Petty Theft Shoplifting Thinking Errors Classes Online for Court Requirements

Online Petty Theft Shoplifting Classes that meet Court Requirements

These online petty theft and shoplifting awareness education classes are for people who are required to complete a theft, shoplifting, stealing, larceny, or petty theft education course to satisfy probation or a court order or recommendation. Approved by courts, judges, attorneys, agencies, probation, parole, colleges, universities, and employers. Get court approval before enrolling for legal requirements.

All classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist. Tom Wilson specializes in adapting evidence-based prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media. Instructor credentials can be viewed here: www.tomwilsoncounseling.com

Contact us at support@twccsolutions.com or call Toll Free 1.877.368.9909 during office hours; Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm MDT/MST with questions. If you call before or after our regular office hours, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

www.tomwilsoncounseling.com

Relapse Prevention: From Use to Abuse

Relapse Prevention - What is the difference between Use and Abuse?

Tom Wilson Counseling Center

 

Use: Drugs may be used in a socially accepted or medically sanctioned manner to modify or control mood or state of mind. Examples include having a drink with a friend or taking an anti-anxiety agent for an acute anxiety state in accordance with a physician's prescription.

Substance Misuse: An isolated episode of alcohol or other drug misuse that caused a problem in health, legal, job, social, emotional or other areas of your life. Examples include drinking too much at a New Year's Eve party but have not experienced any other problems in the last year.

Substance Abuse: Defined as having more than one problem from use in the last 12 months, i.e. legal, financial, marital, work, health, or psychological problems as a result of use.

Addiction: Characterized by the repeated, compulsive seeking or use of a substance despite adverse social, psychological and/or physical consequences. A wide range of substances, both legal and illegal, can be addictive. Addiction is often (but not always) accompanied by physical dependence, a withdrawal syndrome and tolerance. Physical dependence is defined as a physiologic state of adaptation to a substance, the absence of which produces symptoms and signs of withdrawal.

Withdrawal: Withdrawal syndrome consists of a predictable group of signs and symptoms resulting from abrupt removal of, or a rapid decrease in the regular dosage of, a psychoactive substance.

Tolerance: A state in which a drug produces a diminishing biologic or behavioral response; in other words, higher doses are needed to produce the same effect that the user experienced initially. Factors contributing to the development of addiction include the reinforcing properties and availability of the drug, family and peer influences, sociocultural environment, personality and existing psychiatric disorders. Genetic heritage appears to influence susceptibility to alcohol addiction, and possibly addiction to tobacco and other drugs as well .

Detoxification: The process by which an individual who is physically dependent on a substance is withdrawn from it. The primary objective of detoxification is to relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to a drug-free state. It is not, in itself, a treatment for addiction, because it does not affect the long-term course of addiction.

Relapse is a return to drug use after a significant period of abstinence. Relapses may occur over a period of years, because continued recovery requires a series of profound behavioral, social, psychological and physical changes.

Online Relapse Prevention Classes for legal requirements, education requirements, employment requirements or a healthy lifestyle:

8 Hour Online Relapse Prevention Class : $150.00

16 Hour Online Relapse Prevention Class : $300.00

Relapse Prevention Disease Model of Addiction

Relapse Prevention

Copyright Tom Wilson Counseling Center Online Classes

8 Hour Online Relapse Prevention Class

16 hour Online Relapse Prevention Class

The Disease Model of Addiction

It is important to know what beliefs a person has about abuse or addiction in order to understand how a person will approach a change or recovery plan. The "disease model of addiction" was made popular by AA and the American Medical Association and is still a popular model used by many people. This older model has been criticized and new models of addiction and recovery have been proposed.

Today, the main beliefs of disease-model thinking are:

• Most addicts don't know they have a problem and must be forced to recognize they are addicts.
• Addicts cannot control themselves when they drink or take drugs.
• The only solution to drug addiction and/or alcoholism is treatment.
• Addiction is an all-or-nothing disease: A person cannot be a temporary drug addict with a mild drinking or drug problem.
• The most important step in overcoming an addiction is to acknowledge that you are powerless and can't control it.
• Physiology, not psychology, determines whether one drinker will become addicted to alcohol and another will not.
• The fact that alcoholism runs in families means that it is a genetic disease.
• People who are drug addicted can never outgrow addiction and are always in danger of relapsing.

Relapse Prevention

What is Relapse?

Relapse is the return to heavy alcohol or drug use after a period of abstinence or moderate use. Relapse can also refer to a return to other risky behaviors after a period of maintaining healthy behaviors such as smoking, overeating or losing control over angry feelings. 

What is a Lapse? A lapse is an isolated re-occurrence of the problem behavior. If a problem drinker takes a drink after abstaining for several months, this is by definition a lapse, but it becomes a full relapse only when the original pattern of substance abuse or risky behavior returns. If a smoker has a cigarette after several weeks of not smoking, but does not return to his or her daily pack-a-day habit, a lapse has occurred.

What is Relapse Prevention?
Relapse Prevention Therapy (RPT) is a research-based self-control program designed to help maintain positive changes in behavior. This on line program draws heavily from the work of the developer of RPT, Dr. Alan Marlatt of the University of Washington in Seattle. His focus is on habit change rather than on the ideas of will power or inherited disease processes. These techniques focus on how to anticipate and cope with the problem of returning to old habits after a period of success. 

Why Do You Need It?
Studies by Dr. Marlatt show that there are three (3) high-risk situations associated with almost 75% of relapses. They are:

1. Strong emotional states, both positive and negative feelings
2. Interpersonal conflict
3. Social pressure or social influence to use

Cravings Cravings are also associated with risk for relapse. Cravings are strong physical desires to use again, usually seen in persons who have experienced past alcohol, tobacco or other drug dependence. 

