Get Clean. Stay Clean.

“BALK, BALK, BALK” or “BWOK, BWOK, BWOK?”

2012-06-01T12:12:00.000-04:00

I am a carnivore. I love animals, they are tasty. In particular, I prefer chicken, turkey, and cow. I am not a big pig fan but will eat the occasional hotdog at the ballpark, if necessary. I don’t, however, wish to see animals hurt or tortured (disclaimer so you’ll read the rest of the article). However, in order to eat, something must die whether it is vegetable or animal. Thankfully, it’s not me!

What might carnivorous activities have to do with recovery you ask? Well, let’s see if I can make that connection in the next three paragraphs! As mentioned previously, I have an affinity for chicken. There is nothing like a chicken sandwich from a famous fast food retailer (ahem…Chik-Fil-A) with some fries and an ice cold drink! But on a deeper level, our little feathered friends can be helpful to our recovery.

Whenever someone is teased about lacking intestinal fortitude (i.e. guts) to do something, they are often labeled a “chicken”. You know, it’s the whole ‘Chicken-Little-the-sky-is-falling,-I-am-a-wuss’ scenario. Furthermore, some folks go as far as including sound effects such as, and forgive the rough translation, “bwock, bwock, bwock!” It is even more effective if said sounds are accompanied by a wing flipping action (hands tucked with thumbs attached under the armpit and flipping wildly back and forth…kids get permission from your parents before trying such a dangerous behavior) much like the bird that is being imitated! These sounds are immediately understood by the accused. They indicate weakness and ‘wussi-hood’ (a term I made up for this article that one does not want applied to oneself to be sure as it indicates complete, pathetic weakness)!

Much like the proverbial “bwock-ing” accompanying fear of the unknown, the A.A. Big Book teaches that most addicts, before they enter recovery “balk”, that is, reject, refute, or argue with the suggested 12 Step approach to long-term sobriety. It says, “At some of these we balked. We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not” (Big Book, p. 58). This “balk” is much like that “bwock” not only in sound but in meaning. Just as someone might “bwock” with fear at the thought of skydiving, so to; many addicts “balk” in fear at the effort it takes to get clean. “Balk-ing” is really just excuse-making. It is a way to get out of owning your responsibilities and being held accountable to your actions. In a word, it’s chicken.

You might be thinking, “Yeah that’s funny and all but you try kicking an addiction.” You’re right. It is funny! And you’re right that kicking an addiction is no joke. But here’s the catch, it’s not you that is chicken, rather, it is the addict within you who is afraid. It balks like a true Chicken Little because it is scared of how good the 12 Steps are and how effective they have been in the lives of sober addicts all over the world. So the next time you don’t feel like doing something your sponsor suggested, or going to a meeting, or anything else recovery-related, just remember to kick your inner chicken. Tell him that he’s done for and you’re not going to be a victim to his poultry pandering any longer. Because after all, chicken is white meat and white is the color of surrender. Time for ‘Chicken Little’ to quit while he’s behind!

While this article is a bit tongue in cheek, we at The Coleman Institute take alcohol and drug abuse very seriously. If you or someone you love needs detox services from alcohol, opiates, benzos, methadone or suboxone, please call Jennifer at 1.877.77.DETOX (33869). Let us help you get clean and stay clean!

"Calgon - Take Me Away?"

2012-05-29T16:55:00.003-04:00

Some of you may remember the commercial from the 80's where a tired housewife escapes to her sanctuary in the bathtub from the toils of the day and says enthusiastically, "Calgon! Take me away!" imploring the popular bath salt to relieve her stress and pain. I remember thinking nothing of that commercial but just a silly advertisement as a kid. Now, I can't believe that it could be anything more than that. That's right, the drug game is changing once again. Anything to get high, right? Read on.

First, let me be very clear, this article is NOT in any way, shape, or form trying to bring slander against the Calgon brand or product line. It was merely a way of introducing a discouraging development in the use of drugs because people can relate to the name as a popular bath salt. That being said, it appears now that 'bath salts' are being abused by people to get high. Who would've thought a good, helpful product like bath salts that are meant to smooth the skin and sooth sore muscles would become a catalyst for getting high!?!

Apparently that is just the case! Nora Volkow, M.D. , Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse says in an article on their website that bath salts are, "the newest fad to hit the shelves (virtual and real), is the latest addition to a growing list of items that young people can obtain to get high. The synthetic powder is sold legally online and in drug paraphernalia stores under a variety of names, such as "Ivory Wave," "Purple Wave," "Red Dove," "Blue Silk," "Zoom," "Bloom," "Cloud Nine," "Ocean Snow," "Lunar Wave," "Vanilla Sky," "White Lightning," "Scarface," and "Hurricane Charlie." The main culprit are the ingredients mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) which when snort can cause a high.

Unfortunately, this dim reality turned deadly this past week when a man who was high on bath salts attacked another man in Miami in a crazed frenzy as a reaction to the drug he snorted. The details of the attack are too gruesome to mention here and more importantly are not what is important as much as the reality that people are still trying to find new ways to get high. Yes, addiction is real. Yes, people are always going to look for new ways to get high. Yes, we have to be part of the solution and not the problem. But, can't we just take a bath with bath salt for goodness sakes!

Our thoughts are with the people of Miami affected by this attack, the victim of the attack, as well as the attacker, because this, of all incidents, shows how drugs can take a person and make them do things they would never do if they were sober. Addiction is a complicated disease that makes people do horrible things. That doesn't make them horrible people. It makes them sick people in need of help.

If you or someone you love is in need of detox from opiates, alcohol, benzodiazepines, methadone, or suboxone, please call Jennifer at 1.877.77.DETOX (33869)

Prescription Medication Abuse is Still Drug Abuse

2012-05-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

Prescription medications make a world of difference--even between life and death--for individuals around the world. Yet, many of these same prescription medicines are subject to abuse when they are in the wrong hands. Like recreational drug abuse, prescription medication abuse can cause not only legal problems, but major health risks as well.

There is a lot of misinformation about prescription drugs and their relative safety. Some teens, and adults, operate under the belief that taking prescription medications for recreational purposes is safer than using street drugs. This is not the case. In fact, prescription medication abuse may, in some cases, be significantly more dangerous. Some of these drugs are distributed only under a doctor's care because misuse of them can cause major problems, and may even be fatal. Even something that seems as simple and harmless as taking a friend or relative's prescribed medication can have long-term consequences.

