Inspire Recovery Supports these LGBTQ, Human Rights, & AIDS Organizations
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Frequently Asked Questions of Inspire Recovery
When is it time to get help?
The sooner the better, though some people say you have to “hit rock bottom” before you’re ready to make a change, evidence shows that the earlier the intervention and treatment of addiction, the more successful it will be.
What do I bring to an LGBTQIA+ Addiction Rehab Center?
Clothing
Bring a week’s worth of comfortable outfits that you can wash for your stay. You’ll want to bring sneakers, beach shoes & dress up shoes. You may want to bring one nice outfit, a bathing suit and pajamas.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Hairbrush & hair dryer
- makeup
- Deodorant
- It’s not recommended to bring mouthwash or perfumes
If I am a transgender female, who will be my roommate?
Great news, we work with housing where each person is paired up in a room based on energy rather than gender. We have many different ways people identify, too many ways to make any room gender specific. Usually, for trans female clients, they will be with another trans feminine person or female-identifying person or a male identifying person if the trans female client is lesbian. When it comes down to it all people of all gender identities are placed in a room on a case by case decision.
Are there specific groups for transgender folks and addiction?
Yes, at a rehab that specifically works with transgender clients with addiction, we cater many of our groups to include specific material for transgender folks. Since many of our clients identify in a transgender spectrum including these topics allow peers to process together in groups daily.
Do non-LGBTWIA+ people attend Inspire Recovery?
Yes. Our focus is on the LGBTQ Community, especially because this is an under-served population within the treatment industry. However, we welcome all allies to the LGBTQ community. An ally is someone who is in alliance with a marginalized group of people. Those who are not LGBTQ, and do not use discriminatory language or behavior towards LGBTQ individuals, have the potential to feel right at home at Inspire Recovery. For example, Inspire uses creative groups to aid in the emotional process during addiction treatment. Any person who is gay, straight, trans, or queer identified who is naturally a creative person may find that our program is the key to their recovery. From journal writing to creative steps art projects and crafting mindfulness, we are working out-of-the-box to bring an innovative approach to treating and healing from drug and alcohol addiction. Although we utilize writing, arts, crafts, and music in our program, no skill level is required to benefit from our groups.
Are there effective addiction treatments?
Yes, there are many addiction treatments available but it will take work to find the one that is right for you or your loved one. What to look for when you are seeking treatment:
- No Single Treatment Is Appropriate For Everyone
- Treatment Must Be Readily Available
- Treatment Must Be Catered To Many
- Different Needs Of The Person, Not Just Abusing Drugs
- Group Therapy & Counseling
- Individual Therapy & Counseling
- Medications Are Important For Some
- Treatments For Addiction, But Should Be Combined With Therapies Mentioned Above
- Treatment Must Be Continuously Reviewed And Modified To Suit The Addicted’s Persons Changing
- Other Mental Disorders Must Be Taken Into Consideration
- Detox Is Only The First Step And Must Be Followed By A Recovery Process
In Order For Treatment To Be Effective - It Does Not Have To Be Voluntary
- Relapse Does Often Occur
How does self-help groups benefit the addicted person?
Self-help groups can be extremely useful because they provide a network of support, often in the absence of family and friends. There are quite a few 12-step groups that are available for people in need of support. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) as well as other anonymous groups such as Over-eaters Anonymous (OA) and Sex & Love Addiction (SLA) are some of the most well-known groups. These groups are a part of most treatment programs, in addition to the groups and therapies individuals attend during treatment hours. Following the completion of a treatment program, individuals are highly encouraged to continue to attend meetings during aftercare, but they are also a major component of lifelong recovery.
People who have never been to treatment are welcome at all support groups, as well as individuals who are still struggling with their addictions. However, it is important to attend meetings sober, due to the sensitivity to other people’s recovery. Support is further implemented in these meetings through the invitation to find a sponsor to help individuals adopt the 12 steps as outlined in the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
Does recovery always have to mean abstinence?
For the majority of people who have formed an addiction to a specific or a combination of substances, abstinence is the only option for a full recovery, due to the effects an addiction has on both mental and physical health. For a minority of people with moderate drinking problems, a controlled drinking goal is possible. However, with heroin and cocaine, abstinence is the only option. There are other factors to consider as well, such as any pre-existing mental health diagnosis an individual might have or whether addiction, such as alcoholism, run in an individual’s family. Addicts in recovery from heroin have an extremely high chance of overdosing if they relapse. This can be true for many other substances, including alcohol.
How does an LGBTQIA addict guard against relapse?
