Posts in category: Uncategorized

Setting Boundaries with your child in recovery

Boundaries are a key part of life, but they are essential for those in recovery from substance addiction or abuse.  Setting Boundaries with your child is a Healthy Way of Helping Your Child With Addiction Recovery.

Boundaries need to be firm and stable but having them too rigid or too relaxed can both be damaging especially in the formative years of a child’s life.  Boundaries that are too strict can lead to emotional repression, whereas lax boundaries cause issues with developing a sense of self and personal responsibility.

It is always worth remembering that boundaries work both ways:  You must set your own but you must also respect those set by others, including your child.  This forms the basis of a healthy relationship which makes all the difference in the treatment of addictions.

Setting Boundaries With a Teen

Setting boundaries in place is one of the ways you can help when a teen becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol.  By setting out boundaries, establishing what the consequences are for violating these and maintaining them consistently will help your teen move towards the realization that they need some help.

It is tempting to try to cushion your child but this prevents them from experiencing the full consequences of their actions.  Often parents will ensure the addicted teen’s needs are met to the detriment of the other family members which can cause a strain on familial relationships.  It is not useful to enable the addictive behavior, in fact, it makes them less likely to seek help.

Boundaries will remove that stress, encourage other family members to engage in their own interests and the teen will be allowed to see how much danger they are in as a result of their addiction.

Addiction Recovery for Teens Requires Healthy Boundaries

To set healthy boundaries you need to understand that suits you may not work for others.  We are all unique so you will need to give a lot of thought to what will work for you.  To help with this here are some things you need to remember:

• Boundaries should reflect your right to personal feelings, values and beliefs.
• Identify your real, underlying emotions. An understanding of this will make communication more honest, direct and meaningful.
• Think about how you want to be treated, express these and set limits.
• If you find your boundaries are not respected it is OK to express this and to say no.
• If you are unsure if someone is pushing your boundaries always follow your gut and respond accordingly.
• When your boundaries are tested be prepared to defend them and know that it is fine to do so.

What are Unhealthy Boundaries?

Unhealthy boundaries are weak boundaries and these are counterproductive for teen addiction recovery.  If you have set an unhealthy boundary it will mean you start to act against your own interests.  It can leave you open to manipulation or abuse.  Some examples of unhealthy boundaries include:

• Always pleasing others at the expense of your own personal beliefs, values and plans.
• Allowing others to define your boundaries.
• Making choices and decisions for others.
• Not being able to say no, or feeling guilty if you do.
• Feeling manipulated, used, threatened or mistreated.
• Unable or hesitant to assert yourself or express your own opinion.
• Feeling pressurized to act in certain ways.
• Taking on other peoples responsibilities.
• Telling others what to do, how to behave, or what they should feel.

Boundaries and Consequences

With every boundary, there must is a consequence if that boundary is ignored you must be willing and able to enforce it.  One common boundary is staying away from peers or places that risk sobriety.  Your teen’s boundaries are not under your control.  However, if they decide to take that risk their consequence is that they have to deal with the results.

Boundaries to help Reconciliation

Substance and alcohol addiction is always accompanied by behaviors that threaten relationships and once someone has gone into recovery it can be one of the most difficult things to put right.  Making sure that healthy boundaries are in place mean that those close to the situation are protected and the individuals all learn to take responsibility for their own actions.

Boundaries to Remove Negative Influences

As the family and friends set their boundaries, the person in recovery needs to do the same.  This is a key way of removing negative influences that threaten their sobriety.  Learning how to say no, especially to old friends, how to end relationships and so on is part of the process of recovery.

To ensure that boundaries are enforced enjoying some self-care activities like taking exercising, eating well, getting support and making new relationships with sober peers gives a much-needed boost to self-esteem and increases determination to maintain boundaries when they are pushed.

When Boundary Setting Fails

Setting boundaries is vital at this stage of your teen’s life and critical to their recovery from addiction.  Setting boundaries with your child in recovery will build confidence and help strengthen positive relationships with family and peers that are an essential support for maintaining sobriety.

If you feel that your boundaries are not respected and the consequences have little or no little effect it is time to consult a professional about treatment.

