Monday, June 23, 2008
Trouble Brewing in Energy Drinks
For the past two decades the addiction treatment field has had growing concerns over the misuse of caffeine. From the late seventies through the late eighties, treatment centers across t United States took a careful look at the use of caffeinated beverages. Demographics pointed to the fact that many leading centers treating alcohol and other drug addiction were seeing over 70 percent of their admissions with a primary drug of choice, cocaine. Cocaine with the advent of "read rock" better know as crack was at epidemic proportions in this country. Treatment administrators saw it necessary to cut down on the use of caffeine in their respected centers. "It made no sense to see all our patients jacked up on coffee and craving Cocaine", said one leading expert of those times.
Today our industry has to make a stand again with the growing numbers of beverages that promise quick energy as well as performance and nutritional benefits it is one of concern to the recovering community. A growing number of these drinks are aimed at those who want to stay UP, boost energy, raise alertness, promise a high followed by a long lasting energy buzz. If we advocate for our patients and clients to be drug free then we need to enforce policies against the use of energy drinks in our facilities. At Morningside Recovery in Newport Beach, CA, that has been the position for several years. Morningside Recovery sees the health risks involved including dehydration and overstimulation which both can have adverse effects on the person recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. It is also known that caffeine can speed up a person’s heart and raise blood pressure. In treatment programs we want our clients/patients to not get over stimulated but to concentrate on what is being taught to them. That is they are here in treatment to help safe their lives for they have a life threatening chronic illness that if not put into remission with cause premature death.
Today our industry has to make a stand again with the growing numbers of beverages that promise quick energy as well as performance and nutritional benefits it is one of concern to the recovering community. A growing number of these drinks are aimed at those who want to stay UP, boost energy, raise alertness, promise a high followed by a long lasting energy buzz. If we advocate for our patients and clients to be drug free then we need to enforce policies against the use of energy drinks in our facilities. At Morningside Recovery in Newport Beach, CA, that has been the position for several years. Morningside Recovery sees the health risks involved including dehydration and overstimulation which both can have adverse effects on the person recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. It is also known that caffeine can speed up a person’s heart and raise blood pressure. In treatment programs we want our clients/patients to not get over stimulated but to concentrate on what is being taught to them. That is they are here in treatment to help safe their lives for they have a life threatening chronic illness that if not put into remission with cause premature death.
Labels: addiction, college-program, Predictors-of-Adolescent-Substance-Abuse, teen-drug-abuse
Friday, May 11, 2007
Morningside Academic Institute Announces Summer Session
(Newport Beach, CA -- May 11, 2007) Morningside Recovery, a residential alcohol and drug treatment center located in Newport Beach, CA, is now accepting clients for the upcoming college summer session for their Morningside Academic Institute (MAI).
"We established our College Program to assist clients in combining their recovery from alcohol and drug addiction together with reestablishing their educational goals and we look forward to welcoming new clients to participate in this exceptional program" says Jeff Yates, Founder and CEO of Morningside Recovery.
The first eight week summer session will begin May 21, 2007, followed by the second eight week summer session beginning June 18, 2007, with most clients registering for classes at Saddleback College, one of California's top Community Colleges, located in Mission Viejo, CA.
Brendan Bickley, Morningside's Director of Education, working in this specific field of recovery for the past nine years, defines the problem: "People suffering from addictions to alcohol and drugs typically find themselves with academic problems. They may have been accepted into a top tier university, but somewhere along their academic careers their addiction overwhelms them to the point that their academic success is halted. They typically withdraw from their classes or fail them altogether. The more fortunate alcoholics and addicts, realizing their problems, withdraw before it's too late and seek help. The Academic Institute staff is experienced in dealing with turbulent past academic careers and helps individuals regain firm footing on solid academic ground."
While residential clients can enter the College Program after completing 30 days of primary treatment at another facility, typically many clients will elect to transition to the College Program after completing 90 days in Morningside Recovery's residential treatment program.
The decision to enroll in the College Program is followed by a complete academic assessment and a Strategic Academic Action Plan is designed for each participant. "While long term recovery is our number one goal for each client" says Bickley, "we couple the college courses with a group lecture series on Life Skills, which include, but are not limited to, budget planning, time management, body language, active listening, debt problems, proper attire, nutrition, stress management, proper workplace behavior, and successfully living with roommates. Combining these life skills with successful completion of college courses helps to re-establish positive self-esteem and provides a strong foundation for recovery."
Those interested in learning more about the Morningside Academic Institute can visit our web site and download a copy of our brochure. To schedule an educational assessment, contact our offices at 1-866-725-8565. About Morningside Recovery Morningside Recovery is a drug and alcohol extended care treatment program designed to meet the needs of individuals suffering from chemical dependency and/or a co-occurring disorder. Our facilities are located in coastal Newport Beach, California. Morningside Recovery offers extended care, transitional work and college programs to address the varying needs of each recovering individual. Our staff is committed to assisting each person on his or her journey to long-term abstinence and mental wellness.
Contact:
Mark Greenberg
Executive Director Morningside Recovery
(949) 675-0006
"We established our College Program to assist clients in combining their recovery from alcohol and drug addiction together with reestablishing their educational goals and we look forward to welcoming new clients to participate in this exceptional program" says Jeff Yates, Founder and CEO of Morningside Recovery.
The first eight week summer session will begin May 21, 2007, followed by the second eight week summer session beginning June 18, 2007, with most clients registering for classes at Saddleback College, one of California's top Community Colleges, located in Mission Viejo, CA.
Brendan Bickley, Morningside's Director of Education, working in this specific field of recovery for the past nine years, defines the problem: "People suffering from addictions to alcohol and drugs typically find themselves with academic problems. They may have been accepted into a top tier university, but somewhere along their academic careers their addiction overwhelms them to the point that their academic success is halted. They typically withdraw from their classes or fail them altogether. The more fortunate alcoholics and addicts, realizing their problems, withdraw before it's too late and seek help. The Academic Institute staff is experienced in dealing with turbulent past academic careers and helps individuals regain firm footing on solid academic ground."
While residential clients can enter the College Program after completing 30 days of primary treatment at another facility, typically many clients will elect to transition to the College Program after completing 90 days in Morningside Recovery's residential treatment program.
The decision to enroll in the College Program is followed by a complete academic assessment and a Strategic Academic Action Plan is designed for each participant. "While long term recovery is our number one goal for each client" says Bickley, "we couple the college courses with a group lecture series on Life Skills, which include, but are not limited to, budget planning, time management, body language, active listening, debt problems, proper attire, nutrition, stress management, proper workplace behavior, and successfully living with roommates. Combining these life skills with successful completion of college courses helps to re-establish positive self-esteem and provides a strong foundation for recovery."
Those interested in learning more about the Morningside Academic Institute can visit our web site and download a copy of our brochure. To schedule an educational assessment, contact our offices at 1-866-725-8565. About Morningside Recovery Morningside Recovery is a drug and alcohol extended care treatment program designed to meet the needs of individuals suffering from chemical dependency and/or a co-occurring disorder. Our facilities are located in coastal Newport Beach, California. Morningside Recovery offers extended care, transitional work and college programs to address the varying needs of each recovering individual. Our staff is committed to assisting each person on his or her journey to long-term abstinence and mental wellness.
Contact:
Mark Greenberg
Executive Director Morningside Recovery
(949) 675-0006
mark@morningsiderecovery.com
3404 A Via Lido
Newport Beach, California 92663
3404 A Via Lido
Newport Beach, California 92663
