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by James Heller
26. February 2013 15:10
by Charles Yeh, MSW, ASW, CADC II, Project Coordinator
The Valley Tele-Treatment Program (VTP) of Tarzana Treatment Centers utilizes tele-communications (phone, e-mail, and video-conferencing) to assess for substance abuse issues, and provide immediate individual counseling if appropriate. By making access easier and more comfortable, and by combining the role of brief intervention with treatment, VTP can better help individuals at crucial moments concerning the risks and harm related to substance use. Participation may be as brief as one telephone conversation, or extend up to six months, depending on each individuals need.
A first goal of VTP is to reach more individuals, and to reach them sooner, to provide individualized prevention and early intervention for alcohol and substance use before consequences become severe, or individuals become dependent on alcohol or other drugs. Because it is not necessary for individuals to travel to our facility in person, the initial apprehension individuals may feel about speaking with a certified alcohol & drug counselor is greatly reduced. A second goal of VTP is to make treatment more accessible for individuals at all levels of substance use severity. Not only does VTP allow individuals experiencing physical or transportation barriers to more easily access treatment, the flexibility of the program offers broad effectiveness for treatment:
- Low risk for harm—VTP offers a safe and confidential way to explore present issues and help to access the options available for help
- Moderate risk for harm—VTP offers counseling to help build coping skills, and to facilitate participation in an ongoing supportive community for recovery
- Severe risk for harm—VTP offers interim counseling to help maintain motivation and commitment to recovery when individuals are still waiting to receive residential or onsite outpatient treatment
- Already in recovery—VTP offers continuing support to individuals going through a difficult transition
VTP services are available in English and Spanish, and are no cost for qualifying individuals. If you would like to access services, refer someone, or learn more about VTP, please call (818) 654-3821, or email vtp@tarzanatc.org.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
16. January 2013 10:29
Setbacks occur for everyone. You can plan ahead for everything you do, and you still can’t guarantee that it will all go your way. For people in recovery, of all ages, it is a daily exercise to deal with this fact, and to avoid relapse. If there is a relapse, the suggested action is to get help right away, especially for seniors.
Individuals in early recovery learn to accept what happens externally so they can better cope with events internally. This is a foreign concept to the alcoholic and addict brain, and it takes years for most of them to put it into regular practice. Even after years of “getting it”, something can happen that breaks down all strength, destroying all coping mechanisms, and leading individuals to drink alcohol or use drugs.
Tarzana Treatment Centers makes relapse recovery accessible and affordable for anyone who needs it. Alcoholism and drug addiction treatment is not as simple as detox and groups anymore. We offer Vivitrol treatment to reduce alcohol and opiate cravings, and telehealth video conferencing for our clients who can’t get to our treatment centers or live far away. If finances are a problem, many of our services are covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other Los Angeles County health care funding programs.
We put great effort into helping you achieve long-term recovery. We also recognize the commonality of relapse and won’t shame you. There are no 100% solutions to substance use disorders. It is rare for anyone to remain clean and sober for life after one treatment episode of any kind. Our goal is to get you back on your feet so you can put your own effort into long-term recovery. We can provide you with the best tools available in substance use treatment to improve your chance at success.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
4. December 2012 15:32
While this time of year brings joy and merriment to most of us, we in the substance use and mental health treatment field are all too familiar with those who find it troublesome. Conflicts can arise from within, stemming from disorders that make social gatherings terrifying. Or they can be substance induced, making someone an annoyance or worse at holiday gatherings. If this was a problem for you or a loved one last year, we would like to suggest that you get help so the holidays can be pleasant going forward.
Anyone who suffers from mental health or substance use disorders, and their loved ones, are familiar with troubles during the holiday season. Yet, each year, millions hope that conflicts and heartaches from the past won’t be repeated. As a general rule, negative behavior gets in the way of the good times once again, every year.
Mental health disorders can cause individuals to avoid social gatherings, in cases of depression, which can bring loneliness and bitter feelings. Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, and other conditions can result in tense outbursts or other negative behaviors at gatherings. Their loved ones might say that they suffer as much, if not more, than the person with the disorder. Sadness or anger becomes the prevailing emotions of the season for all involved.
