<![CDATA[SACRED HEART

<![CDATA[SACRED HEART - BLOG]]>Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:08:38 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[A TWELVE STEP PLAN TO STAY SOBER DURING THE HOLIDAYS]]>Sun, 01 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/a-twelve-step-plan-to-stay-sober-during-the-holidays

A TWELVE STEP PLAN TO STAY SOBER DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Staying sober during the holiday season can be difficult for those new to sobriety.
Family gatherings, work parties and friendly get togethers can feel like a white-knuckle ride on a bobsled instead of a festive social event.

Emotional triggers such as family dynamics, resentments, loss, loneliness, unreasonable expectations and guilt can be even more difficult to navigate than a party where there is drinking.

The holidays do not need to feel like a season of struggle. Whether you are in recovery or not, developing a holiday plan that focuses on self care, support, gratitude and finding new ways to have fun, will make staying sober and enjoying the holidays easier.

Plan each day during the holidays: In your plan be sure to spend time every day with someone who is supportive of your recovery.
Recruit Team Sober You: Let the people who know and love you know what you are doing to stay sober during the holidays. Tell them you have a plan and ask for their support.
Up your Meeting Attendance: Schedule one (or several) meetings EVERYDAY during the holidays. You will learn you are not so special and others share your holiday angst – you will be surprised how much you will laugh.
Volunteer: The best way to get out of our own way is to help others! Learn to be grateful for your recovery by helping someone who needs you! Whether working with another addict or alcoholic or helping to serve meals at a soup kitchen, somebody needs you.
Have a list of 10 people you can call: Connect with a minimum of 2 of the people on your list every day! You will find that others need you as much as you need them. Don’t do this alone! It is more fun to stay sober with like-minded friends.
Practice Forgiveness: No time like the holidays to give yourself the ultimate gift – freedom from resentments! Remember, a resentment is a pill you take and expect another person to die. By forgiving others and letting go of negative thoughts, you will be more open to having fun and positive experiences.
Practice Self Care: Schedule time every day in your holiday plan to meditate, exercise, take a walk or whatever you do to take care of yourself. This will not only help you stay sober, but self care will help you make meaningful connections with others.
Keep a gratitude list: In your plan jot down three things that you are grateful for, an attitude of gratitude will keep you sober.
Say NO: If you are asked by a friend to go to a former hang-out where everybody knows your name – just say no. Call up a member of Team You or more of the top ten in your phone and make new plans.
Create New Ways to Celebrate: Have a dessert party and adopt a charity. Ask friends to bring a favorite dessert and a gift to donate to your designated charity. Make sharing and giving your new holiday theme. Lead by example and show others the holidays don’t have to revolve around alcohol.
Instill New Traditions and Get Rid of Old Traditions that no longer work: Ice skating at night, a sleigh ride, board game night all create traditions that focus on experiences that are creative, fun and support positive relationships.
ENJOY SOBRIETY: Live one day at a time and stay in the moment. You have been given a gift where you are now able to be present and live up to your full potential for those you love and those who love you.

Everyone at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation wishes you a sober, safe and happy holiday season. Contact Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center at 888.802.7472 for questions or admissions.
Sources: www.aa.org, LM’s personal holiday experience as a recovering alcoholic; the experience, strength and hope and holiday coping skills as shared by other alcoholics with long term sobriety

]]><![CDATA[AWESOME IDEAS FOR A FUN AND SOBER NEW YEAR’S EVE]]>Sun, 01 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/awesome-ideas-for-a-fun-and-sober-new-years-eve

New Year’s Eve celebrates the end of this year, beginning of the next and the hope and promise that the new year brings. Many a NYE celebrations are focused around heavy drinking and drugging. If you are sober or concerned you may be an alcoholic or addict and need to be in a safe place, here are some ideas for staying safe and sober while ringing in the new year.

Take control of the situation: Host an activity or theme party. Let guests know the event is alcohol and drug free. By having a theme or activity party, drinking and/or drugs will not be the event’s focus. Guests will then be able to focus on fun, interaction and having a good time.

Throw an annual NYE dance party: On the invitation make every guest a guest DJ by asking them to bring specific music to the party. Example: Top 10 songs you listened to in high school; another guest could be assigned favorite Motown jams; another guest could be asked to make a shuffle of 10 one hit wonders; you get the idea!
Board game tournaments: Assign guests as opponents and on teams so that players have the opportunity to mix with new people; play old school board games tournament style; offer trophies and prizes. Intense competition, unbound enthusiasm and new friendships will abound!
Movie Marathon: Pick movies that are inspirational, motivational and funny! Positive and uplifting movies to set the tone for the new year. Also, make amazing popcorn and use tons of butter!

