A study of 177 adolescents who underwent substance abuse treatment indicates that "aftercare" treatment is important to its success.

Researchers from the University of Connecticut assigned some of the teens to three months of aftercare that involved sessions with therapists. The control group had no aftercare.

At the end of the three-month study, those who had aftercare therapy had fewer suicidal ideations and were more likely to use none or lower amounts of alcohol or marijuana compared to those in the control group.

Psychiatry professor Yifrah Kaminer, who conducted the research, said, "Aftercare can help prevent relapse and chronic disease."

This study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

For older teens and young adults, NorthStar Center offers a great aftercare program that combines addiction therapy and an academic program. Visit www.northstarcenter.com for more details.

Labels: aftercare, psychiatry, therapy

As of 2005, approximately 1.8 million people annually were seeking treatment for substance and/or alcohol abuse. Any one of those people can attest to how difficult it is to recovery from an addiction. A substance abuse counselor can play a vital role in a person's recovery.

"The substance abuse counselor is there to help you get through the period of coming off the substance and getting better... Many people are reluctant to talk to a counselor because it makes them feel weak or that the counselor is there to make too much out of nothing."

On the contrary, substance abuse counselors are there to listen, and to help people discover the reasons behind their addictions – a necessary step on the road to recovery. Read more at SubstanceAbuseSupport.com.

Labels: counseling, therapy, treatment

Selena Bartlett, Ph.D., recently led a study on the effects of medication in treating the cravings associated with alcohol addiction. The study produced positive results, but Dr. Barbara Krantz was quick to point out that medication is just one component of effective treatment.

"'We know that addiction to alcohol or drugs is a disease with medical and psychosocial components,' said Dr. Krantz. 'Addiction is a brain disorder for which counseling and other behavioral therapies are necessary components of addiction treatment.'"

Addiction treatment is different for everyone. Dual diagnosis may have to be addressed (i.e. – addiction and depression being treatment simultaneously), and type and the length of treatment needs to be customized. Read more at Home.Busineswire.com.

The Aspen Institute conducts all of the assessments necessary to create a comprehensive treatment plan for teens struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Learn more about this special residential treatment center at www.aspenassessment.com.

Labels: addiction, therapy, treatment

Substance Abuse programs can be very expensive. It's not unusual to hear of people spending tens of thousands of dollars a month to help their child or another loved one get the help they need. But does it have to be that way? Are only the most expensive programs the best? Kristen Gerencher from MarketWatch.com offers tips on finding programs that won't break the bank.

"Many programs, both publicly funded and private, combine education and intensive counseling with peer-led, 12-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, [Dr. Laurence] Westreich said. Most are very bare bones and have AA orientations about how to avoid relapse, and they're highly effective."

Some of the things you should look for in a facility include one that conducts a thorough initial assessment and has the necessary credentials. Remember that you're looking for "what works, not for what's pretty". It's ok if the facility doesn't pamper its patients, as long as their well-cared for and are getting the recovery treatment they need. Read more at MarketWatch.com.

Labels: rehab, therapy, treatment

It's not widely known or widely practiced, but Judith Ann Miller, founder and president of the Courage to Change Ranch, says that the use of nutritional supplements at part of addiction treatment works. The supplements correct imbalances in the brain’s neurotransmitters, helping the addict get through the difficult "detoxing" stage.

"[The therapy] helps them get their brains working so they can actually think. A person like this can't even fathom a 12-step program until they can get their brain working."

Miller's treatment includes neurotransmitter therapy, a structured work environment, and individual and group therapy. Read more at Kansas.com.

Labels: supplements, therapy, treatment

Every week, in 14 cities across the United States, young people don layers of clothing, hop on a bus, and strap on snowboards and helmets - all in the name of "therapy". The program is called "Chill", and its focus is to improve self-esteem and confidence of at-risk and inner city youth.

"Through the challenge of learning a tough new sport, the snowboarders undergo intensive therapy, program officials say. The staff members try to get the youth to focus on six themes when they struggle: patience, persistence, respect, integrity, courage, and pride."

The bus rides to and from the ski centers are opportunities for young people to talk, share, and think. Read more at ChicagoTribune.com.

Labels: therapy, treatment