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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
12. October 2012 07:45
Seniors need to pay close attention to their health and should avoid problems with alcohol and drug abuse. There are times, though, when medications need to be prescribed for anxiety, depression, or pain that may result in an addiction. Thankfully, medically necessary drug addiction treatment for seniors is covered by Medicare.
Tarzana Treatment Centers accepts Medicare for medically necessary drug addiction treatment. Our addiction treatment services include medical detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment, Vivitrol, and mental health treatment for those suffering from co-occurring disorders. We also accept Medicare for preventative services at our clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.
More than ever, seniors are falling into the trap of prescription drug addiction. Through no fault of their own, they will follow doctors’ orders and become dependent on a drug. The result is an addiction to one of several drugs like Xanax, Vicodin, Valium, Ambien, Ativan, or Klonopin. Withdrawal from these drugs can range from uncomfortable to dangerous, so these individuals should find a quality prescription drug addiction treatment center.
Quality addiction treatment for seniors means that counselors and facilities can accommodate their clients’ special needs. Aging minds and bodies react differently to withdrawals. Staff needs to be trained to work with individuals who have decades of life experience, which requires specialized counseling. And, for your safety, the medical staff must know how to administer detoxification medications to seniors.
Tarzana Treatment Centers provides this specialized care for seniors in addiction treatment. Our counselors are friendly, and can help you to understand your addiction. Mental health disorders often go untreated with the senior population due to a stigma fear. Our psychology staff understands this, and is ready to provide you with confidential and sensitive therapy.
Please contact us today for more information.
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
5. September 2012 14:10
If you consider that there are an estimated 22 million Americans with a drug or alcohol problem, you might assume that doctors regularly diagnose and treat them. Reality is, though, that most doctors have never been trained to in addiction treatment, and usually treat only the symptoms of the disease. Fortunately, some new treatments involving medications may change this sad situation.
One big problem with alcoholism and drug addiction is that so many medical problems result from them. Substance abuse negatively affects different parts of the body, depending on the drug being used. Alcohol abuse, without exaggeration, harms every cell in the body. To the untrained in addiction medicine, the symptoms of these abuses might appear as primary problems, only requiring common treatments. For example, a doctor may prescribe specialized medication for a bleeding ulcer and schedule a follow-up visit.
Another problem with addiction is that alcoholics and drug addicts are not quick to admit their problems. Even if a doctor asks about drinking and drug use habits, these patients will minimize or deny it. Short of the patient arriving at 9:00am and smelling of alcohol, or having injection track marks up and down their arms, untrained doctors will not see a reason to investigate. The answer is often accepted as true and the doctor looks to heal the symptom.
The result is that alcoholics and drug addicts get temporary relief from negative symptoms of their disease, but don’t receive, at the very least, guidance from their doctors on how to prevent them in the future. The worst result is that people die every day from the negative effects of alcoholism and drug addiction. Most of them could have been saved had they been given early treatment for the primary disease of addiction.
According to this article, there is possible good news on the horizon. There is an effort to attract doctors to the addiction treatment field, and to promote addiction medicine as a recognized subspecialty. Medical treatment and new prescription drugs are proving to be effective means of helping addicts to recover. Counseling for the psycho-social aspects of the disease is still important, but detox and craving reduction medications, like Vivitrol, have become very beneficial in the early days of recovery.
Tarzana Treatment Centers provides Vivitrol treatment for alcohol and opiate craving reduction, for example. This follows medical detoxification, which is important to avoid the severe effects of withdrawals. We have seen some great success stories from patients who previously struggled with relapse after their first Vivitrol injection.
Imagine if doctors could diagnose addiction from the symptoms they normally treat. They could make a referral to a detox facility, followed with Vivitrol for eligible patients, and maybe residential or outpatient treatment. Patients tend to listen to doctors more than they would even to their most beloved family members. Hopefully, the effort mentioned above can spread so more of those who suffer can get the treatment they need.
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
3. August 2012 07:11
When the health of family members is a concern, you want to trust their health care only to quality providers. This is especially true for children and seniors. It is also helpful if all of your health care providers are at one location.
Tarzana Treatment Centers provides many of the services you need to maintain good physical and mental health. We also contract with several public funding sources so we can provide these services to anyone who needs them.
Starting with our medical care clinics, physicians can attend to your physical health care needs in a clean and comfortable setting. If you suffer from a mental health disorder, our licensed professionals are available for therapy. Alcohol and drug addiction treatment is also available, including medical detoxification and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). For individuals who are HIV positive, our well-renowned HIV Services can help manage your special needs.
Growing up can be difficult. Our Youth Services staff specializes in treating teen alcohol and drug abuse, as well as adolescent mental health issues. These problems can tear the family apart, so our youth programs are built to repair the bonds that have been broken. Family members learn to accept one-another and work together, which strikes at the core of substance use disorders.
