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One Breath at a Time
 In his new book, meditation teacher and author of "One Breath at a Time" Kevin Griffin, explores the ways in which the Twelve Step idea of God or Higher Power can be understood from a Buddhist perspective."I believe that developing a spiritual practice, including meditation, is central to realizing the full potential of a sober life. Buddhism and the mindfulness teachings offer a system of practice and of human psychology that speaks to our contemporary culture. Not a belief system, but rather a guide to a deepening experience of life, of right now, Buddhism combined with the Twelve Steps opens us to insight, kindness, and inner peace."
"I work with people to help them understand the essence of mindfulness through experiential practices. I show them how mindfulness and recovery can be integrated into their lives in simple, practical ways, and how the essential Buddhist insights can have relevance for them. I give guided meditation instruction and then interact with people to explore ways of understanding their own experience."
~ Kevin Griffin |
Family Corner
Impaired Coping in a Wounded Family System: The Truth Will Set Us Free
Toward this end family system education and intervention are emphasized at Morningside Recovery. This sacred work in which we support members to express and hear each other's loving truth, makes possible a measure of change and recovery that cannot be matched or sustained through individual work alone. As clinicians here, we recognize that we hold people's souls, hopes, futures, and most intimate and emotionally charged relationships. It is in that spirit, with humility and gratitude, that we undertake the privilege of doing family work.
Our families have been labeled "dysfunctional." While this label captures, accurately, an essential reality-namely, that many aspects of good enough family functioning are not working-the term feels pejorative and dismissing to most family members. In my journey with these souls (including the home from which I emerged), I find family members appreciate the notion that their system has been wounded by the repeating cycles of illness, pain, loss, and trauma, and that the clients we admit to treatment can be seen as giving expression to the system's wounds. In this view, the loved one in treatment has provided an invitation for the system to examine itself and to change.
Family members appreciate and gravitate toward the term "wounded" as a blame-free and shame-free description of a key aspect of their system. We speak about the ways in which the system has become Disordered, Distracted, Disconnected, Deprived and plagued with Denial (the five D's). These terms capture the nature of relating and functioning in a way that most family members recognize right away.
We discuss how the disorder, distraction, disconnection, deprivation, and woundedness in the system typically stretch back several generations. As we begin dynamic and experiential work, we make space for each member to look at the ways each has coped with the experience of being the member of such a system. We begin to see how control behavior, substance abuse, disordered eating and body image, workaholism, denial/avoidance, and scapegoating (blame taking) are adaptations - impaired coping mechanisms -- not character flaws. We also see how every member of such as system is likely to create a similar system when they go on to form partnerships and build families of their own. We can interrupt this trans-generational transmission of destructive coping.
All members in such systems experience the family version of addictive disease, namely Stress-Induced Impaired Coping (SIIC). Four common roles are adopted by members in an attempt to manage the intolerable emotional experience of facing family's core which is saturated with lies, secrets, shame, and illness. These roles include escaping (through substance abuse, isolating, leaving), taking the blame, trying to fix certain relationships or members, or distracting oneself and others through high achievement (superstars) or high drama.
The treatment for SIIC begins with telling the truth - the emotional truth for each member of what it is like to experience and survive as a member. We look at how authority manifests, love is expressed, communication flows, resources are distributed, crises are managed, distress is shown, and how the family relates to its community and to its past.
Please read my next column in which we'll review the most common ways the 5D's show up and their effects upon members and the system as a whole.
Kenneth Perlmutter, PhD
Executive Clinical Director
Kenneth@morningsiderecovery.com
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Morningside Recovery is dedicated to providing exceptional care for chemically dependent and dually diagnosed adult men and women. Our staff and treatment philosophy supports a process for growth through phases of treatment. Sustainable recovery can happen if an internal shift can occur and a new external  lifestyle can develop.
We believe each person can recover from addiction while learning how to manage mental and/or emotional stability. We are committed to helping each individual achieve complete
abstinence and an improved sense of emotional and mental well-being.
