substance abuse Archives - MINES and Associates

World No-Tobacco Day: 3 Reasons to Quit Today

Nic Mckane — Fri, 31 May 2024 09:00:24 +0000

Today is World No-Tobacco Day, the perfect time to embark on your journey to quit smoking! Here are three compelling reasons to start today:

1. Save a Ton of Money

Imagine watching your savings grow as you ditch the smoking habit. The cost of cigarettes adds up quickly, and by quitting, you can redirect that money towards something more meaningful—whether it’s a dream vacation, a new hobby, or simply a healthier bank balance.

2. Live Longer

Quitting smoking can significantly increase your lifespan, giving you more years to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Enjoy more birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments with the people who matter most.

3. Feel Incredible

Boost your self-esteem and feel fantastic about yourself. Quitting smoking can improve your physical health, enhance your sense of well-being, and give you the confidence to take on new challenges.

Let’s Get Started on This Exciting Journey Together

If you’re unsure how to start, MINES is here to guide you every step of the way. One powerful tool we recommend is MindCotine, your quit-smoking companion available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

MindCotine: Your Quit-Smoking Companion

Access Quitting Help Anytime, Day or Night: The MindCotine app provides 24/7 access to resources like progress tracking, expert advice, and coping strategies. Quitting smoking is easier with support.
Real Support from Real People: MindCotine offers personalized coaching to support your journey. From overcoming challenges to celebrating milestones, we are here for you every step of the way. Let’s create a plan together for a smoke-free life.
Quit with the Power of Virtual Reality: Ready to quit and transform your life? MindCotine’s program uses virtual reality to make your journey fun and effective. Imagine stepping into a world where you can see your progress, practice stress relief techniques, and stay motivated—all without leaving your home.

Take advantage of World No-Tobacco Day and make the decision to quit smoking today. With the right tools and support, you can achieve a healthier, happier, and smoke-free life. Let’s embark on this journey together and make today count! Contact MINES today to learn more.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

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Relapse and Recovery

Nic Mckane — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:56:06 +0000

Visit our Website Past Newsletters	Relapse and Recovery April 25, 2011
	I was raised to be aware that sometimes I am going to mess up and I am not always going to make the right decisions. The key is to learn from those mistakes. But one of the most important lessons my parents taught me was that while I am going to make mistakes I am in control of my decisions and happiness. My parents had already been through most of the landmines you worry about for your children; teen pregnancy, high school dropout, and experimenting with drugs. I couldn’t get away with anything. I didn’t even have a chance to make my own mistakes because they had already “been there, done that.” They knew every dangerous situation to avoid and they made sure I did just that. I am very aware of what my parents had to give up because of the choices they made. And I am very aware of how difficult life can become if you choose to head down a different path. Because of my parents, I have been very thoughtful of every decision in my life. There were times I would hear them preaching and I would want to run, just to not hear the “how hard it is to raise a child” speech again. In fact, I still hear that one! Although I have never been an addict, I have worked in a rehabilitation clinic with adolescents who are. Many recovery programs are built on the philosophy much like what my parents taught me: Making a mistake is human, but learning from those mistakes is the key. Avoid dangerous situations, so you aren’t tempted to make a decision that you might regret. And most importantly, self-pity isn’t nearly as productive or rewarding as knowing that you are the controller of your destiny. Read this week’s communication for information on Relapse and Recovery.
	Read more on this topic here…
	Britney Kirsch Account Manager

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Addiction’s Impact on Family

Nic Mckane — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:11:48 +0000

As we focus on Overcoming Addiction as this month’s wellness theme, it’s important to note that addictions not only affect the addict themselves, but have a huge impact on the family, friends, and loved ones who surround the individual.

While family members may focus more on the addict rather than themselves during recovery, many addiction treatment models include the family member as part of the addict’s healing because of the role that relationship can play.

In browsing the MINES PersonalAdvantage site (our online resource portal available to MINES client organizations) I was able to find a wealth of information concerning addiction and the affects on the family. Specifically, one article by Parlay International points out that family members often share the same concerns, such as:

Suspicion of the addict’s actions, leading to constant family conflict.
They blame themselves and each other for addict’s illness.
They are afraid of the addicts changing behavior, especially mood swings. They fear it could break up the family unit.
They are embarrassed by the addict’s behavior.
They resent the unfair demands place upon them by the addict.

If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, check out community resources such as Al-Anon or Narc-Anon. Additionally, feel free to contact us at MINES anytime for support or related questions concerning addiction or other behavioral health concern. We’re here to help.

Ian Holtz
Manager, Business Development

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Sobriety = Freedom

Nic Mckane — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:27:58 +0000

Watching friends and family battle alcoholism and addiction can be many things, but fun isn’t one of them. The fun comes from watching someone express the joy they’ve felt from living sober. Jane Velez-Mitchell, a correspondent from CNN, has recently published a book titled “Addict Nation: An Intervention for America” that, in part, highlights the freedom she has experienced being 15 years sober. You can read an excerpt from her new book here:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/31/velez.mitchell.excerpt/index.html?hpt=C2

Ian Holtz
Business Development Manager

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Psychology of Performance – 18

Nic Mckane — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 23:38:08 +0000

Gina Kolata wrote an outstanding article in the New York Times on the psychological and behavioral aspects of the psychology of performance that I want to pass on to you. She has a number of points that are useful in business as well as personally.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/health/nutrition/19best.html?_r=2&th=&emc

Have a day filled with equanimity

Robert A. Mines, Ph.D.

