Treatment centers in new england?

[concernedson]

Hi I'm a newbie to this forum, and my father has substance abuse problem with narcotics, cocaine, and who knows what else. He wants to get help and is willing, thank god. So now it's time to pick a plan to recovery. Can anyone offer advice on choosing or recommending a treatment center?

For the Treatment, here is what I am looking for:
I definitely would like him to go to a place where he goes away for a few weeks because he really needs an environment change (his house is a very negative atmosphere. He has many problems with my stepmom and they constantly argue and fight). He has psyschological issues that need healing and treament as well so preferalbly one with a or therapist or counselor that treats the psychological issues as well. He had psychological issues that were present before the substance abuse problem, mainly depresssion. These are important and nead treatment as much as anything else for him to have a true positive life change which he is lookign for.

My biggest concern with his treatment is that i don't want a center that uses any drugs for longterm psychological treatment (although i realize that some drug use may be necessary for detox). IMO too many therapists are prescription happy to treat problems with antidpressants, add meds, etc. in cases that are not necessary. I would like a center that is more about mainitng a postitve mental attitude and developing a higher self concept. THe mind is very powerful and in the right environment and with the right mental exercises i know my father can have a true life change for the better.

Any help is appreciated =D

[Astro]

Hi concerned, welcome to SR, I'm glad to hear that your father is reaching out for help.

I lived in Boston for a few years but I was active in my alcoholism at the time so I'm not familiar with any treatment centers in the New England area. Hopefully one of our forum members can offer some suggestions, I have someone in mind and I'll PM her to see if she can help.

Is there anything you're doing for yourself at this time, such as attending Nar-Anon or Al-Anon? You seem to have a very good understanding of treatment and what a person needs for a successful recovery, and I hope you're taking care of your needs as part of the process too.

Keep reading and posting, I look forward to hearing more from you, and I wish your father all the best in his recovery.

[concernedson]

Hi Astro. I have not been doing much of anything for myself in regards to his substance abuse. Would you recommend me attending NA?

[historyteach]

Concernedson,

For the Treatment, here is what I am looking for:

Ok, I hear what *you* are looking for.
What is it your *father* is looking for? It is he that will be going through the treatment and living with the consequences of it.

Dual diagnoses is not to be taken lightly. The lack of treatment for my son's bipolar disorder has kept him on his addiction for 15 years now. It may be fine and good that *you* don't think he needs meds; or that *you* think meds are over - prescribed. Heck, I may even agree with you! But, that is irrelevant.

What your dad needs* is the ONLY thing that matters. And that will be up to the docs and him. He must be a partner in his recovery -- at every stage.

There are many good treatment centers in New England. What state are you in? Mass has excellent dual diagnoses treatment. And Mass and CT both have medical coverage for those without; something most addicts lack. RI is lacking sorely in both, though if he is in medical need, he cannot be turned away.

I do strongly suggest you go to alanon, concernedson. I know that you care deeply about your dad. But, this is *his* recovery. You have your own issues to work through. You cannot do this for him, nor can you tell him how he has to do it.

The friends and families of addicts forum may be helpful for you too. Here's a link for it.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...tance-abusers/
Find those who have the peace and serenity that you would like to attain in your own life. Then, watch what it is they do, both online and in f2f meetings. Follow what they do. That peace can be yours.

Let us know where you're at. I will try to get some resources for you.
I do wish you and your dad all the best.

Shalom!

[Astro]

Originally Posted by concernedson

I have not been doing much of anything for myself in regards to his substance abuse. Would you recommend me attending NA?

I'd recommend doing anything for support in regards to yourself, whether it's in a group, 12-Step, or one-on-one therapy or counseling. I know that for me, it's difficult to have so much wrapped up in my head, I need the support of others to help me see clearly.

Many thanks to historyteach for sharing the info and her experience!

[meditation]

Many of us addicts and alcoholics are stubborn. It's good your dad has become willing to do treatment and receive help. That is a huge hurdle. Dictating to any person how they must recover may be contrary to what is best for that person. I strongly think that your dad must be the one to decide what is best for him otherwise insisting on a my way only will backfire. Just be supportive of him and find an outlet that will help you support yourself. Some outlets are seeing a therapist to process your feelings, going to group support, talking with other families of recovering people.

[mxchaos]

I have to say for myself that it wasn't until I treated both my addiction and mental health that I didn't stand a chance. The full body approach has given me a new life but it means that I must take meds, try to eat right, sleep right, exercise, go to my doc's and stay clean and sober. Hard work
I wish you and your dad a happy healthy jounery