Older Adults’ Addiction Treatment – Rae Green at U of M
It was my pleasure to speak to the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan last week. The topic was “Alcohol and Other Substance Use Treatment and Monitoring” for a class addressing “Interpersonal Practice with Older Adults”. Higher education continues via zoom during the pandemic. And I can say that I have […]
Drinking Problem? How Do I Know if I Have One?
Our Admissions Specialists regularly take calls from people on the fence about whether they have a drinking problem. The caller is often in trouble, but they don’t see it. Or don’t want to see it. We appreciate these calls because they provide a non-threatening forum to discuss addiction and the treatment options available in […]
Dear Rae: He Drinks Way More Than I Thought!
Dear Rae: He drinks way more than I thought! I am embarrassed to say I met a guy 3 years ago online and I fell in love. Yes, he drank, but I was not aware of the degree. Trust is an issue with me, but I tried to be open. We married 2 years ago, […]
Dear Rae: Should We Delay Treatment for Our Son?
Dear Rae: Should we delay treatment for our son? Since March, our 21-year old son has been showing signs of alcohol and marijuana addiction. He is always sneaking off in our back yard, and there have been many times when he has been staggeringly drunk or high. I guess we are seeing it now that […]
Gratitude Therapy – Finding Happiness in Recovery/Life
I keep a file, with a pink and orange leaf motif, labeled “HAPPINESS”. The file contains articles, post-it notes, clippings, and odds and ends on positive psychology. I am fascinated by the concept of gratitude as a therapeutic intervention (in these times it seems even more germane). And how gratitude groups in the treatment […]
Boundaries in Recovery – The Freedom of Setting Limits
From the presentation “Establishing Healthy Boundaries in Recovery” – Families Against Narcotics (FAN) Washtenaw County Family Forum, May 11, 2020 by Rae Green, JD, LPC, CAADC and Ellen M. Sork, LLMSW. What are boundaries in recovery? “Boundary” is a word that has found its way into our everyday vocabulary and popular media. The concept […]
Dear Rae: Is My High Anxiety Threatening My Recovery?
Dear Rae: I’m home alone and scared – is my high anxiety threatening my recovery? I am reading everywhere that this difficult time is particularly hard on those of us in recovery. I am a year sober from alcohol and drugs myself, live with my boyfriend and I am really struggling with high anxiety. I’m […]
Dear Rae: Will Holiday Temptations Derail My Recovery?
Dear Rae: I am 92 days drug and alcohol free. How do I manage my recovery during the upcoming holiday season? There are so many temptations! Emily Dear Emily: First, congratulations on 92 days. I am glad you’ve written to me and that you have a healthy respect for the challenges the holidays bring for […]
Dear Rae: What’s a Dual Diagnosis? Is That What I Have?
Dear Rae: I am researching rehabs for my depression, and I also have a drinking problem. I keep reading about dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. Is that what I have? N.K. Dear N.K. “Dual diagnosis” and “co-occurring disorders” are both terms that refer to someone who experiences a mental illness and a substance use […]
I Went to Detox – Do I Still Need Addiction Treatment Dear Rae?
Dear Rae: I just got out of Detox and I feel pretty solid. Do I still need to go to an addiction treatment program? L.J. Dear L.J: In a word, yes. You need some type of addiction treatment program or intensive therapy after a stay in a detox unit. The purpose of detox is to […]
