Western Pa. Adult & Teen Challenge

They Never Gave in to Shame, Guilt or Stigma

"Unfortunately, people who experience stigma regarding their drug use are less likely to seek treatment."drugabuse.com My parents gave me an amazing childhood in a suburban neighborhood in northeast Ohio. They could have been paralyzed by the thought that their neighbors, coworkers or our extended family would find out that their oldest child was an addict and locked up in prison. They could have not acted because of the stigma that produces shame and guilt. But they weren't and instead they chose to reach out for help.

Instead of being paralyzed by stigma, they contacted Adult and Teen Challenge. They sent a representative into the jail to speak with me and they arranged for court system to allow me to enter treatment instead of sitting in jail. If your loved one is in the bounds of substance use today, don't hide in shame or be paralyzed by stigma. Reach out to your physician, your pastor, your close friend, your sibling, whoever you trust. Don't fight this battle alone.

They Actively Engaged to Get Me into Treatment

In response to this crisis brought on by my drug use, my parents used the opportunity to find help. As one politician famously said, "Don't let a good crisis go to waste." Whether or not your loved one is currently in a crisis, you can do your part by doing the research and finding out what treatment options are available. Drugabuse.gov is a great resource to start to research the treatment options that are available in your area. Many families have no idea what to do when faced with a loved one who is addicted. However, there are many competent and compassionate programs and individuals who are committed to helping those who struggle with substance use disorder. Here at the Western PA campus of PA Adult and Teen Challenge, we welcome families in crisis to come visit our facility and even bring their uncommitted loved one along to speak with our staff.

They Gave me Support and Chances to Change, but with Conditions

Recovery is rarely a straight path

Going from addiction to wellness is rarely a straight path. Even though I went straight from jail into treatment, my parent's problems weren't solved. I ended up leaving that first treatment center after 3 days and walking several miles before I was picked up by the police. My psychotic state, brought on by my overdose, had not even been treated yet! But this step was necessary as I was then admitted into a psychiatric hospital and put on the proper medications, which brought my back into my right mind. But my parents were back under the stress and uncertainty of what do to when I got released from the hospital.

They decided to give me a chance to come home and try to stay off of drugs. I attended a partial hospitalization outpatient program, they got me a private counselor, and had me attend support groups. Living with my parents and trying to stay sober went on for about six months. However, during this time I relapsed several times. Once I went out and smoked ma*****na, another time I went out and popped some pain pills. Why would I go back to using substances when they had just landed me in jail and almost killed me? This is the insanity of substance use disorder that puzzles and shocks many family members.

They Used Leverage to Get me into Treatment

Finally the moment of decision came after Christmas time of 2000. I had went out again and relapsed after I got my Christmas money from all my relatives. At this point my parents put down an ultimatum: I had to go back into the Adult and Teen Challenge program or my living arrangements would have to change. My parents made the hard choice that many families have to make, they have to apply pressure upon their loved one in order to get them into treatment. Here is a guide to making a recovery contract with your loved one. And there is a common myth that someone has to want drug treatment in order for it to be effective, but this is not the case. In fact, almost no one "wants" to go to treatment, but is pushed to go because of the negative consequences stemming from their substance use.

On January 1st, 2001, I entered the doors of Western PA Adult and Teen Challenge, outside of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I reluctantly went, because my family lovingly applied pressure, and the criminal charges were still hanging over my head. I even tried to call home and put a guilt trip on my parents about a week into treatment. But my mother stood firm and told me I had to stay. That was over 17 years ago and since then I have been clean and sober! There is hope, no matter what you are facing. If you have a loved one who needs help, call us today 1-844-888-8085 or visit our website at www.paatc.org