Chapter 1 – I Think Somethings wrong!
In the work of treating addictions a variety of treatment modalities are employed by providers.
When Hope Is Not Enough!
Chapter One (Excerpt)
I Think Somethings Wrong!
How do we know when someone is drug addiction, an alcohol abuse or another chemical dependency problem?
Well, the answer is we don’t.
Unless there is a historical precedent with associated behaviors to inform us of something being askew, we have no reason to even suspect a substance abuse problem. Yet, we know our loved ones and can certainly notice when things seem out of sorts.
Over time, even the most trusting person will notice when things become so behaviorally erratic that they can no longer ignore what they are seeing.
You find that you no longer feel comfortable writing off what you’re seeing, or experiencing as just another bad day at work or school.
Perhaps you begin to find things such as hidden alcohol bottles, drug paraphernalia or pill bottles.
Someone outside the family asks “what is wrong with him or her?”
You eventually ask your loved one if they’re okay, and they respond with anger, or simply question your questioning them.
You feel as if they did not answer or address your question, or to put it more aptly, you feel they avoided your question.
People have told me that at this point they began to wonder if the person might be having an affair!
Well, in a sense they are!
It is certainly accurate to say that they are focused on something other than you and the family. This is because they are beginning to have, or develop, a primary relationship with something outside the family. In this case however it is most likely an object (drugs or alcohol) or an event (gambling, pornography, sexual acting out, etc.) with which they are developing a relationship.
Here we come to the heart of the problem and the beginning of one of the worst nightmares a family may encounter.
We sense, or in many cases know there is a problem, and have reason to suspect that it is drugs or alcohol.
What do we do?
To whom do we turn?
How should we interact with the person while seeking a way to cope with this unfolding family crisis?
What’s helpful, and what are some of the things we should not do that may be harmful to our hopes of intervening?
While there are no right answers as each situation is unique unto itself, there are some steps to be taken once we are assured that we are dealing with a drug or alcohol problem.
When Hope Is Not Enough, by Fred Wade
- C.A.S., R.A.S. Certified Addition Counselor
This book provides families reference points to refer to when and if an alcohol or chemical abuse problem were to arise with someone they love. It will provide a framework for thinking about and responding to alcohol and chemical abuse problems, as well as a means to finding answers to many unique situations.
Fred Wade holds both National and State certifications as an addictions counselor. He has worked in the field of addiction since the mid 80’s, having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Weyland Consultation Services which specializes in outpatient treatment of addictive disorders for adults and adolescent males and females. Weyland Consultation Services is located in Walnut Creek California, and serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Weyland Consultation Services
Discrete Outpatient Alcohol & Drug Treatment
Weyland Consultation Services - Discreet and Confidential Outpatient Alcohol & Drug Treatment serving the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Cities of Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Lafayette, Moraga, and Pleasanton California.
Learn about our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) A multifaceted, comprehensive and highly individualized program designed to help individuals address chemical dependency issues while remaining in their homes.
Weyland Consultation Services
Walnut Creek Addiction and Recovery
2930 Camino Diablo, Suite 110
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
(Serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area)
Phone: (925) 945-7816 ext. 41
Website: http://www.weylandservices.com
Website: http://www.weylanddetoxservices.com
Website: http://www.weylandinterventionservices.com
Email: info@weylandservices.com
Thank you for your thoughts and feedback. It helps to know that some small part of what one writes impact someone enough for them to comment on the article. I will continue to try to write more but also take greater risk in what I am writing and saying about this field of work. Thanks again for your thoughts.
Fred