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Recovery meeting

Photo: Education Images/UIG/Getty Images

News
MusiCares' Nationwide Groups Support Sobriety musicares-nationwide-support-groups-offer-refuge-musicians

MusiCares' Nationwide Support Groups Offer Refuge For Musicians

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In seven communities nationwide, the health and human services charity offers a space that understands the challenges for music professionals in recovery
Renée Fabian
MusiCares
Jul 26, 2018 - 12:16 pm

Sobriety is a challenge for anyone in recovery. But for musicians who work in arenas where substances seem to be part of the lifeblood of the scene, there's no good way to avoid temptation — music professionals rely on these events to make a living. Enter MusiCares.

Duff McKagan: Recovery Is "An Ongoing Process"

Along with a slate of other life-saving addiction recovery services, MusiCares offers free recovery groups designed to support the unique challenges for sober musicians. MusiCares facilitates groups in seven cities, including Los Angeles, Nashville, Tenn., Austin, Texas, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, and Fort Collins, Colo.

Open to anyone working in the music industry, these free groups provide a weekly space for industry professionals to discuss their challenges, successes and strategies around sobriety. Drugs and alcohol are everywhere in the music industry, and professionals can't always opt out of these scenes because that's how they make a living. Those who attend MusiCares' groups get these unique challenges.

The Los Angeles MusiCares recovery meeting, for example, is the nation's largest, with a regular attendance of 20–40 people each week. This builds a sober network that can even begin as soon as someone enters treatment. When going to rehab thanks to MusiCares, often the organization arranges to transport those newly in recovery to the Los Angeles meeting each week, giving them a ready-made community of support.

While these free groups are currently only available in seven cities, MusiCares does have plans to expand the program as they grow. In addition, for those who live in other areas, MusiCares has other ways to support recovery, including connecting people with local resources through their partners and other sober professionals.

So if you're a music industry professional looking for an extra boost in your recovery, visit MusiCares' addiction recovery programs page, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help. We're always here for you.

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Addiction Recovery: Planning For Relapses relapses-are-often-part-addiction-recovery

Relapses Are Often Part Of Addiction Recovery

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While they are often life-threatening, relapses don't mean recovery has failed
Renée Fabian
MusiCares
Aug 2, 2018 - 4:49 pm

Addiction recovery is a process. Sometimes despite working our best program and years of sobriety, relapses may happen. Many patients treated for a substance abuse disorder experience at least one relapse. But like other chronic illnesses, with treatment, new tools and the continued courage to keep reaching out for help, maintaining sobriety, even after a relapse, is possible.

Adam Clayton's MusiCares speech: Life In Recovery

First and foremost, a relapse is often life-threatening. What makes it so dangerous is that after months, years or even weeks of sobriety, we often have a reduced tolerance for substances and immediate emergency intervention may be necessary.

"People who use a drug regularly develop a tolerance for it; that is, they require larger doses to get the same effects. Just as quickly, tolerance can diminish," writes Dr. David Sack for Huffington Post. "After even a brief period of abstinence … the brain becomes less accustomed to — or less tolerant of — the presence of drugs. As a result of this increased sensitivity, if an addict goes back to the same dose they used prior to rehab, they are at high risk of fatal overdose."

After receiving acute medical care for a relapse, it can also be a sign that additional resources or support are needed for recovery. This can include longer term inpatient treatment, starting psychotherapy, attending more meetings, reevaluating social relationships, and removing as many triggers as possible. Also consider creating a game plan that includes how to deal with tempting situations when they can't be avoided, who you'll call when a craving hits or in an emergency, and self-soothing and coping techniques.

For music industry professionals looking for extra support after a relapse, MusiCares offers a slate of addiction recovery services, from help finding rehab treatment to free weekly support groups in select cities just for music people, and a network of professionals in recovery willing to help others on their own journey.

If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There's nothing to ashamed of if a relapse occurs — it happens to many in recovery. You're not alone and your life is worth fighting for. As one unknown commenter said: "Recovery: It will be challenging. It will be worth it. You will relapse, and that's OK, as long as you keep fighting."

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"
 

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How MusiCares Helps Clients "Lighten The Load" how-musicares-helps-lighten-load-clients-need

How MusiCares Helps "Lighten The Load" For Clients In Need

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Learn firsthand how the lifesaving assistance from the health and human services organization have benefited those in the music community
Renée Fabian
MusiCares
Jun 12, 2018 - 3:38 pm

Sometimes life can be hard, whether faced with a medical emergency, a natural disaster or recovering from addiction. In these times, having someone by your side to help "lighten the load" can make all the difference. For professionals working in the music industry, that's where MusiCares comes in.

