Tag Archives: IOP

Do I Have A Drinking Problem?

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When people think of a person who has a drinking problem, they usually will think of someone who drinks every single day, drinks and gets sloppy, drinks and starts slurring their words, drinks and gets sick, or drinks alone.  While these scenarios may be relevant to some who have drinking problems, a large percentage of alcoholics do not exhibit all of these behaviors.

Alcohol dependence or abuse may not be apparent to those who have a drinking problem.  Some may not even think that their drinking habits are to be of any concern.  The nature of the disease, however, is to tell you that you don’t have a disease. 

Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism.  The desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious.  By keeping you from looking honestly at your behavior and its negative effects, denial also exacerbates alcohol-related problems with work, finances, and relationships.

How Can I Tell If I Have A Problem?

There are a few ways to gauge your drinking habits to see if there’s a problem.  The CAGE test is a quick assessment tool that helps clinicians identify alcoholism signs in patients.  The CAGE test is comprised of four brief questions designed to detect alcohol abuse or dependence.  Answering yes to any CAGE question suggests a possible alcohol problem.  Answering yes to two or more questions indicates a high risk of alcohol abuse or dependence.   *(Note that CAGE questions are only guidelines – not diagnostic criteria).

CAGE Test Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt the need to Cut down on alcohol consumption?
  2. Are you Annoyed when people question your drinking habits?
  3. Do you feel Guilty about your alcohol use?
  4. Have you ever used alcohol as an Eye opener (drink or shot) in the morning to recover from a hangover?

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has also devised a self-assessment intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs to find out more about alcoholism. 

Some examples of the questions asked are:

  • Do you drink heavily when you are disappointed, under pressure or have had a quarrel with someone?
  • Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable is alcohol is not available?
  • Are you more in a hurry to get your first drink of the day than you used to be?
  • Have you been having more memory “blackouts” recently?
  • When you’re sober, do you sometimes regret things you did or said while drinking?
  • Have any of your blood relatives ever had a problem with alcohol? 

To take the full test, click here.

Please note that these self-assessments are intended only to provide insight into possible drinking problems and alcohol dependence or abuse.  These self-assessments are not to be used as criteria in diagnosing someone as alcohol dependent.  Rather, these self-assessments can be used to determine if further steps need to be made. 

If you answered ‘yes’ to the questions above, you may have a problem or may start to be having a problem.  If your drinking or a loved one’s drinking is becoming a concern, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center can help.  By scheduling a Clinical Evaluation, our licensed professionals will conduct a thorough analysis of your circumstance and provide you with objective results related to your individual needs.

You don’t need to deal with this alone. 

Call us today:  (602) 535-6468

Importance of 12-Step Meetings

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12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are designed for individuals who share a common desire to stop drinking and using.  There are many misconceptions about 12-step meetings, but their importance within the recovery community is significant. 

Typically, when an addicted individual completes residential treatment and/or outpatient treatment for addiction, they will start attending 12-step meetings.  Alcoholics Anonymous (“AA”) has chapters in 180 countries around the world.  The organization doesn’t keep a list of members’ names, but estimates that it has 2 million members who come from all backgrounds.  Members who suffer from alcoholism range in age from young adults to seniors adults. 

Other 12-Step meetings include Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, and Marijuana Anonymous.  Although these meetings have different topics, the structure is the same.  All 12-Step programs use a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.

What makes 12-Step programs so important?  First, addiction recovery works much better in a group environment.  Although some people choose to work through their addiction individually, working the Steps has been proven to be essential in an addict’s recovery. 

12-Step programs provide accountability and constant support.  The meetings focus on members supporting each other and it’s been shown that simply belonging to such a group can help the member stay free of addiction. 

Although being a part of a group is essential to recovery, many members of AA also benefit from a one-to-one relationship with a sponsor.  A sponsor in AA is somebody who is there to offer guidance and support to a sponsee.  They’re there to listen and hold the sponsee accountable.   Sponsors will take their sponsee’s through the 12 steps and offer encouragement and praise for achievements.

