Sober Transitions

AUDIT Alcohol Screening Test

Use this short screening test to help determine if you should seek help (diagnosis and treatment) for alcoholism (alcohol addiction, abuse and/or dependence).

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=1860&cn=14

A Must Have for Recovering Alcoholics and Addicts:

Bridging the gap between drug and alcohol treatment and living in recovery.

So you're fresh out of rehab. How do you stay sober long enough to shoot that movie and fulfill your celebrity commitments? A live-in Personal Recovery Assistant is exactly what is needed. And now -- this Hollywood “must have” is a certified profession available to everyone.

August 29, 2008

Bringing awareness of drug and alcohol addiction issues to the forefront with programs like Dr Drew Pinsky’s Celebrity Rehab, A & E Television Network’s shows Intervention and The Cleaner, there has recently been several articles and media attention on high profile celebrities struggling with the consequences of drugs, alcohol, gambling, eating disorders and various other addictions.  Many of these celebrities are photographed and profiled hanging out with a “sober buddy, sober babysitter” or so called “minder.”  This awareness is sparking a lot of curiosity of, ‘who is this “stranger” lurking in the shadows on the set, in a business meeting or hanging out at family functions?’ These “strangers” are often being referred to as an associate, assistant, friend or family member but before we give up the secret of what this person does it is important to know why this person is there.  To quote one client, “this person is here to help be a barrier between me and the dragon of my disease: addiction.”

The concept of peer-mentoring in addiction has been around for a long time with the Alcoholics Anonymous role of a sponsor; a recovering addict that volunteers to help fellow addicts get through tough times. The world wide exposure and evolution of this concept has brought a lot of attention to "the stranger", developing the need to create a professional supervised support service that is not sponsorship nor in- home therapy. Hired Power Transitional Recovery Services, a professional service located in both California and New York, identified that regardless which mode of treatment utilized to treat the addict, there is a transition period that takes place when addicts return home or on the road and attempt to maintain a sober lifestyle.  It is a known fact that during the transition, addicts are most vulnerable to relapse and are relapsing at an alarming rate. There is a significant need to "bridge the gap" extending treatment by means of intensive support into the homes and lives of addicts.

For Hired Power Transitional Recovery Services “the stranger” is a Certified Personal Recovery Assistant whose role is to guide support and mentor clients on utilizing newly learned skills to become self sustaining in their own recovery process.  Hired Power realized the potential criticism and discomfort associated with providing a Certified Personal Recovery Assistant. Criticism such as:  “Why should someone pay for a mentor?  How can we trust a stranger?  Living with someone and maintaining a professional therapeutic relationship is not possible.”   Hired Power Transitional Recovery Services answers these issues by providing a professional, supervised team approach. This team brings more than just a professional in the home, it creates a foundation of recovery in the daily living environment and the community of the individual. Creating a certification process requiring addiction recovery experience, education, extensive background checks, and daily supervision, staff must be carefully screened and prepared, states Nanette Zumwalt owner and CEO of Hired Power Transitional Recovery Services. Hired Power is the only professional service provider to establish this certification creating the highest standards during the most vulnerable times in the recovery process.

With all the media attention and gossip style headlines this service can appear costly, lucrative and glamorous. Maintaining the highest degree of professionalism, confidentiality and reliability Hired Power Transitional Recovery Services makes every effort to provide services not only to the high profile and executive leadership teams but to all individuals transitioning into the early phases of recovery. Zumwalt stated, ‘The majority of people with substance abuse issues are not celebrities, most of our clients are business men and women or their family members, young adults, and occasionally adolescents who have developed chronic substance-abuse and addiction problems.’

 

Hired Power Certified Personal Recovery Assistants recognize the severity of the disease of alcoholism, drug addiction and eating disorders, bringing a daily awareness that lives are at stake.

Announcing: Alpha Intervention

ALPHA INTERVENTION SHEDS LIGHT ON ADDICTION ISSUES IN UPPER MANAGEMENT

Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol Can Have Catastrophic Consequences on a Company; Alpha Intervention Brings Respect and Solutions to the Board Room

San Francisco, August 11, 2008

– Alpha Intervention, a leading company specializing in executive chemical dependency, today publicly announces its services as a carefully managed therapeutic resource for companies struggling with addiction within their leadership. The company, founded by recovery specialist and businesswoman Kate Webster, focuses on drug and alcohol addiction problems affecting people who play a critical role in a company’s success. The issue of addiction exists in all industries and at all levels, yet the lack of resources for people in the upper echelons of a company prompted the founder to fill the void.