Dave Navarro's Powerful Message Of Hope

The lifesaving work of MusiCares covers a wide range of services for music industry creators to lend a hand for times when difficulties arise, including preventative care, instrument replacement, access to medical care and treatment, and so much more. It's a true safety net for musicians in need.

These services also include basic living support, including financial assistance for rent, car payments and utilities when unforeseen circumstances arise. For one client undergoing a life-threatening medical condition, that extra boost provided an extra security net that made an incredibly difficult situation just a little more manageable, and that's what MusiCares is all about.

"I just wanted to tell you again just how deeply you've touched our hearts and lightened our load," said a MusiCares client. "We're far from out of this mess, but MusiCares helped us out tremendously. I'm not sure how we would have survived the past few months without your support. Please accept our heartfelt thank you for all you did for us. You're angels sent from above. May God richly bless you and MusiCares."

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

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The Success Of Mental Health Treatment mental-health-awareness-month-yes-mental-health-treatment-works

Mental Health Awareness Month: Yes, Mental Health Treatment Works

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As we close Mental Health Awareness Month this May, survey how treatment for mental illness can lead to hope and recovery
Renée Fabian
MusiCares
May 31, 2018 - 4:50 pm

Many times we tend to focus on the devastating impacts of mental illness — one in five U.S. citizens lives with a mental illness but more than 55 percent don't receive treatment in any given year. Often this focus helps expand on the breadth of the issue and initiates momentum to urge public officials to take action and to help organizations hone their services accordingly. But as we close Mental Health Awareness Month this May, it's also important to remember there's hope.

Dave Navarro's Powerful Message Of Hope

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 70 to 90 percent of those who have a mental illness experience improvement with treatment, including a reduction in symptoms and a better quality of life. This improvement can be accomplished through psychotherapy, medications or a combination of the two.

However, before a course of treatment can be successful, the first step is to know when to reach out for help.

As cited by the American Psychiatric Association, potential symptoms that could indicate someone is experiencing mental illness include withdrawal and isolation, having trouble at school or work, issues with concentration, a sense of having a "short fuse," apathy, feeling disconnected, persistent anxiety, unusual changes in behavior, mood or even habits such as sleeping and eating. Also be on the lookout for signs of an emergency, such as suicidal ideation, which requires immediate intervention.

"Sometimes the signs are obvious but at other times, something may feel slightly off and you can't figure out what it is," wrote psychologist David Sack in Psychology Today. "Contrary to popular misconception, you don't have to be 'crazy,' desperate or on the brink of a meltdown to go to therapy."

As Sack alludes to, the time to get help may be, perhaps surprisingly, before there is even anything noticeably wrong — preventative mental health care, if you will.

"I know this sounds strange, but I believe the best time to consider treatment is when things are going well," advises counselor Al Andrews, founder and executive director of Porter's Call. "Ninety-nine percent of the individuals who come into my office, arrive because they have a problem. … The Titanic has hit the iceberg and the ship is taking on water. ... What if people sought treatment when they heard there might be icebergs in the water ahead? The sooner that can be explored, the better that individual has to live a healthier life."

Jacoby Shaddix quote for Mental Health Awareness Month 2018
Music Saved My Life: 2018 Mental Health Awareness Month

If you're ready to seek out mental health resources, there are several places you can start. Try therapist directories such as the one at Psychology Today or through your insurance provider. Mental health helplines can also be a great source of local mental health information for all income levels. Reach out to friends for possible referrals, or if you're a musician or music industry professional, call MusiCares to talk about what resources may be available.

Regardless, never be afraid to reach out for support, whether you're not feeling like yourself or you want to make sure your mind stays in tip-top shape. Treatment for mental health is available, and when people stick with it, it's effective. There's hope for everyone struggling with their mental health, including you.

"I was struggling with anxiety that I never had before following the passing of my father and a recent breakup. I couldn't get on a flight, barely get on stage and my life felt like it was crumbling apart," said a MusiCares client. "My manager called MusiCares and they helped me with a psych evaluation, medication and psychotherapy. I'm beginning to feel better and know it's a long road but finally have hope when I didn't before."

