Program Information. for Family Members WELCOME TO OUR CENTER LEVELS OF CARE. Primary and Extended Care. Footsteps Residential Continuing Care

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1 Program Information WELCOME TO OUR CENTER 2211 East Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA newfoundlife.com for Family Members Established in 1993, New Found Life is a state licensed and certified, gender specific, residential treatment center for men and women recovering from the abuse of alcohol and drugs. At New Found Life, alcoholism and addiction are recognized as diseases and not as moral failures. Our recovery program follows the 12 Step model. This approach has been proven the most effective way to arrest the disease. We believe the basic principles of the twelve step programs to be a successful formula for life. To introduce, reinforce and demonstrate how to apply these principles in daily living is our purpose. Spirituality, personal responsibility, integrity and genuineness are essential tools for a life well lived and re-establishing these values to individuals seeking recovery in a safe environment is what we strive to achieve. LEVELS OF CARE Primary and Extended Care New Found Life offers both primary and extended care at its main facility. Our homes, located in a beautiful area overlooking the ocean, provide a serene setting that is conducive to recovery. Although chemical dependence is the primary diagnosis for all our residents, we offer a comprehensive, no-nonsense program of recovery that includes: Psychiatric care. Individual counseling sessions. Group counseling sessions. Introduction to self-help groups with strong 12-step recovery focus, including mandatory attendance at daily 12 step meetings. Education and study sessions on 12 step recovery, substance abuse and life skills. Peer problem solving and discussion. Assistance in developing skills for independent living, implementing life changes, anger management, managing personal growth and reducing/managing stress. Progressive personal and group responsibilities. Weekly action planning and evaluation. Continuing Care program. In addition to our recovery services we offer: Superior living accommodations, including bed, linens, pillow, closet and drawer space, food for three daily meals, cable TV, local telephone service and laundry facilities. Personal rights are protected and adhered to in accordance with Title 9, Chapter 4, Section of the California Code of Regulations. 24 hour house supervision. Planned social and recreational activities. Individualized support, recovery and transition plans are developed and monitored. House and personal anonymity. Our program has rules and requirements that have evolved from years of experience in working with alcoholics and addicts. It is important that residents follow the rules even if they do not fully agree with them. They are designed to help them practice personal discipline and personal responsibility. Our program is simple. Residents must: Cooperate with the treatment team Participate in their recovery Follow the schedule Observe the rules Take direction Get a sponsor Work the steps Attend required meetings, step studies, workshops and groups Get phone numbers and call people in the program daily Read all required literature Be of service Footsteps Residential Continuing Care Our residential continuing care facilities provide an opportunity for residents of New Found Life who need a more extended, but less intensive level of active treatment. This program is intended to fill a gap between intensive residential treatment and living in a sober living environment or returning home. The goal for our residents at Footsteps is to continue to utilize the tools and skills learned at NFL that will allow them to develop a healthy, sober lifestyle. Services are provided in a supervised homelike atmosphere promoting stabilization and reintegration into the community while also continuing New Found Life s strong focus on a twelve step program. Residents are invited to live in our continuing care apartments, which are located close to the main center. Residents can return to work or attend school. They may come back to the center to participate in groups, visit with their counselor, dine with the residents, be of service to newcomers, and join in any activities. 1

2 TREATMENT TEAM Nathan E. Lavid, MD Medical Director Dr. Nathan Lavid is a clinical and forensic psychiatrist in private practice in Southern California. Dr. Lavid works with our clients in the areas of addiction, mood disorders and eating disorders. He received his bachelor of arts in microbiology and subsequently his medical degree from the University of Kansas. He completed his internship and psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine. He is a former faculty member at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, where he completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the Institute of Psychiatry and Law. Dr. Lavid serves children, adolescents, and adults in the Long Beach area and also testifies as an expert witness psychiatrist. For more information visit Dr. Lavid s website at Gregory Corbin, MA, LMFT Clinical Director/Therapist Greg Corbin s career in the mental health field began in He has spent these years working with adults, adolescents and families in the field of substance abuse. Greg has a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Greg is also a consultant in healthcare accreditation and management. William John Woodbury, LAADC Program Director Bill Woodbury has worked in the field of chemical dependency since He was a counselor and resource center coordinator at the Peninsula Recovery Center in San Pedro. While there, he opened an Outpatient Center, developed educational lectures for the community and implemented a standard training course for counselors. Bill has taught at ICDS in Westwood, CA; Glendale College in Glendale, CA and a course on Criminal Behavior and Chemical Dependency at Loyola Marymount. consultant to several treatment centers. Leo s passion to help other recovering alcoholics and drug addicts compelled him to write his first book, Say Yes to Life, a book that has helped thousands of people over the years. Tracie Temple Brown, MA, CADC II Counselor Tracie Temple Brown received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emerson College in Massachusetts. She received her Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology at Alliant University in California. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Forensic Psychology at the California School of Forensic Studies (at Alliant University). Tracy has been with NFL since 2006 and active in recovery since Amy Lynn Dimaano, MT-BC Music Therapist AmyLynn Dimaano holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Berklee College and an Equivalency degree from the Music Therapy program at California State University Northridge. She is certified as a Music Therapist by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA) and she is also a certified Remo Health Rhythms drumming empowerment facilitator. She specializes in treating populations facing the challenges of addictions, abuse and grief. Kelly Konrady, CADC II Administrative Coordinator/Counselor Kelly Konrady is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor who has been active in recovery programs for over fourteen years. Kelly obtained her education from California State Dominguez Hills and her counseling certificate from California Paramedical and Technical College where she graduated in the top of her class. She has certified training and experience in Anger Management and P.T.S.D. Suzanne Barron, MS, LMFT Therapist Suzanne Barron is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field of Chemical Dependency. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling. Suzanne has worked as the director of an outpatient substance abuse facility as well as the director of a residential program for eating disorders. Her specializations include addictions, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, grief, and mood disorders. She has been trained in Somatic Experiencing as well as DBT. Ed Storti, BA, CADC II Educational Consultant Ed Storti, lecturer, author and international Intervention Specialist, developed and refined his special method of addictive disease intervention 30 years ago. He has performed over 3,000 family interventions throughout the United States and abroad. He has been included in Town & Country, Woman s World, L.A. Steps, People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and various other magazine and newspaper articles. John Perez, CADC II Counselor John has been active in recovery for over 8 years and been working in the field of recovery for over 6 years. He received his counseling certificate through Cypress Community College where he is currently working towards a degree in Human Services. John is a registered counselor with CAADAC. John Frederick, CDC Counselor John Frederick received his counseling certificate from Centaur University at the top of his class. He obtained his education from Winona University. John has been active in recovery since Leo Booth, ThM, CADC, CEDC Spiritual Advisor Leo Booth is an internationally acclaimed author, lecturer, and trainer on all aspects of spirituality and recovery from depression, addictions, compulsive behaviors, and low self-esteem. He is a Unity minister, holds a master s degree in theology from King s College and is a certified addictions counselor and spiritual 2