Alcohol use is at an annual high due to holiday parties, out of school youths, and the seasonal servings of festive drinks. The weather is colder, and many feel like they have an excuse to “let loose”. When alcohol abusers drink more than usual, verbal conflicts, physical fights, and tragic accidents are a higher likelihood. When alcohol is served at a large holiday gathering, at least one person is bound to be negatively impacted by an alcohol abuser. And, we’re sorry that it still needs to be said, innocent people die from drunken driving accidents. Alcohol abuse is in no way “festive”.
It’s the same pattern, year after year, that we see at Tarzana Treatment Centers. Admissions for substance use and mental health drop as the holiday season approaches. Then they rise somewhat sharply as the New Year begins, after the spotlight has been shown on individuals and their disorders. Most of them had considered entering treatment before the holidays, but put it off so they could enjoy them, as they say.
Whether the problems of last year were mild or severe, we suggest that you or your loved one speaks with a counselor before the first holiday gathering. This is especially a good idea if problems have occurred more than once with an individual. You deserve better. Something as simple as a Vivitrol injection to reduce alcohol cravings may be the remedy. It will help you to begin the process of healing, and you can become a part of the crowd that will enjoy a happy holiday season this year.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
16. November 2012 15:15
Employee alcohol and drug abuse is a problem in almost every business category. Management is often faced with weighing the value of substance abusing staff members with the potential problems that their behavior may cause. The decision is not always easy, and the problem is sometimes swept under the rug. There is a solution, though, for employees who are willing to stop drinking and using drugs.
Tarzana Treatment Centers suggests the use of Vivitrol treatment. If you want to keep an employee on staff, and they are willing to get help, this can potentially solve problems for both of you. Vivitrol is a monthly injection of Naltrexone that reduces alcohol cravings and opiate cravings. It is convenient and it works. We have seen many patients achieve long-term sobriety after Vivitrol treatment, when they previously had multiple relapse issues.
Society associates some jobs with alcohol and drug abuse, and we won’t get into examples. You probably can think of a couple of them. The fact is that the problem exists in practically every type of job, including those you would never imagine. Co-workers usually spot the problem before management and business owners discover it, and then those in charge need to decide how to handle the situation.
Stress can often lead high-value employees to abuse alcohol or prescription painkillers. To them, they are relieving stress. To you, they are slowing down and are distracted by issues outside of work. It is up to management to open the lines of communication with these individuals, and let them know they are worth keeping if they will get help. Vivitrol treatment can be an investment in the increased productivity they can give to your company, and their own health.
While “zero tolerance” is a fair enough model, some states and contracts regulate businesses’ ability to terminate employment upon discovery of a substance abuse problem. Since alcohol and drug abuse problems don’t get better without help, keeping these individuals on staff can be a potential hazard to the company. Here is another area where Vivitrol treatment can save costs in the long run when individuals are willing to get help.
If you have an alcohol or drug abuse problem in the workplace, Vivitrol is an option worth investigation. It can potentially improve your company’s bottom line, and it might save a life. Please contact us for more information today.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
26. October 2012 09:20
It’s very rare for addicts to be monogamous with their drug of choice. They usually abuse alcohol as well. Even if they don’t, alcohol use in early recovery could pave a path back to addiction with the same or another drug. Especially when individuals have had multiple relapse issues, prevention of another could come in the form of alcohol craving reduction.
Tarzana Treatment Centers provides Vivitrol for alcohol and opiate craving reduction. This monthly injection of Naltrexone has helped many who suffer from alcoholism and opiate addiction. They have achieved long-term sobriety when they previously struggled with relapses. Vivitrol works with brain chemistry to minimize the distraction and temptation of this major relapse trigger.
Alcohol is a drug, just like any other. Most addicts abused alcohol before they tried the drug they eventually became addicted to, and either combined the two (or more) or cut back on alcohol. In any of these cases, alcohol holds a psychological connection with dependence on the drug of choice.