Maybe you are still battling alcohol and/or drug addiction and don’t even want to celebrate. Do you isolate in shame so that you can use without the judgment of others? Most battling addiction behave this way before seeking treatment. Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Learn more about treatment options at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center call 888.802.7472 or 810.392.2167. Residential Admissions: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

]]><![CDATA[NYE STAY SOBER CHEAT SHEET]]>Sun, 01 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/-nye-stay-sober-cheat-sheet

Despite good intentions, resolutions to never drink again, and a solid track record of uninterrupted sobriety, New Year’s Eve can be a white-knuckle event for those who want to stay sober and those who want to get sober.

Here is a simple cheat sheet that can help keep you sober and ensure 2019 won’t be greeted with a super sized hangover served with a large order of bad behavior.

New Year Eve is just a night. That’s it. Keep it in perspective NYE is just a night. It is not a day pass to get loaded.
Have a plan. If you are going to a party, have an exit strategy: can’t stay long have another party, have to wake up early the next day to let your neighbor’s dog out, etc. Be creative!
Stay supported. Go out with a sober friend if you have to go out. Have ten people who support your sobriety on hand and call them or text them – don’t wait until it’s too late!
Choose an activity where drinking is not the focus. Go ice skating, ski, board games, bowling are creative and get people out of their comfort zone which can be fun!! AA hosts Alcathons – 24 hour meetings everywhere. These meetings are actually really fun and it is an awesome place to meet new sober friends. www.aa-semi.org
Make a list. List all the good things that have happened to you in sobriety. If you are not sober yet, list the things not working in you life and how not drinking could change the situation. Relationships? School? Work? Legal System? Family? Job? Keep this list on you when you are out and look at it when you need to.
Just say NO. Saying no might be hard at first, but it gets easier. If you are new to sobriety, have some phrases ready – I’m doing a cleanse, I’m taking antibiotics, etc. The longer you are sober, you will come to realize is that most people don’t care or notice if you drink. You will find that the only people who repeatedly question you are people who most likely have a problem.
Don’t go to parties or bars if you are uncomfortable. Know what places are not safe for you. Don’t put yourself in difficult positions – you won’t get extra points! Make plans with sober friends and family! Enjoy NYE knowing you won’t be nauseated or embarrassed New Years Day!
Remember, you only need to do one thing perfect to stay sober today: DON’T DRINK!!!

If this is your year to get sober and be free of addiction, contact Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center at 888.802.7472 for questions, or admissions.

Sources: LM’s experience, wisdom and tools of alcoholics and addicts new to sobriety and those with long term uninterrupted sobriety. Thank you to CG, LH, MC, KR, DR, MA, MF.

]]><![CDATA[All the Years Wasted]]>Sun, 23 Jun 2013 19:00:25 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/all-the-years-wastedAll the years wasted
If we've ever dare tasted
This dark place called addiction
Where we lay in our affliction

We'ed all move our feet
For something so sweet
This new life in recovery
Promises to be lovely

When we think there's no other way
He gives us another day

Another chance
One more last dance
To live the right way
With promise of a brighter day

Towards one goal
To climb out of this hole
Never to walk in shame
Never to be the same

His promise to be near
Or to ever live in fear
If we just take him in
We'ed begin--to see clear

Always thankful to Sacred Heart
For this brand new fresh start

Thank you Sacred Heart

-Bobby

]]><![CDATA[Hello, My name is . . .]]>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:24:01 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/hello-my-name-isHello,

My name is Michelle P. and I am/was an addict . . .

Substance has had an impact on my life because multiple things have happened. Like me having negative thoughts, stealing, depression and etc. It also has an impact on my family members because I am hurting them plus getting worked up and worrying about me. It has a impact on my community because I can/may go out stealing and hurting and harming other just to go out and catch that next high for the day.

It all started when I was 16 years old and I found out I had Lupus. I was sick in the hospital one time because I broke down.

After a couple of years, I graduated High School in Detroit, Michigan in 2007 at 18 years old. I then went to medical assistant school and received certificate in 2008.

Yes, I did I had it all. I got better, I got a boyfriend an apartment and I already had a nice truck because of my parents. I was actually doing great I had it all plus a little more. I loved my life.

I was on pain pills like a normal person. Then all of a sudden one day things start to go down hill. I was having my days because of my Lupus. I was already stressing over my relationship, my job and mainly my health. One thing after another thing hit, I start being in the hospital twice a week and then the pain pill taking start getting worse [the pain and sleeping pills I was trying for different types of pain I was having].

