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Counseling • • • By davisge2 0 Comments

Why do you Need Marriage Counseling?

Why do you Need Marriage Counseling?

Marriage Counseling
No relationship is without challenges, but for modern couples the challenges can be complicated with multiple layers. Some common issues that couples face regularly include parenting, infidelity, death of family member, or substance abuse, among a litany of other potential hazards. Marriage and family therapy programs in Michigan have helped countless families resolve their differences and return to their normal family lives.

 

Marriage counseling is of immense help to couples who want to improve their relationships by ironing out their differences. Communication has great power and when couples are not communicating effectively, it is couples counseling that helped to open up broken communication channels. Counseling prevents the problems from getting worse while bringing the drifting couples closer through clear communication.  

 

Marriage counseling in Metro Detroit is quite popular among couples contemplating breaking up their relationships or pursuing divorce; they want to give their marriage a second chance. Marriage counseling has been able to improve relationships along with the mental and physical health of family members. Marriage and family therapy programs in Michigan have successfully helped couples restore their health, enhance bonding and improve their lives. There are several professional marriage counseling agencies in Detroit which have managed to make a very positive impact on the lives of couples.

 

Couples counseling in Michigan offers a variety of support programs while giving you a direction and helping to make a difference in your overall outlook about the relationship. There is no need to go through life’s frustrations, losses, and struggles alone – there is help around the corner, so reach out without hesitation.  

 

If you wish to keep your marriage and family happy and healthy, then you need to have the patience to keep working through the ebbs and flows of your relationship. Families thrive on love, and if you can keep the love for your partner and your family intact then no challenges will seem too big to beat. A majority of the couples feel that their partner does not understand their feelings or do not wish to hear them, which clearly shows a lack of communication. If there is a lack of communication in a relationship then it will usually not last. The only way out is to keep that communication channel open, and if you are finding trouble in doing so, you can always seek help from marriage counseling.   The best mentality to keep is that it is never your side against your partner’s side, but you and your partner working together to fight the problem.

 

There is no shame in seeking help to improve your relationship, especially from professionals who have helped several couples and families enhance their lives by mending ways with their partners. Give it a try and you will not regret your decision. Best of Luck!
 

Contact us if you need help with your Marriage. Our experienced counselors are here to help. Hour sessions starting at only $75.00!!!

 
 

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Monitoring • • • • By davisge2 0 Comments

Use of GPS Tethers Reduce Crimes by Sex Offenders

Use of GPS Tethers Reduce Crimes by Sex Offenders

Traditional supervision of sex offenders is not only expensive, but ineffective as well. The sex offender monitoring services Michigan utilizes has shown that GPS tether anklets can not only help law enforcement keep an eye on sex offenders but also has been able to reduce the crimes committed by sex offenders. Many states have started replicating the Michigan tether program as it has been a huge success.

A recent study compared the parolees placed in traditional groups along with the ones put on GPS monitoring. Surprisingly, they found that the parolees in the traditional groups committed more crimes even when they were under supervision. Even the cost analysis studies showed that the lowering of crime rates among parolees did not incur huge costs for the state. In fact electronic monitoring has a lot of advantages, as the Department of Corrections do not have to incarcerate the sex offenders into the already overcrowded prison system.

Crimes by sex offenders are reduced by the use of electronic monitoring since the law enforcement officers are able to track their whereabouts at any time of the day. The sex offenders are aware that they are being tracked so they rarely try to violate the law. Tampering of the GPS tether Michigan is a usual tactics by most offenders but this violation will result in arrest and incarceration. The use of electronic monitoring is quite popular among the states which have limited space in their prisons, and Michigan is near the top of the list.

Sex offenders wearing GPS tether anklets refrain from committing crimes because they fear the consequences of violating the rules, which might lead to jail once again. At least they are free to roam about and lead an otherwise normal life by being able to attend classes or hold down a job. It saves them from being confined to a prison cell, and instead allows them lead a rather normal personal and professional life.  This is a quite effective method which has helped the states reduce the crime rate, especially the sexual crimes like molestation and rape. Something that started out as an experiment is now a norm across the country.

