People who hold high-powered positions or are required to work substantial overtime often struggle to find the time to pursue personal goals or devote the attention to their families that they deserve. The stress that comes from trying to provide for your family while still being present is all too real. It can sometimes lead people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which can contribute to depression, addiction, or even suicidal ideation. Here are a few tips to get the best of both worlds without venturing into dangerous habits. Be Mindful About Social and Work-Related Drinking Some professionals enjoy grabbing a drink with coworkers after a long day at the office, and for many people it’s a harmless way to blow off steam. Just be conscious of how often you go and how much you drink while you’re out. Limit yourself to a drink or two, and be sure you’re drinking water at the same time. Post-work drinks can be a great way to bond with your colleagues, but too many can lead to some unprofessional antics you might regret later. Plus, the longer and more often you’re out, the less time you have to spend with your family. You might even discover you prefer to have a soda or iced tea instead of an alcoholic drink. That way, you can still reap the benefits of spending off-hours time with your coworkers without running the risk of overindulging. Define What Balance Means to You The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving harmony between work and home, because success looks different to everyone. The first step in working towards greater harmony is to define specifically what that looks like to you. Does it mean attending every baseball game or sitting down for a family meal every evening? Perhaps it means being able to unplug and devote your undivided attention to your family one day each week. The key to achieving the ideal balance is to know precisely what it means to you. Only then can you set realistic, actionable goals and work towards making your vision a reality. Make Deliberate Choices To avoid feeling overworked and overwhelmed, people faced with these circumstances must master the art of making deliberate choices. You may find that it’s sometimes necessary to tell your boss that you’re not able to work overtime so that you can attend your daughter’s dance recital. Or, you might decide to turn down an opportunity that’s likely to take more time away from your family, perhaps requiring you to work out of town during the week. Whatever choices you’re faced with, evaluate the pros and cons carefully and make deliberate decisions in your and your family’s best interests. If you’re accustomed to coming home and having a glass of wine or a couple beers as a way to unwind, make the conscious decision to take a few nights off from drinking each week. Instead, switch to a tall glass of water or a nice mug of herbal tea on those nights. Not only do you want to reduce the chances of your nightly ritual escalating, but taking this kind of break from alcohol and switching to a healthier alternative could help your body detox more easily, allowing you to get better sleep and feel more rejuvenated come morning. Schedule Time for Everything Some busy professionals swear by a running to-do list, while others find the never-ending nature of such lists overwhelming. Whether you’re a list-maker or a roll-with-the-punches type of person, scheduling can help you stay on task and better balance the demands of work and home. Scheduling blocks of time for work tasks, meetings, and appointments as well as baseball games, dance recitals, and events at your child’s school will help you avoid overlap and enable you to better manage your time. Lists are great for outlining what you need to do, but schedules will increase the odds that you’ll actually get it done. Prioritize Taking Care of You If you tend to sacrifice your own needs to be there for others, you might actually be setting yourself up for failure. While it may seem like you have no choice when there are simply not enough hours in the day, the truth is that prioritizing self-care is the best way to be present and be your best self when you are serving others. How can you prioritize self-care for better harmony between work and home? Make sure that you get enough sleep each night, eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, avoid overindulging in alcohol, and take time to exercise regularly. When you’re well-rested and your body is getting the right mix of vital nutrients, you’ll perform better and be more productive at both work and home. Productivity, of course, means that you’ll progress through work tasks with greater ease, reducing the odds that you’ll fall behind and end up missing out on quality family time to catch up. When you learn how to make deliberate choices, schedule your time effectively, monitor work-related drinking, and take care of your body and mind, you might just find that making the transition back home might be more within reach than you think. The post Creating Harmony: Balancing the Demands Between Work and Home appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois https://www.duiillinois.com/creating-harmony-balancing-demands-work-home/
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Anger is a reaction to a threat or insult that can be all-consuming and sometimes, difficult to deal with. While anger is a normal human emotion, how we deal with it is important for mental health and a sense of peace. If not handled well, anger can become a chronic issue, making it hard to control emotions and cause you to act “in the heat of the moment.” Everyone becomes angry at some point in their lives. So, how can we deal with anger when it strikes? The trick is to control anger before it controls you, and if it’s getting out of control, seek help. Let’s look at the 3 main ways humans deal with anger. The Ways of Dealing with AngerInternalize itSome people hold their anger inside because they don’t want the emotion visible to others. While internalizing your anger may prevent you from doing or saying things you may later regret, it doesn’t always make the emotion go away. Studies have shown that people who routinely hold onto their anger put themselves at risk for health conditions like high blood pressure and restless sleep. If you’re able to internalize anger and mentally let go of it—by either forgiving the incident that caused you to be angry or deciding not to let it bother you—then you’ll likely reach a sense of peace with your anger and not let it affect you. But for some, holding in anger only makes the emotion brew and grow stronger. They need another way to cope.
