Another Chance 4 Change, PLLC

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Do I have an addiction problem?

General signs of addiction are:

    These signs are commonly linked. The degree of intensity for each sign may depend on how long the addiction has been going on.
    A healthy person can usually identify negative behavior and get rid of it. This is not the case with someone with an addiction. Rather than admit the problem exists, they’ll find ways to justify and continue the behavior.

  • Lack of control, or inability to stay away from a substance or behavior
  • ​​Decreased socialization, like abandoning commitments or ignoring relationships
  • ​​Ignoring risk factors, like sharing needles despite potential consequences
  • ​​Physical effects, like withdrawal symptoms or needing higher dosage for effect
Hi I'm         
Jeremy Jackson
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Types of addiction

Addiction is commonly associated with substance abuse, but behavioral addictions like gambling are just as serious. According to ASAM, addiction is when a person is unable to consistently abstain from a behavior or substance. This is typically at the cost of their mental and physical health.

Identifying the initial signs: In the early stages, a person might not show telltale signs of a full-blown addiction. 

Substance addiction is a dependence on any one or more of the following:

  • Nicotine or tobacco
  • ​Alcohol
  • ​Inhalants, often household items like oven cleaners, spray paints, or other aerosol products
  • ​Drugs, illicit or non-illicit
  • ​Medication
  • ​Money or gambling
  • ​Sex
  • ​Shopping
  • ​Video games

Some early-stage clues include:

  • Experimentation
  • ​Family history of addiction
  • ​Being particularly drawn to an activity or substance  
  • ​Seeking out situations where the substance or activity is present
  • ​Episodes of binging or loss of control with little to no feelings of remorse after
When it comes to common social behaviors like drinking or smoking, it might be difficult to determine if there’s an addiction problem. What looks like addiction could be an experimental phase or a form of stress management. But a real addiction, if left untreated, can develop into a debilitating habit or increased risk of illness.

 10 things recovering addicts need to do today to keep from relapsing: 

  • Stay Out of Risky Situations:  This may mean that you don’t spend time with someone you used to use drugs with or go somewhere you used to drink. You might take a new way home from work, for example, to keep from going past your favorite old hangout.
  • ​Build a Support Network: Lean on close friends and family for support, even if your relationships aren’t what they used to be. Think about going to counseling or family therapy to help with that and to deal with other personal issues. Have some sober friends you can invite as your plus-one to a social event like a party or wedding. And stay in touch with your sponsor and call him if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
  • ​Find a Peer Support Group: Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are other ways to build a support network. You can try different meetings for the different groups to find one that’s right for you.
  • ​Manage Your Urges : While most last only 15 to 30 minutes, it can be hard to fight them off. You might try a substitute, like chewing gum or a personal mantra: “I am stronger than this, and it will pass.”
  • Find an Activity That Means Something to You : You may want to start an exercise routine -- exercise releases brain chemicals called endorphins, which can make you feel good. Or you might rather spend time volunteering for a good cause, like an animal shelter or children’s hospital. Whatever it is, new activities can lead to new friends with interests like yours
  • ​Learn to Manage Stress: At some point in your recovery, you’ll feel stressed out, whether it’s major stress (like losing a job) or minor stress (like running late for an appointment). When things like this happen, find a sober friend or loved one you can talk to for support. And keep your schedule loose enough that you have time for group meetings and other things that can help you through rough stretches. Keeping your body healthy will help your mind stay healthy and positive during recovery. So make time for exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get a healthy amount of sleep.
  • ​Learn to Relax: When you’re tense, you tend to do what’s familiar. When you’re relaxed, you’re more open to new things. Different strategies work for different people. You might try:  
  • ​Manage Physical Pain : If you recently had surgery or an injury, your doctor will be careful with the pain medication she gives you, because some of those drugs can make you more likely to relapse. Ask your doctor about nonmedical ways to manage your pain, like massage or acupuncture.
  • ​Prepare Your Story: Decide what you’ll say if someone asks why you’re sober. You can try to avoid the conversation, but it’s good to have a response ready in case that’s not possible. If the question comes from someone you know well, you may want to say that drugs or alcohol became a problem for you, so you’re staying away from them. If you don’t know the person well, simply saying you have to get up early the next morning or you quit for health reasons should be enough.
  • Be the Designated Driver: This gives you a quick and easy explanation for why you aren’t drinking. It also gives you a sense of purpose that can help you stay focused.
  • ​Do Service Work : Help out in a food pantry, help out at the AA/NA meetings, Do something to help out another person.

