Normally, a “gut feel” is never wrong. As they say, where there is smoke, there is fire. However, the following observable behaviors may help you determine substance use/abuse: Reversed sleeping patterns; erratic eating habits resulting in drastic weight loss; episodes of irrational behavior; inability to keep commitments; neglect of personal hygiene; always in need of money while unable to maintain expenses; loss of personal belongings; hanging around with known drug abusers. It is also important to search for illicit substances such as: tablets; capsules, powder-like substances; packets of dried (marijuana) leaves; joints (sticks of marijuana); roaches (marijuana butts) and so on. Search also for common paraphernalia such as: strips of aluminum foil; rolled tissue; glass straws; mini bottles; syringes; razor blades; modified lighters, etc.

Maybe not, but almost always, social use advances to the more serious stages of abuse and “medication” addiction. People start using substances for many reasons. During the initial stages, they do it to be accepted by peers. But people who continue substance use will undoubtedly accelerate usage and climb into the physical stages of addiction where treatment will be necessary. Remember that substance use is a symptom of something seriously going wrong with the person and the family. As soon as you discover that your loved one is using drugs, immediately seek professional advice. The sooner the problem is addressed, the lesser the damage and the greater the chance of full recovery.

Usually, the dependent will not go to a treatment center voluntarily. Neither will counseling be effective in convincing the dependent to do so. Some families attempt an “Intervention Process” but it has been the practice of most families to do the responsible act of admitting a loved to a treatment center. It is ideal when the entire family recognizes the problem and collectively makes a decision to admit the loved one. In many of the cases, however, it takes the decision of a single family member (a parent or spouse) to initiate the arrangements until further support could be won within the family. It has been observed that once the dependent is showing improvement in treatment, family members who were once resistant often turn supportive.

In a TC community, the residents take charge of carrying out the daily operations of the house. From house chores to office work, they strictly follow a schedule of daily activities. Like in a family, each resident is assigned to a particular task while the elders see to it that they are accomplished properly. Individual counseling sessions are provided regularly while therapy sessions are held every day. Spiritual activities are also part of the daily grind along with Sports & recreation.

Yes. All families are subjected to the “Family Empowerment Program”. Every month, a Family Association Meeting (FAM) is held where various activities such as seminars, workshops and therapy groups are conducted for the families to learn about the TC process and codependency. In addition, family counseling services are also given together with monthly reports on your loved one’s progress.Read More

It is a policy of SELF that no staff or resident should divulge the identity of any client who is in treatment. Once a person is admitted in SELF, we require that the names of questionable friends and associates be submitted to the program for screening. Prescribed dialogues, meetings and therapy sessions are limited only to families. Boy and girl friends are not entertained until the program deems the resident ready for this type of interaction. Oftentimes, they are scrutinized and drug tested before they will be allowed to engage in a dialogue. Furthermore, no one is allowed in the facility without the clearance from the main office. Maps to the facility are not published for security reasons and any bogus call or visit is communicated to the family.

The admission procedure is done at our main office. Costs of treatment may be discussed over the phone or in person. Aside from filling out an admission form, families must submit the most recent available medical or clinical abstract. Upon settlement of the required down payment, a memorandum of agreement is then duly signed by the “guardian”. Parents or spouses are usually qualified to be guardians. Siblings or other significant persons may need to present a Special Power of Attorney for guardianship and seek approval from SELF. Once all documentation is fulfilled, an admission order will be sent to the facility. Only then can the prospect be admitted in the facility.

Contact Us