Let it OutExpressing anger can help you let go of the emotion. There are many ways of letting anger out; some are better routes than others. Yelling and shouting are less desirable ways of expressing anger, especially if another person is at the receiving end. Becoming physical, fighting or getting “in someone’s face” might help release anger, but aren’t the best choice. Routinely venting anger onto others, or becoming physical with others, is not only harmful but can actually increase the amount of anger that you feel. While it’s true that physical expression works to reduce stress and anger, doing it appropriately is key. Consider a physical work out, running, brisk walking, or letting off steam on a punching bag as an outlet for reducing anger. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help you feel better and think with a clearer head.
Let it GoThe final way humans deal with anger is by letting it go. This is an excellent concept, but often hard for people to accomplish. Learning to let anger go is a learned behavior—a beneficial one! You may know someone who is good at “brushing things off,” or who doesn’t let things bother him. This doesn’t mean that person doesn’t feel angry. He’s simply learned to let go of the negative emotion. Consider how you think about the situation that caused you to be angry. Is it worth continually mulling over what was said or done to you, feeling angry and furious, or would it be better not to hold a grudge? Learning to accept that you can’t change the situation that caused your anger is a good step in letting the emotion go. Try replacing negative, angry thoughts with more rational ones. And remind yourself that getting angry isn’t going to solve any problems—it might just make things worse. What you can do About AngerIf the anger is too much to deal with on your own, talking to a trusted friend, family member, or if needed, a mental health professional who leads anger management classes can help. If you’re struggling to deal with anger, consider verbal expression. Sometimes a listening ear is the perfect outlet for getting anger under control and dealing better with it in the future. The post 3 Ways Humans Deal with Anger appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois https://www.duiillinois.com/3-ways-humans-deal-anger/ Did you know that nearly a quarter of all Americans are under varying amounts of extreme stress? According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 85,605,500 people rated their stress levels at a level eight, nine or 10 on a 10-point scale in 2011. While the other three quarters of Americans say, they deal with fluctuating levels of stress on a daily basis, a disturbing trend has been observed. The stress most adults face on a regular basis is not going away. More and more American adults are reporting increasing levels of stress as time goes on. Although we cannot always control the sources of stress in our lives, we can change how we react to them. What Are the Main Causes of High Stress Levels? The American Psychological Association created a chart based on the regular stressors reported by surveyed American adults. Money and work remain as the top two main stress sources followed by economy, relationships, family responsibilities, family health problems, personal health concerns, job stability, rising housing costs and personal safety. How Stress Affects Your Physical Health and Wellbeing Even everyday stressors can cause detrimental effects on your health if they are not successfully dealt with. If your body is allowed to remain in a “fight or flight” mode for longer than necessary, you will burn out your adrenal glands. Adrenal fatigue can lead to a constant feeling of tiredness, skin problems and more. High stress levels have also been linked to cancer and may contribute to the growth of cancer tumors. Common Stress Symptoms The most common stress symptoms are listed below in order of acuteness:
How to Deal With Stress Naturally Try to avoid the following foods as they can increase stress levels:
#5 Adaptogens and Essential Oils You could also consider essential oils. Myrrh, lavender, frankincense and bergamot can help reduce inflammation, improve immunity and balance hormones. Consider purchasing a diffuser to allow the oils to disperse through the air in your home or office space. Conclusion The post Best Ways to Deal with Stress Natural Ways appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois https://www.duiillinois.com/best-ways-deal-stress-natural-ways/ There are many ways that domestic violence affects the lives of victims as well as abusers. These damages often go far beyond the physical injuries. Addressing psychological and emotional traumas that come from abusive situations is a necessary step for recovery. Domestic classes and relationship counseling can help. The 3 Impacts of Domestic Abuse
Attitudes and temperaments are made up of a wide range of interpersonal behaviors coming together to make a cohesive whole. When you change one of these habits, especially when it’s an important one, it can cause a noticeable change in the way you interact with others. While changing these elements of your personality can be a force for positive change in your life, it can also be harmful and cause problems in many settings:
Domestic violence trauma can often cause victims to perceive themselves as being somehow to blame. This can lead to identification with the abuser, leading to a victim picking up some of the abuser’s attitudes and habits. Domestic violence classes help everyone reframe these experiences and adjust attitudes that lead to strengthening the cycle of abuse. Victims can benefit from these classes, but everyone from abusers to family members can also stand to learn something.
