20th Annual Recovery Month Celebration and March
14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401
September 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
 
The featured speaker at the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Recovery Rally  is Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning Hall of Fame song-writer, singer, producer and actor, Paul Williams  ("We've Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days and Mondays," "You and Me Against the World," "An Old Fashioned Love Song" "I Won't Last a Day Without You" and "Let Me Be The One" "The Rainbow Connection", and "Evergreen" from A Star is Born). 

The Emcee of the event is 70's child star and recovering addict now Drug Counselor, Johnny Whitaker (Family Affair, Tom Sawyer, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters) a staple child actor of the 60's and 70's. 

Another scheduled guest (schedule permitting) is Johnny's friend Non-Addict but supporter of Recovery and world-class funny man, Mr. Rip Taylor.  There will be other speakers from the Alcohol and Drug programs as well as personal stories of recovery successes.  After the rally there will be a Sidewalk March from Victory Boulevard to Oxnard Street.
 
More than 23 million people aged 12 or older needed alcohol and drug treatment in the United States in 2007, and in the San Fernando Valley every family is directly or indirectly affected by this disease. Many people do not understand that alcoholism and drug addiction are treatable diseases, and this misconception can keep people from getting help.

This community event is intended to increase public awareness of substance use disorders and what local leaders are doing about it. It also will educate people about the positive effect that treatment and recovery can have on loved ones and the community's well-being, and celebrate people in recovery - as well as those who help them.
 
The Rally featuring Mr. Williams and Whitaker is part of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month 2009 and celebrates the 20th anniversary addressing this year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal."

For 20 years, Recovery Month, supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, through its Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, has celebrated people in recovery from addiction and the treatment providers who help them.

Recovery Month applauds their individual achievements and encourages access to treatment services for all those in need. By alerting people to the recovery services available, we can help community members and their families find a path of recovery and lead productive, healthy lives once again.   Mr. Whitaker and Williams are proof positive of this fact.
     

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles invites everyone to join us in our recovery month activities and to offer events of their own as well.  If you are interested in planning your own event, go to http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Community-Events/Event-Planning.aspx.

If you need help with alcoholism or drug addiction, and are considering alcohol and drug treatment, please call us 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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

It may seem contrary to the goal of recovery to say that relapse is normal and a part of life’s journey after alcohol and drug treatment.  On an individual level it is healthy to say that relapse is not an option.  But since alcohol dependence and drug addiction are diseases with a relapse component, it is important for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts to be prepared in the case of relapse.

It is important to first note that this is not a suggestion to drink alcohol or use drugs if you are in recovery.  The point is that relapse is not about losing your sobriety date, or needing to stand up and take another set of Welcome chips at meetings.  Relapse after a period of sobriety can be used as an opportunity to enhance recovery.

Relapse is an indication that help is needed for a recovering individual, and nothing more.  Those who relapse must seek immediate help for drug addiction or alcoholism from other friends in recovery.  Otherwise, the alcoholic or drug addicted brain will lead them back to the hopelessness and despair they once knew.  They need to follow the direction of others in order to return to the healthy path of recovery.

If recovery begins with an admission that there is a problem, then even chronic relapse is a part of recovery.  With new advances in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), including drugs like Vivitrol that reduces alcohol cravings, these long-suffering individuals may find their way over a large roadblock down the path to recovery.  

In any case, relapse is a learning tool for recovering individuals.  Relapse always occurs sometime before taking a drink or drug.  Upon resuming abstinence, individuals should take stock of their actions before drinking or using, and make corrections.  There is no doubt they will enjoy a better life in recovery, and the shame or guilt from relapse will disappear.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles has an alumni association so former patients may stay close to others in recovery.  We also include MAT in alcohol and drug treatment as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare.  This includes assessment and counseling for the use of Vivitrol during medical detoxification in our alcohol and drug detox units.  For more information, please call 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

The Addiction Technology Transfer Center website has posted an article that details a study on relapse triggers.  A portion is included below, and the link to the full article follows.

