Drug & Recovery Facts
True or false: addiction can include any substance, including caffeine.
True! Technically, anything can become an addiction if it alters the quality of a person's everyday life/relationship/responsibilities, but to be diagnosed with SUD, symptoms must include signs of tolerance, withdrawal, and dependence.
True!
This staff was a member of the navy back in the day.
LBHT Jeff.
True or False: Elderly people are at a high risk for becoming drug dependent.
True! For this population, pain medications and the inappropriate combining of drugs is the most common. Why do you think that this is?
True or false: when in your doorway at bedtime, you must meet dress code.
True! Shirts on, pants on.
What does it mean for someone to "relapse?"
Returning to a substance or DOC after a long time without using that substance.
True or false: BHTs are responsible for reminding you when your 15 is up.
False! It is the client's responsibility.
This staff member has her associate's degree in social and behavioral science.
BHT Hannah!
True or false: As the medical world learns how to treat popular substance abuse trends, new and more powerful substances tend to enter the scene.
True! Substances (and the way they are used) are always evolving, requiring the need for constant education on proper interventions.
True or false: BHTs have keys to the ARTC closet.
False! Clinical staff provides us with the keys for specific groups only.
What does it mean for someone to be in "detoxification?"
Withdrawing from a substance under medical supervision. This is especially common with substances such as alcohol and opioids because withdrawal from these substances can include cardiac/respiratory problems and seizures.
True or false: bathrooms have to be cleaned after every meal.
False! If the bathrooms have been cleaned once that day and are pretty much clean, they do not have to be cleaned after every meal, unlike wiping down the dining tables and sweeping the dining/commons floors.
This staff member once worked at Taco Bell.
BHT Michael.
Pregnant women go through 3 trimesters: 0-3 months, 4-6 months, and 7-9 months. While there is no trimester that is safe for a pregnant woman to use any substance, which trimester is the most dangerous for her to consume drugs?
First trimester! The fetus is the most vulnerable during this time.
True or false: it is overnight's job to wash your laundry.
Technically false! If they have pressing priorities, like house laundry (towels, sheets, etc.) or paperwork that must be submitted, client clothes do not always get laundered. This is why there is a laundry schedule outside of your doors. That being said, overnight staff typically prioritizes client laundry, especially when they know clients have no clean outfits left for the next day.
What does it mean if a person is has a "physical tolerance" for a substance?
The body is used to functioning with that chemical in its system. This is the stage of addiction when the body adapts to consistent doses of the chemical being present.
True or false: unlike the commons, you can listen to whatever music you want while with clinical.
True! The reason for the music in the commons is because it can be triggering to other clients.
This staff member has her bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in psychology.
BHT Angela!
Drug habituation does not define drug dependency. What does it define?
When an individual requires a substance to provide pleasure and relief. A gateway to substance (chemical) dependency.
True or false: by 10 o, clock, clients need to be fully in their rooms with their lights out.
True! Speaking for most night staff, as long as you're quietly working on personal things or talking quietly with your room/quad mate, there is no need to be IN bed. Just remember that the 6 AM wake up comes early, and if you're constantly tired during the day, we will begin enforcing the "in bed" rule.
What does it mean if a person has a "psychological tolerance?" for a substance?
That person does not feel like they can function without using their DOC. They "need" it to feel okay.
You can leave a group as long as you let a staff member know.
False! You must get permission to leave, not just announce you're leaving.
This staff member isn't scared of heights because he worked construction that had him tens of feet in the air.
BHT Chaz.
Drug (chemical) dependency occurs when...
an individual requires a dose of their DOC to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
True! We don't tolerate indirect bullying any more than we tolerate direct bullying.