Promises expands Traditional Chinese Medicine program with addition of Chinese nutrition and movement therapy.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 08, 2011

Two years ago, Promises Treatment Centers was among the first to introduce a comprehensive holistic addiction treatment program to its clients. What began as a pain management unit for opiate withdrawal quickly expanded to include tuina, cupping and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques to address all forms of emotional and physical pain during detox and early recovery.

As a result of its ongoing success, the TCM program at Promises is expanding to include movement therapy, using qigong and tai chi poses to improve function and reduce pain in different organ systems. Promises also recently launched a juicing program based on TCM nutrition principles. After analyzing a client’s constitution, licensed and certified acupuncturist Margot Chambers creates an individualized nutrition plan for each client.

“There is something about using clean medicine to get clean,” said Chambers. “Clients come to Promises because they have been self-medicating with substances that harm them. The Traditional Chinese Medicine program empowers them to instead heal their bodies in a natural, holistic manner. It teaches clients an alternative way to deal with emotional and physical pain; it empowers them.”

At Promises, clients are offered three acupuncture treatments per week, with a complete diagnostic conducted at every visit. Chambers uses Traditional Chinese Medicine including movement therapy and Chinese nutrition to treat pain, insomnia, anxiety, digestive issues and the host of other complaints common in early recovery.

“Because people in early recovery are under acute stress, their bodies change rapidly,” said Chambers, who holds a master’s degree in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and maintains a private practice in Los Angeles. “Every time I see a client, I create a new treatment protocol designed to return balance to the body. The more balanced their bodies are, the less emotional and physical pain they feel.”

Clients at Promises have widely embraced Traditional Chinese Medicine. Although most have never tried acupuncture before, 95 to 100 percent come back, and about 75 percent get their own TCM doctor after leaving treatment. After launching the Chinese nutrition program, clients are leaving treatment leaner for the first time.

“Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete health care system that can ultimately treat many ailments, from digestion and heartburn to various types of pain,” said Chambers. “Rather than putting on a band-aid, TCM treats health problems where they originate.”

About Promises Treatment Centers

Promises Treatment Centers in Malibu and West Los Angeles are the premier addiction treatment centers in southern California. Led by some of the country’s leading addiction specialists, Promises has built an international reputation for innovative addiction treatment and exceptional service. Whether an individual requires detox, residential drug rehab, outpatient treatment, extended care or a sober living environment, Promises has been the drug rehabilitation center of choice for more than 20 years. For more information about Promises Treatment Centers, visit http://www.promises.com or call 877-351-7506.

Promises is part of Elements Behavioral Health, a family of behavioral health care programs that includes The Ranch and the Sexual Recovery Institute. Elements offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. We are committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family system. For more information about Elements Behavioral Health, visit http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.

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Dr. David Sack
Elements Behavioral Health
562-741-6471
Email Information

SOURCE: Inspire Malibu/Malibu Horizon

MALIBU, CA–(Marketwire – Nov 4, 2011) – Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Founder of Malibu Horizon, the leading non 12-step treatment center in Malibu, California and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC.edu), today announced that the recent opening of Inspire Malibu is indicative of the country’s need for not only a community approach to treatment, but also a growing demand for a recovery model that treats addiction with science, not religion.

Utilizing a team of the industry’s top addiction and behavior experts, Inspire Malibu has garnered a great deal of recent national attention by becoming the first true recovery community to treat everything from food addiction to substance abuse in one communal facility, and with a purely scientific approach.

Dr. Mohammad said, “It is critical that Inspire Malibu provides a non faith-based option for treatment to protect an individual’s constitutional rights, which state that religion shall not be forced upon them, but also for the simple fact that not everyone has a belief in God or religion — a fact that must be respected.” Mohammad added, “Frankly, we are dealing with the disease of addiction and like any disease recognized by the American Medical Association, the most effective, logical and accepted approach is one based in science, not religion. I will never discount the value of faith; however, we treat diabetes with a steady course of medicine, not prayer, and the disease of addiction must be approached with the same logic.”

