. An effective treatment program will help women to understand distortions in thinking and feeling states impacted by alcohol and drugs.

Lasting Recovery will help you make the changes you need to get your life back on track. If are unable to help you with the range of services we offer, we will refer you to the wonderful resource network of other providers and centers that will be able to be of service to you.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Women Alcohol Drinkers Face Breast Cancer in San Diego County

2009-04-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Girlfriends, be aware of what you consume!

The official word the UK Department of Health, as reported in Joined Together, a service for the latest information on alcohol and drug dependence and effective treatment, reports that women who drink regularly face an increased risk of breast cancer by 50%.

The BBC reported recently that women who consume more than 14 standard units of alcohol weekly raise their risk of developing breast cancer by 50 percent. A standard unit is 5 oz, or about 5 glasses of wine per standard bottle. The majority of women drinkers,who live in Carmel Valley, Mission Hills, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, and Del Mar, who come to intensive outpatient alcohol treatment to receive treatment and recovery, have reported drinking from 1-2 bottles of wine in an evening, adding up to 10 standard units at one sitting!

If you or someone you love is drinking 3 or more bottles of wine in a 7 day week, the chances of breast cancer risk increases by 50%.

With stronger wines being poured into bigger glasses these days in bars and restaurants, a single glass of wine can contain up to 3.5 units of alcohol. Most women don’t realize how much they are drinking.

Experts say that alcohol use causes about 2,000 breast-cancer cases a year in the U.K. How many cases in the U.S. are related to drinking?

If you are a woman and would like to cut down on your alcohol intake, give us a call. Helping women to live healthy and productive lives is our mission.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Outpatient treatment for women who love wine in San Diego and Carmel Valley

2009-04-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

According to a recent British survey, 8 out of 10 bottles of wine consumed at home are purchased by women. Drinking wine has replaced the social connection of having a cup of coffee with friends.

The problem is that women do not think drinking wine 3-4 times a week is a problem. Most women who call an outpatient alcohol and drug treatment program for alcohol treatment are dependent on wine.

Wine is packaged and sold throughout grocery stores, and many women think it is a food item. Wine is displayed in the vegetable section, the bread and bakery section, the candy section, end aisles, front aisles, the potato chip section and all sections in between. It’s no wonder that women in Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Jolla and Scripps Ranch purchase and drink it. Consumers are seduced by hundreds of millions of dollars spent in research and marketing by the brewers to get the women to pick up the bottle of wine.

I have heard college educated women say that they could not have an alcohol problem, because they only drink wine. They think alcohol is a food group. And it is not.

Yet women are frequently drinking and isolating at home, becoming more depressed and anxious, and feeling more and more lonely. Why the loneliness? We have given our personal power over to the substance in a bottle. We think it will change our mood state and give us a euphoric feeling, yet the downside is that we become depressed and anxious, feeling guilty because we cannot keep our commitment to just have one or two drinks.

Women often have a 2 drink rule. If a women has a problem with being unable to consistently control the amount and effects of alcohol, feels urgency to drink and sneaks or hides alcohol, she could be in the early stage of alcohol dependence.

Two drinks does not seem like it provides effective emotional effects, e.g. a mood change, and a sort of compulsion takes over. The needs of the body to satisfy the growing physical and psychological need for alcohol, undermine her thoughts, emotions and behaviors. In this case, women cannot consistently control the amount of alcohol they are drinking and the 2 drinks turns into 6 or 8 drinks, an overload to the mind and body.

Drinking alcohol whether it be wine, beer, vodka or whiskey, while ignoring the feedback from others that the alcohol is a problem just adds to the confusion and need to drink more.

If drinking wine is beginning to be a problem for you, call us for outpatient alcohol treatment, where you can attend during the day, from 10-1pm, or evening from 6-9pm. Take the steps now to get back your health. Now is the time to decide and act.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Detoxification serving Carmel Valley

2009-03-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Detoxification from alcohol and drugs can be a mixed experience. You are saying no more, ever again, to the destructiveness of addictive substances, and yes to your life in the hopes of a better future. Many people are surprised when they realize they are addicted and unable to stop using the alcohol, prescribed opiate medication,e.g. Hydrocodone, Norco, Percocet, Ultram, OxyContin; or tranquilizer medications, e.g. benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax, Alprazolam, Ambian and others.

Some people attempt to detoxify at home, or see their physicians for a brief office visit, or seek inpatient detoxification for dangerous symptoms of withdrawal. Outpatient Detoxification through an outpatient alcohol and drug treatment center over 3 or more days, provides the confidentiality of an office detox, and a physical and psychological assessment to provide you with information to help you make choices to stay clean and sober.

Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, and you may need 24 hour care if you have a co-occuring medical condition such as diabetes. Withdrawal can be experienced as a severe hangover with symptoms rated mild to severe and lasts for several days.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol may include:
-Upset stomach, nausea
-Headaches
-Shaking (tremors in hands and body)
-Fearful (panic attack)
-Difficulty sleeping (insomnia, nightmares)
-Increased body temperature
-Increased breathing and heart rate

Call your physician, a friend, family member or Lasting Recovery if you think you might be in trouble detoxing from an addictive substance on your own. There will be discomfort, and there is the promise of a new beginning in sobriety.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Women and Alcohol Problems in San Diego North County?

2009-03-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Are women who drink wine with their friends in Del Mar, Encinitas, Carmel Valley and La Jolla, alcoholics?

Women who have a few social drinks now and then, are probably not alcoholics. Some, however, may be on their way to developing an addiction to alcohol.I get calls every day from women who think they might have an alcohol problem, and women who know they have a drinking problem and are asking for help.

When I was struggling to understand my drinking behavior over 25 years ago , I felt guilty and confused. I thought I should be able to control the effects of my drinking. Betty Ford and Elizabeth Taylor, two very famous women in our country, could not control the amount they drank either. These women identified a pattern of drinking behavior that was predictable, and distinguished them from light social drinkers. Knowing that they could face their problem with alcohol gave me courage to face mine.Read over the following list of predictable behaviors for alcohol dependency and see if you can identify with any of the following. If so, you are not alone.

___Buying liquor at more than one location to keep the quantity secret.

___Hiding bottles or cans of alcohol or secretly disposing of them.

___Advance planning to reward yourself with heavy drinking.

___Memory loss after drinking too much.

___Feeling sick and hung over after drinking.

___Feeling afraid you made a fool of yourself the night before.

___Drinking alcohol before leaving the house for party or event

___Drinking to feel wittier, more relaxed, or less anxious.

___Uncertain about going to events where there will not be alcohol.

___Entertaining or creating situations so you can drink alcohol.

___Avoiding discussions, literature or TV programs on alcoholism.

___Carrying liquor in your purse, car or at the office.

___Becoming defensive when someone questions you about drinking.

___Are angry that other people are trying to control you and your drinking.

___Drinking while angry, upset, depressed, or under stress.

___Driving after you have been drinking alcohol, feeling certain you can drive.

___Switching types of alcohol to prevent becoming too intoxicated.

___Drinking at work or at your activities with your children.

___Other people show concern about how much you drink.

___Breaking promises to others because of drinking.

___Feeling crazy or overwhelmed but knowing why.

___Feeling guilt and remorse for behavior while drinking.

___Being unable to predict how many drinks will be consumed in one sitting.

___Drinking more than planned or faster than other people do.

___Feeling like it is impossible or difficult to stop drinking without help.

If you can relate to some of the above questions, talk to someone who understands what you are going through and get the help you need. You do not need to suffer any longer.Call Lasting Recovery toll free: 800-808-6373, or in San Diego County, 858-453-4315.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

San Diego County Responds to the Amethyst Initiative

2009-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Amethyst Initiative

PART 2

Combating underage drinking must come from education and community support. The beginning of alcohol and drug use is becoming more prevalent in junior high, as this is when hormone-driven risky behavior begins. Educators, counselors and administrators should be trained to see the signs of early use in teens. Counselors should be trained in intervention techniques and communication with students families. This should be true for facilities through college and trade schools.

Families need to stay involved in their young ones lives. The most successful discussions with young people are non-accusatory, supportive and engaging. Discuss the facts, get all the information and help find solutions through support rather than using scare tactics. This loving support will give young people a sense of self-worth and the confidence to be drug-free (Dr. Rob, 2003).

City and school law enforcement must stand firm on zero-tolerance laws regarding underage drinking. Despite many states adopting these laws, consistent enforcement wavers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, stated in 2006 that when the first eight States to adopt zero-tolerance laws were compared with nearby States without such laws, the zero-tolerance States showed a 21-percent greater decline in the proportion of single-vehicle night-time fatal crashes involving drivers under 21, the type of crash most likely to involve alcohol. Resources must be available to see these laws into action.