Another bit of erroneous information is that prescription drugs are not addictive. While some prescribed medications can be used safely over a long period, others are highly addictive after only a short use. These addictions are likely to lead individuals into prescription medication abuse, and possibly into less than legal ways to supply the addiction. Doctors, and regulators, are well aware of the potential for abuse of certain medications, and are not likely to hand out prescriptions for them without reason.

Some of the most widely abused prescription medications are pain relievers and relaxers, or depressants. Terms like OxyContin, Valium and Xanax have entered everyday language, and made their way into books and popular culture, often as jokes. Their uses are well-known, as well as some of those that abuse them. Yet, prescription medication abuse is no joke. It's a wide and growing problem, and an increasingly dangerous one.

The Coleman Institute is committed to helping people get clean and stay clean from prescription drug abuse. Our state-of-the-art treatment protocols are safe, effective, and delivered in a timely fashion so you can get back to living in a relatively quick manner. If you are someone you love needs help getting from from prescription drugs such as Xanax or Klonipin and/or opiates, alcohol, methadone, or suboxone, please don't hesitate to call Jennifer Pius at 1.877.77.33869 (DETOX) for more information. We're waiting to help you help yourself!

Thoughts as Triggers

2012-05-21T15:59:00.002-04:00

One of the more difficult aspects of recovery is that we are regularly assaulted by thoughts that make using seem more appealing. Unfortunately for an addict, these thoughts can be intrusive in the early days of recovery. Indeed, for some people, they don't subside for quite some time.

Thus, a crucial part of recovery is staying in tune with these thoughts, and recognizing which of them has the potential to act as a relapse trigger. A relapse trigger can briefly be defined as anything that makes relapse more likely. While it may seem obvious that thoughts are a necessary prerequisite of relapse, thoughts as triggers is an important area of investigation that everyone in recovery must pursue.

Often, this inquiry involves taking an inventory of one's thoughts and determining which have the emotional power to act as triggers. Frequently the thoughts that are most likely to lead us to relapse are those that cause an emotional reaction in us, although that reaction doesn't necessarily need to be negative. In fact, many of us are just as inclined to relapse after very happy thoughts as we are due to very negative thoughts. The desire to celebrate after a happy thought can be very strong.

The key to avoiding the influence of thoughts as triggers is to be very aware of which thoughts are likely to affect us in that way. Maintaining a level emotional response to thoughts can then allow us to process any thought in a rational manner. To attain this level of equanimity, however, often requires the assistance of a counselor. After you complete your detox at The Coleman Institute, our commitment to aftercare is put into action by finding the right counselor for you in your local area. Getting the assistance of individual or group counseling can help you to identify emotionally-charged thoughts, and to process them with others before they lead to relapse.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, Methadone, or Suboxone and need detoxification services as well a solid, workable aftercare program to remain sober, please call Jennifer at The Coleman Institute at 1.877.77.33869 (DETOX)

Good Recovery Habits Need to Offset Bad Addiction Habits

2012-05-18T11:12:00.001-04:00

One of the worst things about suffering from an addiction is that, when the dust settles the addict feels like they are alone. This can lead to an awful lot of bad habits because they do not really know how to snap out of the funk they are in. There is also the simple fact that an awful lot of the drugs that someone can get addicted to were born out of bad habits themselves. Maybe you started off just having a beer with dinner every night. Maybe that beer eventually graduated to a glass of wine after dinner while you were watching television or reading the paper. Eventually you were drinking too much, at the absolute worst times and you couldn't stop.

The bottom line is that almost all addictions started from one habit or another. While getting kicking the habit of the actual drug or alcohol use is the first step, sobriety will have a short stay if you don't get yourself to embrace recovery habits that will lead to better and healthier habits. This doesn't mean that you should stop doing everything that reminds you of drinking or smoking or whatever addiction you suffer from. If you had a beer with dinner, it's completely unrealistic to try and stop having dinner altogether.

What addicts need to do is find recovery habits that overshadow the negatives. The first part of this process is understanding that as an addict, you are, in fact, not alone. The best habit you could possibly get into is to seek treatment on a regular basis. Some addicts might need to seek treatment such as counseling or inpatient long-term care. Others benefit from psychiatry to address underlying mental illness that exacerbate the addiction. Still others benefit from facilities such as the Coleman Institute that are dedicated towards helping an addict start over through a safe, outpatient detox procedure followed by Naltrexone Therapy. Regardless of individual treatment modalities, common wisdom says all addicts and alcoholics can benefit from attendance at local AA or NA meetings on a daily or at least weekly basis. The key, is that these habits have to be something that truly become second nature. The recovery habits have to be things you do because it feels good, natural, and is sobriety-enhancing. Once you've gotten into those habits, real recovery can take hold.

If you or someone you love is in need of detox from substances such as opiates, alcohol, benzos, methadone, or suboxone, please don't hesitate to call Jennifer from The Coleman Institute at 1.877.77. DETOX (33869) to schedule your appointment today!

Important Notice: Naltrexone Relieves Suboxone Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

2012-05-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

I recently saw a patient who we detoxed off Suboxone about 2 years ago. He is staying clean and doing very well – He feels very happy, has a new career, is getting on well with friends and family. But, he has been plagued with Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS). Interestingly, his symptoms virtually went away when he started back on Naltrexone.

The patient felt well after he detoxed off Suboxone, but he noticed that when his implant wore off he became fatigued, couldn’t sleep and felt physically tired. He said it didn’t feel like depression (“it felt more physical than that”), but his doctor wanted to treat him for depression. He also had other post-acute withdrawal symptoms including sneezing attacks and cold chills. He saw his doctor who tested him for a variety of things, and tried him on a variety of medicines but nothing helped him. His symptoms improved somewhat but he continued to feel very tired and fatigued. After about 18 months, he was searching on the internet when he found reference to the fact that some people have persistent post-acute withdrawal symptoms when they come off Suboxone. Some of these people respond well to taking Naltrexone. So, about 6 months ago, my patient called on the phone and we started him on Naltrexone tablets. Within 1 hour he was feeling like he was 18 years old again. He said he had so much energy and felt so good that it scared him. His feelings of high energy lasted about 5 days, but then settled down into what felt like normal energy. He has felt pretty good ever since. One day he forgot his Naltrexone and he started to feel bad again, but he felt normal again as soon as he resumed his Naltrexone.