In recovery, the suggestion is to remain abstinent from all drugs, including those that were not a part of the problem. This is to avoid the problem of cross addiction. The disease of Addiction causes sufferers to seek an escape mechanism because they can’t cope with normal life occurrences. So, cocaine addicts in recovery might think it is okay to have a glass of wine because alcohol was not a problem before drug rehab.
The addicted mind works in such strange ways that alcohol might not be the biggest threat. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine addicts may have a history of being prescribed opiate painkillers from a past injury. This is a great temptation for someone who is desperately trying to remain abstinent. The “pain” mysteriously reappears, quite often, and the addict requests another prescription. Unfortunately, there are far too many doctors who are willing to accommodate.
Whether the hope is to avoid alcohol or opiate abuse, Vivitrol is the solution. After the first 30 days without alcohol or other drugs, recovering addicts of any drug will see the benefits of total abstinence. By eliminating the possibility of cross addiction with alcohol or opiates, and blocking that psychological path to their drug of choice, addicts to any drug have a better chance for long-term recovery.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
15. October 2012 11:56
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a monthly injection of Naltrexone that is FDA approved for alcohol and opiate craving reduction. This treatment reduces your risk of relapse by minimizing one of the major triggers that can lead you back to drinking or using drugs. By clearing the mind of cravings, Vivitrol enables you to focus on treatment and the core issues you need to process. All of this enhances your chance to achieve long-term recovery.
How much does Vivitrol cost?
The best answer to this is: Call us to find out.
As is the case with many medications, it is difficult to provide a solid price in a blog article. How much you pay for Vivitrol at Tarzana Treatment Centers depends on whether you have health care coverage and from which funding source. If you search websites for a price you will see prices varying by over $1000, which does you no good.
Tarzana Treatment Centers accepts Medicare and Medi-Cal for Vivitrol treatment, and other public health programs may pay for it. Also, there are rebate programs that come and go, so it would be irresponsible to publish a set price for individuals who opt to pay cash for the treatment.
What are the side effects of Vivitrol?
The most up-to-date list of side effects can be found on the Home page of the Vivitrol website at http://www.vivitrol.com. It is important for you and your primary care physician to know these facts because, like many helpful medications, you may not be in a position to take Vivitrol.
At Tarzana Treatment Centers, no patients have suffered severe side effects. Minor injection site pain is often reported, along with other minor side effects. They also report that these effects dissipate in a day or two. We’ve also had patients who report no negative side effects at all. It needs to be noted that the great majority of patients starting Vivitrol treatment get their first injection following medical detoxification. So the body is going through changes that can cause pangs of one form or another anyway.
More Questions?
Please contact us today. We will be happy to answer your questions so you or your loved one can get the treatment needed.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
9. October 2012 10:26
The holidays are not far off, so we suggest that you plan ahead to ensure they are joyful. Don’t be the person who gets treated after the good times are over. You should take care of your health now, because this time of year brings tension, celebration, and reunions that require good physical and mental condition.
For most, it’s a time of joy and family, gatherings, food, drinks, gifts, and seasonal entertainment. Others may not engage in the festivities, but it is difficult for them to completely escape the collateral effect of all that is going on. And, while it is mostly a time of merriment, there are aspects of the holiday season that are very unhealthy for some individuals.
Tensions rise as we lead in to November and December due to financial issues, relationships or lack thereof, lost loves and those who’ve passed on, and other factors. These can be minor issues, and don’t affect most people. When they add up for one person, though, and they have a heart condition, are a senior, in recovery, or already under pressure, anxiety can get out of control. Even worse, it can actually cause a heart attack or stroke.
Those who engage in alcohol or drug abuse tend to binge during the holidays, either for celebration or as a result of the tensions mentioned above. Individuals in recovery are vulnerable to relapse at this time of year as well. They may ruin parties, anger loved ones, break things, and, worst of all, cause an accident while driving. Too many holiday parties, that were otherwise enjoyable, end in tragedy due to alcohol and drug abuse.
Tarzana Treatment Centers wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. To that aim, we are suggesting preventative care so that you may enjoy them to the fullest. We want you to come see us before the tension rises and alcohol consumption increases, rather than when mounting health problems force you to see us after.