3 WEEKLY SCHEDULE New Found Life Schedule TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WED. THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 6:00-8:30 Wake-up Make bed Breakfast Wake-up Make bed Breakfast Wake-up Make bed Breakfast Wake-up Make bed Breakfast Wake-up Make bed Breakfast 8:30-9:00 Chores Chores Chores Chores Chores 9:00-9:15 Manager s Orientation 9:15-10:00 Meditation Goal Setting 10:00-11:00 Process Group Manager s Orientation Meditation Goal Setting Supervised Step Work Manager s Orientation Meditation Goal Setting Men - Process Group Women Outside Step Study (9:30 11:45) Manager s Orientation Meditation Goal Setting Education Group 11:00-12:00 Lunch Lunch Men-Lunch Lunch Manager s Orientation Meditation Goal Setting Process Group Men Lunch Women - Yoga Wake-up 8:30 Make bed Breakfast Manager s Orientation 9:00 Saturday Chores Start at 9:15 Free Time- After Completion of Chores Wake-up 8:30 Make bed Breakfast Manager s Orientation 9:00 Sunday Chores Start at 9:15 Free Time- After Completion of Chores 12:00-1:00 Supervised Step Work Education Men- Step Work Women Lunch Supervised Step Work Men- Yoga Women Lunch/ (12:30 3:00) Lunch 11:00 to 1:00 Lunch 11:00 to 1:00 1:00-2:00 Relapse Prevention 2:00-3:00 Men-Free Time Women- Exercise Body, Mind, Spirit/ Guided Imagery Men-Free Time Women- Exercise Men- Big Book Jeopardy Women- Exercise Men-Free Time Women- Exercise 3:00-4:00 Book Study Community Meeting Book Study Music Therapy/ Art Therapy Men-Free Time Women- Exercise Women -AA Meeting Men - Exercise Job Skills Assistance/ Discussion Group Men-Free Time Men- Book Study Women Discussion Group Activities & Recreation Activities & Recreation In House Educational Group Men 1:30-2:30 Women 3:00-4:00 4:00-5:00 Men-Exercise Women-Free Time Men-Exercise Women-Free Time Men-Exercise Women-Free Time Men-Exercise Women-Free Time Men-Exercise Women-Free Time Dinner 4:00 to 5:00 5:00-6:30 Dinner- Dinner Clean-up Dinner- Dinner Clean-up Dinner- Dinner Clean-up Dinner- Dinner Clean-up Dinner- Dinner Clean-up Dinner 4:00 to 6:00 CA Meeting 5:00-6:00PM (Make-up) 7:00-8:00 Men - Spirituality & Meditation Group Women Outside Meeting Men - Big Book Step Study 7:00 Grace Church Women Outside Meeting Speaker Meeting 8:00 Grace Church Men- Outside Men s Meeting 7:30 Women- Body, Mind, Spirit 7:00 Men-Outside Meeting Women Spirituality & Meditation Group 7:00 NA Big Book Study 6:00-7:00PM (Make-up) Family Group last Saturday of every month 8:00 p.m. Grace Church 3

4 VISITORS, PHONE CALLS AND MAIL It is the policy of New Found Life to protect the anonymity and privacy of residents. As part of that commitment we have developed a visitors policy designed to protect the privacy of residents as well as allow for interaction with the recovery community and family. Visitors Visitors are allowed inside the houses only when invited at specific holiday celebrations. Visitors are not permitted in the bedrooms or upstairs (at either house) Visitors must remain in the patio and common areas of the houses. Family visitation at the facility is only permitted with special approval. Most family visitation is on pass time off premise, but there are certain circumstances that may warrant patio time. These visits are only allowed on Saturday or Sunday for limited times between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and must be approved and scheduled in advance. Residents are not allowed visitors while on Primary One status except at holiday functions and meetings. All visitors to the facility must check in at the office Monday through Friday or with the manager on duty on Saturday and Sunday. All persons picking up residents to go on pass must go to the front door of the facility and check in with the manager. If someone comes to the door of either facility during regular office hours, you will be directed to the office and not brought through the house. There are no unscheduled visits to the facility. You will not be allowed into the houses. Phone Calls Residents are on phone restriction for their first seven days of treatment. After seven days, their personal calls are limited to two per day. Please refer to the schedule for the best times to call. Packages All packages need prior approval from management. Each resident must submit a request in writing to the treatment team for any items they wish to have sent to them. This request must be approved before any packages are sent. Please do not send any food or candy items. Please call the office to discuss these requests as some items may not be allowed even though the resident has asked for them. Due to the limited amount of space, please limit the number of packages that you send. Packages need to be delivered to the office between the hours of 9:00 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Any packages received over the weekend will not be given to the resident until Monday. All packages are searched and items that are not allowed will be confiscated. UNSCHEDULED DISCHARGES It is our stated policy to immediately remove someone from the facility due to a relapse, a violent encounter, the threat of violence, or a fraternization issue. Depending on the reason and circumstances, they may or may not be allowed to return to treatment. We consider this policy necessary to protect the integrity of the program and all its participants. If this happens, we will notify the family as soon as possible. We generally transfer unscheduled discharges to another facility to provide a safe place for the resident and detox if necessary. Any additional cost for this transfer would be the responsibility of the family or responsible party. Should it be determined that the resident is not appropriate for re-entry or if they choose not to return, we would refund their fees based on our refund policy. From time to time, we need to transfer residents to another facility for a therapeutic intervention or reflection. The treatment team may have determined due to a resident s behavior that it would be therapeutic for them to be removed from the center for a period of time to reflect on their actions. We may have to take this action in order to avoid discharging someone who may honestly regret their action and want to return to treatment. Unfortunately, one of the consequences that this action entails is cost. Although we take a $ deposit for the resident s emergency fund and this may cover some of the cost, sometimes it doesn t. We need to inform you that it is your responsibility to pay for this intervention. The place where we send your family member will bill you for the amount of their stay. The length of stay is determined by the treatment team. Sometimes we cannot reach the responsible party or they don t return our call. It states in our entry contract that we can transfer a resident at any time if we need to. If you decide that you do not want us to send your loved one to another facility, then you can request that we send him/her to the airport or they can be picked up if they are local. Either way, they cannot stay at NFL if it has been recommended that they go to a detox or for a therapeutic intervention. 4

