Resurrection Behavioral Health-Addiction Services “Positive Sobriety Program” Offers Addicts Escape From Stress
Mar 23rd, 2009 • Category: Blog
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in eight Americans suffer from alcohol and drug addiction. Resurrection Behavioral Health-Addiction Services has a provocative new approach to addiction treatment that can help drug addicts and alcoholics manage stress to aid in addiction recovery. Based in both Buddhist psychology and contemporary behavioral therapy—the Positive Sobriety Program was developed by Dr. Daniel Angres, medical director of Resurrection Behavioral Health-Addiction Services, a multi-site addiction treatment program in Chicago.
When an addict fights the present, distressing thoughts and emotions can feel uncomfortable and that creates a state of mindlessness or auto-pilot, where the addicted personality is unaware of their environment and more susceptible to cravings and triggers. When caught up in addictive behavior, there is an inability to accept whatever is being felt in the present moment and the mind is constantly wandering to the next racing thought. That is why Positive Sobriety Program not only teaches traditional approaches like 12-Step, but also trains addicts in mindfulness or intentional awareness. “The Positive Sobriety Program is effective because it works through mobilizing innate, inner resources for healing and coping, rather than focusing on what’s not working,” said Angres. “Meditation teaches patients a strategy to combat this and prevent relapse.”
The Positive Sobriety Program also incorporates the teachings of positive psychology—the scientific study of happiness—a new approach within psychology that takes seriously the examination of what makes life most worth living. This can involve kindness, optimism, meditation, and increased spirituality—all which appear to increase well-being. The Program uses personality profiles that include character and temperament to take into account addict’s unique personalities.
“We need this different way of viewing the nature of addiction so that we can do better in treating it,” notes Angres.
Dr. Daniel Angres has been involved in the field of addiction medicine since 1982 and created the Professionals Program, one of the first and largest treatment programs for professionals from the health and business community. The Resurrection Behavioral Health – Addiction Services is part of Resurrection Health Care, a family of health care services including hospitals, home health services, behavioral health programs and numerous outpatient centers. http://www.reshealth.org/sub_addiction/treatment-programs.cfm?program=professionals
! Cheers, Jane