Jason (not his real name) shares how his care team has made a difference in his recovery after an episode of suicidal ideation that included him quitting his job at that time.

“I had no money and no way to support myself,” Jason says.

A supported employment specialist was brought onto Jason’s care team by his therapist.

“For the first month or two, we would meet once a week and talk,” Jason says. “We talked about my body issues, why I left my previous position, and what I was looking for in a new job. From there, we started working on my resume.”

“At first my goal was just to get a job for money in my pocket so that I could buy the necessities I needed… I’ve learned that I need to continue working to reach the lifestyle I am trying to achieve.”

Jason’s employment goals evolved as his recovery evolved. He was able to first find employment as a security guard, but he has bigger goals now.

“My goal is to stay in security for now, while I am doing a software development bootcamp,” Jason says. “After the bootcamp, within 180 days, I would like to be in a software developing or game developer position.”

His recovery journey has supported his behavioral health as well as his skill development.

“My employment specialist has helped show me the steps that I need to take to achieve my goal of becoming a software developer,” Jason says. “I feel like I am finally growing up in life. I have finally figured out what I want to do for the rest of my life, and what I want to do for my career. I get excited at all of the possibilities.”

“I am finally planning on getting a credit card to build my credit so I can eventually buy my own apartment,” Jason says. “My employment specialist, therapist, and I are also working on a plan to improve my communication skills so that I can work effectively with a team. A lot of software developing jobs are in teams, and I’d like to build this skill.”

“Along the way, I have learned that I am a lot smarter than I have given myself credit for.”

The post “I get excited at all the possibilities”: a Supported Employment success story appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.

New research suggests these clients may also live longer when medication is part of their treatment. 

A team of researchers in Sweden, working with U.S. and U.K. universities, sought to answer the question of whether medication for ADHD makes a difference in mortality rates. 

“It’s interesting that researchers have found links between untreated ADHD and longer-term mortality rates,” says James Gurule, child and family therapist and clinical supervisor at 18JAV.  

The observational study focused on nearly 150,000 people, aged 6 to 64 years, who had had “incidents” before their ADHD diagnosis, then followed them during a two-year period after diagnosis and starting medication.  

Researchers found that the risk of dying from unnatural causes, such as accident or overdose, was “” in the medicated group. 

“I’d imagine this is likely connected to the impulsivity, distractibility and hyperactive elements of these disorders that, left untreated, are connected to a wide range of challenges over the lifespan,” says James. 

The research team next plans to study the long-term effects of ADHD medication itself, and differences in gender and dosing. 

A companion editorial in the issue of JAMA that published the study noted that while the medications used to treat ADHD in Sweden are also available in the U.S., “significant barriers exist in accessing medical and psychiatric services, particularly among under-resourced populations. 

“The health care workforce requires training in screening, diagnosing, and treating ADHD, just as has been done for other psychiatric disorders. Our patients, their families, and society will all benefit as a result,” the editorial concludes. 

James concurs: “Unrecognized and untreated ADHD and other children’s mental health conditions really do have a long-term impact on people and families in our communities.  Early engagement and intervention are preventative and certainly beneficial. 

Beyond medication, treatment can include behavioral management for both parents and children, targeting areas such as organizational skills and classroom behavior, to forestall the frustration many children with ADHD and their families face.  

“Our Child and Family clinicians spend years, even decades, crafting interactions with our clients in the hope of creating more understanding families and supportive, helpful interventions,” says James. 

“It’s always inspiring for me to train and supervise clinicians who specialize in services for children and their families.  Even though there are certainly a lot of moving parts, this is what makes our specialty so challenging–and rewarding!”   

The post Study: ADHD Medication Correlates to Lower Death Rate   appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.