 

Drug and Alcohol • By davisge2 0 Comments

School Drug Testing – Things you Need to Know

School Drug Testing – Things you Need to Know

Drug testing at workplaces has become quite common but it is also being replicated in various schools. Reasonable cause/suspicion or random drug testing are fast becoming a normal occurrence in many schools. Michigan alcohol screening tests in schools are not the only tests performed on students, but there are urine tests for drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, PCP and marijuana as well. Usually random tests are performed on more than one student who are picked randomly for drug testing.  

Students who often take part in competitive extracurricular activities also have to undergo random drug testing. If the school suspects or has evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, then the urine of that student is collected for random drug tests. A Michigan drug assessment test is used for determining whether the student is involved in active drug or alcohol abuse. Evidence of drug abuse necessary for a random drug test include physical symptoms such as the student being under the influence, or series of erratic or abnormal behavior, and direct observations by school officials.

What is the need for drug testing in the schools?

Implementation of random drug testing in schools has been designed to discourage and prevent drug abuse among students. Random testing often acts as a deterrent, and also gives them a reason to avoid peer pressure when it comes to drug abuse. On the other hand, random drug testing also facilitates identification of the students using drugs and early intervention is made possible. Students testing positive during these tests can be further recommended for drug abuse treatment. Drug abuse in schools is rising with every passing day and if preventive measures are not taken at the earliest possible moment, then the situation might soon get out of control.  

Student drug testing cannot alone prevent or deter students from drug abuse and it should actually be part of a larger plan that includes prevention, intervention, and even treatment.  The primary aim of random drug tests in schools is not aimed at reprimanding students using drugs but to actually stop the abuse and help the students get out of the drug use. Whenever a student tests positive during a random drug test, they should be informed and counseled privately. Drug treatment programs should be recommended for students diagnosed with drug abuse.  

Much hyped programs like the Michigan Welfare Drug Testing has failed but when it comes to random drug testing in schools, it has been a grand success. Students have been made aware of the downsides of drug abuse; they have been prevented from using drugs in future and the ones tested positive are even recommended for treatment.

 

Drivers License Restoration • • • • By davisge2 0 Comments

Restoring your Driver’s License

Restoring your Driver’s License

Drinking and driving is not only dangerous but it is also an offense for which you might have to cough up hefty fines as well as lose your driver’s license. In a worst case scenario, you might even end up in jail as well. The time period of revoking your license depends on your history of convictions for drunk driving. Restoring your license is a tough process, and you need to get everything right the first time.

Michigan driver’s license reinstatement is extremely challenging as you will have to present your case in a convincing manner in front of the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division. If you commit your 2nd OWI or DUI within 7 years of your first, then your license shall be revoked for at least 1 year. Additionally, if within 10 years you get convicted of a 3rd OWI or DUI then your license shall be revoked for 5 years. Once this time period is over, you will need to ask for a hearing by filling out the forms SOS 258 and SOS 257 at the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division. The hearing officer is the only personnel to decide whether your license can be restored or not. He/she is the only one to decide whether to give you a full license or restricted license, only after hearing your case.

The hearing is nothing but an official plea to convince the officer that the driver is sober and is no longer abusing drugs or alcohol.  You will need a competent lawyer or counseling agency by your side to guide you through all of the steps.

The driver also needs to get through the SAE or Substance Abuse Evaluation while producing letters from other people from their community to say something about their past and present drug or drinking habits. The SAE is filled up by a certified doctor or drug abuse therapist. There needs to be some congruence between the Substance Abuse Evaluation documents and the letters produced from community representatives. Michigan driver’s license reinstatement can be denied if the hearing officer finds any kind of discrepancies.  

You need to take adequate preparation prior to the hearing so that your Michigan driver assessment reexamination is carried out convincingly to restore your driver’s license.

 

Monitoring By davisge2 0 Comments

Electronic Monitoring of Criminals Saves Money

Electronic Monitoring of Criminals Saves Money

The Michigan tether program for electronic monitoring of criminals has helped the state save a significant amount of money. According to recent statistics, about 500 individuals are charged with various crimes that include rape, armored robbery and murder(cite/help?). Accommodating these individuals in jail is a very costly effort because in addition to the people awaiting their trial, there are also criminals serving out their sentences. No new jails are being constructed in the state and most of the jails are operating at full capacity. Fortunately, the GPS Tether ankle has come to the aid of state authorities as many of the nonviolent offenders who would be housed in a jail cell are instead monitored with a electronic tether on their ankle.

