North Bay Woman

F A L L 2 0 1 6 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 53 program, experience a relapse. They're going through generic programs again and again, she says, mostly learning tips about how to stop drinking and drugging. She discovered there was an extraordinarily high relapse rate among otherwise highly- skilled professionals. Driven by her desire to give back, McCallion was compelled to address the chronic relapse patterns. She began her search for a retreat facility, and found a luxurious Mediterranean villa with hillside views in northern Marin. The facility includes six private rooms and bathrooms; a pool and hot tub; and a gourmet kitchen staffed by an executive chef. Most clients have been through five to six rehabilitation programs before coming to Reflections. Every client has a project team, including a psychologist, trained in mental health and addictions; a detox specialist and a Certified Advance Alcohol and Drug counselor. "Our project team is powerful," she says. Treatment programs are individualized to the needs of each client. Since Reflections opened six year ago, McCallion has opened additional facilities including an upscale detox-only facility with 24-hour medical care, room service and a comfortable, safe place to detox as well as an Intensive Outpatient Facility. Holiday pressures For people in recovery, the holidays can be challenging. "The holiday season presents some particular problems for those in recovery," says Matt Blagys, PhD., a clinical psychologist at Reflections. There are three common pitfalls that can trigger a relapse. n First, getting caught up in old or unresolved family dynamics. "For many individuals in recovery, being around one's family can bring up old feelings of anger, sadness, hurt or resentment. One word, a phrase or even a look from a family member can be enough to elicit huge feelings that can be overwhelming and lead to relapse," he explains. n Second, many holiday gatherings are organized around drinking and partying. "Just because you've stopped using, doesn't mean others around have, and that can be stressful." n Finally, for some people, the holidays are a reminder of how alone they feel. "Loneliness can be a big trigger for relapse. It's especially important for people in recovery to lean into their sober support network," Blagys says. Though any population of people is susceptible to problems with addiction, the affluence and wealth of Marin may pose somewhat unique problems, according to Blagys. "Culture and socialization is often organized around the consumption of alcohol and there is a mythology and glorification of drinking fine wine," he says. "Many family and holiday rituals are organized around drinking in Marin. For someone in recovery, it can be a stressful to be 'the sober person' at the party." Reflections is all about helping clients transform their lives, and for those committed to remaining sober, living in Marin is a plus. Says McCallion, "We have a strong network of recovery here," she says. "And if you're a young person in recovery, Marin is a good place to be." Signs of addiction Addiction is a disease that requires self-diagnosis, says Blagys. "People in active addiction struggle to accurately evaluate their use, despite overwhelming evidence that they cannot control it and are being harmed by it," he says. Following are some of the hallmark indicators. n Routinely using alcohol or drugs despite problems with health, family, relationships or financial consequences n Spending more time consumed with thoughts about using. This includes thinking about the substance, procuring the substance, using it or recovering from it. n Allowing the substance to interfere with work, other tasks or your roles as a parent, an employee or an executive. n Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop using. n Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea or vomiting when you try to stop using. For more information, visit livingatreflections.com n Reflections facility offers upscale amenities in a safe environment for a wide range of treatments. – Photos provided by Reflections

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