How do I know if my family member or friend needs treatment?
Family members and friends often become uncomfortably aware of the growing “elephant in the living room” long before the loved one is able – or willing – to address the problem. Your loved one may exhibit any of the following: outright denial that there is any problem; comparing himself to those who look/behave worse than he does; making and breaking promises to “cut back” or stop usage; isolating; using celebrating or mourning as an excuse; spending increasing amounts of time acquiring/using/recovering from usage; physical changes (bloating or weight loss); mood swings. They are less apt to fulfill their responsibilities. You begin to resent them. You fear for them. They begin to “drift away.”
How can I/we help?
If your family member or friend agrees that he may have a problem, a confidential assessment can be less threatening than the idea of “going into rehab.” As a result of the assessment, he may be encouraged that recovery is indeed possible, even if earlier attempts have failed. Soon after the first few weeks, family and friends can be invited and encouraged to participate in family sessions at The Gooden Center. Attending Al-Anon meetings is a terrific way for you to help him and yourself as well.
How is treatment different from A.A.?
We encourage inquiring individuals to try a 12-step program first if they have not done so already. Not everyone needs treatment. What inpatient substance abuse treatment can do is provide a safe, structured environment, education, counseling, peer support, good food and a supportive professional staff. Our clients also participate in A.A. and other 12-step programs while they are in treatment. Our program is based on the 12-steps.
How does he/we pay for it?
Through the generosity of friends, foundations and our alumni, we have the flexibility to structure financial plans for clients who otherwise would not be able to afford quality treatment. As a low cost drug rehab, our rates are among the most affordable in southern California. We are also contracted with most insurance plans.
What are his chances for success?
Success in recovery begins when the newly clean and sober individual makes his recovery the number one priority in his life. Without it, nothing else has much chance for success, including relationships with family and friends. In surveys conducted with our alumni after discharge, 28% reported relationships with family as “better.” Another 60% reported relations were “vastly improved.” When family and friends join Alanon, they often grow stronger as a result. Alumni After Care is available and free for life!
Compassion has been defined as understanding the lack of understanding. A person suffering from alcoholism or drug dependency often does not understand they have a chronic disease. Your compassionate attitude is an enormous help. Helping him to begin treatment is not enabling his disease. If he chooses to enter treatment at The Gooden Center, he will become part of a community that will support him for the rest of his life. Our program’s reputation for excellence stems from over four decades of experience with a top-notch team of professionals. Many of our alumni refer to their experience with us as the opportunity of a lifetime.