Beginning the Journey of Recovery Learning the language of addiction and recovery

The Shores Mission Statement To provide a safe, nurturing and loving environment for our clients to heal from addiction. We will treat all phases of the disease using the most current medical, physiological, psychological holistic and spiritual approaches available from a team consisting of licensed and board certified professionals.

The Shores Philosophy Is based upon the theory that addiction to alcohol and other substances is a multi-fold disease: physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological. We believe that the recovery consists of every aspect of the affected persons’ lives, as well as the lives of their loved ones. We also realize that healing can be a very difficult and painful process-much the same as recovery from any other illness.

Treatment/Insurance Definitions PHP- Partial Hospitalization: Minimum 25 hours of treatment per week The housing is utilized solely for the purpose of assisting clients in making a transition to independent living IOP-Intensive Out Patient Minimum 9 hours of treatment per week Is appropriate for client who do not require structured 24/7 residential treatment OP – Out Patient Minimum of 1 counseling session per week Detox- Eliminating the body of harmful substances due to use/abuse Halfway Housing/Sober House- Independent transitional, housing with accountability and structure from inpatient to outpatient status

WHAT IS ADDICTION? A chronic neglect of self in favor of something or someone else, to the point that stopping is very difficult and causes severe physical and mental reactions. Causes denial, obsessive thinking, grandiose thinking, thought distortions, memory loss, and loss of reasoning ability. Addiction is a primary, chronic disease that leads to individual biological, psychological, social and spiritual difficulties.

WHAT IS RECOVERY? The path to achieve health and happiness in one’s life. A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery Stages: Withdrawal (Detox) Early Abstinence (Honeymoon) Protracted Abstinence (Hitting the Wall) Adjustment/Resolution (New way of life)

WITHDRAWAL Detox Cravings Depression/anxiety Low energy Irritability Exhaustion Insomnia Paranoia Memory problems Intense hunger

EARLY ABSTINENCE Increased energy and optimism Over confident Difficulty concentrating Continued memory problems Concern about weight gain Intense feelings and mood swings Substituting substances Inability to prioritize Mild paranoia

PROTRACTED ABSTINENCE Continued lifestyle changes Anger and depression Isolation Family adjustment Experiencing positive benefits from abstinence Emotional swings Return of cravings and old behaviors

ADJUSTMENT/RESOLUTION Feelings of accomplishment Continued lifestyle and relationship changes Maintaining a balanced lifestyle Accepting that recovery is a life long process Monitoring for relapse signs Identifying the root problems

OTHER HELPFUL DEFINITIONS INSANITY: To repeatedly try the same thing expecting a different outcome CO-DEPENDANT: Trying to control people, places and events in another persons’ life to the degree that ones’ own self- identity is lost.

ENABLING: Reacting/responding to another person in such a way as to shield him/her from experiencing the full consequences of their behavior. ABSTINENCE: Act of refraining from indulging in self destructive behaviors DENIAL: the process for which one is unable to see or admit their need for help OBSESSION: a persistent idea or impulse that cannot be controlled or eliminated by reason or logic. This will interferer with normal daily activities.

12 STEP-PROGRAM: a group of principals, spiritual in nature which if practiced can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happy and whole. AA/NA: support group meeting which teach the 12 step program and offer support and accountability as a way of life for the addict.