An estimated annual savings of more than $20 million is a significant incentive for the authorities to continue  using the Michigan tether program. People get to see criminals roaming around the city with tethered ankles and that gives them a sense of security as well.(Help?) Despite their cost benefit, not all counties in the state of Michigan are using the tether program for their nonviolent criminals. For instance, Wayne county uses it on almost every type of criminals whereas Macomb and Oakland counties tend to use these devices only on people accused of minor crimes(cite). Wayne county depends a little too much on the GPS tether Michigan because of the high crime rate in the county – electronic monitoring helps them keep  track of all of their criminals.(doesn’t this hurt the argument?)

Several other states are using programs similar to the offender monitoring services Michigan uses.  The Michigan tether program has been a huge success thus far, and has inspired other states to replicate the use of tethers to reduce costs of incarceration (cite). There is little need for low-level offenders to be  kept in jail, as tethering can be used for effective tracking of the offender’s activities.

The most amazing fact about tethers is that they use GPS, cell phone signals and even the landline phones (cite) to track the offenders. The use of technology has led to huge savings for the counties as they are able to track the activities of defendants at a fraction of the cost. While It’s actually the judge’s order or the chief of jails’ determination when it comes to deciding to utilize the GPS tether or not, it would be wise to allow for all counties within the state to be able to use the tether program on a wider array of potential convicts. Overcrowding of jails can be easily avoided by the use of a GPS tether for defendants.

 

Monitoring By davisge2 0 Comments

Electronic Monitoring – The Effective Way to Reduce Crime

Electronic Monitoring – The Effective Way to Reduce Crime

Judges are taking to electronic monitoring of criminals in an effort to reduce the pressure on the already overcrowded and expensive prison system. Currently, there are a variety of devices available to facilitate effective monitoring of criminals. Some of the popular devices that are used for electronic monitoring include radio frequency or RF monitoring devices, passive, active, and hybrid GPS tracking devices, as well as voice verification platforms.

Offender monitoring services in Michigan have been taken to the next level through the introduction of electronic monitoring systems. The state has made it a policy to provide GPS ankle tethers to all criminals not lodged in jail following their verdict. Even those who are currently involved in ongoing  trials are not put behind the bars and instead are provided with a GPS tether.

The best thing about these tethering devices is that they help considerably in reducing crime. The reason behind this is the fact that most criminals will not risk their freedom by opting for an unnecessary violation. They do not want to return to the dingy jail cells and instead be a part of  society and lead an active life.

Once a criminal has committed a crime, he is statistically more likely to commit the same crime again. There is no in point wasting the state’s resources for building and maintaining new jails to house these repeat offenders of minor crimes; rather, the courts can opt for electronic monitoring. Despite their economic advantages not all counties in Michigan use the tethering devices on their minor offenders.

Several other states in the U.S. are opting for similar programs to the offender monitoring services used in Michigan.  The Michigan tether program has been a huge success, which has inspired other states to replicate the use of tethers to reduce incarceration. There is no need for low-level offenders to be put in jail, as tethering can be used for effective tracking of the offender’s activities.

The Department of Corrections has a centralized monitoring system with alerts. Thus, any abnormal activity such as loitering near a restricted area sends in an alert to the authorities who then immediately arrest the offender.

The Michigan tether program has been an excellent example to other jurisdictions that crime can be reduced quite effectively if one knows how to use electronic monitoring wisely.

 

DNA TESTING • • • By davisge2 0 Comments

Easy DNA testing in Michigan

Easy DNA testing in Michigan

Paternity testing is often very stressful, especially in cases that involve secretly which will only add to any already existing anxiety. DNA testing in Detroit can be carried out in secrecy if  the consent of the person whose toothbrush, hair, or other biological specimens you want to get tested is obtained.

If a sample of a person is sent in, then his/her written and duly signed consent is needed to carry out the DNA testing in the state of Michigan. If the sample is for a minor under 18 years of age, then the consent form needs to be signed by one of the minor’s legal guardians.  