At The Last House, we provide age-specific treatment programs for teens which have been proven to work more effectively than all-age programs.  Give our professional counselors a call or fill in our contact form to find out how we can help you and your child start on the road to sobriety.

Safe and Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol for Coping with Stress

It is not uncommon that alcohol is used as a way of dealing with stress and coping with difficult situations, yet this type of self-medication will ultimately lead to a worsening situation.  Over time the triggers that turned someone to drink will become connected to the alcohol use, with the alcohol becoming a major stressor in its own right.  This creates and perpetuates a cycle of substance abuse and addiction.

The best way to address the problem of using alcohol as self-medication is to undergo a dual-diagnosis treatment program which identifies and treats any underlying mental health problem as well as the addiction itself.

There are other safer and healthier ways to help a person adjust their behavior before alcohol abuse develops into addiction.

Supplements

Stress is part of life and over time we need to develop strategies to cope with it healthily.  Instead of turning to substance abuse to escape or avoid dealing with stress, there are several ways that we can act so we can cope with the stressors without suffering physically, emotionally or financially.  One of those ways is to use supplements that help by bringing us towards a more relaxed state without the physical or psychological damage caused by drugs or alcohol.

Kava

Kava is also known as kava root, kava pepper, kawa kawa, kew and intoxicating pepper.

Kava is a native plant of the South Pacific and medicinally it is used to help with anxiety, restlessness and stress and sleep problems.  Additionally, it can be used for headache, depression, muscular pain and in the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  It is well known as a painkiller and is used to promote wound healing.

Kava acts on the brain and the central nervous system (CNS) and is also drunk socially in a similar way to alcohol because it gives you all the social effect of alcohol without any of the dangers or risk of addiction.  It also has no negative depressant effect to be concerned about and is not damaging to the liver.

L-theanine

L-theanine is predominantly found in tea leaves but is also present in a form of edible mushroom known as Boletus badius.  L-theanine relaxes an individual but does not make them drowsy, it has a positive impact on the cardiovascular system and helps relieve stress.

It is most commonly found in tea but it can also be found in other foods, particularly in Japanese cuisine.  Although it has caused some side effects (headaches and dizziness) the substance is mostly beneficial and has even been said to have a part to play in the prevention of cancer.  It is calming and stress relieving and gives the same relaxing effects as alcohol safely and healthily.

Valerian

The herb Valerian also has other common names including baldrian, amantilla, all-heal and garden heliotrope.  It is used to treat sleep problems and when combined with other herbs like lemon balm or hops it can cause drowsiness.  It is often used to treat stress, migraines, stomach problems, anxiety and nervous asthma.

Some people have used Valerian as a treatment for depression, tremors, epilepsy, joint pain and ADHD and it can also be added to bathwater to help an individual relax and prevent restlessness.  The herb sedates the brain and nervous system and is useful for those who use alcohol to relax or fall asleep.

Activities

Two other common reasons people use alcohol are to help with personal interactions and to fill time.  Rather than using alcohol other activities can be used to build connections with others, pass time, as well as being a good way to work towards physical and mental health.

These activities have all been shown to have a positive impact when used as Safe and Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol for coping with stress:

Meditation

Meditation has been used for many centuries and is known to help people cope with stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.  As well as being relaxing it can also help lower blood pressure and help reduce pain.

Meditation is one of the ways that treatment programs help people overcome addiction.  It encourages them to develop a sense of self, inward calm and focuses their attention.  Meditation can include a mantra, image or sound to focus on if you wish.  Some people find silence works best for them and focus on special breathing techniques, stillness and silence for around 15-20 minutes.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to release stress – be that dancing, running, swimming or going to the gym, you can increase physical fitness, confidence and body image at the same time.  Exercise works in a multitude of ways to change a persons outlook on life and make them less likely to turn to alcohol as a form of stress relief.  There are many form of exercise that are Safe and Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol for coping with stress.  Try different thingns and find out what works best for you.

Spending time with family, friends and loved ones

This is an obvious de-stressing technique that is often overlooked.  If you spend time talking, laughing and doing activities with people you love you will soon find your mood improves and your ability to cope with stress increases.