Alcohol is widely available and promoted to young people in America today. Though underage drinking use is regarded as a normal part of growing up by some people, it is dangerous for the drinker and the community as evident by the number of alcohol-related accidents and crimes. Adolescents are at greater risk for development of health-related issues due to alcohol abuse and adverse consequences including risky behavior and poor school performance.

Lowering the legal drinking age would not help the problem of underage drinking but aggravate it. William Cope Moyers, executive director of the Hazelden Center for Public Advocacy and a recovering alcoholic said, "Twenty-one is not working according to the college presidents statement. But from my own experiences a long time ago, 18 never worked either" (Hazelden, 2008).

References

Alcoholics Anonymous (2007). Young people and AA. New York, NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.Discovery Health (2006).

Underage drinking nets alcohol industry billions. Dr. Rob (2003). Teen center: teens and risky behavior – One nurse's plea to teens.

Hazelden (2008). Debate to lower drinking age builds despite 21'a success.

NIAAA (2006). Alcohol alert. Retrieved January 17, 2008, from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/

Spears & Spears (2008). In tandem: reading and writing for college students. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Your comments are appreciated. Given that most adults who suffer from alcohol problems began in their teens, keeping the age of drinking at 21 seems the most prudent decision.

Tamra Anderson, Clinical Administrator

Lasting Recovery

San Diego County Responds to the Amethyst Initiative

2009-02-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Amethyst Initiative

PART 1

The Amethyst Initiative is a recent movement of over 130 college presidents requesting the nation lower the legal drinking age. This absurd suggestion not only could endanger young lives but it reveals backwards thinking by professionals who should be looking out for those they serve (Hazelden, 2008).

Underage drinking is on the rise. Ten percent of Alcoholics Anonymous members are under the age of 30 (Alcoholics Anonymous, 2007). This community-based support network responded to the needs of young people when Alateen spurred off from Al-Anon – a support group for loved ones of alcoholics. Among 12-20 year olds, over 47% are current drinkers and 26% meet the criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence compared to 9.6% of those over the legal drinking age (Discovery Health, 2009).

In 1988, 21 became the legal minimum drinking age in all 50 states. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that in spring of 2004, over 18,000 lives were saved through decreases in alcohol-related accidents, which are the leading cause of death of young people in our country (Hazelden, 2008).

Although severe health problems associated with alcohol abuse are not as common in adolescents, studies show that young people set themselves up for these risks when they drink heavily from an early age. Brain damage can occur, as alcohol affects the maturation of young tissue. Lasting effects to long-term memory and learning skills are evident in adults who began drinking at an early age. Drinking can also elevate liver enzymes and effect growth and development. In fact, consuming alcohol during puberty adversely affects the maturation of reproductive organs and can upset the hormonal balance for normal development of organs, bones and muscles (NIAAA, 2006).

Discovery Health (2006) has stated that almost all (96.8%) of the adult drinkers with alcohol abuse and dependence began drinking prior to the age of 21. A common phrase in Alcoholics Anonymous regarding young drinkers is, if you're not an alcoholic, you're studying hard to be one. This may be true for many young people. If so, why would we lower the legal drinking age and invite them to try it on for size?

Over one third of United States alcohol sales are to underage and/or abusive drinkers (Discovery Health, 2009). It seems the financial interests of the alcohol industry may be weightier than the interests of our young peoples health. Lowering the legal drinking age certainly would not solve these problems but only serve to exaggerate them.

Tamra Anderson

Clinical Administrator

Lasting Recovery

Future Risks of Binge Drinking in San Diego County

2009-02-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

Binge drinking for men is defined as 5 or more standard drinks and for women as 4 or more standard drinks on a single occasion.

A standard drink is a 12 oz. can of beer or cooler; 8-9 oz malt liquor; 5 oz. glass of table wine; or 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof spirits.

According to a recent, large survey 14% of the U.S. population binge drink at least once a week.

In comparison with the 60% of the U.S. population who never binge drink, in the next three years the 14% of drinkers who binge at least once a week are

330% more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse
280% more likely to suffer from some form of liver disease
270% more likely to use tobacco
270% more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence
230% more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for drug dependence
180% more likely to lose their driver's license
180% more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for tobacco dependence
160% more likely to use other drugs
130% more likely to experience a divorce or separation

The risks are even higher for the 3% of drinkers who binge 5 or more times per week.

Self-medication for Mood Disorders in San Diego

2009-02-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons that people abuse alcohol and other drugs is to manage their emotional distress. This is known as the self-medication hypothesis. This hypothesis has been proposed as an explanation for the frequent co-occurence of anxiety and substance use disorders.