5 Suicide Signs To Watch For:

Less Obvious Suicide Warning Signs
Unfortunately, there are also signs of suicide that are easy to miss. Even people close to the person feeling suicidal may not realize how deeply hopeless they feel. Here are five signs you need to know about that could indicate someone is thinking about suicide:

  • Any unusual changes in behavior : This is common for someone who is suicidal, but it’s easy to overlook because the changes may not seem related to depression or hopelessness. For instance, someone you know who is usually kind may become angry and aggressive. Or, someone who has been sad and struggling with depression may suddenly become calm and seemingly happy and at peace. Other changes may include increased substance abuse or unusual mood swings.
  • ​Changes in sleeping patterns : A shift in how someone sleeps is a sign of depression but also suicidal behaviors. Someone who is feeling suicidal may sleep more than normal, struggling to get out of bed at all. They may sleep less, experiencing insomnia, and staying up until all hours, and then struggling the next day from fatigue. Whether it’s a symptom of being suicidal or not, these kinds of changes in sleeping habits are cause for concern and should be addressed.
  • ​Accessing lethal means : This sign can potentially be obvious, such as if a loved one tells you they have bought a gun. However, gathering lethal means is also an important warning sign that can be hidden. Someone may start stockpiling pills without anyone noticing. They are easy to hide. It’s important to be aware of any lethal means someone you are concerned about may have access to. With access, the risk of suicide goes up.
  • ​Emotional distance : Someone who is feeling suicidal may become detached from life in general, from other people, and from typical activities. They may seem emotionally distant from people, whether or not they have isolated themselves socially. Acting indifferent in the face of emotional situations may not seem like suicidal behavior, so it is important to note this kind of behavior and recognize it as a potential warning sign or a symptom of depression. Along the same lines, someone feeling suicidal may lose interest in normal activities, work and home, and things they once enjoyed.
  • ​Physical pain : Physical pain and discomfort are often overlooked as symptoms of depression and also of suicide. If someone you know complains often of any type of pain, like headaches, digestive upset, or just general body pain, be alert to other signs of depression or suicide. If the individual has no easy explanation for the pain, such as a history of migraines or an athletic injury-causing achy muscles, you should be especially concerned.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM SERVICES AVAILABLE
Travis, Williamson and Surrounding Counties

10 things parents can learn to make co-parenting easier:

  • Co-Parenting Tip #1: Your Children's Needs Come First : Whatever your issues are with your co-parent, put your children’s well-being on the front burner, always.
  • ​Co-Parenting Tip #2: Prioritize Communication for Effective Co-Parenting : One of the most basic co-parenting rules is finding an effective communication strategy that works for your family. That means being realistic about your own strengths and limitations. If face-to-face discussions with your co-parent are not possible at this time (one or both of you are too angry or upset to talk in person reasonably), agree that speaking “live” just isn’t working for you right now. You may have to use other, less emotional means for sharing information about the children such as by way of an online co-parenting communication tool.   Parallel Parenting For some, their first co-parenting rule might be agreeing that co-parenting isn't actually the right strategy for them at the moment. There are alternatives to co-parenting for parents in this situation, and they can help transition them from a point of high-conflict to one where shared parenting is possible. Parallel parenting is one such alternative co-parenting strategy. In parallel parenting, as opposed to co-parenting, parents disengage from each other as much as possible while still remaining active in their children's lives. It usually requires a much more highly detailed parenting plan, as the document will be a source of crystal-clear instructions for the many situations parents encounter after divorce.
  • Co-Parenting Tip #3: Stay on the Same Page for the Big Stuff : The best-case scenario in co-parenting is for both parents to be consistent and in agreement with rules regarding behavior and discipline, bedtimes, screen time, playtime, personal hygiene, and household chores. But the reality is, if your parenting styles differed before you separated, you’re unlikely to magically be in agreement now.
  • ​Co-Parenting Tip #4: Stick to Your Parenting Schedule : Once your parenting time arrangement is set, don’t fiddle with it. Treating the schedule as set in stone will help you organize your time, and it will help the children feel secure.
  • ​Co-Parenting Tip #5: Don't Badmouth Your Co-Parent : Don't speak negatively about your co-parent in front of your children. If you feel like you need to vent, reserve those conversations for when you are with adult friends. Or a therapist. Or your own parents. As hard as it may be, do not denigrate your co-parent in front of your children, and request the same respect from your co-parent.
  • ​Co-Parenting Tip #6: Make an Effort to be Positive : Highlight your co-parent’s good points in your children’s presence. “Your mom is great at coaching your soccer team, isn’t she?” or “Your dad takes such beautiful photos of you guys!”
  • ​Co-Parenting Tip #7: Empathy First : 
  • In the early days of divorce, it will be hard to be empathetic towards your co-parent. So direct your empathy towards your children. Before you act, ask yourself how your children will perceive things.

