Archive for January, 2010
The Biggest and Baddest Gang Member? Drugs
Last Updated on Sunday, 31 January 2010 11:56 Written by Monica Sunday, 31 January 2010 11:56
Gangs have long been a part of the wild side, the bad side in many states. Made up most of the time through cultural and ethnic similarities, there are gangs of every race and heritage: white, black, Hispanic, Asian. Remember the Italian Mafia? The cultural background no matter what it is…is not the problem. The race of the individuals in the gangs? Not the problem. The common factor that IS the problem? Drugs.
Texas and several other states have gang injunctions. However, drugs have long been a problem here and all over the U.S. as well as other countries and drugs do not care about what is legal or following the rules. The common denominator in practically all gang activity is the buying, selling and/or using of illicit drugs.
Texas and other states are trying to clean up the streets. They are not going after young men (and women) just to get attention or for the money. Texas is one of many states that will try everything it can to get kids to break free of drugs and straighten up their lives. It is also one of the hardest states on drug use that does not stop.
We hear about drive by shootings. We hear about fights between rival gangs. We hear about initiations and rape. What do all these crimes have in common 95% of the time? Drugs. At the heart of nearly every shooting, every fight, every traffic stop involving gang members, the trail leads back to something related to illicit drugs: a bad drug deal, a fix gone wrong, robbery, nearly all are found through legal investigations to have ties to drugs.
Mr. Cool down the street is not that cool, he is just convinced he is because of the drugs that have taken over his body and his brain. Getting all hot and bothered over a snub or sign of “disrespect” only shows that Mr. Cool himself is the one disrespecting, well, himself. How, you may ask? Because he is so controlled by drugs that while he thinks he is the gang leader or the drug lord, he is in fact, the yes-man to the real leader: the drug addiction itself.
In the end, though, we should remember that gang members are people, too, and states like Texas, while firm with the discipline, recognizes this and court-ordered drug rehab and therapy is usually delegated when drugs are found to be a factor in what led the young man down that rocky road. You know what would really be cool about Mr. Cool then? After he goes into drug rehab, he turns around and helps other kids and fights the growing problem of gangs. That would be the cool thing to do. The truth is, gangs do not rule the streets; drugs rule the gangs.
Tags: addiction, drug lord, drugs, gang injunctions, gangs | Posted under Texas Rehab | 1 Comment
Texas Halfway Houses Offer Second Chances
Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 January 2010 11:35 Written by Monica Wednesday, 27 January 2010 11:35
Texas has a program that involves halfway houses. What this means is a halfway house allows a person to stay there and recover from alcohol (and sometimes drugs). It is a program that offers transitional living whether it is part time or full time. It allows you to take part in a type of aftercare that you may not have access to otherwise.
Some people who go into rehab find themselves with nowhere to go after treatment. This could be because of his or her actions and the family estranges itself, or perhaps the person truly has no one or even the court has ordered a continued aftercare in a halfway house if legal issues are involved. Whatever the reason, a halfway house helps a person stay on the recovery route and not have to worry about relapsing because he or she finds himself stressed out and worried about where he will be staying.
There are many benefits to staying in a halfway house. These include security, good living facilities, three meals a day, support group sessions, outdoor activities, and many educational tools such as learning financial planning and the tools needed to continue to stay clean in the real world outside of treatment programs and halfway houses.
Halfway houses thrive on accountability. They offer security but at the same time they discipline a person so that he or she gets used to having to be held accountable for his actions. The residents are expected to take part in the activities at the house, the counseling sessions, do their share to keep the place clean and at the same time look for a job and begin working.
Think of it as college on one level. It is the in between state that kids are in after being at home but before going out in the world to earn a living. It’s the college dorm of second chances. A person learns to stand on his own two feet but with guidance and care, discipline and support. Just as colleges have family days, halfway houses also offer family counseling sessions and open communication with family members.