Effective Coping Responses Reduce Risk
If an individual has an effective coping response to deal with a high-risk situation, the probability of relapse decreases significantly. When a person copes effectively with a high-risk situation, he or she is likely to experience an increase in confidence about coping successfully. An increase in confidence is an excellent predictor of future success. 

Risk for Relapse
However, what happens if a person has not learned or cannot use a coping response when confronted with a high-risk situation?

Failure to master a high-risk situation is likely to create a sense of powerlessness. This is followed by a person's tendency to recall only the "good" effects of alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the high risk situation. At this point, a lapse is likely.

ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of "Taming Anger and Aggression", an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media.

Drunk Driving Facts for the Holidays

2012 HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN FACT SHEET
Presented by Tom Wilson Counseling Center www.tomwilsoncounseling.com

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

The Consequences Aren’t Worth the Risk

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,885 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2010. Thirty-one percent (10,228) of those fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
  
• Data also shows that 70 percent of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities occurred when the driver’s blood alcohol concentration was .15 grams per deciliter or higher.
  
• The holiday season is particularly dangerous. That’s why Tom Wilson Counseling Center is joining highway safety partners and law enforcement organizations across the nation to remind people during December and throughout the year that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and that drinking and driving don’t mix.
  
• On average, 25 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes per day during December 2010. Tom Wilson Counseling Center wants to remind people that drinking and driving can quickly turn a holiday celebration into a tragedy.
  
• When you drink and drive, you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk. Be responsible, and don’t let your holiday celebrations end in tragedy.
  
• Getting caught for impaired driving can also result in arrest, loss of driving privileges, higher insurance rates, lost time at work, court costs, fines, and attorney’s fees, and many other unwanted consequences.

You Can Prevent a Tragedy

• Plan ahead; be sure to designate a sober driver before the party begins.
  
• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving.  Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle. Remember that, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
  
• If you are impaired, find another way home.  Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, use public transportation or have a designated driver that is not drinking at all with you.
  
• Be responsible.  If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
  
• Visit www.tomwilsoncounseling.com for online DUI, online Alcohol, online Drug, online Minor in Possession, online Drug Diversion and online Relapse Prevention programs.

For more information on Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, please visit this fact sheet's sponsor at www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.

Avoid Simple Mistakes when Selcting Relapse Prevention Program

Avoiding Simple Mistakes when Selecting an Online Alcohol/Drug Relapse Prevention Class © 2012

Thomas Wilson

Internationally Board Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Many persons who experience legal problems as a result of alcohol or drug abuse make the decision to quit using drugs or alcohol. Although self help groups can be part of the recovery process, courts frequently require them to complete a relapse prevention class.  Relapse Prevention is a process of maintaining sobriety or abstinence from alcohol or drugs through a variety of techniques. The courts require you to complete these classes before releasing you from supervision.

However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited or approved to provide substance abuse education. 

Drug education or substance abuse prevention classes are taught by professionals who are certified or licensed in alcohol or drug education or counseling.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.   

Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the right class that is required by the court. 

A relapse prevention class is is different than a DUI class, drug awareness class or minor in possession classes.   If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed and credentialed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 

Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency. 

A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK. 

Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class. 

Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs.  

Tom Wilson Counseling Center Relapse Prevention Classes

ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of "Taming Anger and Aggression", an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media. 

Relapse Prevention Online Classes

Learning From Your Past Mistakes
If you have a lapse or relapse, use it as a learning experience to help strengthen your recovery. Try to figure out your warning signs and the factors that led to your lapse or relapse. Use it as a motivator to change and to do things differently in your recovery.

If you have had a lapse or relapse it might be helpful to complete a Lapse and Relapse worksheet  to help you evaluate what led to your first drink, cigarette, or use of a drug after having quit. If you have had more than one lapse or relapse, you can complete the worksheet based on several previous experiences. Then you can determine if there are any patterns to your return to substance use.

You should always inform your therapist or counselor if you have a lapse or relapse so that you can work together to figure out what caused it and how you can get back on track. Such open discussions with your therapist will help you in the long run, even if you feel guilty or shameful about your lapse or relapse. Your therapist is there to help you, not to judge you for any mistakes that you make.

Reactions to a Lapse or Relapse

The thoughts and feelings you experience following a lapse play a major role in whether or not you continue to use and move toward a full-blown relapse. Following your initial use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, if you tell yourself, "I'm a failure, I can't do this, I'll never get it together" or "Since I can't stop myself from going back to using, I might as well continue," you are at high risk for a relapse because you'll be tempted to give up. If you feel excited, happy, good, euphoric, mellow, or even relieved, you may easily ask yourself, "If substances make me feel this good, why not continue to use?" On the other hand, you may feel guilty, shameful, angry at yourself, or disappointed in yourself, only to use these emotions as motivators for continued substance use. Usually, the more negative your initial reaction to a lapse, the more likely you are to say,"The hell with it" and continue using.

Similarly, your thoughts and feelings about a relapse have an impact on whether or not you take action to stop the relapse and get back on the recovery track. If you see yourself as a failure or feel guilty and shameful, you may hesitate to ask a therapist, friend, or family member for help and support.

Tom Wilson Counseling offers many DUI, Alcohol, Drug, Substance and Relapse Prevention classes online.  Tom Wilson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist. Click here to view credentials.

Click on class below to register online:

8 Hour Online Relapse Prevention Class: $150.00

16 Hour Online Relapse Prevention Class: $300.00

For more hours, consider an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Class.  These classes contain more information on Alcohol and Substance Abuse as well as Relapse Prevention techniques.

ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of "Taming Anger and Aggression", an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media.