CEO and Psychologist

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What about Mental Health Care?

Nic Mckane — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:36:48 +0000

Barack Obama spent much of his first year in office on a quest for health care reform. Those against it alleged a government takeover and those in favor were concerned it didn’t go far enough. Either way you look at it, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law. What seemed to fall through the cracks of the debate, is the idea of mental health parity – the massive reform in mental health laws that was ultimately attached to the 2008 financial bailout. As a background, The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 says that ALL psychological conditions must be treated the same as any physical illness. Prior to Parity it was common practice to limit patients to a few therapy visits a year, assign higher deductibles or reimburse a small percentage. Under Parity, seperate deductibles can’t apply nor can your out-of-pocket contributions differ.

Although this was a major victory, its taken a backseat to the healthcare reform and the economic stimulus package. The act, which self-funded organizations of 50 or more were required to comply as of Oct 1 2009 or any renewal date following, officially went into effect on January 1, 2010.

So how does this all fit into Health Care Reform? First, Mental Health Parity and its regulations are still in full effect. Second, Health Care Reform has expanded the reach of Parity. It’s now expanded to cover dependents until the age of 26. It has also expanded to fall under the section of “essential health benefit” which means treatment can’t be denied for pre-existing conditions. This means that insurance companies are required to provide coverage and that coverage must be equal to coverage provided for any other medical ailment. Behavioral Health benefits are now a mandatory part of basic care as well as certain psychotropic medications which are required under insurance formularies.

At MINES, while we’ve been working to help groups become compliant with Parity and gain an understanding of how Health Care Reform is impacting Parity and behavioral health overall, we’ve also been helping to put some measures in place to contain the potential cost increases of these massive reforms.

If your organization is in need of some consulting around this topic or any other behavioral health topic we urge you to contact us. We’d also be glad to show you some easy ways to contain costs under the new health care regulations.

Posted by Ian Holtz

Manager, Business Development

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Effects of 2010 Gulf Oil Spill and Mental Health

Nic Mckane — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:42:33 +0000

We’ve begun to see editorials, videos and news stories about the effects of the Gulf Oil Spill on behavioral health. Most recently I watched an expose about the effects of Exxon-Valdez on alcohol and substance abuse, increases in divorce rates and suicide attempts and how experts warned of the same fallout from the Gulf crisis. Additionally, mental health experts are warning that the current crisis could dredge up unresolved feelings from Hurricane Katrina. Here is a link to the story and video:

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=12548123

We wish the best to all those impacted by the gulf oil spill.

Posted by Ian Holtz (Sales @ MINES and Associates)

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How to Save 25-50% from Previous Years Claims

Nic Mckane — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:49:31 +0000

I am almost as excited as our clients to announce that after the pass of the first quarter we’ve been able to demonstrate to our new self-funded clients a savings of up to 50% from the previous year’s quarter on behavioral health and substance abuse claims.

Providing our clients with cost-containment mechanisms to counter the effects of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act has been, in their words, “a major relief.”

For some groups this isn’t a big deal. But if it is for you – ASK ME HOW?

Posted By Ian H.

(303) 953-4083
Sales, MINES and Associates

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Psychology of Performance – 12 Role and Performance

Nic Mckane — Sat, 01 May 2010 13:17:13 +0000

The social psychology of role has been extensively researched in psychology. Elliot Jacques in his book, Social Power and the CEO, discussed how role in organizations, clarity regarding accountability and authority, and cognitive complexity (Jacques refers to it as strata) account for higher performance more than other constructs such as personality, motivation and so forth. In addition, role is more predictive of behavior than the previously mentioned constructs. Role is defined in Jacques’ business applications as front line producers, supervisors, managers, vice presidents and CEOs. Those with the budget authority are accountable to the level above them. When roles are collapsed (one person from a higher role also functioning in a lower role) performance can suffer in the organization due to a number of issues that arise such as “being spread too thin”, confusion from subordinates regarding which role, therefore, which authority their boss is operating from, which accountability should be assigned to the person by upper management, having title with no authority (e.g., being a director, an assistant vice president, assistant medical director, captain in a fire department (leads the team, no authority to deselect, veto a new hire, no budget). These problems result in inaction, misallocation of resources, consensus decision making (one of the worst ways to run a business as decisions are political, not informed per se for better business results), poor morale on the part of those who appear to have authority and do not, yet are still held accountable for results. There are many other problems in ill defined vertical accountability and authority. The senior staff in the MINES BizPsych division regularly consult on managerial hierarchy and organization design problems related to the above problems.

The second area that is associated with numerous referrals relates to cross functional (dysfunctional) communication between departments related to accountability and authority. I will address this topic in my next blog.

Have a day filled with clarity in your role (s)!

Bob

Robert A. Mines, Ph.D.

CEO & Psychologist

MINES and Associates

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