Question: Can I bring my tablet and laptop into drug rehab so I can continue to work while I get treatment? I can see that it would be better if I could focus on my recovery but I can’t get away unless I can still work so that’s just my reality.

Jennifer Hamilton Says...:

You would have to consult the rules of the rehab you are planning to attend. I admit, it is an unusual request. Many rehabs do not even allow a cell phone. You may want to see if you qualify for Family Medical Leave Act which allows you time off work if your employer employs over 50 employees and you have worked there full time for twelve months. It guarantees you twelve weeks per year of unpaid leave with a comparable job upon return. If you do not qualify, perhaps your employer has a policy specifically to address someone seeking help for substance abuse. If you are self-employed, you may have to ask yourself if your business matters more than your life as substance abuse often becomes a life or death matter.

Question: My 23yr old son called me and said he now wants my help in getting clean with his herion addiction. I don't know where to turn because with our current financial situation leaves me with no money or health insurance to provide for him. As you already know he has NOTHING, no home, no food, no money, no insurance. Where can I take my son? Please help me save his life. Lost in PA

Jennifer Hamilton Says...:

There may be free help out there.  Here some numbers to call Teen Challenge (free help and they do excellent work). Start with one and they will help you find the right one closest to you! 

PO Box 1222

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17108

Question: Which are better, rehabs that use the 12 steps or rehabs that depend more on scientific treatments? I am kind of hung up on the whole God part of most recovery programs, but unfortunately most of what seems to be available to me would have me praying to some kind of higher power that I just don’t believe in!

Jennifer Hamilton Says...:

There was a research study in which college students were deprived of water from Friday until Sunday.  On Sunday they were given a bottle of water but instructed not to drink it.  Even though if they did, the whole group would lose (or so they were told) the money they were to receive from the research project, the only ones who resisted drinking the water were the ones who were not isolated and in a group together.  None of the ones who were in a group drank the water.  All but one person who was isolated did.  If you do not believe in God or another Higher Being, believe in the power of the group.  The Group can be your higher power.  In AA they have a saying, take what you need and leave the rest.  I think there is a lot of what you need in a 12 Step program.  I say don't look for a 12 step or a scientific program, look for a 12 step and a scientific program.  I think we need to attack this addiction issue from every angle possible.  It will kill you just as clearly as cancer will.  Would you only give half an effort if they told you you had cancer?  Go all out.  Work as hard to get off drugs (alcohol is a drug, yo) as you did to stay high. 

Question: I don't know which rehab to choose...

Jennifer Hamilton Says...:

What are your choices?  Tell me about the people who work there, how they measure success, length of stay, payment options or is it free, how do they handle medications or co-occurring issues (such as depression,anxiety, ptsd, etc.), do you want a Christian rehab?  Do you need a long term placement?  Have you been before?  I probably have more questions, but as it stands, your statement isn't a question, yet!