“Traditionally, when a company begins to feel the affects of an addict or alcoholic’s disruptive behavior, the Human Resource department steps in and provides solutions for the employee,” stated Founder and President Kate Webster. “Yet a crisis situation at the executive level falls outside the scope of Human Resource capabilities, and therefore requires a unique approach to the Intervention and recovery process.” Alpha Intervention provides a structured and closely managed process, effectively intervening on the addiction and implementing consequences previously avoided due to the senior executives’ position and role in the company.

Alpha Intervention is unique in its service because the members of the team understand the situation not only from the addiction counseling perspective, but also from their prior experience running successful companies.

The Alpha Intervention process:

1. The      Assessment –The Alpha team consults with the relevant parties in the      organization, deciding on the best course of action, taking into account      the specific requirements of the addicted person’s role in the company and      advising on the most appropriate and effective course of action.
2. The      Intervention – The Alpha team creates an environment where the difficult      conversation takes place between the executive with the addiction and the      other key members of the organization. The addiction problem and its      effects on the company are outlined clearly and appropriate solutions are      presented to the addicted person. Treatment recommendations are outlined      and the consequences of not following them made clear.
3. Re-Entry      to the Workplace – Often the most complex part of the Intervention      process, the Alpha Intervention      Re-Entry program puts recovery coaches in place to help the individual      transition back into the workplace and maintain long-term sobriety. A      stringent one year contract allows for closely monitored random drug and      alcohol testing and after-care therapy that greatly increases the chances      of success.

“Kate's life experiences provide a rich background that serves her well as an interventionist for high level business executives,” says Jan Vondracheck, executive director, Hazelden Springbrook. “The clients that have been referred from Kate thus far to Hazelden Springbrook, speak highly of Kate and of their experience in working with her. We're very excited to hear about the work that Kate is doing with executives, as this is an area in which she is keenly competent. We look forward to working with Kate and Alpha Intervention.”

“Kate Webster, Kristina Wandzilak and their team bring a superb blend of professionalism, expertise and personal experience to Alpha Intervention,” said Stephanie Brown, Ph.D, founder of the Addictions Institute in Palo   Alto , California

. “I have seen Kate tap into her extensive business experience, passion and dedication to help those with addictions. With her intuitive business sense and professional training as an Interventionist, Kate has a unique perspective into recovery challenges within the corporate world. The team will offer continuing guidance to the individual with support for sobriety, a recovery program, and the challenges of returning to a stressful executive position.”

For more information about addiction at the management level and Alpha Intervention, please visit www.AlphaIntervention.com or call (415) 747-8224

About Alpha Intervention

Founded in 2003, the Alpha Intervention team, made up of a highly trained network of specialists, provides a closely managed therapeutic process of intervention and recovery for the corporate environment. Alpha Intervention has offices in San Francisco, New York, London and works with credited treatment centers throughout the United States.

About Kate Webster, Co-founder and president

Kate Webster is a successful business executive with over fifteen years experience working with Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. and Europe. Webster brings a unique combination of this strong business background and experience as an Executive Interventionist in the field of chemical dependency. She has created a unique one-year treatment model, with the focus on successful re-entry into the workplace and long-term recovery.

About Kristina Wandzilak, Co-Founder

An author and National presenter on addiction and treatment, Kristina Wandzilak founded Full Circle Intervention in 2004, bringing together a team of Intervention experts focusing on the family. Wandzilak is the Co-Founder of Alpha Intervention and as one of our lead Interventionists, brings with her extensive experience of planning and executing successful Interventions and monitoring programs for senior executives across the U.S. and Europe.

About Dr. Jim Tracy

Dr. Jim Tracy is a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry. As a dentist, Tracy
practiced general dentistry for 18 years, much of that in recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. In 1997, he left active practice to develop an Impaired Physician Program for the Nevada Board of Medical examiners. Two years later Dr. Tracy was asked to develop a treatment program for impaired professionals at The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California. He served as a Vice President of the Center's Professional Recovery Program. He currently serves as an Evaluation Committee Member for the California Medical Board’s Physician’s Diversion Program, the California Dental Board’s Diversion Program and the State Bar of California, Lawyers Assistance Program.

About Nanette Zumwalt

Nanette Zumwalt is the President of Hired Power, the leading Personal Recovery Assistant and Sober Companion company in the U.S. Zumwalt has extensive experience in the addiction recovery and mental health fields. Her work has taken her across the United States, establishing extensive contacts among treatment centers, hospitals, therapists, physicians, program directors, and other professionals within the professional community, entertainment and sports industries. The Hired Power team is an excellent resources with in-depth knowledge of current trends in the substance abuse and mental health treatment fields and will provide Alpha Intervention with a National team of Personal Recovery Assistants and Executive Recovery Coaches.

