Monthly Archives: August 2012

Avoid Simple Mistakes When Selecting the Right Online Anger Management Class

Avoid Simple Mistakes when Selecting the Right Online Anger Management Class © 2012 Thomas Wilson

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; Internationally Board Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
If you are required to complete an anger management class, then taking an anger management class online is a great alternative for meeting your court requirements. The court often requires you to complete anger managment classes before releasing you from supervision.
 However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.
Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited or approved to provide anger management counseling. 
Anger management classes are taught by professionals who are licensed in counseling and have several years of experience.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.   
Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the right class that is required by the court. 
Normally these classes are called anger managment classes.  Remember that anger management classes are not the same as domestic violence classes, which can be 26 to 52 weeks in length.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed and credentialed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 
Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency. 
A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK. 
Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class. 
Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs. 

Avoid Costly Mistakes When Completing Drug Awareness Class

Avoiding Simple Mistakes when Selecting the Right Online Drug Awareness Class © 2012 Thomas Wilson

Internationally Board Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
If you received a citation for illegal possesion or use of a controlled substance, then completing  drug awareness classes is one of your court requirements. The courts require you to complete these classes before releasing you from supervision.
 However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.
Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited or approved to provide substance abuse education. 
Drug education or substance abuse prevention classes are taught by professionals who are certified or licensed in drug education or counseling.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.   
Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the right class that is required by the court. 
Normally these classes are called deferred entry of judgement classes.  Remember that these classes are different than a DUI class.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed and credentialed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 
Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency. 
A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK. 
Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class. 
Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs. 

Avoiding Simple Mistakes when Selecting the Right Online Drug Awareness Class © 2012 Thomas Wilson

Internationally Board Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
If you received a citation for possession of marijuana in California, then completing a deferred entry of judgment program or drug awareness class is one of your court requirements. The courts require you to complete theses classes before releasing you from supervision.
 However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.
Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited or approved to provide substance abuse education. 
Drug education or substance abuse prevention classes are taught by professionals who are certified or licensed in drug education or counseling.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.   
Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the right class that is required by the court. 
Normally these classes are called PC1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment classes.  Remember that a DEJ program is different than a DUI class.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed and credentialed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 
Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency. 
A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK. 
Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class. 
Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs. 

Avoiding Simple Mistakes when Selecting the Right Online Alcohol Awareness Class

Avoiding Simple Mistakes when Selecting the Right Online Alcohol Awareness Class © 2012 Thomas Wilson

Internationally Board Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
If you received a citation for minor in possession or consumption of alcohol, then completing an alcohol awareness class is one of your court requirements. The courts will likely require you to complete an alcohol awareness class before releasing you from supervision.
However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.
Mistake # 1: Enrolling in an online alcohol class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited or approved to provide substance abuse education. 
Drug education or substance abuse prevention classes are taught by professionals who are certified or licensed in alcohol or drug education or counseling.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.   
Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the right class that is required by the court. 
Normally these classes are called alcohol awareness or minor in possession classes.  Remember that a minor in possession class or alcohol awareness class is different than a DUI class.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed and credentialed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 
Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency. 
A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK. 
Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class. 
Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs. 

California AB 1353 Alcohol Class for Out of State DUI

Register for California 12 Hour Online Wet-Reckless Class
If you received a DUI in the State of California and live in another state you might be required to take an Alcohol Education Class as part of your sentence.  Please get court approval before enrolling.
Tom Wilson Counseling Center offers several options for those who got a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offense in the State of California but are not a resident of California.  All classes are online and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  You can work on your class on your time and at your convenience from any location with an internet connection.
Basic computer and internet skills, with a knowledge of how to use a browser required to complete the class. Classes are best viewed on PCs with latest versions of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Opera, but can also be viewed and completed using Smart Devices.  Many of our students have successfully completed our classes on a Smart Device, such as an iPad or other Droid tablets. Please be advised that the classes contain a lot of textual content and some images, links and videos that may be difficult to see on a smaller Smartphone device such as a Droid, Blackberry, iPhone, etc…

Click here to see all of our Online California DUI Classes for non-residents

Click here for all DUI Classes

Click here for all Alcohol / Drug Education Classes

Tom Wilson Counseling Center has been providing online APPROVED DUI, Alcohol, Drug and Anger Classes since 2005.  Tom Wilson Accreditations.