Halfway houses are a wonderful way to make the transition from drug rehab or state jail while you learn a trade or take vocational training and at the same time keeps you from relapsing while you are making that same transition. Texas offers this second chance to people who need it and it is highly recommended that you take it if you need a place to stay. You are the reason halfway houses exist for one very simple and honest reason: because you deserve it
Tags: addiction, halfway house, support group | Posted under Alcohol Addiction, Texas Rehab | No Comments
Texas: Your Strict and Loving Parent
Last Updated on Monday, 25 January 2010 11:46 Written by Monica Monday, 25 January 2010 11:46
In Texas, we have several organizations that will help people who have drug and alcohol problems. Besides the reputable clinics such as Narconon and other local drug rehabs, there is Goodwill, Salvation Army, different missions aided in different communities. The point being that Texas does not leave someone hanging who chooses to get help.
Texas is one of the strictest states when it comes to drug and alcohol offenses that endanger people. It does not apologize for this. However, it is also just as adamant about helping those who admit they need help.
There are private and state treatment programs available. There is residential and outpatient care. There are confidential five-star drug rehab programs and there are the basic get in and get out ones. What there is not is the excuse to not get help because it is available in practically every community throughout the state.
There are teen rehab programs that are separate from adult ones. There is help for both men and women. There are halfway houses and there are shelters. You can walk into practically any drug treatment center in the state of Texas, admit that you have an addiction you can not control, and you will be helped.
There are wonderful aftercare programs available in Texas as well. There are Celebrate Recovery groups through churches and community centers. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are all over the state as are support groups for family members.
Texas is big on responsibility and it is big on aiding those who need help. It has a dual role of strict parent in the court system and white knight in the rehab system. It does not apologize for this. Just as children need strict guidance and discipline, Texas gives it in spades to those who break the law with drugs and alcohol. Just as kids need help with something that is overwhelming and the guidance to get through it and over it, Texas responds in kind.
The next time you wonder why Texas is the way it is, just remember, it is that strict but loving parent that insists on you doing the best you can and taking responsibility when you do wrong. It is guiding you, it is helping you and at the same time it is turning out some of the best citizens the country has to offer. If you make the mistake of getting into drugs or alcohol, you are given the chance to make it right and get help. You will “grow up” to recognize Texas for the strong and loving parent it is.
Tags: drug and alcohol addiction, Narconon, strict parenting, treatment program | Posted under Alcohol Addiction, Texas Rehab | No Comments
How to Become a Counselor in Texas
Last Updated on Friday, 22 January 2010 03:18 Written by Monica Friday, 22 January 2010 03:18
If you have thought about being a drug and alcohol counselor in Texas, there are a few things you should know. It is an admirable profession and a lot of people go into it because at some point in the past, a counselor or center helped make a difference in the life of someone they loved
In Texas, you need an under graduate degree )Associates Degree) in psychology, pass a state exam, pass a background check and fulfill the required number of clinical hours that is mandated. All of this is the usual requirements no matter which part of drug and alcohol counseling you actually settle into.
When you are “interning” or training on the job, it can count towards college hours and credits in the state of Texas. You will be gaining experience and therefore knowledge which is what educational courses are about, knowledge. You will have to take oral and written exams and write an essay or term paper so that it is understood that you do know what you are doing and what is meant and required for the career you are seeking.
After you have met the required number of hours in training, the college credits and done an internship as well as completed the preparation course for the licensing exam, you will then be able to take the state exam. It is a very thorough exam and when you pass it, you will have good reason to be proud because it shows that you do understand the job you are desiring.
Whatever your motivation, remember that this is a customer service position. You are truly helping a person on one of the deepest levels he or she can be helped on. You are making a difference literally in someone’s life. You are to be commended for taking on such a challenge and going into such a wonderful field.
Whether you have had yourself or a family member or friend affected by a drug or alcohol addiction or whether you simply choose to become a counselor because it has been a secret dream of yours, know that every day in some small or big way, you are helping those around you and therefore their future generations as well.
Texas is strict on its guidelines but when you become a drug or alcohol counselor here, know that you are giving it your all because you were put through one of the strictest state guidelines there are in the U.S. You are the best because we require the best.
Tags: customer service, drug and alcohol counselor, licensing exam, psychology, under graduate degree | Posted under Alcohol Addiction, Texas Rehab | No Comments
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