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Workshop data were gathered from several different studies of alcohol relapse using rodent models. One study introduced prolonged alcohol consumption, followed by repeated periods of alcohol deprivation, to test for an alcohol deprivation effect (ADE). ADE is similar to the binge drinking that can occur after a long period of abstinence. Another study used operant techniques such as lever pressing to examine how hard rodents would work for their alcohol following deprivation. Another assessed the impact of environmental cues and stress on the reinstatement of alcohol response. An additional study tested the effectiveness of acamprosate and naltrexone, two medications currently used to treat alcoholics. Yet one more study used microdialysis and [14C]-2-deoxyglucose techniques to examine neuronal alterations associated with alcohol relapse.

-- Source: http://www.nattc.org/explore/priorityareas/science/tools/asmeDetails.asp?ID=96 –

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles makes a daily effort to find treatment news articles that we can share with our readers in the alcohol and drug treatment community.  The external content was found among other articles of equal informational and educational quality.

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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

It is important for individuals in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction to enjoy life.  It probably sounds simple to others.  “Just cheer up and be grateful that you are alive!” But in their worst form, alcoholism and drug addiction bring individuals to very dark places in their minds.  Recovery only gives them the opportunity to discover that life can be enjoyable.

When they find recovery, many alcoholics and drug addicts have lived some time in seclusion.  The concept of doing something that is enjoyable can actually be in the realms of the unknown.  They haven’t even thought about what really brings joy to them in a long time.  

One highlight of the first days in 12 step programs or alcohol and drug treatment is the friendships that are formed.  When individuals meet others who relate to their feelings and experiences, immediate bonds are formed.  The joy that comes from these connections needs to be cultivated.  

It takes practice.  The first step is to attend as many meetings and groups as possible.  If you have nothing to do on a particular day, start telling people.  You will find that people are generally happy to invite you along to outings.

On a personal level, make a list of the things you would like to experience and places you would like to go.  Once you have three items listed, invite a few people to go with you.  It takes no more than three ideas because the list will get longer as soon as you go out and do number one.

The first waking thoughts can be tough in the early days of recovery.  So make a point of starting the day with silent meditation and relaxation for the mind.  Honor yourself with a positive outlook, and chase away the negative thoughts.  Often, it is just a matter of deciding to have a good day.  It works!

Many books have been written with the purpose of helping people in recovery to enjoy life.  They can be found in the Self Help section of any book store.  Most of them say a lot of the same things, but ask around for a suggestion if you can’t get a grasp on the concept of enjoying life.  The reason there are so many books is because you are not alone.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles staffs addiction counselors in alcohol and drug detox units so patients get started in recovery as soon as possible.  The idea is to help alcoholics and addicts get to know who they are, so they can more easily transition to residential rehab or outpatient alcohol and drug treatment.  

We also provide mental health treatment for those with co-occurring disorders, so they too can learn to enjoy life in recovery.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence or drug addiction, 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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

Though they may have recovered, a new study confirms that alcoholics may still face social difficulties recognizing emotions. A Boston-based study, funded in part by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has found that after recovery, the brains of people suffering from alcoholism still process things differently, which may lead to difficulties recognizing emotions in others.

Alcoholics in recovery did not register strong responses when shown images of people displaying positive or negative emotions the way the others did. Researchers performed a number of cognitive tests on the patients, including showing them pictures of faces with different expressions. Patients without a history of alcoholism had different responses based on whether the picture showed a positive, negative or neutral expression. In those with a history of alcoholism, however, researchers saw no such differences.

The next step in this research is to look at differences in how men and women who have suffered from alcoholism respond to emotions. While the data has not yet been fully analyzed, it appeared that female alcoholics who had recovered showed a stronger response to emotions than their male counterparts. Gender is a very important factor that interacts with personal history of alcoholism.

While the problems presented here do not appear reversible, they could likely help people involved with the treatment of alcoholics.  It’s important to understand where someone's coming from and what type of challenges they're having, in order to teach them how to cope.