Having to worry about domestic violence makes it difficult to focus on academic work. It’s a question of priorities. When physical safety is threatened, it’s common for victims to put most of their mental and emotional energy into developing ways to mitigate and prevent situations of violence. This leaves little room for any type of formal education and is one of the major effects of domestic violence. Another aspect of abusive situations that prevents learning is the emotional toll. There’s a tendency to withdraw from any considerations of the future. Most of the time, this pessimism is due to a belief that the future isn’t worth working for. This makes sense if you’re stuck in a pattern of domestic violence, but what most victims don’t realize is that these cycles are often broken with the help of trained professionals. Hope for the future allows victims to continue their lives and pursue their goals. Relationship counseling often plays a part in exiting an abuse pattern, so don’t be afraid to reach out and improve your prospects.
The same things that cause antisocial attitudes and withdrawal from opportunities for personal growth also damage a victim’s abilities to socialize with others. This can happen to anyone, even the most gregarious people, and it isn’t always obvious. For instance, a victim of domestic violence might perform well at a job that requires them to be social and connect with people in a business setting. However, they might exhaust their extroversion on the job and miss other social opportunities necessary for career advancement. Don’t let violence hold you back. Just because you still manage to perform some socialization doesn’t mean that you are the best version of yourself you can be. Whatever your relationship is with violence, counseling can help you get back to normal. There’s no reason you need to deal with any of these mood or social impairments alone. After all, you didn’t get into this situation by yourself, and nobody expects you to deal with domestic violence alone. Seek relationship counseling or take domestic violence classes when you’re ready to make a positive impact on your life and the lives of everyone around you. The post 3 Ways Domestic Violence Trauma Can Impact Your Life appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois https://www.duiillinois.com/3-ways-domestic-violence-trauma-can-impact-life/ Most of us have been cheated on at some point or another. In fact, up to around 60% of married couples have engaged in cheating. This is an alarming statistic but rings true if you suspect your partner is cheating on you. If you have a tingling feeling they are being unfaithful, here is a checklist of thirteen signs they are cheating on you. They Grow Distant They Buy You Gifts They Accuse You of Cheating Sudden Need for Privacy Unaccounted Spending Time Spent Together Tension Won’t Discuss Topics Related to Cheating New Hobbies Punctual New Home Ritual No Longer Jealous Mood Swings The post 13 Signs of a Cheating Partner appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois https://www.duiillinois.com/13-signs-cheating-partner/ DUI Charges in the Illinois Court SystemIn Illinois courts, the greatest fear for most people facing DUI charges is the question of whether they are going to jail or not. The question as to whether the Illinois Secretary of State revokes their driving privileges is a very close second. A license revocation has a devastating impact on people, often preventing them from working, getting to school, traveling, and fulfilling their responsibilities with their family. At the close of the initial court proceedings, the Judge may impose a sentence of “Court Supervision”, which is a deferred judgment, meaning that there is no conviction, as long as all of the terms are satisfied, and there are no new arrests. The Secretary of State will take no action to revoke a driver’s license when a sentence of Court Supervision is issued. The Judge may also impose a sentence of conviction, conditional discharge, probation, and/or jail. These types of convictions result in the Secretary of State issuing an order “revoking” the driving privileges of the motorist. Upon conviction, the revocations are as follows, 1st Conviction = a minimum 1-year revocation; 2nd Conviction = a minimum 5-year revocation; 3rd Conviction = a minimum 10-year revocation; and 4th Conviction = a lifetime revocation. There is Hope to Get your Illinois License Back After RevocationHowever, motorists should recognize that following a conviction and revocation, all hope is not lost. The Secretary of State has created a driver’s license reinstatement hearing program, which allows individuals seeking to reinstate their driving privileges the opportunity to prove to the Illinois Secretary of State that they were properly classified by their evaluators, received the appropriate treatment from their providers, determine if there is a problematic use of alcohol, have a working knowledge of the effects of alcohol on the mind and body, be aware of the alternatives available to avoid alcohol use, accept lifestyle changes that can be made, and support programs that should be attended, if necessary. The “paperwork” required to proceed with such a hearing is