Press Contact:

Katy Garlinghouse

Public Relations Manager

(415) 308-2108

KatyGarlinghouse@AlphaIntervention.com

 

 

 

 

 

Something to brag about :)

It's always nice to be appreciated. Thank you Bill, for the opportunity to come alongside The Menninger Clinic!

(excerpted from an email June, 2008)

The young man in question ended up readmitting here so your services were not needed.  I was however, very impressed with the response of Monique and the front office staff in getting me connected to her when I told the person answering the phone the urgency of the situation.  It’s things like these that keep me coming back as well as referring others to you.  Many thanks.   

Bill Mackey, LCSW, CSAT

 The Menninger Clinic

 

Bridging the Gap

Hired Power's Personal Recovery Assistants provides a service that "bridges the gap" between the addict and their needs.  Many addicts who take the first step and admit they have a problem, often find themselves using again.  It is not easy to stop "cold turkey".  There is a gap between admitting and actually participating in the treatment process.  There is also a gap between participating in the treatment process and actually living in recovery.  See the Hired Power Model-Road to Recovery "Bridging the Gap" for details.

Hired Power Model: "Road to Recovery, Bridging the Gaps"

Hired Power:  Model for Transition Recovery “Road to Recovery, Bridging the Gaps”

1.  Engaging and Achieving abstinene (Transition)

• Admitting addiction and abuse of drugs and alcohol
• Detoxing, stopping cold turkey,

GAP

·         Denial, procrastination, laziness, peer pressure, breaking habits, social groups,cravings

·         Lack of resources, motivation

Bridge:  Certified Personal Recovery Assistant

·         Has experienced addiction and is in recovery

·         Relates familiar experiences and feelings

·         Encouragement to move to the next step

·         Engagement in recovery lifestyle

·         Trusted partner

2.  Learning Recovery Skills and Relapse Prevention (Transition)

• Treatment Experience
• AA, NA, Treatment Centers
• Therapists, Treatment providers
• Learning new coping skills, tools

GAP

·         Lack experience applying new coping tools

·         Fighting the cravings

·         Unforseen Triggers, and Barriers to recovery

·         Lack of social support

·         Isolation

Bridge:  Certified Personal Recovery Assistant

·         Has experienced addiction and is in recovery

·         Relates familiar experiences and feelings

·         Encouragement to move to the next step

·         Engagement in recovery lifestyle

·         Trusted partner

·         Liason between addict, treatment team, family, community resources

·         Helps identify barriers and triggers

·         Helps create a solution utilizing experience and treatment team

  3.  Recovery Lifestyle (Gaps filled)

·         Applying new coping skills to everyday life

·         Recognizing barriers, and triggers as they arise

·         Developing a new sense of self over time as life events are radically changed

·         Becoming self reliant, and self sustaining, not relying on others

·         Developing new sets of social groups

Once an addict decides to make the change, there are countless options they could follow to recover and maintain a sober lifestyle.  No matter what the recovery process is, however a transition or transformation is taking place.  Psychologists and theorists describe transition as significant life events - changes to the individual’s role or environment that require radical restructuring of the individual’s view of themselves and their world.  Addicts who are used to coping with life while under the influence experience a radical change in their view of themselves and their environment when they decide to live a sober lifestyle.  Addicts sometimes admit they have a problem but are psychologically in denial that they need help.  This can prevent a transition due to procrastination, lack of motivation.  Moreover, while learning and experiencing the tools and techniques to live in recovery is necessary to make a total transformation, the reality of practicing them in real life situations on a daily basis for the rest of the addicts life is extra challenging.  Current treatment models provide the tools or “medicine” for addicts, however unlike taking medicine most of the treatment requires the addict to know when, where, how and why to apply the tools for treatments in order to practice a recovery lifestyle.

Current studies indicate that addicts very rarely stop “cold turkey” for the rest of their life without a relapse ranging from minor to life threatening or fatal consequences.  Studies also show that the longer an addict stays in recovery up to five years, they are more likely to remain in recovery for the rest of their lives.  It has also been found that even after extensive treatment in treatment centers that addicts go home and relapse within the first 90 days. Relapse Prevention theory indicates there are certain triggers and barriers that must be recognized while in recovery.  Only then addicts can know what their challenges are and overcome them.

The Hired Power Model of transition recovery was founded as a result of recognizing the need for many addicts to have constant intensive support during the transition to and from treatment.  By providing support through a CPRA, addicts learn from someone who has been where they are and has made it through the transition.  A Hired Power CPRA is there to mentor addicts through the next step and teach them which tools to use and also teach them when, where, how and why to use them.  Though therapy and treatment give an addict tested tried and true methods of recovery, new coping skills and transitions take time to settle in. 