Most of all the pills that I couldn't stop taking were a high does of Vicodin. I was only suppose to take 1 pill every 4-6 hours and as needed. But I stopped that and I was taking 1-3 pills every 2-4 hours. I was over medicating myself.

The sleeping pills at first was 1 pill every night for sleep. Then I doubled the dose and started over medicating myself and taking a bottle of sleeping pills without even remembering it. I even woke in hospitals because of it.

Now realizing that now of this pill popping and OD-ing isn't good for me and has me feeling worse than when I first ever started taking these pills. I came to Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center.

Sacred Heart has helped me to realize that my life for me and my family is more important than a bottle of pills. It has also helped me to understand life is more clear. How to cope with things, take action and don't care about everyone else and their feeling and what they think. How to not be angry about everything.

Sacred Heart has really changed my whole outlook on life. It's guiding me to a much better future to live and be happy until the day I die.

I am so proud of myself. I'm going to be a whole new new woman the day I walk out of Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center.

I'm going to pass this place on to better many more lives just like it has done mine.

If I had never came here I would just be home taking more pills which will lead to the next worse thing which could of been shooting up somewhere or found dead out in the streets or in my bed.

I'm so happy this chance has come to me and I took it and ran with it.

Now I'm going to walk out of here and better myself for me and my life. I'm also going to make my family proud of me again and be the best role model for my brothers, sisters, niece, and nephew. No one will have to worry about me again, I promise.

I loved this program. It taught me so much I can't wait to use what I know when I get back out in the world and start living my life again!

Thank you Sacred Heart!

Love, Michelle P.

]]><![CDATA[Goodbye to Addiction]]>Tue, 07 May 2013 21:24:43 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/goodbye-to-addictionThis is farewell, adios, and goodbye-
You will not interfere with my life anymore, no matter how hard you try.

You've warped my mind and let me hurt those that I love-
I'll beat and overcome you with help from heaven above.

I'm better than you and in recovery I will succeed-
With meetings and Sacred Heart, I will gain the skills that I need.

I'm choosing a new path and this one is full of light-
Not full of darkness, loneliness, and fright.

So good-bye addiction, you menacing disease-
You're not holding me back anymore, I'm setting myself free.

Written by: Virginia B.]]><![CDATA[untitled poem]]>Tue, 07 May 2013 17:53:01 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/untitled-poemBright starlit eyes
Staring into the distance
Wind blowing her hair
She's awaiting, dreaming of her existence

Take me away
To my own natural high
Leaving this reckless life-
and sincerely saying goodbye

Blowing out memories of evil
Breathing in thoughts of hope
Trying to fight off a disease
No longer craving dirty dope

A little girl screaming inside
Scared and lost from addiction
Praying to a higher power
Waiting for her next conviction

Developing a desire for adventure
All these thoughts in her mind racing
She surrenders-
and recovery she's now chasing

Written by Michelle B.]]><![CDATA[Change Really Does Happen when the Pain becomes Greater . . . then the Fear of Change Itself]]>Mon, 24 Dec 2012 21:16:09 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/change-really-does-happen-when-the-pain-becomes-greater-then-the-fear-of-change-itselfMy name is Jamie L.
I was at Sacred Heart Residential from November 29th to December 19th of 2012. I knew that I would end up going to Sacred Heart- when I truly had enough pain, and was ready actually ready to surrender my suffering from my addiction. And the hurt I felt from "using" daily.

I always knew Sacred Heart was THEE BEST rehabilitation service there was. But, I was always afraid to commit to giving up my heroin addiction. But, after many times of waking up face down, with brokern ribs, a broken nose and things to terrible to talk about--my higher power told me --THIS WAS IT!

I'd put myself in so many situations that I would've never been in sober. I hurt so many people who loved me- and thankfully- those people still love me. My higher power told me I had no more "runs" left in me!

Sacred Heart helped me save my life! I know- if I'd kept using I'd be dead, today! No doubt! My higher power was so strong and powerful- even in the employees in Sacred Heart. I ended up submitting my will over to my higher power.

I missed out on 20 years of my life- thinking I was this great wonderful person when I was "high", but the truth is . . . everyone was pulling away from me- even my kids. No one could stand me. But, now that I am sober- I feel like I finally am the person I used to be. That I liked being- and that other liked being around!

I had shut out so much in my life when i "used". But, now I am experiencing all the things that i have longed- for so long and they are actually satisfying to me. Even the little things! But when I was high- I was numb and thought I was experiencing those things- when I really didn't feel anything.

If I wouldn't of went to Sacred Heart- I would be still miserable, lonely, person I used t be. The staff made me feel understood- they'd been there! And they showed me love, when I felt I didn't deserve any. Nor loved myself, I began to have some self respect while there and care about myself- again.

