Ours is an age when the internet can often be accessed at a moment’s notice via a laptop computer or smart phone. It’s great to know that we can research so many things so quickly. But when it comes to selecting a treatment center, Heartland Intervention strongly suggests that it is a bad idea to base a selection on your own research. Here are three reasons why.
Web Page = Belly Button
Don’t feel bad! We live in an age where marriages begin with selecting a date from a website. But websites are marketing tools…nothing more! And web pages are like belly buttons…everybody’s got one. Treatment centers (even bad ones) spend thousands off dollars to create websites in an effort to funnel prospective patients their way. They tend to focus on amenities and ease of access while promoting hope to the desperate families. Often they avoid troubling aspects like treatment outcomes, therapeutic philosophy, MAT and cost.
More Than You Know
A friend used to remind me that most subjects involve “more than you know”. This is true with treatment selection too. Often the published length of stay or cost includes some flexibility. In addition, regular referral partners may be able to secure a bed or a ride from the airport quicker than someone calling the admissions department’s general number. Some centers are not set up to do evening or weekend admissions but may be willing to do one at the request of a referring professional. Heartland Intervention works hard to develop professional relationships with the very best treatment centers across the country and throughout Indiana and the Midwest in an effort to best serve our clients.
Treatment Outcomes Matter
When a loved one finally agrees to seek help for addiction it is a significant event! That means it’s critically important to select a treatment center that will offer the VERY best opportunity at recovery. Sometimes that means medically supervised detox, a dual diagnosis program or special treatment for trauma. Websites often fail to mention these offerings or fail to mention that they are available only at a significantly increased cost. The bottom line is that treatment outcomes are a significant factor in selecting a center. At Heartland Intervention, we work with only the VERY best so that our clients will have an opportunity at strong clinical outcomes.
One Final Note
It should be stated that Heartland Intervention receives no stipend, kick-back or rebate from any facility for referrals. To do so would be unethical. From time to time we will be treated to a meal or participate in a professional’s weekend in an effort to better get to know the programming staff and their philosophy. As a Board Registered Interventionist and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor it is important that we remain independent so that we are always ready to best meet the needs of our Heartland Intervention clients.
If you have questions about treatment centers, please feel free to call us at 877/752-8811.
Several years ago, Roger came to Heartland after a difficult stretch which included a DUI. Through tear-stained eyes he said that flashbacks were the most difficult aspect of the ordeal. “I just can’t get the memory or vision of those red and blue flashing lights out of my mind.” He went on to say that as he was failing his field sobriety tests and later sat in jail, he felt as if his life was over.
At Heartland Intervention, we are used to working with clients that face legal issues, including DUI. Often when someone is facing similar charges is it wise to get an assessment from a qualified professional. This signals the court that you are being proactive and taking the charges seriously. It also allows the defendant and his attorney the opportunity to present the court with any clinical recommendations for education and/or treatment. (Often the justice system is more concerned about probation and jail than treatment and recovery.)
When seeking a professional assessment, look for someone with a background in both addictions and assessment. Ideally, choose someone who is a qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional. At the very least select a person who is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor with specialized training in assessment. Avoid those who are assessing you with an eye toward admission to any particular program or institution.
Roger emailed recently to thank Heartland Intervention. Now nearly three years sober, he said his life was better than ever. He said the assessment helped him to avoid jail time and provided the needed encouragement to address a substance abuse issue that had been growing for years. He admitted to still seeing those flashing lights from time to time. But now, they served to remind him of a place that he never wants to go back to. If you or a loved one are facing a DUI in Indiana, contact Heartland Intervention at 877/752-8811. We offer substance abuse assessments from qualified professionals.
For the past several years my family has become increasingly interested in a certain type of television shows. While others where spending time with Survivor, Idol and DWTS, we have been watching Law and Order and NCIS. We enjoy trying to separate the victims from the perpetrators in an effort to figure out “who done it” before the plot is fully revealed. The easiest way to do this is do be on the lookout for evidence and not ignore it’s impact on the case.
As an interventionist and therapist, it’s common to see people very willing to overlook the evidence in their life. Often family members will contact Heartland Intervention and tell us how a loved one is totally unaware of how her addiction impacts the larger family.
Recently, a young man called to discuss whether his ex-wife’s use of illegal drugs and alcohol might be threatening the well-being of his children. He has suspected this for sometime but was unwilling to consider how his inaction might be making the situation worse. When he was finally willing to discuss this with her, she got angry and told him to stay out of her life. We discussed a safety plan for the children and several possible suggestions to encourage her to get help for her addiction.
Another recent client refused to doubt her husband’s fidelity because he recently de-friended her on facebook and had added a number of unusual late evening and weekend meetings for work. In time, the evidence was overwhelming and she admitted to herself that he was likely having an affair. A discussion with him confirmed it.
Former President Ronald Reagan’s phrase, “Trust…but verify” might be useful here. At times, just being willing to honestly consider the evidence that lies before us can be very helpful. When the evidence on television points to a suspect, the characters take action in search of the solution. If the evidence in your life points to addiction, call Heartland Intervention at 877/752-8811 to discuss the options and potential solutions.