Taking up new hobbies

The time that is spent drinking can be more beneficial if it is full of interesting and inspiring new hobbies and activities.  Maybe you want to start reading that book that’s been on the shelf for a while or go to a movie?  If you feel creative maybe painting or making music is the way forward?  Whatever it is it will reduce your stress levels and give you something positive to focus on.  Maybe you want to try something new?  Is there something you have been meaning to try for a while?  Don’t be afraid to look for new and interesting ways to fill your time.

Treating Alcohol Addiction

If alcohol use starts to become addition it is time to seek help.  Long term use of alcohol causes physical and mental damage and impacts personal relationships.  It is vital to see a professional as withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous without medical supervision.

Alongside help with withdrawal professionals will look at what contributing factors triggered the addiction and work with the individual to look at ways of avoiding and ameliorating these. Treatment programs also offer opportunities to connect with other people and groups who have faced the same challenges and can assist them in their long term recovery.

Young Adults and Alcohol Addiction

Young adults are going through a unique and challenging transition in life and are often more negatively impacted by alcohol addiction as a result.  At The Last House, we have a decade of experience in treating young adults struggling with substance or alcohol abuse.  If you need advice or guidance or are worried about someone’s use of alcohol we are happy to give advice.  Please call us or fill in our contact form and one of our professional counselors will be happy to discuss your needs and concerns.

The Last House Sober Living integrates many of the above methods that are designated as Safe and Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol for coping with stress.  Contact Us for more information on our program and how we can help you with your fight against addiction.

How to Confront your Child if you suspect they are using Drugs

Parents don’t suddenly wake up one morning with the fear that their child is using drugs; it is usually something that develops over time because they have noticed signs that something is not quite right.

It could be that a previously good student has started to drop their grades.  Perhaps they are hanging out with a bad crowd, becoming more secretive or their behavior has deteriorated.   There could be more concrete reasons why, as a parent, you have become suspicious; you are finding your money gone, they look different or maybe you have found drugs or equipment.

No matter why you have grown suspicious, the thought of a child using drugs is something that most parents find terrifying.  It is easy to become angry, scared, afraid or confused and your mind may seem to be all over the place.  The big question most parents in this situation asks is what can I do now?

A child using drugs is something that must be tackled head-on but it is really hard to know how to raise the subject.  Although your thoughts and emotions are likely to be in turmoil you must keep your feelings in check and collect your thoughts before saying anything to your child.  Preparation is the key to what is an undoubtedly difficult and challenging conversation, but getting ready beforehand can make all the difference in the outcome, avoid any backlash, and enable your family to move forward constructively.

Starting the Conversation About Substance Abuse

Whatever substance your child is using, be that drugs or alcohol, make sure you are prepared, calm and know what you want to say before you try to start a conversation. This article is intended to help teach you How to Confront your Child if you suspect they are using Drugs.

The direct approach is always the best.  There is no way around the fact that abusing drugs or alcohol is dangerous but you must avoid getting emotional and try to make sure that your child does not pick up any feelings of anger or frustration.  Avoid making accusations.  If you fall into any of these traps or you start to shout and threaten the result will be that your child will shut down and won’t be willing to talk at all.  Tackle the problem with some delicacy to have a chance that they will open up.

The best approach is from a place of caring – that you are concerned for their well-being.  A child who abuses any substance will try to play it down so keep calm and express your thoughts without getting angry, shouting or making accusations.

Make it clear what you expect.  There are many ways to tell someone that substance abuse is not acceptable or safe and that there are consequences they have to face without getting aggressive, angry or confrontational.

Don’t try to talk to them if they are obviously under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  They will not engage with you and it could make it harder when you approach them again when they are sober.

Instead of accusing them of anything try to ask some more open-ended questions so that they have an opportunity to explain, expand upon and discuss the issues.  Avoid judgmental questions but steer the conversation in the right direction.  Try asking how they are feeling, what they are using, when and how often and always ask how you can help them.  Let your child know that you support them and want to help: That you are there for them.

If they open up and engage with you tell them how much you appreciate them doing so and how you know this is hard for them.  You can then move on to how you can go about getting them the help they need.

Although it is often a parental instinct to punish wrongdoing, this will be counterproductive in this case.  Taking away their phone, removing privileges or grounding them is not going to help them to stop abusing alcohol or drugs.  It can have the opposite effect by causing the child to withdraw, turning more and more to the substance they abuse.

