Promising Practice- The Life Recovery Program: Web-based Support for Addiction & Mental Health Issues

The internationally awarded Life Recovery Program is  featured in the new Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH’s) “Fundamentals of Addiction” textbook and cited as the example of an effective online program in a chapter called “Digital Future.” 

The book details are as follows:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Fundamentals of Addiction: A Practical Guide for Counsellors (4th Edition)
With over 30 chapters, this edition provides the most essential, updated information for counselling professionals and students. Chapter authors are national and international experts on a variety of topics in the addictions field.  Foreward by Dr. Gabor Mate.

The Life Recovery Program was also featured  in CAMH's (eenet.ca) "promising practices" segment and reposted in this blog
http://eenet.ca/products-tools/life-recovery-program-online-video-based-program-helps-those-with-addiction-and-mental-health-issues/ 

The Life Recovery Program: Web-based Treatment and Support for Addiction and Mental Health Issues 

Today, there is increased awareness about addiction and mental health issues– people are starting to be more open about their experiences with depression and anxiety.  But there still is much stigma attached to these and other mental health diagnoses, and many don’t seek treatment for mental health issues, either for financial or access reasons, or because they’re afraid of the stigma associated with treatment.

One U.S. study found that the delay between the first onset of symptoms of a mental health issue and when people seek and receive treatment can be as long as decades.1  The study found that because 75 percent of lifelong mental illnesses start before age 24, many people adopt unhealthy coping strategies, including using substances. This means that addiction issues are high among this population group. This can lead to other problems, such as loss of a job and home, destroyed relationships, and even death.

Research is increasingly backing the use of online programs to provide treatment for mental health and addiction issues. Such programs are easy to access, avoid the stigma associated with in-person treatment, and let the individual make progress at their own pace. Cunningham and colleagues (2010)2 affirm that trials of computer-based interventions for different health behaviours and interventions provide “significant evidence for their efficacy” (p. 1). A meta-analysis also suggests that minimal contact computer-delivered treatments that can be accessed via the Internet may represent a cost-effective means of treating uncomplicated substance use problems and related issues (Rooke et al., 2010).3

Web-based Treatment and Support

The Life Recovery Program website is found at: https://liferecoveryprogram.com/

The Life Recovery Program (LRP) www.liferecoveryprogram.com is an internationally-awarded, online, video-based program that provides trauma-informed psycho-education and support to people with addiction and mental health issues, as well as to their friends and family.

The program is aimed at persons with such issues as substance use, behavioural or process addictions, self-cutting, disordered eating, gambling, toxic relationships, anger, managing chronic stress, trauma, and impulse control issues.

It’s informed by the latest research and integrates materials and resources used by many inpatient addiction treatment centres. It also takes a holistic approach to the individual’s needs, and looks at the biological, spiritual, and psychosocial influences of addiction.

Paul Radkowski, CEO/Clinical Director of the LRP, came up with the concept of an online recovery program while working as a psychotherapist in the Northwest Territories, where traditional support for mental health and addiction issues was very difficult to access.

How the Program Works

The Life Recovery Program defines addiction as any behaviour a person can’t stop, resulting in destructive consequences. This can mean substances as well as behaviours or processes, such as self-cutting, disordered eating, gambling, toxic relationships, even anger.  The program is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches and other evidence-informed modalities that have been proven to reduce symptom severity. This includes the use of various self-regulation skills training resources, all of which are foundational for recovery.

The web-based format allows people to access the program anytime, when they need it, wherever they are.  Throughout the program, clients download homework that allows them to practise and review new coping strategies for their mental health and addiction issues. They also receive weekly e-mails that encourage actions such as finding an accountability partner (e.g., AA, a friend, counsellor, pastor), summaries and reminders of key messages from the latest lesson, and videos.

They can also join an interactive peer-support forum that allows participants to interact anonymously with others in the program. This clinician- moderated forum is a way for people to find support and resources for the mental health and addiction issues they’re facing.

The program uses the most recent research findings in the field of neuroscience and neurobiology to help explain to clients the effect that addictions, stress, and impulse/control issues have on thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.

Challenges: Misconceptions about the program

There’s a misconception that LRP is providing e-counselling and live video exchange with a counsellor. But this online program doesn’t aim to replace traditional treatment options. It’s designed to fill current service gaps —not to replace existing treatment approaches.