I am so truly grateful for ALL of the staff! they understood us so well- better than you all are probably feeling at first. They love everyone and understand exactly how we feel- in every step of your recovery. They truly are family to all of us- because we all [even many of the staff] have been where you are and in between the bad and good. I also want to especially thank the nurses for being so caring and empathetic when I truly had been suffering.

I was a hurt child [not yet the women I am beginning to become finally] when I got there. I had so much hurt and pain in my life that it came out as anger. Sacred Heart taught me- I had to "let go"- to move on with my recovery. To get "well" and I cam e to realize I was mad at myself and mainly hurt me- I am NOT an angry person today. I also have learned to let "go" of people and things that had hurt me and held me down my whole life.

Now, I am grateful for every minute, every hour, and everyday.

Thank you, to Sacred Heart, even other clients, I Have learned from everyone there. About how I didn't want to be anymore, and exactly who and how I want to be.

I have 45 days "clean" now, and I feel great! I pray everyday for everyone who has been to or is at Sacred Heart- that you all will get the same spiritual awakening that I had when I was there. It has truly changed me inside and out.

I have no urge to use. Sometimes my body tried to trick me- into believing I'm still "sick", but it only takes 30 seconds to loose that thought or feeling.

Change really does happen when the pain becomes greater- than the fear of change itself. That is thee best way to put it. If you really have had enough pain than surrender your heart while you're in Sacred Heart and watch the change in yourself! It's great!

Thank you for all of the knowledge and help- you've truly given me- Sacred Heart. I am truly grateful to all of you- staff and clients for everything you've done for me!

Love you all-
Jamie L.]]><![CDATA[Santa & the Children of Sacred Heart Clearview]]>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:07:37 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/santa-the-children-of-sacred-heart-clearview

Santa came to visit the children staying with their mom's while in Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Sacred Heart Clearview Women & Children Specialty Services. They got to meet and talk with Santa and then open presents! They were very surprised and grateful for every moment and present. Pictures were taken in house by Sacred Heart and generously edited by Tuff Photo Pet Photography (www.tuffphoto.com).

]]><![CDATA[Another Fear: Will I Lose My Job If I Seek Treatment?]]>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:47:53 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/another-fear-will-i-lose-my-job-if-i-seek-treatmentFear… “This short word somehow touches about every aspect of our lives. It was an evil and corroding thread; the fabric of our existence was shot through with it”. From the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous page 67.

Should you avoid treatment because of these fears? As an internal Employee Assistance Representative I see these fears in the faces of those so desperate for help. When employees come to me with substance abuse problems, they seem real hesitant to disclose the full nature of their problem. Aside from stressing the concept of complete confidentiality with a person, I try to alleviate the fear of job loss right from the start. I explain to them how we have safeguards in place to protect them from termination. I then point out how their health care covers the issues dealing with treatment for alcohol and/or substance abuse. Hospitalization for substance abuse is treated like any other illness that may befall our employees. It is only by the voluntary signing of a release of information form that a supervisor should know the nature of a person’s hospitalization. Most employees are returned to the same job they were performing before hospitalization. Exceptions can be made in the case of safety sensitive jobs such as Captain of an oil tanker, railroad engineer, school bus driver etc… in which case you would be placed in a comparable position until deemed appropriate.

On a personal note, when I disclosed that information in September of 1987, I too had those same fears. Not only did I retain my job but I was a much better employee as a result of treatment. Furthermore, I was able to return to school with an enthusiasm that led to job promotions and better career opportunities.

Alcoholism and other drug addictions are potentially fatal diseases if left untreated. Meanwhile, employees in desperate need of substance abuse services are afraid to seek help because they fear negative consequences from their employer. They may fear losing a license, failing to get promoted or even termination. However, in light of the proven case histories of the consequences in store for an active substance abuser, treatment seems to be the best choice. I urge anyone with alcohol or other substance abuse problems to seek the available help. Sacred Heart has a reputation in the recovery community of providing that help. It is my hope that anyone abusing substances step from the bridge of fear to the shore of faith. Treatment works!

--James Skelton, UAW-GM EAP, ADAPT, JTR REP, Powertrain Warren]]><![CDATA[Missing Link]]>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:31:40 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/missing-linkGrowing up I had a missing link. That link was how to love myself. It disabled me with problem solving. As I grew older my problems were solved with substance abuse. The roller coaster ride began. Clean, straight, clean, straight.

With time it passed. First, I sought help through AA. The pieces to help me still hadn’t been found. AA had let me down. My next approach was outpatient therapy. Sessions were made. Medication was tried. The pieces still hadn’t connected.