It’s National Alcohol and Drug Facts Week. Here’s one now: Alcohol can cause problems even in people who do not have a substance use disorder. &�Բ�����;

Did you know one night of heavy drinking weakens your immune system for up to 24 hours? You’re vulnerable to whatever viruses or bacteria are floating around out there. &�Բ�����;

Hangovers aren’t so harmless, either. Think of them as mini-withdrawals. Along with the physical discomfort, the brain still reels all the next day, affecting balance, mood, decisions and more.  &�Բ�����;

Speaking of decisions, lots of risky ones get made under the influence: driving, shopping, gambling, sex, taking dares, all of which can have life-changing consequences beyond a night of casual drinking. &�Բ�����;

If drinking is more than casual, that’s a whole different level of risk. Alcohol is a carcinogen, just like nicotine. We’re talking cancer of the breast, colon, oral cavity and rectum. The liver, which processes alcohol, takes a big hit.  &�Բ�����;

What’s “a lot” of drinking? &�Բ�����;

Binge drinking is five or more drinks (male), or four or more drinks (female), in about two hours. &�Բ�����;

Heavy drinking is defined for men as five or more drinks on any day, or 15 or more per week. For women, it’s four or more on any day, or eight or more drinks per week &�Բ�����;

What’s “moderate” drinking? &�Բ�����;

say “moderation” is about 1-2 drinks a day for men and one or fewer drinks daily for women. &�Բ�����;

What’s a “drink”? &�Բ�����;

The National Institutes of Health defines one drink as: &�Բ�����;

• 12 ounces of regular beer, about 5 percent alcohol &�Բ�����;
• 5 ounces of wine, about 12 percent alcohol  &�Բ�����;
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, about 40 percent alcohol (80 proof) &�Բ�����;

But it’s easy to drink a lot more than we realize or intend. Many craft beers and ales are far higher in alcohol. Drinking a 15-percent alcohol beer is actually three drinks in one bottle.  &�Բ�����;

Two servings of port wine or liqueur amount to three or four drinks. &�Բ�����;

Hard liquor of 120 or 150 proof is several drinks in one. &�Բ�����;

Cocktails mixed in a bar are a mystery – there’s no way to know how many “drinks” are in that glass. &�Բ�����;

Humans have been consuming alcohol for thousands of years. Most do not develop substance use disorder, though that doesn’t mean there can’t be consequences from occasional bouts of heavy drinking (see: risky decisions). &�Բ�����;

Awareness is the key to moderation and limiting alcohol’s risks to our health and life.  &�Բ�����;

Learn more &�Բ�����;

Lifeworks NW: When does drinking cross the line into disorder? Check out symptoms &�Բ�����;

National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:  &�Բ�����;

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Here’s an astonishing fact: 48 million Americans aged 12 and older meet the definition of mild to severe substance use disorder (SUD). &�Բ�����;

That’s one in six of us. As young as 12 years old. &�Բ�����;

Meeting even two of these symptoms—used to —constitutes a “mild” disorder. Any two of these can have an alarming effect on a person’s physical, mental or financial stability.    

• Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to &�Բ�����;
• Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to &�Բ�����;
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance &�Բ�����;
• Cravings and urges to use the substance &�Բ�����;
• Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use &�Բ�����;
• Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships &�Բ�����;
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use &�Բ�����;
• Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger &�Բ�����;
• Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance &�Բ�����;
• Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance) &�Բ�����;
• Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance &�Բ�����;

None of us knows who may develop SUD, or who may progress from mild into a moderate or severe disorder that impairs the ability to live a productive, safe, healthy life. That’s why it’s so important to recognize this prevalent disorder and know what steps to take. &�Բ�����;

Here’s a hopeful fact: 18JAV holistic approach to treating substance use disorder helps people get their life back. Contact us to learn about our services. &�Բ�����;

Learn more &�Բ�����;

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: on drug, alcohol and tobacco use (pdf) &�Բ�����;

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Quitting an addictive substance is so complicated. It’s complicated by a brain that says you need it, whatever “it” is. By the pain and stress that drives someone to use in the first place. By the life that results from years of substance use: lost jobs, homes, family, mental health. 

