Green Bay

FAQ

Green Bay - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is addiction?

Briefly, addiction is the compulsive and repetitive use of mood altering substance regardless of the consequences to relationships, occupation, or health.

2. What is treatment?

Briefly, alcohol/drug treatment includes group therapy and/or individual therapy and education to help the client understand how dysfunctional the lifestyle of addiction is, and assist the client to establish a lifestyle free from alcohol and drugs.

What are the symptoms and warning signs of adolescent alcohol or drug abuse or dependency?

Parents report the following events and symptoms:

Deteriorating grades or attendance at school.
Unexplained personality changes.
Unwillingness to follow rules or other structure.
Underage drinking fines and other legal problems.
Out late after household curfew without adequate explanation.
Evidence of drinking or drug use such as bottles, drug paraphernalia, smells of alcohol or marijuana, apparent drunkenness.
Theft from parents or siblings.
Increasingly disrespectful attitude towards parents and authority figures.
New friends whose identities or last names are withheld from conversations.
Multiple, even if minor, traffic accidents.
Unexplained depletion of prescription pain killers of psychiatric medications.
Warning signs of inhalant abuse include; unexplained depletion of aerosol cans, household cleaners, and solvents. Inhalant users will sometimes become confused or have respiratory complaints.

As a parent what can I do to discourage alcohol and drug use by my teenager?

A strong position in word and deed by parents against alcohol and drug use is the most effective deterrent. Make it clear that underage drinking and drug use will not be tolerated and that specific consequences will result. Remember a teenager who begins drinking at age 15 is four times more likely to become addicted than one who waits until the legal age of 21. In addition among teens the onset of addiction often takes only months.

I am concerned about my child smoking marijuana. Can I get a drug test done?

Drug testing should be conducted by a professional counselor, in conjunction with a chemical dependency assessment.

Should I be concerned if my child receives an underage drinking fine?

Yes, this could be a warning sign and indicates the need for discussion, monitoring, and consequences. Be aware of explanations such as "I was only holding my friend's drink" or "that was my first beer'. If there is more than one underage-drinking event a professional assessment is recommended.

What is enabling?

Enabling is the process of making it easier for an individual to abuse alcohol or drugs. Parents, family members, and spouses often do this unwittingly by protecting their loved ones from the consequences of their behaviors. Examples include making excuses to school or employers, protecting them from legal consequences, blaming their friends, and allowing underage drinking or drug use in the home. Most addicts will not seek help until they experience consequences to their health, school, jobs, family, etc. Adolescents are often protected by their parents from the consequences of alcohol and drug use.

My son or daughter has a problem with alcohol and drugs but will not agree to get an assessment. What can I do?

Basically you must decrease privileges and increase consequences until the child's mind is changed. Parents may wish to seek assistance through a support group such as Families Anonymous. Please call to discuss this further.

I am an adult with a drinking problem can I get help at Libertas?

Yes, Libertas provides Intensive Outpatient Treatment for adults. These are group sessions usually of 5 - 10 adults, which meet three times per week for seven weeks. This includes a week of family sessions. Group sessions are three hours long and are offered from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

In order to receive assessment you need only call (920)498-8600 and make an appointment.

Will my health insurance plan pay for treatment?

Most health insurance plans pay for at least some costs of treatment but usually require prior authorization for outpatient and inpatient services. Refer to your benefit booklet or call your insurance company to determine the benefits available and where treatment can be received. Libertas accepts most health insurance plans in Northestern Wisconsin and accepts Wisconsin Medical Assistance.

How do I schedule an assessment?

You may call Libertas at (920)498-8600 and simply ask to schedule an assessment.

I received an OWI what do I do?

You must get an assessment from the County Intoxicated Driver Program and follow the recommendations on your Driver Safety Plan. They may include an assessment and treatment at a treatment center such as Libertas.

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