Tag Archives: addiction

Nick Carter Marries After Rocky Years Dealing With Addiction

Image courtesy of Google

Former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter married Lauren Kitt in Santa Barbara on April 12. The ceremony took place outdoors with the bridal couple surrounded by white and purple flowers. The bride’s father did walk her down the aisle, but it’s not clear how many of the groom’s family members were present on his big day.

Carter has been open about struggles with alcohol and drug use, which started in childhood. In his memoir, entitled Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It, he wrote that alcohol was a familiar presence in his home growing up. His parents used it as a way to relieve stress about family finances, and Carter writes that he was shocked to see himself mimicking their behavior in home movies where he pretends to be drinking at the age of nine or 10.

Heavy Alcohol Use Began In Teens

He began drinking heavily in his teens and added drugs into the mix at the age of 18 or 19. Marijuana was the first one, followed by cocaine, Ecstasy, and prescription pain medication.

Getting arrested in 2002 for resisting arrest without violence after a night of partying at the Pop City bar in Tampa didn’t slow down Carter’s alcohol and drug use. He continued to use, and was arrested again in 2005 for DUI. This time, he was sentenced to 13 AA meetings. While he learned something about his addiction problems, he was still not living a sober lifestyle.

Wake-up Call And Heart Problems

For Carter, his wake-up call to seek addiction counseling at a rehab facility was after yet another night of heavy partying when he was hallucinating that people on the street were zombies. He had gained weight from drug use, lack of exercise and poor diet.

Carter was also diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle which causes weakness over time. This disorder killed singer Andy Gibb and actor Chris Penn. Now Carter is committed to a healthier lifestyle but admits that he does slip up when it comes to alcohol use – proof that dealing with addiction requires a long-term strategy.

Get Help For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Now

Are you looking for help with a substance abuse problem for yourself or a loved one? The New Beginnings Recovery Center offers intensive outpatient program (IOP), which includes mental health services and counseling. Follow us on Twitter @NewBeginningsRC!

Call Today! 888-840-5189

Why Is Addiction Counseling An Important Part Of Substance Abuse Treatment?

When someone seeks help for substance abuse, they are asking for treatment for a complicated disorder. In some cases, a person may have started using drugs and/or alcohol to control symptoms of a mental illness. This type of self-medication is not uncommon, and when a person needs treatment for addiction and a mental health issue, it is known as a dual diagnosis.

Going to treatment for addiction strips away an addict’s usual method of coping with stressors in his or her life, which is to numb out emotional pain or to check out of the situation for a time. It can be challenging to learn how to deal with anxiety, depression or relationships with family members in a new way, but with the help of a professional counselor through Mental Health Services offered by a treatment center, clients can develop the tools they need to do so.

Assessment Of New Addiction Treatment Clients

Addiction doesn’t develop in some kind of vacuum. Many times, there are underlying issues from a person’s past or stressors in his or her present that have a bearing on how successful a treatment program will be. When new clients enter a drug and alcohol treatment program for detoxification, they receive a psychiatric evaluation to assess their needs.

Full Emotional Support For Long Term Recovery

It’s entirely possible for someone who has gone through the process to become clean and sober to backtrack and slip into a relapse due to feeling helpless and hopeless. With proper support, a client come to terms with the reasons he or she became an addict. Addiction counseling is an essential part of this process. Without it, a client is at a much higher risk of a relapse.

Change for an addict is possible. Once someone steps through the doors of a drug and alcohol treatment program, all of his or her closest relationships will change as well. Once the influence of chemicals is stripped away, personal relationships have to be re-examined in a new light.

Marriage and family counseling can help a client’s partner and family members understand the disease and give them a safe place to share their feelings about it. This type of support helps them to heal and move forward with their loved one in sobriety. Family members will also need to work out a plan to provide support for the client going forward. Long-term sobriety cannot be maintained without a network of support for the client, and family members definitely have a role to play in providing it.