That’s where 18JAV really shines. We take a holistic approach to helping people reclaim not only their sobriety and mental health, but their lives. Counselors, group therapy, peer support, guidance through the bureaucratic maze of assistance agencies, we are there for you every step of the way.  

Our integrated approach to care empowers clients to bring their full selves into recovery, including any challenges they face. Even after losing her family and her home, Jennifer (not her real name) shared how 18JAV helped get her life back. 

“I had really great support there. All the counselors were amazing,” says Jennifer. “I had a lot of support to get my daughter back in my care. They supported me through everything,” including addiction treatment and the road to employment and permanent housing. 

“When you are in that spot, you just don’t know which way to go,” says Jennifer. “It’s good to have someone who’s been there to guide you.” 

The post We Help People Get Their Lives Back appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.

During February, Heart Health Month, many voices in the health ecosystem spoke about the importance of physical healthcare and caring for the heart. We’ve heard a lot about what causes heart disease (diet, alcohol, tobacco use, among other factors), how men and women have different heart attack symptoms, and how to nurture a healthy heart. 

One thing we don’t hear so much about is that people who live in poverty have twice the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Lower socio-economic status was a big factor even aside from behaviors like smoking, diet, high blood pressure or cholesterol.  

According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association: 

Compared with individuals of higher status, men and women of low socioeconomic status had twice the excess risk for heart attack and twice the risk for the prevalence of coronary heart disease death. After accounting for traditional risk factors, the simulation calculated that 60% of the excess risk for heart attack and coronary heart disease death was tied to socioeconomic status.

Part of the reason is that , which creates inflammation in the body including the coronary arteries. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Researchers have proposed that the body’s stress response may link poverty with disease risk. Long-term stress can increase inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of many health conditions.” 

Solving for issues related to socio-economic status isn’t just about status: it’s about working toward a better quality and length of life.  

When we help our clients access healthy food, stable housing and productive employment, we put them on the path to improved socio-economic status and lower stress that can reduce heart disease risk and add health and years to their lives, over and above their mental health or substance use recovery.

Learn more: JAMA Cardiology: 

The post How Behavioral Health Plays a Role in Heart Health appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.

As a CRM, Emma uses her lived experience of recovery to help support others struggling with substance use disorder. When new clients enter Project Network, Emma greets them and conducts a needs assessment. 

“It’s to get an idea of what the client is going to need throughout her treatment to make her be more successful.” 

According to Emma, many come in without basic things they will need to function, such as medical insurance, TANF, childcare, food stamps or a primary care doctor. One thing that is often missing is a birth certificate. She says many lose them or have them stolen while living on the street or in other hazardous conditions. 

She helps them complete all the necessary forms to access these needs and works closely with the Oregon Health Authority and the Alberta branch of the self-efficiency office where clients can sign up for Food Stamps, TANF, etc.  And because 18JAV’s Project Network is well known and because she’s been doing this work for so long, Emma can speed up processes that might take much longer under different circumstances. 

“Normally, if you weren’t in treatment it could take 45 days or longer to get your <Food Stamps> application processed,” she says. “But since they are familiar with Project Network, they normally get the applications processed in one or two days, which is very, very good.” 

She also assists them in getting health insurance through the Oregon Health Plan, and her resources at the Oregon Health Authority can often get that approved the same day. 

“I’ve been doing this since 2004, so I have a lot of outside resources,” she says. 

If clients come in with nothing, Project Network staff keeps food, clothing and hygiene packets on hand to help them get started. Since some are coming from jail or off the streets, they are often hungry, so Emma keeps snack packs with her at the assessments to make sure they can eat immediately. Normally Project Network accepts donations for an onsite clothes closet, but COVID-19 made it difficult to accept donations. The staff does its best to provide clothes through the clothes closet, but if the needs can’t be met, they often search their own closets to meet needs. 

According to Emma, it’s not possible to focus on recovery if you are without food, clothing or hygiene, so this initial effort is critical. But it isn’t all Emma does. She works with her assigned clients throughout their stay at Project Network–everything from helping them understand confusing paperwork to taking them grocery shopping to accompanying them to doctor or dentist appointments. She helps them apply for housing when they near graduation and coordinates calls or visits with their children. 