I have heard from other doctors who have patients who have had similar experiences – the patients stopped opiates, had persistent mild sub-acute withdrawal symptoms, and then the withdrawal symptoms were relieved by Naltrexone. Of course, we use Naltrexone routinely after our detoxes, and most of our patients feel very well very quickly. Most of our patients have virtually no cravings.

It is hard to understand exactly why Naltrexone could relieve these post-acute withdrawal symptoms, but I have a couple of thoughts. Naltrexone binds tightly to the opiate receptors in the brain, and prevents other opiates from attaching to them. Perhaps, because Naltrexone blocks these receptors it forces the brain to more quickly increase its production of natural endorphins, and this increase in endorphins is what relieves the fatigue and other symptoms. Perhaps, the Naltrexone binding fills the receptors up, so that they are not “looking for drugs” – cravings and withdrawal symptoms go down. Perhaps, filling the receptors up with a blocking drug allows the number of receptors to go back to a normal state – a process we call “Down Regulation” – and when there are a normal number of receptors, patients feel more normal.

Whatever the mechanism, it is helpful to remember that if patients are suffering with persistent withdrawal symptoms after they detox off opiates, they may benefit from Naltrexone.

Ticket to Treatment

2012-05-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

We see many clients who have made up their mind to stop using opiates or benzos and are ready to get into a good treatment program. Unfortunately, they are either unable to stop using opiates on their own, or their urine is still screening positive for benzos. Many benzodiazepenes have metabolites that stay in the urine for an extended period of time.

If you or a loved one is ready to stop using opiates, but become too physically ill…or you have tried to stop using benzos…consider coming to The Coleman Institute. We can help a person detox off short acting opiates such as dilaudid or oxycodone or hydrocodone in a mere 3 days.

If it were easy to stop using opiates, more people would be in treatment. We know it is difficult not only to get off, but to stay off these pain killers. The naltrexone implant prevents cravings by blocking the opiate receptors for up-to-12 weeks.

We have relationships with several treatment facilities that depend on us for helping their patients get clean so they can start the journey of recovery with a clean slate. In addition we also detox people off of methadone, suboxone, and alcohol as well! Please call us if you have any questions and are ready to get clean and stay clean!

Joan R. Shepherd, NP

Bondage and Bonding

2012-05-14T22:05:00.002-04:00

We love our patients, no matter what stage of addiction they are in when they come to The Coleman Institute (TCI). Although our clients come to us for our Accelerated Detox programs, and not traditional psychotherapy, magic often happens when circumstances allow our clients to interact and bond as they realize their common bondage to substance abuse.

A few weeks ago we worked with a young woman, 21 years old, from Louisiana. Leah’s** story started at age 14 when she began to party. It escalated until, just prior to coming to TCI, she was using a gram and a half of heroin a day. She had made several half-hearted attempts to stop along the way, but it wasn’t until she overdosed and the terrified ‘friend’ that she was with dumped her off at the emergency department of the local hospital and left, was she convinced she needed to stop using.

At the same time she was at TCI, Annette**, a 48 year old woman from PA was with us, detoxing off a case and a half of beer and 120mg of Oxycodone a day. Annette has three children and a job she loves. Her drug and alcohol use had kept her in bondage for many years. Her marriage was over, and she was in danger of losing her job and her children. In despair, she contacted us and got a friend to be her support person. The final day of an A.O.D. (Accelerated Opiate Detox) involves being in a suite for several hours as we flush the rest of the opiates out of our clients’ bodies. Most people are pretty comfortable, and there is a lot of camaraderie happening outside at the smoking section.

These two women bonded instantly. I think Annette saw herself in the young woman or maybe saw what could happen with her own children, and Leah just responded to this lovely woman’s compassion and sense of humor and humility. They got through their day; each received a naltrexone implant, and exchanged information and a long embrace. It was a very emotional and heart-warming experience for all of us.

People won’t stop drinking alcohol, using methadone, suboxone, benzos or using opiates until they are ready. If you or a loved one are ready, we would be honored to help you through this piece of it. Many before you have succeeded. Miracles happen when reality is embraced.

Joan R. Shepherd, FNP-C

**Names and details always changed to protect our patients’ privacy.

Alcoholism: Causes and the Treatment

2012-05-11T09:51:00.000-04:00

Alcoholism is the most widespread form of drug abuse. It is a worldwide problem, with distinct national differences in prevalence that, in general, mirror rates of per capita alcohol consumption.
Unfortunately, there is no single, simple definition of alcoholism. The term alcoholism or chronic alcoholism is applied to a behavioral disorder characterized by an excessive use of alcohol to the extent that it interferes with physical and mental health.

As alcohol circulates in the bloodstream, it is distributed to every part of the body. The effects of alcohol on various organs and tissues are of three types: the short-term effects of a single episode of drinking; the long-term effects of chronic alcoholism; and withdrawal symptoms. Also important is the interaction of alcohol with other drugs in the body that may result in fetal malformations in pregnant women. The amount of alcohol required to produce such malformations is not known.

Causes of Alcoholism

Nine out of ten people who drink do not become alcoholics. Why the tenth drinker falls victim to this disorder is a question that has long plagued researchers. There is no single answer. Alcoholism probably is caused by a combination of interacting factors—biological, genetic, psychological, and social.

One of the most active areas of research is heredity. Some studies have suggested that a predisposition toward alcoholism may be inherited in some people. Children of an alcoholic parent are much more likely to become alcoholics than the children of non-alcoholics. Also, alcohol is metabolized differently among some racial groups. Oriental groups appear to produce higher blood levels of acetaldehyde after alcohol consumption, resulting in facial flushing and bodily discomfort.

Although psychologists have long tried to find an "alcoholic personality," no set of personality traits predicts alcoholism. Some clinicians feel that in many alcoholics their addiction is related to deep feelings of inferiority and insecurity coupled with an inability to cope with frustration. In others, alcoholism may be rooted in a desire to escape reality or in an underlying desire for self-destruction.