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The I=Addict Mentality, an interview with NBRC’s Clinical Director

Counseling is such an integral part of any successful substance abuse treatment. But there are so many different approaches and styles to treatment. New Beginnings’ Clinical Director, Frank Galimidi answers a few common questions about clinical approach at NBRC.

1 ) What makes New Beginnings Recovery Center different from traditional IOP programs?
The clinical staff at NBRC use an eclectic approach to treating addiction. Many traditional IOP programs focus mostly on relapse prevention and general early recovery skills and 12 step concepts, such as the identification of relapse triggers, the development of a sober support system and treating symptoms of addiction that present in the here in now. While obviously at NBRC we address all of these aspects of the recovery process, we go much deeper into the underpinnings of addiction. We don’t simply chase symptoms.

2) How do you get a patient to go deeper?
We specialize in a modality called Inner Child Therapy. Many of our patients have underlying feelings of shame, inferiority, inadequacy and fear stemming from their childhoods that operate unconsciously and negatively impact their thoughts and behaviors as they progress through their adolescence and adult hood. While sometimes there is a trauma that is easily identified, often negative shame messages that were communicated from family members, friends, teachers that aren’t easily recalled are at play. Patients have relied upon the use of drugs and alcohol to cope with these feelings often with devastating consequences. The staff at NBRCs are experts at helping our patients identify, acknowledge, and work through these feelings. Our patients learn how to self soothe and from a certain extent, begin learning how to take care of their inner child that was hurt, for some 20 or 30 years prior.

3) Many people state that they prefer individual therapy than groups, why are the groups at NBRC special?
Our patients begin to trust each other because they are taught how to be real or authentic with each other and challenge feelings of shame through talking about things with each other that they may not have spoken about in years or possibly ever. When a patient is able to talk about things that make them feel shame or afraid in front of others and learn that their peers often feel the same way and have similar experiences, the power of fear and shame are disarmed and patients begin to feel relieved. The patients look at each other and the group leaders as family. Most of our patients socialize with each other outside of group, attend 12 step meetings together, and serve as a major source of sober support. This isn’t common practice in an outpatient program where patients go back home and to their jobs when they leave group.

4) The statistics for success in substance abuse treatment are low. Why is that, and why do you think the IOP Program at NBRC can help me stay sober?
Myself and the staff at NBRC are trying to challenge the statistics everyday. Many patients relapse chronically because of a combination of things, unsupportive living environments, chronic pain, untreated Mental Health Disorders like Anxiety and Depression and family enabling. During the past 10 years, after working with thousands of patients I’ve learned that many addicts struggle with what to do when they are not “sick” anymore. Addiction or the word addict has been the way that many of our patients identified themselves for many years. The idea of setting expectations for their future successes or perceived fears of expectations that others might set for them creates fear, for many become overwhelming. I call this the I = Addict Mentality. At NBRC we provide a supportive environment where patients utilize each other to challenge the irrational fears that keep many addicts stuck and relapsing.