Inspire Malibu’s non 12-step, non-religious, secular approach to recovery, coupled with their groundbreaking community model, is recognized as the future of effective addiction treatment by industry insiders and Dr. Mohammad’s scientific approach is at the core of its success. “The addiction community has been derailed and distracted for many years by faith-based treatment tools and the patients have suffered. We are dealing with a medical disease and the primary course of treatment must be based in science; it is that simple,” added Mohammad.

Inspire Malibu will be featured in an upcoming CBS special — check the Inspire Malibu site for details.

For more information about Inspire Malibu and admissions, visit www.inspiremalibu.com.

Adding nutritional analysis and education enhances the “perfect blend” of addiction treatment that has led to the high rate of successful outcomes that The Landing is known for.

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) November 03, 2011

The Landing is an exclusive men’s addiction treatment facility on the sand in Newport Beach, California. Known for their mission statement of “giving men the best possible chance of long term recovery,” The Landing’s staff routinely integrates the latest evidence based practices into their treatment regimen.

Dr. Jason Deyo is a nutritionist who has been working with the male patients at The Landing. The men in treatment have really embraced Dr. Deyo’s recommendations as part of their new life of sobriety.

Dr. Deyo regularly facilitates workshops during the treatment process to educate the men on diet and nutrition. The information about what drugs and alcohol rob from the body provides a motivational component that promotes sobriety. The adjustments to their diet allow men to better manage cravings by stabilizing their blood sugar and adrenal production. Dr. Deyo says, “The men get motivated to feel better and enjoy their recovery and of course no one complains about the natural side effect of losing a few pounds.”

Dr. Jason also works with the male patients to try and assess what their “mood type” is in order to design a nutrition and supplement program. Dr. Deyo is an expert on supplements like amino acids that can enhance a patient’s energy level and attention span during treatment. Through weekly lectures and personal consultations, the male patients gain knowledge to make a connection between their mood and what they are eating.

Dr. Deyo has been designing science based nutrition programs for 18 years. In his words, “I love seeing the ‘light turn on’ in my clients and watching them transform themselves as their health improves. I can be a facilitator to help them remove irritability, restlessness, and discontent from their lives. It is amazing what stable blood sugar can do for the body and mind – especially during early recovery.”

Dr. Deyo also considers it a privilege to be part of Landing’s cutting edge “blend of treatments.” He says, “There is a big difference between having access to great therapists and a rich support system, and going to a rehabilitation center that teaches you how to fuel the body and mind to process and integrate all of the information that you are exposed to. I think nutritional support sets The Landing apart and I’m happy to be a part of that.”

The Landing Program Director Stephen Odom says, “We will use every tool we can possibly find to help us facilitate a positive change in the way men feel while they are here and drug free. The key is to build momentum towards lasting sobriety by showing a positive new way of living. Using proper nutrition has proven very helpful in changing the way men feel and behave in sobriety.”

The Landing is part of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral healthcare services in the nation. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC has been helping individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.

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Michael Hurst
Sober Living by the Sea
949-554-0350
Email Information

Promises Malibu expands executive rehab program with addition of renowned physician and addiction specialist.

Malibu, CA (PRWEB) November 03, 2011

Promises Malibu’s renowned executive rehab program, which serves some of the nation’s top business leaders, is under the newly appointed leadership of Greg Skipper, MD. In his role as Director of Professional Health Services, Dr. Skipper will draw on his three decades of experience in a leadership role helping to shape physician health programs to enhance executive treatment at Promises.

Executives struggling with alcohol or drug addiction have unique needs that are best served by a specialized executive drug rehab program. High-level responsibilities and a fast-paced work environment make a month-long stay in a traditional drug rehab unworkable for many executives. Rather than choosing between career and recovery, Promises Malibu allows executives to meet critical business demands while learning the skills required for lifelong recovery.

“While complete separation from daily life is ideal for recovery, the realities of business do not always allow it,” said Jamie Deans, the Professionals Program Manager at Promises. “If these individuals don’t enter executive rehab, it is likely that they will either never receive treatment or try to find their own solution. Depending on the severity of their illness, the personal, social and professional effects can be devastating, even fatal.”

