Join us for complimentary refreshments while learning about a mental health topic.  Upcoming NAMI KDK classes, support groups, and advocacy efforts will also be highlighted.  All are welcome to attend. Registration is suggested. 

Next Presentation ( Subject to cancellation and changes):

Separating the Mental Health Condition from the Person 

Presented by Brittany Male, LCSW, CADC, and co-owner of Oakheart Center for Counseling in North Aurora.

Learn about:

• Diversity with the mental health conditions
• Diversity as individuals
• Tips and tools for separating the mental health condition from the individual or self
• Awareness of language and behavior to support individuals as separate from the mental health condition
• NAMI KDK programs and resources

Previous Mental Health Education Series event:

Addressing Substance Use as a Family  presented by Lisa Holch, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Clinician

Thursday, February 13th, 2020 from 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Kendall County Health Department, 811 W. John St. Room WIC, Yorkville, IL 60560

Powerpoint Presentation:  Families, Addiction, and Recovery

Objectives:

• Providing some education
• Talking to loved ones about concerns
• Addressing your own needs and potential stress
• Finding and getting help
• Knowing the signs and changes of a person in recovery

 Some Basics:

• Addiction, Use and Abuse is not just “picking up” 
• Relapse includes:

            Old behaviors

            Old places

            Old friends

            Old thoughts and feelings

• Around 1 in 4 individuals with severe mental illness also have an substance use disorder. 1
• According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.2 million U.S. adults experienced both mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2018. 2

Stages of recovery:

• Withdrawal: 0-2 weeks after last use of all substances – feeling pretty crappy
• Honeymoon: 2-6 weeks after – excess of good chemicals – MAN THIS IS AWESOME. Maybe I didn’t have a problem
• The Wall: 6 weeks – 120 days – uncomfortable, neurotransmitters are balancing out
• Adjustment: 120+ days Neurotransmitters have likely balanced pretty well at this stage
• Resolution   

Stages of Change:

• Pre-contemplation
• Contemplation 
• Preparation 
• Action (early and late)
• Maintenance 
• Relapse  

Talking to Loved Ones:

• Own your feelings 
• Set boundaries and have accountability
• Find common concerns
• Know there are limitations
• Utilize “family discussion” worksheets 

Self-Care:  

• Get involved in support groups (i.e. Al-anon, Nar-anon, Mar-anon)
• Set boundaries and stick to them
• Keep your own interests thriving

Benefits to your Involvement:

 

Education about addiction and its effects on mood and behavior: Family therapy often provides loved ones with education about addiction. This allows them to better understand what their loved one is going through and provides insight into their actions or behaviors.

Better understanding of family dynamics: Evaluating the dynamic of the family allows them to consider their own roles and assess how their actions may or may not impact their loved one.

Strategies for communication: Family therapy can help loved ones determine ways to improve communication. Improved communication often contributes to better outcomes in recovery. This allows members of the family to express themselves in a healthy way and learn how to discuss difficult topics effectively.

Rebuilding trust: An important component of family therapy is rebuilding trust. Addiction can often lead to actions or behaviors that break trust. Therapy can help family members learn to open up through improved communication, honesty, and positive growth.

Establishing boundaries: Developing clear boundaries can be difficult, but they must be established by everyone. Sometimes this may require family members to make difficult decisions, but in many cases, it is imperative to spark change.

Developing self-care: Addiction can cause family members to lose sight of themselves and their own needs. Family therapy encourages members to engage in self-care. This could be through individual therapy or by branching out into other areas of interest, but finding ways to care for oneself in the midst of chaos is imperative.4

 

Let’s discuss primary changes in behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and relationships for the different stages of recovery that were mentioned at the beginning:

• Withdrawal
• Honeymoon
• The Wall
• Adjustment
• Resolution