OutBoise Magazine April 2015 | Page 9

NEWS   |  OutBoise Magazine  |  9 April 2015 | Issue 6.2 | OutBoise.com Jarod spent 90 days in an inpatient facility followed by 6 months in a halfway house. He was given a job. Took life skills classes and learned how to live. Jarod is now partnered, owns his own home and has a bachelors degree from Boise State University. Unfortunately his story is the exception not the rule. For many others the road leads to prison, homelessness and death. In Idaho four treatment centers offer treatment centered on LGBT recovery. Alcohol Intervention Services in Nampa .Bell Chem Dependency Counseling inc,. (Harmony House) in Meridian. Family Services Center in Caldwell and Myers Counseling Services in Idaho Falls all offer LGBT specific treatment programs. There are also LGBT specific services offered in other states that are worth consideration including Pride Institute in Minneapolis MN. There are also LGBT friendly counseling services , Narcotics Anonymous, and Alcoholics Anonymous groups available in many cities. The first step to recovery is as always to admit you have a problem. The second step is to reach out for help. You can contact help by calling: Alcohol intervention Services (208) 468-0600 Bell Chem Dependency Counseling inc.( 20)8 495-6557 xt.0 Family Services Center (208) 468-5133 xt.0 Myers Counseling Services ( 208) 528-6853 Pride Institute (612) 825-8714 Narcotics Anonymous (208) 391-3823 Alcoholics Anonymous (888) 404-8208 . Signs you might develop a substance abuse problem.. Family History of addiction. Abuse, neglect or other childhood trauma. Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Signs you have a problem: Heavy substance abuse after disappointment or difficulties. • Developing a high tolerance • Inability to remember events while under the influence. • Sneaking extra drinks so others don’t know. • You are uncomfortable if your substance of choice is unavailable. • You are in a hurry to get your first drink or hit. • You feel guilty about your use and try to hide it. • A friend or family member has expressed concern about your use. • You have tried to alter the pattern of your use and failed. • You fail to keep promises to others and yourself about your use. • You have ever been accused or convicted of driving while impaired. • You need a drink to steady yourself in the morning. • Your physician has advised you to cut down. • You are depressed after a bing. • You cannot have sexual relations unless you have indulged. If you said yes to more than 2 of these questions you might need help. If you answered yes to more than 3 you definitely need to speak to someone. Recovery is yours for the asking. With a