A common misconception about AA is that once you work the steps, you’re done.  This way of thinking may prove to be detrimental to an addict’s recovery.  Continuing to go to meetings is extremely important, as meetings keep you connected to your recovery.  Recovery doesn’t stop after 1 year of sobriety, 5 years of sobriety, or 20 years of sobriety.  Recovery is life-long, and to maintain that commitment you must be active and connected to that part of your life.

Getting sober and staying sober is challenging, but participation in 12-Step meetings and sponsorship will be extremely beneficial to one’s recovery process.  For information about AA meetings in your area or to learn more about AA, visit http://www.aa.org/ . 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center can help.  Call or visit us today and talk to one of our intake coordinators.  602-535-6468 , www.stonewallinstitute.com .

LGBT Community & Addiction

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Although addiction does not discriminate against race, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion, the LGBT population is more susceptible to falling victim to the disease than the heterosexual population.  Why?  Some studies show that because of previous and current traumas in their lives surrounding bullying, stigma, and self-esteem, this population may turn to mood and mind altering substances for relief.

 

Many avoid care because of perceived or real stigma and discrimination by health care providers and institutions, as well.  Studies also show that many gay individuals will use alcohol and/or drugs for sexual purposes.  Many gay men, when they become sober, will have to learn not only how to be in social settings without alcohol and/or drugs, but also how to have sex without being under the influence.

 

The need for specialized LGBT addiction treatment in the community is obvious.  That’s why at Stonewall Institute Treatment Center, we are fully trained to treat LGBT clients.  Our agency delivers both community and internal education/training to raise awareness on LGBT issues.  Our priority is to make our LGBT clients feel as welcomed and as comfortable as possible as we embrace the distinct needs and positive attributes of LGBT clients.  We are a Safe Space that anybody, regardless of sexual orientation, will feel safe and welcomed at.  With us, nobody will render judgement, nor will anybody discriminate against you.

 

Our 10-week Intensive Outpatient Program will help you establish a solid foundation for achieving and maintaining a meaningful life of sobriety.  The group program emphasizes that regardless of personal background: be it sexual orientation, gender identity, race, economic status, or religious background, everyone shares the commonality of addiction.  

 

For just 3 nights a week, we’ll help provide the structure, guidance, and support you need to develop the skills that can keep you on track.  This life-long journey starts with the courage to face your vulnerabilities and embrace your potential.

 

Call us today, we will help get your life back.

 

(602) 535-6468

 

 

Alcohol and Drug Outpatient Treatment

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Stonewall Institute offers an excellent alcohol and drug intensive outpatient treatment program where most major insurance is accepted.  This treatment program can make a real difference for someone who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse.  Never before has there been such a great need for premier treatment programs, especially now that the Surgeon General of the United States has declared that substance abuse has reached epidemic proportions.  It is time for each and every one of us to consider all treatment options available.

Considering Outpatient Treatment

Depending on the individual’s needs, outpatient treatment can be an excellent means of obtaining substance abuse recovery help.  It is an option that offers intensive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention skills and psychoeducation, while allowing the recovering individual the opportunity to meet his or her life’s obligations with support.  It is perfect for someone unable to take off time from work or school.

Studies show that outpatient treatment can be quite successful for those in recovery. The advantages of outpatient treatment vs. inpatient treatment are the benefits to allowing a patient to continue to live at home, and in some cases, work and attend school.  While inpatient treatment removes those struggling with substance abuse from an environment that may have contributed to the development of drug or alcohol addiction to begin with, outpatient treatment provides a way to more accurately test the efficacy of ongoing treatment while a patient remains amidst those very triggers.  In this way, it could more accurately assess the coping mechanisms of the person in recovery while continuing to provide them with intensive periods of support.

In addition, outpatient treatment challenges a patient to seek out and utilize sources of support in their home environment, such as in finding local self-help groups or other recovery mentors in the neighborhood that can help guide someone down the path of recovery.

