Yardstick for Chemical Dependancy

ALCOHOL & CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY UNIT
YARDSTICK FOR CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY Warburton Hospital

Please answer the following questions, being as honest as possible with yourself in deciding the answers. If you answer YES to one of the questions, there is a definite warning that you MAY BE chemically dependent. If you answer YES to any two, THE CHANCES ARE that you are chemically dependent. If you answer YES to any three or more, YOU ARE chemically dependent and in need of help.

1. Do you lose time from work due to using drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No
2. Are drugs/alcohol making your home life unhappy?	Yes	No
3. Do you use drugs/alcohol because you are shy with other people?	Yes	No
4. Are drugs/drink affecting your reputation?	Yes	No
5. Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of using drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No
6. Have you ever stolen, pawned property or "borrowed" to get money for drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No
7. Do you ever turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when using drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No
8. Does your using of drugs/alcohol make you careless of your family's welfare?	Yes	No
9. Has your ambition decreased since using drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No
10. Do you want drugs/alcohol the next morning?	Yes	No
11. Do you crave drugs/alcohol at a definite time daily?	Yes	No
12. Does using drugs/alcohol cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?	Yes	No
13. Has your efficiency decreased since using drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No
14. Is the use of drugs/alcohol jeopardising your job or business?	Yes	No
15. Do you use drugs/alcohol to escape from worries or troubles?	Yes	No
16. Do you use drugs/alcohol alone?	Yes	No
17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of using drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No
18. Has your physician ever treated you for drug/alcohol problems?	Yes	No
19. Do you use drugs/alcohol to build up your self confidence?	Yes	No
20. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of using drugs/alcohol?	Yes	No

WARBURTON HOSPITAL
ALCOHOL AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY UNIT

WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR ADDICTION?

Chemical Dependency is defined by both an increasing tolerance for alcohol or drugs and withdrawal from alcohol or drugs when trying to abstain. Other criteria include:

Persistent efforts to cut down
Time spent thinking about or trying to obtain alcohol or drugs
Important social occupational or recreational activities stopped because of substance abuse
Continued use in spite of knowledge that the substance is causing mental, physical and social harm

Alcohol, prescribed drugs and illicit substances work on the mood and mind of a person to attain an effect of well being or comfort, euphoria or ecstasy, and escape from the pain or problems. At the same time they cause a lowering of self esteem, an increase in feelings of guilt and shame, breakdown of relationships and an altering of personality indicating the presence of chemical dependence. The following pages offer information and assistance that may help you in approaching the needs of those suffering from alcoholism or chemical dependency.

Alcoholism is probably the oldest of dependencies although the following indications apply to all drugs of addiction. Addiction is a condition leading to altered behaviour, reduced levels of control and impaired performance. Consequently life situations and relationships tend to deteriorate both at home and at work.

INDICATORS OF ALCOHOL/CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

High absenteeism
Accidents at work, on the road or at home
Frequent claims for sickness benefits and sick leave
Deteriorating work performance both in quality and quantity
Mood swings and hostility that lead to deteriorating interpersonal relationships at home and work
Denial that there is any problem
A tendency to blame others for perceived problems
Promises that personal performance will improve
A record of petty offences, traffic violations
Patterns of drinking and using (eg using alone, timed drinking, binge drinking, self medication)
Memory lapses, or failing memory
Blackouts

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM

Those who have a chemical dependency need to first realise and admit that they have a problem for which they need help. As with any chronic disease , the affected person needs to understand what is going on in their body. They need to learn how to manage the dependency condition so as to maintain a state of remission, and to then approach life with new coping skills.

For the addict, total abstinence is the only successful way to handle the problem. But it is not just 'not picking up the first drink or drug'. It includes a modification of life practices and perceptions conducive to full recovery. When a person experiences difficulty in making these adjustments professional help is needed. Hospitalisation is recommended. It provides for safe detoxification and rehabilitation over several weeks. This allows time to work on the life changes needed to remain sober and to become acquainted with support groups in order to maintain the quality of life achieved while in treatment.

The most effective method of stopping tranquillisers is to gradually reduce the dose over a period of time. Some may be able to manage their own reduction and withdrawal with appropriate assistance from support groups, family and friends.

Other frugs may also result in a need for personalised attention in some form of rehabilitation. Hospitalisation is appropriate in situations where the dependent person is unable to cope with withdrawal at home and also is in need of medical management of the withdrawal process.

WHO CAN WARBURTON HELP?

The ACDU staff are particularly oriented to the rehabilitation of clients with alcohol and prescribed drug dependencies. They also recognise that there is a growing number of people in the community who have complex dependencies crossing a wide range of substances. As a result of this experience they are able to offer the program to people with one or more of the following dependencies.

Alcohol Pethidine
Tranquillisers, ie Valium/Serapax, etc. Heroin
Sleeping Pills, ie Mogadon Amphetamine or "speed"
Codeine Cannabis
Cocaine

Anyone with one or more of these dependencies who is genuinely motivated toward doing something about their dependence can be helped at Warburton. The use of coercion or duress in obtaining a client's consent to enter rehabilitation is unlikely to be successful. The person must want sobriety or freedom from their dependence for themselves.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

As Warburton Hospital is a private hospital, regular hospital charges apply. These costs are covered by private health insurance, depending on the fund and the level of insurance. As the rates vary from time to time it is important to obtain the most current rates from the unit staff. If a person is not covered by health insurance they would be charged at the standard hospital rates current at the time of admission.

INQUIRIES ABOUT THE PROGRAM

You may call 24 hours a day for general information about the program. If you want specific information or advice from a counsellor it is best to ring between the hours of 8.30 am and 7.30 pm. After hours calls are usually cared for by the nursing staff though counsellors are available in an emergency.

TELEPHONE (059) 66 4422 George Thompson during office hours

(059) 66 4411 After hours

FACSIMILE (059) 66 91 21

Other services we offer include the Warburton Aftercare Group which is run on Mondays at the Baptist Church Education Building, Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill.

AA meetings are held at Warburton on Thursday and Sunday nights.

Patients go to NA (Narcotics Anonymous)

Alanon (for parents, partners and children of alcoholics) is held on Tuesday nights.

We also refer extensively to a range of therapists, counsellors, doctors, psychiatrists etc. to enable patients to continue to work on life issues.

winner2@optusnet.com.au