5 HELP FOR THE FAMILY AT NFL NFL FAMILY FORUM Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is an illness that has a profound effect on both the individual and his or her family. We believe that family involvement is an integral part of treatment. New Found Life offers help to the affected family members through our Family Program. Our latest addition to our Family Program is the Family Forum*. The forum consists of education sessions presented by renowned experts in the field of recovery. Our Family Forum is a great opportunity for family members to receive tools and information about the nature of addiction and its effects on the family. The Family Forum teaches family members about the impact the disease has on the family system. This forum held the last Saturday morning of every month, is designed to educate family members about the disease of addiction and the recovery process, and is part of NFL s approach for the entire family. Afterwards, participants spend individual family time with residents. The day concludes with our AA/Al-Anon meeting which has been an important part of our Family Program.. As always, counselors are available to meet with residents and family members in small individual counseling sessions. *Registration is required them to cope with their own problems. NFL s Friends & Family meeting is good for everyone involved. It brings the resident and his/her family together. It also exposes people to a 12 Step way of life that may prove to be exactly what people need for spiritual growth. FAMILY COUNSELING Family counseling sessions are available to family members and residents. They can be arranged at our facility or if you cannot travel to New Found Life, they can be conducted over the phone. This is a great opportunity for all participants to share their feelings about the disease and how it has affected them as a family. Please contact your loved one s primary counselor for more information. AL-ANON Alcoholism and drug dependence is a family disease. Anyone whose family has suffered the effects of alcoholism knows the constant emotional strains and pressures, and needs help in relieving these. Nothing will give you a greater relief than the understanding and warmhearted help you will find in an Al-anon Family Group. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness, and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. They do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. FRIENDS & FAMILY MEETING AT NFL NFL s Friends & Family meeting is structured like many regular AA meetings. There is a secretary & treasurer. The secretary invites one AA speaker and one Alanon speaker to share at each meeting. This is followed by questions for the speakers and/or discussion. It is held on the last Saturday of each month at Grace Methodist Church in Long Beach. This meeting is open to everyone, especially family. There is a social hour before the meeting where family and friends gather and interact. This meeting is held at 8:00 pm and residents, family members and friends attend We strongly encourage residents to invite family members and friends to this meeting. It is the opportune time for people to get a feel of how the house works and what it is like to be a resident. A major reason for this meeting is to expose resident family members to active Alanon members and the program of Alanon. This will encourage many to explore Alanon on their own and help 5

6 HELP FOR THE FAMILY NFL RECOMMENDED PROGRAMS THE FAMILY PROGRAM AT THE BETTY FORD CENTER share their feelings about the disease. The focus is on family roles and improving communication skills. The cost for family members to attend is $750 per person. There is no cost for residents who are in the program at NFL. We will drive the resident to and from the center at no cost. Residents are not eligible to attend the program with their family until they are in extended care (second four weeks of treatment). Please call New Found Life for information on attending the Betty Ford Family program. BRIDGES TO RECOVERY INTENSIVE CO-DEPENDACY PROGRAM Family Program Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is an illness that has a profound effect on both the individual and his or her family members. Researchers have found that there may be a genetic predisposition that can affect members of an entire family. An alcoholic or addicted person's life becomes progressively more selfdestructive. The illness is insidious, and the American Medical Association has classified it as a disease. Because the alcoholic or addicted person's life is affected physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, the entire family may become caught up in the destructive progression of the disease. Living with an alcoholic or addicted person can be a chaotic, unpredictable experience that also can affect family members physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Program Focus The Betty Ford Center Family Program offers a recognized form of therapeutic education and support for family members and others who are significant to the person addicted to alcohol and other drugs. The Betty Ford Center's Family Program is a five-day intensive process for adolescents and adults designed to help family members and friends begin their own recovery from the effects of addictive disease. It is especially critical that family members or friends of Betty Ford Center residential patients attend the program to learn how the disease has affected them. Having a relative or friend in residential treatment is not required, however. Anyone who is interested can attend the Family Program. The Family Program includes lectures and films about various dynamics of the disease, group therapy sessions, discussion groups, and other activities. The group therapy sessions allow participants to share their feelings and concerns about how the disease has affected them, and to receive guidance from our family counselors and the other participants. The discussion groups help participants understand their own powerlessness and inability to manage the disease. During the week, residential patients participate with their family members and friends in the Family Program groups. The patients and family members communicate about how the disease has affected each of them with the goal of starting the process of healing. Participants who do not have family members currently in residential treatment also 6 The Bridge to Recovery is a residential treatment center located in Tennessee specializing in programs designed to assist individuals and affected family members suffering from codependence, trauma, and a wide range of addictions. Additionally The Bridge to Recovery works with family members affected by abuse, neglect, abandonment, enmeshment and other issues that hinder personal growth, relationships, and vocational effectiveness. Their program ranges from two to three months or longer depending on the needs of our clients. New Found Life highly recommends this program for our family members who are adversely affected by a family member s addiction, who suffer from low self-esteem, and are controlled by behaviors they have little or no control. Individuals can be addicted to substances, activities, thoughts, feeling and unhealthy relationships. Please visit their website at or call for further information.

