Archive for the ‘Alcohol Addiction’ Category
Do as I Say Because I Do
Last Updated on Friday, 5 March 2010 07:53 Written by Monica Friday, 5 March 2010 07:53
Teenagers have a way of using our own words and actions to get back at us when they get in trouble. Whether they are in Texas, California, Michigan, Canada or some other place, I don’t believe there is a parent of a teenager alive today who has not wondered if their child hailed from some planet in outer space at one time or another.
It is therefore important that parents realize that when they are speaking to their teens, when they are handing out instructions or discipline, that they have “practiced what they preach” to that teen. I will use a true example of what happens when a parent does this: myself.
More and more teens are experiencing with alcohol every year. Peer pressure, wanting to appear “cool”, wanting to forget some unpleasant thing in their own lives, every day teenagers succumb to the temptation and many of them get hooked without intending to. What does a parent do? Does he or she yell at the teen while holding a beer in his own hand?
This is my experience with something involving my own teens. I wanted to teach them that drinking can be handled irresponsibly, leading to tragedy if one is not careful. Two were in high school, ages 14 and 15 and one was in the military. My youngest and only girl was at a sleepover at one of her close friend’s house and my son was at his buddy’s house playing video games. I was home, relaxing from a busy week at work and writing assignments on top of my regular schedule. I was having a second glass of wine.
The phone rings. It is my daughter. Her friend’s mother is not there, something I did not know would occur. The mother’s ex-boyfriend had dropped in and the two girls were uncomfortable. They wanted me to pick them up. I said I would be there immediately.
Of course, remember now, I 
had been drinking. I called my son who was down the street at his own friend’s house and explained the situation. His friend’s brother was 17 and immediately came over to the house picked me up and we were over picking the girls up within just a few minutes. By the way, further sleepovers with this friend were allowed only at our house after that night.
Two glasses of wine might not affect some people, they THINK. This mother practiced what she preached because open and honest communication between parents and teens is a successful tool when it comes to parenting and as Texas is very strict on drinking and driving (something I steadfastly approve of), my own teens and their friends saw an example of what a responsible parent should do under unforeseen circumstances which is ALWAYS have a back up plan and NEVER drink and drive for any reason.
The other important lesson? Enforcing rules are easier when teens see that parents not only state the rules, they follow them, too.
Tags: Alcohol, drinking and driving, parents, teen drinking, teens | Posted under Alcohol Addiction | No Comments
Even Football Players Can Get the Jailhouse Blues
Last Updated on Monday, 1 February 2010 11:08 Written by Monica Monday, 1 February 2010 11:08
Celebrity scandals happen all the time. Whether movie stars, talented musicians, or awesome sports figures, their arrests make the news sometimes even before they are given their free phone call. We see them highlighted in news segments, entire shows are dedicated to them and articles such as this one are written about them. Here in Texas, many of us fall into that same wishing well: “if someone else has it bad, especially a celebrity, then that means my life and my mistakes are not so bad.” Maybe we do not phrase it just that way but the truth is, scandal sells no matter what state you are in. Did you know that there were at least four celebrity drug busts in Texas in 2009? All were former professional football players.
Quincy Carter, the former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, was released after just three years due to unknown reasons, although rumor had it that he failed a drug test. His problems with marijuana did come out after he was signed by the New York Jets and in February, 2009, he was arrested in south Texas for a DWI and for having marijuana, which seems to give the drug problem rumors merit.
Another former Dallas Cowboys’ player, receiver Terry Glenn, was arrested in Irving in January, 2009, for public intoxication and possession of marijuana. Another promising career cut short by drug addiction?
The Dallas Cowboys is not the only team to have drug addiction problems, as Roderick Green proved with his arrest in his hometown of Brentham, Texas. The former Baltimore Raven/SF 49er was arrested in February last year after a routine traffic stop for speeding led to charges of possession of marijuana as well as four other charges.
Former Jaguars wide receiver Reggie Williams was arrested in Houston last February for DUI and possessing marijuana. Another night partying that ended with a traffic stop, a failed sobriety test and the finding of illicit drugs. All four were talented football players, all four fell under the control of drug addiction and alcohol.
In Texas, it does not matter if you are a celebrity, a regular working guy, a soccer mom, a professional football player, or a political big wig. In Texas, you do not drink and drive and you do not get caught with drugs, because even football players can get the jailhouse blues here. An autograph and a great arm are not going to help you out with that.
Tags: Alcohol, drug addiction, DUI, football players, marijuana | Posted under Alcohol Addiction, Texas Rehab | No Comments
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
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