Hanley Center recognizes that every individual has unique life experiences, and that gender, age and family influence their environment. Innovative multidisciplinary programs are specifically designed to engage each person in his or her treatment and recovery.

Freedom Program for Boomers

Baby boomers’ generational influences included pervasive drug and alcohol use, psychedelic icons and seismic cultural shifts. A legacy for many is the continued or increased use of drugs and/or alcohol. For others, current life stressors may lead to a quest for solace and the potential for substance addiction. Age-related health issues, blended families, grief and loss, financial strain and caring for both aging parents and children are among the pressures boomers face. Based on years of experience and age-specific research, Hanley Center’s team of qualified professionals have developed the pioneering, addiction recovery Freedom Program for Boomers.

This innovative, holistic residential treatment program for boomers — introduced in April 2010 for individuals 46 to 64 years of old — averages 60 to 90 days, and includes a longer detoxification period if patients are addicted to multiple drugs.  After detoxification, assessment and initial stabilization, patients participate in the development of their individualized plan of care that sets realistic and achievable goals. In addition, Hanley Center professionals emphasize 12-step programs and encourage patients to participate in off-site “sober meetings.” The curriculum also includes a two-day on-site family program, an important first step to restoring a healthy family dynamic.

Independence Program for Older Adults

While growing older can be enjoyable for some, many older adults are filled with loneliness, uncertainty and anxiety. They frequently struggle in silence with chemical addiction and the loss of their autonomy. As a result, Hanley Center launched the Independence Program for Older Adults, designed for those 65 and over.

This 12-step-based program features individual and group therapy sessions that explore what it means to age in today’s rapidly changing world. Additional issues addressed by the program include: extended detoxification and the medical stabilization process, slower transitions between levels of care, complications due to cognitive function level, speech or hearing impairment, longer rest or relaxation periods, and other issues specific to older adults. Therapeutic relationships and specialized treatment enable older adults struggling with addiction to gain back their independence.

Milestone Program for Women

Our society and culture expects and facilitates roles for women that put them at the forefront of caring for and nurturing others, often at the expense of their own needs. In addition, a high percentage of women who suffer from addiction have experienced physical or mental abuse. As a result, too many women today turn to drugs and alcohol to help them cope with the guilt, shame, loneliness and helplessness they so often come to feel. With these needs in mind, Hanley Center designed the Milestone Program for Women, targeting those between the ages of 18 and 45.

An all-female staff, trained in women’s issues, understands the underlying causes of addiction in women and takes a proven multidisciplinary approach to treating each patient. Hanley’s gender-specific, treatment is based in the 12-step philosophy and fosters renewal of relationships with oneself and others through a combination of individual and group therapy sessions. This could include wellness activities, guided spiritual growth and a structured continuing care plan with the support of comprehensive outpatient services.

Benchmark Program for Men

From an early age, men typically have a harder time admitting a problem and tend to exaggerate the importance of their success and dreams. They prefer to have targets and goals to motivate themselves. When deprived of their basic emotional needs and life structure, these unfettered circumstances can lead men to comfort themselves with alcohol and drugs. For some, that initial feeling of drug-induced well-being becomes a physical addiction.

Hanley Center designed the Benchmark Program for Men for those between 18 and 45 years old.  Based on proven 12-step principles, treatment during the program uses an innovative approach that addresses male issues in a safe and supportive atmosphere. The all-male staff creates a confidential environment in which men can communicate with one another. The men learn to explore emotions and issues, address their anger, reframe fear-based outlooks and responses, and build relationship skills.

Restoration Program for Families

The disease of addiction can ravage families. Most often, family members don’t know where to turn for help with their addicted love one. Hanley Center’s Foundation Program for Families is an educational, supportive and non-confrontational program for persons 18 years of age and older who know and care about a chemically dependent person.

The program offers information to help individuals better understand chemical dependency, treatment and family recovery. It includes lectures, video presentations and group discussions on addiction, recovery, relapse, family dynamics, and the effects of addiction on children. This group experience lets participants create a safe environment in which they are free to express their experiences, frustrations, hopes and concerns while learning to break the cycle of silence and shame.