5) Tell me more about this I =Addict Mentality.
Many of our patients and addicts in general experience negative self concept or negative thoughts about self. Often these irrational thoughts about themselves begin in childhood and stem from many different sources including childhood trauma, their experiences in school or in a dysfunctional family unit where there might be divorce, poor communication styles or addiction/mental health issues of one or both of their parents or siblings. Over time and development of addiction and the associated psycho-social consequences, these irrational beliefs about self such as “I’m not good enough”,” I cant succeed at anything” or “ I don’t deserve to be happy” become exacerbated and wreak havoc on our patients. Patients become fearful of setting and working towards personal goals, engage in procrastination and begin to embrace their identity as an addict, the presenting symptom in a dysfunctional family unit, or an inferior members of our society. Often for patients that chronically relapse, work in early recovery offers glimpses of positive changes in their ability to achieve goals and to change their identities in their family units. However due to hopefulness and excitement, family members and the addict themselves often set unrealistic time frames for tangible life changes and patients become overwhelmed with fear. Patients unconsciously begin to ask themselves “ can I really take care of myself?” what will the family members expect of me if I’m not “sick” anymore?”, do I really deserve this”?. Patients engage in self sabotaging behaviors including relapse in order to immediately halt any expectations that create fear.
Unfortunately, for many of our patients this unhealthy relapse pattern has been reinforced by family members, who after a relapse, immediately try to rescue their loved ones via sending them to another treatment center, taking care of their loved ones personal financial responsibilities and communicating that only reestablishing sobriety is important at this time. Over time addicts learn that this pattern is an acceptable behavioral pattern, a definitive strategy of halting any adult personal responsibility that creates fear. Another unhealthy byproduct of this pattern is that patients negative self concept and irrational feelings of inability to care for themselves without family intervention is reinforced. As a result patients continue to remain in an unhealthy pattern of active addiction, external intervention, early recovery and relapse contributing to phenomenon in which the addict believes they cannot function without being in treatment or “treatment center recidivism”

6) How does NBRC treat the I = Addict Mentality?
At NBRC we challenge the I = Addict Mentality via the fostering of a safe environment in which patients are educated and held accountable to their unhealthy behavioral patterns. Patients are taught how to foster interdependent relationships, or mutually beneficial relationships with their peers in group. Development of trusting relationships between group members is fostered by authentic sharing of feelings without judgment. Patients are taught that feelings are neither right nor wrong, what patients do with these feelings either fosters growth or stagnation. Patients hold each other accountable to behaviors that foster growth via healthy “carefontation” and patients are receptive to feedback due to the intimacy of their relationships. Patients are taught how they can foster their own recovery and improved self concept via setting realistic goals and expectations of self and setting appropriate boundaries with family members and friends. Patients are taught that at this point in their lives being in active addiction is an irrational choice, and if desperate for their lives to change, they are capable of achieving goals. Patients are also taught that their addiction is just a component of their identity, but does not identify them as people via positive self affirmation. Patients are taught how to assertively communicate to their family members that they no longer want to be enabled and “infantilized”, but trust in their own ability to make decisions and achieve personal life goals.

7) My family members continue to enable, rescue and still have addictive behaviors. What can I do to help?
Family members are a crucial component of the recovery process. Often times the family members of those suffering from addiction accidentally reinforce the addition via engagement in enabling and rescuing behaviors. Addicts irrational fears of inferiority or “not good enough” can be reinforced when family members take ownership for their loved ones personal responsibilities. Though obviously enabling behaviors are fostered from love and with the best intentions, the addict interprets the behavior as proof of their incapability. At NBRC we teach both addicts and their families how to establish a mutually beneficial relationship. Patients and family members are taught in family sessions how to break the cycle of “the addict takes and the “family gives” and instead fosters a relationship where both the family unit and the addicted/recovering member give and receive from each other. This is achieved by our therapists helping the family to identify unhealthy behavioral patterns and engaging in reality testing to help the members identify how the current family interplay is creating negative feelings, fostering resentment and not conducive to recovery.

About the author:
By Frank Galimidi, BS, CASAC, CAP, CRADC, ICADC, SAP – VP, Program & Clinical Director New Beginnings Recovery Center. Frank is a Florida Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), New York State Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Illinois Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CRADC), an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC), and has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Frank is also a US Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Having worked in the chemical dependency field for the last 10 years. Frank can be contacted at [email protected] or 888-840-5189. The NBRC website is www.NewBeginningsRecoveryCtr.com

Want to stop smoking? Treat Smoking like an addiction!

BRAND NEW! Second Breath Smoking Recovery Program.

New Beginnings Recovery Center has been a leader in the addiction treatment field in South Florida for over 8 years. A recent addition to their program has been the Second Breath Smoking Recovery Program. The Second Breath program treats smoking as an addiction and helps people free themselves from a nicotine dependency.