Promises’ executive rehab program is designed for executives, CEOs and entrepreneurs who are struggling with addiction as well as co-occurring mental health issues. While some executives seek help for addiction on their own, others are referred to executive rehab by their employers as an alternative to termination.

Promises Malibu’s executive rehab offers something other drug rehabs do not: flexibility. While computer use and email and phone communication are ordinarily off-limits during treatment, Promises works with clients to maintain business contacts and attend important engagements. In a safe, structured, healing environment, executives can recover from the disease of addiction with minimal disruption to their business.

Executive Care at Promises also includes:

•     An intensive multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation that includes a complete physical, a rigorous psychiatric evaluation, psychological testing, and an evaluation by a psychologist

•     Executive care process groups to examine issues that may have fueled their addictions and discuss the recovery challenges executives face when they leave Promises and return to work
•     Executive coaching to address concerns specific to their corporate culture and environment
•     Access to profession-specific self-help groups such as Caduceus groups for doctors and The Other Bar for attorneys

As Director of Professional Health Services, Dr. Skipper will work with a treatment team that is experienced in providing care to high-profile executives. To ensure comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment, each client’s team is made up of a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed nurses, a spiritual advisor and other experts.

In a private, luxurious setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Promises Malibu offers the high-end treatment services preferred by executives, including massage, acupuncture, nutritional counseling and equine therapy. Promises also offers support for corporations, such as intervention services, education and counseling for senior colleagues, and management training.

Long-term monitoring and aftercare will be one of Dr. Skipper’s primary focus areas. At Promises, the client’s primary therapist oversees all components of aftercare, including therapy appointments and random drug screens, to ensure the executive is complying with their continuing care plan and remaining abstinent. The executive’s return to employment is often contingent upon successfully completing treatment and signing a behavioral contract that defines consequences for the client’s failure to stay sober and comply with the continuing care plan.

“Companies are concerned about the impact a key executive’s addiction may have on the business,” says Deans. “While they want to support their employee and are willing to give an executive the time to get help, companies are also interested in managing risk. They want to know that the employee will follow through with their continuing care plan so they can return to being a high-functioning, productive employee.”

About Promises Treatment Centers

Promises Treatment Centers in Malibu and West Los Angeles are the premier addiction treatment centers in southern California. Led by some of the country’s leading addiction specialists, Promises has built an international reputation for innovative addiction treatment and exceptional service. Whether an individual requires detox, residential drug rehab, outpatient treatment, extended care or a sober living environment, Promises has been the drug rehabilitation center of choice for more than 20 years. For more information about Promises Treatment Centers, visit http://www.promises.com or call 877-351-7506.

Promises is part of Elements Behavioral Health, a family of behavioral health care programs that includes The Ranch and the Sexual Recovery Institute. Elements offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. We are committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family system. For more information about Elements Behavioral Health, visit http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.

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Dr. David Sack
Elements Behavioral Health
562-741-6471
Email Information

By Linda Richardson

Posted 18 hours ago

A local man has been spared further jail time for robbing a pharmacy after proving to a judge that he was serious about getting treatment for his addiction to painkillers.

Ontario Court Justice Andrew Buttazzoni, who earlier gave Daniel Purvis an opportunity to show his commitment to turning his life around, opted Wednesday to suspend sentence and place the first-time offender on probation for two years.

“You’ve come a long way, have done quite a bit toward your own rehabilitation, which is important to me,” he told the 27-year-old man, who has been undergoing treatment since March.

“This sentence will allow you to continue your rehabilitation.”

Purvis pleaded guilty in February to robbing the IDA Market Pharmacy on March 10, 2010.

The court heard he gave a store employee a note, indicating he had a gun, and demanded Oxycontin.

The day before the holdup, Purvis tried to refill a prescription at another drug store and it was refused.

His lawyer Ross Romano said the crime was motivated by an addiction that his client had been trying to get help with.

Purvis was first prescribed the painkiller at age 17, he said.

“He was on this medication for some time,” and for six years there has been “a tapering off the drug,” the defence counsel said.

At the time of his arrest, Purvis had a monthly prescription for 200 tabs of 20-milligram Oxycontin pills and 300 Percocet, Romano said.

