— Non-celebrities can utilize their employer's employee assistance
program (EAP), provided by companies like MINES and Associates, to find assistance
in dealing with mental health issues and drug / alcohol addiction problems. —
DENVER, CO – March 19, 2007 - Britney Spears, Lindsey
Lohan and other high profile celebrities have brought to
the forefront the growing need for better drug/alcohol treatment
and mental health treatment. The positive side of celebrities
going public about their rehabilitation is that it helps
to destigmatize and make more acceptable the use of this
type of treatment by the general public. Even though the
recent troubles of Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan have
become ongoing comedic fodder for the late night talk shows
like Jay Leno, their problems do highlight the serious need
for better mental health care and drug addiction treatments
in this country.
Although celebrities receive intense media attention for
going in and out of rehabilitation, this is not uncommon
for drug and alcohol treatment. In-house data by MINES and
Associates, a national employee assistance provider (EAP)
and business psychology firm, indicates that about 70% of
individuals suffering from drug and alcohol problems will
benefit from treatment. However, it may take 2 or more treatment
episodes before they are able to maintain their sobriety.
It is also important for the people who struggle with drug
or alcohol problems to know that the rehabilitation center
that they will be checking into may not have the amenities
that the “celebrity treatment centers” have.
The media has created this common misconception and has done
a huge disservice to the many non-celebrities seeking treatment
at what they expect to be rehabilitation centers that double
as luxury day spas.
After checking into a rehabilitation facility for the third
time, Britney Spears has shown that she may be more decisive
about her treatment this time. It is important for the patient
and family members to understand that there is a phase patients
go through that is a “predecision phase” characterized
by ambivalence about treatment and recovery. It has also
been reported that Britney is attending Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA) meetings and is trying to adhere to the rules of the
facility. According to Dr. Robert A. Mines, CEO of MINES
and Associates, a national employee assistance provider (EAP)
and licensed psychologist, “AA and related groups provide
important social support for people in recovery as many of
the previous ‘drinking and drugging friends’ will
no longer be there once the person is sober.”
There are many resources available throughout the country
for people seeking help. Many employers have employee assistance
programs for employees and their families, much like the
one MINES and Associates provides. Companies like MINES and
Associates also offer managed mental health care solutions
to the employees of participating companies. In addition,
United Way agencies in many cities have low cost options
for people seeking help. Finally, local AA meetings are always
free.
Most employer’s EAPs provide free counseling sessions
that can be used at anytime to help you deal with these types
of problems if they occur and to help assess whether checking
into a treatment center might be the right option for you.
Your human resources department at work will be able to provide
you with the contact information for your EAP. The first
step to recovery is accepting that one has a problem. The
second step is making a personal commitment to get better.
Checking into a rehabilitation center is another big step
on the road to recovery. Having access to these options through
your employers EAP can be a tremendous help to successfully
breaking the destructive cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.
For more information on the benefits of setting up an EAP,
organizational psychology program, or managed mental health
care program at your company please log on to http://www.minesandassociates.com
or contact Judy Braun at 1-800-873-7138 extension 4980.
About MINES & Associates
For over 25 years MINES & Associates has been a nationally
recognized business psychology firm that provides a variety
of services to corporate employers including employee assistance
programs (EAP), managed mental healthcare, organizational
development and psychology services, wellness programs, behavioral
risk management, disease management, PPO services, and a
number of other technology based services. MINES & Associates
is divided into two main divisions, Organizational Psychology
and Health Psychology, and currently serves a diverse portfolio
of clients in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and the UK.
Please log on to http://www.minesandassociates.com for
the latest news and information on MINES & Associates.
Contact Us Today For More Information.
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