The Life Recovery Program can be used by a variety of people for many different purposes, such as support for someone waiting for treatment, those who want anonymity, or who are unable or not ready to have face-to-face treatment. It can be used to prevent relapse or as support for someone coming out of treatment.

The outcomes

A content analysis of the LRP peer support forum revealed that more than 80 percent of participants were able to view their lives differently, regulate their moods, and developed new ways of coping to stop or decrease their addictive behaviours. Among active members, 27 percent chose to sign up and pay to go through the entire six month program (which remains available for one year) for a second time, decreasing their likelihood of relapse.  Participants also noted that they increased their use of alternative resources, such as support groups and therapists.

 The Life Recovery Program has been peer reviewed and recognized in 2008 for its comprehensiveness and innovation by the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors’ with the  Outstanding Addictions Professional Award. The program also received the first Outstanding Mental Health Award from the Ontario Association of Counsellors, Consultants, Psychometrists and Psychologists, in 2011.  It will also be featured in the upcoming textbook by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Fundamentals of Addiction , in a chapter called “Digital Future”.

For more information about the Life Recovery Program contact Paul Radkowski at https://www.liferecoveryprogram.com/

info@liferecoveryprogram.com

 

References:

Wang, PS, et al. Failure and Delay in Initial Treatment Contact After First Onset of Mental Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(6):603-613. Available at: http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=208684

Cunningham JA, Wild TC, Cordingley J, et al. Twelve-month follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial of a brief personalized feedback intervention for problem drinkers. Alcohol Alcohol. 2010 May-Jun; 45 (3):258-62. doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agq009. Epub 2010 Feb

Rooke S, Thorsteinsson E, Karpin A, Copeland J, Allsop D. Computer-delivered interventions for alcohol and tobacco use: a meta-analysis. Addiction. 2010 August; 105(8):1381–90. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02975.x

Advancing Excellence in Mental Health Despite Stalling Economy

The Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists And Psychotherapists (OACCPP), at their September 24th Annual General Meeting in Toronto have selected Paul Radkowski, CEO and Clinical Director of the Life Recovery Program as the recipient of the very first OACCPP "RECOGNITION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE & CONTRIBUTION IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL HEALTH."

Times of economic uncertainty often mean cut backs in programs and funding http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifin mental health and addiction services. However, these variables didn't deter Paul, who served in hospital and treatment settings throughout Canada, from seeing the needs of people struggling to fhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifind adequate supports and services. This led him to create an on demand, video based, 24/7 therapeutic, psycho-educational support program called the Life Recovery Program https://www.liferecoveryprogram.com.

The OACCPP is a rapidly growing incorporated professional association formed in 1978 to represent providers of mental health services in the general areas of consulting, counselling, psychoeducational assessment and psychotherapy.

In terms of access and stigma challenges faced by those struggling with mental health and addiction issues, the OACCPP president, Naseema Siddiqui, stated that Radkowski not only identifies these needs, but also addresses them with the creation of the Life Recovery Program.

"The paradigm is starting to shift and this kind of innovation can no longer be ignored" states Radkowski. "The issues of mental health and addiction arehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif here to stay. The internet is also here to stay." Searches for health and help related resources on the internet are growing. According to a Statistics Canada 2005 survey, 35% of Canadians age 18 and over searched the Internet for medical or health related information which increased to 59% in 2007 and more recently 70% in 2009.

Research is beginning to build with online modalities. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health did a critical review of 75 online treatment studies showing strong evidence for internet based treatment approaches.

Radkowski states that he has been speaking with Employee Assistance Provider's, government agencies and treatment centres that are looking for a more http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcoshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift effective way to address these issues. "It's a more for less model, which provides more bang for one's buck. Its different than e-counselling, so it makes it even more cost effective. These are 24/7 issues requiring a 24/7 solution and as it turns out, the Life Recovery Program can improve lives while saving money".

The Life Recovery Program is unique in its delivery and customizability. Some agencies have expressed interest in customizing the Life Recovery Program into "Mini-Programs." This would enable clients to choose their topic of interest from a treatment menu addressing issues such as: healthy relationships, anger management, stress management, grief, boundaries, self esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma or PTSD, and relapse prevention. "These are some of the more common reasons why people seek counselling" says Radkowski.