prepared by a licensed Illinois DUI treatment provider. This documentation must be prepared by a provider well versed in the reinstatement hearing process, because if there are any omissions, contradictions, or inconsistencies in alcohol use histories, symptoms, blood alcohol content levels, or drinking use patterns, the Secretary of State can issue an Order of Denial, and send the person fighting for their driving privileges back to square one. Preparing for the Illinois Drivers License Reinstatement HearingTo properly prepare for a reinstatement hearing, one should also seek out a qualified attorney, with extensive knowledge, skill, and experience in reviewing the treatment documentation and preparing their clients for the rapid-fire line of questioning they will be subjected to in the hearing. Typically, I will require that my clients go through a minimum of three to four mock hearings in my office before I can be assured they are ready for the hearing. Considering all of the time, money, effort, and energy my clients put into the reinstatement process, it is my responsibility to ensure that they are properly prepared, with accurate and consistent responses. Just like any area of law, there are tricks to the trade, and knowing how to properly respond to the Secretary of State’s questions, and carefully avoiding their traps, places the client in the best position to achieve driver’s license reinstatement, and be back on the roads! Click here for our free eBook on How To Get Your Driver’s License Back After a DUI Arrest For more info, contact: The post How to Get Your Driver’s License Back After Revocation appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/get-drivers-license-back-revocation/ Even the best relationships run into trouble from time to time, but the when an already bad relationship starts to go south things can get ugly very quickly. That’s when it may be time to call in the help of seasoned professionals. Counseling and mediation can really help in these situations, and it may be necessary for one or both partners to take anger management classes. If things continue to escalate, eventually ending in physical harm, domestic violence classes may help. It’s possible to save your relationship from a trip to the therapist, but it requires you and your partner to work together so that you can improve the communication in your marriage. Communication is Both the Problem and the SolutionThings begin to go wrong in a relationship with one or both partners feel as though they have unfulfilled needs. This could be related to the partnership, or these needs could stem from outside situations. If the people involved don’t address or communicate these needs directly, misunderstandings will start to happen. The husband may snap at his wife about something small. He’s stressed over an unrelated situation, but at the time it feels like it’s her fault. She gets upset and defensive. Feeling put down, she either attempts to correct what was never wrong to begin with or snaps back at him. Either way, neither person has done anything to solve the real problem. Instead, they’ve invented new challenges to add to the pile. Fighting Fire with Gasoline Isn’t Going to HelpIt’s not right to add anger to an already angry situation, nor should you attempt to make up for something you haven’t done wrong. Instead, it’s better to give the angry person their space until they calm down. If they do not leave you alone, then you need to remove yourself from the situation until they are willing and able to listen. Once both of you have cooled off, sit down together and have a real conversation. In a real conversation, both people listen to each other. They reserve judgment and make the decision not to take things personally. To follow up on the above scenario, the woman could start by saying “you were angry with me earlier, but I feel like it wasn’t actually about me. What’s bothering you, and is there any way I can help?” This takes the responsibility for the anger off your shoulders, but it doesn’t displace it onto the angry person. Doing so will only make them feel guilty, and that will lead to more anger. From this point, continue the discussion and focus on resolving not only what made the other person angry, but also on how to prevent this from happening in the future. Professional Help is Always AvailablePolite conversation can’t solve everything, and some couples may not even be capable of this. For those times when you keep hitting a brick wall, consider anger management classes or domestic violence classes. The post Them’s Fightin’ Words: Changing the Tone of Your Relationship from Conflict to Co-operation appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/thems-fightin-words-changing-tone-relationship-conflict-co-operation/ While it’s causing a bit of a controversy, it’s now possible to take the required DUI classes through various online venues. It costs extra, but it saves you from having to beg a ride from a friend to fulfill the requirements necessary to earn back your license. This actually isn’t new. In the past, this option was only offered to those who couldn’t find a valid course in their area. Now the DMV has relaxed these stipulations, allowing anyone with an