<p><em><strong>Get help and feel better without having to relive the trauma</strong></em></p><p>Recovery from <a href="https://esme.com/resources/c/addiction" target="_blank" class="wordlink">addiction</a> can be challenging under the best of circumstances, but for some people, it is made even more challenging by the combination of two problems that are intertwined or exacerbate each other: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. However, a treatment model called Seeking Safety, usually offered in group treatment but sometimes used in individual therapy, has proven itself effective at helping people with both problems.</p><p><strong>What is Seeking Safety?</strong></p><p>Seeking Safety was developed by psychologist Lisa Najavits in 1992 and has been widely used and researched since that time. As a therapist specializing in addiction treatment, I have used Seeking Safety groups with a variety of clients in various settings, with good results and feedback from clients.</p><p><strong></strong>More specifically, Seeking Safety is a present-focused treatment model that combines <a href="https://esme.com/resources/c/education" target="_blank" class="wordlink">education</a> about substance abuse and trauma, the teaching and practicing of recovery skills, and case management and problem solving. When conducted as group treatment, it can also provide peer support along with professional help. It covers 25 recovery topics and can be used as either short-term or long-term treatment.</p><p><strong>Who is likely to benefit from Seeking Safety? </strong></p><p>Although Seeking Safety was specifically designed to meet the treatment needs of adults struggling with both substance abuse and PTSD, it also has been used effectively as a general model to teach coping skills. You should consider it as a treatment option for you or a loved one if you or your loved one is struggling with some form of post-trauma difficulties (whether or not you meet the full criteria for PTSD) and some kind of substance-abuse issue (whether or not you meet the full diagnostic criteria for a substance-abuse disorder). If you are struggling after a traumatic experience with problems such as nightmares, startling easily, or using substances to avoid thoughts or feelings about the experience, this might be a good treatment for you. The Seeking Safety model focuses on skill building and present-day safety, and will not require you to discuss traumatic experiences. In its group format, it may be especially valuable for individuals who, like many Solo Moms, are relatively isolated and benefit from the social support that goes along with the treatment itself.</p><p><strong>What are the benefits of Seeking Safety? </strong></p><p>I have run Seeking Safety groups in a variety of correctional, addiction, and mental-health treatment settings. My experience has been that clients like the balance between personal sharing and education about trauma, substance abuse, recovery, and self-care. Many also have said they benefit from and enjoy the weekly check-in process, which includes reporting on recent difficulties and successes, and the fact that each topic is introduced by a quote and a discussion of the quote. And there is a treatment manual that provides information and material so clients can access and review it in between sessions. </p><p>Seeking Safety has been around for decades, but when I’ve suggested it to clients, many had not heard of it and were not aware it was a treatment option. If you are interested in learning more about this treatment model and finding out whether it might be a good fit for you or someone you love, you can learn more on the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.treatment-innovations.org/seeking-safety.html">Seeking Safety website</a>.</p><hr><p><span style="font-size: 11px;">Image via Shutterstock.com </span></p>
<p><strong><em>Al-Anon understands the unique challenges of living with, or loving, someone who is addicted </em></strong></p><p>We’ve all heard about 12-step programs and how they have turned lives around for the better. For alcoholics, there is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and for those addicted to drugs there are Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Pills Anonymous (PA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA). Each group follows certain steps that have helped millions of people obtain and maintain sobriety. Attendees find fellowship and support, and the only requirement is a desire to stop using the substance.</p><p>For people who have an person who is an addict or alcoholic in their lives, there is Al-Anon, which follow a similar pattern of adhering to 12 steps. Living with or loving an addicted or alcoholic person presents a unique set of challenges, and these meetings are geared to help. The only requirement for attendance is to have a qualifier (a person who is an addict or alcoholic) in your life. </p><p>It took me a very long time to attend my first Al-Anon meeting, and when I did I had a response that was life changing, but in a way that I never would have expected.</p><p>I was sitting in a room filled with wonderful people at an Al-Anon meeting in a beachy part of southern New Jersey. The room was filled with light. I remember thinking how it reminded me of church, how I was sitting there in this wonderful light thinking about behaviors and consequences and how I fit into the whole picture. As I sat there listening, something happened. A voice whispered: What if you don’t <em>have</em> to learn how to live with the addicts in your life? What if you can leave? I stilled the voice at that time, but the seed was planted at that meeting, and eventually I did leave.</p><p>I am not saying that attending a 12-step meeting will grant you a life-changing epiphany. I am certainly not saying that 12-step meetings are for everyone, or that they are essential to learning how to deal with the addictions and addicts in your life. I am saying that they work for a lot of people and that they have a golden reputation.</p><p>Here are seven reasons they may be worth an hour or so of your time:</p><ol><li>The meetings provide support for <em>you</em>. Solo Moms are great at giving support to their kids. By contrast, 12-step meetings focus on you. I was surprised at how little I thought about how I was feeling until it was pointed out to me at my first meeting.</li><li>It’s anonymous. Truly. Living with your qualifier can create some strange events in your life. You can talk about them here without giving your last name or your occupation.</li><li>They get it. They nod. They aren’t surprised. Eyebrows aren’t raised.</li><li>You can shop. If you don’t care for the folks at one Al-Anon meeting, you can try another one, then another, until you find one that feels like the right fit. You are never obligated to return.</li><li>You can learn by listening. It really is that easy.</li><li>You will find out about resources you may not have known about in your community.</li><li>Solo Moms aren’t known for their active social lives. But 12-step meetings are uniting and offer events that you can attend with people you trust. You can extend your circle of friends easily through your common bond.</li></ol><p>The bottom line? Many of these meetings offer free child care while you attend and tons of support. You can take what you need and leave the rest. If nothing else, a 12-step meeting will remind you that the focus sometimes has to be on you.</p><hr><p><span style="font-size: 11px;">Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com</span><br></p>
