Did you know that almost 20 million Americans are currently struggling with addiction? The problem is that addictive substances take over the brain’s reward system, making it difficult to make smart decisions, even when painful consequences are sure to result. Addiction completely rewires the brain, making it difficult to stop using. Thankfully, recovery is possible.
At the offices of Dr. Daniel J. Headrick, we’re here to provide you with expert and compassionate care, backed by years of experience in treating addiction. So, we’ve compiled this helpful guide to get you on the path to recovery.
When it comes to addiction treatment, the first step is your desire to get better. You can’t embark on any recovery program without the desire to want to change, which greatly increases your chances of recovery.
Working with a therapist in a one-on-one setting is a great way to get started on the path to recovery. Therapy is helpful because it can help you work through traumas that can be contributing to your addiction. It can also help you recognize your patterns of behavior and provide you with the tools needed to help you break these patterns.
There are many great medications to help treat addiction. A new FDA-approved drug called acamprosate, for example, can reduce drug cravings by slowing the release of a triggering chemical, glutamate. Certain medications can also alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making recovery much easier.
Outpatient care is a great option when counseling isn’t enough. With outpatient care, you can get both individual and group counseling through regular visits to an outpatient clinic. These programs also provide other kinds of support services like medication management, skills training for jobs, and parenting classes.
In cases where one-on-one counseling and outpatient care haven’t been successful, it may be time to turn to inpatient care. With inpatient care, you would stay in a facility that specializes in dealing with addiction care through a healing and supportive atmosphere. This is the best route for those with severe addictions and can involve stays that last up to a year.
No matter what route you decide to turn to for addiction recovery, you’ll need to maintain your recovery through long-term goals and aftercare. The most recommended programs with the best statistics for lasting recovery are 12-step programs that connect you to a supportive network and a sponsor that can help you through recovery.
You don’t have to suffer through addiction alone. At the offices of Dr. Daniel J. Headrick, MD, we’re here to help. Call us or set up an appointment online today.