Sociologists have found that family and cultural attitudes toward alcohol have an important effect on people, especially during childhood, and strongly influence their drinking habits as adults. Among some peoples, moderate or heavy drinking is an important part of social life, while among others the use of alcohol is discouraged or forbidden. Paradoxically, the rate of alcoholism among those who drink in abstinent cultures is much higher than the rate of alcoholism among drinkers in the general population.

Treatment of Alcoholism

Because alcoholism affects every aspect of its victim's life, treatment often consists of a combination of therapies. Before any long-term treatment can be undertaken, however, the alcoholic must be free of alcohol and treated for withdrawal symptoms. There are two main goals of long-term treatment. One is to break dependence on alcohol so that the alcoholic can function without drinking. The other is to relieve the psychological problems that may contribute to the likelihood of relapse.

There are several other alternative therapies available. The Coleman institute uses implants of Naltrexone that block the opiate receptors in the brain and also reduce cravings for alcohol. In addition to Naltrexone Therapy, they also detox people off of methadone, suboxone, and benzos as well.

Most experts agree that the ultimate aim is to produce complete abstinence—that is, to keep alcoholics from ever drinking again. The Coleman Institute wholeheartedly supports a view of total abstinence as essential for a complete and healthy recovery in the life of an alcoholic. Their innovative services are one reason so many people are coming to them to 'get clean and stay clean'. If you or someone you love is in need of detox, please call Jennifer at 1.877.77.DETOX (33869)

Actions in Recovery

2012-05-09T16:52:00.001-04:00

To those who have not yet gotten deeply involved in the recovery process, it might seem that most of the work involves simply abstaining from your substance of choice. A successful recovery, however, also involves the individual being very active to confront issues that led to the addiction originally, and to change one's life in ways that make relapse less likely. Actions in recovery thus make up a large part of the recovery process because they are an essential part of a successful recovery.

One common action in recovery, for example, involves the examination of mistakes and errors made in one's past. This is usually done with the help of an individual on the outside of your recovery process. They can help you to realistically assess the things you may have done in your past that can be considered mistakes of judgment. Once these are identified, a next step is to make amends for those errors.

Making amends is beneficial for a number of reasons. First, it allows us to be fully open and accepting about the damage addiction has caused to our life and others'. No longer do we have to feel we have something to hide. This openness also allows us to feel like we do not have to avoid people we have offended, or places we may have acted inappropriately. Thus, instead of areas of our life being closed off to us, they are opened once again.

Recovery is about regaining freedom and control over your life, and actions in recovery like making amends allow you to do that. Treatment centers like The Coleman Institute can be consulted to bring a sponsor into your life to help you with these actions. By focusing on actions in recovery, you make the likelihood of a successful recovery more probable.

If you are hooked on opiates, alcohol, benzos, methadone, or suboxone, why not take action now and give The Coleman Institute a call. Jennifer Pius will be happy to help you learn more about your services and schedule the appropriate treatment for your situation. 1.877.77.DETOX (33869)

Back to the Grind

2012-05-02T15:44:00.001-04:00

“You all have been so great…but I’m worried about how it’s going to be when I get back home; back to the real world.”

We hear this again and again from our patients who have come to The ColemanInstitute for an accelerated opiate, or alcohol or benzo detox. And it’s a very valid concern. Years of prioritizing "How will I get my pills? (dope, beer, wine, xanax…)?" has contributed to habitual ways of thinking. It is wise for a person who has chosen to become clean to recognize—with humility, optimism, and faith—that staying clean is a process.

Many patients leave our office, and I suspect, other treatment facilities in the beautiful pink cloud of early sobriety. They are determined to change their lives; to be the parent, the child, the spouse, the friend they know they are capable of being. And then an unexpected bill comes along. Or a child gets in trouble. Or the dishwasher breaks. Or the boss yells at you. And the thoughts are overwhelming any peaceful thoughts about recovery: “What the hell? Why was I thinking I could stay sober? I’ve never done it before…One drink (pill, toke, snort) won’t hurt, it’ll just take the edge off—I deserve it. I can’t believe he/she said that to me—as hard as I’ve been working, trying…”

Recognizing triggers, accepting the fact that the urge to use is made worse with resistance, having quick access to someone who’s been through the same experience, sharing the misery, lightening up with a laugh…all this and much more is what a person will find in a 12 Step Program. If they want to.

Because 12 Step Programs are based on attraction, rather than promotion, no one will ever be pressured in any way. There is no evidence that any other approach is more successful.

At The Coleman Institute, we safely and comfortably help detox our patients, and provide naltrexone in the form of a pellet, inserted under the skin. For opiate users, this provides 8-10 weeks of blocking the receptors; for alcohol it cuts down on the urge and pleasure of drinking. It has been the springboard for people to begin their program of recovery without the physical urges and cravings.

Call us if you’re ready to start taking the first steps. You have no idea the freedom that’s waiting for you.

Joan R. Shepherd, NP

The Benefits of Naltrexone Therapy

2012-04-30T15:27:00.003-04:00

It is an unfortunate fact that America has a significant problem with the pervasive use of opiate drugs and alcohol. While this has been an ongoing issue, more recently addiction rates have increased and this is placing considerable pressure on the national health care system. A large proportion of opiate addiction pertains to legal prescription medications. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, there are over one million people in the United States dependent on legal opiates, with a further six million using the psycho-therapeutic drugs with the potential to also become addicted. Alcohol abuse continues to plague the United States with approximately 14 million Americans, meeting the diagnostic measure for alcohol abuse or alcoholism. This equates to 7.4 percent of the American population.

Although these figures are depressing, there are excellent opportunities to beat these addictions under the correct guidance. While there are many different treatment options for opiate and alcohol dependency, the use of naltrexone has proven to be very effective. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors, stopping opioids from stimulating the neurons and creating the experience of pleasure or euphoria from opioid drug and Naltrexone is a popular choice because it doesn't interfere with any other functions within the body and therefore it has minimal side effects.

Naltrexone therapy helps patients regain the sense of happiness without the desire for opiates. While the opiate receptors are blocked, patients have fewer cravings and if they do continue to consume alcohol or other opiates they do not receive the same stimuli which lead to the addiction in the first instance.