For more info:
Recovered Alcoholics Still Face Difficulties Recognizing Emotions
Study: Recovered Alcoholics Still Face Difficulties Recognizing Emotions - ABC News

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles begins emotional recovery efforts with addiction counseling in alcohol and drug detox.  If you or a loved one is seeking alcohol and drug treatment, 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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

Highly motivated individuals in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction tend to be very active.  This is healthy because it means they are “participating in their own recovery”.  But being active should not wear individuals down to the point of exhaustion.  It is important to find balance and maintain good health in recovery by recharging physically and mentally.

Alcoholics and drug addicts in recovery need to attend several 12 Step meetings each week so they can get connected with the fellowship.  Along with meetings, they may be required to attend groups in aftercare as a commitment to an alcohol and drug treatment program.  They may even go to recovery picnics, conventions, step studies, and church.  All of this occurs while they try to spend more time than usual with family members and friends to rebuild relationships.

It all sounds exhausting, especially for individuals who work 40 hours or more per week.  While all of the activities are probably enjoyable for motivated recovering individuals, the body and mind can only take so much.  So finding brief moments for meditation and relaxation is very important.  

If the body and mind are not recharged with meditation and relaxation, a type of “burn out” can occur in recovery.  It usually happens abruptly rather than gradually.  Individuals just stop attending their regular meetings, and don’t show at events.  It isn’t difficult to prevent this from happening.

There are several things that will work.  Daily meditation is important, but it must be real meditation that includes physical relaxation.  Meeting friends in recovery for a coffee or meal is relaxing as well, and discussions will likely surround recovery but it isn’t required.  Going on a weekend spiritual retreat with fellows in recovery is a great way to recharge.

Overall, it is important to not isolate.  Relaxing with friends is more effective and fulfilling than being closed off from the world for a day.  That is not relaxation, it is hiding.  Quiet relaxation can be effective in just 15 minutes.  

A good 15 minute technique for relaxing has been posted on www.lessons4living.com.  It does not need to be used daily, but can be effective as a precursor for daily reflections and meditation.  An excerpt from the page is below, and the link follows.  It is likely that some relaxation may even result from just reading the excerpt, but we recommend learning the whole process.

-- Begin external content --

Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for about 15 minutes. Dim the lights. Locate a comfortable chair in which you can sit straight up with your feet on the floor. Sit comfortably in the chair. Pay close attention to how you feel as you begin. Notice any stiffness or tightness. Are there any aches or pains? Do you feel tense, frustrated, or keyed up? Pay attention to how you feel now because you are going to become more relaxed, and you need a point of comparison.

-- Source: http://www.lessons4living.com/how.htm --

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol and drug treatment to adults and adolescents, and includes education groups as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare.  For more information, please call 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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

Individuals who suffer from alcohol dependence and drug addiction have the common burden to dwell on resentments.  It is one of the living problems that drive them to continue using their substance of choice.  Unfortunately, this process continues into recovery, resentments grow, and individuals are often driven to relapse because of it.  So it is important in recovery to learn the art of “letting go”.

This is a good example of why 12 Step programs restate “Let It Go” over and over, sometimes to an annoying extent.  But this has a very positive affect.  Repetition of a phrase plants it in the mind and keeps it at the forefront of thought.  Since the natural response of the addicted mind is to dwell on negatives, planting a reminder to “let it go” in the psyche is quite helpful.  

It is also interesting to note that most people in recovery need to be made aware that this process occurs.  It is difficult for them to comprehend, and denial is the normal, initial response.  Those not suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction may have a hard time understanding this as well, so it could be helpful to use an analogy.

Here is a cute story that was heard in a group session:

Mitch’s border collie, Sparky, had a bad habit of digging in the rose garden.  Following a suggestion, he installed an electric fence around the garden.  Mitch expected Sparky to get a quick shock, and learn to avoid the perimeter of the garden on future roams around the back yard.

Shortly after the fence installation, as predicted, Mitch heard a loud yelp from the garden area.  This was followed by a white and black, blurred streak that led from the dog door to under the dinner table.  Mitch smiled with the belief that that would be that.  

