Chemical Dependency

Substance and alcohol use is present throughout all of society. When the quantity, frequency or duration of use causes problems in life functions, substance abuse is likely taking place.

Addiction occurs when brain chemistry is altered by substances. Individuals may use and subsequently become addicted to:

Nicotine
Caffeine
Marijuana
Alcohol
Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine)
Narcotics (opium, morphine, heroin)
A variety of mood-altering prescription medications for mood control, pain or weight control

Addiction can occur even when medications are taken as prescribed. It is the chemical changes in the brain that cause addiction. Alcohol and substance addiction is a brain disease that most commonly manifests with one or more of the following patterns of experience:

Having increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired mood-altering effects
Continued use in the presence of losses and adverse consequences
The presence of withdrawal symptoms when running out of or deprived of the substance
Engagement in behaviors deemed necessary to continue drinking or using that the individual would not have previously found acceptable or would condemn in others
A significant shift in personal priorities and activities away from once pleasurable or manageable sober activities toward a drinking and using lifestyle

Since addiction is a brain disease with life-threatening effects, alcohol and drug rehab treatment must include biological, psychological, social, interpersonal and spiritual components. Recovery requires intense effort and diligence on the part of clients and staff in order to identify and then change the maladaptive patterns of behaving caused by addictive disease.

Who seeks help for substance use problems?

Individuals seek help for substance use disorders as they become aware of the destructive or life-threatening consequences associated with addiction. Among these are:

Health complications and illnesses
Legal difficulties associated with substance abuse (DUI, drug possession, fraud)
Mood problems related to substance abuse (hopelessness, depression, mania, psychosis)
Interpersonal difficulties and relationship losses
Spiritual disconnection and identity disturbances
Increasing loss of self-esteem, freedom, employability or clarity of thinking
Encouragement to seek help for substance abuse from a professional or family member

Seeking help for substance abuse or addiction is a very personal decision, often occurring at a moment of psychic, physical and emotional crisis. Our clients and their family quickly discover they are not alone and do not have to stay trapped in the spiral of loss and disconnection.

Addiction Program

"The Story"

Our lives are situated in the "stories" we create about ourselves. As these stories shift, our choices will change to fit the new mold, creating a new story.

Alta Mira's mission is to illuminate these choices and experiences of the new story and to identify its impact as it intersects with others.

The spiritual dimensions of the story take hold once we begin to connect with others and take an active role in life and discover our personal relationship to the mystery of living. Once you can make sense of your story, you can change it. No one else can tell you how.

There is no easy solution to the myriad of problems that addiction creates; however, there is a way to unravel the confusion that surrounds addictive behavior. That way is you. Alta Mira provides the opportunity and support that allows you to create your new story.

The Approach

You will have the opportunity to recreate your path through a blending of both conventional and integrative services, including but not limited to:

A medical, psychological and nutritional assessment to help develop a healing plan
Two individual weekly sessions with your therapist to help process your experiences
Group therapy at least three times per week, as well as a variety of group activities both on and off campus. (i.e. Equine Therapy, Adventure Therapy, Four Agreements, etc.)
Optional IV, Oral and Dietary Nutrient Therapy to rebalance brain and body chemistry
Regular body work such as exercise, yoga, massage and acupuncture will help you detoxify, heal and relax
Self-directed, individual growth experiences through literature, self-instructional CDs, DVDs and videos. Journaling is encouraged to record and track your experiences
Attendance at support group meetings of your choice (with staff approval) at least twice per week and attendance at community meetings
Participation in Experiential Groups where the primary focus will be on intense, personal experiences that will surprise and enlighten you
Attendance at educational seminars on a variety of related to recovery, growth, healing, and transformation
Close work with your Program Director and Support Team to develop and implement a program that is appropriate and effective for you
Family Therapy to gain insight into interpersonal dynamics

Outcomes

The blending of traditional and non-traditional activities is designed to:

Improve mental and physical energy
Enhance focus and mental clarity
Elevate mood
Increase your ability to identify beliefs and feelings
Increase your understanding of choice and personal responsibility
Develop a basis for connection to the world around you
Increase self-care capabilities and identify spiritual connections

Areas of Focus

We will address issues that help you achieve your desired outcomes utilizing the methods previously mentioned.

A. Heightening Awareness

Uncovering "your story"
How do you defend and maintain you story? (Cognitive)

Ego/image
Illusion of control/power
Tolerance for insanity (yours /others)
Grandiosity/self-centeredness
Alienation/detachment
Beliefs/judgments
Fears

How do you distract yourself from the "truth?" (Behavioral)

Addictions
Attachments
Drama
Work/play
"Stuff"

B. Increasing Clarity

What do you say you want?

Values
Actions

What are you attached to?
What can you let go of?

C. Learning Free Choice and Personal Responsibility

What do you really want?
What are you willing to do?
What are you committed to?
What "truth" will you live?

The Tools

These above questions help define your direction for a new path and the tools to clear that path. Some of the tools to assist your learning to be responsible for yourself and to others are:

Individual reflection
Active, honest feedback from staff and peers
The Four Agreements
Meditation/Mindfulness/Breathing
Journaling
Self-care skills
Body and energy work
Awareness
Participation (showing up)
Honesty
Nature
Spirit
Nutritional enhancement

The journey to personal empowerment includes identifying and letting go of attachments that no longer serve us and developing the courage to live our truth.

More Treatment Info

» Treatment Overview
» Integrated Treatment
» Alcohol Addiction
» Co-Occurring Disorders
» Depression
» Trauma and PTSD
» Eating Disorders
» Codependency/Relationships
» Process Addictions

Articles on Chemical Dependency

» Rx for Addiction
» Medication’s Role in Treatment
» Meth Update
» Substance Abuse and Suicide
» Addiction's Effects on Family