PRIDE Institute LGBT Treatment

Today I was sitting at a coffeeshop perusing a magazine when I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation at the table next to me. The man on his cell phone was clearly trying to help out a friend. Statements like “I know you may not feel it right now but you are truly special and people look up to you every day,” and “You have been a great friend to me and I hope I can do the same for you during this hard time.” It got me thinking about how valuable it is to have someone to lean on to remind ourselves that we are worth it. It can be easy to forget our skills and talents that others can see each and every day. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, chemical dependency, body image, gambling, or just having a down day, we are never alone when we allow our friends in.

If you find yourself needing someone to talk to, a friend to turn to, call PRIDE Institute. We are hear to listen and connect you to others that care. Just remember, YOU ARE SOMEONE! 800-54-PRIDE

SAMHSA recently announced a new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders. The definition is the product of a year-long effort by SAMHSA and a wide range of partners in the behavioral health care community and other fields to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the essential, common experiences of those recovering from mental disorders and substance use disorders. Major guiding principles support the recovery definition. SAMHSA led this effort as part of its Recovery Support Strategic Initiative.

The new working definition of Recovery From Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders is as follows:

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA also has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:

• Health: Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way.
• Home: A stable and safe place to live.
• Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
• Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

Brought to you by SAMHSA Press Office.

Click here for Full Press Release: Read the Full Press Release

Holidays can be an extremely stressful time of year.  A lot of the stress is a result of added expectations from family and friends and LGBT individuals finding themselves in uncomfortable family situations.

In order to maintain sobriety it is important to be prepared and proactive during this time of year.  Below is a list of things to keep in mind to make sure you’re taking the proper steps to take care of yourself.

1. As always, remember your relapse prevention plan.  An important part of any relapse prevention plan is having a thorough and trusted list of people to call.  It includes knowing what situations are going to more difficult for you.  So, if being around a certain family member tends to be a trigger, have a plan for that instance.
2. Be realistic.  Friends and family often put on a lot of pressure during the holiday season, but you might also put a lot of pressure on yourself.  You expect that you are supposed to be a lot of things to a lot of people.  It is important to realize that you can’t possibly go to every holiday party or be able to get presents for everyone in your life.  Set some boundaries for yourself and stick to them.
3. Give yourself a break.  Family gatherings can be stressful, even in those families who are completely supportive of your sexual identity and sobriety.  Keep in mind that it is ok to step outside for a break or go to another room for some alone time or to call a friend on your support list
4.  Talk to your partner.  If you are planning on bringing your partner to your family’s get together for the first time, take the time to sit down and talk about each of your expectations, concerns, and general questions.  It is likely that by having a conversation in advance of the event, a lot of your stress and anxiety can be alleviated.
5. Talk to your family.  Similarly, if you are bringing your partner to your family’s event for the first time, have a conversation with them – or at least one of them, about how each of you is feeling.  Allow them to voice anything they need to and allow yourself to do the same.  Often having an open dialogue can save a lot of misunderstanding from ever occurring. 

During this stressful time remember to take care of yourself.  Maintaining your mental and chemical health is more important than getting to every holiday gathering you are invited to.

Honesty.

Many treatment programs as well as the AA community talk about working an honest program.  What is that really about and why is it a necessary component of recovery?

Most people like for things to have clear-cut reasons; it seems people are always wanting to know why things happen – not only in treatment, but in daily life.  Why is often one of the first words to come out of someone’s mouth in a variety of situations.  One might say that as humans we are inherently curious beings who just want to know why.

Many clinicians would argue that finding out why isn’t all that important, but pursing the why is.  It’s during that exploration that we uncover and strip away the many layers that have come to define who we are.

In order to get beneath all of the layers and get closer to understanding ourselves, closer to the why – it is essential that we be honest.  There is perhaps no better time, than in treatment, to put everything on the table and let it go.  Sharing your complete self with others and perhaps yourself can be an extremely freeing process that allows you to understand the depths of your thoughts and behavior. 