  • ​ Co-Parenting Tip #8: Self-Care is Required : As you move through this challenging time in your life, take a few minutes each day for self-care. 
  • ​Co-Parenting Tip #9: Be Smart About New Partners : As you and your co-parent form new relationships, agree on the roles the new partners may have with your children.
  • Co-Parenting Tip #10: Find Forgiveness : Forgiveness is powerful, and it takes a strong person to forgive.

5 Things Kids Experience During a Custody Case

  •  Fear -of losing one parent or the other
  • ​ Unknown -Does not understand what is happening to their world 
  • ​ Loyalty to one parent over the other parent
  • ​Withdraw- To protect themselves from getting involved or hurt
  • ​Desire- to have the family unit back together

​Supervised Visitation Services Available

The purpose of Supervised Visitation is to provide a neutral setting that enables parents and children to spend quality time together and build strong relationships while protecting children from emotional damage or possible physical harm.

I’m Auburne Gallagher, and I’m a member of the Supervised Visitation Network. I am an approved provider for the Travis County Kids Exchange Network.

The SVN Network consists of providers who voluntarily abide by a code of ethics developed by the Board of Directors of the Supervised Visitation Network. The Kids Exchange Network members voluntarily abide by the policies the Domestic Relations Office have developed for providers.

**If you are on supervised visitation or are working with me on a Guardian Case, you may dealt with or are currently involved in a relationship that might be unsafe. Domestic Violence is a serious thing and one needs to be able to identify they are involved or have been involved in a DV relationship.

Domestic Violence

Does your relationship fit into the section of this wheel? Click here


What are the four stages of the cycle of violence?

  •  Tension building.
  • ​Acute violence.
  • ​ Reconciliation/honeymoon.
  • ​ Calm.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline if you are in need of shelter or services:

 Call 1-800-799-7233.
Chat w/ an advocate on our website here

Information may be found by clicking here:


For information regarding the Ethics of the Supervised Visitation Network, (A Parent's Guide to Making Child-Focused Visitation Decisions) and more, click on this link 
The Travis County Kids Exchange Network listing is here

Programs and Services Treatment Programs:

  • Addiction Counseling - Individual and Families Currently via Zoom 

Treatment Approach Treatment Orientation:

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical (DBT)
  • ​Mindfulness-based (MBCT)

Modality:

  • Individuals
  • ​Family​
  • ​Adult & Adolescent
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY AC4C
Subpoena of Records:
$175.00
If documents are mailed there will be an extra $18 for certified mail, or the current USPS rate.

Subpoenaed Court Appearance:

$175 per hour (3 hour min. )
 A $300 down payment is required one week prior to appearance. The fee includes time for preparing, travel to and from the courthouse andlength of time spent at the courthouse. The fee is non-refundable.

Another Chance
 4 Change,PLLC

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Phone:   (512) 731-5243 
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