Radkowski further justifies an online offering by asking, "What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Historically some of the gaps in the mental health system results in people waiting for services. Some of these people may also be dealing with issues of stigma, lack of support and not getting the help they need resulting in them falling through the cracks. Sadly, according to CAMH, only 1/3 of those needing help, actually receive it. It's time to explore all options andhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif provide alternative and more cost effective approaches."

Radkowski's Life Recovery Program has also been recognized by the International Association of Addiction & Offender Counselors, a division of the American Counseling Association. In 2008 they awarded him the "Outstanding Addictions Professional Award" recognizing the innovation and comprehensiveness of his program.

To view the photo associated with this release, please visit the following link: http:http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif//www.marketwire.com/library/20111122-OACCPP800.JPG.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Contact Information

Life Recovery Program
Paul Radkowski
info@liferecoveryprogram.com
www.liferecoveryprogram.com

CAMH- Strong Evidence for Internet Based Treatment Approaches

Recent research by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) shows promising results for internet based
resources for the treatment of addiction and mental health.

http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/02/10/alcalc.agq009.full

Here are some of the highlights of the study.

-“One of the primary challenges in health behaviour change is to promote accessibility of efficacious tools and services that promote reductions in risk behaviours… the Internet is one promising option … recent review identified 75 research trials to-date of computer-based interventions for different health behaviours and concluded that such interventions had significant evidence for their efficacy.”

-“There are many advantages to the Internet as a modality to promote access to efficacious health behaviour change interventions.”

-“Other more intensive Internet-based interventions or interventions via other modalities may enhance this positive outcome..”

Internet based programs are helping to fill in addiction and mental health service gaps and appears to be the wave of the future.

Many people do not seek treatment due to issues of stigma, shame, lack of resource/access etc. and only 1/3 of those who need mental health services in Canada actually receive them (CAMH).

Addiction and mental health issues are a 24/7 issue requiring an immediately available 24/7 solution.

Although not a replacement to traditional treatment or counselling approaches, web-based programs are proving to be an innovative and powerful approach to effectively reach those with mental health and addiction issues.

Best of health and warmest regards, Paul Radkowski

Psychotherapist, CEO/Clinical Director, Life Recovery Program

Recent articles about how the online Life Recovery Program is making a difference.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/319961--innovative-online-recovery-program-helps-people-keep-new-year-s-resolutions


http://www.therecord.com/living/article/308616--community-services-seen-as-essential-component-in-mental-health-care




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Overworked? A Quick Break Can Be Win-Win

As school is winding down for some and tax season can create its own kind of stress, here is an article I think is quite timely. Its from learning specialist Paul Scheely.

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Tax day is fast approaching. Will you be among the millions chained to your desk or kitchen table slogging through IRS instructions to decipher rules for declarations and deductions?

Take a break from your work with Uncle Sam, or any intense work, period of study, or repetitive task. Even a short respite of a minute or two will refresh your mind, improve your ability to concentrate and focus when you return to your work.

Researchers at the University of Illinois tested the ability of subjects to focus on a repetitive computer task for about an hour. They found the performance of most participants declined significantly over the course of the task—with the exception of those who changed their focus of attention during two brief breaks.

"It was amazing that performance seemed to be unimpaired by time, while for the other groups performance was so clearly dropping off," said psychology professor Alejandro Lleras, whose findings were reported in the journal Cognition.

The study is consistent with the idea the brain is built to detect and respond to change, he said, and suggests that prolonged attention to a single task actually hinders performance.

Whether you're slaving away over your taxes, studying for an exam, or working under deadline pressure to complete a project, commit to taking short breaks. You might consider any number of possibilities.

Get physically active
Try jumping up and down, climbing stairs, jump roping, or twirling a hula-hoop around your waist. Elementary children who engaged in such activities from three to five minutes in length throughout their day experienced a significant improvement in their academics, participation, and ability to stay on task, according to a University of Missouri study.

The study was meant to show kids the importance of physical activity and nutrition, but it also resulted in a reduction of chronic discipline problems.

Tap into nature
Take a quick walk in the park. Researchers at the University of Michigan studied the effect of taking a walk in a park versus an urban setting following a task designed to challenge memory and attention. When they repeated the task after the walk, those who walked in the park greatly improved their performance while those who walked in the urban setting did not.

