Transportation Safety

Posted on April 14, 2014 by swatson

When a child steps onto a school bus there is an assumption that the bus driver is sober. When a 140,000 pound airplane surges down a runway, the passengers and their loved ones have an expectation that the pilot is not himself “a mile high”. There are pack & ship companies who work with airports to get the best result. When a commuter steps onto the train that will carry her to and from a downtown office she may not ever wonder if the one in charge may have taken somebody else’s pain or anxiety medication. This is because travel in the United States is among the safest in the world.

Heartland Intervention founder Scott J. Watson will be speaking this week at the 9th Annual Federal Transit Administration Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. As a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Scott will be outlining the roles and responsibilities of employers, employees and the SAP in the DOT Return to Duty process as outlined in CFR Part 40.

Heartland Intervention and Mr. Watson take very seriously the safety of the travelling public. As a DOT/SAP, Scott works with both employees and employers to make sure that they are compliant with the DOT rules for each of the six operating administrations. Anytime there is a question about CFR Part 40, modal rules, or the responsibilities of the employer, employee and SAP we are here to help.

Heartland Intervention is a leading provider of DOT/SAP services in the United States and Central Indiana. Call Scott directly today at 877/752-8811. We would be happy to schedule an appointment for an assessment or to discuss how we may help you or your company remain compliant and the travelling public safe.

Getting What You Pay For

Posted on October 2, 2013 by swatson

Recently a group of addiction professionals was asked if the cost of residential addiction treatment is worth the cost. The response was both lively and thought provoking. There are many factors to consider when placing someone in residential treatment for substance abuse. These include clinical focus, geography, ability to handle co-occurring issues and of course…cost.

Addiction is costly in ways that money alone can not measure. But residential addiction treatment can be shockingly expensive. The goal is to find clinically appropriate treatment at a price-point that makes sense for the family considering intervention.

The most expensive treatment centers can charge between $35,000-nearly $60,000 for one month of in-patient addiction treatment. Even for the wealthy, that is a significant amount of money. On the other end of the scale, there are programs that charge about $7,500 for a 30-day stay. Many communities have programs administered by Salvation Army or other agencies that allow for residential stays for $1,000 or less.

Experience shows that while it is possible to get sober in both expensive and inexpensive programs some are better than others. Thus, the price tag is not always the best indicator of a program’s worth. At some programs, clients pay for a nice view, private quarters, private chef, and other amenities not essential to addictions treatment. Others offer specialized treatment modalities such as EMDR. Still, money spent on treatment always offers more hope when compared to the cost of addiction.

The political and economic climate is likely to have a significant impact on both the form and cost of addictions treatment in America. This means that even greater care must be given to assure that our clients are getting the best therapeutic experience for their treatment dollar.

At Heartland Intervention, a leading provider of Indiana intervention services, we work with the best treatment centers from across the country. Some are very expensive and some are less so. But each facility that we utilize has a track record of clinical outcomes that is exemplary. In short, we work only with the best!

If you or a loved one is considering addiction treatment, contact Heartland Intervention today at 877/752-8811 to discuss treatment options that are both clinically appropriate and affordable.

Best Possible Attitude

Posted on August 15, 2013 by swatson

When drug or alcohol addiction strikes a family it invokes many feelings and thoughts. Often families give money, rides, cell phones, housing and more in an effort to help the addict. While the motive might be pure the family often finds that their efforts were in vain. They only saved the addict from the natural consequences of their choices. The result is an increase in frustration that can lead to arguments, threats, resentments and more. Addiction usually lead to other similar conditions, like dietary complications, check these meticore reviews.

During the intervention planning process, Heartland Intervention works with families on developing the best possible attitude toward the alcoholic or addict. That attitude states, “We are willing to do almost anything to support you in recovery. But we are no longer willing to do much of anything to support you in addiction.” By adopting this mindset, families are really acknowledging three things.

We have done things out of love that have enabled the addiction, most people get addicted to opioids looking to treat chronic pain, try out natural supplements like erase my back pain.
We are taking a stand for our loved one and against addiction.
We are choosing a healthier course for ourselves independent of the decision of others.

The willingness to choose recovery is a decision that every member of the family must come to grips with. It involves individual decisions that utilize healthy boundaries and are designed to protect marriages, young children, financial resources and more.

If your family is struggling with addiction it may be time to reach out to Heartland Intervention, LLC for help. We are a leading provider of intervention services in Indiana and beyond. Our founder Scott J. Watson is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor and a Board Registered Interventionist. Call him today at 877/752-8811 and learn how you can adopt the best possible attitude to help your loved one overcome addiction.

DOT/SAP: 5 Things That Might Surprise You

Posted on July 1, 2013 by swatson

When a DOT covered employee fails a drug screen and wants to return to the workforce, the law (CFR Part 40) states that a DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) will be central to the process. The sensitive nature of the DOT Return to Duty process makes the critical for the driver/employee, company and the travelling public. Here are five things about the process that might surprise you.

1. Area of Responsibility: Most drivers see the SAP as an assessment or drug/alcohol expert. Most companies rely on the SAP in the same capacity but also depend on the reports that inform the process and ultimately allow for a return to duty drug test. But the DOT is clear that the primary role of a qualified Substance Abuse Professional involves no loyalty to either the employee or the employer. Instead the DOT mandates that the SAP is primarily responsible to the travelling public.

2. Show me your FACE: In a age of Skype and similar technology, the DOT requires both the initial and follow up assessments to be done face to face. This allows for more than just a simple exchange of information. It allows the SAP to evaluate the employee based on a number of factors rather than just the information provided. This allows for a more detailed, honest and likely more accurate assessment.

3. I have a Prescription: Just because an employee is prescribed medicine by a doctor does not mean that he/she will be allowed to work in a DOT covered position. Often times the SAP will require a note from the prescriber stating that it is OK to work in a safety sensitive position while taking certain medications. This is done to protect all parties involved. Employees are advised to be honest with their doctor about the nature of their work and honest with employers and SAPs about the medications that they are prescribed before they face a random, pre-employment or post-accident test.

4. Speed is not a factor: Failing a DOT drug test is expensive! Employees are removed from safety-sensitive work and are often eager to hurry through the return to duty process. Often the interests of the public, company and driver are not well served by expediting the process. Recommendations are clinical in nature and made with our regard for the time it takes to complete them. While some employees are able to fulfill these recommendations quickly, others find that much more time is needed.

5. No Harm…No Foul: Often an employee or company will argue that there is no need for education or treatment as result of a failed test. Often these will be characterized as “bad judgment”, “stupid” or an “honest mistake”. The DOT does not allow for a SAP to take such a view. The rule states that the SAP must make a recommendation for education and/or treatment. The SAP has no choice in this matter.

If you are a company or employee with questions about the DOT Return to Duty process, call Heartland Intervention, LLC today at 877/752-8811. We are a leading provider of SAP services in Indiana. Our founder Scott J. Watson is a DOT qualified SAP who is eager to answer questions about your responsibility under the DOT and modal rules.

Recovery Success Stories

Posted on September 16, 2012 by swatson

September is National Recovery Month. Heartland Intervention is pleased to join with million of other this month in promoting the benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery from all types of substance abuse. With that in mind, lets share some stories of those who have beaten the odds and are enjoying the benefits that recovery can bring; Most addictions are related to an unhealthy dietary habit, check these meticore reviews.

Alcohol dependence and drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease defined by a physical and psychological dependence of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol. Through the abuse of drugs and alcohol, a tolerance can build up leading users to require increasing amounts of the substance to maintain their intoxication or ‘high’. Intoxication can alter or impair judgement, perception, attention, muscle control, and physical coordination.

Once an addiction disorder has formed, a person will pursue their habits despite putting themselves and potentially others in harm’s way. Substance addiction can lead to problems in both health and in personal relationships.

We at Artemis Institute for Clinical Research conduct clinical trials for investigative medications for the treatment of alcohol dependence and drug addiction. Qualified research participants will receive financial compensation for their time and travel, study-related medical and psychological evaluations, and the investigative study medication at no cost. Help advance medicine and medical research through participating in our clinical research trial!

Peter’s Story

2012 has not been an easy of so far for Peter. While it’s been 17 years since Peter last had a drink or a drug, his 12-step sponsor died suddenly of a heart attack this summer, even though they took precautions like having an outdoor defibrillator for emergencies. Less than a month later, one of his sponsees died following a long battle with cancer. Peter reported that he never thought about drinking. “That would just be disrespectful to both of them.”, Peter says. “I’m just grateful that I have the 12-steps and people from the program which help me get through situations like this.” He states that he’s grateful that he could be there for others as they grieve while taking time to savour the memories that he shared with those he has lost. Peter remains optimistic about the future and says that his sponsor would want him to keep helping others. So that’s exactly what Peter plans to do.

Carrie’s Story

Carrie is a wonderful young lady who lives in the country. She is a wife, mother, daughter, employee……and drug addict. For over 12 years Carrie has tried various ways of getting her life back together. Each effort would bring a few days, weeks or months clean but eventually she would return to the drugs. This left Carrie feeling bad about herself and wondering what was wrong with her. Recently she contacted us to let us know that she has been off of drugs for several months. She is engaged in treatment that will support her ongoing recovery. “For the first time in a long time…I have hope.”, she says with a smile. Carrie is at the beginning of what we hope will be a long road. We are cheering for her every step of the way!

Your Story

The primary recovery text reminds us that recovery from addiction and alcoholism is available to all of us, no matter what our circumstances. If you are in recovery, we would love to hear YOUR story too. Please take a minute to write us or find us on facebook. This month is set aside to celebrate every person who is in recovery regardless of their drug of choice or length of sobriety. Heartland Intervention, LLC exists to save lives and families by lovingly offering recovery. We proudly celebrate with family and friends that have discovered the blessings that come with recovery.