Addiction affects not only the ones abusing the drugs, but every person around them including children of all ages. Most addictions alter the brain functions of the individual who is abusing the substances, which limits the person’s ability to take care of everyday things such as being on time to work, making dinner for the family or helping their children with homework. An impaired parent’s behavior can have a long-lasting impact on children, including affecting how they self soothe, eat, sleep, trust adults and form relationships. In most cases, the addict believes that children don’t know what is happening, but that’s not true. Children are aware of their environment, and irregularities, stress and other factors alter how safe the child feels with the parent. Trained in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry – plus addiction – Dr. Elizabeth Weidmer-Mikhail, psychiatrist at Enterhealth, will provide a unique look at addiction through the eyes and hearts of children whose parents are living with this chronic brain disease during a free webinar on Thursday, May 3 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to tune in to the session.

“It is important for everyone to understand that children watch every action,” said Weidmer-Mikhail. “The unpredictability of a parent who abuses drugs or alcohol can cause anxiety, emotional pain, stress and a loss of trust because the person they want to count on the most isn’t there for them. The unstable household is the key factor here. The constant uncertainty in the household could lead to psychological distress, behavioral and affect dysregulation, which, if it becomes a chronic state, leads to psychiatric illness and emotional disorders. The child may accidentally try the substance, witness the parent getting arrested or imitate the behavior of the parent. The goal of this webinar is to educate the public about the impact addiction has on children. It’s not something that goes away when they turn 18 and move on. It’s something that will stick with them well into their adulthood. We want to help those suffering now so their children don’t suffer later.”

Children who grow up in a household with an addicted parent are more likely to become an addict themselves. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), genetic factors play a substantial role in a child’s development influencing a person’s abilities, personality, physical health, and vulnerability to risk factors for behavioral problems such as substance abuse. Enterhealth works to prevent children from becoming addicts by offering family therapy and resources for children.

“At Enterhealth, we feel that family therapy is very important to help a patient sustain recovery. It impacts the whole family when a loved one goes to treatment,” Weidmer-Mikhail said. “We see more adult children visit their parents in treatment and participate in group therapy. It helps them in the long run as well because they receive answers to questions they struggled with for years. They realize they are not at fault for the mistakes of their parents. For younger kids, we allow visits with their parents while they are in treatment. Family therapy is one of the most successful programs at Enterhealth. Our goal is to reboot the family in a healthy way and help them heal as quickly as possible.”

To register to watch the webinar “Parental Addiction: From the Point-of-View of their Child” visit http://www.enterhealth.com/eventcalendar.

E-cigarettes are popular among teens and are now the most commonly used form of tobacco among youth in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Easy access, enticing advertisements, various e-liquid flavors and the belief that they're safer than cigarettes make them appealing to this age group. Enterhealth, a premier drug and alcohol treatment center, realizes the need to educate the public on the health risks of e-cigarette use, including how it affects the developing brain. Dr. Harold Urschel, M.D., chief medical strategist for Enterhealth and New York Times bestselling author, stresses that nicotine in any form is a highly addictive drug. He says the teenage years and young adulthood are critical times for brain development. Teens and young adults who use nicotine products such as e-cigarettes are at risk for long-lasting problems. Nicotine can cause changes to the brain circuits that control attention and learning, leading to possible mood disorders and permanent challenges with impulse control.

Nicotine affects the development of the brain’s reward system, and continued nicotine use may not only lead to a nicotine addiction, it can make other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine more attractive to a developing teen’s brain. In addition, there are also concerns about the vapor itself. Research suggests that e-cigarette use exposes the lungs to a variety of chemicals found in the aerosolized liquid, as well as other chemicals produced during the heating process. The NIDA also reports that potentially toxic metallic nanoparticles from the device itself may enter the lungs.  

“It’s alarming to see a high number of teens and young adults vaping because they think it’s safer than smoking a cigarette,” said Urschel. “They are unaware of the chemicals in the vapor they inhale, which can cause inflammation and can contribute to periodontal disease and the inability of mouth and lung sores to heal. Even if they don’t use nicotine in the e-cigarette, we have no idea what the chemicals are or how they react to heat when turned into a gaseous form. People who vape can also control the strength of the nicotine, causing them to use more of the drug. The flavored liquid is appealing to them. It allows these tobacco companies to have a customer for life. Teens are also finding methods to use the devices in ways they were never intended, such as ‘dripping.’ A study of high school students found that one in four teens reported using e-cigarettes for dripping, a practice in which people produce and inhale vapors by placing e-liquid drops directly onto the heated atomizer coils of the e-cigarette devices. We have no idea what toxicity may come from this adulteration of an already harmful device.”

