June 8, 2017

We’re Official! The Best EMR Goes Live

Our one-of-a-kind EMR software is taking off and we couldn’t be more excited to share the news. Our super-cool first press release was published earlier this week.  “We knew we could make a difference in the realm of addiction recovery simply by improving communication between therapists, clients and families,” said co-founder Matt Stevens when interviewed for the press release.

Our HIPAA-compliant secure video conferencing, treatment plans, client app, and other unique features make our EMR the best on the market.

We want to thank our team members in our San Clemente and Provo offices for their hard work, creativity, and stunning good looks. We also want to thank our beta customers: Acqua Recovery, Miramar Recovery Center and Solara Mental Health for jumping on board and letting us be part of their teams.

We’re excited to see what’s next!

June 6, 2017

Sobriety: More Than Just Willpower

Man Takes Field Sobriety Test

Addiction has long been characterized by researchers and observers as a result of a lack of willpower.  Many assumed that those who struggled to achieve sobriety just had a weakness and so it was necessary to remove temptation.

A recent study found that just the opposite is true.  A study of 69 participants in recovery over the span of three years found that most identify as being strong-willed and yet they still have addictions to various substances.  This suggests that addiction is less cognitive and therefore requires prevention strategies that are not focused on cognitive processes.

Those who participated in strategies rather than sheer willpower had more success in staying sober and in progressing in their recovery. 

This is not to say that willpower in sobriety is irrelevant.  The researchers explain, “It probably takes willpower to deploy strategies at all. Because willpower is likely fragile...such a use of willpower is successful because it need not continue; the person who effortfully deploys the strategy of blocking out the sales pitch of the dealer with headphones doesn't need willpower to resist that pitch. Willpower is best used strategically, and the participants mention several strategies for doing so. They ‘pick their battles’.”

Treatment can teach those in recovery how to harness willpower and deploy strategies to lead to a more effective and long-lasting recovery. You can learn more about which drug addiction treatment is best here. 

June 6, 2017

PTSD and Substance Use Disorders

June is Post-traumatic stress disorder awareness month. PTSD is a disorder that is commonly associated with war veterans. But, as seen in the infographic below, it can also occur in people who have experienced the sudden death of a loved one, a car accident, or a range of other traumatic events. 

PTSD and substance use disorders can often occur together. Similar events that trigger post-traumatic stress may also drive individuals to cope using chemical substances. One study found a 41% prevalence of lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder among individuals who used heroin. The same study found that individuals with PTSD were more likely to experiment and develop dependencies on a wider range of substances. They also had poorer physical and mental health, but were more likely to be in treatment. This means that treatment centers have a much higher than average proportion of individuals with PTSD, which speaks to the importance of various types of therapy. 

Many informational resources are available online:

National Institute of Mental Health

DualDiagnosis.org

June 2, 2017

Addicts for Sale: What Families Need to Know about Patient Brokers

Patient brokers are an emerging plague on the field of addiction recovery. They have several different names: patient brokers, treatment brokers, and perhaps the most chilling, body brokers. These brokers make fees by referring to treatment centers who pay them for the referrals.

Often, the families are also charged for the service. In other cases, where families aren’t involved, brokers pull people off the streets, offering to help them get help. They make between $100 and $5,00 per transaction, or more accurately, per human sold.  

While that process may in and of itself seem harmless- a middle man who makes a living by helping struggling individuals get into treatment. But the field of addiction recovery, a rapidly growing $35 billion industry, is particularly vulnerable to predatory capitalization.

By the time treatment is being sought, the patient is sick, physically, mentally, emotionally. Families are desperate, willing to do whatever they can to help their struggling loved one. This is an especially vulnerable point for everyone involved. Treatment brokers often target young drug users, those who are inexperienced with the process of entering rehab. 

So what do addicted individuals and their families need to be aware of?

  • Unsolicited contact from strangers offering the opportunity to go to treatment
  • Offers to go to treatment out of state, particularly without paying airfare. 
  • Directives on how to behave or to maintain contact with the individual while in treatment
  • Recommendations for treatment centers that don’t quite fit needs (ex. a program that focuses on certain types of drug use or trauma that don’t apply)
  • “Scholarships” offered for treatment 

While each of these events may not be hard evidence of treatment brokering, they are definitely warning signs. Treatment centers can help our industry to overcome this problem by disseminating this information.

May 31, 2017

Technology that puts Recovery in the Palm of Your Hand

Software Recovery Apps

Addicts were once thought of as being, in the words of Red Hot Chili Peppers' lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis, "Under the Bridge." However, the recent opioid epidemic and the search for recovery has changed all of that.

