Vancouver’s Controversial “Safe House” for Drug AddictsNewsBy Promises AustinFebruary 16, 2010For seven years, Vancouver’s “safe house” for drug addicts has been the centerpiece of a controversial social experiment. Kevin Johnson of USA TODAY writes that just blocks from the city’s picturesque waterfront—the colorful backdrop of the Winter Olympic Games—is a small storefront where addicts come with their illegal drugs, register their name and substance of… Details
After a Suicide Attempt: What Now?Mental HealthBy Promises AustinFebruary 10, 2010If you’re in agony over the suicide attempt of your loved one, no doubt you’re perplexed as to the best course of action to take. What should you expect? What should you do? In fact, this is the most critical time – immediately after an attempted suicide. But, what, exactly should you do now? Short-Term… Details
How to Show Compassion for an Addicted Loved One – Without Being a DoormatFamily ResourcesBy Promises AustinFebruary 9, 2010When there’s an addict in the family, it takes an emotional and sometimes physical toll on everyone. Sure, you want to be understanding. It’s tough enough for the addict to admit he or she has a problem with alcohol or substance abuse, or gambling, compulsive sexual behavior, and eating disorder or overwork. Your loved one… Details
An Interview with Kimberly Mitchell: Residential Manager at PromisesStaff StoriesBy Promises AustinDecember 23, 2009“This is the first time in my life that I actually enjoy going to work every day,” said Kimberly Mitchell, Residential Manager of Promises in West Los Angeles. “I get to move around and help people, and every day I’m inspired by the staff and the clients,” she added. Nearly four years ago, Kimberly was… Details
An Interview with Richard Rogg, Founder of Promises Treatment CentersStaff StoriesBy Promises AustinDecember 18, 2009Prior to opening Promises Treatment Centers in 1989, Richard Rogg worked in real estate. When he realized that his heart was in the addiction field, he made the switch. “I was very passionate about Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 steps, and I had a vision of providing the best treatment and environment for people recovering… Details
An Interview with Susanne Tarleton, Director of Outpatient ServicesStaff StoriesBy Promises AustinDecember 14, 2009By Meghan O’Dell With nearly 24 years of experience working in the addiction treatment field, Susanne Tarleton brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and heart to her job as the Director of Outpatient Services at Promises Treatment Centers. A licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology and a certification in drug and alcohol… Details
Alleviating Problem Gambling with Medication Used for Addiction TreatmentProcess AddictionsBy Promises AustinDecember 10, 2009Researchers have found that pathological gambling can be successfully treated with medications that decrease urges and increase inhibitions. At the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), the researchers shared that they found positive outcomes in gamblers treated with medications often used for substance addictions. Science Daily reports that people with pathological gambling… Details
Tuinal AbusePrescription DrugsBy Promises AustinNovember 20, 2009Tuinal contains two active ingredients – amobarbital sodium and secobarbital sodium. Both of these drugs belong to a group of medicines known as barbiturates. Such medications are known to cause drowsiness and are often used to induce sleep in those with insomnia issues. When Tuinal is used to treat insomnia, it is generally only prescribed… Details
An Interview with Patricia Meyers: Clinical Director of Admissions at PromisesStaff StoriesBy Promises AustinSeptember 29, 2009By Meghan O’Dell Thirteen years ago, Patricia Meyers’ father put his foot down. “We’re done with you,” he said. “You might as well be dead because we don’t even know who you are anymore, and you’re not welcome at our house.” Knowing that he meant it this time, Patricia decided to get clean. After going… Details
Sexual Addiction and Co-DependencySex AddictionBy Promises AustinSeptember 28, 2009Sexual addiction never exists in a vacuum. The individual that’s closest to the sex addict, whether that person is a marriage partner, significant other, or child, also suffers. When one person in a relationship is a sexual addict, the other partner and/or parents are negatively affected by the addiction. While children impacted by a parent… Details
