Use of Drugs

Policy Regarding Drugs, Alcohol, and Psychotropic Medications

This program requires that all participants abstain from the use of drugs, including alcohol.
This applies both during sessions and between sessions, including any form of social chemical use.

Why Abstinence Is Necessary

Our requirement is based on an ethical, not moral, foundation.
We have found that drug or alcohol use is a major therapeutic variable because:

Drugs create emotional swings that disrupt stability.
They provide artificial internal control mechanisms.
These reactions interfere with therapeutic progress.
Clients, even with good intentions, cannot effectively prevent drugs from affecting therapy.

Therefore, abstinence greatly increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Use of Prescription Psychoactive Medications

If you are using prescribed psychoactive or antidepressant medications:

We must be notified.
You must provide a written release allowing us to discuss the medication with your physician.

While we recognize that such medications can be beneficial, they must be coordinated with therapy.
When uncoordinated, medicinal drugs and therapy may work at cross-purposes, reducing effectiveness and failing to serve your best interests.