Most commonly naltrexone is taken orally, although some clinics such as The Coleman Institute also offer naltrexone implants. The implants are placed under the skin and are designed to slowly release naltrexone over six to twelve weeks. This is a highly effective treatment method because patients aren't required to remember to take their naltrexone medication. Also, the steady dose over several weeks creates greater stability and increases the probability that the patient will remain abstinent in the future.

The benefits of naltrexone implants have been recently verified during a clinical study. A new publication in the American Journal of Psychiatry, titled 'Naltrexone Implant for the Treatment of Polydrug Dependence: A Randomized Controlled trial', details research into the effectiveness of naltrexone implants. The research team concluded that after a ten week study period, patients that received the naltrexone implants had a greater success rate than those who received a placebo implant.

Given these favorable results, this drug treatment program at The Coleman Institute is likely to continue to expand and offer a new and more effective method of beating drug and alcohol dependency.

Using Accelerated Detox with Suboxone

2012-04-27T16:00:00.000-04:00

When it comes to the treatment of narcotic addiction, there are several different approaches that can be taken. Just how effective these different treatments can be depends on a wide range of different factors. Addiction takes different forms in different people and what works for one person will not for another. Some can enter a drug treatment program that centers simply on working through the larger problems with a group of people. Some people will be able to quit cold turkey and walk away from the drug. For some, additional chemicals may be prescribed such as Suboxone.

Suboxone is generally prescribed for those who are addicted to opiates such as Heroin, Morphine or Codeine. It is a chemical combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and is used to wean someone off of the harsher opiates by giving them a less acute "high." For those who do not feel as though they can go without some sort of a euphoric feeling that opiates like Heroin provide, this drug can be a gateway towards getting clean. The problem arises when the person taking Suboxone is eventually required to quit this drug as well.

The use of this drug is usually a long-term approach and it can mean staying on Suboxone for as long as six to nine months. However, there is an alternative detox approach that will allow addicts to step from Heroin to Suboxone to being completely clean in just a matter of days. This particular process is usually referred to as Accelerated Detoxification. The Coleman Institute excels at helping people get clean and stay clean from opiates, alcohol, benzos, methadone, and particularly suboxone. In a matter of just over a week, patients are free from all traces of suboxone in their body and feel freedom again!

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, please have them call Jennifer at 1.877.77.Detox or (1.877.773.3869)

are more apt to suggest weaning off of Suboxone in a matter of days or just over a week to deal with the addiction completely.

Feelings as Triggers

2012-04-26T17:26:00.000-04:00

When you're in recovery, it sometimes seems as if you are walking on a tightrope. One slip and you imagine you could go tumbling off the wire, hurtling into the depths. In this case, however, those depths involve falling back into your addiction and all of the pain it causes.

The tightrope walker learns in his or her training to recognize the bodily cues that indicate a loss of balance, and then to quickly correct them in order to avoid falling. Similarly, in recovery we must be very aware of those events, both internal and external, that might cause us to fall back into our addiction. These we label as triggers, and we keep them at the forefront of our mind in order to be vigilant when they do occur.

Relapse triggers are different for everyone, but since we all experience emotions, feelings as triggers is a phenomenon that most people in recovery have to deal with at some point. Almost any feeling can act as a trigger, and which feelings have the most sway over your decision to use depends on your personality.

Some people experience stress and feel a strong desire to use in order to reduce those unpleasant feelings. Others may feel most inclined to use when they get good news; they may feel the need to "celebrate" by using their drug of choice. The key to a successful recovery is to be aware of which feelings can act most potently as triggers for you.

Identifying feelings as triggers, and then remaining vigilant about their occurrence is something a treatment center like The Coleman Institute can help with. Specializing in alcohol, opiate, benzodiazepine, methadone, chronic pain, and suboxone detox, the Coleman Institute is also committed to quality aftercare at the conclusion of your detox. Whether it is an inpatient, outpatient, counselor, or 12 step meeting that is right for you, their trained staff will see that you get the right fit for you. Emotions shouldn't get the best of you and they are committed to helping you help yourself through quality aftercare!

If you or someone you love is in need of detox and then referral to a quality aftercare program, please call Jennifer at The Coleman Institute at 1.877.77.DETOX (1.877.773.3869). We're waiting to hear from you!

Thoughts as Triggers

2012-04-23T16:46:00.000-04:00

One of the more difficult aspects of recovery is that we are regularly assaulted by thoughts that make using seem more appealing. Unfortunately for an addict, these thoughts can be intrusive in the early days of recovery. Indeed, for some people, they don't subside for quite some time.

Thus, a crucial part of recovery is staying in tune with these thoughts, and recognizing which of them has the potential to act as a relapse trigger. A relapse trigger can briefly be defined as anything that makes relapse to drugs and alcohol more likely. While it may seem obvious that thoughts are a necessary prerequisite of relapse, thought as triggers is an important area of investigation that everyone in recovery must pursue. Regardless of what substances you used: methadone, suboxone, opiates or benzos; thoughts occur about using just as much with one as it does with the other.

Often, this inquiry involves taking a daily inventory of one's thoughts and determining which have the emotional power to act as triggers. Frequently the thoughts that are most likely to lead us to relapse are those that cause an emotional reaction in us, although that reaction doesn't necessarily need to be negative. In fact, many of us are just as inclined to relapse after very happy thoughts as we are due to very negative thoughts. The desire to celebrate after a happy thought can be very strong.

The key to avoiding the influence of thought as triggers is to be very aware of which thoughts are likely to affect us in that way. Maintaining a level emotional response to thoughts can then allow us to process any thought in a rational manner. To attain this level of equanimity, however, often requires the assistance of a quality aftercare program such as a counselor. This is when reputable treatment centers like The Coleman Institute become especially important to recovery. Not only does The Coleman Institute excel with their state-of-the-art accelerated opiate detox, they also are committed to helping their patients connect with the appropriate level of aftercare once they have completed their detox and had their naltrexone implant. Getting the assistance of inpatient, outpatient, individual or group counseling can help you to identify emotionally-charged thoughts, and to process them with others before they lead to relapse.