December 11, 2007 will be the day to be never forgotten. My despair that day seemed hopeless. The love and support my family provided did not provide that link. How could it? I was the one with the disease. I called a friend and begged her to drive me to where her daughter had treatment. I showed up at Sacred Heart.

In my stay at Sacred Heart challenges were there at my most vulnerable time. Some were good some were horrible. Each member in the house gave me my links towards recovery. That towering wall finally got knocked down. I finally could say “I love Sonia”.

My goal will be to continue with therapy and go back to AA. I have been blessed with a family that has loved and supported me.

Thank you Sacred Heart and thank you to all the clients.

Sonia A.
Age 51]]><![CDATA[WASTED TIME]]>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:09:27 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/wasted-timeThe time I wasted is my biggest regret, spent in these places I will never forget.
Just sitting and thinking about the things I have done, the crying, the laughing, the hurt and the fun.

Now it’s just me and my hard driven guilt, behind a wall of emptiness I allowed to be built.
I am trapped in my body, just wanting to run, back to my youth with its laughter and fun.

But the chase is over and there’s no place to hide, everything is gone, including my pride.
With reality suddenly right in my face, I am scared and alone and stuck in this place.

Now memories of the past flash through my head, and the pain is obvious by the tears I shed.
I ask myself why and where I went wrong, I guess I was weak when I should of been strong.

Living for drugs and the wings I had grown, my feelings were lost, afraid to be shown.
As I look at my past, it’s easy to see, the fear that I had, afraid to be me.

I would pretend to be rugged, so fast and so cool, when actually I was lost like a blind fool.
I am getting too old for this tiresome game, of acting real hard, with no sense of shame.

It’s time that I changed and get on with my life, fulfilling my dreams for a family, to be a wife.
What my future will hold, I really don’t know, but the years that are wasted are starting to show.

I just live for the day when I’ll get a new start, and the dreams I still hold, deep in my heart.
I hope I can make it, I at least have to try, because I am heading towards death and I don’t want to die.

-By, Linzi M., age 24
]]><![CDATA[TONYA’S STORY]]>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 16:29:54 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/tonyas-storyI was diagnosed seven years ago with the HIV virus. When I was given my diagnoses, I could not believe it. My first thoughts was to end my life, how could I tell my family, church members, and friends. I disconnected myself from everyone and shut down until I was referred by a doctor to Sacred Heart HIV/AIDS Care Services for case management services.

The AIDS care staff worked with me to overcome the shame and guilt I was carrying around inside me. I started to attend support groups and found out that I was not alone, there were several other women infected with the HIV virus just like me.

Since working with Sacred Heart HIV/AIDS Care Services, I have been able to disclose my status to my pastor and his wife, who have been a wonderful spiritual support for me. I have disclosed my status to all my children and family members, who have turned out to be a wonderful support system. The support system that I would like to thank the most at this time is the support and assistance I get with the AIDS care staff at Sacred Heart; they have made a huge difference in my life.

I am still attending Sacred Heart HIV/AIDS Care Services support groups and I am able to tell my story in hopes that I can touch, help other females who have been newly diagnosed and assure them that they will be fine. I recently became engaged to be married and was very lucky and blessed to find a partner who is caring and able to handle being with an HIV positive person.

The information that I have learned through attending meetings has helped me educate my partner on the practices of safer sex so we do not infect him. Sacred Heart HIV/AIDS Care Services has truly been a blessing and I thank God everyday for giving me the courage to make that call.

-Tonya
]]><![CDATA[Affliction]]>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:40:07 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/afflictionMy addiction has become my affliction.
During my life, there has been so much friction.

Such a painful price to pay, I say this with strong conviction.

Treatment is never where I wanted to be.

But in my sickness I couldn’t break free.

Let the truth be told, my addiction has gotten the best of me.

There was another center that turned me away.

But in the end it was Sacred Heart, that said for 30 days you are welcome to stay.

Today I have a brand new start, now it’s up to me to do my part.

-by, B., Age 50]]><![CDATA[Addicts Prayer]]>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:41:35 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/addicts-prayerGod help me, life’s getting rough-
Who knew change would be this tough?

I thought that life would get better-
If I followed the rules down to the letter.

The pain in my heart I cannot explain. . .
Making it difficult to keep myself sane.

Wishing for death, yet wanting live-
Hating myself, but wanting to forgive. . .

Forgive myself and those that have hurt me-
Without forgiveness I can’t have true recovery.

To my friends and family, I humbly apologize-
And I hope that someday you will all recognize. . .

A change in my actions as well as my heart-
And possibly allow me another fresh start.

Only an addict can understand addiction’s hold-
But I’ve played all my cards and it’s time to fold.

