Question: HI, I am a student intern and would like to know if you know of any treatment centers here in Nevada that are qualified to supervise student interns? I am in the final phase of my MS in Psychology at this point. Any suggests if you don't know of any place I can look?

Dr. Karl Benzio Says...:

Congratulations on wanting to get involved on the front lines in one of the deadliest wars we are waging. I am not familiar with the landscape of Nevada treatment facilities and who would be open to interns. Most rehabs will take interns, and since you are free labor, they are usually excited to take you. Make sure you have a licensed therapist supervising you. Ideally a licensed Psychologist. States differ, and in some states, Clinical SW are trained well as therapists, and in other states they aren't. Same goes for Licensed Professional Counselors. You need to make sure a transition period of you observing group and individual, then co-facilitating, leading to you facilitating on your own. 

Don't ever pretend you know more than you do. If you are unsure, let the patient or staff know, but tell them you will find answers then go be a great detective. Good luck with your profession and progress.

Question: Ive been trying to detox from xanax i was at 3.0 a day i am now at 1.25 it has been very hard. i get pains in my stomach and a funny feeling in my head at times, is there any thing i can do to ease my withdraw symptoms.

Dr. Karl Benzio Says...:

good for you for wanting to get off the xanax. i hope you are doing this with the supervision of your psychiatrist, or at least your primary care doc. the benzodiazepines (the class xanax is in) and alcohol are the 2 detoxes that can actually be life threatening, so doctor supervision is important. you could go slower on your taper, meaning going down on the dose by smaller increments and staying at that dose a little longer. there is a neutriceutical supplement that is a liquid and allows for the vitamins and minerals as well as some herbal extracts to be absorbed much better to help detox. go to www.puriphyte.com and look at the testimonials and studies for puriphyte. only on the market for 2 months. type in Light when you order and get 5% off. our organization didn't develop it but a number of people we help have used it for multiple drug detox issues and find it very safe and helpful. again, contact your doc for a safer detox. don't forget to develop your support system and work with a therapist and meetings to make sure you address the underlying stuff so you can keep xanax off your list of coping mechanisms. may God lead you to a safe and healthy journey of transformation. will be praying for you.

by HIS grace, karl benzio, md

Question: Who should I call for my son? He is 19 and drinking and smoking pot. I don't know what do. Do you have any resources you recommend? I need to get him some help. Thanks for your advice.

Dr. Karl Benzio Says...:

I am sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, drug use, abuse, and addiction continue to affect more people as our society increases in stressful situations and circumstances and the pressures mount almost daily. 

75 % of people in the U.S. will have a primary relative (parent, child, sibling, or spouse) develop an addiction in their lifetime. To me, 3/4 of our society are directly affected by this issue, and everybody at some point is impacted in some way.

Trying to find answers from your insurance company or primary care physician is so tough. You need someone who specializes in dealing with these very specific issues everyday (unlike your doc who has to deal with so many other issues), and can be objective (the insurance company isn't) to help you navigate the complicated addiction healthcare system and find the best clinical situation and help that your resources can access. 

At Lighthouse Network, this is exactly what we do. We believe not just getting them to stop using drugs, but treating the whole person is vital to get at the underlying issues that are prompting the substance use.

Call our 877-562-2565 number, at no charge, our Care Guides will get the necessary information and help you understand the issues to help you get your son to the best treatment situation possible. We would love to serve you, as we are a nonprofit organization designed to deliver just the services you need.

The last advice for you: having a 19yo with a drug problem is incredibly stressful. you need some support and encouragement as you will have some important decisions to make and a 19 yo using drugs can be pretty manipulative. we need to make sure you and your husband are on the same page and are using good skills to manage a tricky situation that parents are never taught or prepared to deal with. we can also help you find an outpatient counselor to encourage, support, and coach you.

Thanks for your question,

by HIS grace,

karl benzio, md