SUBSTANCE USE disorder TREATMENT

What is it?

Substance Use Disorder is the improper use and overuse of medications, alcohol, or drugs by a person. Substance abuse is detrimental to our society and can end in taking the lives of people we love and care for. Reasons for substance abuse can vary, along with the severity of each case. Family, work, personal life, genetics, and more can cause stress on someone, leading them to find refuge in drugs and alcohol. Some may the start of this abuse for recreation and excitement, but it may end up taking the user down a dark road. The effects of drugs can lead someone to isolate himself or herself and ruin their lives with work, family, and relationships, as well as cause physical issues.

How do we treat it?

For milder cases of substance abuse and chemical dependency, therapy can be an effective and successful way in ending the harmful habit. With talk-therapy, the root of the problem can be identified and the patient can work toward short-term goals to find a healthy solution. Eventually, these short-term goals will turn into long-term goals, and can help rebuild relationships and accept responsibility and actions.

Alcohol Addiction

What is it?

Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is a pattern of alcohol use in which you are drinking alcohol to excess. Unhealthy alcohol use also includes binge drinking, or drinking to the point of alcohol causing problems to your health or the lives of others. If your alcohol consumption is causing problems in your day-to-day life, you may have an alcohol disorder. Alcohol addiction can range from mild to severe, but even with mild cases, early intervention is the best medicine.

How do we treat it?

For mild alcohol addiction, therapy can be a helpful and effective way to end this harmful habit. With talk therapy, we work towards getting to the root of the problem, and we work towards healthy short-term goals to find a solution. These short-term goals can then be built into long-term goals, and we can work on rebuilding relationships and taking responsibility.

‘Benzo’ Addiction

What is it?

Benzodiazepines (‘benzos’) is a type of medication that is often known as, “tranquilizers.” These most commonly include Valium and Xanax, and are some of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. At normal, regular and prescribed doses, benzodiazepines can help relieve anxiety, insomnia, or are given before an anesthetic before a surgery. These prescription drugs are often abused due to the effects they produce, and their widespread availability.

How do we treat it?

For mild cases of benzodiazepine addiction, therapy can be a successful and effective way of ending this harmful habit. During talk-therapy sessions, we can often get to the root of the problem, and work towards short-term goals. After establishing and working towards short-term goals, we can then look at creating long-term goals to help rebuild relationships, as well as reclaiming responsibility.

Opioid Addiction

What is it?

Opioids are a class of drug that includes heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers – such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine. The most commonly known opioid painkillers are OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone). Regular use of opioid painkillers – even when prescribed by a doctor – can lead to dependency.

How do we treat it?

For cases of opioid addiction, therapy - combined with medication – can be an efficient way to combat this dangerous addiction. During these sessions, we will work towards getting to the root of the addiction, as well as establish healthy, attainable short and long-term goals. We will work together to reestablish relationships, and begin rebuilding your life without addiction. There are also effective medications available to treat opioid addiction - including methadone, buprenorphine and extended release naltrexone. Medications should always be combined with behavioral counseling for a “whole patient” approach.