7 Supplemental Information for Family Members UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION One of the most heartbreaking things you can experience is watching a loved one s life slowly become ruined due to the devastating effects of alcoholism or drug addiction. Most likely you feel inadequate to help the person. And you may be understandably scared for the person s health and safety (as well as the safety of others around him) if he continues down this path of selfdestruction. It can be maddening, frustrating, and gut-wrenching to deal with the person. And while you may feel very alone in trying to understand and cope with an addict, you are definitely not alone Some Brief Statistics Over 4 out of every 10 adults in the U.S. are related to someone who is, or was, an alcoholic (1) In the U.S., nearly 14 million individuals are alcohol-dependent (1); some research indicates nearly 20 million people have an addiction to alcohol and / or drugs (3). At least 6.6 million U.S. children (age 17 or younger) live with an alcoholic parent (1) In 2005, well over $200 billion was spent on alcohol abuse or addiction (1) When it comes to addictions to drugs or other sub-stances, nearly 5 out of every 10 people in the U.S. have a loved one struggling with a drug problem (2) Roughly 4 out of every 5 crimes in the U.S. are associated with alcoholism or drug addiction (4). For those over the age of 60, approximately 3 million are either alcoholics or abuse alcohol (1). People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can t just use a little willpower to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful craving, or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water. functioning. They may be highly educated and hold prestigious jobs. They are especially adept at hiding their addiction and giving the appearance that everything is fine. Some can live like this for many years without anyone (or, if married, sometimes only their spouse) realizing they are addicted. It is not uncommon for people in high-powered (and thus high pressured) careers to struggle with alcoholism or drug addiction. Sadly, their condition often goes undiagnosed, and because they are so good at fooling others, their own denial is perpetuated and they never get treatment. What is an Addiction? For someone who has never struggled with an addiction, it can be both frustrating and baffling to understand why an alcoholic or addict does the things he does. You wonder why he can t just stop. It makes no sense (from your perspective) as to why he con -tinues drinking or using even though it is destroying his finances, his relationships, his health and / or his job. In fact, you may have tried confronting him only to feel you are beating your head against a wall. Needless to say, significant conflicts between couples and within families occur every single day due to this issue. And as many eventually realize, it is a futile battle. Indicators of Addiction (also known as Dependence) Whether it is alcohol or another substance, there are several key indicators that indicate when a person has become addicted to or dependent upon a substance. These are: Tolerance the need to use more and more of the substance in order to get high, intoxicated, or achieve the desired effect Craving a very powerful urge or need to use or drink Inability to control use the person can t stop using or drinking even though he wants to and tries to Alcoholism and addiction are not merely bad habits which a person can discontinue at any given time. In fact, one of the hallmarks of dependency on a substance is that the person usually does desire to stop and has tried to stop or cut back, only to realize that it is not something he can control. Sadly, this often creates the vicious circle in which the person feels guilty and ashamed that he can t stop, and quickly reaches for the substance as a way to alleviate or numb those painful feelings. While many people picture an addict or alcoholic as someone who can t keep a job, who is always dependent on others, or who has lost everything and is living on the street, that is often not the case. There are many addicts and alcoholics who are very high 7 Withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol or substance isn t used for a period of time (often because the person can t access it for one reason or another), he experiences symptoms of withdrawal which vary in nature depending on the substance Time spent the person spends a lot of time doing things to obtain the substance (e.g., going to lots of doctors to get more pain pills; also, the person may spend a of time recovering from using the substance Continued use despite the problems it causes the person doesn t stop even though he is aware that his use is adversely affecting his work, health, family life, social life or finances

8 When someone becomes addicted to (or dependent on) alcohol or drugs, it has taken on a life of its own. Dependence goes far beyond recreational use of a substance, although many addictions start as such. As you can see from the above list, when a person has become dependent on a substance such as alcohol or street drugs, they have begun to use or drink more heavily and more frequently. This typically happens because they have developed a tolerance for the substance; they need more to get high. Another reason the person uses or drinks more and more is because the cravings have become so intense. In fact, it becomes difficult for him to distinguish between the desire to use, and the need to use. Over time, he needs the alcohol or drug to ward off withdrawal symptoms, which begin to occur when he is without the substance for a certain amount of time. While not all substances lead to physiological dependence, the ones which do can cause some very uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous, withdrawal symptoms. When those start to occur, an addict will do just about anything to get a hold of the substance to stop the withdrawal. Perhaps you have heard someone say they are jonesing for a fix that is a common slang term refer-ring to the need for a drug, usually when someone is starting to experience withdrawal symptoms. Telltale Behaviors and Signs of a Drug Addict The American Medical Association (AMA) defines alcoholism and drug dependence as an illness or disease. Medical dictionaries have defined alcoholism and drug dependence as a disorder characterized by a pathological pattern of alcohol/drug use that causes a serious impairment in social or occupational functioning. The important thing to note is that alcoholism/ drug dependence is not a lifestyle choice. It is a disease, an actual impairment of the body's health that prevents the person from functioning normally and causes not only pain to the alcoholic but also to family and friends. Bruises or needle marks on forearms, feet or legs; tries to hide arms, legs or feet Inappropriately silly or giddy Starts getting in trouble with the law; lies about behavior Becomes more accident prone at home, work or while driving His body, breath or clothing smells like the drug he is using Now that you have some idea what an addiction is, the different factors which may play a role in becoming an addict or an alcoholic, and some information about common drugs of choice as well as the effects of alcohol and many common drugs, it may be helpful to know what to look for if you suspect someone has a serious drug problem. Keep in mind that some behaviors are asassociated with certain drugs and not others, but the following list will give you a good basis of what to look for, as there are many common behaviors regardless of one s drug of choice. These behaviors should be both a change from previous functioning, and have no identifiable cause (e.g. a major life stress such as the death of a loved one; a health issue, etc). Changes in personality or attitude Changes in eating habits or appetite, Weight loss or weight gain Starts missing work or is late more frequently Changes in performance at work Changes in or begins neglecting personal hygiene Loses interest in family Changes in normal habits Starts associating with drug users; spends less time with non-drug using friends Forgetfulness or poor concentration Becomes more talkative or hyperactive Loss of interest in activities, people or things that used to be important to him Decreased motivation; has less energy; more apathetic Needs more and more money; borrowing from friends or family; stealing to get money Mood swings, anxiety, irritability Seems suspicious or paranoid Becomes more secretive and private; suspicious behaviors Aggressive,violent, bizarre behavior Becomes increasingly defensive or resentful Begins accumulating drug paraphernalia 8 Alcohol Addiction While in some ways alcohol is another type of drug, it is really in a category of its own. Not only is alcohol use socially acceptable and readily available, it is completely legal in the U.S. for individual of legal age which varies slightly from state to state. Also, for teens but also for many adults, there is often significant peer pressure to drink in many social situations. Unfortunately, the rate of alcohol abuse and addiction is very high in the U.S. Alcohol abuse and addiction are the cause of many serious health issues, violent acts, child abuse, domestic violence, and death. When alcohol is consumed, the stomach absorbs it and from there it goes into the bloodstream. There are many factors which determine how much it will effect a person, including the person s age, weight, tolerance to alcohol, and how recently and how much they have eaten. Also, alcohol affects different people in different ways. For example, while one person may become outgoing and silly when they drink, another person may become irritable and moody or depressed. Yet others become aggressive or even violent when they drink. One of the primary effects of alcohol is that it is disinhibiting. In other words, when a person drinks, he is far more likely to do things he would not normally do. This is one of the reasons why people who are more introverted or shy may drink just prior to as well as in social situations. Alcohol allows them to loosen up and feel more comfortable and sociable. Unfortunately, this effect of alcohol is also what gets many people into trouble when they drink, as they do things which they later regret. While many people drink alcohol thinking it will give them a boost, it is actually a depressant. It slows down the brain and nervous system. It also has been shown to lower brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, which contribute to a sense of well-being. As a result, alcohol use can cause depression or make existing depression even worse.