There are many important steps to take to guard against relapse. During treatment, removing the triggers of addiction is a major component in the safe space that is created to establish sobriety. Once an individual completes all levels of their treatment, including outpatient, avoiding triggers on their own is a must. Treatment provides individuals with the opportunity to make connections with new people who are in recovery. Often times, people need to start fresh with a new group of friends who can relate to addiction and don’t use drugs or alcohol in excess. However, creating healthy relationships with people who aren’t in recovery can also be important to individuals who feel more isolated within the recovery community. It completely depends on what makes someone feel comfortable and safe in doing without risking relapse.
In the case of drug users, the people who are more likely to recover successfully are the ones who change their surroundings and avoid returning to the people and places where they were previously using. Many people choose to enter treatment far from home and some of them decide to create a new life for themselves where they went through treatment, staying close to the people who have become their support system.
Another important factor is not only preventing relapse, but continuing to journey down a solid road for recovering addicts should change their activities so they have alternative ways of feeling rewarded. New activities or re-focusing on the activities enjoyed before addiction consumed the, provide alternative ways of coping with feeling down or lonely, and alternate ways of having a good time.
What’s most important is for the individuals to find community, activities, hobbies, hopefully a career that is fulfilling, and the drive to stay clean and sober.
How is an LGBTQIA addict treated?
Treatment Varies From Facility To Facility And Is Based On An Individual’s Addiction And Personal Care Needs. Most Facilities Combine Talking Therapies, Which Usually Include Group And Individual Sessions, Combined With Other Activities That Include Learning Relapse Prevention And Other Life Skills That Can Be Important For The Individual If They Have Been Out Of Work Or Are Raising Children. Every Facility Will Be Able To Provide Additional Information About Their Program Either Online Or By Calling Their Admissions Office. Some Facilities Have A Strong Emphasis On Physical Health, Some Focus Attention On Art Therapies And More Recently Facilities Are Combining Holistic Health Practices. Detox And Treatment Centers Offering Holistic Services Often Focus On Helping Individuals Learn About Healthy Lifestyle Skills Such As Diet, Exercise, Yoga, Meditation And May Have Practitioners Who Are Able To Perform Acupuncture And Chiropractic Care For People Who Suffer From Chronic Pain.
Treatment Usually Starts With Getting An Addict To Think About How They Want To Change. It’s Important To Avoid Condemning Them. They Need To Believe They Can Do It And Their Life Will Be Better As A Result.
During Treatment, Professionals Such As Licensed Therapists And Nurse Practitioners With Specific Certificates In Training For Techniques Such As EMDR (Emotional Response Desensitization Reprocessing) Will Focus On The Individual And Their Care Needs. The Clinical Team Will Likely Discuss How The Addict Sees Their Life In The Future, What Obstacles They Feel They Face In Changing, And What Will Help Them Deal With Those Obstacles. Moving Forward, The Individual With The Support Of Their Therapist, Can Identify The Situations And Make Action Steps To Move Towards These Solutions.
Family And Friends Are An Important Part Of Many People’s Healing Process, It’s Important To Know That Not Everyone Being Treated For Addiction Are Able To Maintain Contact With Their Loved Ones While They Are Detoxing And Processing The Early Stages Of Their Recovery, Especially If Those Closest To The Addict Were The Same People That They Would Drink Or Use Drugs With. Facilities Often Pay Close Attention To Their Clients Support Group To Make Sure That Any Possible Triggers Are At A Distance While The Foundation For A Clean And Sober Life Are Being Created.
Changing From An Addict Lifestyle To A Clean And Sober Lifestyle Takes A Lot Of Structure, Support, Education, Rehabilitation And Commitment On Behalf Of The Addict. It Is Said That, “Often The Hardest Part Is Not Stopping The Addiction, But Staying Clean And Sober.”
What can an LGBTQIA allies friends and families do?
Whether You’re A Relative, Friend Or An Employer, You Are In The Position To Help An Individual In Need. When You Detect A Problem Relating To Addiction Consider A Supportive Way To Approach The Individual. If You Do Not Feel Comfortable Discussing The Subject With The Individual There Are Resources Available To You, Such As: A Third-Party Interventionist, Contacting Someone You Know Is Close To The Individual That May Be More Suitable Or You Can Also Consider Writing A Thoughtful Letter And Give It To The Individual In An Undisclosed Manner. Someone Who You’ve Noticed A Worsening Pattern In Their Drinking, Drug Use, Mood Or Physical Health And/Or Spending Habits Is Certainly Going Through Something That Is Leading To Their Use Of Drugs And/Or Excessive Drinking. Treatment Is A Necessary Step In Identify The Root Causes Of Addiction.