We provide preventative screenings at our clinics, including annual check-ups, cardio-pulmonary exams, and flu shots. Seniors can get many of these preventative services under Medicare coverage. For our friends suffering from substance abuse and addiction disorders, we can help with medical detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment, and Vivitrol treatment for alcohol or opiate craving reduction. Our mental health treatment services are available for minor to severe disorders.
Please think ahead this year. You will have a much better holiday season if you take a little time to prevent health problems. Better yet, you will start a good habit for the new year.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
25. September 2012 08:42
When provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) go into effect in 2014, Medi-Cal will begin covering about 1.5 million new beneficiaries in California alone. In addition, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 will more-likely be enforced due to the ACA. This means that Medi-Cal will be required to cover many more individuals who need mental health care and substance use disorder treatment.
These are important changes that, if handled properly, can benefit a large number of California citizens who have gone without vital mental health treatment due to lack of financial ability. Tarzana Treatment Centers is proud to have our very own President, Albert Senella, taking a lead position to help the State organize what could be a very complicated situation. His decades of health care and funding experience has given him a unique perspective of the changes that need to take place.
The California Healthline article, “ Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment Changing”, details of the challenges and spells out the possible solutions. It is an interesting look at differing approaches the State, treatment facilities, and professional organizations are taking to address health care funding. We hope you will take a few minutes to become educated on this important topic.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
11. September 2012 08:08
Early recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction is difficult for mothers with small children and infants, especially single mothers in lower income households. You can’t focus on your recovery while taking care of a child, and may not be able to afford the child care that would provide you with the necessary quiet time. When child care and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) are a part of treatment in early recovery, though, your chances of achieving long-term sobriety are much better.
Tarzana Treatment Centers provides alcohol and drug treatment services for women with children. We have two facilities in Long Beach and Tarzana where mothers can get the treatment they need, with child day care available. Vivitrol treatment is also available for eligible patients being treated for alcoholism and opiate addiction.
When individuals begin a life of sobriety, everything changes. Routines need to change, diets, friends, and even family relationships. These aren’t all big changes, necessarily. But they all require a certain amount of focus, and that means that daily “alone time” is needed. Any single mother can tell you that this is nearly impossible without an outside hand, which is not always available. Unfortunately, this means that many single mothers relapse early in recovery and often give up on the hope for a sober life.
Some would say that if these moms would put their children in child care, treatment would work better for them. But even if the mother can afford child day care, she needs to rebuild broken bonds. That’s difficult to do when there is a physical separation. So it is a great benefit when mom and child can experience treatment together. At Tarzana Treatment Centers our goal is to provide a temporary home for them. In some cases, it is the best environment that the child has ever experienced.
Alcohol cravings and opiate cravings are major relapse triggers, and require a great deal of strength and motivation to overcome. These cravings can get in the way of bonding efforts between mothers in recovery and their children. For those who are eligible, Vivitrol is an alcohol and opiate craving reduction medication that Tarzana Treatment Centers provides after medical detoxification. With cravings out of the way, mom can focus more on her recovery and relationship with her children.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
by James Heller
29. August 2012 14:05
The various aspects of alcoholism and opiate addiction happen faster for women. Because of this, extra factors need to be considered when providing treatment for women, especially when children are involved. Many of these factors can be minimized by including Vivitrol in alcohol and drug treatment for women.
The female human body processes alcohol and opiates differently than the male counterpart. It takes lower quantities and less time for intoxication to occur, withdrawals appear faster and stronger, and dependence and “hitting bottom” appear sooner to the first use. Social factors, coupled with alcohol or opiate cravings, can also make resisting relapse much more difficult.
Alcohol and opiate cravings are major relapse triggers for both men and women suffering addiction. But women commonly face social situations that involve peer pressure, predators, and even violence that invite relapse. While these situations and other forms of stress may be difficult to avoid, craving reduction can reduce the chance that a relapse will occur.
Tarzana Treatment Centers provides Vivitrol for alcohol and opiate craving reduction. Alcoholics, heroin, and prescription painkiller addicts relapse in large part due to cravings. By removing this trigger, women can better focus on core issues that keep them drinking or using drugs. It also takes away the added pressure to drink or use in social situations.
Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.
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