“I recently had to set up zoom calls for a client whose three children were <thousands of miles away> and all in different locations,” she says. 

Some of the clients struggle with basic life skills. For example, a client may have no experience managing a household, so she’ll demonstrate how to clean their Project Network apartment. 

Group sessions, which just started back in person, are another important part of Emma’s role, and she’ll pick a different recovery topic each time. The participants will check in on how they are feeling and how many days they’ve been clean, then describe their feelings about the topic at hand. 

“I help them understand if they put as much energy into staying clean as they did in using, they’ll be successful,” she says. “I give them hope. Some days are very hard, but if you look at where you came from and where you are now, it can really help.” 

One of the things Emma likes best about her job is the collaborative spirit and teamwork. She says her entire team is willing to pitch in whenever there is a need, whether or not a client is assigned to them. 

“I like my job and I love my coworkers,” she says. “They are always there for you.” 

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This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” You can learn more about Black artists and their work on the or by visiting the to see through March 17.

There are also many exciting events happening in the greater Portland area throughout the month. Here are a few of the highlights. Please note 18JAV is not sponsoring or hosting these events, and some may be hosted at venues that serve alcohol. We encourage any community members currently in recovery to use their best judgement before attending.

: Throughout the month, our local libraries will be hosting family-friendly events focused on Black history, art, and culture! You can view a full list of events on their website.

: This theater run by the Portland Art Museum will be featuring several films by Black filmmakers throughout February. If you’re interested in seeing them, purchase your tickets quickly because the shows may sell out.

(Feb 2-Mar 2): This event, hosted by Portland Community College, is free and open to the public. The festival will feature over 20 films exploring African stories and culture. Visit their website for more information on each film and details on how to attend. Some films will be available to stream online for those who cannot attend in person.

(Feb 4): The nonprofit Elevate Unity is hosting an event at Alberta Abbey to celebrate the life of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, including music, food, and discussion.

(Feb 10): This event for high school age youth will discuss Black inventors, city planning, architecture and more, culminating in a design challenge (with prizes!) for participants. This workshop is free for high school students.

(Feb 15-18): This weekend-long festival features 10 comedy showcases, two live podcasts, and over sixty Black comics from around the world. Visit their website to learn more about individual shows and purchase tickets.

(Feb 16-25): This performance by Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theatre will include an evening of dance drawing from contemporary, Diasporic, and West African dance traditions.

(Feb 23-25): This 3-day festival includes live music, dance instruction, and themed dance events throughout the weekend. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative rapid test the day of the event is required for attendance.

The post Celebrate Black History Month 2024 in Portland appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.

With roots in Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and other religions, today, the lunar new year may be a cultural or religious festival, or both. And as in many cultures, celebrations include time with family, sharing traditional meals, visiting friends and remembrance of those who have gone before.  

As with most holidays, the opportunity to create connections to family, friends and one’s community can be part of mental and emotional well-being. And for those of our staff and clients who do not have a supportive and stable family unit, the opportunity to meet with neighbors and other community members can help create much needed connections. 

Our community hosts many observances of the lunar new year that you can share with clients and friends. 

• Feb. 3 – Oregon Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association hosts a at the Oregon Convention Center.  
• Feb. 10-24 – lantern-viewing evenings and teas. 
• (watch for updates to annual events at this website) 
• Feb. 3 – Oregon City cultural with activities, performances and food 
• Feb. 17 – Washington Square Mall (free) 
• Feb. 17 – Portland’s Chinatown dragon parade (free)  

We join in wishing joy, abundance and good health in the new year for all our 18JAV friends and communities. 

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Even with the pandemic quarantine and its jokes (I finished Netflix, now what?) receding in our memory, it’s a good idea to look at how we keep our brain working when we are forced into idleness. 

