Technology Misuse, Abuse, & Addiction Among Teenagers

technology misuse

[The following was written by Patrick Hagler, a counselor for the Choices program at The Council on Recovery.]

It is hard to escape screens. Most likely, you are looking at one right now! Although the long-term effects of screen time are still being studied, the effects of excessive internet and smartphone use are well-documented. “Pathological” internet use has been linked to depression in teens, and it may even shrink gray matter (see article links below).

Pathological Internet Use May Cause Teen Depression

Gray Matters: Too Much Screen Time Damages the Brain Continue reading “Technology Misuse, Abuse, & Addiction Among Teenagers” →

Rob Lowe Wows Record Crowd at The Council’s Fall Luncheon, Raises Over $600K

Rob Lowe Speaks at The Council on Recovery's Fall Luncheon

Iconic Hollywood star, Rob Lowe, helped The Council on Recovery’s Fall Luncheon exceed all expectations in terms of size, money raised, and rave reviews from attendees. Nearly 1,270 enthusiastic Council supporters filled the Hilton Americas grand ballroom on October 20th to hear the celebrated actor, author, and producer tell his personal story of recovery from alcoholism and addiction. In the process, he helped The Council raise more than $600,000 to fund its critical programs and services. Continue reading “Rob Lowe Wows Record Crowd at The Council’s Fall Luncheon, Raises Over $600K” →

“Boomers on a Bender” – Older Adults & Harmful Alcohol Use

Boomers on a BenderBoomers on a Bender is the cover story in the May/June 2017 issue of Today’s Geriatric Medicine magazine that reports on the dramatic increases in harmful alcohol use by older adults. Aimed at medical providers, the article details the alarming increase in both binge drinking and alcohol use disorders (AUD) among adults aged 65 and older. Doctors are urged to screen and identify unhealthy alcohol use by their older patients and to discuss the risks of continued use and the options available to stop drinking for those with the problem.

The Council on Recovery wholeheartedly agrees.

However, as access to and delivery of medical care has become more challenging than ever, screening for AUD in older patients remains infrequent, according to studies cited in the article. While physicians continue to face a myriad of difficult issues related to managing medical care, Continue reading ““Boomers on a Bender” – Older Adults & Harmful Alcohol Use” →

The Mathematics of Codependency (1+1=1)

codepdenencyWould you go to any length or tolerate almost any behavior in order to hold on to your current relationship? Do you fear abandonment? Do you find yourself making lots of sacrifices for another’s happiness but don’t get much in return. If you answered yes to these questions, you may be displaying signs of codependency.

Codependency is a behavioral and emotional condition affecting a person’s ability to have a healthy and mutually-satisfying relationship. Codependents often form and maintain relationships involving neediness and control rather and respect and love.

Caretakers and Takers

Codependent relationships are comprised of “caretakers” and “takers”.  Caretakers often give up their own wants and needs in order to satisfy their partner, children, etc. They live through and for others for the sole purpose of receiving love and validation in return, not in the interest of giving itself. Often caretakers find themselves in physically and emotionally abusive relationships, due to their inability to say no and their belief that if they love enough or are good enough they can and will eventually change the other person.

On the other hand, takers have an extreme desire to control people around them. Takers attempt to control the amount of attention, approval, or love received from others with criticism, guilt, anger, neediness, intrusive touch, emotional drama, or continuous talking. When these two types of people meet and form relationships, the dynamics are typically unhealthy.

Signs and Characteristics of Codependency

  • Unhealthy dependence on relationships
  • Issues with setting healthy boundaries or problems with intimacy
  • A strong desire to control others
  • Guilt when asserting yourself
  • An extreme need for recognition or approval
  • Continuous anger
  • Dishonesty/lies
  • Lack of communication
  • Trouble making decisions
  • Lack of trust in others/self

You Identified With These Signs: What is the Next Step?

The first step in breaking a cycle of codependency is to acknowledge and recognize the problem. A better understanding of codependency can be gained through many written and online resources, including landmark self-help books, such as, Codependent No More by Melody Beattie. If you want help for your codependency there are a variety of effective counseling and therapeutic approaches, as well as, 12-step groups that focus on a mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual solutions to the problem. Regardless of which avenue you choose, it is important you begin your journey to healing and healthy relationships.

The Council on Recovery is often the starting place for individuals seeking help with codependency, as well as other addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders. Help is available for all family members. Call 713.942.4100 or visit www.councilonrecovery.org

http://www.hope.edu/admin/hr/benefits/ads/eac/eacnews_spring09.pdf

https://foh.psc.gov/eapnews/consortium/codependence.html

A Chance for Family Healing: Kids Camp at The Council, March 16-18, 2017

Alcoholism and drug addiction in families are really hard on children.  That’s why The Council on Recovery sponsors Kids Camp for children ages 7-12 from homes affected by alcoholism and drug abuse. For children whose parents are struggling with addiction, Kids Camp is a break from it all—a chance to have fun, expresses feelings, and heal the hurt. The next Kids Camp at The Council is March 16-19th and registration is still open to all.

Kids Camp at The Council helps kids learn they are not alone and that other kids and families have similar experiences. Through art, games, role-play, and fun activities, kids learn to identify and express feelings, develop self-care skills, and deepen communication with their family.

Parents, caregivers, and teen siblings join the children for portions of the program, including family education and support. All services are provided in a safe and confidential setting.

Kids Camp at The Council helps parents and children open lines of communication and heal the hurt in their relationships. By learning about addiction in an age-appropriate way, kids gain valuable insight and understanding. The entire family learns new skills and is given the tools to recover.

It takes great courage to address the struggles and obstacles your family may be experiencing. Now is the time to show your children that family can prevail, healing is possible, and there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.

To register for the upcoming Kids Camp at The Council, March 16-18th, call 281.200.9299 or email children@councilonrecovery.org.

Kids Camp at The Council is offered throughout the year. To see the dates of upcoming Kids Camp, click here!

Relapse & Renewal Clinic’s Call-Center Answers 500-Pound Phone

Struggling against relapse and the fear of reaching out for help can make the phone feel like it weighs 500 pounds. Fortunately, the call-center at the Relapse & Renewal Clinic™ is staffed by licensed addiction and recovery therapists who are trained to be both compassionate and helpful, and provide immediate help to those in need.

“By listening carefully, asking the right questions, and respecting the caller’s situation, we can assess their needs and suggest the best course of action,” says Lori Fiester, LCSW and Director of The Council on Recovery’s Center for Recovering Families. “For some people, the solution will be the Relapse & Renewal Clinic. For others, it might be our Healing Choices IOP program, or a referral to a residential treatment facility or sober living arrangement. The point is, we want to do what’s best for each person who reaches out to us for help.”

For those people referred to the Relapse & Renewal Clinic, they’ll find a comprehensive outpatient program that combines support, education, group therapy, and personalized treatment to prevent back-sliding (or slipping) and strengthen the desire to stay sober. The intensive four-week program, which includes one-on-one assistance from a Recovery Support Consultant, gives participants sufficient time to practice sobriety skills and better connect with the local recovery community.

The Relapse & Renewal Clinic is an alternative to residential treatment or sober-living facilities when such approaches may not be necessary or affordable. The Clinic is open to all adults, regardless of length of sobriety or number of relapses.

The Relapse & Renewal Clinic is located at The Council on Recovery, 303 Jackson Hill Street, Houston, TX 77007. For more information call 281-200-9290 or visit www.councilonrecovery.org #RelapseandRenewal