 We offer multiple levels of care including state licensed detox. In addition, our rich, structured family program supports and guides each family through their loved one's recovery process.
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Employment
Oppertunities
Intake Counselor We are looking for an intake counselor to join our team. Our high volume of calls makes this a fast paced position. The candidate should be able to multi-task, work in an intense environment, have experience in intake, co-occurring disorders and at the same time enjoy the benefits of a dynamic job and a fun team and a great company.
Please send your resume to pr1@morningsiderecovery.com.
Clinical Team Leader -
We have expanded our clinical services and need a clinical team leader for a component of our program. Morningside is looking for the right person to compliment our established, seasoned team. The candidate must be licensed in California and have treatment experience.Please send your resume to pr1@morningsiderecovery.com. | |
Greetings!
 The holidays are near and we have put together the first Viewpoint newsletter for you to enjoy, with the hope that you find healthy inspirations and useful tools for now and the year to come. Our newsletter will continue to include staff contributions; however, we encourage your submissions as well. Please feel free to email us for more information.
Since joining the Morningside Team in September 2009, I have been blessed with an opportunity to work with a great team to drive the quality of care and service offerings we provide to new heights. Please take a look at our website for more information about our services. Morningside is setting a bar of excellence that is delivering truly exceptional multi-phased treatment protocols for those with addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Finally, please have a happy and safe holiday filled with many blessings and joy.
Peace,
Candace Bruce, CEO
Morningside Recovery
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Process Addictions
A Way Out
 Generally speaking all of us have experienced or used process addictions at some point in our lives. They are generally our "outs" - a way out of feelings, a way to cause separation from relating, an escape. In fact, this time of year is probably the most engaging time for those who indulge in process additions. Process addiction is defined as an addiction to an action or routine of actions. This can be any compulsive-like behavior that interferes with normal living and causes significant negative consequences. Many process addictions do not seem harmful at first glance and are not harmful when used in moderation. Many of these behaviors are engaged in for the purpose of altering one's mood. Process addictions can be co-occurring along with a substance abuse or at times can develop while attempting to resolve substance abuse issues. It can also be completely independent of any other addiction. These addictions interfere with the process of truly addressing and taking responsibility for feelings.
We can look at process addictions using the criteria for all addictive disorders.
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal - anxiety, depression, irritation.
- Greater quantity or intensity that intended
- Attempts at cutting back/stopping have been unsuccessful
- Great amounts of time spent preparing, engaging in, and/or recovering from the process
- Loss in other areas of life
- Continued use despite significant negative consequences
- Secrecy/Shame
- Use as an escape
Common Process Addictions
- Food - Commonly known as Obesity, Anorexia or Bulimia. Obsessive relationship with food, weight, calories, etc.
- Gambling - Engage in gambling to relieve stress and escape problems.
- Sex - Reliance on sex for comfort from pain or relief from stress. i.e. - Sex, pornography, masturbation, multiple partners, voyeurism, and exhibitionism. Often connected with internet addiction.
- Exercise - Dictates life. Mood and thoughts surround exercise. Often connected with food addiction.
- Internet - Can co-occur with spending, gambling, and sexuality addictions.
- Spending - Repetitive purchasing to deal with negative events or feelings. Can lead to financial destruction for individual or their family.
- Work - Unrestrained and unfulfillable internal demand for constant engagement in work and a corresponding inability to relax.
- Television - People typically disengage from real life and become immersed in what is happening on the screen. Difficulty arises when one strongly senses the need to stop viewing as much, and yet find they are unable to reduce viewing.
- Relationships - A sense of worthlessness without a relationship or a partner. Can include love and sex addiction.
- Video Games - Great amounts of free time spent engaging in behavior. Can create a "God effect" which speaks to the player's ability to manipulate and control everything.
Treatment and Prevention will focus on and have similar goals as when working with most addictions. Identification of behaviors and goals will help initiate change. 12-step support group attendance is highly encouraged. Individual, group, and family therapy can be used to address the underlying inability to regulate tension. Treatment courses vary from patient to patient, with equally varied success rates, although a conscious desire to address the issue will greatly increase the success rate of treatment.