We provide senior health services covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Along with medical care, mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment services are available. These issues often go ignored by family members and seniors suffer needlessly. We will provide services ranging from short-term therapy to residential treatment.
Tarzana Treatment Centers accepts Medi-Cal, Healthy Way LA (HWLA), and a few other forms of public funding for health care services. You can call to find out if you are covered. If you are not currently enrolled in a program, we can help you to apply. We also accept most forms of private insurance, and private payment on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay.
Please call 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
6. July 2012 15:16
Prescription drug use among teens has increased over the past few years. Benzodiazepines and opiate painkillers can produce a type of euphoria and carry the illusion of being safe, so adolescents are more inclined to try them over other drugs. Studies show youths saying that these drugs are easier to obtain than alcohol. So a program in Fresno, CA, named Lock It Up, aims to cut the supply from its largest source.
Lock It Up is an awareness campaign that will educate the public about prevention efforts that can be implemented in the home. Here is a little more information:
The article states that “More than 70 percent of teens who abuse prescription painkillers say they get them from family, relatives and friends.” What they don’t mention is that most of the people they get the drugs from have no idea that they are gone. This is why the Lock It Up project is such a good idea. Most parents will quickly take action if they know that they are unwittingly supplying the teen prescription drug trade.
When non-addict adults are prescribed painkillers or anti-anxiety medications, like Xanax, they will often not use the entire amount of pills prescribed to them. The need for them runs its course or they just don’t like them, and they leave remaining pills to be forgotten. This leaves 5, 10, 20, or more powerful tablets unattended in the medicine cabinet. Even if the empty bottle is found after the pills are long gone, a child may have already overdosed on them.
Fresno citizens will learn to lock away or dispose of medications properly. This can put a very large dent in the prescription drug street market. Both parents and teens need to know that prescription drugs are not safe for recreational use, and they can easily cause fatalities from an overdose. Opiates and benzodiazepines are highly addictive, and can ruin a teen’s growing years and cause struggles in adulthood. Let’s all follow Fresno’s lead.
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
6. July 2012 08:23
Tarzana Treatment Centers accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage for a variety of healthcare services. Primary medical care is certainly a priority for seniors to maintain good health. We also cover medically necessary treatment for drug addiction and mental illness.
The senior years can be very enjoyable. This time of life also comes with many changes, both personal and environmental. The environmental changes include relocation, loss of friends and family, financial concerns, and even the amount of medical care you need. What this means is that you need to take care of yourself and remain aware of how environmental changes are affecting you. We aim to help you through these issues so they don’t become the focal point of your senior years.
Mental health concerns arise for seniors because of the changes they face. Obviously, when a long-time spouse or friend passes on there is grief to deal with. Depression can accompany the grief even for the strongest of characters. When the spouse who handled the finances and other concerns passes, it can leave the surviving spouse with great anxiety. Sadly, too many seniors suffer loneliness due to infrequent visits from family members.
Drug addiction can seemingly come out of nowhere for seniors. Individuals who rarely had a cocktail may be prescribed a painkiller for chronic pain. Initially, this is fine and the pain is relieved. But when they feel another type of relief, like an escape from the feeling of loneliness, they may continue to use the drug in increasing amounts and become addicted. If their doctor refuses to continue filling the prescription, they may even resort to using illegal drugs.
For seniors suffering mental health or drug addiction disorders, or co-occurring disorders, physical health can quickly become a casualty. It is important that you be treated for these problems right away so you don’t suffer needless medical problems.
We staff quality mental health professionals who will handle your case with sensitivity in a confidential setting. Our variety of treatment methods for drug addiction, including medical detoxification, counseling, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), provides for a tailored treatment plan that will help you get back into life.
Click this link to see our Medicare services brochure:
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. June 2012 15:01
Medicare covers much more than basic medical care, which is probably not a big surprise to anyone. What may be news is that mental health treatment and alcohol and drug treatment are covered. This is important to know because an increasing number of seniors are in need of these services, and Tarzana Treatment Centers provides all of them.
Senior alcohol and drug abuse can begin with anxiety, depression, physical pain, and even social factors like loneliness or boredom. One may begin drinking earlier in the day, which can progress until cocktail hour is at 9am. Another individual may be prescribed painkillers or anxiety medication, like Vicodin or Xanax, and become addicted because negative feelings don’t feel so bad with them. These are just two examples of how senior substance abuse can start.
Addiction survivors are entering their senior years, and many of them are going back to alcohol and other drugs. The substance use may not be very different from past senior generations, but the stigma of being drunk or high is not as prevalent with the Baby Boomers. On one hand, this means that recreational drugs, like cocaine and crystal meth, are sometimes abused. And on the other hand, family members might feel at ease discussing the need for alcohol or drug detox with this group.