9 Effects of alcohol include but are not limited to: Impaired judgment, disinhibition, laughing inappropriately, loud speech, problems with coordination, staggering, talkative, depressed or sad mood, dizziness, slurred speech, glassy eyes, problems sleeping, nausea and vomiting, aggression, confusion, flushed skin, double vision, impaired memory, lethargy, coma and possible death. Warning signs of alcohol abuse or addiction: While there is a very long list of potential indicators of alcohol abuse and addiction, following are some of the more common ones: Feelings of guilt or shame about one s drinking Attempts to cut down or stop Defensive reactions when confronted about alcohol use Denial of alcohol problems even when it is evident to others Usually minimizes how much alcohol has been consumed Drinking early in the day Drinking to deal with a hangover Drinking to stop the shakes GETTING HELP Accepting the fact that help is needed for an alcohol problem may not be easy. But keep in mind that the sooner you get help, the better chances for a successful recovery. Any concerns about discussing drinking-related problems with your health care provider may stem from common misconceptions about alcoholism and alcoholic people. In our society, the myth prevails that an alcohol problem is a sign of moral weakness. As a result, you may feel that to seeking help admitting some type of shameful defect. In fact, alcoholism is a disease that is no more a sign of weakness than is asthma. Moreover, taking steps to identify a possible drinking problem has an enormous payoff a chance for a healthier, more rewarding life. The type of treatment you receive depends on the severity of your alcoholism and the resources that are available in your community. Treatment may include detoxification (the process of safely getting alcohol out of your system); taking doctorprescribed medications to help prevent a return (or relapse) to drinking or drug use; Drinking to cope with emotional issues or stress Frequent drinking alone Inability to stop drinking after a reasonable amount Often makes statements such as I need a drink Continued regular or frequent use of alcohol even when it is negatively impacting one s relationships, work, health or finances The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal Alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous and potentially fatal if done without medical supervision. If an alcoholic who has been drinking regularly, and particularly if his use is quite heavy, suddenly stops, he is at high risk for a variety of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Delirium tremens (often called DTs ) are a medical emergency, and include the following symptoms: grand mal seizures, sweating, rapid heart beat, agitation, insomnia, nausea and / or vomiting, hallucinations, delusions, panic attacks and anxiety, tremors or shakes, high temperature, confusion, and nightmares. Alcohol withdrawal is also very unpleasant, and is one of the reasons alcohol addiction is especially hard to overcome. Much of a heavy alcoholic s drinking is to ward off withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, thus creating a vicious cycle. and individual and/or group counseling. There are promising types of counseling that teach alcoholics to identify situations and feelings that trigger the urge to drink and to find new ways to cope that do not include alcohol use. Because the support of family members is important to the recovery process, many programs also offer family therapy as part of the treatment process. Programs may also link individuals with vital community resources, such as legal assistance, job training, childcare, and parenting classes. New Found Life supports these forms of treatment. However long-term treatment is the most effective way to arrest the disease. Our treatment centers offer that. We can also refer you to other quality facilities if New Found Life does not meet your needs. 9 Addiction and Mental Health Disorders The Dilemma of Dual Diagnosis Many people drink or use as a way of coping with an underlying mental health disorder. Some statistics suggest that as many as 3 out of 10 addicts have depression as well. When an alcoholic or drug addict meets the criteria for an underlying mental health disorder as well, they have what is called a dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know the exact numbers of alcoholics and addicts with a dual diagnosis because many have never been diagnosed. When someone has been using a long time it is difficult to accurately diagnose a mental health disorder. Also, until a person is clean and sober, he (as well as others who know him well such as family or a spouse) may not have any idea that an underlying psychiatric condition has been there all along. In addition to depression, many individuals with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and many of the personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder) often selfmedicate as a way to cope with their challenging symptoms. Unfortunately, although drugs and alcohol may provide fleeting relief, they don t help the disorder. In fact, they usually make things worse. Also, until a person is clean and sober, it is impossible to effectively treat the psychiatric disorder. This is one of the many reasons a good treatment program can be especially beneficial. If you remove the crutch (i.e. the drugs or alcohol) that enables the per-son to cope without learning other, healthier coping skills to replace it, as well as begin the process of treating the mental health condition, the addict or alcoholic will be very likely to relapse. Virtually all alcoholism treatment programs also include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. AA describes itself as a worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to stay sober. Although AA is generally recognized as an effective mutual help program for recovering alcoholics, not everyone responds to AA s style or message, and other recovery approaches are available. Even people who are helped by AA usually find that AA works best in combination with other forms of treatment, including counseling and medical care.