What Happens After Treatment?
The intervention process typically results in a person going to inpatient residential treatment for substance abuse or some other related addiction. While the length of stay can vary, no one remains there forever. Accordingly, one of the most common questions that Heartland Intervention will receive is, “What happens after treatment?”.
Treatment Center Role
During the intervention planning process, a great deal of effort is placed on selecting a treatment center that will be a good fit for the addicted person. While attention is paid to cost, geography, treatment philosophy and more, discharge planning plays a big role in the selection process as well. The best treatment centers begin the discharge planning process well in advance of the actual discharge date. Often this involves collecting information about support that will be available when it is needed.
Critical Factors
There are several critical factors to be considered when discussing what happens after treatment. Often, a person will be released from inpatient treatment will remain involved in either day treatment, an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) or relapse prevention program. At the very least, most people will be expected to attend 12-step meetings and have a temporary sponsor at the time of discharge. Many also will have appointments scheduled with a counselor, psychiatrist or addiction specialist who will coordinate further care.
Finally the question of where a person will live must be addressed. Research shows that longer and more intensive treatment exposure is linked to a lower relapse rate. Many people find it better not to return to the same environment where they practiced active addiction. As such, some prefer a sober living facility, halfway house or some other change upon leaving primary treatment.
Amber’s Story
Amber was a young lady in her early 20′s who entered treatment with a remarkable drinking problem. Her family had no addiction history and was not familiar with recovery basics. Amber lived in a very rural Midwestern town, worked in a bar and was nearing the end of her primary treatment in a well-known addiction treatment center. Both Amber and her family wondered what would happen after treatment. Each was engaged in the process which ended with Amber committing to a sober living facility in a larger town about 2 hours from her family. This allowed her to stay engaged in a relapse prevention group, attend AA meetings and find a part time job in an environment that would be supportive of her recovery.
Amber’s story is not unique. There is always a need to trust the recovery process and not focus too much on the future. Fundamentally, recovery is about the present! But careful discharge planing can provide a person in early recovery a framework upon which to build long-term recovery. Call Scott J. Watson at 877/752-8811 if you have questions about discharge planning or the intervention process.
The primary recovery text speaks of a disease that is “cunning, baffling and powerful”. The evidence of this is everywhere but has been reinforced the past several weeks. What follows are two real examples offered for illustration rather than judgment. Each is meant not to expose moral or human failing but rather to point out the tidal power of a disease that is primary, progressive and fatal.
Sally was 18 and found herself addicted to both crack cocaine and an abusive boyfriend. The situation went from bad to worse when her home pregnancy test showed that she was in-fact three months pregnant. Sally faced an intervention and agreed to go to treatment. She got clean, left the boyfriend and she and her baby were living with a family member who also had a young child. At last report, Sally was back in school and had remained drug-free.
Kara had never abused drugs. Still, the disease of addiction was running her life. Her boyfriend was an addict who would rob, cheat and steal in an effort to feed his heroin habit. She and her young son were living in chaos and filth. She was not willing to leave the boyfriend even though her surroundings were dangerous and disgusting. She didn’t want to “betray” or “abandon” him. The result was that she would lie to herself, her family, friends, neighbors and the police to protect her boyfriend. These lies allowed him to continue to use drugs and thus, continue to place all of their lives at risk. Co-dependency and enabling were the ways in which addiction had taken control of her life and kept her from making healthy life-saving choices. Kara’s is a story that will continue to play out. One can pray that the ending is not tragic…..
If you have a loved one who struggles with addiction, it is important to take action. This disease is powerful and impacts more than just the person using the drink or drug. The toll that it takes on relationships, finances, health, self-esteem and life itself is hard to measure. Heartland Intervention, a leading provider of intervention in Indiana, is committed to lovingly and professionally offering recovery instead of addiction. The stakes are high and the disease is daunting. Call 877/752-8811 today for help.
Heartland Intervention, LLC is a leading provider of interventions in Indiana and beyond. But we do many more evaluations for substance abuse than we do interventions. People come to us seeking evaluations for a number of reasons. These include court-ordered evaluations as part of a diversion program following an arrest for public intoxication, possession or DUI. Others come as part of a custody battle. Still others come as part of a workplace program such as MICCS or DOT/SAP return to duty. Whatever your reason for needing a substance use evaluation, Heartland Intervention provides a comprehensive assessments in a professional and confidential environment.
Recently a person came to Heartland Intervention, LLC seeking an assessment following an arrest for possession. This person had never been arrested but was concerned that this arrest would result in a job loss and an inablility to serve in the armed forces which had been a long-time goal. Following the assessment, the client completed the recommendations for both education and treatment. His case was accepted for diversion, meaning that he was allowed to enlist into the United States Army following the completion of a court diversion program.
Scott J. Watson is a Licenced Clinical Addiction Counselor and a qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional. In addition to his clinical skills, Scott is a frequent lecturer on Substance Abuse Assessments. Recently he presented at the Indiana Counselor Association and at Bloomington Meadows Hospital. Scott is a leading choice for assessments in Central Indiana.