Fouzieh Nikzad, M.A.
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All Time Highs and Desperate Lows
Bipolar Disorder
 Many of us love someone, know someone or have treated someone in our practices with Bipolar Disorder. We also realize just how debilitating it can be to live with bipolar disorder. Many of us who work with clients who struggle to manager their daily lives with this illness can see the impact it has on them, their families, their job, sobriety, can overall sense of wellness.
In this article we will look at the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorder and continue in future articles with the relationship between bipolar and substance abuse, how bipolar effects the family, a case study of bipolar, and the treatment of bipolar disorder. Please enjoy!
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental disease that causes severe shifts in a person's mood. The ups and downs experienced from bipolar disorder are much different from the normal mood changes most people go through. These emotional extremes can result in damage to a person's degree of daily functioning.
Bipolar disorder typically develops in early adulthood. Some may experience symptoms in late adolescence however; it is not recognized as an illness. A person can suffer from symptoms for many years until the bipolar disorder is properly diagnosed and treated.
In bipolar disorder, changes in mood are experienced on a spectrum or continuous range. The changes in mood can bring on severe changes in attitude and behavior. A person with a bipolar disorder will experience periods of highs and lows. These highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
A bipolar disorder is diagnosed when a combination of manic and depressive symptoms are present. Symptoms of mania may include increased energy, racing thoughts, or unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers. Depressive symptoms can include feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest, or thoughts of death or suicide.
Severe episodes of mania or depression can include psychotic symptoms. These symptoms may include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or strongly believing false concepts. People that have a bipolar disorder are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having another severe mental illness such as, schizophrenia.
Most scientists agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder. It has been suggested that bipolar disorders may result from a specific gene, passed down from family generations. Other research suggests a combination of factors including a person's environment to be the cause of the disease. Whatever the cause, a bipolar disorder can be treated and the person can lead a productive life.
It is important to keep in mind that a bipolar disorder is a life long mental illness. The mania and depression episodes can occur at anytime and currently has no cure. However, if a person is properly diagnosed and remains aware of their symptoms, receives adequate treatment and support they can lead a fulfilling life.
Reanna Robles, M.A.
Co-occuring Disorder Therapist
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Suicide Prevention & Awareness
How can you help?
When our family or friend is living with depression, a depression that can spiral to suicidal thoughts or worse attempts, the thought of losing them is a horrible thought that could become a reality. This time of year is joyous for most but for many it can be a time of loneliness and plagued with depressive symptoms. Many individuals attempt or commit suicide around the holiday season. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, it is estimated that in the United States, one person dies by suicide every 16 minutes claiming more than 32,000 lives a year. It is estimated that an attempt is made every 60-90 seconds with over 1 million people a year attempting to take their own life! Suicide can be prevented!
If you or someone you know is suicidal don't be afraid to talk about it. Many individuals are nervous or scared about asking another individual if they are suicidal out of fear that they will put the thought into the other's head. However, most are relieved when asked if they are suicidal because it gives them the opportunity to ask for help and the validation that they so need, that someone does care!
The following information will give you some information to support you.
Facts & Figures:
Women attempt suicide three times as much as men, however more men complete suicide at a rate four times that of women.
- Firearms are the leading method of suicide in men & women.
- The rate of suicide for men increases with after, most significantly after the age of 65.
- The rate of suicide for women peaks between the ages of 45-54 and then again after age 75.
- Suicide is more common among women who are single, recently separated, divorced or widowed.
Risk Factors:
- Psychiatric Disorders: it is estimated that over 90% of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental illness- such as Depression, Bi-polar, Schizophrenia, and/or Anxiety Disorders.
- Past history of suicide attempts.
- Genetic Predisposition: family history of suicide or attempts, mental illness.