If you or someone you love needs help getting off of drugs and/or alcohol, please call us at 1.877.77.DETOX (or 1.877.773.3869). We will be happy to detox them, give them Naltrexone Therapy via the Naltrexone Implant AND help connect them with a quality aftercare facility that can address your individual needs and those of your family!

420 - Not Just a Time of Day!

2012-04-20T09:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

Happy Sober 4/20/2012! If you haven't been living under a rock then you might be aware of the significance of today's date (apologies to all rock dwellers). That's right, it is 4/20/2012 or "420". Wikipedia has this to say about the famous cultural concept, " The earliest use of the term began among a group of teenagers in San Rafael, California in 1971. Calling themselves the Waldos, because "their chosen hang-out spot was a wall outside the school," the group first used the term in connection to a fall 1971 plan to search for an abandoned cannabis crop that they had learned about. The Waldos designated the Louis Pasteur statue on the grounds of San Rafael High School as their meeting place, and 4:20 pm as their meeting time. The Waldos referred to this plan with the phrase "4:20 Louis". Multiple failed attempts to find the crop eventually shortened their phrase to simply "4:20", which ultimately evolved into a codeword that the teens used to mean pot-smoking in general."
     All around the world today, millions will smoke pot. They will do it for myriad of reasons: social pressure, boredom, being a part of something larger than themselves, and just plain getting high man! The sad part is that pot is harmful to the body. It does hurt your brain by destroying memory. It leaves you with less money, freedom, and life than what it purports to give you. It is also illegal. It is not a drug that helps you...it hurts you.
    As a non-pot-smoker most people will tell me that I am not qualified to speak on the subject. While they are correct, in that I don't know what it feels like to inhale marijuana and feel the subsequent 'high' from it, I do know what it is like to talk to addicts at The Coleman Institute who are coming off of drugs who tell me that 'pot is a gateway drug' and that they used to not feel that way but their destructive drug history tells them otherwise.
    Don't get me wrong, I am not judging people who smoke pot. I am hoping that they find a better way of life than frying their brain on green weed. Life is too beautiful, too bold, too fun, too exciting and too short to waste inhaling bud dude...seriously...put out the bud, destroy the bong and join the "sober highway"...we've got lots of great destinations!

Patient Testimonies: Good News!!!

2012-04-19T17:11:00.000-04:00

It is a joy to work at The Coleman Institute and helping people get free from alcohol, opiates, benzos, Methadone and Suboxone every day! It is even a greater joy to see and hear about the results of our detoxed patients taking ownership of their sobriety and their lives after they leave us. Sometimes, unintentionally, faces and names get mixed up and details slip our minds. So, it is refreshing, literally, to hear back from patient's about their experience, strength, and hope every once in a while. So, without further ado, here are two recent testimonies we received that we are celebrating this month. Would you join us in giving thanks for these two lives that are sober and thriving?

"Just sending a huge thank you to Dr. Coleman I'm now approaching 10 years of being clean from heroin! I could of not done it without him!! Life is great!! So much appreciation!!!"

- "Suzanne W."*

"Just wanted to say 'Happy Birthday'! The Coleman Institute saved my life. I think of you guys everyday. Take care!

- "J.H."*

* Names changed to protect anonymity and confidentiality.

Overdoses Are at Record Levels

2012-04-19T16:41:00.000-04:00

A few weekends ago, we got a call to let us know that one of our favorite patients had been found dead – presumably an opiate overdose. He was a patient I had known for about 15 years but he had never wanted to take his disease seriously. Initially he came in for routine family practice problems. He was funny and engaging, but even at the first visit it was obvious he was drinking too much at times. He didn’t care back then because he was young and handsome. His wife was sticking with him and she didn’t fuss at him too often. He was also from a wealthy family and he had a top executive job at a major international company. He appreciated my concern about his drinking so much that when he went on his next business trip to the Philippines he bought me a personalized box of cigars. Fast forward about 15 years – he continued to drink off and on and he continued to refuse to get treatment or even go to AA. His wife eventually got fed up and left him. He lost his job after he got a DUI. He needed detox from alcohol but still wouldn’t get help. He got hooked on pain killers that he had to take for a medical condition and then he needed detox off of those. His family all rallied around to help him, but he still didn’t think he really needed help like those “other people”. The last few months he was living alone in a small apartment. No job, no girlfriend. Now, he is no longer with us. It is very sad. He was always smart and jovial and friendly. He just didn’t want to take care of his disease.

Recently statistics revealed that opiate overdose deaths have become so common, that in some age groups people are more likely to die of an opiate overdose than they are to die in a traffic accident. These statistics on opiate overdoses are horrendous and they are continuing to get worse….

Here are some other statistics:

Some areas of the US have seen opiate sales increase 16 times (1600%) over the last 10 years.
Opiate overdose deaths in the US have increased about 300% over the last 10 years.
In 2009 there were 35,000 opiate overdoses.
Overdoses from prescription opiates are now more common than overdoses from Heroin and Cocaine combined.
Non-medical use of opiate painkillers cost insurance companies about $72.5 billion per year.
In 2010, the US used 69 tons of Oxycontin and 42 tons of hydrocodone.
Sales of OxyContin in 2008 were over $2.8 Billion.
The US has a higher rate of incarceration than all of the other developed nations – about 2 million prisoners.
About 70% of prisoners in the US are there because of an alcohol or drug addiction.
Less than 25% of prisoners receive any substance abuse treatment.
Prisoners are about 5 -8 times more likely to die of an overdose in the first few weeks after they get out of jail – they have low tolerance, they haven’t received any treatment, and they are often going back to appalling circumstances.
Many times the people dying from opiate overdoses are young, bright people. They are in the prime of their lives and they had the capacity to be happy healthy members of society.
My cousin Bruce died of a Heroin overdose when he was about 22.

Statistics are interesting and can tell us a lot – but they can only show us a broad view of the problem. They miss the personal truths – the pain and the heartache of addicts and their friends and families. There are many causes of the huge increases we have seen in opiate use and opiate overdoses – aggressive and greedy drug companies, ignorant and greedy doctors, ignorant and over-confident patients, greedy drug dealers, ignorant politicians who refuse to pass laws that stop pill mills, insurance companies that won’t pay for treatment, etc., etc.

We all need to do what we can to turn this situation around!