internet connection to enjoy the convenience of virtual learning. In Person DUI Classes a thing of the past?It seems the idea is popular because traditional, in person DUI classes are becoming a thing of the past. There’s not enough interest in sitting in the classroom, and many people opt for the convenience of the online option despite it being much more expensive. This has raised a lot of questions, and opponents to the change have expressed a fear that this will only remove roadblocks to driving under the influence. If it’s easier to fulfill the requirements of the program, people may be more inclined to get behind a wheel while intoxicated. While this is an understandable concern, it has some problems. Most states have a three-strike rule that results in permanent suspension of the license and jail time for repeat offenders. However, even a first-time offender can cost the life of a loved one. The question here is, if potentially costing a life isn’t enough to stop someone from making such a bad choice, then is the threat of having to attend a class going to be enough? The thing about it is that repeat offenders don’t have a problem with bad decision-making. They have a problem with addiction. Addicts are not rational, and repercussions fly out the window when an addict imbibes in their addiction. Cons of Online DUI ClassesThis actually highlights an argument against online DUI classes that has more credence. Addicts are presented with very few opportunities wherein they are faced with the consequences of their actions within a supportive environment. These opportunities have the potential to save the addict’s life and the lives of anyone who may be affected by their behavior. That’s the drawback to an online course. Without a physical instructor present, the chance of an addict seeking real help because of the experience is almost non-existent. This is probably the strongest argument against the program, but even it is somewhat invalidated. Getting an addict into rehab takes a level of self-realization that probably isn’t going to be achieved by a day in DUI classes. People have also expressed fear that the offender may simply get another person to take the course in their place. The online course is based on the honor system, and honor isn’t something addicts are known for. Honestly, it’s probably not easy to find someone willing to sit through a DUI class for you. While online DUI classes have caused a controversy by potentially killing the in-person DUI course, it remains to be seen as to what effect this will truly have in the future. The post In-Person DUI Classes vs Online DUI Classes appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/person-dui-classes-vs-online-dui-classes/ Professional parenting classes can teach you everything you need to know about children as they progress through each stage of development. Healthy families are made from loving and informed parents who foster good relationships. Here are 6 ways parenting classes in Chicago will help you create a healthy family.
Children talk in a different language than adults; one that evolves alongside their mental, physical, and emotional capacity. Listening is the foundation of communicating effectively. Parenting classes will help you understand how your child thinks, and this will improve your ability to truly listen when a child communicates. Instead of reaching a conclusion based solely from an adult perspective, you’ll learn to understand the child’s perspective based on their level of development. Once you learn to understand and speak their language, it becomes easier to teach them yours.
As children grow, they hit milestone achievements in mental, physical, and emotional development. These are like signposts that show if the child is behind, on track, or advanced in any area. Parenting classes can help you understand each stage of development. Understanding the milestones in children’s development will give you the tools you need to ensure your child succeeds throughout life.
Discipline is one of the most confusing aspects of parenting. Acting out is part of being a child because children are built to test boundaries. Sometimes, however, children act out to show that something is off. It could be something very simple, like wanting a little more time with you or having seen something frightening on television. Understanding more about emotional needs at different stages of development will help you understand when your child is misbehaving to test boundaries, or when your child legitimately needs help.
Children play on the emotions of the adults around them. The authority in the room will direct how they respond because young children have no blueprint for how to act. The more confident you are, the better behavior you will model. Children will feel more secure, and they will likely follow directions better.
Many children spend most of their waking childhood in daycare, so it is essential to find a good one. Avoid changing daycares before age three as well because this can be detrimental. The more you understand your child, the better you will be able to discern if they are happy and progressing normally. This makes it easier to tell if your daycare isn’t living up to their promises.
