Pasadena Recovery Center is proud to be a sponsor again this year at Promises Foundation Fundraiser, “Polo in the Palisades“,  benefiting Miriam’s House,  a recovery home for mothers and a refuge for children to escape chaos and instability.

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Amazingly, Elias responded by grabbing life by the horns. He led a productive life working for a Fortune 500 company and then, at a young 32, enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. His love of fashion, skill and dedication shined earning him a full scholarship and his own clothing collection.

He was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times Magazine. He was profiled on TV as an up and coming fashion designer.

And then, at 35, Elias tried Crystal Meth. Hooked immediately, he would spend the better part of the next eight years watching his life slip away. Finally, after a bad breakup a friend convinced Elias to get help at the Pasadena Recovery Center.

Elias says today, half jokingly, “HIV won’t kill me but Crystal Meth almost did”.

After 32 days at PRC, Elias was renewed — even drawing for the first time in five years. He’s grateful for PRC, the staff and his fellow residents. “I was here at the right time,” he says.

Elias also had some heartfelt words for PRC Program Assistant Rhonda Silas. “She listened to me. I listened to her. She was a great person to talk to”.

So inspired by his stay at PRC was Elias, that he left a note (see below) under his pillow for the next resident to read.

Elias had one more piece of wisdom he wanted to pass on to addicts considering treatment: “If you’re scared, don’t be, because you are going to find happiness.”

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The first ever Pasadena Recovery Center newsletter is out. Read it now! Moving forward the newsletter will come out monthly and contain the latest recovery news and happenings at our Pasadena treatment facility.

Join our mailing list.

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Dealing with addiction can be very difficult in its own right. But it can be even harder when it is accompanied by financial disaster. Erica Sandberg has a must-read article about dealing with the money woes that often follow substance abuse:

Descent into drug-related debt can be slow or fast, with much depending on the substance. Mike Bloom, owner of Pasadena Recovery Center in Pasadena, Calif., says any drug can lead to financial ruin; however, “methamphetamine, crack cocaine, pain killers, alcohol and heroin are at the top of the list,” he says.

Addicts generally start borrowing money from friends and family in small increments — but it adds up quickly. And as a person’s habit becomes more expensive he will start to exploit opportunities:

Cash sources include home equity loans, advances from credit cards and loans against their car. Bank accounts are overdrawn. They may pawn valuables, both their own and others’. Employed addicts may ask for payroll advances or take out payday loans. Almost all stretch out a hand to friends and family members.

Unfortunately financial obligations often stand in the way of recovery. The more money addicts owe the harder it is to return to normal life:

“Most of the time, an addict has a low credit rating,” says Bloom. “In a tight economy, addicts have a hard time renting an apartment, buying a car or house.”

Declaring bankruptcy might work for some addicts. But many debts – like child support, alimony, and debt the result of fraud – are not dischargeable. Generally, the best way to improve credit is by repaying debts. Making amends can also be an important part of recovery (see Step 9).

For many more tips on dealing with drug-related debt as well as suggestions for providing a support system for addicts, read the entire article.

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State and federal statistics show the number of people in their 50s and early 60s reporting illicit drug use and seeking help with addictions skyrocketed in the past decade.

National Institutes of Health surveys show that in 2010, the most current year available, 2.4 million people ages 50-59 said they had abused prescription or illegal drugs within the past month – almost three times as many people as reported that behavior in 2002.

 The Huffington Post lists the 5 most commonly abused drugs by people older than 50:

#5 Stimulants: While stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall are highly addictive, abuse among older people is not not as widespread as it is with young adults. However, illicit stimulants like cocaine are more common.

#4 Antidepressants: According to a 2010 report from The Drug Abuse Warning Network, antidepressants contributed to 8.6 percent of emergency room visits by adults 50 and older.

#3 Sedatives: Most often used to treat anxiety and insomnia, sedatives like Valium and Xanax may become addictive if take incorrectly, or used too often.

#2 Pain Relievers: Painkillers like Oxycodone, Vicodin and Morphine have a a high potential for abuse.

#1 Medical Marijuana: While many people have medical prescriptions for marijuana use, 3 million adults aged 50 and older have illegally used the drug within the past year, according to a 2011 report from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

See the Huffington Post article for more information and statistics regarding drug abuse among baby boomers and the elderly. And if you or someone you know needs help with addiction please call the Pasadena Recovery Center at (866) 663-3030.

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We just came across this 30 second promotional video from a few years ago. It definitely has a dated feel to it but the information remains accurate. Our professional team remains committed to the total care and treatment of our clients. Treating clients with respect and dignity are also hallmarks of the Pasadena Recovery Center.

If you are someone you know needs help with addiction please call us at (866) 663-3030.

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This Crown City News video gives a great overview of the Pasadena Recovery Center (PRC). While the Center is famous for the many seasons of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and will be featured again this September on “Rehab with Dr. Drew” which will concentrate on young adults rather than celebrities, the vast majority of the nearly 6,000 patients treated at PRC are regular folk that come from all walks of life. As Alison Triessl, daughter of the late PRC founder Dr. Lee Bloom, states:

“We will treat anybody from Yale to jail, Park Place to park bench. It’s a 98 bed facility, co-ed, men and women, from age 18 to 80, and we believe that treatment should be affordable.”

PRC is also a family run center. Dr. Bloom’s son and Alison’s brother, Michael Bloom, acts as CEO. In the video he explains some of the many activities that residents can participate in:

“We have yoga, we have acupuncture, art therapy, we have a gym. we play softball nearby, we go to the Rose Bowl. And then we have the traditional 12-step meetings that are on site, and we have group therapy with counseling, one-on-one therapy, and a family group. And we do have DirecTV for the residents.”

Finally the video stresses that while the majority of patients come from Los Angeles, the Center’s visibility through the Dr. Drew shows has brought many people seeking treatment from abroad — including from London, Macau, and Guam.

If you have any questions about the Pasadena Recovery Center or are seeking treatment please call us at (866) 663-3030.

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Tickets to this benefit concert are available can be bought through Paypal at [email protected]
For more lnfo call: 858 722 7626.

In support, the Pasadena Recovery Center has offered a 30 day stay at our facilities for a beneficiary of this event.

This event is hosted by our Jennifer Gimenez from Sober House!

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