- Impulsivity
- Demographics:Sex: males are more likely to commit suicide than females. Age:elderly Caucasian males have the highest suicide rates.
Warning Signs:
- Observable signs of depressive symptoms:
- low mood
- pessimism
- hopelessness
- anxiety
- body pain and/or tension
- sleep problems
- increased or decrease within appetite
- isolation from friends and/or social activities
- Increase use/abuse of alcohol and/or drugs
- Increase in impulsive acts
- Threatening suicide or expressing a wish to die
- Unexpected anger or rage
- Giving away of possessions
What to do if you fear someone is suicidal:
- Take any and all threats seriously.
- Be willing to listen.
- Have them seek professional help or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Do not leave them alone.
- Take the person to a local emergency room or walk-in psychiatric clinic.
It is estimated that between 50-75% of all individuals that attempt/commit suicide give some warning of their intentions. By actively being involved in recognizing the signs most suicides can be prevented. During the Holiday Season be aware of mood/behavioral changes within your family and friends. Don't take a back seat if you witness warning signs, step up to the plate and lead the person to recovery. Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems!
Dr. Mandy Neeble
Primary Therapist
drmandy@morningsiderecovery.com |
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Abstinence & the Holidays
Relapse Prevention
 The holidays can be a time of great joy and celebration, or a time of great pain, sorrow and depression. These can be particularly dangerous times for people who are in recovery, especially those in early recovery. Drinking and using substances were ways that we celebrated the joy, or medicated the pain. What the holidays mean to us and how we participate in them might help us to remain clean and sober. Unfortunately with the holiday season comes an abundant amount of stress. For the suffering alcoholic or drug addict stress is one of the most dangerous "triggers" that if not handled properly can result in relapse.
Relapse is a process, it's not an event. Relapse starts weeks or even months before the event of physical relapse. It is important to be aware of your emotions and behaviors, especially during the holiday season. Some symptoms to be aware of are an increase in anxiety, intolerance, anger, defensiveness, mood swings, isolation, not asking for help, not going to meetings, poor eating habits, and poor sleep habits. Other signs to be aware of are thinking about people, places, and things you used with, glamorizing your past use, lying, hanging out with old using friends, and fantasizing about using during the holidays.
It is important to be honest about your feelings and don't keep them bottled up.
If you feel depressed or lonely, volunteer your time and services in helping an organization-homeless, underprivileged children, the elderly. Remember, you can help reduce the amount of stress you feel and the likelihood of resorting to some inappropriate coping skills by removing yourself from situations which increase the stress. If you control the time you spend in such situations, then you are in better control this holiday season of your emotions and the amount of stress you will have to face.
If you must attend a party or gathering where alcohol is being served, then have a Plan B, an escape route. Let your sponsor or friend in recovery know where you will be and have that person's number with you just in case. If you are with a friend or spouse then tell them before you go that you may feel uncomfortable around alcohol and that you need to be able to leave the party on a moment's notice without having to explain why. In fact, you can always have an alternative place to go - like for a coffee or out to a movie. With this arrangement, negotiated when you arrive at the gathering, tell your host or hosts that you can probably only stay for a short time, but that you will know more in a while after you make a telephone call.
Some important strategies for continuing to stay sober during the holidays includeplaying the tape through. When you think about using, the fantasy is that you'll be able to control your use this time, but this is never the case. Remind yourself of the negative consequences you've already suffered, and the potential consequences that lie around the corner if you relapse again. Tell someone that you're having urges to use. Call a friend, a support, or someone in recovery. Share with them what you're going through. When you think about using, do something to occupy yourself. Call a friend. Go to a meeting. During the celebratory season, A.A. continues to hold meetings. In fact, many groups have seasonal parties where food and fellowship abounds, and speakers talk of gratitude and of the real spirit of giving that is outlined in the 12th Step. Members are warm and inviting and most are serene in the knowledge that there is a safe place for them to be. Most importantly, continue to do your recovery, one day at a time.
Alisa Falbo, M.A.
Primary Therapist
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