The Aftercare Option

As an aftercare option, the transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment can be jarring, and the substance abuser in recovery will need the support of the community where he lives, works, and belongs.  In addition to addressing the problems of addiction, the intensive outpatient treatment will also be able to accommodate and treat those with mild to moderate co-existing medical or mental health conditions.  Real-life issues experienced by an individual in early recovery can be processed and therapeutically managed by attending an IOP group several days a week.

Stonewall Institute’s Intensive Outpatient Program is an evidence-based program utilizing the most proven therapeutic methods.  These small groups take place in an upscale office environment and are facilitated by Master’s level licensed substance abuse counselors.  Individual focus and mutual respect are maintained.  This is an LGBTQ-affirmative program where all are welcomed.

Substance abuse is a complicated issue, potentially impacting all areas of one’s life–work, health and interpersonal relationships.  Hopefully, at some point, a person in the grip of drug or alcohol addiction will reach out for help.  If you or someone you love needs help, call Stonewall Institute at 602-535-6468 today.

AZ Alcohol and Drug Treatment That Works

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Stonewall Institute offers AZ alcohol and drug treatment that works.  Staffed by AZ licensed drug counselors, this IOP offers the best alcohol and drug rehab in Arizona.  If you need help with alcohol abuse or have issues with drug use, call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit www.stonewallinstitute.com

 

Substance Abuse Rehab Arizona

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Stonewall Institute knows that many of its clients have a polysubstance dependence issue.  That is, they are not just abusing alcohol, but may be using marijuana while drinking, or using cocaine to get less drunk, and so forth.  Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) addresses all issues of substance abuse – no matter which substance or substances are used.  We meet the client wherever they are in their recovery from drug or alcohol abuse.  If you are a polysubstance abuser, we can help.  Our alcohol and drug counselors have the training and experience in relapse prevention to support your individual path to sobriety.   Visit our website at www.stonewallinstitute.com and call us for an appointment at 602-535-6468.

Best Phoenix Drug Rehab

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Stonewall Institute is the best Phoenix drug rehab.  Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) works with clients who are either struggling in their recovery or just need some added help and support.  Whether your issue is alcohol abuse, cocaine abuse, methamphetamine abuse, prescription pill abuse, heroin abuse or marijuana abuse, our program will address your needs on an individual basis.  For more information, go to our website at www.stonewallinstitute.com or call us today at 602-535-6468.

Drug Treatment Arizona

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Stonewall Institute in Phoenix has the best drug treatment program in Arizona.  The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) uses evidence-based practices to teach relapse prevention skills and ways to maintain sobriety.  They offer professional and caring alcohol counseling and drug counseling in an upscale environment.  This is an affordable drug treatment program you can fit into your life.  For the complete story, visit our website at www.stonewallinstitute.com and call us for an appointment at 602-535-6468.

Best AZ Drug Rehab

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Stonewall Institute is the best place to come if you are struggling with drug abuse.  Whether you or a loved one is dealing with alcohol abuse, opioid addiction, crystal meth addiction, prescription med abuse, marijuana dependence or any other substance abuse issue, we can help.  Our Phoenix drug rehab is staffed with drug counselors trained in addiction treatment.  This rehab program takes place in an upscale office environment for the comfort of our clients.  We focus on the individual’s issues with sobriety and with life.  This is a dual diagnosis program, facilitated by a licensed addiction therapist.  Our IOP accepts insurance.  What else do you need to know?  Call us today for more information at 602-535-6468 and visit our website at www.stonewallinstitute.com.

Drug Rehab Phoenix

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Stonewall Institute offers a highly successful alcohol counseling program in the Phoenix area.  Our alcohol treatment and drug treatment program addresses relapse prevention and coping skills.  In our intensive outpatient program (IOP), every client is treated as an individual.  We accept most major insurance plans and also offer convenient payment programs.  For more information, visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com; then call us at 602-535-6468.