Clark County Drug and Alcohol services
Clark County Mental Health
Prevent! Clark County
National Recovery Month
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
National Alliance on Mental Illness
One of the most profound messages we can share with clients struggling with addiction or mental illness is the message of choice – life quality can improve with prioritizing recovery efforts. And learning about, or understanding, emotional issues can often lead to the ability to choose recovery.
Treatment and recovery require hard work, dedication, willingness to change, and a customized treatment plan. We know that a plan tailored to meet an individual’s unique needs is one of the most effective tools to assist a client with direction and focus. At Community Services Northwest (CSNW), we focus on individualized addiction treatment services for both adolescent and adult – which include drug and alcohol, gambling, and mental health needs. As needs change throughout the recovery process, the treatment plan and level of care is re-evaluated and adjusted as needed.
Some common treatment options are:
o Residential treatment
o Outpatient treatment *
o Individual, group or family therapy *
o Medication-assisted treatment
o Community support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery(R) , or SMART Recovery(R).
Many people also suffer from co-occurring disorders (suffering from both an addiction and a mental health issue). We find individuals with co-occurring disorders may use alcohol and/or illicit drugs to self-medicate to cope with the symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue. This can eventually – and often does – increase the symptoms initially intended to relieve. Working with clients to assist in understanding addiction and mental health issues can often help clients with alternative, and healthier, choices in how to cope with challenges.
As a result of struggling with both of these issues, many individuals may also experience chronic homelessness. At CSNW, we offer comprehensive wrap around services tailored to meet a broad range of needs to the individual and their family. These services include addictions and mental health services, housing resources, case management and referrals to many supportive community resources.
September is National Recovery Month and is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The goal of recovery month is to spread the message that behavioral health is an essential part of overall well being and wellness. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can – and do – recover from substance abuse and mental disorders.
At CSNW, we see that recovery is possible. We see our clients make changes in their lives…and witness their lives improve every day.
o A teen in our youth addiction program, who started smoking pot at 13, got in trouble with the law, has now stopped using and is back in school doing great.
o A pregnant and parenting mom who was using, lost her children, completed treatment and parenting classes, and regained custody of her children.
o A chronically homeless family facing addiction and mental health issues, received treatment and comprehensive services including housing, is in recovery and working toward self-sufficiency.
Shannon Lilja is program manager of Addictions Services at Community Services Northwest. She is responsible for the leadership in the design, implementation, and ongoing delivery of addiction programs at Community Services Northwest including chemical dependency for both adult and adolescent, co-occurring, gambling, pregnant women, and domestic violence programs. Lilja has over six years of experience in managing addiction programs and providing mental health counseling for diverse client populations. She has a private counseling practice providing services for individuals and couples on a variety of issues including: anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, adolescent behavioral problems, psychological or character disorders, relationship and communication difficulties, PTSD, coaching and personal/ professional development. Lilja has a M.A. in Professional Counseling and a B.A. in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University. Her certifications include: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Washington State), Licensed Professional Counselor (Oregon) and Chemical Dependency Professional (Washington State certification) and CADC (Oregon Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor).