10 THE 30-DAY MYTH At addiction centers, longer treatment programs are proving key to ending the relapse-rehab cycle November 10, 2008 By Shari Roan >>> We love quick, tidy solutions in this country. With health problems, in particular, we're impatient. Pills to ease each and every symptom? Great. Same-day surgery? Terrific. A scheduled cesarean section? Bring it on. But in the case of drug and alcohol dependence, it's becoming increasingly clear that there is no such thing as get-well-quick therapy. Instead, with scientific evidence showing that the longer the treatment, the better the chance of lasting sobriety, addiction centers nationwide are lengthening their programs and firmly discouraging patients from early checkouts. For more than a year, the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage has offered a 90-day residential treatment program, in addition to shorter programs, that attracts about one-third of all clients. Promises Treatment Center in Malibu now provides more than half of its clients with 45- to 90-day treatments and last year extended its young-adults program from 30 days to 90 days. Visions, which provides adolescents with addiction treatment in Malibu, increased its program's length from 30 days to 45. Hazelden, the legendary treatment program based in Minnesota, has added beds in nearly all of its facilities over the last two years to meet a growing demand for treatment programs of 90 days or more. Addiction experts say that longer treatments -- with the length of stay based on the client's specific needs -- will lead to fewer people cycling between 30-day hospitalizations and relapses for years on end. From 40% to 60% of people relapse after drug treatment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. "Treatment is dose-related," says Dr. Harry Haroutunian, director of the licensed professional program at the Betty Ford Center. "More is often better, depending on what you do with the time." Treatment programs of 28 or 30 days are still common. But this template was never based on medical evidence, says Dr. David Lewis, Vision's medical director. Lewis, who in the 1970s helped establish the first addiction treatment program in the U.S. Air Force, says 30-day stays were scheduled for bureaucratic reasons -- men and women didn't need to be reassigned if they were away from duty for no more than 30 days. Other treatment centers followed suit, and insurers adopted the standard of 28 or 30 days of inpatient care. Today, addiction experts recognize that it's foolish to treat every patient the same way. "There was a belief that 30 days was the right number," says Dr. David Sack, chief executive of Promises and an addiction psychiatrist. "But there was absolutely no data to say 30 days was the right number.... The programs were cookie cutters. What we're seeing now is this much broader view for how to manage addiction. There isn't this naive optimism that people will reach 30 days and they'll be fine." Relapse rates In fact, data suggest 30 days aren't nearly enough. Research published in 1999 by Bennett Fletcher, a senior research psychologist at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, has shown that though 90 days isn't a magic number, anything less than that tends to increase the chances of relapse. One study, of 1,605 cocaine users, looked at weekly cocaine use in the year after treatment. It found that 35% of people who were in treatment for 90 days or fewer reported drug use the following year compared with 17% of people who were in treatment for 90 days or longer. The study was published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. 10 Another study, part of an NIDA-funded project called Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies, followed 549 patients who had several problems in addition to their drug use and who entered a long-term residential program. Those who dropped out of treatment before 90 days had relapse rates similar to those who stayed in treatment only a day or two. After 90 days, however, relapse rates dropped steadily the longer a person stayed in treatment. Studies of youth also reflect the connection between longer care and a greater chance of recovery. A 2001 UCLA study of 1,167 adolescents receiving substance-abuse treatment found that those in treatment for 90 days or more had significantly lower relapse rates than teens in programs of 21 days. Some of the earliest evidence emerged from high success rates in treatment of addicted health professionals, says Haroutunian: The Federation of State Physician Health Programs has long recommended 90-day treatments and continued follow-up care for doctors who abuse drugs. Longer treatment reflects the fact that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder, says Lisa Onken, chief of NIDA's behavioral and integrative treatment branch. "The more you have a treatment that can help you become continuously abstinent, the better you do," she says. "You have to figure out how to be abstinent. You still have cravings. You still have friends offering you drugs. You still have to figure out ways not to use. The longer you are able to do that, the more you are developing skills to help you stay abstinent." Additional time in treatment allows people to learn to handle stress, develop ways to cope with environmental cues that could trigger drug use and improve relationships that are needed to sustain recovery. However, time alone isn't a solution. Many addicts stop using for long periods of time while incarcerated but relapse after being released. "There is no real evidence that just locking someone up, denying someone access to drugs alone, will cure an addiction," Onken says. "It's not just length of treatment that is important. It's length of treatment that is working." 28 days later The first month of treatment is now viewed as a first step, Fletcher says. It often consists largely of coping with withdrawal symptoms and establishing a relationship with a therapist.