The main priority is to get them the help they need and this is non-negotiable.

Make sure you are clear that the best solution is treatment and give them options depending on what is available.  If your child is under 18 it is often easier to get them onto a treatment program.  However, for over 18s you may need to use some leverage such as an offer to support their treatment financially or by removing any existing financial support.

Boundaries are essential in these situations – you must tell your child what is and is not acceptable and stick to these no matter what.  This can have a far-reaching effect on things like living arrangements, financial support, and multiple other factors which depend on whether or not your child will accept help, treatment and support.

At The Last House we know how frightening and painful it is to find that your child is using drugs or alcohol and we know that sometimes the first conversation may not go the way you want it to.  Be prepared to accept defeat and come back to the topic later.  Even if they will not admit to having a problem it is important that you try to move the situation forward so they can get the help they need.

If your child is currently using drugs you will need a plan in place to speak with them about this, but also some suggestions on where to go after the conversation, contact our experienced admission counselors.  At The Last House, we can offer advice on a variety of options and interventions. Give us a call and we will help teach you how to Confront your Child if you suspect they are using Drugs.

Please fill in our contact form or call us and we can help you take the first step towards getting the help you need for your child.

Best Addiction Documentaries for Teens

In the mainstream media drug and alcohol use can often be portrayed as normal or even glamorous and teens are impressionable, especially when their favorite stars can be seen using them and having fun.  Documentaries can add some much needed realism into the view of drugs in a world which rarely looks at the negative aspects of substance abuse and focuses on the so-called benefits.

On the occasions when the mainstream media does show the consequences of substance/alcohol abuse this is often seen as a normal consequence of  ‘having a good time’, rather than something that can be dangerous and even life-threatening.  This constant stream of sanitized images of drug and alcohol use is a worrying source of misinformation which does not address growing concerns about the use of these substances in young adulthood.

Fortunately, outside of the mainstream there is a lot of good information available on streaming services which provide access to a lot of useful and interesting documentaries. Here are some of the best addiction documentaries:

Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery

Russell Brand holds nothing back when he discussed his own struggles with drugs/alcohol.  The actor is known for his comedic acts and has played several roles where the character is using drugs or alcohol.  Brand took the decision to take control of his addictions when he was told he faced death, insanity or jail. Brand argues that governments and other agencies often misunderstand addiction, treating it as a criminal activity rather than the disease that it is.  He also looks at some alternative ways of dealing with the issue of addiction in general.

Marijuana: A Second Class Addiction (David Goldenkranz)

This documentary follows the life of 22 year old David Goldenkranz as he struggles to quit marijuana and looks at the common misconception that marijuana is non-addictive.  This documentary is more relevant than ever as the movement to legalize the drug grows both in the US and globally.  In trying to quit the drug, David finds that his friends are not supportive and often ridicule him and he finds it increasingly difficult to break way from its use.  The film doesn’t make a case for legalizing marijuana but it does present different viewpoints on the subject and includes interviews with people who have been treated for cannabis addiction.

Kids on Ice

Meth has a number of commonly used street names include glass, shard and ice and this documentary focuses on the problem of methamphetamine addiction, specifically issues faced with childhood addiction which is causing havoc in the small rural communities of Australia.  Law enforcement has proven to be almost powerless in trying to turn back the tide and with a lack of resources many people seeking help, including children as young as fourteen, are being turned away from counseling as a result.  The film is disturbing in its nature, showing how casual experiments leave kids addicted and becoming involved in criminal activities to manage an addiction which has largely destroyed their lives.

Dope Sick Love

This documentary is unique in that the focus is on the life of a New York City couple who are addicted to heroin. The camera follows them as they go about their day activities; there is no narrative, no interviews, the viewer just watches the events as they unfold.   There is nothing that escapes the camera lens; buying the drugs, shooting up and robbing others to fund their habit.  Even the most disturbing moments of their lives are captured and displayed to the viewer.  The film clearly shows how the couple’s life revolves completely around getting and using the drug to the exclusion of everything else.