Keeping secrets from others, as well as yourself, will likely lead to continued use.  Maintaining sobriety requires that you understand your triggers – what leads you to use.  What are the emotional and situational instances that move you to act out.  Putting your whole self out there in order to uncover the essence of who you are is perhaps the only way to truly understand these things – the only way to achieve and maintain sobriety.

A reflection from one of the PRIDE Institute alum:

Last night I watched a program on OWN (my new favorite network) titled “Our America:  Heroin in the Heartland” - http://www.oprah.com/own-our-america-lisa-ling/Web-Exclusive-Lisa-Ling-Talks-About-Heroin-in-the-Heartland.  Lisa Ling visited a town in Ohio devastated by heroin addiction, and then followed up two years later.  Some “aha” moments I had…

It is important, as members of the LGBTQ community, to join in the myriad celebrations during Pride month.  Unfortunately, many of these celebrations are filled with access to substances that people in recovery want to avoid.  In order to make the most out of the Pride festivities while staying sober, take a look at the tips below.

• Remember your relapse prevention plan.  Be prepared for those moments when you might feel triggered and remember what it is you planned to do, whether it be call a friend or your sponsor, simply leave, or both.
• Have a way out.  Don’t let yourself get stuck in a risky situtation without an exit plan. 
• Surround yourself with sober peers.  There are plenty of people who are in recovery who want to celebrate sober just like you!
• Find meetings.  Plan ahead and find the meeting locations and times that are happening around your Pride events.
• Sober events.  Many Pride festivals or other organizations are incorporating sober events into their programming (ie. Fruit Bowl at Twin Cities Pride).  Do some research and find out what’s available in your area!

It is possible to celebrate your LGBTQ pride and stay sober!  Use your support network and reach out to us at PRIDE Institute if you need resources – we are here to celebrate you!

Used with permission; visit the full blog.

Let me go on ahead and give a testimonial up in this piece for a minute. I am a recovering meth addict. And while there was an element early on, back in the late 90s, when I was bedazzled by the glam party boys at the club, my meth addiction had nothing to do with that. Meth came later, post HIV, and my meth addiction had everything to do with the mind blowing numbing power of the drug, the power of the drug to let me feel beautiful, wanted, loved, in control, powerful … for as long as the high lasted, I was Superman and all the bull shit of the world just bounced off of my chest.

Let me preach on this for a minute. I know you all are the choir but sometimes the choir needs to hear the sermon too. When you grow up a man of color in a country that is designed to shut you up and, if it can’t, lock you away … when you come out in a queer community where, at least where I was from, you are told to your face, “Sorry … you’re cute … but I don’t do black/brown/not-white,” … when you are targeted and tokenized … when you are outside peeking in … any thing that resembles a key or a pathway to acceptance becomes very attractive and BECAUSE we did not then and still do not love each other deeply, fearlessly, strongly, toughly, wholly enough … we do not give ourselves nor those that are coming after us the spiritual or communal strength to love themselves despite what the world or anyone in it has to say about the matter. Visit the full blog.

As individuals begin to realize that they may need some help dealing with their substance use, mental health, or sexual health concerns, it can be daunting to know where or how to start the process.

People who find themselves in this situation will often feel alone, like no one could possibly understand what they are going through.  While it might be very difficult or even impossible for others to really “get it” – it is important to know that you are truly not alone.  Many find it difficult to approach loved ones (family, friends, co-workers, etc) to ask for help, thinking that they will be rejected or judged.  The reality is that your loved ones likely already have a fairly good idea that you are in need of some help.  Those who are closest to you witness your behavior and have the best understanding of who you are – they will likely have noticed changes in you and will be glad you came to them for help. 

Taking that first step is often the most difficult as well as the most relieving.  To reflect a sentiment from the AA community, admitting that you have a problem is the first step.  There are number of “first steps” you can take in reaching out for help:

• Reach out to a close, trusted individual (family, friend, co-worker).  It is likely this person already has and idea that you need help.  Allow them to support you in taking the next steps.
• Contact your Employee Assistance Program.  This is a confidential support service provided by most employers.  They can offer some initial counseling along with some referrals for longer term treatment.
• Go to a meeting.  Most cities have listings for LGBT friendly meetings.  This can be a great way to start talking to someone who might understand what you are going through.
• Do some research.  There are a lot of resources online for people to find therapists and treatment centers that might be a good fit for them.

