2008 Woodie Awards
Help for alcohol dependency
Local coalitions help residents fight alcoholism with education, support
Jessica Garcia
Issue date: 2/20/03 Section: Front Page
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Everyday millions of Americans will wake up to a life destroyed by alcoholism, a disease that cuts through all age, race, gender and nationality barriers.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, as a disease with symptoms of craving, loss of control, physical dependence and tolerance.
Richard Rojas, addiction and prevention services counselor at New Chance Inc., helps clients to overcome these symptoms to lead an alcohol-free life.
Rojas said many people do not even realize they have a problem until something drastic happens in their lives.
"In a motivational crisis, something has happened in their life that has woken them up and made them recognize they need help," Rojas said. "This may be family, law enforcement, spiritual, etc."
Lois Limes, community prevention consultant, often works with people facing alcohol or other substance abuse problems.
"Sometimes you think you are not getting through to people," said Limes. "But if you can get through to just one person and help them to not get into risky behavior by making them aware, then it's a success."
Limes works for the Southwest Kansas Regional Prevention Center, a program that provides education and referrals to area facilities, including New Chance Inc.
"The SWKRPC works in conjunction with Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and local coalitions to advance the importance of sound prevention efforts through education and a research-based approach," SWKRPC sources said.
New Chance Inc., 116 1/2 E. Chestnut, Garden City, provides mostly outpatient treatment for the residents of nearly half of the state, ranging in age from approximately 13-64.
The counselors at New Chance Inc. focus on education, prevention and helping to establish support systems.
According to Rojas, clients will often relapse once or twice because they do not recognize the severity of the situation and/or do not have someone to support them as they try to stay clean.
"New Chance provides a structured environment for patients to stay clean," Rojas said, "so they can understand and utilize the education provided for them."
Rojas said despite the trials of his job, he feels it is worth the work when clients succeed and learn to live life without alcohol or other substances.
"It is a highlight of my day," Rojas said, "when a client stops by and expresses that they are dealing with day-to-day life and solving problems without resorting to alcohol."
For more information on dealing with alcohol dependence, contact Rojas at 276-9624.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, as a disease with symptoms of craving, loss of control, physical dependence and tolerance.
Richard Rojas, addiction and prevention services counselor at New Chance Inc., helps clients to overcome these symptoms to lead an alcohol-free life.
Rojas said many people do not even realize they have a problem until something drastic happens in their lives.
"In a motivational crisis, something has happened in their life that has woken them up and made them recognize they need help," Rojas said. "This may be family, law enforcement, spiritual, etc."
Lois Limes, community prevention consultant, often works with people facing alcohol or other substance abuse problems.
"Sometimes you think you are not getting through to people," said Limes. "But if you can get through to just one person and help them to not get into risky behavior by making them aware, then it's a success."
Limes works for the Southwest Kansas Regional Prevention Center, a program that provides education and referrals to area facilities, including New Chance Inc.
"The SWKRPC works in conjunction with Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and local coalitions to advance the importance of sound prevention efforts through education and a research-based approach," SWKRPC sources said.
New Chance Inc., 116 1/2 E. Chestnut, Garden City, provides mostly outpatient treatment for the residents of nearly half of the state, ranging in age from approximately 13-64.
The counselors at New Chance Inc. focus on education, prevention and helping to establish support systems.
According to Rojas, clients will often relapse once or twice because they do not recognize the severity of the situation and/or do not have someone to support them as they try to stay clean.
"New Chance provides a structured environment for patients to stay clean," Rojas said, "so they can understand and utilize the education provided for them."
Rojas said despite the trials of his job, he feels it is worth the work when clients succeed and learn to live life without alcohol or other substances.
"It is a highlight of my day," Rojas said, "when a client stops by and expresses that they are dealing with day-to-day life and solving problems without resorting to alcohol."
For more information on dealing with alcohol dependence, contact Rojas at 276-9624.