Teens and young adults who vape aren’t just using e-liquid in their device. Other drugs such as marijuana, K2 and cocaine are being added to the liquids and vaporized or smoked as well. The teen brain is especially vulnerable to drug use, as they are less risk-averse and lack the cognitive reasoning skills of a fully developed adult. Simultaneously, the teen brain is more easily injured by these potential neurotoxins because it is still developing. Heavy marijuana use by teens is linked to structural changes in the brain, as well as, lower grades and exam scores. Smoking cannabis can also cause cognitive dysfunction, such as impaired short-term memory.

“This device is putting our youth at risk for addiction to nicotine and other drugs,” said Urschel. “Nicotine is a gateway drug, and we want teens and their parents to understand the dangers of using an e-cigarette. There is a lot of research still happening on vaping since it’s a relatively recent development, but what has been found so far is disturbing and the public needs to be aware of the risks.”

Urschel is incorporating the dangers of vaping into an upcoming webinar on February 1 from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. The free event will focus on the dangers of vaping, as well as discuss the latest scientific research findings regarding how marijuana affects teens. For more information visit http://www.enterhealth.com/eventcalendar.

To meet the changing needs of patients and increase accessibility to ensure lasting recovery, Enterhealth, a premier drug and alcohol treatment center, is pleased to announce it now offers telehealth, which includes telemedicine and teletherapy. The technology is a modern form of health care delivery which breaks away from traditional models by using telecommunication systems and wireless communication methods such as tablets and smartphones to connect patients with therapists or doctors. The patient connects with the Enterhealth team for assessments, therapy, medication management and other treatment using a specialized, secure, high-definition video connection on a computer, tablet or other mobile device. Enterhealth utilizes a purpose-built platform called Zoom which is HIPAA compliant. Telehealth adds an extra level of convenience for patients, allowing them to have their doctor appointments over the internet rather than drive to Enterhealth for their continued addiction recovery treatment. Telehealth is only used at the discretion of the doctor, and patients must complete a drug test at a local lab within 48 hours of a request from Enterhealth. In addition, periodic in-person sessions may be necessary.

“Addiction is not a 9-to-5 issue, and we want to provide the highest quality care to ensure that patients sustain sobriety,” said David M. Kniffen Jr., president and CEO of Enterhealth. “We want to be as accessible as possible to our patients, and telehealth is another tool we can use to help. As part of our continuum of care, we currently use the technology at the Enterhealth Ranch residential treatment facility to introduce patients to doctors and therapists at our outpatient center in Dallas before they transition to outpatient care. We can also use the technology for regular sessions, group therapy or for patients on vacation or a business trip. Telehealth adds to our flexibility and allows us to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules which may at times impact compliance with ongoing treatment programs. We are thrilled to offer telehealth, but it does not replace the comprehensive and holistic treatment programs at both our residential facility and our outpatient center. Telehealth complements what we offer, and we determine which mode and method of treatment is best for each individual patient.”

Since its recent launch, the Enterhealth team has seen how telehealth breaks down barriers for patients. Each session can be conducted from the privacy of the patient’s own home, office or even a car. Patients do not need to interact with office staff, other waiting patients or anyone other than their physician. The technology allows patients to keep all of their appointments on a flexible schedule that fits in with other obligations and priorities. It also reduces the overall cost for patients by eliminating the expenses and time it takes for transportation, gas and parking. In addition, patients don’t have to worry about childcare or take time off of work, both of which can act as barriers to getting care.

“We understand that there is traffic, and it’s not easy to leave work,” Kniffen said. “We are offering this treatment because we want to make it easier to receive treatment. Patients who have used this technology so far have been impressed. Those who thought it would be challenging because they’re not technologically savvy found it simple and effective. It saved them time, but it didn’t compromise the level of care. We are excited to see how this new technology helps us positively impact the lives of even more people in need of addiction treatment.”

Opiates, marijuana and heroin have been making headlines lately, and while all three are dangerous, recent data from Enterhealth, a premier drug and alcohol treatment center in Dallas, shows alcohol is the number one substance people are seeking treatment for in both its residential facility and outpatient center. While many people think drinking is normal, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an estimated 16 million people in the United States have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake and a negative emotional state when not using. September is National Recovery month, and the director of neuropsychological services at Enterhealth, Dr. Joshua Masino, is using this as an opportunity to educate the public about the most prevalently abused substance; alcohol, and why it is socially acceptable. The month is used to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people in recovery.

“The use of alcohol in the United States has been normalized,” said Masino. “In fact, society acts like something is wrong with you if you don’t drink. Due to the easy access and the way that our society promotes alcohol use, I am not surprised that this is the most abused substance by our patients. Just because alcohol is legal doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. As a society, we do not talk about it enough, and it is time to pause and shine a light on alcohol abuse. Six percent of the American population met the standards of alcohol use disorder. The average age of a patient at Enterhealth is 25 to 34. They are still very young and can seek treatment before much damage is done physically. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed, and it starts with educating the public about the dangers of alcohol. People also need to realize that AUD is genetic. More than 40 percent of the time, a person who seeks treatment for AUD has had a family member with a similar problem.”