Sending in biological samples like a cheek-swab or hair is the usual norm but you can submit things such as a  toothbrush; however, again you will need to have the consent of the person whose sample is being sent for tests.  A majority of the labs need to get special samples pre-approved before starting the tests. You will also have to furnish additional details such as the age of the sample, type of sample, and the quantity of the sample.

Special specimens like toothbrushes are tough samples to process so no lab will guarantee an accurate result. There are many labs that offer sibling, avuncular, and grandparent DNA tests but the major challenge is that the participants are sometimes not willing or available to undergo the tests. There are several DNA testing labs in Michigan, and you can get a paternity test done at any point in time.

How do you choose the best among DNA testing centers in Michigan?

If you are trying to choose the best DNA testing in Michigan, then you will need to have a look at their accreditation. The best testing centers have been accredited by the AABB, L-A-B, and NYSDOH. Majority of the DNA testing facilities follow the strict guidelines laid down by their governing bodies. You will need to carry out your own search before you finalize the lab to get your DNA tested. Choosing the best DNA testing lab is a not a tough task because all you will need to do is a bit of online research and you should be flooded with several DNA testing centers in Michigan, as well as any information pertinent to making your choice.    

 

Drug and Alcohol Uncategorized • • By davisge2 0 Comments

Does Substance Abuse Counseling Really Help?

Does Substance Abuse Counseling Really Help?

If someone were able to get rid of substance abuse without professional help from a therapist or counselor then that would probably a great accomplishment. However, not everyone is designed physically or psychologically to take on their addiction directly – they usually need substance abuse counseling. There are several drug addict victims who cannot fight the battle alone since their cravings and relapses are quite tough to deal with.  

Substance abuse treatment in Detroit essentially includes substance abuse counseling along with family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and several other approaches to help the victims recover from their addiction. Psychotherapy has the power to treat a variety of psychological conditions, which is often the underlying cause for substance abuse.

Why is counseling so important in treating substance abuse?

It’s not only physical dependence on the substances but also the social and psychological factors that puts person at high risk for a relapse. Some of the factors that can trigger a relapse are:

  • Stress,
  • Environmental changes like visiting a specific place or locality ,
  • Spending too much time with friends and family members who abuse drugs themselves .

These factors can be very strong, and can result in an irresistible urge to take drugs or other substances. Substance abuse counseling helps the addicts block cravings successfully and also helps them to deal with life situations in a confident, and appropriate manner.  

Detroit substance abuse treatment programs are extremely popular among residents of Michigan as they have proved to be very effective in dealing with substance abuse. Counseling therapies are a blend of several therapies in the right manner so that the problem of substance abuse in tacked in a holistic manner. Thus, there is no fixed approach to counseling and the treatment plan is customized based on the needs of the individual.

Several Metro Detroit substance abuse agencies prefer group therapies over individual therapies. The logic behind this is that in group therapies victims are challenged as well as supported by their peers who are also drug abuse patients. Another substance abuse counseling tool is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, which helps a person identify the thoughts, situations, and moods which trigger a drug craving. They are also taught to use positive thoughts to weed out any negative thought that usually triggers substance abuse.  

Substance abuse treatment agencies have been helping substance abuse victims get over their addiction and lead a sober, healthy life. These benefits make it clear that people suffering from the problem of substance abuse, no matter how strong their will power is,  should always think about seeking help in the form of substance abuse counseling .

 

Drug and Alcohol Uncategorized • • By davisge2 0 Comments

Detroit Substance Abuse Treatment Programs – Lifeline for Teenagers

Detroit Substance Abuse Treatment Programs – Lifeline for Teenagers

One’s teenage years are the time when an individual is extremely curious and adventurous, which leaves them vulnerable to substance abuse. Many go through emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes in their body, and they may use drugs to deal with these new feelings and problems. Because of those issues, Detroit substance abuse treatment programs have been sought after by parents who want to restore normalcy to the lives of their teenage sons or daughters. However, these programs are not always enough to prevent or deter youngsters from substance abuse – friends and family have to play a vital active role as well.

How does a parent know that their teenager is engaging in substance abuse?