Having kids is hectic sometimes, so it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve! You can find classes that will teach you how to calm a crying baby instantly, diaper like a pro, or fix quick and balanced meals. As you can see, parenting classes help to create peace of mind and confidence. They can also help you understand your child better, which helps them to understand you better. That’s a sound basis for any good relationship, and good relationships make for healthy families. The post 6 Reasons Parenting Classes Create Healthy Families appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/6-reasons-parenting-classes-create-healthy-families/ Moving to a new country is always challenging. People do it for better opportunities, safer living, or to earn enough money to support family still living in their home county. Adjusting to the new life may be particularly difficult for those families whose members do not have legal status. Obtaining legal status in the United States is a long and complicated process. Those who lived in the U.S. illegally are required by law to leave the country to apply for status change, but for many families that means long-term separation.
Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
One way to avoid the separation of the family is to apply for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility. If the waiver is granted, the immigrant who would otherwise have to leave the country for three or ten years, may remain in the U.S. while obtaining the permanent resident status. Before the waiver can be granted, the family needs to prove that a qualifying relative, who is a citizen or a legal permanent resident, would suffer extreme hardship if the person applying for the waiver left the country.
Qualifying relatives are typically parents or spouses of undocumented immigrants. As part of the immigration process, they can submit to a psychological evaluation to demonstrate extreme hardship. While the psychological evaluation is not mandatory, it can be very helpful in the immigration process, because it can help the family present a fuller picture of their life difficulties to the immigration judge. It is important to note that according to the immigration law, the mere separation of the family and expected suffering that comes with it is not considered hardship.
What is Extreme Hardship
Extreme hardship is more than what an average person is expected to experience when separated from a family member. Unfortunately there are no clear criteria explaining what the immigration office considers extreme hardship, so each case has to be explained individually. The hardship evaluation will explain difficulties the qualifying relative will likely experience in different areas of his or her life. Those difficulties may be related to physical or mental health, financial problems, or lost educational or career opportunities.
The Evaluation ProcessMost people seek the hardship evaluation at the suggestion of their immigration attorney. However, a referral from an attorney is not required. The hardship evaluation is done by a psychologist or mental health counselor, whose role is to collect information from the qualifying relative and other family members and write a report that will be submitted to the immigration office. Depending on the individual situation, the number of information-gathering meetings can change, but typically two to three meetings may be needed. Immigration judges take everything into consideration before making a decision about granting or denying the waiver. While the hardship evaluation does not guarantee the outcome of the case, it can help significantly because it presents additional information that you or your attorney may otherwise not communicate to the immigration office.
It is not easy to deal with immigration laws, but remember that there are many people able and willing to help. Working with immigration attorneys and mental health counselors familiar with the immigration process can improve your chances of getting your green card.
The post Learning about the Immigration Hardship Evaluation Process in Chicago appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/learning-immigration-hardship-evaluation-process-chicago/ When I was little, my favorite uncle was injured on the job and prescribed a prescription painkiller. He’d suffered back pain for years and finally decided he’d accept the extra help to manage the pain. Though he was eventually able to return to work and all appeared to be back to normal, he just didn’t seem the same anymore. He didn’t joke and play with me the way he used to, instead always resigning himself to a quiet spot apart from the rest of us at family dinners. A few times he even dozed off in the middle of our meal. Then he stopped showing up to family functions altogether. Though I was too young to understand at the time, my uncle had developed a serious opioid dependency that had quickly taken over his life. My family spent a painful few months trying to get him help, and it led to some tough calls. My aunt refused to let him live at home while he was using, and he was no longer invited to our family gatherings unless he was sober. My mom stopped answering his calls because they inevitably led to him asking for money and refusing to consider treatment. Though my uncle was finally able to find sobriety, it took some tough love on my family’s part — a strength that many loved ones face each and every day. Addiction is a major battle for anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for someone with chronic pain who becomes dependent on their prescribed medication. When it happens to a loved one, you must find the balance between offering your support without enabling their addiction. It’s a complex situation, but there are ways to help — first, you must identify and confirm the issue, then help your loved one overcome their addiction and find healthy ways to conquer their chronic pain.