If you are stuck and not sure where to start, it is best to just call PRIDE Institute or another treatment center.  The first call is often to just begin the conversation to see if you need treatment and if so, what that might look like: outpatient, inpatient, residential, etc.  Making a call does not commit you to anything other than a conversation to look into options.

2011 LGBT in AA

The majority of the LGBT Roundups have been posted! All events and dates are found on www.gayalcoholics.com.

AA Roundups are an opportunity to support your AA and LGBT community in one place. Every Roundup is open to anyone that would like to participate. People from AA, Al Anon, NA, SAA, SLA, etc. are all welcome along with any family and friends you wish to bring. The round-the-clock meetings allow family and friends to see the support and commitment people have to this program and to begin to understand what AA is all about.

If you haven’t been and are curious to know more, check out www.gayalcoholics.com/aa-roundups-events.html

2011:

Atlanta-Hotlanta Roundup: September 2-5, 2011
-The 2011 Hotlanta Roundup will be held Labor Day Weekend at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Midtown.

Austin Round Up: January 28-30, 2011 in Austin, TX

Columbus/Dayton – Ohio Roundup: August 26-28, 2011
-The Ohio Roundup is an annual conference to support the recovering gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) community. Columbus will be hosting the 29th Ohio Roundup August 26th-28th, 2011.

Dallas – Big D Roundup: May 27-30, 2011
-The Big D Roundup is an annual conference hosted by members of the Dallas gay and lesbian community. Our purpose is to celebrate sobriety through recovery, unity and service.

Denver- Rocky Mountain Roundup: August 12, 2011

Honolulu- Aloha Roundup: February 18-20, 2011

Laguna Beach, CA – Miracles Happen: April 29-May 1, 2011
-The Purpose for Miracles Happen is to provide a sober environment for gay men and gay women, recovering from alcoholism within the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.  The Board of Directors and Committee will structure its activities within the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and AA Guidelines for Conferences and Conventions.  The culmination of our progress and intent will be celebrated at an annual convention to be held in Orange County, California and known as Miracles Happen.

Los Angeles – AALA Roundup: May 27-30, 2011
-AALA Roundup is the annual Memorial Day weekend gathering of the LGBT community and our friends celebrating recovery. In addition to our local Southern California guests, we welcome sober and serene AA and Al-Anon members from around the country and the world. Our theme this year is Fellowship of the Spirit. It really captures our goal of working together as a committee to bring you an extraordinary experience of fellowship, fun and recovery. We look forward to seeing you at the Burbank Marriott Hotel & Convention Center May 27-30, 2011. Of course, AALA Roundup fellowship can be enjoyed year round.

Long Island Roundup: April 29-May 1, 2011
-Melville Marriott, 1350 Old Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747, 631.423.1600

Miami – Florida Roundup: March 16-10, 2011
-The Florida Roundup is an annual gathering of the GLBT Community celebrating recovery. Yep, a little bit of everyone with one big thing in common: Recovery.

Minneapolis – Twin Cities Roundup: June 10-12, 2011
New Jersey Roundup: September 9-11, 2011
-The New Jersey RoundUp is an AA conference with
Al-Anon participation hosted by the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered members of Alcoholics Anonymous. As a non-profit organization, the purpose of the Roundup is to host a weekend convention each year to carry the message of AA through fellowship, laughter, love and understanding.

Omaha, NE – Heartland Roundup: April 15-17, 2011
-Comfort Inns & Suites  |  70th & Grover Streets, Omaha NE

Orange County – Miracles Happen Roundup: April 29-May 1, 2011
-The Purpose for Miracles Happen is to provide a sober environment for gay men and gay women, recovering from alcoholism within the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.  The Board of Directors and Committee will structure its activities within the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and AA Guidelines for Conferences and Conventions. 

Palm Springs – Sober in the Sun: May 5-8, 2011
-Sober in the Sun is Palm Springs California’s annual weekend gathering of LGBT recovery-minded people and their friends. We are a 4-day AA conference with Al-Anon participation and are celebrating our 24th year!

