Mental Health professionals have for years been searching for the magic bullet for solving addiction to various drugs. When the crack cocaine problem hit the streets in 1980′s addiction treatment counselors one time would get you hooked, and it was true for many. Many therapist, psychiatrist and physicians either intentionally or ignorantly labeled many addicts as suffering depression and were “self medicating” with crack cocaine.

Recent reports and studies costing no telling what show that women who are suffering from a major depressive episode when they enter drug court are at substantially greater risk of using crack cocaine within four months, compared with women who are not currently depressed. These are pretty important facts but these studies usually have an agenda that result in coming up with solution that can be profited from.

While it is most certainly true pre-addicted individuals could have been suffering depression, the true cause was not determined. Self medicating is the most absurd diagnosis possible as no drug exists that can cure depression. Just like crack cocaine, antidepressants actually create the very thing they are prescribed and marketed as “treating” not curing.

Crack cocaine effects cause physiological changes and nutritional deficiencies that create depression. Lack of vitamin B reduces the ability to the body to produce serotonin; magnesium deficiencies create paranoia, nervousness and anxiety. Crack cocaine burns up these nutrients at tremendous levels. Nutritional deficiencies usually exists in people predisposed to addiction and the true causes of the depression were never really looked at I can guarantee.

Studies are important factor in heading off possible problems in the future as long as the correct cause of the problem is determined. Not simply treating symptoms caused by some ailment as is done with antidepressants. Drugs that have very dangerous side effects that often turns out deadly. Knowing someone suffering with depression is 4-6 time more likely to abuse crack cocaine is an important fact.

“Treating” that depression with drugs, regardless prescribed or illicit without further testing is taking a step the wrong uninformed direction. A comparison that can be made here is physicians and mental health professionals are making the same mistake the addict is making. No before you go should be the policy and that is most certainly the case with nearly all patients prescribed anti-depressant drugs which are ” thought to” help alleviate depression symptoms.

Nutritional deficiencies and thyroid problems are very common in those suffering depression. These and other problems should be ruled out prior to any drugs being ingested either off the street or pharmacy.

Sober homes have received a lot of attention in some years and some of the news reports have been fair and good, while many more have focused on the rare but unfortunate cases involving badly run homes in states that don’t properly regulate this type of assisted housing for recovering addicts. Then there are some stories which can’t be called anything other than a mix. Some is good, some is questionable. However, this can be extremely frustrating for extremely well run and managed sober homes which have created opportunities and huge life changes for many of the residents who continue to choose to live there even years after getting clean.

Perhaps what’s most harmful to many sober homes is that there are so many misconceptions that either come from shoddy reporting, a lack of reliable information, or even erroneous news reports which sometimes also stem from a lack of clear information. This article hopes to set some of those issues to rest by tackling some of the common sober home misconceptions and correct the erroneous information.

Misconception #1: Sober homes are a fancy alternative for prison like halfway houses. This is false, with a small grain of truth. In some states first time offenders for drug use or an alcohol related crime might get the option to voluntarily check into a sober home instead of jail, although far more often this only applies to actual halfway homes. Sober homes are places where addicts make the conscious choice to live, pay rent, and partake in their responsibilities to commit to a long term clean life because they want to – not because the courts ordered them to.

Misconception #2: Sober homes shelter criminals. Many members of a sober living home might have a criminal past, but a well run and managed sober home is not going to be a safe haven for criminals. If anything, it will be far harder for an individual to life this type of life style in a sober living home than in their own house or apartment because of the constant accountability and attention of not only the manager but also other members of the sober living home.

Misconception #3: Sober living homes really aren’t there to help. They’re just dumping grounds for addicts no one else will take. This is an extremely damaging misconception. The individuals living at a sober house are making the conscious effort to kick their addiction once and for all and have the responsibility of paying rent, helping with chores, staying clean, supporting others in the home, and working. These homes are the perfect example of an actual “hand up instead of hand out” program, as they give anyone willing to try the background and support needed to succeed.

What every family needs to know about drug and alcohol abuse intervention

As I move into my third decade working with families and their substance abusing loved ones, I continue to learn. My recent observations have led me to complete my training and now focus primarily on the process of drug and alcohol abuse intervention.

Most people, and many addiction professionals as well, have thought of this as just a way to get someone into treatment. What I’ve come to realize is that a properly executed, well-organized intervention serves several purposes.

Yes, getting a commitment from an addict or alcoholic to seek help is a goal, but it’s not the only one. Statistics show that a typical family will wait 5 to 7 years before confronting the chemical dependency problem-often longer. The skewed belief is that “if the person will just quit, all will be well.” I wish that were true.

“… a typical family will wait 5 to 7 years before confronting the chemical dependency”

Sadly, most substance abusing people do much harm to those closest to them. I’m not talking about physical harm right now-but mental and emotional damage. Spouses, children, siblings, once close friends-get beat up, or perhaps beat down, in their mind and spirit.

By the time most family members call for help, they say things like “I’m at my wits’ end.” “I can’t take this anymore.” “I feel like the life has been drained out of me.” “The kids don’t understand what’s happening.” “I NEED HELP.”

Attempts at a logical and honest discussion with the person have only led to arguing, denial and fighting. So what needs to happen? How do we confront or intervene in this person’s life, to stop the insanity and end the drama?

What does a formal, well-planned drug and alcohol abuse intervention look like? It is a time when family and friends come together to intervene in the life of a person whose life is spinning out of control-typically because of chronic substance abuse. It means sitting in a circle and speaking the truth in love. This event usually takes about an hour (two at the most) and is a powerful defining time in the lives of all involved.

Here is where a professional, organized, well thought out and planned intervention will bring this to a final conclusion-no more pain, no more arguing, no more drama-a real solution. Wouldn’t that be nice?

This can happen even if the loved one chooses to not accept the help being offered.

Approximately 85% of the time, this person will accept the help that is being offered. This means that 15% will still refuse to acknowledge their dependency problem. At this point it will be made clear to them that there are consequences for choosing to continue substance use. Some in the group will share what is called a “bottom line letter.” This letter makes it clear to the loved one-that no on in the group will continue to do anything that supports substance use.

Every family wants an end to being “held hostage” by the person who has turned into a stranger right before their eyes. At the same time, most want to know they did all they could possibly do, to offer “real help.”

Regardless of the outcome, an effective drug and alcohol abuse intervention leaves the family with no more shame, blame, “I wish I would’ve…” second-guessing. The intervention is-a final solution. Hopefully the person has chosen to accept the help that is offered at the end of the intervention. Most do.

“Regardless of the outcome, an effective drug and alcohol abuse intervention leaves the family with no more shame, blame, “I wish I would’ve…” second-guessing.”

Either way, those affected by the substance abuse can move on with their lives knowing they did their best. No more guilt, no regrets and no more drama.

One-on-one confrontations with the alcoholic or addict will result in the addict winning almost every time. When we change the “one-on-one” to a small group of well-prepared family, friends and/or employers, the group will be able to bring about dramatic results.