Ticket to Treatment

2012-04-16T15:32:00.000-04:00

We see many clients who have made up their mind to stop using opiates or benzos and are ready to get into a good treatment program. Unfortunately, they are either unable to stop using opiates on their own, or their urine is still screening positive for benzos. Many benzodiazepines (or benzos) have metabolites that stay in the urine for an extended period of time.

If you or a loved one is ready to stop using opiates, but become too physically ill…or you have tried to stop using benzos…consider coming to The Coleman Institute. We can help a person detox off short acting opiates such as Dilaudid or Oxycontin or hydrocodone in a mere 3 days.

We have relationships with several treatment facilities that depend on us for helping their patients get clean so they can start the journey of recovery with a clean slate. Please call Jennifer Pius if you have any questions and are ready to get clean and stay clean as 1.877.77. DETOX

Joan R. Shepherd, NP

Illusion or Certainty?

2012-04-13T18:22:00.000-04:00

"We have to move from the illusion of certainty to the certainty of illusion"

- Sam Keen

Certainty is a great concept. I am certain that life, however, is uncertain! We want to control every detail in life so we can be certain of outcomes. The reality is that we are not in control and nothing is certain. Acknowledging this, of course, raises fear. Stinks doesn't it?

For people suffering from addiction to alcohol, opiates, benzos, methadone, suboxone or other substances and/or behaviors, they want to control even more so they can be certain they will get their fix and all will be right with their world. This is understandable even if it is an illusion. The illusion, of course, is that drugs only create uncertainty in one's life. The uncertainty of the next hit. The uncertainty of getting caught. The uncertainty of losing life and limb. It is a very slippery albeit certain slope leading to jail, death, and insanity.

Therefore, recovery teaches the principle of the 'certainty of illusion'. What is this principle? It is packaged in many different ways but I like the way Mr. Keen says it in the quote at the beginning of this article. We have to be certain of the illusion. In this case, we have to be certain of the illusion that drugs will save us. Certain of the illusion that drugs won't cause problems for us. Certain of the illusion that drugs are good for us. Certain of the illusion of any other 'positive' thing we think about addiction when, in fact, the certain truth is that drugs, alcohol, and addiction are the illusion. They are the "Emperor's New Clothes" so to speak. It's all in your head and the reality is the King is walking around naked and needs to put on some real clothes!

As we go into the weekend, be certain of this: addiction kills. It maims. It destroys. Now, also be more certain of this: recovery brings life, hope, healing, health, abundance, forgiveness, mercy, second chances, a new life, mended relationships, and a whole lot more you can be certain is not an illusion!

- Chris Newcomb, M.Div.

Planting a Seed

2012-04-12T09:18:00.000-04:00

Today we welcome Kate* to our Accelerated Opiate Detox...she’s been using a half to a gram of heroin a day. At age 16, she was put on strong pain medicine after a shoulder operation and she never really stopped using. The Prescription Monitoring Program busted Kate for ‘doctor shopping’, and one day when she couldn’t buy pills off the street, she started on heroin. She turned 21 this month. Sadly, not an unusual story.

During our screening interview, Kate was pretty clear she has no intention to do counseling or meetings after she detoxes with us. Besides heroin, she’s also got a pretty robust alcohol, benzo and cocaine habit. While I’m sure we can help her get and stay off the opiates—at least for the 8 weeks her pellet is present--I am concerned about her long-term prospects for staying clean.

Even at the young age of 21, Kate is a master at self-justification and making excuses. Her sad childhood, torn by divorce, a mother who was not present, teachers who didn’t care and didn’t understand, friends who abandoned her, and bosses that fired her…her list goes on. Kate has made the invention of alibis a fine art. She will get high because things are going well, or because things are going poorly.

My hope for Kate is that she will recognize, bit by bit, that conditions do not and have not caused her to use. I hope that she will come to the recognition that she needs to change to meet conditions, whatever they are. It may well take Kate some time to realize that erratic emotions have victimized her; the early phase of getting perspective on oneself is quite the exercise in humility. But it is necessary if she is to move forward toward wholeness and happiness.

Today’s a start. As a friend quoted recently from Robert Louis Stevenson, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” Hopefully, we will plant a few seeds today.

*Not her real name

Joan R. Shepherd, NP

"They Can Because They Think They Can" - Virgil

2012-04-10T18:29:00.000-04:00

Virgil. It's has a certain ring to it. A sort of 'je ne sais quois" ('I don't know what', for you non-French scholars out there). Yes, Virgil was a wise man apparently because he's still being quoted on blogs in 2012. Give it up for Virgil, Ladies and Gentlemen, still speaking from the grave!!! Crickets.

Never mind. Ahem, anyway, on to more important matters: this business of recovery from substance abuse. At The Coleman Institute, we help people successfully detox off of alcohol, opiates, and benzos. In addition, we are also able to detox patients off of high doses of Methadone and Suboxone. Furthermore, we use naltrexone therapy, which incorporates naltrexone implants, to block cravings to both alcohol and opiates.

If detox is the beginning of sobriety, aftercare is the beginning of recovery. Once a patient completes our detox, it is imperative that he or she begin a daily, regimented program of aftercare as explained by our Aftercare Coordinator/Recovery Coach Chris Newcomb who is responsible for providing aftercare plans to our patients nationwide.

We have seen time and again that those patients who are committed to their aftercare whether it be through in-patient care, intensive outpatient treatment, individual and group counseling, as well as 12 step meetings tend to stay sober longer than those who don't follow their aftercare plan. This raises the question: why?!? It is a very simple answer: addiction is beaten into submission through a daily reprieve based on the maintenance of the individual addict's/alcoholic's spiritual condition. That is, when addicts and alcoholics take care of themselves on a daily basis, they tend to stay sober. Who would have thought?!?

Quite simply: Virgil. He was tapped into the truth long before I wrote this blog. "They can because they think they can," said Virgil sometime before 19 BC when he passed away. It is a simple but profound statement. If you think you can do something, than you can. People who choose to do aftercare, at some point, come to a place where they believe they can do it and will choose to stay sober one day at a time. And they do.