Phoenix, AZ – Spring Break Roundup: April 8-10, 2011
-America’s 5th Largest City, Phoenix, Arizona, is host to the state’s 28th annual LGBT AA Conference. Presented by Arizona gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members of Alcoholics Anonymous with Al-Anon participation, we welcome you to Spring Break 2011.

Provincetown – Serenity by the Sea Roundup: October 19-23, 2011

San Francisco – Western Roundup – Living Sober: July 1-3, 2011
-We invite AA and Al-Anon group members to submit up to two original, 2-color entries for consideration as the official logo of the 2011 Living Sober conference. The winner will receive free registration for the conference!

Vancouver – Celebrate Recovery: April 22-24, 2011

Email kristen.scheel@pride-institute.com with further questions!

 Current discussions at the Minnesota Senate hearings could prove disasterous to chemical dependency consolidated funds.  While the DHS staff who presented the Governor’s budget did their best, it was clear that they could have benefited from some involvement from clinicians and hearing stories of success from clients.

Write your representatives. There is information below submitted from MARRCH to give you some details on the situation.

To find your representatives:
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/districtfinder.aspx

MARRCH Recovery at Work, 2011

Minnesota has fallen into a cycle of paying increasingly more money for problems chemical use creates in our state and less on intervention and actual treatment. Once a pioneer in treating those with a chemical dependency illness, the state’s policies of freezing or cutting funding for CD treatment has led to steeply increased public costs in hospital emergency rooms, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system, in addition to personal tragedies of those who need help who are underserved or not served at all.  The cost of chemical dependency to Minnesota businesses is billions of dollars annually. 

Minnesota’s cost-containment strategies have actually cost taxpayers and local governments, as well as the state, millions of dollars. The reverse economic impact has been documented by dozens of studies, many by government agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Health.  The CD field has had rates cut or frozen in the majority of state budgets for a decade and a half. 

The Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health (MARRCH) is a professional association of state-licensed chemical dependency treatment facilities and individual Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs). It is the largest organization in the CD field with facilities or members in all 87 counties. 

There are many important issues being faced by legislators this session and many important constituencies to serve. Lawmakers also are working under the added challenge of solving a significant budget deficit.

MARRCH wants to be part of a solution that helps the maximum number of people at the most efficient cost possible. We want to help legislators understand the hard costs to the state and local government, and the multiplier effect of costs that result from cuts to CD treatment funding.  MARRCH also wants to provide accurate and documented information and dispel misconceptions wherever possible.

Points worth highlighting:
1. Addiction is an illness. This has been argued for decades, but the debate is over. Alcohol and chemical dependencies no longer are discretionary treatments by insurance companies. The argument that addiction is self-inflicted and that an alcoholic should just stop drinking is hollow, groundless and not well-informed. All scientific research has demonstrated that chemical dependency addiction is a chronic disease of the central nervous system with genetic, lifestyle and environmental causation. Research demonstrates that it is treatable.

2. Pay now, or pay much more later. The cost NOT treating addiction is more expensive than the cost of treating addiction. One national study demonstrated that $100,000 spent on treatment avoided $487,000 in health care costs (hospitals, ER rooms, ambulances, doctors) and an additional $700,000 in crime costs (police, courts, jails, prisons). An exhaustive California showed that $1,500 in treatment costs avoided more than $10,000 in related costs. The U.S. Department of Human Services wrote: “Even beyond the enormous physical and psychological costs, treatment can save money by diminishing the huge financial consequences imposed on employers and taxpayers.”

3. Minnesota is worse than average. Minnesota is among the top five states in binge drinking. A state study shows that Minnesota beats the national average in marijuana use. The national average has 503 persons in addiction treatment for every 100,000 of population; the number is 389 in Minnesota. States, cities, sports teams all want bragging rights for a variety of things. This is one area we should strive not to lead.

Addiction touches many families, businesses, and communities throughout Minnesota. MARRCH members are in virtually every community statewide. MARRCH stands ready with information and ideas to help achieve the best solution possible. Please feel free to contact us.