Question by The Equalist: Is it highly suspect whenever a man opens up a “gay rehab camp”?
I’m referring to Marcus Bachmann’s little camp for gay men.

This would suggest that Marcus Bachmann can at least relate from firsthand experience.

Usually “rehab camps” whether it be for alcoholics or eating disorders, is usually headed by someone who wants endured that same predicament but eventually overcame it.
wants = *once

Best answer:

Answer by ahandle101
Is it your belief that no gay people do drugs? Is there something about being gay that prevents drug use?

Answer by rougefox97969
lol yeah. Those places are the biggest joke. They remind me of the Indian boarding schools of the old west.

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Question by Lucifer: What do I do to become a chemical health or mental health counselor?
I want to become a chemical health counselor or a mental health counselor or do therapy with people that are recovering from drug addiction or mental health. I want to do this because I have had a history with drugs and depression, and want to help others and give back I guess. I’m in high school, and am going to be graduating in a couple years. I think about other careers doing things I like, like playing music or fixing electronics, but I couldn’t imagine doing either as a career. The more I think of counseling and therapy, it’s something I am passionate about and I know a lot about chemical health and mental health. I talked with the chemical health counselor at my school, we talk every couple weeks, but I told him that this is what I want to do, which I haven’t told anyone else until then, and he was saying that the way he did it was at a University and went for psychology. But he said for psychology, to be able to do anything you have to get a lot of education for it and a higher degree. He had a friend that didn’t get as high a degree as he did and now he can’t really do anything for it, but he’s had other friends do it through just getting the license for counseling, and when you get that, it gives you way more options, and you can do generals at a community college and then go get a license and save a lot of money. So what’s the way he’s talking about by just getting a license? How do I do that? And if that info was misleading, what’s the best way to go for doing this? And how much will school probably cost?

Best answer:

Answer by jannsody
You’re commended for wanting to help others who were in similar situations as yourself. A lot of substance abuse counselors are “in recovery” (from addiction) themselves. For those interested in becoming a licensed addiction counselor, please look into getting the credentials of CAC which stands for Certified Addiction Counselor.

Most CACs (or similar credentials) have a master’s degree such as in counseling or social work (or perhaps psychology, but the two former may get more practical experience, including a clinical internship).

Someone with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) can also become a licensed-clinical social worker (LCSW) and administer psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy (cbt). A LCSW may also open up a private practice, however, usually after getting a lot of experience in the field since private practice is so autonomous. A licensed social worker may get reimbursement from health insurance companies, too.

A person with a master’s degree in counseling needs to do various clinical internships, too, and may apply for reimbursement for patient claims (for therapy). The person would take a licensure examination after getting a passing score for the clinical internships and then get the credentials of LPC or licensed professional counselor (or in some states, “licensed mental health counselor”). I believe that the general consensus is that a LCSW degree may be more versatile than a counseling degree. You may want to speak with both a LCSW and LPC for more information, too.

Most licensed psychologists have a doctorate (PhD or PsyD).

This website has more info re: the various credentials for becoming a licensed addiction professional: http://www.naadac.org/certification

For more info re: counselor certification and state licensure: http://www.nbcc.org/OurCertifications

General career info: http://www.bls.gov/ooh and can search “substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors”, “social workers”, “counselors” or such.

With regard to schooling (for any field), please do *avoid* those private For-profit schools such as devry, ITT tech, strayer, university of phoenix, capella, argosy, grand canyon, aiu, Kaplan, ashworth, pima medical, Everest, stratford career, walden, art institute, concorde career, ecpi, regis, penn foster, ashford, full sail, icdc, Sanford brown, keiser and others. Their course credits usually do ** NOT ** transfer to other schools, even if the for-profit school is regionally accredited as opposed to only nationally accredited.

This consumer site has a lot of negative posts by former students of those for-profit schools, and please heed the students’ warnings: http://www.complaintsboard.com and can search.

Please instead consider the more affordable *community college* (as you’d mentioned) and/or the *state-public university* as long as the program is accredited within the industry. Just an fyi that “American public university” is a for-profit school.

Some community colleges offer an associate (two-year) degree in “human services” (or similar major), and it may allow the student to get his/her “feet wet” in the field as the student usually needs to get a passing score for the clinical fieldwork placements. Another fyi, however, that someone with an associate’s in human services may “only” qualify for a clerical position or some type of “aide” or “assistant”.

If the local community college(s) offers an associate’s in “addiction counseling”, that will require many clinical internship hours, and just to reiterate that a lot of jobs for addiction counselor require a master’s degree.

For U.S. colleges (though please still forgo those for-profit schools): http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

This site is supposed to have accredited programs in social work education: http://www.cswe.org/Default.aspx?id=17491

For accredited programs in counseling: http://www.cacrep.org/directory/directory.cfm

You’re probably familiar with the 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The only requirement is having the desire to get sober. There may be “open” AA meetings if there is no drinking problem: http://www.aa.org/

For some common mottos pertaining to those 12-step programs which includes “One day at a time”, “First things first” and “People, places and things”: http://www.royy.com/toolsofrecovery.html

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Question by jlarsen4: I quit using drugs 10 years ago. Do I need relapse over and over again in order to be considered an addict?
I quit using drugs the first time I really tried which was over 10 years ago. I have several addict friends who question whether or not I am an addict. I don’t need that label and frankly can live without it, however, I work in substance abuse treatment and feel strongly that addicts can overcome active addiction without having to go through relapse after relapse. Your thoughts?