This is quite a common question but parents must understand that substance abuse can begin at any age; however, people are usually drawn to drugs in their youth. If you notice sudden behavioral changes in your teenage child without any concrete reason like depression, lethargy, or acting withdrawn, then there is a chance that he/she might be abusing drugs.  There are some other obvious signs of drug abuse which includes change in friend circles, steady decline in academics, eating and sleeping changes, and/or losing interest in favorite activities, etc.

Substance abuse manipulates the brain and can be treated when you take your teenager for substance abuse treatment. Clinics in Metro Detroit are popular for treating teenagers successfully. Repeated substance abuse impacts the brain wherein the victims lose their ability to thoroughly weigh decisions, make judgments, memorize and learn, and control their behavior. Only you can help your teenage son or daughter and seeking professional help is the first step towards that.

You can start being proactive by taking your child to Detroit drug treatment centers where they will screen your child for symptoms and signs of substance abuse. These centers have addiction specialists and who have the necessary skills to take care of young people addicted to drugs. Getting your teen to subscribe for substance abuse treatment programs can be a challenging task because most teenagers don’t like the idea of going to a doctor because frequently they are in denial mode.

You may have to create some incentives for your teenager to go to the doctor and not get into a confrontational intervention as that could easily backfire. You need to understand that your child is still immature and you might have to force a few decisions while at times taking his or her opinion. It’s more of a trial and error method so keep trying because your child’s life is at stake.

 

Drug and Alcohol • • • • • • • • • By davisge2 0 Comments

Michigan Substance Abuse Evaluation for Driver’s License Reinstatement

Michigan Substance Abuse Evaluation for Driver’s License Reinstatement

If you get a DUI in Michigan, restoration of your driver’s license is not impossible. In order to have your driver’s license reinstated in Michigan, there are a list of guidelines and tasks you must complete to prove to the courts that your alcohol abuse is under control and you will not be drinking and driving again. After getting a DUI, it is necessary to submit a request for an administrative hearing to the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division (using SOS 257 Form). People are typically allowed only one hearing a year.

Prior to the hearing for getting the driver’s license restored after a DUI, it is mandatory to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and it must meet certain specifications per the Michigan Secretary of State. The substance abuse evaluation will include the disclosure of all current and past use of drugs and alcohol. The drug screen analysis brought to the evaluation will be reviewed and discussed.

Schedule your evaluation appointment and print out the Michigan form SOS 258 (Michigan Substance Use Evaluation) to take with you. The SOS 257 Form and SOS 258 Evaluation will need to be submitted simultaneously for your hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division. When you arrive to your evaluation appointment, it is imperative you have:

  • Master Driving Record (call the Secretary of State Plus Office or order from Lansing, Michigan after having your license suspended).
  • 12-Panel Urinalysis Drug Screen
  • Four Notarized Letters of Support less than 6 months old: Letters have to be specific per the Secretary of State guidelines. Additionally, they have to be notarized by a public notary and cannot be older than six months at the time of your evaluation.

When you present your case at the hearing for your driver’s license reinstatement, you must include the following evaluation forms to the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division:

  • All evaluator results from exams and testing
  • Treatment history, including relapses
  • Substance abuse criminal record – charges/convictions
  • Support group attendance records
  • Evaluator’s diagnosis and positive prognosis
  • Person’s current living / work situation, address, environment, and lifestyle changes that have taken effect since the suspension
  • Any relevant information pertaining to the person’s present circumstances
  • Support description detailing what plan the person has for maintaining sobriety

If the substance abuse evaluation is not favorable, a lawyer can help guide you through the procedure of getting a second opinion in Michigan. While the substance abuse evaluation SOS 258 is a requirement from the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division when submitting your hearing request SOS 257 Form, it is not the only requirement for driver’s license restoration.

It is critical to change your lifestyle and obtain strong letters of reference from neighbors, friends, and co-workers that can attest to your change, as well as your character. Ensuring you have everything necessary along with your witnesses will best prepare you for the testimony with the Michigan Driver License Assessment and Appeal Division hearing.

If you or someone you know has lost their driver’s license after a DUI conviction in Michigan, we can help at MDADs with the Michigan Secretary of State Requirements and evaluation. Contact our professional, friendly staff today to learn more.