Starting Over Talk - Peer Coaching Support Site

KNC wrote:

QUOTE:
Hello. I am a certified Addictions Counselor, and I hold a Bachelors in Social Work.

I enjoy SO, but dont get to watch much this season. Last year, many of the exercises really threw me for a loop, and those of us who have worked in residential treatement programs have been known to use some strange strategies to get a clients attention.

If this year is the same, I would have to watch it all carefully to comment, and even then its tricky. Just watching it on tv will not give me all the info I would need to help someone. There is much that is edited because of time and yes...ratings. Not really helpful to the watching professional.

KNC, I actually minored in Social Work. Your addictions certification caught my eye. I posted my question in another thread yesterday, (See subject Kim and topic wine and smoking or something like that) I wondered why SO sent Christie to the Passages Group for at least 2 sessions. Are you familar with their philosophy?

Another member posted her understanding of their philosophy, Dr.Stan spoke about and I read somethings about this school of thought. It seems to be in direct contradiction to that of most 12 step programs, so I was curious since the life coach, Rhonda seems to follow the 12 step program.

It seems that Passages says that if you deal with the internal problem that causes you to abuse the substance, then you can resume consuming the substance in moderation. Twelve step programs say no way. You can never take any amount of the substance again. Am I understanding this right?

hi Debby. I'm not familiar with passages...however the thinking behind it is somewhat similar to what is practices in some "harm reduction" strategies.

I have tended to work with chronic alcoholic/addicts...people whose lives have virtually been destroyed, as well as the lives of their loved ones. Although I cannot say for sure that an alcoholic or addict could never drink or use a drug again...I would never recommend that. I have seen many people relapse because they felt that because of therapy...they now have it under control. I only witnessed tragedy in those instances. Of course....I havent seen everything though, and I try not to judge a particular path someone may have chosen. I would just hope that someone in that situation would still have a soft place to land. *smile*

KNC, Thanks for your info. I think I may research it later on. Right now I'm trying to get my brother to join a 12 step program. (One that he can attend daily for support) He was in a 30 day inhouse program about a year ago, but hasn't followed up with anything. He recently relapsed but claims he's now back on track. I've done everything I can to convince him to go but he says he can do it alone. It's very frustrating. I'm sure you deal with that all the time.

I've kept my eye of the Christie storyline. Rhonda has been guiding her to accept and love her mom, just the way she is, which is a drug addict. I'm having problems doing that with my brother. I have questions regarding enabling. I have told him the only reason I will speak to him is if he wants transportation or help seeking treatment. No chit chat, no nothing unless he seeks treatment. And I will not give him any money.

Whenever you watch the shows that show an Intervention, one of the things the leader says it that you take away anything you have over the addict to get him to agree to go into treatment. Sometimes that involves saying, I will not continue my realtionship with you in any way if you do not accept treatment.

On SO they taught Christie to accept her mother even though she will not accept treatment. She made her a handmade gift, ate lunch and told her how much she accepted her the way she is, drug addict and all. I'm confused.

Me too Debby.

I can't see me telling my sister to leave her hubby until he agrees to get treatment.......he's not violent at all toward her and the kids..........but he does drive home and I am SO upset about that. I've done all I can from a support standpoint that I know to do. But he's taking anti-depressants now and says he can handle himself. I just don't know what to say either..........I certainly don't want to say the wrong thing!!!! I've taken a major step back and just told her I'm here if she wants to talk and that's all. I guess there really are so many theories about how to handle the alcoholism issue.

Grizz, sorry to hear you have the same situation. My brother and his wife just separated again, for the third and final time. She's had it and so has the rest of the family.

I plan to do some more research and investigate joining a support group for family members of drug addicts.

Oh Debby....I am confused by that one too! Its not that I think Christie should ignore her mom...but she can tell her she loves her without accepting her addiction. I viewed that episode as " its ok...you can continue to use".

A hard line was taken with me many many years ago. I knew I was loved....but I knew my behaviour was unacceptable, and I was told that they (family) were not going to be a part or watch it any longer.

It saved my life and set me on a course that I am forever grateful for. I too...have had to do that.

Happy Easter Debby.