Adolescent Outpatient Program

Hanley Center’s professionals treat adolescents and their families with dignity and respect in tiered outpatient programs. Adolescents who misuse substances receive skill-building education. Therapeutic care is necessary in emerging patterns of alcohol and other chemical abuse, and continuing care is often indicated in chemical dependency. Parental involvement plus peer and 12-step support are cornerstones of the program.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Hanley Center responds to individual treatment needs with a clinically-driven outpatient program. Professional staff oversees individual and group therapy sessions, and an integrated family program component. Recovery support incorporates the 12-step principles and offers new life skills and a continuing pathway to recovery. The program also offers a no-cost initial assessment.

Despite the large and growing body of science, many myths persist about drug and alcohol addiction. Societal assumptions include: it’s a moral weakness; individuals have to hit “rock bottom” to recover; drug abuse is more common among minorities; individuals must want treatment for it to be successful; and alcohol is not really a drug. In fact, in the past, popular treatments involved prison sentences, commitment to asylums and intense sessions focused on religious education.

However, over the last two decades, medical research has shown that alcohol and drug addiction is a biologically-based, chronic disease that causes fundamental and long-lasting changes to the brain. The disease has both a genetic and an environmental basis, which influences how it develops and expresses itself in individual patients. These significant scientific advancements have revolutionized professionals’ fundamental views of drug and alcohol addiction, showing it is a treatable disease.

Medical research also has shown that behaviors resulting in the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that gives humans a feeling of well being, registers in certain areas of the brain. Those behaviors that individuals experience as pleasurable are processed in the brain’s mesocorticolimbic pathway. This area motivates important natural reward activities, including eating, mating and nurturing of offspring.

Repeated use of drug and alcohol saturates the brain’s reward pathways so individuals become conditioned to an intense level of drug-induced pleasure. After a while, the normal level of natural reward is no longer pleasurable or effective, so patients fall into a cycle of taking more and more of their drugs of choice to get that feeling – or high.

Recovery from the disease is often a long process requiring sustained treatment, and relapses can occur during or following successful treatment. Patient participation in self-help support programs during and following treatments is vital in maintaining a successful long-term recovery.

In addition to custom treatment programs, Hanley Center is using SPECT scan images to identify other medical conditions, such as depression or brain trauma, which are associated with increased incidence of substance abuse. SPECT scans produce a three-dimensional image of the brain, illustrating how substance abuse affects blood flow and metabolism and compromises the central nervous system, the brain in particular. Addiction treatment professionals can then evaluate that information and develop plans to treat those underlying conditions in conjunction with addiction.

It’s with these scientifically-based approaches that professionals have developed treatment strategies such as cognitive and behavioral interventions, community reinforcement, motivational enhancement therapy, participation in 12-step programs, pharmacological therapies, and the targeting of the underlying conditions related to addiction.  Millions of recovering Americans contribute significantly to society every day, yet the stigma of addiction persists. Correcting these misconceptions about the disease will help remove persistent barriers to treatment and recovery.

Facts about Alcohol

Alcohol is a powerful depressant drug that slows down thinking and reaction time, as well as other activity of the brain and spinal cord. Alcohol rapidly enters the bloodstream and circulates to all parts of the body within a few minutes. When it reaches the brain it knocks out control centers, causing intoxication.

What causes alcoholism? Alcoholism is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled use of alcohol. Experts believe that genetic factors make certain people more vulnerable to alcoholism. Environmental, cultural, and psychological factors can also contribute to the development of the disease.

Physical and psychological effects of alcohol Sometimes people who have a problem with alcohol drink to escape problems or turn off painful feelings of loneliness, insecurity, guilt, etc. But rather than solving them, alcohol only makes the problems worse.

Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce coordination, slow reflexes and lead to over-confidence. Alcohol can also lead to violence, poor judgment, job loss, and trouble with the law.

The heavy costs of alcohol abuse include highway deaths, teenage death, spousal abuse, suicide, crime, arrests, and financial problems, in addition to broken families, abused children, ruined careers and lives cut short.

