Identify Trauma in Substance Abuse

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DrR copyDelivering Trauma informed Care. Let’s face it, many addiction centers don’t “do” trauma. However, as Carolyn Baird points out at this year’s CCSAD, 90% of public mental health clients in substance abuse programs have been exposed to trauma, most have experienced multiple trauma, and most homeless with SMI have experienced severe physical and sexual abuse.

How this relates. A licensed referral source who is specifically trained in the co-occurrence of trauma and substance recognizes the importance during intake to thoroughly check for trauma, as well as substance abuse. In knowing the correct way to phrase questions, and the patterns of the patient’s behavior, it becomes clear what impact that trauma has upon the individual’s life and the need for a intact treatment protocol to be in place. This is where the real work begins.

 

Be aware — In program placement, “one size does NOT fit all”, and an acute and sensitive “ear” or awareness is what it takes. Plus collaborative relationships with local private practitioners with expertise in “traumatology” or trauma-specific therapy is crucial for aftercare.

Think about it. Substance abuse is one thing. Trauma generally follows. If you need an informed and sensitive referral source who knows what to look for in your family member’s profile, start here. We will find the “right” program to treat your loved one’s substance and trauma.

Dr. Mark Burdick 877-571-2524 or www.drburdick.com

“London Calling”

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"London Calling"

“London Calling”

International families find it difficult to get the help they need for their loved ones at home in their own countries. Let’s face it: The US has “the market share” of education & therapeutic options. No other country has the sheer numbers of private schools and university options here in the US, or the vast resources of individualized treatment options for all varities of conditions, including behavioral health, psychiatric, and recovery.

This is a world I have come to know as an expert in both fields of education and behavioral health. So, when I received a call from a UK family who needed assistance in navigating the maze of what could work for their family member, I was ready and able to help. In considering the options for international students, it is important to look at the long term, and not just the short. From the questions of travel and visas to communication with families to visits and graduation, we can help “walk you through” the process. We take pride in helping our families through the maze to achieve health, wellness, and education.

Count on us. We are there for you, wherever you are in the world.

Dr. Burdick 877-571-2524

Late August tour: “The Meadows”

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Ramuda RanchAfter recently placing a client at The Meadows, it was good to tour the facilities which now includes Remuda Ranch for eating disorders (seen left). My longtime friend Patty Evans, along with psychiatrist Steve Brokway and Executive Director Sean Walsh were there to meet and greet, and give us the good news about The Meadows’ recent affiliation with TriCare as a primary treatment provider for military families.

The Meadows “model” has worked successfully with adults for over 35 years, and now is launching a program to work with young adults (18-27) in Wickenburg.

In taking on Remuda Ranch, the partnership with The Meadows will plant them in a very good position to provide a superb boutique, and highly effective and confidential level of health care. Remuda works with dual diagnoses clients to find the underlying eating disorders, along with the addiction. Full time nursing and medical staff allows them to see patients who would otherwise be pulled into hospitalization and not provided with the recovery they need to flourish.Saguaros

The Saguaros surrounding the properties provide the metaphorical backdrop of generations of individuals and families to come to heal. Arizona is a healing environment. I am happy to introduce you to The Meadows and Remuda Ranch.

Dr Mark Burdick

August Highlights: Cumberland Heights & OnSite

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OnSight!What a busy two weeks. In visiting two great programs in Tennessee, OnSite and Cumberland Heights, Nashville only got sweeter with resources for individuals and families. Recovery from trauma or addiction is different, and yet largely the same. It takes time, and nurturing from an experienced staff. It also takes humor & community.

Now, OnSite’s exec director’s birthday bash off to the left will give you a sense of a healthy working and collaborative staff. OnSite does weekly intensive work with individuals and couples that need ‘away’ time.

CHCumberland Heights goes back nearly 50 years in providing residential options for adolescents and adults who need recovery. What I especially like about CH is how they don’t downplay their love of music and arts to second fiddle. It’s right there. As a long time fan of C&W music, I appreciate the focus on young and older people formulating a narrative, a story of how they’ve come to be who they are and who they want to be. Recovery is all about finding your core, and CH has the receipe for helping individuals do that work. I am happy to have toured both Cumberland Heights and OnSite, and I look foward to helping your family make the decision what program is best for your family member, and getting them there.

Best, Dr. Mark Burdick 

ECP2013

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ECP is one of the few professional, non marketing international conferences that I attend for psychology and training. I present regularly at international conferences, and find the attendees particularly interested in the application of theory and research to treatment settings. I just finished presenting to interested colleagues on the benefits of treatment in the wilderness camp settings, like you find at Wingate in Utah, and others. They were excited and amazed to find Americans are using the wilderness to compel a counseling milieu for adolescents and young adults.

I also had the opportunity to attend a panel symposium on international law and psychology that highlighted research around international child custody rules and judicial sentiment, if you will in move away scenarios involving custodial parents. Of course, my interest is in finding education and therapeutic schools and programs in “the best interest” of the child. I was happy to hear Dr. Phi Stahl speak on the subject. I also had the opportunity to be photographed with the present APA president Don Berstoff who also participated in the panel. I am thankful to be a member of APA.

Art therapy is gaining new ground to help develop positive self concept and self esteem, and to express emotions and promote regulation of emotions. A recent study conducted in Estonia has found particular usefulness of art therapy when used with incarcerated young adult females. In Estonia, art therapy includes drawing, movement, and music. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used as pre and post testing, and found to diminish aggressive behavior, while promoting prosocial behavior.

All and all, the globalization of these applied psychology and education methodologies is gaining strength and interest from learning institutions and politicians. Psychology is at the forefront in finding ways to blend international law, culture, and education together for the betterment of people. However, the efforts are not without huge barriers, conflicts, and concerns for privacy, individualization, and strengthening of families and institutions.

All that said if you need an expert to help in the relocating of your family to either international or domestic places by helping to answer questions around education, care, and treatment call us today; 877-571-2524

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