Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

It has occurred to me that there are not a lot genuine people left in our industry. It seems that what used to be mom and pop business has turned into big money corporations. It has become increasingly difficult to recommend a treatment center, half way house or case management service to my clients. I often wonder if the quality of treatment will be as attentive as the admissions process. 

Some treatment centers build these immaculate buildings that house chaos. Treatment length is based on whether or not the insurance is a good payor. Our clients become slaves to the insurance designated time because otherwise they could not afford the immaculate treatment center. Sometimes clients have to leave abruptly long before rehabilitation has taken place. Medical necessity, documentation and utilization review become the main focus instead of individual care. 

Rather than this just being a vent of frustration, I do offer an alternative perspective. Since most of our clients are insurance dependent, we should see going to treatment as stabilization vs. rehabilitation. Next, before we even refer our clients to these treatment centers, we can engage families and clients about the aftercare plan solidifying the continuity of care. Lastly, speak with the clinical director of the treatment program you choose. Quality of care, good clinical direction and communication standards come from excellent leadership. 

Rachel Rowitt, Ed.D., LMHC, CAP 

Grace Counseling, Inc. 

When Do You Stop Helping an Addict?

It is so difficult to know when enough is enough. How do you reduce the guilt of ending assistance to someone who is in need? Many family members of loved ones who are addicts struggle regularly with this very idea.

If the addict has not asked for help, weigh out how you want to support them. The truth is that if you keep helping someone who hasn’t asked for help, then they have no reason to change. Discomfort seems to be a good catalyst for change, and family members of the addict need to be willing to dish out a little discomfort. But then, the following question arises, what if he or she dies?

Sure, death may be one of the results, but recovery can be as well. As the person on the other side of addiction, you may have to take a page out of the addict’s book of risk-taking behavior. While it seems like you are potentially gambling with the death of your loved one, your loved one gambles daily with their own death in active drug addiction.


First, I would suggest finding a professional to learn what boundaries you can put in place to help you loved one become willing to seek help.  Secondly, help when they ask for it, but not before. Lastly, use the Serenity Prayer to help you figure out how to effectively help your loved one.

Rachel Rowitt | Grace Counseling, Inc.