So, I’m laying it all out, the truth’s on the table-
I’m an addict, accept me if you are able.

-Eugene S.]]><![CDATA[When I first came to Sacred Heart...]]>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:44:10 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/when-i-first-came-to-sacred-heartWhen I first came to Sacred Heart my self esteem was in shambles. Over the past three years, while active in my cocaine addiction I have managed to [not lose, but] give away the trust of my family, countless material possessions, any real friendships I may have had and my marriage to my addiction. All while of course putting the people who truly love me, my priorities, and my responsibilities on a permanent hold. I’d almost giving up all hope that my life would ever get back on track.

Since being here I’ve learned that if I focus only on the failures of my past, I will never move successfully into my recovery and as a result I won’t have a future at all to look forward to (unless it’s in a jail cell or a coffin).

Today I spend time looking at the bad and the good things that have happened in my past. But rather than wallowing in self-pity or dredging up painful memories over and over I’m recognizing my faults, moving toward acceptance and looking forward to a positive future of recovery.

Regardless of what’s already happened due to my poor choices- my higher power has a purpose for me otherwise I wouldn’t still be here. It’s not all above me. And for that reason here I stand today in front of the people in my life that truly care.

I know that my higher powers healing power has begun to work in my heart, my mind, my will and my emotions. I was powerless to control my tendencies to do the wrong thing and had lost my gratitude for the little things in life. But I’m finding my faith again and I thank my higher power every morning for being there and for putting me thru the trials, hurts and hang-ups that he has because it brought me here, where I can stand in front of my mother and my husband and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unconditional love and support. And I’m truly sorry for the countless sleepless nights, the jailhouse phone bills and excruciating pain I’ve caused.

It’s such a relief to put my worries of tomorrow in my higher powers hands and pray for his guidance while I live for today. I still (and always will) have a lot to learn, but I like me for me again. And I know that what I had become- is not who I truly am.

-S. S. , Age 24]]><![CDATA[Recovery from addiction is a family business ]]>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:16:18 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/recovery-from-addiction-is-a-family-businessThe holidays are often difficult times for clients and their families. All the pressures of holiday celebration, that come to bear on average folk, are even more pronounced in the lives of early recovering clients and their families. The pressures are many and may include everything from limited resources to traumatic memories. The recovering person with a family may be faced with increased levels of guilt and shame (fellow travelers of addiction) during the holidays. If you add to that hard financial times, the holidays can become a time of deep despair and even relapse.

Recovery from addiction is a family business and including family members in every aspect of treatment makes it much more likely that the business will be successful. One of the difficult hurdles to this inclusion of family in treatment is the idea that exposing, particularly children, to the recovery process is in some way unsavory or lacking in moral standing. This belief is often expressed in not wanting children to know anything about the how the addictive process unfolded even after the recovering person has started on the road to health. Statements like, “I would never take my kid to an AA or NA meeting” or “kids don’t belong at a methadone clinic”, suggest a separation of family and treatment that we at Sacred Heart would like to bridge.

This holiday the Sacred Heart staff of the Adult Residential Opiate Treatment Program held a party for the children and other family members at the Richmond facility. The party was made more festive by the participation of several community organizations as well as numerous unaffiliated individuals. These groups and individuals contributed approximately seventy wrapped Christmas presents ranging in price from five to fifteen dollars making it possible for every child of an Opiate Treatment Program client to receive a gift.

The gifts were under a tree decorated by both clients and Sacred Heart staff and when children arrived they were given the presents by clients who volunteered to be elves. There were treats and wrapping paper every where. Newborn babies were seen sporting new blankets and knitted caps. The blankets and hats were made by children who were given an explanation of the importance of the idea of the Gift as a spiritual part of the holiday festivity.

The message that the Sacred Heart staff of the Adult Residential Opiate Treatment Program was trying to send is that this program is family friendly. A client coming to us is welcome and so is his family. The idea that you can’t do recovery alone means that the staff of Sacred Heart, the community at large, your AA and NA bothers and sisters and your loved ones will join you in this journey. You are not alone.

-Sacred Heart Therapist
]]><![CDATA[Medication-Assisted Therapy How does medication-assisted therapy work?]]>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:20:31 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/medication-assisted-therapy-how-does-medication-assisted-therapy-workMethadone replacement therapy works because it fulfills three basic requirements of any program of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The program, to be effective, must
(1) reduce access to drugs and alcohol. It must provide a
(2) supportive structure as well as make the client
(3) accountable to dependable persons other then themselves.