Recently, Bolton and his colleagues used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a large (n=43,093, age 18 years and older) nationally representative survey of the U.S. population to test the self-medication hypothesis. They looked at the rates of self-medication among individuals with four types of mood disorder: dysthymia, a milder form of chronic depression; major depression; bipolar I, a mood disorder that includes bouts of mania and depression; and bipolar II, a mood disorder that includes bouts of hypomania, less severe than full-blown mania, as well as depression.

Overall, nearly one-quarter (24.1%) of individuals with any of the four mood disorders listed above used alcohol and drugs to manage their moods. Self-medication was even more prevalent among individuals with bipolar disorder. During depressive episodes, 41.0% of individuals with bipolar I disorder and 34.7% of those with bipolar II disorder engaged in self-medication with alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

Men were more than twice as likely as women and divorced and widowed individuals more likely than others to engage in self-medication. On the other hand, African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders and individuals over the age of 44 years were less likely to self-medicate. Thus, younger, divorced, white males with mood disorders are the subgroup in the population most likely to engage in self-medication.

Bolton and his colleagues also found that individuals who self-medicated for mood disorders were more likely to experience co-occuring anxiety and personality disorders than those who did not self-medicate for mood disorders. Self-medicating men were more likely to suffer from panic attacks while self-medicating women were more likely to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. Both genders of self-medicators were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for dependent personality disorder.

Lasting Recovery as a dual diagnosis enhanced substance abuse treatment program can help individuals who suffer from mood and other mental health problems associated with their substance abuse/dependence.

Reference: Bolton JM, Robinson J, Sareen J. Self-medication of mood disorders with alcohol and drugs in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. J Affect Disord. 2008, Nov 10.

Arthur J. Farkas, Ph.D.

Suboxone Treatment for Opioid-Addicted Youth in San Diego County

2009-02-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

Short-term detoxification coupled with individual and/or group therapy in either a residential or outpatient facility for a few weeks or months is the current treatment as usual for opioid-addicted youth. Except for treating withdrawal during detoxification the typical program does not use agonist medications like suboxone on young addicts. Relapse rates for the current treatment as usual is quite high.

In a recent study in JAMA, Woody and his colleagues reported the results of a randomized trial that compared a 14-day outpatient detoxification using suboxone (detox) vs 12 weeks of outpatient treatment with suboxone (extended treatment). The study was open to young people between the ages of 14 and 21 years but less than 18% of the participants were below the age of 18; no 14 year-old and only one 15 year-old was enrolled in the study. The typical participant was about 19 years old. In addition to receiving suboxone, participants were scheduled for one individual and one group therapy session per week for 12 weeks.

The participants in the detox group had poorer outcomes than the participants in the extended treatment group. Less than 20% of the detox participants completed the study vs 70% of the participants in the extended treatment group. The detox participant on average attended 5 counseling sessions while the extended treatment participants attended 12 counseling sessions. The detox participants also had poorer post treatment outcomes at 6, 9 and 12 month follow-up. Among the detox participants between 17 and 28% produced negative urine tests for opioids, while 29 to 52% of the extended treatment participants produced negative tests.

Woody and colleagues noted that the small study size and the short study duration made it impossible to estimate the number of participants who actually recovered, which they defined as a "voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship." Their study suggests that higher rates of true recovery may be possible with longer use of effective medications coupled with longer and more intensive psychosocial treatment.

Reference: Woody GE, Poole SA, Subramaniam G, et al. Extended vs Short-term Buprenorphine-Naloxone for Treatment of Opioid-Addicted Youth: A Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2008;300(17):2003-2011.

An Open Letter to My Family in San Diego

2009-02-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

Read this letter - It was written by an addict several years ago, and is still true today.

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FAMILY

Dear Family Members:

I am a Chemically Dependent Person. I need Help.

Chemical dependency is a family illness and needs the total involvement of my family.

Don't allow me to lie to you and accept it for the truth. In doing so, you encourage me to lie. The truth may be painful, but get at it.

Don't let me outsmart you. This only teaches me to avoid responsibility and to lose respect for you at the same time.

Don't let me exploit you or take advantage of you, blame or argue when I'm drunk, high or sober. And don't pour out my liquor or take away my drugs. You may feel better, but the situation will be worse.

Don't accept my promises. This is just my method of postponing pain. And don't keep switching agreements. If an agreement is made, stick to it.

Don't lose your temper with me. It will destroy you and any possibility of helping me.

