The Problem
Most positive drug tests in US workplaces are for cannabinoids, which is the stuff our bodies turn marijuana into. I see many of these cases as a Substance Abuse Professional qualified under Department of Transportation regulations. I wish I had a buck for every employee who told me that they hadn't smoked it since high school and they just had a couple of hits at a party or concert. Sometimes their pattern of use proves otherwise and they meet criteria for drug treatment.
But many of them don't. They have excellent records as employees, dozens of clean drug tests, and they have been on the straight and narrow for a long time and now they've done a stupid thing. They knew they would be drug tested, yet they smoked cannabis anyway. Now the Department of Transportation, or their employer, or their probation department, or someone, for good reason, requires that everyone who tests positive receive treatment or education. I'm tired of trying to fit these round pegs into square holes, so I designed a new pegboard.
In this educational program there's no preaching about the evils of demon weed, just teaching about how to succeed in making a lifestyle choice to remain abstinent from cannabis.
The Solution
Life Without Cannabis is based on my 22 year history of working with people with substance abuse and dependency problems. It's an intensive one day, seven hour educational program. It doesn't pull any punches and the goal is clear: abstinence.
Program objectives:
• learn the history, legal and cultural status of cannabis
• study the pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids
• become better aware of the physical and psychological effects of cannabis
• make a commitment to a cannabis free lifestyle
• discover how the 12 Steps contribute to maintaining abstinence
• learn how personal stressors and triggers affect the choice not to use
• apply Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques to cannabis free lifestyle
Each participant will receive a workbook that contains worksheets and quizzes. I will score the quizzes and will provide certificates of successful completion for Substance Abuse Professionals, Employee Assistance Programs, Probation, and other third parties pursuant to Consents for Release for Information provided by participants.
Are Seven Hours Long Enough?
Maybe not: seven hours is the minimum. One of my frustrations conducting substance abuse assessments is that my experience tells me the number of hours of education or treatment that are appropriate. When I send people to treatment, some treatment providers argue with me. One program, whose services I generally respect, offers only two choices: 30 hours and 75 hours.
As a Substance Abuse Professional under US DOT regulations I must determine the number of hours of treatment or education and no one may change them. If you are a professional who is directing someone to attend Life Without Cannabis, I will add hours of education to reinforce the techniques taught based upon your recommendation. I can't do it in less than seven hours because the educational content dovetails information into lifestyle choices and life skills that support abstinence.
Where Can I Get Some of That?
Locally: I provide the program for individuals and small groups for a one time only flat fee, paid up front by cash or cashier's check. I do not accept insurance or credit cards. Services are available in offices in Crystal Lake, Rockford, Champaign, and Danville, Illinois. I can also arrange to provide this program in other locations in Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Hint: the least expensive and most quickly scheduled classes are in Crystal Lake and Rockford.
Regionally & Nationally: If the locations above aren't convenient to you, I'm a road warrior and will provide this program anywhere in the US. Under United States Department of Transportation regulations I am qualified as a Substance Abuse Professional throughout the US and I will provide education on this topic based upon my education, training, and experience.
How Do I Find Out More?
Click here to download a copy of the Program Syllabus. Please call Evan Peterson at 815-861-8800 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time on weekdays to receive more information.
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