He asked Buttazzoni to sentence Purvis, who had spent 11 months in custody on the charge, to a further seven-and-half months behind bars.

The Crown called for a jail term in the range of 18 months to two years less a day.

Purvis told the judge that he had been “clean and sober” since his arrest and was in a positive frame of mind to deal with his problem.

He indicated that even if he was released he would go to treatment on his own.

“I want to prove to my family that I’m serious,” he said. “Talk is cheap … I have to prove it with my actions. ”

After hearing this, Buttazzoni decided to test the man’s level of commitment and released him on bail, with strict conditions, so that he could attend a residential treatment centre.

On Wednesday, when Purvis returned to court for sentencing, Romano said his client completed a three-month program in Sudbury, opted to stay longer and will be there until March 2012.

Purvis is now in the community integration stage, is working on his Grade 12 and doing volunteer work, he said.

Romano suggested further custody wasn’t required and proposed a sentence of two years probation.

“I’m doing everything to better myself,” Purvis said. “I feel I have made tremendous strides.”

He said he feels the need to continue with his counselling and is not at the point to go out on his own.

“Change is not an overnight thing,” he added, indicating his counsellors have told him he has undergone significant changes. “Hopefully, I will continue to change and grow.”

When he imposed sentence, Buttazzoni said these types of offences clearly call for lengthy periods of custody to send a message to the accused and others, and to express denunciation to the community.

But because of Purvis’ age and lack of a prior record, he said he must also consider rehabilitation.

“Also, this was a not-for-profit venture. You were at the depth of your addiction to painkillers.”

A report from the Salvation Army, which runs the treatment program, showed Purvis had followed through with his commitment, which Buttazzoni described as a positive and compelling factor in his decision.

“Further custody is not required today.”

Rather than sentencing Purvis to one-day time-served (11 months), Buttazzoni said he had decided to suspend sentence and place him on probation.

By suspending sentence, if Purvis committed further offences the Crown could bring him back before the court to complete sentencing on the robbery, he said.

“If any time during the two years you commit another crime you’ll come back and I’ll impose the sentence I feel is appropriate for the robbery.”

During his probation, Purvis must continue with any recommended counselling for substance abuse, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and do 100 hours of community service.

He must also sign any required consent forms to permit his probation officer to monitor his attendance and progress at any treatment programs.

Buttazzoni also ordered him to provide a DNA sample for the national registry and prohibited him from possessing weapons for 10 years.

Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) November 02, 2011

Elements Behavioral Health, a leading provider of addiction and mental health treatment programs, announced today that it has acquired The Recovery Place addiction treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Recovery Place is one of Florida’s premier drug and alcohol treatment centers. Since 2007, it has offered residential, day and outpatient addiction programs as well as a specialized dual diagnosis track, a Christian track and a trauma recovery program. Recognizing that addiction impacts the entire family system, treatment includes an educational and interactive family program.

Clients live in a beautiful, home-like facility with 24-hour staff supervision, complete with barbecue and pool areas, and walk just a few steps away each day to the treatment center for counseling, education and support groups. To ensure that clients develop the tools essential for lasting recovery, the staff provides training in meal planning, budgeting and other life skill areas.

The Recovery Place brings unique offerings to the Elements network of programs, including a Christian addiction program. This program combines Christian-centered therapy led by a Christian drug counselor with traditional addiction treatments such as psycho-educational groups, relapse prevention planning and 12-Step recovery.

Its high-quality programming, breadth and depth of treatment services, full-time psychiatrist, and commitment to personalized care have earned The Recovery Place full accreditation by the Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO). The Recovery Place is contracted with several insurance companies and accepts most major insurance plans.

“We proudly welcome The Recovery Place to the Elements family of programs. Since 2008, we have sought to ‘fill the gaps’ in mental health treatment, and The Recovery Place – with its comprehensive and affordable programs – will play an integral role in helping us do that,” said Dr. David Sack, CEO of Elements Behavioral Health.

“The Recovery Place, with its range of services from residential to outpatient to extended care, is an exciting addition to Elements,” said Keith Arnold, VP of Operations at Elements. “Its Christian addiction program, affordable cost, and emphasis on long-term aftercare and monitoring will complement and expand our services as we spread our reach to families on the east coast.”