Oxycontin: Time Bomb

Oxycontin is a helpful medication that helps those suffering from chronic pain achieve a better quality of life but, alongside this, it has also become a drug of addiction.  Oxycontin has been promoted by the medial community because of its analgesic properties but, as t his documentary points out, many receive a lot of funding from the drug companies when they advocate the use of the drug.  In recent years there has been an alarming increase in the recreation use of Oxycontin and in the incidence of overdose.

Overtaken

This is a compelling film in which a number of teens describe the near-death experiences they suffered as a result of drug abuse.  These are teens that surprise the viewer by not fitting into the sort of stereotype we are often presented with when it comes to substance abuse.  The teens in this documentary are athletes, top students and other high performers which highlights that drug and alcohol abuse is something anyone can fall victim to.  The students tell their stories of comas, overdose, losing control and the drugs they have taken – ranging from cannabis, to alcohol to prescription drugs and how they fell into the downward spiral of addiction.

Ben: Diary of a Heroin Addict

In this documentary we meet Ben who was brought up in a middle-class home with a loving family. With his upbringing Ben was heading for success but instead he ended up succumbing to heroin addiction.  In the video diary that Ben kept the viewer sees the real life effects of the drug on this promising young man.  Ben was shooting up around four times a day and eventually his veins became useless leading to scenes where Ben is having to inject heroin into the veins in his groin.  The viewer watches Ben on the phone as he mixes his hit while telling the caller he is now clean. Ben’s attempts to get clean, his motivations and how the drug simply took him over makes this documentary hard to watch.

Young Adults are more Susceptible to the Influence of Pop Culture

In the Movies

In movies the use of drugs and alcohol is glorified; there are no consequences with users often shown as cool, popular and successful people. For example, in the movie Superbad a group of somewhat geeky misfit teens want to be cool and get the girls.  The film’s focus in on the comedy of the situation and some of the embarrassing things that happen when you drink to much.  Sadly, like many others it avoids the real concerns, for example, the effects of alcohol poising, the risk of sexual assault or accidents.  That is why we made a list of the best addiction documentaries which show the ugly truth about addiction.

In Music

Music has always been an arena where drug and alcohol abuse is celebrated.  It is still perceived as ‘cool’ and there are many songs that extol the virtues of partying hard and getting high. Some songs will mention specific drugs and, as a result, increase their popularity.

Even if someone listens and is not consciously influenced to try a drug they remain part of a culture that sees substance use as normal and acceptable.  It can mean that teens are less likely to refuse or feel under pressure to try substances which then lead them down the path of addiction.

The Unique Challenges of Young Adults

It is obviously a major challenge to counter the influence that pop culture and social media have on teens.  They are at an age where they are going through a rapid stage of physical and psychological growth and personality development and facing increasing responsibilities in their lives.  This is what makes them much more susceptible to media influence than their adult counterparts and should receive treatment away from older addicts.

At The Last House we have extensive experience of treating teens/young adults who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction.  If you would like to know more or are looking for help for yourself or a young adult, please get in touch via our contact form or ring our team.

When I came to The Last House, I was a coward.  I was incapable of looking at myself or critiquing myself in a meaningful way.  My ego was through the roof and I didn’t really take to heart any advice or feedback that was given to me.  I would pretend to listen just to get people off my back and then to myself thing that it was bullshit. I lived in my own world and truly believed that I was the smartest person in any room I walked into.  My heart was filled with hate and I was just resentful at the world as a whole. I blamed everyone except myself for all my problems. I was so self-absorbed I could not care less about the harm I was causing my family.  I remember when my dad finally wouldn’t put up with my shit anymore and he kicked me out of the house last year. He gave me $300 and told me to never come back and not to call. I happily took the money and headed straight to Baltimore to get crack and heroine.  The only thing that was ever on my mind was the next hit. I then spend the next month or two homeless, wandering the streets of Baltimore with no hope. That experience thoroughly broke me and gave me the gift of desperation that I needed to get better. I was a hundred pounds, soaking wet and could barely form a sentence, but I was ready to get my life back on track.  Going through The Last House this past year has given me hope. For the past decade I thought I was destined to die, sad and alone, with no accomplishments worth mentioning. This house has given me confidence that I can achieve anything and it’s given me the balls to go after my dreams. I lived in constant fear before I got here, always worried about letting people down or not living up to my own expectations.  I’ve learned not to dwell on my mistakes and I have made a few since I have been here.  The one thing I have gained that I am the most grateful for after going through this house is freedom. My mind is no longer consumed with getting high or finding money to get high. I don’t dwell on my past or the wreckage I’ve caused. I can only think about what I can do today to give me and my family a better future. Overall, I am just happy. I work a job I hate 45 hours a week in a state that I despise and yet I am happy still. The house has taught me to appreciate what I have, which has been essential for me in sobriety.