Physical risks of alcohol

• Malnutrition
• “DTs” – the shakes, tremors
• Brain damage
• Cancer of the mouth, esophagus, stomach
• Heart disease
• Liver damage
• Ulcers and gastritis
• Damage to adrenal and pituitary glands
• Birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Social risks of alcohol

• Family and relationship problems
• Problems at work or in school
• Use of alcohol to escape problems
• Decrease in participation in non-alcohol related activities

Mental health and behavior risks of alcohol

• Erratic behavior
• Impaired thinking and judgment
• Slower reactions
• Loss of control over actions
• Moodiness
• Slurred speech
• Double vision
• Impaired memory
• Depression

Legal risks of alcohol Regardless of age, driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense. If stopped for drunk driving, you can be arrested, get a suspended license, jail sentence, fine, and/or mandatory attendance at alcohol education classes.

Beyond legal ramifications there is an increase in auto insurance rates, inconvenience, and embarrassment. Drinking and driving can be a very costly mistake.

Facts about Marijuana

Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the U.S. Statistics have shown it is the number one drug of choice for teenagers.

Physical and psychological effects of marijuana When marijuana enters into the bloodstream, it acts on the brain and nervous system. Marijuana alters perception of reality, distorting the way the user’s senses work, as well as distorting the user’s sense of time, space, and self. Even after just one use, marijuana chemicals can be seen in the brain 3 to 6 weeks later and can be detected in a drug screening.

Regular use of marijuana can cause a person to use more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect. At continuous high dosages, some people become dependent on it. When they stop using it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, nervousness, and changes in temperament.

Physical risks of marijuana

• Infertility
• Induces premature babies
• Causes birth defects in unborn children whose mothers use marijuana during pregnancy; several studies also cite genetic birth defects related to the father
• Increased heart rate, causing potential cardiac problems for people with heart conditions
• Can cause lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, asthma
• Affects immune system
• Reduces resistance levels to disease and illness
• Decrease in sexual pleasure

Social risks of marijuana

• Psychological dependency may cause neglect of other important needs
• Relationship with family, friends, employers, and employees may suffer
• Interferes with ability to learn and make good decisions
• Quality of school work and job performance may suffer

Mental health and behavior risks of marijuana

• Short-term memory and mood swings
• Impaired reaction time
• Insomnia and irritability
• Depression and anxiety
• Paranoia
• Frustration and confusion

Legal risks of marijuana Possession of marijuana is illegal in all 50 states. It will lead to arrest, fines and jail terms.

Facts about Heroin

Made from the white, milky liquid exuded from the opium poppy, heroin is a powerful and dangerous drug that is often injected directly into the bloodstream with a needle. When injected, heroin reaches the brain in just 7 or 8 seconds.

Using heroin for even a short time can create physical and psychological dependence. In large doses, heroin can cause breathing to become shallow or to stop all together.

Physical and psychological effects of heroin The addiction to heroin is a difficult one to break, even when it is destroying the user’s health and life. The intense craving for heroin can be both physical and mental. For the user, it becomes a way of life. Every day centers around getting and using heroin.

After continued use, more and more heroin is needed to achieve the same effects. This results in a very costly habit. Once addicted, a user must have heroin every 8 to 12 hours. Withdrawal symptoms include fevers, chills, nausea, aching, diarrhea and muscle spasms. Most symptoms last for 3 to 5 days.

Physical risks of heroin

• Sleepiness
• Skin sores/abscesses, severe bleeding
• Slow breathing
• Collapsed veins or heart damage
• Loss of appetite and constipation, malnutrition
• Pregnant users may risk still birth, miscarriage
• Loss of sexual desire
• AIDS (through shared needles)
• Anemia
• Death by overdose

Social risks of heroin

• Family life suffers
• School performance and work performance declines
• Dependency may cause neglect of other important needs

Mental health and behavior risks of heroin

• Extreme mood swings and depression
• Poor concentration
• Secretive behavior

Legal risks of heroin

• Unlike some similar drugs, heroin is considered too dangerous even for medical use. Using or selling heroin is against the law. Offenders usually go to jail.