Best answer:

Answer by pacemaker
a addict continue taking drugs on a daily basis ..your higher power is the drug what is a drug counselor to you.. what is more important how much your drug use or… because I was a drug counselor I have lived with people who wanted to stay clean or stay out of jail you puzzle me because you have drug addict friends.. but you work in a treatment center

Answer by Ron
I’m a recovering alcoholic (3years dry next monday), it is my and others in AA that you can label yourself what you like.

When you were an addict, did you or are you a member of NA or CA?, the reason I ask is this sort of question crops up quite often at my AA meetings and the general consensus is that as I said you can call yourself what you like.

I went into rehab in 2006 and was told that I was an alcoholic for life in that I could never safely drink again, the same goes for drugs, which is why it surprised me when I went to some AA meetings and some people introduced themselves as ‘recovered’ alcoholics, they explained that they had recovered from the ‘mental obsession’ of alcohol, it’s printed inside the cover of ‘Alcoholics Anonymous “The story of how many thousands of men have recovered from alcoholism”‘, the same book that’s used in NA and CA.

I don’t think it’s anything to do with relapsing, just keep strong and don’t forget those organisations that are there to help you.

I have friends who are alcoholics as well, I never preach to them but offer advice if asked.

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Question by Liza Shevchuk: Natural Remedies For Brain Damage After Drug Abuse?
My older brother has done many drugs from about 16-21. Its been a year since his last use, and he’s been having some serious problems. He has high anxiety and he’s been having frequent episodes of “weird” (as he calls it) feelings. He doesn’t label it as feeling sick. During these episodes he feels jittery, emotional (even cry’s sometimes) out of control, his heart rate goes up. This also causes him to have insomnia. Maybe they’re panic attacks, but the thing is, what triggers it? This occurs randomly on a normal day. We believe its typical withdrawal symptoms, because he abused quite a few drugs. (Marijuana, cigarettes, ecstasy, crystal meth, shrooms, hookah, cocaine, inhalants, “uppers” (as he calls them))
He has gone to see his doctor several times to get treatment, and his doctor said he has migraines.
-____-
He prescribed him anti depressants and that didn’t help my brother AT ALL.
He does this herbal drop treatment (echinacea, other oils, etc) That help him sleep.
Now we’re trying to find him herbal remedies that would help repair his brain damage from all of the abuse he has done to it.
Thank you very much.

Best answer:

Answer by jannsody
I’m not sure that there will be repairing of the brain damage (presuming that he has that as I’m not a medical doctor :), but researchers believe that the brain is very “plastic” and may form new nerve pathways to *help* compensate for the injured areas.

With regard to inhalant use, my friend actually has a severe Brain Injury from huffing at the age of 12, now in her 30s. The chemicals in products used for huffing are actual *poisons* that were never meant to go through the bloodstream.

Please be *very* careful with herbal supplements or “remedies” (e.g., echinacea, ginkgo biloba, chamomile) as they can result in side effects and/or drug (medication) interactions. It’s best to check with a licensed pharmacist before taking any of them. Not everything that is “natural” is safe 😉

Regarding the panic attacks, some people have generalized anxiety (to know specific event) or other types of anxiety. The antidepressants may help to lessen the intensity and/or frequency of the anxiety symptoms. Such medications tend to take about 6-8 weeks before possibly noticing results. A caveat (warning) is that some antidepressants may cause insomnia (trouble getting to and/or staying asleep). However, there are medications that one may take to help counteract the insomnia.

Even though benzo’s (e.g., ativan, valium, xanax, klonopin) may be prescribed to help with sleep, they’re not always recommended as a medication due to their physical addictiveness. (Some withdrawal symptoms from benzo’s may include seizures, psychosis/mental break from reality, or even death.) Some psychiatrists (it’s best to get medication for mental health issues from a board-certified psychiatrist as opposed to “just” a family doctor) prescribe seroquel (or other medications), which is classified as an antipsychotic but in smaller dosages may help with sleep.

You’d mentioned that he’s gone to the doctor several times, and I’m wondering if he’s gone to a neurologist which is medical dr who can help rule out disorders of the nervous system – brain, spinal cord, nerves. I’m just thinking that to help “cover all the bases” (not trying to give false hope though, know what I mean).

I’m not sure that he’d still be going through withdrawal symptoms a year after stopping the drugs, but it’s a good idea to ask a doctor about that as well.

Pertaining to the anxiety, please show him this government site which may have some local counseling agencies: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ and can click the second link. Then one can click “near you” on the left-hand side of the page under “find facilities” and can type one’s city and state of residence into search. Their toll-free 24/7 referral helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Just an fyi that the first link is for those looking for substance abuse counseling/treatment, and that may be an option if he’s still “using” or having cravings for substances.