Is it Addiction?Many with chronic pain see their pain medication as essential – something they “need,” but it’s a slippery slope to addiction. And the longer they are taking the medications, the more likely that they will develop physical dependence and possibly psychological addiction. It is very difficult to tell if someone is addicted to prescription medications when the medication is prescribed to them, but, there are some ways. Watch for warning signs such as:
You Can Only Do So MuchYou can’t take away your loved one’s chronic pain, and you can’t “fix” their addiction. This is something you need to face so you can move on and give as much assistance to them as possible. When it comes to your loved one’s addiction, one of the best things you can do for them is to let them know you are there for them when they need you. Sit with them, listen to them, or offer to take them to their doctor appointments. Don’t give them lectures or judge them. Encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle and to be honest with their doctor about everything. This includes previous or current addictions or substance abuse problems. As for the chronic pain? There are many things you can offer to help with that may ease their burdens. There are also things that you can do together to take their mind off of their pain or other problems, such as taking an exercise class or working out together at home. Low-impact aerobics have been shown to be very helpful for those with chronic pain. These exercises include stretching, swimming, or biking, among other things. You could also think about a yoga, Pilates, or a strength training class. Even walking together provides an opportunity to talk while also doing something good for your body. Many doctors recommend walking or participating in some other form of exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Don’t let your loved one forget about the importance of deep sleep. It is crucial for them to get adequate REM sleep, which is the time the body uses for rest and rejuvenation – thus, adequate sleep will only help them feel better throughout the day. Another idea might be to take a cooking class together. You both can learn about what kinds of foods are healthy, and you might even discover foods that can reduce pain and inflammation.
Time Apart to HealIt may be necessary to give your loved one some breathing room initially. Let them work on their recovery and get through the healing process alone, if need be. You can still be there for them simply by letting them know you’ll be there when they need you. Hopefully at some point during their reco very you’ll both be ready to spend time together and engage in healthy activities such as daily walks or a group exercise class. Never forget that one of the most important things you can offer is your love and support. Let them know that while you may not be able to totally understand their struggle, you love them and are cheering them on. With your compassion, your loved one can get back on track and find the way to a happier, healthy life with limited pain.
Article wrote by Caleb AndersonThe post How to Help a Loved One Manage Chronic Pain and Addiction appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/help-loved-one-manage-chronic-pain-addiction/ SAP stands for Substance Abuse Professional. While anyone who has ever worked for public transport is required to undergo drug screening prior to beginning work, employees who have caused an incident or been caught breaking this rule will find themselves in front of a SAP. Sometimes the DOT performs random drug screenings, and that is how many offenders get in trouble. These parameters are put in place to protect the public, but that doesn’t make it any less of a hassle for the employees who need SAP evaluation. Here’s what to expect from the process: Standard Pre-employment Drug ScreeningDrug screening is a necessary step for anyone beginning work as a driver for public transportation. The initial screening requires basic drug testing, which means you will have to find a qualified lab. They will then run the SAP evaluation based on your urine. You will have to leave all items at the front desk and fill a specimen cup in the restroom. Depending on what your employer requires, this may be monitored. The urine is then checked for temperature to prevent fraud and sent off to a lab. A negative result means no drugs were detected in the urine, whereas a positive result indicates the opposite. If you come up positive, you’re going to need a SAP evaluation. SAP Evaluation Following a Failed Drug ScreeningIf you’ve been caught unaware by a surprise test, or something happened that put you under suspicion by the DOT, then you’re going to have to find a substance abuse professional to perform an evaluation. This goes way beyond a drug test. If you haven’t been caught outright, you will likely need to fail a drug test in addition to whatever happened to bring you into question before you end up in front of a SAP. During substance abuse evaluation, you will sit down with a trained SAP and have a clinical assessment. This person is familiar with addictive behaviors, and they will be able to tell if someone is likely to repeat the offense. Based on this conversation, they may make a recommendation for treatment programs. After successfully completing the treatment program, you will have a follow-up SAP evaluation. The SAP has to provide you and your employer with an official write-up of both evaluations and any treatment recommendations. They may also suggest additional drug screenings or treatment sessions. Once the process is completed, they mark you as either compliant or non-compliant. It is important to note here that a SAP evaluator does not make a recommendation to your employer regarding your future employment. They are an impartial evaluator put in place to protect the safety of the public. Even if you are judged as not in compliance, your employer could still choose to work with you. Unfortunately, the opposite is true as well. Compliance doesn’t guarantee your job. The best way to stay out of a SAP evaluator’s office is simply to follow the DOT guidelines and not partake in prohibited substances. The post Getting a SAP Evaluation from the Department of Transportation appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. via Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/getting-sap-evaluation-department-transportation/ If you get caught partying and end up in front of a judge for your Friday-night antics, you may just find yourself facing a drug and alcohol evaluation. If you’re caught driving under the influence in Illinois, you’ll have to be evaluated before the judge will even sentence you.