Facts about Cocaine

Cocaine is a highly addictive, potent drug that is made from the leaves of the coca plant. This powerful substance is capable of destroying personal relationships, creating serious legal problems, draining bank accounts, ruining careers, threatening health and claiming lives.

Physical and psychological effects of cocaine Psychologically, cocaine users can quickly become trapped in a vicious cycle. The drug produces short-term euphoria; for about 30 minutes, the user feels energetic, sociable, confident, and happy.

Addiction creates a physical compulsion to use more cocaine to seek this euphoric high. At the same time, users become dependent on the drug to avoid the consequences of withdrawal, which include depression and paranoia.

Chronic use of cocaine creates further problems that may include hallucinations. People who inject the drug may experience “coke bugs,” a sensation that insects or snakes are crawling under their skin.

Chronic use can also cause a serious break with reality. Users may become paranoid, imagining that others are out to get them.

Personal and social problems from cocaine use are innumerable, but often include participating in illegal activities to obtain the drug, stealing from friends and family to support the addiction, and job and career problems due to the high cost of chemical dependency to cocaine.

Most people use cocaine the first time out of curiosity. So-called “recreational users” usually start off by restricting their use of the drug to social settings. For example, some people use cocaine because they think it helps them overcome depression, lose weight, or enjoy a particular activity more. No matter how or why cocaine is used, it is always dangerous!

Physical risks of cocaine

• Insomnia
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Impotency
• Fast heart rate
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Nasal stuffiness
• Weight loss
• Headaches
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Difficulty urinating
• Death by overdose
• Birth defects (can result from use by either woman or man)

Social risks of cocaine

• Negative change in personality
• Relationships suffer
• Loss of money
• Affects school work and job performance

Mental health and behavior risks of cocaine

• Depression
• Poor concentration
• Intense anxiety
• Tendency to lie
• Confusion
• Withdrawal from normal activities
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Attention deficits
• Listlessness

Legal risks of cocaine

• Cocaine is illegal in all states. A cocaine indictment, not only a conviction, could ruin an individual’s professional and personal life.

Facts about Crack

Crack provides an intense high almost instantly – in as little as 4 to 6 seconds – but it lasts only 5 to 7 minutes. The high is always followed by a low, so unpleasant that the user will do almost anything to acquire more crack.

Physical and psychological effects of crack Crack is almost instantly addicting. The social consequences of crack use include personal, social, legal, financial, and other problems. Most crack users are also addicted to alcohol, tranquilizers and other drugs, which they use to relieve the unpleasant side effects of crack.

Crack stimulates the central nervous system, which can have dangerous – even deadly – effects on the body. The vapors from heated crack are absorbed through the lungs and reach the brain within seconds.

Crack can cause the respiratory system to fail. Often, crack users ignore health problems because crack dulls the pain, and users may ignore conditions that require medical attention.

Crack can overpower the mind and the body. Users become trapped in a vicious cycle of addiction. During this cycle they experience euphoria, followed by a strong craving for more crack to overcome the deep depression and paranoia that accompanies withdrawal. Users usually repeat this cycle until their wallet and/or body give out.

Physical risks of crack

• Chest pains
• Runny nose
• Nasal burns and sores
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats, tremors
• Severe weight loss
• Insomnia
• Neglect of personal hygiene
• Death by overdose
• Birth defects

Social risks of crack

• Suspicion of friends, loved ones, co-workers
• Neglected work

Mental health and behavior risks of crack

• Confusion, anxiety, depression, irritability, short temper
• Loss of interest in food and sex
• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Weakness
• Aggression
• Panic attacks
• Violence

Legal risks of crack

• Crack is an illegal substance. If caught using or selling it, you could face fines and jail time.

Facts about Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are natural and synthetic drugs that distort thinking, awareness and the senses. This group of drugs includes lsd (lysergic acid diethylamide), pcp (phencyclidine, also known as “angel dust”), psilocybin (found in different types of mushrooms), and mescaline, among others. Many of the newer “designer drugs”, such as ecstasy, are hallucinogens produced in illegal labs.

