Q: My 27-year-old son who lives with me is into heroin, having graduated from OxyContin. On his own, he quit with the help of Suboxone, which worked well for about one month, but he is back at using. I researched a number of detoxification programs and short-term rehab facilities and asked him to pick a spot since he had to go to get the support he needs. I wasn't overwhelmed with the choices, but it is hard to tell in just a screening call and a quick look at a Web site. He hasn't researched the options, although I asked him to. What programs do you recommend? He has insurance, and generally speaking, money is not an issue.
A: In general, I believe that where a person goes for treatment is less important than the individual's readiness to change and do the work that needs to be done. A couple of big names, though, are Hazeldon and the Betty Ford Institute, though neither is in this area. I think that people can get into a solid recovery program at any of a number of places. One factor, though, is the client feeling comfortable in the program so they won't leave. So the surroundings have to feel right for the person, which may be due to which other clients are in the program and the setting. For some people this isn't an issue at all, but for others it could be.
Also, in general, the person should feel comfortable with the staff and their overall professionalism. You can also ask about the program's philosophy of treatment to ensure that it fits with the potential client's mental set. Over the telephone, you should get a good sense of the professionalism of the staff. I hope that helps. If you have other questions, feel free to contact me again.
Q: I quit drinking about one month ago and am now thinking that I want to quit smoking, too. Some people have told me that this is a bad idea and that I should wait until I have more sobriety, as the stress of not smoking could lead me back to drinking. I, though, want to stop and I am wondering what you think.
A: First, it is great to hear that you have stopped drinking, and keep up the good work. Second, regarding your smoking, there is no reason why you should put this off if this is something that you want to do. While many people may think this isn't a good idea and that you should wait, research shows that stopping smoking at the same time you quit drinking or using drugs actually leads to a better treatment outcome and does not negatively impact staying abstinent. When you think about it, smoking can be a trigger to resume drug or alcohol use.
In addition, the commitment to no longer smoke can enhance a person's commitment to no longer drink or take drugs. Recent research has also shown that among people who have quit drinking, those that also quit smoking experienced more cognitive improvements than those that continued to smoke.
So, I fully support your decision to stop smoking and I think that you are making a sound decision. I wish you the best.
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Send questions about addictions or related problems to: Take the First Step, c/o The Eagle-Tribune, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845; or send e-mail to michael_levy@cabhealth.org. Questions will be answered in confidence by a clinical team led by Dr. Michael Levy, director of clinical treatment services at CAB Health & Recovery Services in Peabody and author of "Take Control of Your Drinking...and You May Not Need to Quit."
