O'Neal Media Group  

Author Shows Empathy For Individuals Struggling With Substance Abuse

By Jackie O'Neal
Special to ASSIST News Service  -- Jerry Seper writing for the Washington Times pointed out that “heroin use in the United States increased substantially during the past decade, with more than a million people nationwide believed to be addicted to the drug, according to Rogelio E. Guevara, the Drug Enforcement Administration's chief of operations.”

The horror of drug addiction

Statistics estimate there are believed to be at least 700,000 people in the United States who need heroin addiction treatment but are not receiving it.

Dr. Gary R. Collins, in his book, Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide raised the question, “Have Christian counselors been reluctant to enter the arena of substance abuse counseling?”

Dr. Collins noted a government report demonstrated that most help for addicts came from medical personnel, “who tend to focus on detoxification and chemical interventions, or from former addicts who understand street life, but know little about the principles of counseling and behavior change.” Dr. Collins pointed out that with the exception of Teen Challenge, and other Christian substance abuse programs, relatively speaking, “few Christian counselors appear to be involved in drug rehabilitation efforts.”

Dr. Barbara Sinor, in her book, Addiction: What's Really Going On? Inside A Heroin Treatment Program explores the struggles faced by individuals working to free themselves of drug addiction.

Dr. Barbara Sinor

“The book follows approximately ten years in the life of a drug counselor (my friend and colleague) working in a methadone treatment facility located in southern California. It accurately portrays the lives of her clients' struggles of trying to be free from heroin and other drugs. It contains powerful true stories woven together to form a tapestry filled with pain, joy, defeat, and success. It also unravels the questions relating to the use of methadone, detoxification from heroin and methadone, how our society has fallen into it's drug use, and what's really going on in “the life” of those with an addiction,” she said.

She said her colleague, Deborah McCloskey who passed away in 2006, asked her to compile notes, and that prompted the writing of the book. “She shared notes with me over several years, in a book format. We worked together until her death and I am honored that I was able to complete this potent book which brings a “gritty and gripping look as the reader enters the lives of those who are like crabs trying to get out of a barrel,” she said.

When asked how she envisioned the book would impact readers, Dr. Sinor said: “The field of addiction is a short step from childhood abuse and this issue has been my focus for most of my counseling career. My books Gifts From the Child Within and An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul both surround the topic of healing and recovery from painful past childhood abuse, incest, negative programming, and PTSD issues. With evidence that a large percentage of child abusers were addicted to a substance at the time of the abuse and the fact that many adults who were abused in childhood became drug addicts and/or alcoholics, it is clear the two topics are tightly connected.”

“Because this book surrounds the life of Deborah, not my own, I can only relay what I know of her intention to share her story and those of her clients with the public. Deborah wanted the public to become more aware of our nation's addiction population and what was really going on surrounding drug and alcohol abuse. She was torn between realizing most of her clients were content to stay on methadone even though she struggled to teach them they could be free of all drugs. She wanted the public to be aware of the real life of those addicted to any drug and/or alcohol and felt there was a better way to help those addicted and their children. Her message is to educate, understand, and have compassion for those caught in the trap of addiction.”

The process of researching material for the book included interviews with recovering addicts and drug counselors. “My research consisted of educating myself with the issues surrounding heroin addiction and the use of methadone. I studied and talked with counselors, active and recovering addicts, and other professionals in the addiction field to gather my information. The data and statistics were taken from national agencies and governmental data banks online. Most of my contribution to this book is found in the Introduction and the Epilogue, however, I interjected much of the technical information throughout the book.

The Foreword is written by Mark Parrino, the President of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence which states this book, “...effectively captures the dynamic activity within the OTP and demonstrates the incredible relationship between the patients and the caregivers,” she said.

Website: www.DrSinor.com
Blog: www.drsinor.wordpress.com

Statistics estimate that 6 billion dollars in revenue is lost by American business, as a result of decreased worker productivity linked to marriage and relationship hardship.

A happy workplace

Marriage exemplifies one of the most intimate of human relationships, and when marriages start to fail, it leads to immense individual frustration at home and the workplace.

On the other hand, happily married couples tend to be more valued employees as they are able to manage stress better, enjoy good health, and have a more positive outlook on life.

Dr. Gary R. Collins, author of Christian Counseling, A Comprehensive Guide, noted, “Research during the past several years has shown consistently that more people seek counseling for marriage problems than for any other single issue.”

However, Dr. Beth Erickson, a psychotherapist based in Minnesota, asserted in Marriage Isn't For Sissies: 7 Simple Keys To Unlocking The Best Part Of Your Life (Maracom Publishing 2009), says that only recently have studies looked at the connection between marriage and business. Several highly regarded researchers have all come to the same conclusion. Employees in a happy marriage increase companies' bottom lines. And those in unhappy marriages impact business on a broad array of dimensions.”

Dr. Beth Erickson

Another trend that needs to be considered is the toll the economic crisis has taken on marriages, as some couples are deferring divorce. “The current economic situation will try not just your patience and your faith. But it also likely will put your marriage to the test,” wrote Dr. Beth Erickson.

There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel. According to a recent government report, the number of workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell by 10,000, although economists had expected an increase. Reuters pointed out “that was the first time that the so-called continuing claims had dropped below the 6 million mark since late March. This measure has trended lower for four consecutive weeks.”

Dr. Erickson, as an organizational consultant, tackles the challenges related to negative work cultures. She said employees and business leaders can learn to thrive, while taking responsibility for changing the workplace into a more productive environment.

“By doing your part in the workplace, every person can make a difference,” she said.

She said organizations need to acknowledge that marriage and divorce impact the bottom line, adding, “Happily married employees increase profitability while unhappily married employees decrease profitability.”

For couples who are employed, obsessive worry about being downsized seem to torment their minds on a daily basis, and hence negatively impact their job performance.

Therapeutically speaking, “Don’t frustrate yourself by trying to control what you can’t control. Instead, focus on what you can,” suggests Dr. Erickson.

Dr. Erickson said corporations can help people be happy in the workplace, and invest in workers being happier at home.

She affirmed the workplace and family life cannot be separated. One influences the other in diverse ways. “It's applicable to family. If a person is disengaged at home, they will be disengaged in the workplace,” she said.

She often invites her listeners on web talk radio “Relationships 101” to refer a co-worker, or supervisor who appears to perpetuate a toxic work culture, to therefore re-shape their approach to work and family life via a consultation.

“Examine yourself and see where you can make a contribution in the workplace every day, and realize that everyone can make a difference,” she said.

For individual Christians, it is important to note the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who taught that man can reveal God's love to others by their actions, and it does also apply to the workplace, “Preach the Gospel everywhere, and when necessary, use words.”

To learn more, visit Dr. Beth Erickson online: http://www.drbetherickson.com