But Sparky’s desire to get into the garden was stronger than her memory of the recent shocking experience.  It wasn’t too long before the scene was repeated, like rewinding a favorite moment in a movie.  Mitch decided that the negative reinforcement was probably working and didn’t give it another thought.

Some time passed, and Mitch was relaxing with a cool iced tea, not thinking about the earlier lessons that Sparky had endured.  Soon he heard feverish cries from the back yard, followed by a scream from his wife.  He ran to the back door to see Sparky locked onto the electric wire with her teeth.

“Let go Sparky!” Mitch yelled as he pulled on the determined pooch.  Since the fence was not charged to immobilize, it was pure will that kept Sparky attached to the wire.  With a snap, the wire broke and Mitch’s friend was freed from her pain, never to approach the garden again.

Sparky suffered no permanent damage from that day.  In fact, Mitch reports that she is spunkier than ever and avoids the flowers without the need of a fence.  

Recovering individuals can learn from this story, and their loved ones may benefit as well.  Sometimes there is an insurmountable barrier to getting what we want in life, and there is a reason for it.  Instead of continuously trying to run through the barrier, it is often best to just “let go”.  This allows the obsession to calm, and nobody gets hurt.

It is also nice to know that when you get into trouble, there is a loving friend nearby that can help.  Friends in recovery are vital to the daily spiritual maintenance that is needed for long term recovery.  The journey of life can’t be taken alone.

Letting go may take time on any given issue.  But only then can a lesson be learned.  Recovering people are willing to go through some pain for their desires and resentments, much like Sparky was.  So when “Let it go” leads thoughts to contrary actions, life can be less painful and growth can be achieved in recovery.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles sponsors alumni events and community events for those in recovery so friendships can be formed.  If you or a loved one need alcohol or drug treatment, 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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

Early recovery brings many challenges for those suffering from alcohol dependence.  Relapse, the biggest challenge, has the power to reverse and possibly erase all progress during this time.  Since alcohol cravings are a major relapse trigger, it is a good thing that advances are being made in medication assisted treatment.

For those who do not suffer from alcoholism, these cravings may be difficult to understand.  An easy way to get the picture is to think of a favorite food.  Did your mouth begin to water? The difference, of course, is that alcohol is deadly to the alcoholic.  But even after many years of abstinence, the sight of James Bond with a martini can bring similar reactions to an alcoholic in recovery.

Although these cravings subside in frequency over time, they can be downright overwhelming in early recovery.  Motivation for recovery can help carry individuals past cravings as they occur.  But most of the time, a relapse is the result.  When questioned as to why they drank, they answer with an indication that they were only trying to satisfy an intense craving.

Researchers understand craving for alcohol in different ways depending on their disciplinary backgrounds.  Psychologists may use concepts of reinforcement, social learning or cognitive processing to explain why we crave alcohol.

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Many theoretical models attempt to explain the phenomena associated with craving. Although no single model accounts for all aspects of craving, each has elements that may eventually contribute to an overall, comprehensive model. Key characteristics of selected models are described below.

• The reinforcement model is based on alcohol's ability to produce an elevated mood or to help relieve an unpleasant mental state such as stress or anger. An unconscious learning process called reinforcement leads to repetition of the behavior (i.e., drinking) that produces the positive experience. Eventually, objects, environments, or emotions consistently associated with alcohol consumption can produce a similar response as powerfully as can alcohol itself. Such stimuli (i.e., cues) may include the sight of a bar, liquor store, or beverage advertisement; the company of friends who drink; or exposure to alcohol itself. An abstinent alcoholic exposed to appropriate cues will experience a conscious urge, or craving, for alcohol.
• According to the social learning model, cue-elicited craving during or after treatment can trigger conscious coping strategies aimed at maintaining abstinence. The success of coping depends on the drinker's confidence in his or her ability to resist the urge to drink. This model acknowledges craving as only one of several factors necessary to induce relapse.
• The cognitive processing model postulates that alcohol use becomes a habit which requires little conscious effort or attention, just as driving down a familiar road can become automatic. In this model, craving represents the effort involved in mobilizing conscious problem-solving skills needed to block the automatic drinking behavior. Such a situation may occur when a drinker finds that his favorite bar is unexpectedly closed. Similarly, following treatment, an alcoholic who is motivated to remain abstinent might experience craving while consciously attempting to avoid cue-induced relapse.