The reason the judge requires a drug and alcohol evaluation is because it has a direct impact on the nature of the sentencing. That’s why it’s ill-advised to take the drug and alcohol evaluation lightly. It’s recommended that you enlist the services of an attorney to help you through the process as the outcome can affect your life far into the future. Depending on your assessment, the evaluator will determine what level of risk you pose:
Know the Alcohol & Drug Evaluation Rules for Your CountyIf you’re located in Cook County, the rules may be a little different. The evaluations in Cook County are performed by Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Services (ADES). Central States Institute on Addiction operates ADES. Different countys will require that you use different agencies for the substance abuse evaluation. That’s why it’s best to work with an attorney. That way, there’s no question that you’ve chosen the right agency. Don’t Evade Questions or Lie to the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional)The person evaluating you will note if you are honest, consistent, or non-evasive. The judge’s primary goal is to ensure public safety by preventing repeat offenses. Lying does not make the judge feel comfortable that you will stay on the straight and narrow should leniency be granted to you. Working with an attorney can help you prepare to answer questions in a way that results in a low-risk assessment—provided that the charges against you do not show otherwise. The post What You Need to Know About Court Ordered Drug and Alcohol Evaluations in Chicago appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. from Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/need-know-court-ordered-drug-alcohol-evaluations-chicago/ While campaigning for President, Donald Trump pledged to increase enforcement of immigration laws. After the election, surrogates claim Trump will have more moderate views. No one is sure what will happen, but given a Republican-controlled Congress, the appointment a Supreme Court Justice, and the new President’s circle of advisors including anti-immigrant stalwarts like Senator Jeff Sessions, everyone should prepare for a stricter immigration environment. Trump’s policy on immigration states that he will:Enforce the immigration laws by deporting illegals.
More strictly enforce current immigration laws
Establish new controls to ensure only legal persons can work.
End sanctuary cities
Immediately terminate DACA
Trump also proposes reforms to the immigration system so that immigrants are admitted based on their likelihood of success in the U.S. and their ability to be financially self-sufficient. Trump would vet applicants to ensure they support America’s values, institutions, and people, and temporarily suspend immigration from certain regions. What Does This Mean to US?FOR THOSE THINKING OF IMMIGRATINGThe number one issue is to – stay legally in the USA. If you have a valid visa, it is critical that you keep that visa valid or apply for a more suitable visa – Student, Employment, Training, Specialty Occupation, etc. If you have friends or relatives wanting to come to the USA -make sure they apply for the proper visa BEFORE they come. Permanent residency can be obtained through a job offer within 18 months and applies to the worker and their entire family. If your friends or family intend to stay and work – have them apply for a green card. Persons can be sponsored through job offers in a variety of positions from non-skilled to highly skilled – domestic workers, nannies, truck drivers, carpenters, programmers, business managers – the possibilities are endless. Trump’s proposals for immigration reform would support granting permanent residency to those with jobs who add to the economy. Current programs such as labor certification – or obtaining permanent residency through a job offer, will likely continue.
IF YOU ARE ILLEGALLY IN THE US AND HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING YETIf you can, apply for permanent residency immediately. President Obama’s programs remain in effect until January 20, 2017:
IF NONE OF THE ABOVE apply to you and you no longer have a valid visa – you should at least begin the process of applying for permanent residency. If President Trump does increase enforcement of immigration laws, some priority must be given to the removal of illegal aliens. That priority, although unknown, must include some for of mitigating factors.
Learn more about Hardship Evaluations.
Chris Kurczaba KURCZABA LAW OFFICES CHICAGO, IL 60646 (773) 774-0000 The post Trump and Immigration appeared first on Counseling Center of Illinois. from Counseling Center of Illinois http://www.duiillinois.com/trump-and-immigration/ via Blogger Trump and Immigration |
Counseling Center of Illinois provides DUI evaluations for license reinstatement and DUI classes, along with other counseling services and classes in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding Illinois suburbs. |