TGC Recovery Services

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Issues are Treatable!

Alcohol and Drug Information On-line

September is Recovery Month

Substance abuse crosses all societal boundaries, affects both genders, every ethnic group, and people in every tax bracket. Scientific documentation defines alcoholism and drug dependence as a disease that has roots in both genetic susceptibility and personal behavior. Fortunately, with hard work and commitment, recovery is possible. Please Click on the following links for information about Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

http://www.ncadd.org/facts/numberoneprob.html

http://recoverymonth.gov/Community-Events/Events-Widget.aspx

Information regarding alcohol, drugs, and their effects can also be obtained at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services at http://www.samhsa.gov/. Much of the information is free.

Helping a Loved One

The Guidance Center receives numerous phone calls from individuals seeking information about substance abuse treatment and recovery. Whether alcohol, illegal drugs or the abuse of prescription medications, the questions and concerns remain the same. How do I know if there is a problem?, What do I do next?, Is recovery a possibility?, I never thought this could happen to me...

Never before have we known so much about how to support people with the challenges of addiction; and with appropriate treatment and support the potential for recovery is now a reality.

There are many symptoms and warning signs of substance abuse including: using the substance on a regular basis (daily, weekends or in binges), tolerance for the substance, failed attempts to stop using the substance, physical and/or psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms (delirium tremens, trembling, hallucinations, sweating and high blood pressure), and in some cases dementia.

The specific causes of substance abuse are unclear, though they seem to be a combination of hereditary, environmental and social factors.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing problems with alcohol or drug abuse and you are not sure what the next step should be, you can call and speak with a Guidance Center Recovery Services Therapist and explore your options with them. Confidentiality is strictly observed.

Parents and guardians may make appointments for their children. While adults will make their own appointments, you can assist your loved one with the telephone call and get them connected with a Guidance Center staff member. Offer to go with them to the appointment, if that would be helpful.

Treatment of substance abuse is geared towards abstinence and includes a variety of therapies. Psychotherapy aids patients in understanding behavior and motivations and in developing self-esteem and coping with stress. Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are very effective in helping the patient establish a support network. In some cases medications may be used to assist with recovery.

The Guidance Center is licensed by the State of Kansas to provide outpatient addiction services, including alcohol & drug evaluation, treatment, education, & relapse prevention for adults & adolescents.

If your friend or loved one talks about wanting to give up, wanting to be dead, saying that it's too hard to go on, he or she may be suicidal. Please don't underestimate the seriousness of his or her despair. Please get help by calling 911, or call The Guidance Center's Emergency Services Hotline at 888-260-9634. If your friend or loved one is willing, you can take them to the nearest Emergency Room and ask for assistance. .

For additional Information about Our Addiction Recovery Services or to Schedule an appointment please contact the Guidance Center office closest to you.

Atchison: 913-367-1593

Oskaloosa: 785-863-2929

Leavenworth: 913-682-5118