The first requirement is that access to drugs (in this case opiates) is limited. A methadone maintained client loses his craving for opiates because the methadone sticks to the opiate receptors in the brain and won’t let any other opiates get by them. While the methadone is playing spoiler, it activates the receptors thus reducing the desire for opiates (sort of like when you don’t want to eat because you are full) at the same time that it prevents the sickness of opiate withdrawal from occurring. This process occurs slowly so that the intoxicating effects on the nervous system are minimized. In this way, the first requirement of a program of recovery is fulfilled as far as opiates are concerned. Other drugs and alcohol continue to have to be avoided to prevent active addiction on top of methadone maintenance. The primary goal for all other drugs of abuse and alcohol, while in methadone maintenance, is complete abstinence. As a client is stabilized on methadone, opiate intoxication no longer occurs. This leaves the client, who greatly misses the intoxication effect, vulnerable to the abuse of other drugs and alcohol to replace the loss of his usual opiate high.

The second requirement of a program of recovery is supportive structure. An addict whose life has been dominated by chasing drugs needs to replace the old order of things with a new order of things. In a methadone maintenance program, structure is maintained by the need to acquire the methadone as well as a schedule of mandatory therapeutic services. In the early stages of recovery, the structure is implemented by requiring that a client attend the clinic daily to pick up the medicine. The intensity and frequency of therapeutic services is high for the first 90 days to a year. Participants may be required to attend groups and individual sessions weekly, but as the client is in the program longer services may become less frequent. At first, the methadone clinic may be the sole source of structure for the client, but as time passes other sources begin to emerge such as deeper involvement in the 12 step program, work, healthy exercise and family involvement. As normal life structure begins to develop the methadone clinic reduces its role in the client’s life. The ultimate goal of a therapist is to do away with the therapist.

The third requirement of a program of recovery is accountability. A new client needs to find ways to make her self accountable to dependable outside authorities. The nature of recovery from addiction is to realize that when an addict is left to his own devices he will not be able to keep himself straight. He needs guard rails. The methadone clinic provides these guard rails by providing a regular monitoring service. Clients are tested for drugs and alcohol so that when the clinic staff and the client say that the client is free of illicit drugs, the evidence is objective. The client is also required to bring in any prescriptions for evaluation in order to prevent the client from abusing licit drugs. It is much harder to use or abuse drugs or alcohol when you are in a relationship with an objective and observant person and that person has the ability to manage positive and negative rewards to keep you on track.

For any program of recovery to be successful these three aspects of a TX program, limiting access, providing structure and accountability must be implemented along with encouragement to find a more effective philosophy of life.

-Sacred Heart Therapist
]]><![CDATA[RECHARGE SATURDAY, We could have been anything we wanted but we chose to work for Sacred Heart.]]>Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:45:32 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/recharge-saturdayAs I arrived to my destination, I peered up through my moon roof only to confirm the rain was here to stay. I sighed and thought to myself, “Is it too late to change my major?” That is a little question I jokingly ask myself when my career places me in non-ideal situations.I swished across a huge drenched field while eyeballing the port-a-potties and thought, “You could have been anything you wanted to be but no, you had to major in marketing.”

This particular day my marketing career brought me to Belle Isle for the 2008 Celebrate Recovery Walk. It turned out to be more of a swim if you catch my drift.

As I stood bewildered, I was approached by one of our outpatient team leaders and he introduced his waterlogged wife. We exchanged laughs and I thought “for better or worse”, this woman is a trooper; he is definitely going to spend the rest of his weekend doing whatever chores his wife conjures up.

I scanned the rest of the field and saw a group of ten of our clients sporting Sacred Heart tee shirts we had given them. The tee shirts were five shades darker than when I last saw them dry. If you were to ask them to exchange them for something dry I am sure they would shoot you a look as if you must be crazy; the tees were now one of their most prized possessions.

I also noticed there was a shortage of tents and there were four people to an umbrella. I learned from our clients and Howie, one of our Residential Care Technicians (RCT) that our tent has not yet arrived and it is estimated it will take an hour to assemble. I opened my umbrella and a female client readily accepted my invite along with two others, the rest were adorned in garbage bags.

“Great,” I thought as the rain attacked my once dry shoes and attire. “How could this possibly get worse?” But the chain of events that followed next never let me find out the answer to that question.

I text messaged our C.E.O. and stated that “I wish to put in my two weeks notice, I am drenched and on Belle Isle.” He replies, “So am I…I’m at trhe bridge”. I excused his typo because his hands were probably as pruned as mine and I produced a grin.

Once the clients, Howie and I saw them bring our tent we rushed over to claim our new shelter from the rain. Our clients and staff member didn’t hesitate to offer their assistance. I beamed with pride and dripped with rain.