About Elements Behavioral Health

Elements Behavioral Health is a family of behavioral health care programs that includes Promises Treatment Centers, The Sexual Recovery Institute, The Ranch and The Recovery Place. Elements offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. We are committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family system. For more information about Elements Behavioral Health, visit http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.

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The Recovery Place provides comprehensive and affordable treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) November 02, 2011

Elements Behavioral Health, a leading provider of addiction and mental health treatment programs, announced today that it has acquired The Recovery Place addiction treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Recovery Place is one of Florida’s premier drug and alcohol treatment centers. Since 2007, it has offered residential, day and outpatient addiction programs as well as a specialized dual diagnosis track, a Christian track and a trauma recovery program. Recognizing that addiction impacts the entire family system, treatment includes an educational and interactive family program.

Clients live in a beautiful, home-like facility with 24-hour staff supervision, complete with barbecue and pool areas, and walk just a few steps away each day to the treatment center for counseling, education and support groups. To ensure that clients develop the tools essential for lasting recovery, the staff provides training in meal planning, budgeting and other life skill areas.

The Recovery Place brings unique offerings to the Elements network of programs, including a Christian addiction program. This program combines Christian-centered therapy led by a Christian drug counselor with traditional addiction treatments such as psycho-educational groups, relapse prevention planning and 12-Step recovery.

Its high-quality programming, breadth and depth of treatment services, full-time psychiatrist, and commitment to personalized care have earned The Recovery Place full accreditation by the Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO). The Recovery Place is contracted with several insurance companies and accepts most major insurance plans.

“We proudly welcome The Recovery Place to the Elements family of programs. Since 2008, we have sought to ‘fill the gaps’ in mental health treatment, and The Recovery Place – with its comprehensive and affordable programs – will play an integral role in helping us do that,” said Dr. David Sack, CEO of Elements Behavioral Health.

“The Recovery Place, with its range of services from residential to outpatient to extended care, is an exciting addition to Elements,” said Keith Arnold, VP of Operations at Elements. “Its Christian addiction program, affordable cost, and emphasis on long-term aftercare and monitoring will complement and expand our services as we spread our reach to families on the east coast.”

About Elements Behavioral Health

Elements Behavioral Health is a family of behavioral health care programs that includes Promises Treatment Centers, The Sexual Recovery Institute, The Ranch and The Recovery Place. Elements offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. We are committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family system. For more information about Elements Behavioral Health, visit http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.

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Dr. David Sack
Elements Behavioral Health
562-741-6471
Email Information

AMHERST COUNTY, Va.—

Animals will play a big role at a new treatment center that’s opening in one hometown.

Doctors in Amherst County have developed a program that uses horses to help patients overcome addiction.

“We’re getting people out of that traditional box and into the field where they’re getting a hands on experience.” said Julie Costello, equine therapy director at Blackberry Ridge, a residential treatment center where horses are part of the treatment process.

“Equine therapy has the potential to reach people in a different way than standard counseling does,” said Christopher Von Elten, medical director for Blackberry Ridge.

During short visits of 30 to 90 days, patients will bond with the facility’s animals.

“The equine therapy is just another avenue to open up treatment discussions and explore personal problems,” said Von Elten.

Through exercises with the horses, therapists will help clients reach specific treatment goals.

“It’s their solution and that’s what it’s about,” said Costello.  “It’s (the patient) finding what works for them, not us telling them the way we think it should work.”

Blackberry Ridge is filling a void.

“There is a demand for residential substance abuse treatment,” said Von Elten.

Doctors have tried to create a laid back environment, where patients can forget the real world and focus on getting better.

“Once you’re here at Blackberry Ridge, you have all the services that you need,” said Von Elten.  “We are planning on making a difference through a different kind of treatment experience.”

Blackberry Ridge will welcome its first patients this weekend.  As you can imagine, equine therapy is an expensive program to run, but Blackberry Ridge is licensed and set up so that the cost for most patients will be covered if they have health insurance.

Click here to visit Blackberry Ridge’s website.