When I entered The Last House I was nothing, but a broken, angry, stuck up little kid. I thought I knew better than everyone else, because everyone else was out to get me. I was anxious and insecure and wore a mask to cover all of that up. Luckily, the house saw right through all of that and helped me work on my character defects. They were there for all of my weak ass attempts to leave, they were there when I wanted to get high, and they continuously pushed me in the right direction. It was hard to buy in at first, but my life only got better after I did so. It was crazy, every day I woke up, I wanted to live a little more, I was a little less angry, and walked with my head a little bit higher. When I came in I did not want to be sober and had no drive to do all that AA shit, but because the house made me do the steps and attend meetings it started to work, then I bought into AA and my life changed even more. What’s great about this program is that you don’t have to want it, or maybe you want it more than anyone else because you want to be in your kids’ life, or you feel broken, but none of that matters. It’s just about doing it and the promises will come.

I came into The Last House one year ago today as a lost grown little kid mentally thinking that if I just make money and distract myself from what is really going on I will be okay and look back at my addiction as just a speed bump, and keep going on with life. Growing up the youngest of 4 kids, I also felt like I never had a voice in my house, so I sought attention outside of the house from my peers, but always feeling a little off and not knowing what it was. I went all of high school and college partying like I thought a normal teen, college kid does, but in reality I was snorting vodka to get attention and get out of my head. My spring season of lacrosse I tore my knee and was prescribed Percocet and that finally was the answer to all those shitty feelings I had my whole life. That started a very dark and crazy 3 years of my life, all the way to a nasty end of me living in my car in the Kensington section of Philly, snorting heroin in order to go to a construction job.
My family gave me an ultimatum, either I go to their cabin in the mountains and train to get in the army or they call the cops and report their car, I was living in, stolen. I chose option A, and so I went and knocked heroin in about 5 months until I watched Christopher from the Sopranos, relapse on heroin and that was all I wanted to do. Without a program I was powerless and I came up with a plan to sneak down to Philly in the middle of the night to get dope. 3 days a week. That lasted about 2 months before I got arrested for DUI and possession. The cat was out of the bag again. I was kicked out and went to go get help at a state run facility in Philly, where I was the only one not from prison, which made me feel like an outsider and not a real addict still. Still thinking I just need to get a good job and move away to be okay. I did just that and had 4 months sober, working in downtown Philly. I decided to go to a work happy hour on Thursday, April 4 2018. I was going to drink, but it would be my secret. Well I blacked out and coped dope on my way back to my rehab. The next morning on April 5, 2018, I snorted a bag of Fentanyl and overdosed. I woke up to an EMT and the director telling me to breathe. It took 7 shots of Narcan to get me back. That was my last day of using. From the hospital I went to a wilderness program in North Carolina for 90 days and that’s where they told me about The Last House and I am so grateful they did. I have grown so much as a person and a man the past year because of The Last House and AA. They taught me patience and to find a way to sit with myself first, before I try to go get a job and distract myself. The Last House showed me what it actually means to work a true program. Having a brotherhood and community to lean on when times are tough and when things are great. From alumni, to staff, to roommates, the relationships I have today in my life are the best I have ever had. I love this place and I am so proud to call it my home.