If you or a loved one needs an assessment for drug or alcohol use, call Heartland Intervention 877/752-8811 today. Our rates are competitive and our offices are convenient.
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There is a 33 year old who is just finishing up her first month in treatment. She arrived at the treatment center drunk, scared and without much hope. “Betsy” called yesterday to talk about how things are going for her so far. Our conversation was encouraging and served to reinforce some of the lessons from early recovery. Lessons that Heartland Intervention hopes all of our clients, referral partners and friends always keep in mind.
Recovery is a Journey
Betsy detailed several of the struggles that she has had since arriving in treatment. These include destructive thoughts of relapse, struggles with eating properly, wondering if a sober life would really be any fun. While she has struggled with these and other thoughts, Betsy reports that they are fleeting. In short, those thoughts left shortly after they arrived, especially if she was honest with her treatment staff and those she met in meetings and groups. She said that the thoughts still haunted her but the intensity, frequency and duration all seemed to be getting better as time goes on.
Spiritual Growth
When Betsy checked into treatment, she had many questions and few answers about belief, faith, God and the spiritual life. Now sober, she is committed to exploring what faith might look like. She now says that there is a God but doubts that deity resembles the one she was made to worship as a child. Betsy reports that her theology is in its infacy. Still, she reports a willingness to explore, pray and grow along spiritual lines.
Treatment Works
Before arriving in treatment Betsy had a very difficult time staying sober. At best she would string together a few weeks but most often her sobriety only counted a few days. She admits to struggling with her new-found life but also reports that each day, it gets easier. “I still think about drinking but now I just tell somebody rather than obsess over it.”, she reports.
Betsy’s honesty, quality of sobriety and progress serves to hammer home an important point and to push back against a common myth. Treatment works! If you have a loved one that needs help, call Heartland Intervention today! We are a leading provider of intervention services in Indiana and beyond. Call 877/752-8811 today. Our founder Scott J. Watson is committed to helping others experience the lessons that Betsy reported.
Recovery from drugs and alcohol is often described as needing to change “people, places and things”. In fact, doing things differently allows for different results and the promise of a better and brighter future.
Heartland Intervention, a leading provider for interventions in Indiana, realizes that growth occurs best when change is embraced and encouraged. Given that, Heartland Intervention, LLC is proud to announce that we have opened our new office. Beginning today, our corporate offices are located at 8560 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis, IN. Heartland’s Scott J. Watson said, “We are excited about and grateful for our new home. It is convenient to get to and provides accessibility, warmth and privacy for those seeking counseling, assessments and interventions.” Located just North of the Greenwood Park Mall, it is convenient to many who live in surrounding communities.
Watson also noted, “We bought this building because it allows for many different things including growth…but we can’t say too much more about that yet!” He will continue to see clients in the North Office as well. “This change will allow us to better serve our clients and expand our services to those who are seeking a better way of life.”, said Watson.
Our new mailing address is: Heartland Intervention, LLC 8560 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227 Please feel free to contact us at 877/752-8811 with any questions.
Heartland Intervention, LLC, a leading provider of addiction services, is pleased to announce that Scott J. Watson has been certified by the International Interventionists Credentialing Board as a Board Registered Interventionist. Board Registered Interventionists are required to meet strict educational, practical and ethical standards in order to both meet and maintain this credential.
“Heartland Intervention already enjoys a wonderful reputation and I hope that this additional credential will serve to reinforce the quality of the work that we do.”, Watson stated. “Education, credentials and professional competence are important, but fundamentally, intervention is about guiding individuals and their families from the despair of addiction to the hope of recovery.”
In addition to his recent credential as a Board Registered Interventionist, Scott J. Watson is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor in Indiana; a DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional, a Nationally Certified Counselor and has a Master’s Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Scott is a regular contributor on WIBC radio.
Heartland Intervention, LLC was founded in 2007 and is a leading provider of intervention and SAP services in Indianapolis, IN. Mr. Watson regularly travels throughout the Midwest as an interventionist. You can contact him directly at 877/752-8811 or online at www.heartlandintervention.com.
When you hear the term “12-step program”, “Alcoholics Anonymous” or “Narcotics Anonymous” what is your first response? For many the terms elicit very strong reactions. Often times these reactions are based on experience. Sometimes their reaction is based on a fear or inaccurate belief regarding what 12-step programs are all about.
Experience shows that groups such as AA, NA or many similar groups can be a power adjunct in the recovery from a wide range of addictions and other destructive behaviors. Having said that, 12-step groups are not a replacement for medically supervised detox, residential or intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or even relapse prevention groups, individual therapy or professional support groups. At Heartland Intervention we encourage intervention clients, therapy clients and their families to consider attending an appropriate 12-step group. In Indianapolis and elsewhere meetings are plentiful and welcome those who struggle.
Within the context of recovery, 12-step groups have a well documented history of helping people begin or continue in their journey of recovery. Yet some are afraid to attend meetings for a variety of reasons. When working with a person who offers resistance to meetings we have found it helpful to explore the resistance and explore the client’s willingness to attend 12-step meetings regardless of their hesitation.
If you have questions about 12-step programs or how we work with resistant families and clients, we would welcome a call at 877/752-8811.
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