-- Source: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa54.htm  --

Neuroscience explains craving based on brain chemistry, specifically on the regulation of the neurotransmitters endogenous opioids and dopamine.  So medications have been developed with a purpose to reduce alcohol cravings for those in recovery.  Simply put, when the spigot of chemicals is turned down or off, cravings are less likely to manifest.

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Medications to interrupt the process of reinforcement are being investigated. The key neurotransmitters involved in reinforcement include the endogenous opioids and dopamine. The endogenous opioids are a group of brain chemicals similar in action to morphine. They appear to amplify the pleasurable effects of rewarding activities and have been shown to help maintain drinking behavior. Naltrexone helps prevent relapse and reduce craving by blocking certain opioid receptors, presumably reducing the pleasurable effect of alcohol.

-- Source: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa33.htm --


Tarzana Treatment Centers Los Angeles has been using Vivitrol with patients for over a year beginning in September 2008.  We’ve provided the medication to over 120 patients in the past year.  Vivitrol is Naltrexone in the form of a monthly injection which blocks the euphoria associated with alcohol use.   Patients report that cravings for alcohol and other drugs are reduced.

Tarzana’s experience with Vivitrol began with participation in a pilot project sponsored by Los Angeles County Alcohol and Drug Program Administration and Alkermes, the manufacturer of Vivitrol.  Use of Vivitrol at Tarzana has been greatly expanded through the Alkermes Touchpoints program.   Touchpoints provides the initial Vivitrol injection to any patient free of charge.   

Follow-up interviews with Vivitrol patients in treatment indicate positive results overall.  Patients who have relapsed on several prior occasions, with little recovery time, reported greater motivation and hope after being injected with Vivitrol.  So Vivitrol does indeed appear to aid those in alcohol treatment toward long term recovery.

At Tarzana Treatment Centers we use the Urge to Drink Scale to assess patients for medication assisted treatment with Vivitrol.  During the admission process they are informed about the use of Vivitrol and given literature explaining details about the medication.  We are also finding that our Vivitrol patients are privately recommending it to other patients who are approved for use.

While Vivitrol is not a miracle drug, it has proven to be effective for many patients as a helpful tool on the road to long term recovery.  This medication assisted treatment may not stop relapse from occurring, but it offers a solution to alcohol cravings which tend to lead to relapse in early recovery.  This is not just about reducing an annoyance.  With reduced alcohol cravings patients can focus more on other issues that may trigger a relapse, thus giving them an even greater chance at long term recovery.

If you would like more information about medication assisted treatment with Vivitrol at Tarzana Treatment Centers, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or email at vivitrol@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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

Everyone loves a success story.  Where alcohol dependence and drug addiction are concerned, the daily journey of recovery requires it.  Hearing or reading the experience, strength and hope of others offers perspective to individuals in recovery.

After leaving alcohol and drug treatment, individuals often get an urge to “shout it from the rooftops” that they have recovered.  So addiction counselors begin encouraging writing in alcohol and drug detox as an outlet.  This is very healthy, and can improve chances for long-term recovery.

The official Recovery Month 2009 website has opened a section asking for recovery stories.  Those in recovery are invited to write about their own experiences, and read contributions from others.  Some information on the section is below, followed by a link to the web page.

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Across the country, people in recovery are celebrating their successes and sharing them with others in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, for whom, and why. Because these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Voices for Recovery provides a vehicle for people to share their recovery stories.

You can view others' stories and share your recovery story to help others see that recovery is possible on the Recovery Month Web site.

We will post your story along with your first name, last name, city, State, or email address, if you choose to provide this information. If you prefer to remain anonymous, only provide your State and your story.