I came into The Last House beaten, miserable, and defeated. I felt worthless, had zero self-confidence, and didn’t have much optimism or hope for my future. I was extremely deceitful and lied about anything and everything. I started my use the first time I was in college at Arizona State to get over my anxieties and to feel comfortable around people.  I hated being alone yet couldn’t feel comfortable around others. Ironically, nine years later I was completely isolated burned all of my relationships, and completely alone. I kept everything to myself and worked so hard to keep up the façade that I was doing well even going as far as professionally recreating a fake degree to convince my parents I graduated college.  I constantly did stupid things like this knowing full well that I was most likely going to get caught, but doing it anyways because I was unable to face my problems and didn’t want anyone to know what a mess I had made of my life. The worst part was hurting those closest to me and hearing my parents tell me they don’t even know their own son. Years of dishonest and hundreds of thousands of dollars later, I finally reached  point where I knew my carefully built house of cards and lies was going to come crashing down, that I asked for help. Thus bringing me to The Last House. The past year has totally changed my perspective and put me on the right track to a better, happier life. I have discovered myself work and believe in myself that I have a lot to offer this world. I have a purpose today and have a lot of optimism and hope for my future. I learned that honesty is essential in all facets of life no matter how bad the situation or consequences.  I learned to tackle a problem head on and to get ahead of it before it gets bigger. I am able to relax and be content whether I am bored, alone, or hanging out with others. I don’t care as much what people think of me and I am not afraid to just be myself.

First off I would like to start off by saying how grateful I am for The Last House, for all the people who have been by my side through this journey, for being given an opportunity to have a real chance at life.  I spent a lot of years going in and out of treatment and jail, spent a lot of money, I put myself in to a lot of debt, I threw out relationships, opportunities to grow, all my self-respect, integrity and dignity to be able to stay high just one more day.

I remember walking into Thrive Treatment on my first day, still kicking because the detox I was at wouldn’t let me stay to finish my taper.   I was in such a bad spot that anything sounded better than being back on skid row, and I was willing to do anything at that point. About a week later I figured I could probably do it on my own when I felt better, once again, and decided to leave.  Due to a series of events later that night, I ended up back at East House, sitting on the front porch I was at a crossroads, I had no more options. I was to either stay on the path I was on, or I accepted spiritual and physical help. I stayed sober for about 6 months, I started giving myself the credit for where I was at with a flip phone and a minimum wage job, and when some people tried to tell me I was fucking up, I wouldn’t listen.  I stayed out for a month, deep down regretting every second of it. Things got bad again and I ended up back in detox. I sat at a crossroads one more time, I knew if I went to another sober living without the structure I would not get very far, but if I came back to The Last House, I had real brothers that would help me stay put and be here for me. This was the best decision I’ve ever made.  

I spent a lot of time dwelling on the past, beating myself up for starting over one more time.  I made a lot of mistakes and I didn’t do everything right. But no matter what I continued to take steps forward.  I learned to listen to feedback, and do my best to apply it in my daily life. I was able to go back to court and take care of multiple warrants that had been put out a few years ago.  I even turned myself into jail while in the house. I learned to handle life head on. I’ve been able to show up to a job every day no matter how much it sucks, and no matter how much I don’t want to go.  Since having done that I have become manager of the cafe I work at. I’ve learned to show up for my family, it is no longer a chore for me to be a part of my family. I have integrity and dignity today. I have become accountable to myself and for my actions.  I know when I am wrong and I am able to admit it.  

If I can say anything for the new people, stay patient.  Be an example for the next person behind you, let someone else make decisions for you.  Don’t think you know what’s best for you, because that literally got you here, sitting in the chair you’re in right now.  Show up when you are asked to and work the steps. It certainly is not easy, but it is so simple. And if I can do this, so can you.

Wilderness Treatment in California

If you are thinking about Wilderness Treatment in California for your loved one suffering from addiction, mental or behavioral health disorders, then you are certainly on the right track. Adventure Therapy is one of the most effective forms of therapy for young adults and adolescents. Compared to traditional Residential Treatments and office-based therapies, wilderness and adventure programs allows patients the ability to exercise real learning in safe environments to push through anxiety, stress, and excitement. These are valuable skills that can be developed rapidly in an outdoor setting and translate to actionable skills when back in urban or front-country environments.

Wilderness treatment is highly effective for disorders such as; alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, borderline personality disorder, attachment disorder, spectrum disorders, bi-polar, technology addiction, and oppositional defiance disorder. A common misconception is that wilderness is a place to send “bad kids” for punishment. Most treatment is designed to treat maladaptive behavior responses that often result from core wounding or trauma responses. When removing a young person from a familiar environment that includes constant over stimulation from cell phones, media pressures, school and social pressures there becomes the ability to leverage the inherent neuroplasticity of a younger brain and can lead to a more effective intervention on disruptive behaviors.

