General addiction Questions

Why does my loved one continue to drink and use? Why cant they stop on their own?

Addiction is a brain disease that can lead to compulsive substance use beyond an individual’s ability to control. As such, individuals can often struggle to maintain abstinence on their own, and can easily fall back into old behavioral patterns. In short, individuals continue to use substances because they have not, as of yet, developed the necessary coping skills, personal insight, meaning and purpose, community, and accountability to maintain sobriety.

Do people need to hit “rock bottom” before entering recovery?

It is true that individuals need to have some motivation in order to find and sustain recovery, and that this motivation can sometimes occur through a “rock bottom” experience. Unfortunately, in the current climate, premature death can often result before the “rock bottom” experience. Current research indicates that various intervention strategies help individuals to move along a continuum of motivation and that recovery services can provide tangible gains even if the person of concern is not motivated to achieve long-term abstinence. Of course, we cannot force anyone to change, but we can create an environment in which change is more likely to occur. In my experience, family connection, positive peer support, healthy boundaries, and access to mental health/ addiction services are more relevant to individual outcomes than “hitting bottom.”

My loved one is really struggling, what do I do?

The first step in helping a loved one is to reach out. Speaking with a competent professional is the first step in developing an action plan to support a loved one in accessing needed services, and engaging in your own recovery process. If I am unable to help you with a specific problem, I will actively work on connecting you with someone who can.

My loved one’s addiction is creating difficulties in my own life, are their resources for me?

Yes, many resources exist for family members engaging on their own recovery path. There are several helpful support groups, books, and films, that will help with education, emotional support, and guidance. An integral part of case management services is helping and supporting the family in engaging in their own recovery process, and I hope to provide as much support as I can. There are also several workshop-style programs that can be a vital support for family members.

Are there any resources available to educate ourselves on addiction and recovery?

Yes, though certainly not an exhaustive list, I have several resources that I have found helpful in the resource section of this website.

Questions regarding services

Why does my loved one need “recovery coaching and case management” when they are already in treatment?

For many, treatment can meet all of the needs of the individual in early recovery. For others, supplemental support in the form of a recovery coach or case manager can help them to engage more fully in the treatment, stay in treatment for longer, and to develop a strong foundation of life skills and competencies to succeed when they discharge from treatment. A case manager can also provide a level of collaboration and continuity with the treatment team.

Why does our family need support? Isn’t it all about the addict?

In recent years, we have learned more about how addiction can alter, or be influenced by, a family system. Living with addiction in the family can unconsciously create behavioral and cognitive patterns within its members that lead to dysfunction and unhappiness. These patterns can also impact the recovery process and treatment efforts of the individual. Current research indicates that individuals have a higher chance of staying and engaging in treatment if their loved ones participate. Because of this, I aim to support both the individual and the family concurrently, as research indicates that this formula equates to a higher likelihood of success.

Can our family intervene on our own?

Yes, and no. Family members coming together to support their loved ones, while at the same time setting boundaries and working on themselves, can help an individual to enter recovery and engage in services. However, knowing what treatment options are available, executing a plan, and preparing for the transition out of treatment can all be daunting, and mistakes can lead to undesirable outcomes. Because of this, having a professional to support these efforts can lead to better outcomes, and is recommended for most situations.

Is case management only for individuals attending treatment?

No, case management can be appropriate for individuals who are showing signs of problematic substance use but are not yet appropriate for formal treatment services. Case management can also be appropriate for individuals who are transitioning out of treatment, or who have recently experienced a relapse. Other individual situations may also be appropriate for case management services and should be discussed and considered.

My loved one is in treatment, but does not seem to be benefiting, can your service help?

Yes, case management can be particularly effective in “filling in the gaps” in a client’s recovery network, and in providing helpful role differentiation within the treatment team. Case management can help the client to develop increased life skills, general functioning, and life goals, and can provide increased accountability and support. Case management can also help by reducing the workload of counselors and therapists, therein allowing them more time to focus on what they do best. In my experience, this combination leads to better outcomes and more positive progress.

What’s the difference between a recovery coach and a sponsor?

To me, the goals of recovery coaching are generally about increasing functioning and recovery capital. Recovery coaching is a client-centered approach in which I empower the client to develop a vision for their life in recovery and actively work towards their goals each day. I am compensated to provide accountability, regular communication, reporting to family members and treatment professionals, and pertinent guidance.

Though similar in some ways, a sponsor is a member of a 12-step group who volunteers to bring someone through the 12-step process. This role is not a paid position and typically does not provide the same level of oversight and accountability that a recovery coach/case manager does. People sponsor others as part of their own program of recovery, to pass along what was freely given to them.

A sponsor, and a recovery coach, are compatible supports, as each role has different goals, methods, and philosophies.

Are you a 12-step based recovery service?

I am personally partial to the 12-step way of life and general philosophy, and believe that abiding by spiritual principles is the best way to a meaningful, productive, and sober lifestyle. At the same time, I know that each individual’s path is different and that there are many ways to achieve long-lasting stability. My primary goal is to help my clients and their families develop increased recovery capital, increased connection, and increased coping skills. How we achieve this is an individual journey.

Where do you work?

I work nationally, and am available to travel anywhere in the country. Locally, I serve the Aspen, Carbondale, Basalt, and Glenwood Springs area.

Billing and financial questions

How do you handle billing?

If you are engaged in my services, you should expect to receive an invoice via email on the 1st of the month. I bill based on a flat fee, which is discussed and explained prior to service engagement. Any additional fees, such as travel expenses, are discussed and pre-authorized with the payer and are invoiced along with the monthly fee.

Do you have a refund policy?

Clients and families have the right to discontinue services at any time and for any reason. However, I do not reimburse for services already rendered. Unique situations may warrant a discussion, as I try to be flexible and understanding of individual situations.

What forms of financial payment do you take?

My preferred method of payment is ACH transfer. Your monthly invoice will include a link to a payment portal through QuickBooks, which will allow you to transfer funds from your account. I do not have access to your bank information and do not store your financial information.

Other forms of payment are available on a case-by-case basis but are not preferred. I would like to accommodate individual circumstances as best I can. If you are interested in alternative forms of payment, please ask.

Do you take insurance?

Although this may change in future years, insurance companies do not reimburse for case management, coaching, and intervention services. My services are “private pay” only, and are invoiced via QuickBooks on the first of the month. If this is a barrier to engaging with services, I would still encourage you to reach out so we can discuss potential options.

Ethics Questions:

How do you handle sensitive and confidential information about my loved one?

I abide strictly by the guidelines set down by the Health Insurance Portability and Protection Act, also known as HIPPA. Although coaching and case management services are not included under this banner, I obtain authorization to disclose any client information whenever possible. I promise to hold individual and family information in complete confidence, and would never disclose any information about individual cases to anyone outside of the treatment team and family without written authorization. For a more detailed overview, see my full privacy policy.

How can I look up your credentials, and verify your credibility?

You can verify my addiction counseling certification via the Department of Regulatory Agencies here.