Don't allow your anxiety for us to compel you to do what I must do for myself.

Don't cover p or abort the consequences of my drug use. It reduces the crisis, but perpetuates the illness.

Above all, don't run away from reality as I do. Chemical dependency, my illness, gets worse as my use continues. Start now to learn, to understand and to plan for my recovery. I need help from a doctor, a counselor, a psychologist or a recovered alcoholic or addict … and from God. I cannot help myself.

I hate myself, but I love you. To do nothing is the worst choice you can make for us.

Please help me,

Your Addicted Person

If you want to learn more about how to get professional help, call us at Lasting Recovery. We can either help you with your outpatient alcohol or drug addiction recovery or refer you to an inpatient rehab. The choice is yours. Call us at 858-453-4315.

The Party's Over and San Diego Reaches Out for Help to Recover from Addictions

2009-02-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

January is a time when New Year Resolutions are made...and...broken.

Many people in San Diego County, from El Cajon to Coronado to Carlsbad, make a commitment to start off the year sober and clean from alcohol and drugs. And by the time the Super Bowl game has ended, many will have broken their promises to themselves and their loved ones to live a clean and sober 2009.

Why can't you just STOP using alcohol and drugs, even prescription drugs when you say you are through...had enough? If you have tried to stop drinking or using drugs before now and were unable to quit, consider Detoxification.

Your body may have become addicted to the chemical substances. Remember, Addiction doesn't mean you are a bad person, it merely means your body has made a chemical change as a result of prolonged use and that it now needs this chemical to feel the altered, 'normal'. Recovery is a return to your real self!

A majority of people who have been drinking alcohol or doing drugs and decide to stop (often for health, relationship and legal related reasons) are able to do so without much trouble. Alcohol, heroin, opiate pain medication and tranquilizers medications typically become difficult only when you attempt to quit.

People who need Alcohol detoxification and detoxification from tranquilizer medications sometimes require medical intervention by a physician or a detoxification center.

What are the symptoms of alcohol and tranquillizer withdrawal? A person typically has a mild to severe hangover that lasts several days. Symptoms may include upset stomach, headache, shakes or jitters, feelings of generalized anxiety, extreme fear or panic attacks; and insomnia or difficulty sleeping that may be accompanied by bad dreams or nightmares. Withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs increases in the person's heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature. In a small proportion of people addicted to alcohol or tranquillizer medications, withdrawal may result in severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, delirium tremens (DT's), or seizures which can be deadly. To be on the safe side, it is best to contact a detoxification center and speak with the medical staff about your symptoms.

How is withdrawal treated? Treatments in detoxification centers may begin with an injection of Vitamin B-1, in cases that involve malnutrition. The conventional treatment is to ensure rest and adequate nutrition (especially fluid intake and multiple B Vitamins, including thiamine). In cases of severe withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, a nervous system depressant, such as benzodiazepine is prescribed with a dosage that is tapered down over three to five days. For those addicted to tranquillizers, tapering is a method of choice. The amount of time tapering is based on the daily dosage and length of time using the drugs.

A successful detoxification is best followed up by immediately enrolling in an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Program, either an Intensive Outpatient Program such as Lasting Recovery in San Diego, or an Inpatient Program.

We can help you with the next step...Reach Out...you don't need to struggle with quitting by yourself any longer!

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Down Side to Alcohol and Drug Use in San Diego County

2009-02-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

PART 11
Alcohol and drug use can start off as recreational; relaxing after work, social use at parties and with friends. The problems of excessive use of alcohol and drugs can create problems in our bodies, brains, in our relationships, problems at work and with the legal system. The following statements will help you to understand the progression of alcohol and drug use from recreational to addiction. The sooner one gets help for alcohol abuse and dependence, the fewer problems the individual user and family has to resolve.

4. Often progressive and fatal means that the disease persists over time and that physical, emotional, and social changes are often cumulative and may progress as alcohol or drug use continues. Addiction to alcohol or drugs causes premature death through overdose, organic complications involving the brain, liver, heart and many other organs, and by contributing to suicide, homicide, motor vehicle crashes, and other traumatic events.

5. Impaired control means the inability to limit alcohol or drug use or to consistently limit any drinking or drugging occasion, the duration of the episode, the quantity consumed, and/or the behavioral consequences of using the substances.

6. Preoccupation in association with alcohol or drug use indicates excessive, focused attention given to the drug or alcohol, its effects, and/or its use. The relative value thus assigned to alcohol or drugs by the individual often leads to a diversion of energies away from important life concerns.

