We are an English speaking facility and only admit English speaking clients. Chemical dependency is a problem that can cause severe lifelong problems for both men and women in their relationships, their careers, their dignity and even in defining who they are. Their feelings toward the outside world are often numbed. They no longer feel normal emotions. All the wonderful things in life are not fully experienced and depression and apathy often follow. This, many times, will cause a vicious cycle of using drugs or alcohol to make oneself feel better but in actuality the 'cure' is actually part of the cause of the problems.  Although our program is coed, we recognize there are differences between men's and women's issues, just as we recognize there are differences among different age groups as well as people of different sexual orientation.   Men's issues are frequently rooted in the values of society that gives us the stereotypical "American male" profile. Our highly trained counselors help motivate men to break through that stereotype and learn to express emotions in healthy ways, address anger issues, stop fear based outlooks and responses and build relationship skills as well as life skills. Specific men's issues addressed in treatment include: * Father/son relationships * Anger and aggression * Emotional isolation * Spiritual disconnection * Sexual issues

Women's issues are many and varied. Society expectations and traditions are such that women are encouraged to care for and nurture others, often at the expense of their own needs, identity and health. Women who balance career and family often deal with guilt while still others struggle with issues ranging from depleted self-esteem to body image and co-dependency. As a result, too many women today turn to drugs and alcohol to help them cope with the guilt, shame, loneliness and helplessness they so often come to feel. Small group therapy sessions allow patients to share personal issues in an atmosphere of trust, safety, care and compassion. Art Therapy, Music Therapy and Pet Therapy are offered to help patients open up and be receptive to treatment.  While women are taught to take their first step toward sobriety, lasting recovery depends on faithfully utilizing the tools acquired during treatment. Women's issues include: * OCD * Co-dependency * Panic disorders * Depression * Phobic disorders * Eating disorders * Anxiety disorders * Trauma

Older adults have some specific issues as well. Growing older can be a great time of life for many. You can watch your children and grandchildren grow up.  You can take advantage of rewards that come with the years of working, saving and planning for your retirement. However, for many older adults these are years filled with anxiety, uncertainty, loss and profound loneliness. As a result, alcoholism and prescription drug abuse have reached epidemic proportion among this population. Ironically, a generation that was raised to regard substance abuse as shameful and wrong, now must struggle by themselves in silence.  Often there is no family or friends to help them in their struggle for recovery. And when there is family/friends they may be afraid to tell them for fear of embarrassment or ridicule.   The younger adult has specific issues..... The normal physical, mental and emotional development is delayed or altered when an individual begins using mind or mood altering chemicals. Many times there is a problem with the individual making the transition from child to adult. Maturity may be delayed and sometimes it is never achieved. The addict's lifestyle along with using drugs, influences decision-making and problem solving skills. Young adults often experience low frustration tolerance, difficulty with delayed gratification issues, concrete thinking, and little insight into the relationship between what they do and how it affects others and themselves. It is important to understand the abnormal development in adolescents that can be caused by chemical dependency. Many times the young person has difficulty relating to others. Feelings of anxiety in social situations are common as well as guilt and shame associated with past behavior.  If young people are using drugs to suppress unsettled emotions in order to deal with normal anxieties regarding peer pressure and dating, they never learn appropriate ways to cope with these issues. When these individuals are educated about appropriate interpersonal relationships and life skills they usually respond well.   ***The effects of drugs and alcohol can appear as a psychiatric disorders. People who are using drugs or alcohol generally tend to have mood swings, bouts of depression, high anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, psychosis and often get diagnosed and labeled with a psychiatric illness such as "bipolar disorder" or "major depression" and get put on all kinds of medications, where no disorder exists other than the substance abuse problem.*** The good news is that once the substance abuse problem is overcome and they are given the appropriate life skills and therapy we provide, the psychiatric diagnosis is no longer valid and these younger adults are able to lead a normal substance abuse free life and realize their true potential.   CALL: 888-OCEAN 80 (888-623-2680)   or    954-993-7246  Kathy/Intake Coordinator Copyright © 2008 savitchrecoverycenter.com  All Rights Reserved.