Although cigarettes are legal and most don’t consider them a drug, habitual smoking manifests itself as an addiction. Treating smoking like a bad habit and quitting cold turkey and then relapsing can lead to a frustrating cycle of dependency. The Second Breath program at New Beginnings Recovery Center treats smoking like an addition and treats it with weekly individual and group counseling sessions. In addition to the core counseling program is a whole host of complementary alternative medicine and lifestyle coaching options.

Second Breath is a 5 week smoking recovery program designed to address the habitual and addictive components of smoking. The latest therapeutic techniques are combined with medical and noninvasive natural therapies to produce the highest likelihood of sustained success. This program values an individualized approach for each client and every client receives an individualized Health and Wellness Assessment that provides the foundation for a customized treatment plan. This groundbreaking approach to helping people quit smoking allows people to break free from their nicotine dependency and live a better life free from smoking.

New Beginnings Recovery Center has always been a local leader in the addiction treatment industry. Having treated thousands of substance dependent individuals in our outpatient detoxification, psychiatric and counseling programs, they have the knowledge and experience to help substance dependent individuals gain long term freedom from drugs and alcohol.

For more information about this specific program feel free to give us a call at 888-840-5189 or click here!

Staff Spotlight- Betsy Rosander, LMHC, NCC

Hello Everyone! We would like you to meet Betsy! Betsy is one of our highly qualified counselors who contributes greatly to both our IOP program and our Mental Health Counseling program. Read below as Betsy answers some great questions about addiction counseling!

What certifications do you hold that qualify you to practice?

I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NCC) in 2001 after obtaining my Master of Science Degree at the ripe old age of 41!! In addition to those credentials, I am also a Certified Bereavement Facilitator, and a Certified Forensic Counselor, which will allow me to be an expert witness in a court of law. Although, I have never been called.

What do you do at New Beginnings Recovery Center?

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a specialty in Dual Diagnosis at New Beginnings. That means I work with those that have both substance dependence as well as a mental health illness. My goal is to teach my clients about the relationship that addiction and mental illness have, and the importance of treating both disorders together, so one does not lead to relapse of the other.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of my job is ….. pretty much all of it! I am thoroughly honored to be a part of someone’s journey. It is always a privilege when another person allows me entry into their deepest, darkest, scariest places in their minds and heart.

Why do you personally think that counseling is important for someone in recovery?

Twelve Step meetings are a very important part of recovery though it addresses only the using and the wreckage of our past. Sponsors and 12 Step program peers are not trained to be therapists. Therapy is important because once you put down the drink or drug the issues that triggered your usage remain, and actually begin to float to the surface. It is through therapy that these issues are brought up and processed in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Through therapy you will come to some kind of resolution about them and be able to move on with your life, no longer a victim of guilt, shame, fear, self loathing, anxiety or depression.

What would you say is your style of counseling?

My style of counseling is called “psychodynamic.” It’s a talking, dynamic partnership between you and me. What that means is that we have lots of conversation during our time together. You talk, I listen, ask questions, make suggestions etc. It’s a warm and comfortable style of therapy.

What are some of your personal experiences that help you relate to your clients?

I am personally in recovery since 1991. I went back to school in 1992 to begin the long academic journey to become qualified to become a licensed mental health counselor when I realized that this is my calling. I have been through deep, dark, depression as well in 1996 – while in recovery – and so have a good idea of what it is like to have mental health challenges as well. I hope that I embody “hope” for people who are facing similar challenges. After all, if I can do it, you can do it!

What’s something interesting about you that most people don’t know?

In one of my earlier lives I worked as a stock broker. I hated it.

What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone in Recovery?

My favorite quotes of all times for recovery from substances, mental health issues, or other compulsive behaviors are: “If nothing changes, nothing changes,” and “Where there is breath, there is hope.”

For more information call 888-840-5189.