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Resources for patients and family

Libertas is dedicated to providing those affected by substance use disorders with what they need to reach their full potential – whether it’s answering questions, inspiration or financial help.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

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Financial Services

Financial Services

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Are you concerned about your drinking or drug use?

The following CAGE Assessment is a 4 question screening about alcohol and/or drug use.

If you answer yes to 1 or more questions, please call (920) 498-8600 or contact us today. 

  • Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your drinking or drug use? 
  • Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use? 
  • Have you felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use? 
  • Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (eye-opener)? 

Help Finding Help

  • Here’s a list of hotlines that may help you in whatever situation you find yourself in. There are some chat options and text lines as well! If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911.
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Apps: Tools to Help Those in Recovery

  • Apps (applications) are being used by many with substance use disorder, as well as their loved ones. Add apps to your tools to help you with long lasting recovery.
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7 TIPS TO STAY SOBER: Preventing relapse during holidays and events

For anyone recovering from a substance use disorder, gathering with friends or family, events and holidays can be difficult. Get-togethers can be filled with temptations and certain holidays can bring on feelings of loneliness, self-doubt and depression. The following tips may help keep you on track and make gatherings and holidays less overwhelming.

  • Bring your own non-alcoholic drink or grab something as soon as you get to the gathering to deter others from offering you drinks.
  • Be ready with a short answer you feel comfortable sharing if someone asks about your sobriety or why you are not having an alcoholic drink.
  • Stay busy during the holidays by volunteering, welcoming a new member of your support group, spending time with an elderly loved one – these tasks will keep your focus off any thoughts of relapse.
  • If you attend a social gathering, offer to help in the kitchen, set the table or another task to keep your mind and body busy.
  • Remember, the holidays do not need to be perfect or just like last year
  • Rarely do holiday events look like the scene from a movie. Families grow and change, so don’t let your expectations be your downfall.
  • Talk with a sober friend or sponsor about the emotions and expectations you have surrounding the holidays. Often, talking through your feelings and concerns will help relieve anxiety.
  • Embrace new traditions and keep in mind that recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season.
  • It can help to have a sense of belonging and feeling needed to help move us in a positive direction. Consider attending extra meetings or support groups. Find them near you via mobile apps. Seek out local programs that provide dinners, dances, game nights and more.
  • If you didn’t know the punch contained alcohol, and you accidentally had a sip, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’ve relapsed or need to start sobriety at day one. Call your sponsor in a timely manner and talk through the situation.
  • If recovery hasn’t been successful in the past, don’t give up. The holidays can be a perfect time to recommit to yourself and your addiction treatment.
  • If you know a certain person will ask questions or talk about your sobriety more than you are comfortable with, avoid them.
  • Remember, attending an event is enough. You don’t have to stay long or drink to please the crowd.
  • Say no. If it’s unrealistic to avoid an uncomfortable situation, or your gut tells you it’s not a good event to attend, it’s okay to decline the invitation. Staying sober and protecting your recovery comes first.
  • If you know a certain person will ask questions or talk about your sobriety more than you are comfortable with, avoid them.
  • Remember, attending an event is enough. You don’t have to stay long or drink to please the crowd.
  • Say no. If it’s unrealistic to avoid an uncomfortable situation, or your gut tells you it’s not a good event to attend, it’s okay to decline the invitation. Staying sober and protecting your recovery comes first.
  • The better you feel physically and mentally, the more enjoyable the holiday season will feel. Eat well, exercise and take time to reflect on thankfulness for your sobriety, whether it’s a day or a decade.
  • Find quiet time each day for relaxation and to give your mind a break during the busy holiday season.

Source: Hazelden Betty Ford Patient Care Network 

Tips for talking with someone about substance use and addiction


  • Always be respectful in discussions with your loved one. 
  • Pick a time and place that is peaceful, quiet and private when you both are well rested and calm. 
  •  Let your loved one know that you love them and are concerned and want to help. 
  • Help your loved one share their thoughts and views with you. 
  • It is helpful to think about readiness to change – timing is important in conversations so you don’t push too hard. 
  • Don’t force your loved one into a corner and try to get them to admit they have a problem. 
  • Talk about your thoughts and views of the behaviors you are seeing that concern you. 
  • Listen and don’t judge. 
  • Behavior doesn’t change overnight – be prepared to be patient and persistent. 


Tips for supporting someone who is recovering from substance use disorder

  • Most importantly, when someone is recovering from addiction, just be there. Sometimes we overthink how we can help someone. It doesn’t matter how you show up. All that matters is that you do. You can check in with a text, go for a walk, ask are they are doing and listen. 
  • Be supportive and non-judgmental in your interactions with someone in recovery.  
    • Remind them they can do this. 
    • Reinforce regularly the positive changes you see. 
    • Listen and support your loved one in their struggles. 
    • Congratulate them on the courage that it takes to pursue recovery. 
  • Take care of yourself. You can’t help someone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself first. 
    • Join a support group. 
    • Get informed. 
    • Talk with a counselor. 
  • Role model healthy habits and encourage your loved one to join you in your efforts, such as: 
    • Healthy cooking 
    • Exercise 
    • Healthy activities and hobbies 
  • Get information about local support groups and agencies and share it with your loved one. 
  • Be patient – recovery is a process with ups and downs. It takes time.

Wellness essentials during recovery

During recovery, it's important to take care of both your mind and body. Surround yourself with positive influences and engage in healthy behaviors to ensure you are taking care of yourself and your overall well-being. By doing so, you can avoid risky behaviors and situations, ultimately reducing the risk of relapse. Here are some strategies to consider. 

Fitness
  • Moderate levels of physical activity decrease risk of substance use.
  • High intensity levels of physical activity can result in worse quality of life and increased substance use.
  • Physical activity can improve the relationship between parents and friends, as well as improve school performance.
Diet
  • Proper nutrition is necessary for healthy growth and development.
  • Substance use can cause unhealthy (high or low) amounts of vitamins and minerals in the body.

Sleep
  • Alcohol and drug use interferes with restorative sleep.
  • To promote sleep, exercise and eat a healthy diet during the day and sleep in a quiet, dark room free of television and computers.
  • Prior to sleep, avoid meals, strenuous exercise and screen time.
  • Consider joining school clubs, support groups, spiritual groups or community activities.
  • Participation in activities can lead toward better grades, improved self-esteem, better civic engagement and improved leadership qualities.
  • Practice guided imagery and music – both are methods for stress relief and relaxation.
  • Guided imagery and music can be done anywhere and has been shown to be especially effective when reflecting on past traumas and with substance use disorders.
  • Try guided imagery and music at the same time. Used together, they are more effective than alone. Focus on a topic and reflect on it while listening to a song.
Exposure to more natural light leads to:
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improved mood
  • More laughter
  • Escape from negative thoughts
Benefits of adequate vitamin D:
  • Normal brain development
  • Neuro-protective benefits
  • Potential treatment for substance use disorders

 

Additional resources

In addition to providing a physical healing environment, we recognize the importance of support and resources to help individuals and family members during recovery.

Our medical partner, Prevea Health, also has a library of resources.