California 45 Hour, 6 Month, AB762 Alcohol Program Online Classes

Register for California 12 Hour Online Wet-Reckless Class
If you received a DUI in the State of California and live in another state you might be required to take an Alcohol Education Class as part of your sentence.  Please get court approval before enrolling.
Tom Wilson Counseling Center offers several options for those who got a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offense in the State of California but are not a resident of California.  All classes are online and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  You can work on your class on your time and at your convenience from any location with an internet connection.
Basic computer and internet skills, with a knowledge of how to use a browser required to complete the class. Classes are best viewed on PCs with latest versions of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Opera, but can also be viewed and completed using Smart Devices.  Many of our students have successfully completed our classes on a Smart Device, such as an iPad or other Droid tablets. Please be advised that the classes contain a lot of textual content and some images, links and videos that may be difficult to see on a smaller Smartphone device such as a Droid, Blackberry, iPhone, etc…

Click here to see all of our Online California DUI Classes for non-residents

Click here for all DUI Classes

Click here for all Alcohol / Drug Education Classes

Tom Wilson Counseling Center has been providing online APPROVED DUI, Alcohol, Drug and Anger Classes since 2005.  Tom Wilson Accreditations.

Adolescent Smoking and Drinking at Historic Lows


Originally published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse


But use of marijuana is on the rise.


July 2012

Rates of adolescent cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking stood at historic lows in 2011, but marijuana use trended upward, according to the 2011 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey. The findings reflect the responses of 46,773 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-graders in 400 public and private secondary schools nationwide.

In all three grades, rates of smoking and alcohol consumption were the lowest that they have been in the survey’s 37-year history. Binge drinking was also reported at record lows.

Illicit drug use by adolescents, however, has risen gradually from 2008 through 2011, driven by the increase in marijuana use over the 4-year period. One in four students surveyed reported past-year marijuana use in 2011, an increase of nearly 17 percent since 2007.

NIDA officials point to two worrisome findings. Daily use of marijuana rose in all three grades and, among 12th-graders, stood at its highest rate (6.6 percent) in 30 years. In addition, the perception of harm associated with marijuana use declined in all three grades—an indication that use is likely to continue to rise.

Questions on synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 and spice, were added to the survey in 2011, allowing researchers to quantify the growing popularity of products called herbal mixtures—plant materials sprayed with synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana. In the survey, 11.4 percent of high school seniors said they had used synthetic marijuana in the past year.

This rate is “very high and unexpected” given that synthetic marijuana is a new drug, says NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. “The students’ willingness to experiment at such a high level with a drug for which there is not much experience underlies the urgency of addressing this problem so that we can prevent further escalation,” she adds.

Poison control centers across the nation received 5,741 calls pertaining to synthetic marijuana in the first 10 months of 2011, nearly twice the number of calls received in all of 2010.

Last year, the Drug Enforcement Administration added five of the chemicals used in synthetic marijuana to its list of controlled substances, making it illegal to possess or sell them. The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to ban the sale of synthetic marijuana in 2011; a similar bill is pending in the U.S. Senate. At least 18 states have banned the sale of synthetic marijuana.

“Next year’s survey results should tell us a lot more about how successful these new control efforts are,” says Dr. Lloyd Johnston of the University of Michigan, lead investigator of the survey.

–END–

Tom Wilson Counseling Center offers many online classes approved in most states for adults and minors to help overcome addictions and meet requirements for court ordered classes.  Enrollment is easy, confidential, safe and secure.

Out of state residents who receive a drug charge in California may be required to complete a Deferred Entry of Judgment Program in their home state to meet California’s requirements. If an out of state defendant is unable to find a Deferred Entry of Judgment Program in their home state equivalent to California standards, the court may allow an online equivalent. You must obtain court approval from the county court where you received your drug charge before enrolling.
ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression”, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media.

Anger Management for Everyone

Anger Management seems to be a popular subject these days.  Anything from Charlie Sheen’s new television sitcom to court ordered anger management classes for celebrities, sports heroes and fans, and even politicians and your everyday Joe.  No one seems to know, understand or use proper anger management and rage control techniques and skills as basic as ‘think before you speak’ or just walk away until you cool off.  Unfortunately the lack of these skills can land you in legal hot water, jail or even in the hospital.

One thing is for sure, it does require an extra effort from those that seem to have a short fuse to begin with.  These days with the economy in the toilet, the upcoming elections and the ever popular prophecies of the End of the World scenarios predicted on December 21, 2012, people are more on the edge than ever before and no wonder. 
It doesn’t have to be this way.  Some simple tools and skills for managing stress, emotions and anger are at your fingertips if you just learn to use them.
Tom Wilson, LCPC, suggests that even those that are not court ordered to take an anger management class should consider taking one BEFORE something explosive happens.  He has even developed a new Cognitive Self Change class that gives you the tools for dealing with volatile situations using new approaches to manage anger and resolve conflict.
Here are some suggestions to use in your life.
First, learn to recognize the cues of anger;
  1. Physical Cues (how your body responds; e.g., with an increased heart rate, tightness in the chest, feeling hot or flushed)
  2. Behavioral Cues (what you do; e.g., clench your fists, raise your voice, stare at others)
  3. Emotional Cues (other feelings that may occur along with anger; e.g., fear, hurt, jealousy, disrespect)
  4. Cognitive or thought Cues (what you think about in response to the event; e.g., hostile self-talk, images of aggression and revenge)

And second, use what are called “Anger Reducers” to deal with hot emotions before they trigger an aggressive response;

Anger Reducer #1: Deep Breathing
How to use: When you recognize your cues, tell yourself “Relax, stay cool or other words to signal the start or relaxation. Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Imagine that you are trying to keep a feather a float with your breath. Use deep breathing until your cues subside.

