Drug and alcohol counseling differs from other types of counseling as it involves the very specific and detailed assessment and treatment of substance abuse disorders. Unfortunately today substance dependence is rampant and affects many families in many ways. There is not one American untouched by this disease, as alcohol and drug abuse ravages the lives of millions in the US. With the high substance dependence rate in this country, being effected by higher levels of stress and increasing financial difficulties, it seems more than ever individuals as well as families are seeking help for their addicted love ones. With drugs like Oxycontin and other prescription narcotics being used by an estimated 80,000,000 in any given year, it is no wonder there is an epidemic at hand. This is why I welcome those who are currently on Suboxone or Subutex.
As an Addiction Specialist, I have created and perfected some very capable treatments and strategies that target not only current addiction, but help those who may be using excessively and are on the slippery slope of dependence. My assessments and treatment modalities have worked for many clients, helping them walk through and establish sobriety and reduction in addictive drive and use.
Drug and alcohol counseling can also have a profound effect on those who have been unable to manage their drinking. Often I have worked with those who are not dependent but have towed the line, of high grade weekend abuse for years. I am well aware of the entrapment of a party society and I have seen countless clients and even family and friends lost to what was once considered just "happy hour".
Many times I help individuals learn new coping mechanisms and ways to better monitor and decrease their use of substances. Often the realization that a new and better way of life has to be worked through in order to stop the damage that substance abuse can cause. I work with people helping them make decisions about their substance use. I assure you that those who are able to break the chains of addiction are always healthier ad happier on the other side.
I encourage you to seek out help if you or your loved one need hope overcoming addiction or just need to learn how to cut back and stop a destructive pattern. Many times addiction and abuse lies shrouded in secrecy and shame. Don't allow the destructive nature of addiction, to continue to negatively effect your life or the lives around you. Don't wait!
Case Management:
As a former clinical case manager, I am well aware that case management services are often some of the most helpful. When working with younger clients and those recently incarcerated or discharged from rehab, I often explain that this service can truly be the most beneficial.
Exactly what is case management? Case management is a very popular concept used at the state level that I and others have implemented in the private sector. It involves several primary functions and is useful for many populations. It has shown positive results through research data on the national level, in helping clients stay out of the hospital, long term rehab programs, and jail.
First, it provides day to day supervision, assessment, and clinical support for those who often have trouble with chronic relapse states. This can be especially useful for those that need a higher level of care and more direction than what a simple one hour session of counseling can bring. It is my policy to be available to my case management clients daily and always having one face to face contact, while in crisis moments, I may see the client several times throughout the day.
Second, case management provides on-call linking and referral services that are often required by an at risk population. Due to my long working history in San Diego, I have developed many referral sources and contacts that can be essential when dealing with the addicted client. I am able to immediately gain hospitalization or inpatient detox if necessary as well as gain quick and easy acceptance into many day treatment and out patient programs. I also work with a very specialized set of quality addiction service providers. Along with these providers, I work with San Diego sober livings, San Diego drug and alcohol treatment facilities ranging form inexpensive to the more costly treatment facilities and participate in helping those who are court ordered into treatment.
Finally, I am able to provide court ordered help, employment help and other types of custody supervision. Many times families come to me not knowing what to do or how to serve their loved one best. They often tell me, "I wish I could just be around to monitor them every day, but I cant". My response to this is, that it is probably best that they don't put themselves in that enabling position. The alternative is case management. It provides a way for someone to oversee legal visits, court appointments, psychiatric visits and a host of other daily functions for the chronic addict, allowing the family to have assistance.
Most people are unaware of private case management and how useful and impacting it can be. If you, your spouse, or child suffer from chronic relapse and can't seem to maintain on just simple counseling sessions or AA alone, I ask that you call me immediately. I only serve a limited number of these clients on my case load so please call immediately. Case management can be the missing piece in helping your loved one overcome addiction.
Intervention:
I am frequently asked about being on TV, and working with those from A&E's Intervention television show. My answer is always the same, "A successful intervention is one of the most beautiful moments any person, family or professional could ever experience". To bring hope when there has been none, to restore communication and order where chaos has ruled, to see family functioning as a loving helpful unit, is enough to bring tears to the eyes. I am always grateful for these moments I've shared and look forward to seeing more successful interventions in the future.
When doing an intervention I take the opportunity to pull from my training as a systemic therapist. I often see the event as an opportunity to not only get the addicted family member treatment, but to treat the family as a whole. The process is often very healing. I begin working with the family collaboratively. I speak with each member of the intervention unit and gain personal insight into how they can be most effective in the intervention. I then discuss referrals and define the overall best proximity of potential rehab for the client as well as consider financial means of the family.
I then plan a two day trip, where distance is of no concern. I meet with the family the day prior to doing the intervention and utilize this time to discuss past hurts, frustrations and future hopes. I also give an educational presentation where I teach the members about the addiction and help them understand what treatment and life with the addicted person will be like moving forward. We then plan an appropriate meeting place to host the intervention.
On the day of the intervention I provide support and firm guidance helping what often is a very emotional time for the family and the addicted family member, as confrontation is never easy. I help the addicted person understand what is being done and help make sure that the intervention goes as smoothly as possible. I have yet to perform an intervention that has not worked, so moving forward I then accompany the client to the previously arranged treatment facility.
The following day I contact the family and help everyone debrief. Family members often tell me that the process is often the most difficult but rewarding thing they have ever done. The magnitude of ending a destructive cycle and often saving a life is evident.
If your family member or friend are currently battling addiction and have no intentions of stopping until they are in the grave, please don't wait! Contact me by phone or e-mail at any time to start the preparation for a life changing and saving event. Distance and complication are not an issue. I would be honored to participate.
Feel free to contact me any time for a consultation about which treatment option would best serve you. I can be reached at (619) 683-3774 or e-mail me at matt@matthewbruhin.com.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