Masino says there are three factors that make alcohol one of the most abused substances in world:

• Age of onset
• Availability
• Societal acceptance

Research indicates that alcohol use during the teenage years can interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing AUD. In addition, underage drinking contributes to a range of acute consequences including injuries, sexual assaults and even deaths – including those from car crashes. Alcohol is readily available to people of all ages. It is served at restaurants and on every corner at a gas station, and many people do not think of the impact it has on their bodies and minds. Masino reminds the public that just because it’s there doesn’t mean you need to purchase it.

Whether it’s used for a celebration, religious event or recreationally, society has accepted drinking, but it is dangerous and can lead to health problems. Heavy use can cause steatosis (fatty liver), alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances which can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion. Also, drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver and breast.

“Alcohol isn’t new and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. However, most people tend to think that their drinking isn’t causing so much harm to their bodies,” said Dr. Masino. “Addiction is a chronic medical disease of the brain, and while it can be controlled, it’s important to recognize that it cannot be cured, at least at this point. If you or your loved one is concerned that you might have a drinking problem, the first step to answering that question is to seek an expert’s advice in the field of addiction. It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and addiction head on, so reaching out for support is a critical step in the process of getting your life back.”

So how many drinks is too many? A standard drink is a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine or 1 ounce of liquor. For healthy adults, more than four drinks on any day or 14 per week is considered heavy drinking for a man, and more than three drinks on any day or seven per week is considered at-risk drinking for women. About 1 in 4 people who exceed these limits already have alcohol use disorder, and the rest are at greater risk for developing these and other problems. According to the NIAAA, binge drinking is defined as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 or above. This typically occurs after four drinks for women and five drinks for men when consumed in under two hours.

By educating the public about the dangers of alcohol, Masino hopes to start a larger conversation about alcohol that may eventually change perceptions and overall acceptance. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique designed to help people heal from the emotional distress caused by negative life experiences. Therapists at Enterhealth, a science-based drug and alcohol treatment center in Dallas, are finding tremendous success in promoting sustained recovery by using EMDR to free patients from the distress caused by traumatic memories. EMDR therapy allows them to reprocess trauma they have experienced to resolve the emotional disturbance. When a person is very upset, the brain does not process information normally. This means that remembering a traumatic event, no matter how long ago it happened, can feel as upsetting as when the event occurred. This distressing experience can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to cope with emotional stress, which often leads the person to adopt harmful coping strategies (including isolating behavior or self-medicating with drugs or alcohol).    

“When treating someone for addiction to drugs or alcohol, EMDR helps to reprocess traumatic information so the memory no longer triggers pain or distress and is no longer an underlying cause of substance abuse,” said Cara McLeod, Enterhealth therapist. “EMDR therapy allows patients to access and reprocess these events to change the way the memory affects them both emotionally and physiologically. EMDR uses eye movements to directly affect the way the brain processes information and commits it to memory. This allows the patient to become desensitized to the negative emotions associated with a traumatic event and reprocess those memories into something more positive.”

EMDR has helped an estimated two million people of all ages by relieving the symptoms of many types of psychological distress. Studies have shown that EMDR is an effective treatment for addiction, loss of a loved one, post-traumatic stress disorder, overwhelming fears, childhood trauma or abuse, physical or sexual abuse, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, low self-esteem and relationship problems.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

During a session, the patient calls to mind the disturbing memory, including the sensations such as what was felt, heard, thought, etc., as well as the negative belief they currently hold about the event. The therapist then facilitates bilateral or side-to-side movement of the eyes or other dual-attention stimulation of the brain while the patient focuses on the memory. At this point, the therapist guides patients to help them formulate and focus on positive beliefs about the memory and themselves while continuing the bilateral eye movements. The goal is to set up a learning state for patients to replace negative thoughts from the event with positive beliefs. When this is achieved, the traumatic memory no longer distresses the patient or controls their behavior. During an EMDR session, the patient may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most patients report a significantly reduced level of disturbance.

Following a successful EMDR session, the brain returns to normal processing and the patient no longer feels like they are reliving the event when it is brought to mind. The patient still remembers what happened, but the memory is less disconcerting. While many types of therapy have similar goals, EMDR appears to do this by closely mimicking what happens naturally during sleep when the brain enters Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.

“The Enterhealth Outpatient Center of Excellence provides a science-based, holistic approach to the treatment of addiction,” said David M. Kniffen, Jr., president and CEO of Enterhealth. “To achieve lasting recovery, all underlying causes of the addiction must be treated, including trauma. If trauma goes untreated, the reason behind one’s addiction persists and true recovery remains out of reach. This is why EMDR therapy is an extremely effective form of treatment for patients suffering from drug or alcohol addiction and why it is so often a part of Enterhealth’s comprehensive treatment plans.”

Enterhealth’s science-based program, created by a hand-picked team of addiction experts, incorporates the latest National Institutes of Health research. The full-time addiction-trained physicians, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists deliver a personalized treatment plan for each patient.