11 "People are often detoxifying for 28 days," Haroutunian says. "Their mind is not right. Their temperament is not right. They have emotional instability, poor judgment, physical complaints, sleep problems -- things that keep them in a very delicate state of vulnerability to coping with life stresses. If they are out there in the world after only 28 days and get flooded with these things, they are vulnerable to relapse." Brain scans of recovering addicts support the idea that changes are still taking place three months or more after treatment. Chronic drug use damages the brain, such as reducing the number of dopamine receptors, chemical pathways that allow for normal brain functioning. Changes in the brain during recovery correlate to clearer thinking and more honesty on the part of the patient, Haroutunian says. It's often only at that point that therapists discover other problems, such as physical or mental-health problems, eating disorders, gambling issues, relationship problems or a history of abuse or molestation. "If that is not identified and treated, it can easily bring someone back to their original drug of choice," he says. Haroutunian notes that Alcoholics Anonymous, founded more than 70 years ago, recommends: "90 meetings in 90 days." to being clean and sober and staying away from the people I used to drink and use with. I was able to let go of the past and apologize to the people I've hurt. I became a free man." However, it's tough to convince some addicts or their family members that three to six months of treatment offers the best chance of success. People argue that they can't leave their jobs, school or families for that long, Sack says. They want to put the problem behind them as quickly as possible. "They want to believe it will be fixed up very quickly and they can go back to normal and not have to talk about it," he says. Instead, he compares addiction to any chronic disease, such as heart disease or diabetes, in terms of the attention and perseverance needed to remain healthy. Longer-duration treatment doesn't necessarily mean a hospital or residential stay, experts say. Some treatment centers and hospitals offer transition to a sober-living residence, where residents are free to go about their lives but also receive daily counseling. The Betty Ford Center has about 15 houses, with six people to a home, to continue long-term care. The residences are designed to allow clients to return to more normal lives while offering support and advice in remaining drug-free. "I think the founders of the 12-step program were divinely inspired in their wisdom, which science and data are now supporting," he says. Trying to get clean Drug abuse became a way of life for Steve Owens at age 11. After being molested as a child, he says, "I found drugs the only way to have comfort." Owens abused cocaine, alcohol and prescription drugs, and later, heroin. By age 21, after numerous arrests on drug-related charges, he entered a 30-day treatment program. It was the first of 34 hospital stays he would experience over the next two decades, each time relapsing after the month long treatment ended. "The supervision is light," Haroutunian says. "They go into the community. But they more or less report in every day for their program." Coverage varies Some people would like to commit to a longer period of treatment but can't afford it. Most states, including California, have laws mandating that group health insurance plans include addictiontreatment coverage, but insurance programs vary widely in the amount of inpatient care that is covered. Some plans cover 30 days of inpatient care per year, although other insurers will discontinue inpatient coverage after a week or two if a patient is physically stable. A few will pay for treatment that lasts more than 30 days. "They would clean me up and I would start to get back on my feet again, mentally, physically and spiritually," he says. "Then I would get out and go right back where I came from -- the same friends and the same places. With these rehabs, you just get started before they let you go." At one point, Owens, who is now 50, stayed clean for seven years. But after his brother died unexpectedly, he relapsed. He was living in Atlanta at the time and heard of Promises in Malibu. Twice he entered for 30-day stays -- stints that were followed by relapses. When he flew to Los Angeles for a third try -- about five years ago -- he was so addled by drugs that he got on the wrong plane and ended up in restraints in a hospital psychiatric ward. He was released to Promises and told a therapist, "If you let me stay here, I'll do anything you say." He agreed to 30 days of hospitalization followed by five months in a sober-living house from which he was free to come and go but where he also received daily counseling. After leaving the soberliving house, he attended a nine-month intensive outpatient group and completed a 12-step program. The year he devoted to getting well "was the best thing that ever happened to me," says Owens, who now lives in Los Angeles and runs a nonprofit group that supports rehab for people who are homeless, as well as women with children. "I got a chance to get on my feet the first 30 days and then I got a chance to get used 11 Care is typically most expensive in the first month, Haroutunian says. At Betty Ford, the first month of inpatient treatment costs $24,000; the second and third months cost $8,000 each. People without insurance coverage often pay out-of-pocket. The cost is overwhelming to most people, he acknowledges. "But we tell them it may save their life. Most people see the wisdom in that." Intensive outpatient programs are becoming more common for people who cannot afford the steep price of long inpatient or residential care, Fletcher says. Successful care of that nature, he says, "means, on average, at least every other day having contact with a group or therapist." In his counseling work, Owens says, he encounters resistance to the idea of spending three months or more devoted to nothing but recovery. People view it as a sacrifice, but he tries to reassure them they'll gain more than they lose. "Even if you have to lose a job, so be it," Owens says. "You're trying to save your life. And what comes next could be the best part of your life." Roan is a Times staff writer.

12 CO-DEPENDENCY Co-dependency is a specific condition characterized by the preoccupation and extreme dependence (emotionally, socially and sometimes physically) on another person or object. Eventually, this chronic dependence becomes a pathological condition that affects the co-dependant in all other relationships. The codependant individual may be considered to be addicted to the dysfunctional family system, or, perhaps more directly to the alcoholic, work-aholic, drug abuser, etc. The co-dependant person develops rigid methods of coping with emotions and life situations thus restricting and placing conditions on self-fulfillment, personal freedom and personal growth. The outcome being extreme feelings of low self-esteem and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness in their own lives. CO-DEPENDENT CHARACTERISTICS My good feelings about who I am stem from being liked by you. My good feelings about who I am stem from receiving approval from you. Your struggles affect my serenity. My mental attention focuses on solving your problems and relieving your pain. My mental attention is focused on pleasing you. My mental attention is focused on manipulating you to do it my way. My self esteem is bolstered by solving your problems. My self esteem is bolstered by relieving your pain. My own hobbies and interests are put aside. My time is spent sharing your interests and hobbies. Your clothing and personal appearance is dictated by my desire as I feel you are a reflection of me. Your behavior is dictated by my desires as I feel you are a reflection of me. I am not aware of what I want, I ask what you want. If I am not aware, I assume. The dreams I have for my future are linked to you. My fear of rejection determines what I say or do. My fear of your anger determines what I say or do. I use giving as a way of feeling safe in a relationship. My social circle diminishes as I involve myself in you. I value your opinion and way of doing things more than my own. The quality of my life is in relation to the quality of yours. ENABLING Enabling describes any action taken by a concerned person that removes or softens the effect of a negative or harmful consequence of chemical use upon the user. Enabling allows the user to continue through the stages of use and abuse and prolongs the illness of chemical dependency by hiding the symptoms (i.e. consequences) from the user. Enabling is like fighting fire with gasoline, it only makes things worse. Some examples of enabling are: Bailing someone out of jail Giving one more chance then another, then another Ignoring chemical use because everyone goes through that experimental phase, it s not your job. Or because the person gets upset when you bring it up Joining the user in blaming other people, places, or things for the problems Lending money and/or belongings again and again Lying or making excuses for the user If you care anything about me you ll call and tell my boss I have the flu. Spouse calls boss. Parent calls school. This helps the person once again, to avoid the consequences. strengthen the denial system of the user. Enabling Has to Stop or the User Won t Stop Using Enabling must be stopped in order to stop the progression of the disease. Every time a negative or harmful consequence is taken away from a chemically dependent or dysfunctionally behaving person, he or she is deprived of an opportunity to recognize the problem. How Do You Stop Being An Enabler Educate yourself by seeking out knowledgeable people and reading all you can about the illness and how it affects you. Get some support for yourself Give yourself time to break the enabling habit Take one step at a time Don t be too hard on yourself Ask for help. Enabling is Part of the Illness As a person becomes chemically dependent, he or she develops an uncanny ability to deny the problem. This ability is rooted in the sincere delusion that there is no problem. A victim of this illness will say and sincerely believe, I can quit any time I want to, when it is obvious to you that he or she cannot. This denial system is the most baffling part of chemical dependency. Truly a part of the disease, the enabling actions of others 12