-- Source: http://recoverymonth.gov/Voices-for-Recovery.aspx --

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles can help you begin the road to recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  Our integrated behavioral healthcare services include alcohol and drug detox, mental health services, HIV/AIDS services, and culture-specific tracks including Native American alcohol and drug treatment.  For more information, 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, Staff Blog Writer

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September.  Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment.  So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

Recovery from alcohol dependence or drug addiction is a lifelong journey.  Treatment, and possibly alcohol or drug detox, is only the starting line on the path to recovery.  The road takes many turns, has some speed bumps, and even a few seemingly insurmountable roadblocks.  But for those who persevere, life becomes purposeful and enjoyable, and a return to alcohol or drug use is out of the question.

When entering alcohol and drug rehab, patients are operating with a brain that is impaired.  Even after medical detoxification, when the body is alcohol and drug free, they need training on how to cope with life before entering the “real world” so they don’t relapse.  This is best accomplished in outpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment along with support group involvement, like a 12 Step program.

Think of an out-of-shape person who wants to run a marathon.  He would not last 1 mile if he just got off the couch and went straight to the starting line.  He will need months of training, every day, as well as a change in his diet and daily routines.  During those months, he will face challenges that will strengthen him for the big day.  When he is ready, he can face the challenge of his life.

If individuals take treatment seriously and are properly motivated, starting a new life in recovery will seem easy.  New coping strategies can be put into practice; much like our marathon runner will use pacing and special breathing techniques in his race.  The early days in recovery are commonly known as the “pink cloud” period because life seems to be problem free.

Maintenance is critical to recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.  The length of time the pink cloud lasts depends on an individual’s commitment to his or her recovery.  Alcoholics and drug addicts in recovery always have the challenge to avoid giving up when faced with difficult situations.  The urge is to say, “What’s the use?”  

In a sense, when people in recovery gather together and discuss their experience, strength, and hope, it replenishes the soul.  The runner relies on others to hand him water to replenish his body because he must focus on running.  People in recovery rely on one another for positive feedback because the mind tends to focus on the negative aspects of life.  In both cases, individuals can avoid giving up the journey with the help of others.  

As the runner advances in the race, new pains will emerge that he has never experienced before.  The same is true in life for recovering individuals, except that they may have experienced the pain before and found a solution in alcohol or drugs.  As the runner perseveres through pain along his journey in a healthy manner, so must those in recovery.  The work done before these pains occur, and having loved ones to help, makes dealing with them much easier.

Every day is an achievement to those in recovery, like every mile to the runner.  Life in recovery requires that every mile of the long journey is approached with joy and gratitude, because the reward is being clean and sober.  Recovery doesn’t mean an easier life; it means that life for alcoholics and drug addicts is worth living and has purpose.

This is where recovery departs from the marathon analogy.  There is no finish line where recovering alcoholics and drug addicts can look back on a job well done.  But it doesn’t matter because those who are truly in recovery enjoy being in the marathon known as life.



Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol and drug treatment to adults and adolescents, and also offers alumni activities and volunteer opportunities.  For more information, please call 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.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009 by contributing time and staff for local events.  It is a wonderful opportunity to spread awareness to the public about alcohol and drug treatment in Los Angeles.  We invite you to join us in celebrating recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.

Since Recovery Month includes events all over the United States, we would like to inform those outside of Los Angeles County how to find events in their area.

There is now a Facebook page for Recovery Month 2009.  

If you already have a Facebook account:

1. Log in to your account
2. Type “Recovery Month” in the Search box
3. The first result should be for the official government page, with their logo at the left.  
4. Click on “Become a Fan” to join, and you will start getting news.

For those who don’t know, Facebook is a social networking web site where people interact with friends, family and others.  It is the new way to stay in touch with people, share stories and photographs, and to make recommendations to others.  The growth of Facebook has encouraged businesses and organizations to create their own pages to keep information flowing to customers, members, and fans.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles makes a daily effort to find treatment news articles that we can share with our readers in the alcohol and drug treatment community.  

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley, and in Santa Ana.