A 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), may have some local support groups. The only requirement is having a desire to get sober. One may attend an “open” AA meeting if there is no drinking problem: http://www.aa.org

This site has some common mottos pertaining to those 12-step programs, including “One day at a time”, “First things first” and “People, places and things”: http://www.royy.com/toolsofrecovery.html

Al-Anon is a 12-step program for the *friends and family* of the problem drinker, but one may attend an “open” Al-Anon meeting if the loved one doesn’t have a drinking problem: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org

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Question by Helpinglife: Drug use help for my daughter?
My oldest daughter (17) has been trying to experiment with drugs for the past few months. I’ve noticed when she is home alone certain inhalant objects seem to disappear into her room (hair spray- nail polish- white out- sharpies) what should I do?

Best answer:

Answer by Jim
i am in recovery and i can tell u that stuff burns out brain cells quick do something fast.star with taking away everthing

Answer by jannsody
You’re right to be concerned. Not to cause a panic, but my friend actually has a severe Brain Injury from inhalant use at the age of 12, now in her 30s.

Your daughter may not realize just how dangerous and destructive inhalant use really is. The chemicals in products used for huffing are actual POISONS that were never meant to go through the bloodstream.

It’s also important to point out that with “huffing” (fumes or chemical vapors), a person can actually die or get permanent neurological (brain, spinal cord, nerves) damage even after the very FIRST time of use.

You may be familiar with the concept of a family intervention. An intervention is to try to break through the denial of the addict that he/she needs outside professional help. The goal of an intervention is to try to persuade the addict to agree that he/she needs treatment. If the addict refuses to enter treatment, those participating in the intervention usually tell the addict of consequences that will be put into place such as not giving the addict money, not calling in sick to his/her boss, removing his/her pet animals (though legally via law enforcement/”humane society”/shelter), or not having any contact with the addict until he/she gets sober. (I realize that some of those consequences may not pertain to your daughter who is a minor, but they are examples.)

Just an fyi that the addict usually does NOT know of the intervention beforehand, or he/she may not actually show up. It’s also best done with a certified intervention specialist or at least a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) to help facilitate the planned meeting. There are no guarantees as to the outcome of an intervention, but perhaps it can help to “plant the seed” for future sobriety (being sober).

Since your daughter is under the age of 18, you may be able to have her mandated to drug treatment. How about calling your local municipal (township) building on the next business day (most likely Monday) to inquire about the process.

Here is a page by ehow.com that provides some info and tips on “how to (possibly) commit a minor to drug treatment” (though the site is *not* for school or professional research and it’s recommended that one try to first get the minor to agree to enter treatment on his/her own volition/willingness): http://www.ehow.com/how_6880472_do-commit-minor-drug-treatment_.html

To search for counseling and treatment programs for those with a substance abuse problem(s), and some may have state and/or county funding for those without health insurance: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ and can click the first link.

Please get yourself to an Al-Anon meeting. It is a 12-step (self-help) program for those whose friends or family have a drinking problem, but one may attend an “open” Al-Anon meeting if the loved one doesn’t have a drinking problem. (It’s based on the twelve steps and principles of Alcoholics Anonymous but is separate.) Dr. Drew Pinsky (addictions specialist/doctor) has said that loved ones should attend Al-Anon to be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem. To put it more bluntly, you’re not going to “love your daughter to death”.

For Al-Anon meetings: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org

This site has more info re: “getting your child to (possibly) accept treatment for an alcohol or drug addiction”: http://intervene.drugfree.org/2010/01/getting-your-child-to-accept-treatment-for-an-alcohol-or-drug-addiction/

The tv show on A & E (arts and entertainment) “Intervention” has a site with more info re: the intervention process: http://www.aetv.com/intervention/learn-more/

Please do get your daughter professional help ASAP (as soon as possible). No one knows when his/her last time of huffing will be of having a quality of life or life at all.

Question by abnjim5: Is Alcoholics Anonymous more effective than Cognitve Behavioral Therapy?
Much debate exists about which model is more effective in treating the problem of drug addiction. Some say AA is the only treatment that “works” while others choose the more human friendly non-religious CBT. AA uses rigid spiritual concepts based on their 12 steps and conducts their AA meetings on strict formats that were written seven decades ago. In AA “labels” like alcoholic are used which still holds a high degree of social stigmatism. Cognitive Behaviour programs like SMART (self-management and rehab treatment) sees substance abuse as a behaviour that can be changed, not a disease. CBT self-help methods are solidly based in comtemporary science and open discussions are encouraged. AA tells it members and “newcomers” that they need to find a higher power or god and relying on “self will” is bad and will lead to relapse.

If you were having problems with drugs, which would you choose for help, AA or CBT?

Best answer:

Answer by synchronicity915
I think it depends on the person.

Answer by dinoduos
AA is a bunch of BULLSH!T its nothing but a bunch of drunks leaning on each other trading one crutch for another you dont need them or a “higher power”its like another form of brainwashing

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