And if you can't connect with nature outdoors, simply take a minute to view nature photographs. A second experiment of participants viewing nature photographs versus city scenes showed the same results. The authors suggest the more coherent, aesthetic nature images offered a more restful experience, which had a restorative effect on mental abilities.

Take five to meditate
Meditation has shown to alleviate stress and pain, promote sleep, and improve cognitive mental function. Meditation literally transforms the density of grey matter in your brain while enhancing your focus and concentration.
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I tend to overwork myself as well, thinking I've got to get as much done as I possibly can in the shortest time possible. The price I would pay for that would be: a) having to go back to correct the mistakes I was making (creating more work for myself) because of b) being exhausted i.e. lose-lose and not productive.

I once had someone quite wise say to me "Maybe you're not taking a break from the work, but for the work" i.e. so I could put more quality into what I was doing and be more productive versus just spinning my wheels. It becomes win-win as I am also taking a break for me as well.

Have a great week!

Best of health and warmest regards, Paul R

http://www.liferecoveryprogram.com

"Drunkorexia" A Disturbing Trend

Hi there

Paul Radkowski here from the Life Recovery Program returning after a long break from blogging.

Here is a short video regarding some of the concerns and dangers of "Drunkorexia" which is becoming more common especially among college age drinkers.

http://vimeo.com/19941738

Many college and university students are swapping food for alcohol. "Drunkorexia" refers to the growing trend of young people restricting the amount of calories they take in during the day to make up for the empty calories consumed through alcohol.

Research has shown that binge drinking (especially for women) can lead to other severe issues like anorexia.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eat.20644/abstract

Starving yourself while binge drinking is kind of like playing Russian Roulette with a gun that is fully loaded.

Please do what you can to inform yourself, stop and prevent this behaviour from trending further.

Best of health, Paul Radkowski

http://www.liferecoveryprogram.com

Keeping our Youth and Our Future Healthy

Building Resilience to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
For Immediate Release – (Waterloo)
The Waterloo Wellington community is working diligently to ensure that young people who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues are getting the help they need. But treatment is only one part of the equation. When it comes to addiction and mental health issues and youth, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

The Education and Training Working Group of the Waterloo Wellington
Addiction and Mental Health Network is turning the focus to prevention by bringing Dr. David Wolfe, a psychologist and author specializing in issues affecting children and youth at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Centre for Prevention Science, to Waterloo on November 26th to speak about youth risk and resiliency.

The event being held at Luther Village is at capacity, with over 170 community members registering to attend including City of Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran and Kitchener - Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer.

Approximately 26% of Ontario students in grades 7 through 12 used cannabis in the past year, peaking at 46% in grade 12. A quarter of grade 12 students report being drunk or high at school within the past year. These statistics from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (2009, CAMH) are just the tip of the iceberg.

Our young people are also experiencing emotional and mental health issues at disturbing rates. More than 30% of students in grades 7 to 12 reported elevated psychological distress. About 10% of students reported they had seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Being resilient is no guarantee that a person will not experience challenges. Resilience means having the ability to face difficulties and move forward from them. Resilient youth tend to be empathetic and adaptable with good communication and problem solving skills. They tend to have future goals and be hopeful about what they can achieve. Young people’s resilience is determined by a number of things including individual characteristics, the characteristics of their families, and the physical and social environments where they live.

Building resilience in our young people is not easy but we can teach them skills that will help them cope with problems they may encounter. By developing these skills and creating supportive relationships, young people are more likely to be protected from life’s challenges, including substance use and mental health problems.

Dr. Wolfe’s presentation will address coping and resilience, review best practices for development of effective substance use and mental health prevention programs, and provide examples of community and school based initiatives that help youth build healthy relationships.

The Education and Training Working Group intends for this event to be a starting point to increase collaboration, coordination, and impact of youth substance use and mental health prevention in Waterloo Wellington.

For more information, please contact Paul Radkowski,
info@liferecoveryprogram.com

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The Addiction and Mental Health Network is made up of many people with lived experience, families, agencies and committees within Waterloo Wellington who are committed to working together to develop a seamless and integrated system of mental health and addiction services. The Network works in partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network to ensure that the Mental Health and Addiction priorities identified in the Integrated Health Services Plan are achieved. For more details about the vision and objectives of the Network, please
visit www.wwamh.ca