Jamison Monroe Jr., founder of the Newport Academy rehab center, said that the recent epidemic has changed this stereotype.  She asserted that addiction no longer "discriminate[s] based on demographics, […]income brackets or zip code[s]."

To help combat this new epidemic, some people have turned to technology-- specifically the kind that you hold in your hand. Recovering addict Sam Frons, creator of Addicaid, believes the support system of her app may be a game changer. Addicaid puts individuals into groups based on their shared tendencies, rather than their addictions. It also creates a personalized recovery program formulated by the information users give during their initial intake, accounting for their personality and triggers.

The app combines machine learning, adaptive artificial intelligence, and clinical research to predict situations where users might be at risk of relapse, and then it intervenes. The support system enables users with shared tendencies to reach out during those "trigger moments."

If you'd like to learn more about our addiction recovery software, you can click here to get a free demo or fill out the form below. 

May 31, 2017

The Interplay of Humility and Self-efficacy in Recovery

A study published by the Journal of Applied Psychology, as discussed in a previous post, not only discusses the importance of diverse social outcomes, but also the role of social self-identity, and self-efficacy in recovery. The study indicates improved self-efficacy among those who identify themselves as “in recovery” as opposed to those who identify as “addicts.”

Self-efficacy is defined as an individual’s belief in their own ability to be successful at a given task. In the journey of recovery from substance use disorders, self-efficacy is a foundational ingredient. Individuals will not successfully find recovery if they don’t believe that they can get sober.

People who identify as “in recovery” have greater self-efficacy as compared to those who identify as “addict” or “alcoholic.” So why do Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step fellowships place such great emphasis on members self-identifying by their greatest vice?

The answer lies in humility, one of the cardinal virtues of Alcoholics Anonymous. Interestingly enough, many of the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have the aim of producing or encouraging humility. Humility is considered a cardinal virtue in the twelve steps because it allows for a thorough self-examination. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions goes into further detail on the role of humility in recovery:

“Indeed, the attainment of humility is the foundation principle of each of A.A.’s Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Nearly all A.A.’s have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven’t much chance of becoming truly happy. Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.” (p. 70)

And while humility may seem antithetical to self-efficacy, exploring the way humility is defined in the social sciences allows for a more harmonious coexistence of the two principles. Humility is defined operationally, with this set of two over-arching traits: an accurate view of ones-self while also being other-oriented rather than self-focused. In that sense, maybe self-identifying as an addict doesn’t engender humility at all, because doesn’t the identity of “recovery” yield a more accurate self-view? Shouldn’t it?

Encouraging clients to identify as being “in recovery” can have a positive influence on the culture and success of treatment centers, but also on the lives of the individuals they serve. Building humility in recovery allows people to thoroughly examine their weaknesses, to highlight and overcome them. Building self-efficacy in recovery allows people to thoroughly examine their strengths, to highlight and expand them. Recovery programs need to foster both virtues.

May 30, 2017

Diverse Socialization Leads to Improved Recovery Outcomes

Socialization helps recover

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology earlier this year has explored the role of social networks and social identity in addiction recovery. The study found that diverse socialization leads to improved recovery outcomes. If one subscribes to the social identity approach to wellbeing, these are key to success in health and recovery.

The study highlights the benefits of social group membership, even going so far as to say that it is fundamental in “shaping the recovery trajectory.” This supports the framework of Alcoholics Anonymous in terms of joining a group, having a home group, responsibilities, and a sponsor. However, additional findings about the importance of diverse social interactions challenge much of how we treat recovery culture.

Recovery culture, by nature, tends to be self-isolating. Meaning that the culture itself tends to be exclusive, often rightfully so. In a world where most social settings stigmatize drug addiction while simultaneously tempting alcoholism, exclusivity proves to be protective to many people in recovery.

Associating with only members of Narcotics Anonymous allows a recovering addict to talk freely and openly about their life experiences without having to choose between living a double life and being ostracized. Associating with only members of Alcoholics Anonymous allows a recovering alcoholic to attend parties and social events without rehearsing their response to a free drink in the mirror before they leave.

However, the study’s findings indicate that, “Those who are able to maintain a sense of belonging with a range of important groups prior to addiction are at an advantage to those who are socially isolated.”

In other words, associating successfully with people both in and out of recovery, and even those from varied cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, improves outcomes for recovery. Put simply, diverse socialization leads to improved recovery outcomes.

Are you in need of a new addiction recovery EMR? Fill out the form below to schedule a free demo. 