Sanjay Gupta, M.D., a neurosurgeon, published a book in the middle of the pandemic that captures some science-based tips in Keep Sharp: Building a Better Brain at Any Age.  

“While our other organs deteriorate over time, our brain doesn’t have to,” he says. We can use his five pillars of brain health every day, whether or not we are homebound. 

These techniques underscore the evidence-based treatment approach that 18JAV clinicians promote to our clients, as well as being healthy reminders for us all.  

Move: “The connection between physical fitness and brain fitness is clear, direct, and powerful,” Dr. Gupta says. If you’re stuck inside, you could break a sweat dancing to a favorite song, do that household task you’ve been putting off or try some yoga or tai chi. 

Discover: While crosswords are fun, challenging our brain to learn something new is more stimulating. That’s never been easier: the internet possibilities are literally endless with podcasts to satisfy every curiosity or videos to learn a skill or hobby. 

Relax: Brains need sleep, just like the rest of our body, ideally seven or more hours a night. Meditation is also helpful, and being confined indoors allows plenty of time for both. 

Nourish: Dr. Gupta recommends we slash sugar intake, increase healthy fats like nuts, seeds and fish and mind our portions. But there’s nothing like being homebound to trigger our comfort-eating reflex. Try water first. “We often mistake hunger for thirst,” says Dr. Gupta. “Even moderate dehydration can sap energy and interrupt brain rhythm.” Keeping hands busy helps too, like a puzzle or project. 

Connect: “Relationships can improve the brain’s ability to change and adapt and preserve its cognitive abilities.” If you’re stuck at home, phone or Facetime a friend – that’s a deeper connection than texting or commenting.

Just as life sometimes coops us up, it can also get in the way of doing these proven behaviors regularly. This is a case of “progress, not perfection.” Do what you can, in whatever combination you can manage, as often as possible.  

“Never forget that the brain is exceptionally plastic,” says Dr. Gupta. “It can rewire and reshape itself through your experiences and habits. It’s like building any other muscle.” 

To be ready for the next weather or other event that keeps us home: stock up on puzzles and games—our area has great thrift stores for those. Get that library account activated to download audio books, stockpile some healthy foods, list some people we’ve been meaning to call and build that dance music play list. 

Learn more 

Healthline:  

Sanjay Gupta:  

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Being depressed puts people at higher risk of other physical and mental health conditions, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. And chronic health conditions put people at higher risk of depression.   

That’s a one-two punch that calls for integrated treatment for mental health issues of all kinds.  

During January, National Mental Wellness Month, it’s important for people to understand how common mental illness is—one in five adults in any given year. And to understand the risk of other medical conditions occurring alongside a mental health diagnosis. 

Research shows people with a mental illness may have more than one, such as depression and an anxiety disorder, says NIMH. Some combinations are more likely to co-occur, such as depression and substance use disorder.   

Conversely, people with chronic health issues like auto-immune disorders and neurological conditions risk developing depression.  

Having one condition can worsen symptoms of the other. A depressed person with lupus, for example, could have worse experience with both conditions. A depressed person is more likely to drop out of substance abuse treatment than one who is not depressed, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

Each condition can be treated successfully, especially with an integrated approach such as 18JAV practices. 

Co-occurring conditions have a wide-ranging effect, according to NAMI: 

• People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.  
• People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions. 

• 33.5% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2021 (19.4 million individuals) 

Even beyond illness itself, there are substantial personal and community costs.  

• The rate of unemployment is higher among U.S. adults who have mental illness (7.4 percent compared to those who do not (4.6 percent). 
• High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers. 
• More than one in five people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. have a serious mental health condition. 
• Across the U.S. economy, serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.

This cross-over between mental and physical health conditions illustrates that mind and body cannot truly be separated in health care. That’s why 18JAV mental health programs use evidence-based practices in an integrated team-based approach of whole health care for the whole person. 

Sources: 

• National Institute of Mental Health:  
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: (pdf) 
• Mental Health Services – Portland OR | 18JAV 

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