Anger Reducer #2: Backward counting from 20 to 1
How to use: As soon as you experience a cue, start counting backwards from 20 to 1 until your cues are lessened. Repeat if necessary.

Anger Reducer # 3: Switch Thinking to a Calm Scene or Distraction
How to use: As soon as you experience an anger cue, it becomes your signal to switch your thoughts to a calm scene or distraction until you feel calmer.

Anger Reducer #4: Time Out
How to use: As soon as you experience your cues or see the other person getting too angry to talk to take a personal T/O (excuse yourself) or suggest you come back to the discussion later. It takes a minimum of 20 minutes to an hour before your flight or fight system can calm down.

We can’t always anticipate what will trigger our anger but we can control how we respond if we stop and think BEFORE we react.
ANGER MANAGEMENT / CONFLICT MANAGEMENT CLASSES:
Cognitive Self-Change / Thinking Errors Classes:
ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression”, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media. 
 

Choosing the Correct Online DUI Class for California

Avoid Costly Mistakes when Enrolling in an Online DUI, Alcohol or Drug Class   

© 2012 Thomas Wilson

Internationally Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist 
If you have received a citation for a DUI, minor in possession or consumption of alcohol, then enrolling in an online DUI or alcohol awareness class will be part of your obligations to the court. This is usually required by the court before the court releases you from supervision.
However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.
Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited.  
Alcohol awareness classes are taught by professionals who are certified or licensed in alcohol or drug education or counseling.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.  
Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the correct class that is required by the court.  
Normally these classes are called alcohol awareness classes or minor in possession classes.  
Remember that an alcohol awareness class is different than a DUI class or a drug education class.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed course providers are happy to help you find the right class. 
Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency.  
A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK.  
Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class.  
Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs.
Click on class below to begin registration:
OTHER ONLINE CLASSES at Tom Wilson Counseling Center:
ALL classes developed and monitored by Tom Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Prevention Specialist. Tom is the author of “Taming Anger and Aggression“, an anger management program which has been taught to hundreds of people at the counseling center over the last twelve years. He specializes in adapting evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs for delivery through the web and other electronic media. 

Choosing the Right Online Alcohol Class for Court Requirements

Avoid Costly Mistakes when Enrolling in an Online DUI, Alcohol or Drug Class  

© 2012 Thomas Wilson

Internationally Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist 
If you have received a citation for a DUI, DWI, OUI, minor in possession or consumption of alcohol, then enrolling in an online DUI or alcohol awareness class will be part of your obligations to the court. This is usually required by the court before the court releases you from supervision. 
However, a simple mistake such as choosing the wrong class or choosing the wrong online program provider could get you into even more trouble with the court.  If you want to resolve your case quickly, avoid these common mistakes.
Mistake # 1: Enrolling in a class from a provider that does not have the proper credentials or is not accredited.  
Alcohol awareness classes are taught by professionals who are certified or licensed in alcohol or drug education or counseling.  If you are unsure, ask for a copy of their license or credentials to provide to the court.  
Mistake #2: Enrolling in the wrong class.  Be sure to enroll in the correct class that is required by the court.  
Normally these classes are called alcohol awareness classes or minor in possession classes. 
Remember that an alcohol awareness class is different than a DUI class or a drug education class.  If you are unsure or don’t know the exact name of the class, you should call the office of the program provider and ask for assistance. Licensed course providers are happy to help you find the right class.  
Mistake #3: Enrolling in an online class without getting approval from your court or agency.  
A credentialed course provider will not encourage you to sign up unless you have gotten permission from the court or agency that requires the class.  Be sure you have permission from the court, agency or your attorney take the online class.  It’s always a good idea to call and get an OK.  
Mistake #4: Enrolling in the cheapest class.  
Just because the class is the cheapest, does not necessarily mean it will meet court requirements, or provide technical support. Some providers charge extra for certificates or other paper work required by the court. Inquire about all the cost involved in getting proof of enrollment, completion of certificates and mailing costs. Some providers make their money by charging inflated fees for services that are normally included at no cost by licensed or credentialed programs.
www.tomwilsoncounseling.com for online dui class, online alcohol class, online drug class, online anger class, online parenting class, online self change class, online thinking errors class, online relapse class, online traffic class.