The clients, Howie and I all set up our table and extracted our drenched brochures and our give away items from my tote bag. We then waited for the walkers to cross the bridge and come back to us. The clients took turns using my umbrella to stroll around and check out the other exhibits, always asking permission for the umbrella and the stroll.

You could see the flashing police escort and hear the rumble of the band. I said to our clients, “Are you ready to defend our dry tent? Here come the walkers.” They laughed and said, “Yes,” with conviction as the walkers came rolling in.

I soon felt a tap on my shoulder and it was the soaked C.E.O. of Sacred Heart, Grady. His tennis shoes spout water from their ventilation pores on top and his glasses beaded with precipitation. He greeted all of the clients from Memphis and rejected my two week notice request as he bopped me on my soaked MSU cap. He said he walked right behind our New Life Home for Recovering Women clients, whom melted right into our dry quarters and befriended our Memphis clients, and thanked us before we could thank them for coming.

What happened next was astounding. As Grady and I passed out our materials to the walkers, we were slowly being overcome by our clients taking on the same task. Our clients were talking to other clients from competing organizations and telling them how much they love Sacred Heart and how lucky they were to take part in our treatment program; how hard people worked to find them funding and how their therapist and other staff will not give up on them; that they were sorry that the person they were talking too didn’t make it into our program; and if they need to get treatment again to “try us and take this brochure and gift, it’s from Sacred Heart”. That’s right they said try “us”.

I looked over at Grady and he already knew what was happening. He said, “Do you remember the question you asked me at our last conference? As a professional in this industry how do I keep my spirits up and motivation decade after decade?” He looks at our table being manned without us and said “this motivates me.” As if he were just recharged for another decade. He continued in his ever mentoring way “We have no idea how many people we touched today. One tiny brochure that you designed can spark a lifetime of sobriety.”

We could have been anything we wanted. But we chose to work for Sacred Heart. An organization where our C.E.O. stands wet, shoulder to shoulder with our clients, whom sell our company for us and keep us all in their hearts forever.

-ESTEE WEBER, Sacred Heart Marketing Services Coordinator
]]><![CDATA[MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT:From Skeptic to Supporter ]]>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:01:45 GMThttps://sacredheartcenter.com/blog/medication-assisted-treatmentfrom-skeptic-to-supporterI should begin with a confession. My first contact with methadone maintenance therapy was when I was invited two years ago to participate in the development task force that created the Sacred Heart Opiate Treatment Program. I suspect that that the reason I was invited to participate in the task force was to provide a sobering influence on the committee since I was brought up in the 12-step abstinence model.

Secretly, I felt a like a poison pill. Up until this point in time, “I HAD ALWAYS SEEN METHADONE MAINTENANCE AS UNACCEPTABLE. THE TRUTH IS I HAD NEVER REALLY GIVEN IT MUCH THOUGHT BEYOND AN OFF-HAND DISMISSAL.” I began my work on the task force by plowing through research study after research study. I was really looking for evidence that the methadone medication-assisted model was not good practice. I didn’t find it. The preponderance of evidence supports methadone maintenance. There is solid evidence for the practice of methadone replacement therapy that has accumulated over a very long period of time that can be found even by an old skeptic like myself.

The evidence for methadone maintenance therapy shows reduction in illicit drug use, criminal activity, needle sharing, risky sexual behavior, suicide, and overdoses as well as improvements in health conditions, productivity, retention in therapy and cost-effectiveness.

The body of evidence that supports these conclusions is based on matching the client to the appropriate treatment and providing that client not only with medication but also structure, accountability and therapy.

My second contact with methadone medication assisted therapy was when I was asked to be the program therapist for the Sacred Heart Opiate Treatment Program. I discovered in the clients of the Sacred Heart Opiate treatment Program confirmation of the evidence provided by all that research. “EVERYDAY I SAW MIRACLES. MEN AND WOMEN, WHOSE LIVES HAD BEEN RAVAGED BY HEROIN OR PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION, BECOMING HEALTHY, GOING TO WORK AND TAKING CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES.” I saw these individuals at various stages of their recovery.

Pregnant women whose maternal instinct was to protect their babies, but who could not escape the overwhelming power of their addiction, stabilized on methadone, bringing them and their fetus into a medically controlled support system.

New clients would come into the clinic beat down by their disease after many fervent attempts at quitting. Most had undergone more than one detoxification episode only to return to illicit use because they never really felt normal without some sort of opiate augmentation in the same way that a diabetic never really feels normal without insulin.

Truly, methadone maintenance is a program of progress not perfection, but through medication assistance and persistent therapy, science is transmuted into life.

-Sacred Heart Therapist

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