AboutDerek Johnson Expertise Any behavior in which you are compelled to engage in when you do not want to can lead to an addiction.
Experience I offer counseling (http://www.kasamba.com/derek-johnson) of all types -drugs, alcohol, sexual, anger, depression, co-dependency, anxiety, grief, stress, eating disorders, distortions of thought, compulsions, mood disorders, controlling behaviors, inferiority, marriage and family, motivation, life coaching, relapse prevention and recovery counseling- from an eclectic approach.
My abilities are being refined daily by supervising a counseling center that offers counseling to 120 clients. I have 10 years of direct care in all counseling arenas. I also have 2 years experience working with the mentally handicapped. Additionally, I have 2 years experience in Marriage and Family relationship issues. I have personally and unfortunately experienced sexual abuse, a suicide attempt and many addictions. This gives me a unique perspective in helping others.
Organizations Teen Challenge of Florida Florida Certification Board International Society for Mental Health Online International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium
Education/Credentials Certified Mental Health Professional # 50190 (MA)/ Certified Addiction Professional #3279 (MA) / Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology / Internationally Certified Counselor #24570 / Certified by the Florida Certification Board / Certified by International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium / NET Institute Diploma for Counseling and Addiction Studies
Expert: Derek Johnson Date: 7/8/2008 Subject: relapse
Question MY 19 yr old son,just "90 days clean" started using again-I am devestated,even though I am aware of the stat's on addiction/recovery.We kicked him out of our home I feel horrible!!Not sure if our decision was too harsh at this point,he is begging for another"chance".
Answer Hi Chris, I am sorry to hear what your son is going through.
That is one of the hardest decisions that a parent has to make - at what point to initiate tough love. It is hard for me to know for sure in your case. I can say the following however:
People that are caught in addiction using only begin to break through the denial and begin the process of looking at what the addiction is costing them in one way - consequences.
This means that until the consequences begin to outweigh the benefits of using the addiction will maintain a hold. However, once the consequences begin to outweigh (loss of home, loss of job, loss of family, empty bank account, etc) the person begins to break through some of the denial and rationalization that all have and see it for what it is.
Thus, shielding your son from any consequences, ie providing him a home when he has not complied with your conditions, will only serve to delay the process. I would agree that you have made the best choice possible when all of the choices are hard.