Tarzana Treatment Centers provides addiction and mental health treatment under Medicare coverage. We know what other problems to look for when addiction is presented as a primary problem with seniors. And we can usually treat all of them under one roof. We want to help make the golden years special and not filled with problems.
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
17. September 2010 12:53
There are several reasons that individuals will delay or decline treatment for drug addiction, both legitimate and illegitimate. Some want drug treatment and don’t have time, and others are simply resisting the urgings of family members with excuses. Telemedicine could be the solution for many who want drug treatment for themselves or for loved ones.
The trouble starts with the first use of a drug, whether it is marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, or heroin. Future drug addicts feel a sense of freedom at that time that leads them to further use. Drug tolerance creates a need for larger doses, more often, to get that first feeling again. When drug abuse leads to relationship, family, and employment problems, some individuals will seek treatment. Others will continue use into addiction whether or not they think they need drug treatment.
For those who accept that they need treatment, life factors may inhibit their ability to attend individual and group sessions. Time, travel, and the stigma of being discovered as a drug addict are the major issues. The other group who doesn’t want or think they need treatment will make excuses of the same nature, but only to avoid the issue.
The last couple of days in drug detox can be tense for individuals who want to continue treatment, but see obstacles as mentioned above. They usually have no sick or vacation time accrued to take time off of work for residential treatment, so they will look into outpatient treatment. Then family members often object to the time away from home to attend sessions. After all, it is now time to stop neglecting the family.
Interestingly enough, the debaters on these issues switch sides when a drug addict is resisting drug treatment. Family members tend to urge them to get intensive residential treatment and take all the time they need. Employers may mandate drug treatment, and even pay for it depending on the importance of the employee to the company.
With these time factors in mind, telemedicine is a good solution for the first group and for family members and employers of the second group. Travel time is eliminated from regular weekly sessions, saving patients and family members several hours each week in many cases. Sessions can be attended from work or home by video conference, using a computer with a webcam and internet connection.
Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides telemedicine for drug addiction. Our online drug treatment is delivered using the LiveVisit application, powered by MDLiveCare, over any web browser. This makes treatment convenient, accessible, and affordable. Security is important in drug treatment, so LiveVisit runs behind several layers of encryption.
Telemedicine at Tarzana Treatment Centers is not limited to drug addiction treatment. We also provide online mental health treatment and online medical care. Our goal is to see that those who need treatment can get it.
Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides a full array of health care services including adult and youth alcohol and drug treatment. We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley. If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.
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
30. August 2010 08:49
It’s difficult enough raising adolescent children, and then you discover the reason for their recent behavior issues is due to alcohol abuse or drug abuse. You cringe at the thought of admitting them to alcohol and drug treatment because, beyond the shock you feel, it seems like yet another burden to tackle. But it is important, and you know it, and telemedicine may be the solution for your hesitation.
Adolescent alcohol abuse and drug abuse can tear the closest families apart. It starts with failing grades, behavior problems, and new friends who give parents that “bad feeling”. A gradual increase of difficult situations explodes when parents discover substance abuse among their youth, and exhaustion generally follows. So many parents will just want to give up. Adolescent alcohol and drug treatment seems beyond the breaking point.
Although it is logical to make an attempt at solving a problem, procrastination takes over for most parents of substance abusers due to stigma. “What will the extended family/friends/neighbors think?” When they get past that hindering feeling and call an alcohol and drug treatment center, they learn about the time and emotion involved and put it off again. All the while, their teens are going further down a road toward alcoholism or drug addiction, crime, injury, and possibly death. Time is of the essence.
Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles offers telemedicine as an answer to both the stigma and time issues. Teens can attend counseling sessions via video conference from home, using a computer with a webcam. Parents can attend family meetings in the same manner. We even have the technology to conduct group sessions over a secured internet connection. This cuts the time and cost of travel to our locations, and saves you the need to explain the daily family trips to others.
Our providers use the TherapyLiveVisit application, powered by MDLiveCare, which works in any web browser. If you have a computer with internet access and a webcam, you can use Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or any other browser to access the application. LiveVisit operates behind several layers of encryption, so you can be certain that your consultations will be completely confidential.
The term “telemedicine” encompasses all forms of health care including mental health treatment and addiction treatment. In many cases of youth alcohol abuse and drug abuse, there are co-occurring mental health disorders that had gone previously undetected. Tarzana Treatment Centers is recognized as a leader in providing mental health treatment to adolescents. Our telemedicine staff includes addiction counselors and mental health professionals, as well as medical professionals.
Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides a full array of health care services including adult and youth alcohol and drug treatment. We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley. If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.
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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