13 Inspiration, Poems & Prayers for Family Members AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FAMILY, I am an alcoholic. I need your help. Don t lecture, blame or scold me. You wouldn t be angry with me for having TB or diabetes. Alcoholism is a disease too. Don t pour out my liquor; it s just a waste because I can always find ways of getting more. Don t let me provoke your anger. If you attack me verbally or physically, you will only confirm my bad opinion of myself. I hate myself enough already. Don t let your love and anxiety for me lead you into doing what I ought to do for myself. If you assume my responsibilities, you make my failure to assume them permanent. My sense of guilt will increase, and you will feel resentful. Don t accept my promises. I ll promise anything to get off the hook. But the nature of my illness prevents me from keeping my promises, even though I mean them at the time. Don t make empty threats. Once you have made a decision, stick to it. Don t believe everything I tell you; it may be a lie. Denial of reality is a symptom of my illness. Moreover, I m likely to lose respect for those I can fool easily. Don t let me take advantage of you or exploit you in any way. Love cannot exist for long without the dimension of justice. Don t cover up for me or try in any way to spare me the consequences of my drinking. Don t lie for me, pay my bills, or meet my obligations. It may avert or reduce the very crisis that would prompt me to seek help. I can continue to deny that I have a drinking problem as long as you provide an automatic escape from the consequences of my drinking. Above all, DO learn all you can about alcoholism and your role in relation to me. Go to open AA meetings when you can. Attend Al-Anon meetings regularly, read the literature and keep in touch with Al-Anon members. They re the people who can help you see the whole situation clearly. I love you.- Your alcoholic. 13

14 JUST FOR TODAY Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be. Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my luck as it comes, and fit it to myself. Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody know of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don t want to do- just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feeling are hurt; they may hurt, but today I will not show it. Just for today, I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests, hurry and indecision. Just for today, I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective on my life. Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, be courteous, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything and not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself. DETACHMENT WITH LOVE Separating the personality you love from the disease you despise. An assertion of YOUR human rights, not a usurpation of those of the alcoholic. Accepting the afflicted one unconditionally as an individual or worth and dignity, while steadfastly rejecting the destructive influence of alcoholism on yourself and on the family members in your care. Caring enough to relinquish your fantasies and fictions to accept the full reality of the alcoholic situation, and the reality of yourself as well. Foreswearing: anger, resentment, fear, recrimination, and self-pity so that decisions can be made and actions taken dispassionately, in loving wisdom and calm resolve. A course of constructive independency, not a license for retaliatory self-indulgence. A tool for serenity, not a weapon of retribution. Being objective, but not indifferent; flexible, but not indecisive; firm, but not hard; wise, but not clever; patient, but not resigned; strong, but not over-bearing; resolute, but not stubborn; compassionate, but not indulgent. Profound LOVE: wrapped in understanding and bound by courage, helping you to live with serenity and fulfillment in spite of the environment, in a constant readiness for the alcoholic s decision for Sobriety even without its expectation. 14

15 LET GO To let go does not mean to stop caring, it means I can t do it for someone else. To let go is not to cut myself off, it s the realization I can t control another. To let go is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences. To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands. To let go is not to try to change or blame another, it is to make the most of myself. To let go is not to care for, but care about. To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive. To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. To let go is not to be in the middle of arranging all the outcomes but allow others to affect their destinies. To let go is not to be protective; it s to permit another to face reality. To let go is not to deny but accept. To let go is not to nag, scold or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them. To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires but to take each day as it comes, and cherish myself in it. To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future. To let go is to fear less, and love more. LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME There are two days in the week about which I never worry- two care free days kept from fear and apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday. Yesterday, with all its care and fret, all its faults, its mistakes and blunders, has passed forever beyond my recall. I cannot undo an act I wrought; I cannot unsay a word I said. All that it holds of my life of wrong or regret and sorrow is in the hands of GOD. Save for the memories of the day that is gone, I have nothing to do with yesterday. It was mine it is God s now. And the other day I do not worry about is Tomorrow. Tomorrow, with all its possible adversities, its perils, its large promise and poor performance, its failures and mistakes, is a day of God s. Its sun will rise in splendor or behind a mass of clouds, but it will rise. Until then, the same love and patience that held yesterday holds tomorrow, shining with promise into the heart of today. I have no possession in the unborn day. Tomorrow is God s day. It will be mine. There is left for myself, then but one day in the week Today. Any man can fight the battles of today. Any man can resist temptation for just one day. Any women can carry the burdens for just one day. It is only when we willfully add the burdens if those awful eternities, yesterday and tomorrow such burdens only the might of God can sustain that we break down. It isn t the experience of today that drives men mad it Is the remorse of something that happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow brings. Those are God s days leave them with God. Therefore, I think and I do and I journey but one day at a time. That is man s day. Dutifully, I run my course and work my appointed task on that day of ours, and God, the Almighty and All loving takes care of yesterday and tomorrow East Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA newfoundlife.com comprehensive gender specific programs for men & women psychiatric care individual & group counseling sharp 12-step focus life skills training a growth schedule based on all aspects of recovery education & study groups individual attention family participation custom treatment plans specialty groups including yoga and music therapy 15