Most Importantly, Be Mindful Of The Individual’s State Of Mind And Their Personal Safety. If Your Attempt To Reach Out Is Said In An Accusing Way, The Person Is Likely To Be Defensive And Will Distance Themselves, Further Preventing Their Willingness To Be Open About Their Addiction. The More Positive And Constructive You Are, The More Likely It Is You Will Be Able To Help The Addicted Person And Get Them Into Treatment. Practice Good Listening Skills And, If Needed, Look Up Information Online To Help Prepare You To Make The Best Approach.
It’s Important That The Person With Drug And Alcohol Problems Are Helped By People Who Are Concerned. When Possible, It’s Also Important That People Who Don’t Have Addiction Problems (Unless They Are Living Clean & Sober) Are Involved In Helping Loved Ones Seek Help. The Evidence For The Benefit Of Support From People Close To The Addict Is So Strong That Many Specialist Services Offer Treatment That’s Based On Recruiting A Network Of Family And Friends.
What is addiction?
A loose definition of addiction is when a drug user cannot stop abusing drugs or alcohol, even if they want to. Addiction is a disease that can happen at any age, to anyone, from any class background. Just as diabetes and cancer are a disease, so is addiction, and it must be treated as such – with help. Addiction is a physiological or psychological dependence on a substance that is beyond voluntary control. Relapse and remission are involved cycles of addiction, just like other chronic diseases. Without addiction treatment or participation in recovery, this disease is progressive and will eventually result in premature death or disability, among many other unfortunate life circumstances.
What is intensive outpatient treatment? (IOP)
An Intensive Outpatient Program Also Known As IOP Is An Outpatient Solution That Is Typically 3 Days – 5 Days Per Week, Usually 9 Hours Per Week Total. A Clinical Assessment Determines The Level Of Care That Is Needed For Each Individual. IOP May Be Needed As A Step Down From A Higher Level Of Care Such As Residential, Php Or Detox. IOP May Also Be Recommended If An Individual Is Working And Is Only Looking For A Morning Or Nighttime Outpatient Solution To Help Steer Individual In A Better Direction. Sometimes Along With The Individual The Family May Also Become Involved With The Individuals IOP Solution.
With Intensive Outpatient At Inspire We Will Help Our Clients To Find Appropriate Living Arrangements That Will Be Conducive To The Individuals Growth Toward A Better Life.
The Goal Of Intensive Outpatient Is To Build A Foundation That Each Individual Can Grow Upon Spiritually, Mentally And Physically. Here At Inspire IOP We Also Help To Add New Skills That Each Person May Add To Their Resume To Expand Their Career Opportunities.
Who should the person go to first?
National Helplines Are Available, 24-Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week, To Help Locate Detox And Treatment Centers For Those Seeking Help. These Hotlines Will Help Locate Facilities For The Insured As Well As The Uninsured.
For Community And Peer Support, Look Up The Local Listings For Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) And Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These Groups Can Help People Process The Emotional Complexities Of Addiction, Even If They’re Not Ready To Stop. AA And NA Groups Encourage People To Talk About Their Addiction And Try To Change Their Motivation. Also Available Is Al-Anon, A Support And Discussion Group For The Relatives Of People Suffering From Alcoholism, Usually Operated In Conjunction With Alcoholics Anonymous.
A Physician Can Also Refer An Addicted Person At Any Stage, Not Just When They’re Willing To Stop. Physicians Can Give Advice And Use Their Own Clinic’s Resources, Such As Nurses Or Counselors. If Someone You Love Is Not Open To Enter Detox Or Treatment, A Solid Back-Up Would Be To Help Them Find A Therapist. Therapy Is At The Heart Of The Work To Address Addiction, When Looking For A Therapist, Make Sure They Have A Background In Behavioral Health And Addiction So Your Loved One Or Employee Gets The Best Care Possible.
What are alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
According to webmd mild symptoms may show up 6 hours after your last drink.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Shaky hands
- Sweating
- Vomiting
Other alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include hallucinations and seizures. It’s important to contact an alcohol detox to have a safe withdrawal from alcohol.
What is an LGBTQ trauma informed substance use treatment center?
An LGBTQ trauma informed substance use treatment center is a facility that specializes in providing substance abuse treatment for LGBTQ individuals who have experienced trauma. Typically, most LGBTQ folks have experienced external trauma and therefore will all benefit from going to an LGBTQ trauma-informed treatment center. Also, a trauma-informed treatment center is a training that all Inspire Recovery staff receive to learn how to provide trauma-informed care to all clients, regardless of their level of trauma. A trauma-informed center provides safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment to all LGBTQ clients.
Can family members or partners participate in treatment at the LGBTQ substance use treatment center?
Family members or partners can participate in treatment at the LGBTQ substance use treatment center if it is deemed appropriate for their loved one’s recovery process. This decision will be made in consultation with the treatment team.