7. Adverse consequences are alcohol/drug-related problems or impairments in such areas as: physical health (e.g., alcohol withdrawal syndromes, liver disease, gastritis, anemia, neurological disorders); psychological functioning (e.g., impairments in cognition, changes in mood and behavior); interpersonal functioning (e.g., marital problems and child abuse, impaired social relationships); occupational functioning (e.g., scholastic or job problems); and legal, financial, or spiritual problems.

8. Denial is used here not only in the psychoanalytic sense of a single psychological defense mechanism disavowing the significance of events, but more broadly to include a range of psychological maneuvers designed to reduce awareness of the fact that alcohol or drug use is the cause of an individual's problems rather than a solution to those problems. Denial becomes an integral part of the disease and a major obstacle to recovery.

________________________________________

This definition was prepared by the Joint Committee to Study the Definition and Criteria for the Diagnosis of Alcoholism of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

If you would like more help for yourself or a family member, give us a call at 858-453-4315.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Are you questioning the downside to your alcohol or drug use

2009-02-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Today I received a call from a 37 year old man who was confused about his alcohol use. He drank alcohol only on the weekends, and he gladly reported that he did not have any legal problems, did not drink in the mornings and he believed his alcohol use was not interfering with his work. Then his wife told him to pack his bags and leave, the next time he decided he was going to drink.

His alcohol use, however was interfering with his family. He brought home alcohol every night, and extra for the weekend, as he usually got started drinking by noon. His evening drinking started as soon as he got home, and sometimes he started in the parking lot of the liquor store. He would think about the alcohol around noon, when he began counting the hours until he could get off work and go the liquor store. He would get so excited, as he imagined himself getting home and having a shot and some beers to relax. His wife nagged him about his routine behavior, as she saw he preferred his drinking more in the evening than spending time with her or his family.

He started drinking when he was age 16, and then he only drank on the weekends. When he came in, I gave him this information:

1. Addiction is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over alcohol or drugs, preoccupation with drugs or alcohol, use of addictive substances despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.

2. Primary refers to the nature of addiction as a disease entity in addition to and separate from other pathophysiologic states which may be associated with it. Primary suggests that addiction, is not a symptom of an underlying disease state.

3. Disease means an involuntary disability. It represents the sum of the abnormal phenomena displayed by a group of individuals. These phenomena are associated with a specified common set of characteristics by which these individuals differ from the norm, and which places them at a disadvantage.

Part II tomorrow.

Trying to stop drinking or using drugs is difficult for those people who are more progressed in their disease. Women generally have difficulty with alcohol and drug use sooner than men due to sex differences. If you need help and want to get back on the road of living your life safe and healthy, seek help now.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Alcohol and Drug Use Rising in San Diego County

2009-01-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

For those of us living in San Diego County, we are honored to have outstanding researchers and treatment providers for alcohol and drug addiction. Mark Schuckit, MD a leading researcher from the University of California San Diego has again helped us to understand more about the disease of alcoholism.

His latest research was published in Lancet, a medical journal this week to show, that in the developed countries, men have a 15 percent risk over their lifetime for abusing alcohol, and in addition, men have a 10 percent risk for becoming dependent (addicted) to alcohol.

Looking at these numbers: at least one in five men (20%) are at lifetime risk of becoming dependent on or abusing alcohol. Women's risk over all is 8-10%. Why? Dr. Shuckitt states that a higher proportion of women rarely or never drink.

What are the consequences (negative outcomes) of alcohol and drug dependence? Statistics show alcohol and drug abuse and dependence can increase auto accidents, suicides, divorces, child abuse, domestic violence, thefts, assaults, physical deterioration, organ damage, sexual dysfunction and brain damage.
What does this mean to us in day to day living? Be aware of what you go through when you drink alcohol or use drugs.

Symptoms of this progress and chronic disease go unnoticed for years:
drinking or using drugs to calm nerves

occasional memory lapses after heavy drinking or drugging
preoccupation with alcohol or drugs (thinking about the next time to drink or use)
hiding your alcohol or drugs
sneaking while drinking or doing drugs
feeling of guilt about drinking or using drugs
grandiose or aggressive behavior
overwhelming feeling of helplessness
thinking 'what's the use', a sense of futility
complete dishonesty
loss of other interest
family, work and money problems
neglect of feed
drinking alone, or secretly
family and friends avoided

If you feel your alcohol or drug use is becoming a problem, seek treatment before the symptoms and consequences get more severe. We can help!

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS