Substance Abuse Assessment
Lori has 10+ years experience in the addiction field (in various roles pre and post-licensure). A first step toward sobriety is admitting there is a problem. A complete drug history is obtained during the assessment and key areas are explored as they relate to an individual's alcohol/drug use. Once the severity of the use is determined, a recommendation will be made as to the level of treatment that is needed. Lori is available to assess both adolescents and adults who may be struggling with substance abuse/dependence.
Getting Help For Someone You Love
Admitting to having a drug or alcohol problem is extrememly difficult. Convincing a loved one that he/she needs help is even harder. The best approach to take to encourage a loved one to seek help for his/her drug use is to approach him/her from a perspective of care for his/her well-being. Addicts will often try to bargain when faced with this situation. Some will simply deny there is a problem. Others will become angry and belligerent. Still others will rationalize their drug/alcohol use. All of these reactions are defense mechanisms to protect the addict from having to acknowledge there is a problem. Often, a great deal of shame and fear motivate the use of these defense mechanisms. The best help a family member can offer is assistance in finding and accessing substance abuse services. If the family member who is using alcohol or other drugs is a teenager, it is vital that the family is involved in the teen's treatment. Family members of substance users are also encouraged to engage in a support group for family members of substance users (i.e. Al-Anon, Narconon, Celebrate Recovery, Tough Love). Lastly, it is important to set and maintain boundaries with the family member who is using drugs/alcohol, so as to protect the rest of the family and discourage enabling.