May 15, 2017

An Overview Of Current Naloxone Policies

Naloxone is the product of incredible medical breakthroughs. It functions to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, a remarkable feat and a much needed one in light of the spreading opioid epidemic. When an individual has overdosed on heroin, fentanyl or painkillers, Naloxone can be administered to them intramuscularly or nasally. It works to block the opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

The mechanism of action is not completely understood at the chemical level, but we do know that it saves lives. In fact, over 30,000 overdoses were reversed through use of Naloxone between 2010 and 2014.

In many states, Naloxone is available for purchase directly from the pharmacist, without a prescription needed. Additionally, many states require that paramedics and law enforcement personnel carry the drug with them.  While these policies are good and have made a dent in the opioid crisis, additional policy changes could improve the status further.

Some of the obstacles include the lack of “good Samaritan” laws and the high price of the drug. High prices are limiting for obvious reasons, especially in the case of those supporting an active addiction.

The disease of addiction is going to drive an individual to get the next fix, not to go stock up on Naloxone incase things go south. Good Samaritan laws provide legal immunity to individuals who respond in emergency situations. In the case of overdoses, this would mean that the individual who called the ambulance could not be charged with possession themselves, even if they were also using.

The person who called would be able to ensure the administration of Naloxone and help save a life without fear of being arrested in the very same moment. These laws prioritize saving lives over punishing crimes. States like Texas, Montana, South Carolina, and Arizona currently have no Good Samaritan policies in place for the event of drug related emergencies.

Naloxone is responsible for saving countless lives. In recent years, policies have improved dramatically, making Naloxone more accessible. But there are still lives to be saved as we learn how to optimize the use of this life-saving drug.

Featured Image

May 12, 2017

Mental Health Awareness Month: Addressing Mental Health in Our Communities

The healthcare debate has been heated and long-lasting and for good reason. Americans are concerned about threats to their lifestyle and their lives. While discussing policies can be divisive, there is a discussion that we should be having that can receive bi-partisan support. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and although this initiative started in 1949, not many people seem to be aware. Mental illness is often associated with a negative stigma that can keep people from discussing issues that affect community members, friends, or family.

1 in 5 American adults are diagnosed with a mental illness each year. That statistic is disheartening considering the available treatment options and the fact that more than 50% of those diagnosed do not receive treatment.

On May 2nd, the White House released a statement addressing the need to increase awareness and instill the desire to help confront the stigma in acknowledgement of Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Addressing substance abuse, addiction, and overdose is often critical to improving mental health outcomes.  An estimated 8.1 million adults in America suffering with a mental illness also struggle with substance abuse.  Many of those who struggled with both were among the 52,000 people in our country who died from a drug overdose in 2015.  Approximately 44,000 Americans took their own lives in the past year, a preventable tragedy that frequently correlates with mental illness and substance abuse.”

So what can be done? How do we as members of the treatment community and as citizens make a difference?

Perhaps the most important role we can play is that of advocates. We should be engaging with policy makers in local, state, and federal government. Those who suffer from a mental illness can be very vulnerable and we can stand up for them and help them find their way towards the right treatment.

The White House statement continues, “No American should suffer in silence and solitude…. We must support those in need and remain committed to hope and healing.  Through compassion and committed action, we will enrich the spirit of the American people and improve the well-being of our Nation.”

May 11, 2017

Virtual Reality for Recovery – an Emerging Tool in Treatment

Patrick Bordnick, associate professor at the University of Houston and recent TEDx speaker, has begun a unique study on addiction recovery involving the University’s Virtual Reality Clinical Lab. Computer-generated, VR (virtual reality) simulates a 'near-reality' experience in which a user interacts in a seemingly real or physical way by use of special electronic equipment, such as VR headset. Virtual reality for recovery has the potential to be a life-saving development in the field of addiction recovery.

The university's lab features a series of "virtual drug caves," in which addicts navigate different life-like scenarios. While in VR, they learn to identify and resist different triggers. Bordnick believes that the VR learning experience will transfer to reality, reasoning that taking addicts out of the traditional "therapist office" and putting them into a VR environment will help them get a clearer picture and improve interventions. He hopes to show that decreasing one's cravings in the VR lab will lead to a similar decrease  in the real world.

Click here to learn about technological developments that are changing the way we treat addiction.

‹ Newer PostsOlder Posts ›
Alleva-FullColor-Logo-Footer
NATSAP-Logo-New
NAATP-Logo-Footer

Copyright 2019 - Alleva Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2019 - Alleva Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2019 - Alleva Corp. All Rights Reserved.