6 Tips For People Who Can't Afford Mental Health Care
 

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Learn More: Protecting Adolescent Mental Health what-you-need-know-about-adolescent-mental-health

What You Need To Know About Adolescent Mental Health

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This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a closer look at mental illness warning signs in young people and what you can do to help
Renée Fabian
MusiCares
May 3, 2018 - 2:44 pm

A sullen teenager slams the door in your face for the 10th time this week. An energetic fifth grader bounces off the walls of the classroom, a bundle of energy that won't be contained. Your 12-year-old child is afraid of the dark and performs a nightly ritual to ward off the "monsters."

Dave Navarro's Powerful Message Of Hope

These scenarios are likely to pop up in the household of concerned parents. The questions for many, however, are which behaviors represent typical adolescence and normal development, and which may be caused by mental illness?

It's not always so easy to tell, which begs another question: Where should a parent start?

"Any time that a child or adolescent's behavior shows a dramatic change, primarily with things like isolating from friends and family, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, and any significant changes in their usual activities, like things that they used to really enjoy they don't enjoy now," that's when to consider getting a child extra help advises Texas-based psychotherapist Margery Boucher.

Parents should think twice if a child is isolating away from friends as opposed to withdrawing from family to spend time with peers. Other warning signs to watch out for are being secretive versus wanting more privacy or losing interest in all activities instead of evolving from childhood interests to teenage activities. Also, be on the lookout for extremes, even when they might seem to be unlikely causes for concern.

"They used to never want to hang out with friends and now all the sudden that's all they want to do, which might seem counterintuitive," Boucher says. "But sometimes if there is drug behavior … suddenly they'll want to hang out with a certain group they've never wanted to be around before."

While these differences in behavior can be subtle or hard to detect, Boucher says that most parents know their kids and they should trust their gut when questioning a child's behavior. If caregivers have suspicions something more than developmental angst may be going on, it's critical to reach out for professional support because "you just never know what a kid could be going through."

Share your story: notalone.nami.org —— “Dopamine is more than the ‘good feeling’ chemical. It’s also helping regulate my mood, sleep, cognition and behavior. —— As a therapist, I always like to assign challenges to my clients. Here’s one for you: The next time you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, sad, etc., put on an upbeat song, bring your whole attention to the music and lyrics and move (dance, walk, etc.). That’s it. —— If it seems simple, that’s because it is. When we’re having a tough time, we tend to sit and dwell. So, let’s do the opposite. Let’s move and distract. —— And to be clear, I’m not suggesting ‘distracting’ as in ‘avoiding.’ But we often confuse dwelling with problem-solving, and dwelling is actually just focusing on feeling bad, rather than a proactively solving a problem. When my clients report dwelling, I often ask, ‘So, you’ve sat on the couch and dwelled for a few weeks now, and nothing has changed. How about we try something different?’” #mentalhealth #mentalillness #therapy #recovery #stigmafree

A post shared by NAMI (@namicommunicate) on Apr 5, 2018 at 12:04pm PDT

In addition, mental illness in those under the age of 18 isn't uncommon. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20 percent of young people between ages 13–18 live with a mental health condition. For those 14 and older with a mental illness, 50 percent will drop out of high school. And if left untreated, mental illness can be deadly — suicide is the third leading cause of death among 10–24-year-olds.

Mental health for young people is different than adults, from diagnosis through treatment. For this reason, when seeking professional support for a child, look for a specialist through resources such as Psychology Today's therapist network, an insurance provider's directory or by reaching out to MusiCares if you're a music industry professional.

"It's very, very important for parents to make sure that they find a clinician who specializes in diagnosing, assessing and treating children or an adolescent, not just any therapist," Boucher underscores. "Parents need to be informed consumers. … [Don't] be afraid to call a therapist or a psychologist up and ask, 'Hey, can I ask you some questions?' and interview them. That's very important."

Jacoby Shaddix quote for Mental Health Awareness Month 2018
Music Saved My Life: 2018 Mental Health Awareness Month

In the meantime, there are ways parents can help protect a child's mental health, especially in teaching children about emotions.

"Kids often times don't have a label for the feelings they're having and so they don't really know how to express that feeling," Boucher says. Parents can reflect emotions back to kids so they can label and manage feelings in a healthy manner.

"If a kid comes to a parent and they're obviously upset about something, label those feelings for the kids," Boucher explains. "Say, 'Gosh, you're really angry about this.' And then talk to them about that emotion and say, 'It's OK to be angry but it's not OK to slam doors. Let's talk about how to really express your anger.'"

Another great way to support kids' mental health? Activities. Outside playtime, sports, and particularly music and the other arts provide a creative outlet for energy and emotions that keep children's minds healthy.

"[Give] kids avenues for letting out various emotions," Boucher says. "Art is a great thing for anyone to be able to express feelings."

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

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