Hired Power’s CPRA’s assist the client in recognizing their triggers and barriers and mentor them through creating a strategy to face them and minimize their impact on the client.  Thus, “bridging the gaps” and increasing the amount of time an addict is in recovery giving them a better chance of living a lifetime in recovery. 

Nanette Zumwalt- Industry Profile

Industry Profile: Nanette Zumwalt

— By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen

Nanette Zumwalt is the new owner/president/CEO of Hired Power, an addiction industry liaison used by leaders in the entertainment management industry and by corporate executives, whether it is a therapist in a local town, an intervention, residential treatment option or individual daily support such as a Personal Recovery Assistant.

By providing one on one support, Hired Power Transition Recovery Services provides a unique and innovative approach to working with the impaired professional, says Nanette, who has extensive experience in the therapeutic field.

"The most important focus is on our ability to support artists, managers, agents, their families and other members of their teams during transition times or high risk times such as returning home from treatment, returning to the road or attending activities and events that include old patterns and behaviors," she says. "I am able to link people with the services they need."

As a leading consultant in the addiction field, Nanette creates a bridge between the struggles of addiction and living in recovery. Through her knowledge of connecting resources, she is able to provide the necessary tools to increase the efficacy of treatment for addiction. Hired Power addresses the needs of people in all phases of recovery by recognizing the importance of personal assistance in facing the world without drugs or alcohol.

Nanette began her work in mental health and addiction treatment as a teenager. She worked with a local non-profit organization providing "therapy through theatre," being part of a peer counseling group that also did plays and workshops on drug, alcohol and date rape issues. After returning from college at Arizona State University, she began working with an adolescent detox treatment center in Orange, Calif. There she developed her skills working with young patients and families as they struggled with the consequences of drug abuse and addiction.

Nanette then went to work for a psychiatric hospital working again with youth and their families, providing educational groups and workshops on parenting skills, daily living skills and addiction education. Soon she took her skills to the community. Nanette began working for the hospital as a community liaison, creating awareness of local resources for mental health and addiction services. She began to facilitate the connection between professionals and families finding local and national treatment for both adolescents and adults. This work took her to an organization that provided schools and wilderness programs for "out of control" teenagers allowed for a solid base of awareness of treatment centers, programs, schools and professionals for youth, adults and their families.

Nanette has toured and visited more than 200 treatment provider campuses across the country and internationally. As a leading consultant to the addiction field, she continues to work with these and many professionals creating interventions and treatment plans for clients and families. Throughout her work Nanette recognized the gap in treatment services, the transition process. Clients and families continued to struggle with the recovery process as they attempted to return home from treatment, often times leading to the necessity of additional treatment interventions and placements. In 2004 Nanette began her work with Hired Power Inc. continuing to develop the concept for the need of transition services.

Nanette has been and continues to be involved with a number of professional associations such as: Association of Intervention Specialists (2005- 2006), California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (2005-2006), National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs affiliate (2000-2006), Orange County Board of Supervisors Mental Health Adult Services Committee Chairman (2001), Orange County Mental Health Association Advisory Board (1996-2001) and Folie A Duex Auxiliary- Founder and President (1998-2002).

She has spoken about staying clean and sober on the road at the 2005 Billboard Touring Conference and at other industry events. Her articles have appeared in the IAAM magazine (June 2005), Counselor Magazine (August 2005) and Recovery Today (September 2005).

Nanette can be reached at: 877 hired pwr or 877 447-3379; e-mail: nzumwalt@hiredpower.com

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Who are CPRA's

Certified Personal Recovery Assistant (CPRA)

A Certified Personal Recovery Assistant is a professional individual who is qualified to provide guidance, support and mentoring to people struggling with addiction and mental health issues, in the home or on the road. This certification was created to address the growing concern around the need to distinguish between a professional service and individuals offering similar services. 

Hired Power Certified Personal Recovery Assistant’s, work as a member of a clinical team to create a solid foundation of recovery in the client’s home environment. This team includes a Hired Power case manager, a treatment coordinator, the CPRA and the client themselves. The team is essential in developing a solid transition plan for the client.  The specific duty of a CPRA is to provide guidance, mentoring and support to the client as they apply the information learned in early recovery into a daily living plan. 

CPRA’s are not licensed to carryout therapy, counseling, diagnosis or treatment of any kind.  By completing the Hired Power certification requirements the Personal Recovery Assistant is a competent professional who can be trusted to carry out the duties of living with clients, maintaining professional relationships, coordinating clinical supervision with the case manager and treatment coordinator. This environment supports a positive therapeutic relationship that will benefit the client. See www.hpcpra.com for more details.