So, this week as you are making choices about your recovery and sobriety, choose to believe you can stay sober. Choose to believe you can put forth the effort it takes to "plan your work and work your plan" of aftercare. Then allow the goodness that is recovery flow into your life as you stay sober one 24 hours at a time remembering Virgil's words and putting them into practice. I think he'd smile at your efforts but more importantly at your belief!

The Anatomy of Substance Abuse

2012-04-06T14:45:00.000-04:00

Individuals fall into substance abuse for various reasons, some may begin to experiment with drugs such as opiates in a social environment due to peer pressure while others may start abusing substances because they are unable to cope with specific stressors in their life. Regardless of the reason to why a person begins to abuse substances, whether through experimentation or through escape, the reason why they continue to abuse substances is usually another "reason" all together. In other words, along the path of substance abuse, the body and mind get addicted to substances and become dependent upon them.

Substance abuse not only impacts an individual's life in a negative manner, but it can also have extremely detrimental effects on the lives of those around that person as well. There are all types of substance abuse that range from alcoholism, prescription pill abuse to illegal drug abuse. Alcohol abuse can range from drinking at various time of the day to excessive drinking each night which is usually accompanied by blackouts. Alcohol, in and of itself, can cause many problems in interpersonal relationships as well as shake the foundation of a marriage.

Prescription pill abuse is another problem that plagues this country. Depending on what type of prescription medication is being abused will determine the severity of side effects that can accompany this specific abuse. Liver problems as well as acute kidney issues can often result from exceeding the recommended dosage from a physician. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, almost 20% of Americans have used prescription medication outside a prescription. The severity of addiction and the amount of time abuse occurred will determine what type of rehabilitation that is required in order to normalize the body. Often times, people try to detox off prescription pill or other drugs using methadone and suboxone and find they are worse off then when they were habitual drug users.

Illegal drug abuse is also rampant across the country and includes the abuse of Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, and illegal Amphetamines. Illegal drug abuse can severely alter an individual's personality where a person will do things that they would not normally do while sober. The road to health and recovery differs in time for each individual, but that road exists for everyone.

In light of this information, if you know someone who is in need of help and requires a helping hand to the road of successful recovery, please refer them our website, http://www.thecolemaninstitute.com. We would be happy to help assess the situation and offer our professional help.

Sobriety and Living Healthy

2012-04-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

Alcohol abuse (a.k.a. alcoholism) is the oldest form of addiction known to society, and social drinking is still very much considered acceptable behavior. However, taken to an extreme level, the toll on the abuser, his/her family and society in general can be heart breaking. Sobriety is now more readily advocated, although some societies still consider drinking a manly activity and encourage it to levels of excess.

Nevertheless, sobriety, by present definition, encompasses a wide variety of substances, not just alcohol, while narcotics of all types, legal or illegal, are becoming an exceedingly detrimental scourge on our society.

Alcohol, in and of itself, is mostly benign but overindulgence can lead to seizures, kidney failure, alcohol-poisoning or a possibly fatal condition known as Delirium Tremens (DT).

The traditional method of alcohol detox has been inpatient detox programs which is an arduous process. Thus, The Coleman Institute has developed an innovative detox process that can be completed within three or four days on an outpatient basis. Detox is the initial step toward a life of sobriety and healthy living.

Personal patient support is imperative to effectively manage the medication regimen at home. Since alcohol depletes essential nutrients and neurochemicals from the brain, such as thiamine, magnesium, and foliate, an IV cocktail of medications is administered to replenish these missing elements. Phenobarbital smooths the detox process until it becomes evident that the process is under complete control, generally taking three to four hours.

Follow-up is extensive and takes the form of medications, alcohol abuse counseling and 12 steps meetings, a concept pioneered by Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). The ultimate goal, of course, is fulfilling and long-lasting sobriety.

Abstinence which leads to sobriety, is the second step and building block toward the progressive process of recovery. The recovery course can be subjected to numerous obstacles to be overcome, with temptation as the main stumbling block to sobriety.

A few reminders of what sobriety entails :

* Vast improvements in brain functions
* Increased energy
* Reduced fatigue and procrastination
* Better self esteem
* Openness to new and satisfying foods
* And so much more .....

According to recently released data, approximately thirty million people in 2009 admitted to driving while intoxicated at least once over the last year, representing 12 percent, an improvement from 14.2 percent in 2002.

Do you or someone you know need help getting clean for alcohol? Perhaps you or someone you know struggle with opiate, benzo, methadone, or suboxone dependency. If so, we are here to help! Please call Jennifer Pius at 1.877.77.DETOX today. Tomorrow may be too late. You'll be glad you called and we can't wait to help you start to live sober and healthy for the rest of your life.

Relapse - A Danger We All Face

2012-04-02T15:39:00.000-04:00

When it comes to addiction to alcohol and drugs, relapse is an ever present danger. Whilst getting sober and fighting the addiction is definitely the hardest part, even after success in this arena you must be ever vigilant against relapse. It is important to note that although you should try your utmost to avoid a relapse, however, should you relapse then you would not be alone. Depending on the actual addiction in question, the rate of relapse can range from 50% and reach a level as high as 90%.

Furthermore, drugs and alcohol are addictions that many people relapse on, often over and over again. So, what can you do to avoid a relapse? The chances may be considerably high but that does not mean that a relapse is inevitable, and there are many things that you can do to avoid this. The longer that you manage to stay away from your addiction, the less likely it is that you will succumb to temptation and go back down that slippery slope.

Arguably the most important thing is to change your lifestyle. Don't allow yourself to get into the same situations in which you used to feed your addiction, obviously locking yourself away would be a step too far, but you may find that you have felt pressure in the past from certain peer groups to join in. If a person can't interact with you without trying to include you in their addiction then you really don't want them as an acquaintance anyway.

Often a relapse is caused by poor lifestyle. In addition, if you feel angry and frustrated about your life may cause you to feel hopeless and that any effort that you make towards sobriety is ultimately in vain. This is why it's good to maintain healthy relationships with people who will help make you feel better about yourself. Group sessions and buddy programs are an excellent solution as they enable you to see that you are not alone and that there are many other people going through the same situation as you. Quite often simply having someone to talk to is worth a great deal more than anyone might expect.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to alcohol, opiates, benzos, methadone or suboxone, please don't hesitate to call Jennifer at The Coleman Institute at 1.877.77.DETOX. You'll be glad you did!