A study in 2004 from Outdoor Behavioral Health Research Council (OBHRC) shows a 50% reduction in symptoms using the Youth Outcome Questionnaire (YOQ). It also showed a continued decrease in symptoms over time.

With Wilderness Treatment being so effective, it leads us to wonder why there isn’t a Wilderness Treatment program in our home state. The answer is because some states like California have laws that make it very difficult and expensive to run an active Wilderness Treatment Program. Due to large populations, California’s departments Land Management tightly control access to California’s open spaces. California’s laws do not protect large private landholders enough to make them comfortable with lending their land to outside use. California’s rich mineral content and agriculture make most of the earth more valuable to industries such as mining and logging. The value of land in California prices out the outdoor behavioral health industry which traditionally operates as a labor of love.

California’s Behavioral Health industry has grown in response to increasing rates of drug addiction and mental health disorders nationwide. It has long been a haven for the treatment of mental health disorders because it is socially acceptable to be open about recovery. So, it is easy to see why programs would take modalities that work so well in the wilderness and apply it to treatment in more populated area’s. Programs like The Last House in LosAngeles, Ca utilize experiential therapies to get their clients “off the couch” and practicing coping and recovery skills outside of their treatment office. “Although our program is not a replacement for Wilderness Treatment in California ,” says Clayton Ketchum, Founder of The Last House, “Using experiential therapies in young adults significantly improves the transition from the backcountry to an urban environment where most young people desire to live and grow their lives.” Utilizing local recreation areas like the Santa Monica Mountains for day outings and the Sierra Nevada Mountains for weekend adventures, “Creates lasting bonds between our clients, because completing a small journey together introduces them to the camaraderie necessary to embark on a life long journey of recovery.” The Last House urges those considering treatment to call their Admissions Counselors for a thorough assessment and to learn about the different types of Wilderness Therapy programs.

When it comes to choosing a Wilderness Treatment Program, it is essential to have a thorough assessment to identify the best fit. It may be difficult to find Wilderness Treatment in California. Several wilderness programs operate in Utah, Colorado, Oregon, and Montana. The two main types of programs are known commonly as the Base model and Nomad model. Different Wilderness programs best serve different populations so it is important that a student be paired with the program which best suits their needs. The other thing to consider is insurance coverage and cost which takes a thorough financial evaluation. Wilderness typically runs $15,000 to $38,000 per month and varies on what insurance covers or reimburses. Chris Kirby, the Admissions Director at The Last House, says, “Not all insurance is created equal, I have seen insurance cover 90% of a program or only reimburse 10%, the first step is getting a full Verification of Benefits to determine what coverage would be.”

The “Nomad Model” is a type of wilderness which is full wilderness immersion. The students begin at a base camp and don’t return until they are finished. They are in the wilderness the entire time trekking from camp to camp and doing group and individual therapy sessions in the woods. They utilize highly skilled field guides to facilitate interventions in the field.

The “Base Model” wilderness, also known as an “Adventure Model” utilizes the wilderness for multiple day excursions and incorporates different activities into each journey. Students return to base where they engage in medical and clinical visits, de-brief and planning for their next outing. They also utilize skilled field guides and therapists in the field to process the experience.

Wilderness Therapy is described by professionals, families and clients alike as one of the most effective and significant interventions for people struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. The other significant factor in the success of someone doing a wilderness program is continuing care. Any initial treatment experience is only the first intervention. For lasting success and decreased recidivism, it is recommended that a young person is in one year of follow up care. Best outcomes come from a highly structured sober living or young addult transitional program. It is crucial that students learn to use their wilderness skills in everyday life and habituate their new coping skills, especially when combating the internal dialogue and behavior patterns which typically lead to relapse.

Citation:

Russell, K.C.(2005). Two years later: A qualitative assessment of youth-well-being and the role of aftercare in outdoor behavioral healthcare treatment. Child and Youth Care Forum, 34, 3, 209-239.