Physical and psychological effects Hallucinogens can be extremely dangerous for both the user and other people around the user. Even a single dose can cause severe and complex reactions. Effects may include euphoria, loss of ability to separate fact and fantasy, paranoia, panic and violence. Because hallucinogens affect judgment so powerfully, using them can result in accidents such as falls and car crashes, as well as suicide attempts.

Some users of hallucinogens experience a serious break with reality that requires long-term professional treatment. Using these drugs even once can cause “flashbacks” – an unexpected recurrence of a hallucinogen’s effects. These flashbacks can happen even years after the drug is taken, and can lead to depression or a fear of going insane.

Physical risks of hallucinogens

• Heart damage
• Nausea
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Convulsions
• Extreme sweating
• Increased risk of birth defects

Social risks of hallucinogens

• Problems with family/friends
• School/job problems

Mental health and behavior risks of hallucinogens

• Extreme mood swings
• Feeling different emotions simultaneously
• Severe anxiety or panic
• Impaired judgment/inability to recognize danger
• Distortions of objects, sounds, smells, body image, etc.
• Deep depression
• Fear of insanity or death

Legal risks of hallucinogens Hallucinogens are illegal drugs with no medical use. All users risk arrests, fines and jail terms. Using hallucinogens may cause the user to commit violent crimes.

Facts about Tranquilizers

Tranquilizers are used primarily to reduce anxiety and tension. They slow down the central nervous system. Most “minor” tranquilizers, including well-known trade names such as valium and librium, are usually taken orally as tablets, capsules, or liquids. Occasionally they are injected for both medical and non-medical purposes.

Physical and psychological effects of tranquilizers Tolerance and physical and psychological dependence can develop with long-term use. With the normal dosage, an individual usually feels relaxed, has a sense of well-being, and may lose their inhibitions. As the dosage increases, the individual feels more sedated and may have a sense of floating.

With regular use, tolerance can develop. The user then needs to take increased doses to get the desired effect. While many people take tranquilizers for legitimate medical purposes, the concern is about the person who uses tranquilizers to cope with routine stress on a daily basis. In this case, the greatest danger of dependence is a strong physical addiction.

Physical risks of tranquilizers

• Drowsiness
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Lethargy
• Low blood pressure
• Birth defects

Overdoses can cause:

• Respiratory arrest
• Convulsions
• Death or coma

Social risks of tranquilizers

• School and work performance may suffer
• Family and relationship problems
• Personality changes

Mental health and behavior risks of tranquilizers

• Disorientation
• Memory impairment
• Weakened emotional control & rage
• Distortion of reality
• Reduced awareness
• Impaired perception

Legal risks of tranquilizers Most minor tranquilizers fall into Class IV of the controlled substances act. The more powerful sedative-hypnotics are in Class III. Harsh penalties are applied for trafficking and illegal use of tranquilizers.

Facts about Inhalants

Inhalants are chemical products that are misused to give the user a drug-like effect. Most inhalants are common household products, such as paint, varnish, glue, kerosene, nail polish remover and various aerosol products. Inhalants are poisonous and can cause lasting physical damage.

Physical and psychological effects of inhalants Inhalants slow down the body’s reactions and distort the thinking process. They pass through the lungs and quickly enter the bloodstream. Chemicals from inhalants reach the brain within seconds. The effects last only a few moments and, when they wear off, the user may be irritable and depressed. Users of inhalants say they make them feel less inhibited. The effects are similar to those produced by alcohol and other sedatives. High dosages can produce laughing, feelings of floating, dizziness, time and space distortions, and illusions. These effects can last from 5 minutes to an hour, depending on the substance used and the amount.

Physical risks of inhalants

• Double vision
• Loss of coordination
• Weakness
• Severe headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart problems
• Even death – prolonged use of inhalants can kill brain cells, shut down liver and kidneys, and damage bone marrow

Social risks of inhalants

• Quality of school work may suffer
• Loss of friends
• Athletic abilities decline

Mental health and behavior risks of inhalants

• Impaired judgment
• Confusion and irritation
• Hyperactivity
• Acute psychosis and fright
• Increase in aggressive/violent behavior

Legal risks of inhalants There are laws attempting to regulate inhalants. Depending on state and local laws, and the type of inhalant used, a user may risk a fine and jail terms.