Family Program At Our Drug Addiction Treatment Program
We believe it would be a disservice to our clients if we only treat the person and not their family as well. As parents and family members, you may develop uncomfortable emotions and fear during your loved ones rehabilitation and treatment. At Red Oak Recovery, we will provide the resources to reconnect with your loved ones and gain an understanding of substance use, trauma, and mental health issues through our family program.
Trauma, grief, and disconnect are often found in family members during a loved ones treatment, so its important to address these family issues in a safe and comforting atmosphere.
Treatment And Supportive Recovery Services In Bc
Treatment and supportive recovery services are live-in or bed-based substance use services that offer a range of programs and supports to help people who are looking to reduce or abstain from substances, and/or reduce harms associated with substance use. Programs can vary both in length, types of services offered, model of care and intensity of supports available.
The following lists of services are made available by the BC Centre on Substance Use as an easily accessible tool for individuals to find service options available in their community.
Can Drug Addiction Be Treated
Yes, but its not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people cant simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives.
Addiction treatment must help the person do the following:
- stop using drugs
- be productive in the family, at work, and in society
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Treatment For A Painkiller Overdose
In cases of painkiller overdose, you should take the container of the drug with you to the emergency department. That way, doctors can identify the exact cause of the overdose.
Doctors will also examine and monitor the persons vital signs and design a treatment plan to address overdose signs and symptoms.
A person who overdosed on painkillers may receive or undergo the following tests or procedures:
- Activated charcoal
- Airway support, including oxygen, intubation , or a ventilator .
- Blood and urine tests
- Laxative
- Other drugs to treat symptoms, including naloxone
A person suspected of painkiller overdosing should receive emergency help as soon as possible. Any delay in treatment increases the risk of irreversible brain damage or death.
How Effective Is Drug Addiction Therapy
How effective behavioral therapy is for addiction treatment depends on the particular individual receiving treatment, their level of treatment engagement, the therapist and other members of the treatment team, and the type of therapy being provided. For example, research indicates that the skills that patients learn in cognitive behavioral therapy sessions tend to stick with them beyond treatment completion. In other words, what is taught in CBT seems to have a positive lasting impact on substance abuse patients.4
Contingency management has also been shown to be effective in treating a range of substance use disorders, including those involving alcohol, stimulants, opioids, and marijuana. Giving patients tangible rewards, such as vouchers or even cash prizes, may help promote recovery by reinforcing abstinence and other positive behaviors.5
One clinical trial found that incentive-based therapy may also contribute to improved treatment retention.6
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Is There A Cure For Addiction
Currently, there is no cure for substance use disorders. Much like other chronic health issues, addiction is a persistent and sometimes-relapsing condition. However, also much like other chronic health conditions, there are various ways to treat and manage drug addiction. By treating substance use disorders, people can regain control over their lives by working against the disruptive effects that drugs or alcohol once had on their brain.9
Substance Use And Addiction Can Also Be Understood As Being On A Spectrum
People use substances for different reasons, and in varying degrees. For some people there may not be any harms related to their substance use, however, for some there may be negative impacts on their lives. Substance use and addiction can be understood as being on a spectrum, as seen in the model below.
Often the symptoms of problematic substance use and addiction can be episodic, and an individual can experience periods of increased substance use as well as periods of control. For example, casual or non-problematic substance consumption might escalate into problematic substance use if an individual is experiencing stressors in their life and using substances to cope. The substance use spectrum can be seen below:vii
A common misconception about addiction is that an individual will immediately get hooked if experimenting with an addictive substance. While many substances can be addictive, addiction isnt caused simply by the substances being consumed. For example, many people who use narcotics for post-operative pain relief do not become dependent on these substances. Addiction and substance use are often connected to a persons lived experience and their behavior patterns.
References
i European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. . Models of Addiction. Retrieved from:
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Government Agencies Clinical Trials And More
National Institute on Drug Abuse . Use this fact sheet to learn more information on the most recent and comprehensive treatment options for drug abuse and addiction.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a confidential, 24-hour treatment referral helpline 1-800-662-HELP to help people find treatment programs and other assistance. You can also use SAMHSAs online resource Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator forfinding mental health treatment facilities and programsin your state.
National Institute of Mental Health, is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMHs website has the latest research, news, and statistics on addiction and related mental health disorders, and you can explore the idea of participating in an upcoming clinical trial for finding new and better treatments.
Clinical Trials Network . If youre interested in participating in a clinical trial or learning more about upcoming clinical trials, you can find one via the Clinical Trials Network.
Alcoholics Anonymous . Find a local AA meeting near you.
Narcotics Anonymous . Find a local NA meeting near you.
Choosing The Best Option
The cost of drug rehabilitation in British Columbia is not cheap but it is likely necessary for those with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. With the personalized programs, amenities, and length of treatment, this cost is typically justified and well worth it. Theres nothing more valuable than your health.
To find the best drug rehabilitation center for you, you should take into consideration your budget, your ability to attend an in-patient facility, and what the costs are for NOT getting treatment. Drug rehabilitation is a necessity for most people that want to get and stay sober.
Another option is to attend a facility far from home, such as one in Toronto. Youll have all the benefits of being in a large city but youll be far removed from any of the triggers in your every day life.
Indeed, the cost of drug rehab isnt cheap. However, paying to get better is a whole lot better than paying to stay worse. Here at Addiction Rehab, we offer effective addiction treatment services. More importantly, we offer fair pricing that is well worth the value of our addiction treatment services. Speak to an addiction treatment expert today!
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When All Else Fails Dont Use Guilt
Its very easy to mix up the thought of an ultimatum, and lecturing or guilting an addicted individual into ceasing their vice usage. Under no circumstances should you attempt to guilt them into quitting their addiction. Phrases like How could you do this to me, or anything that will garner guilt and/or shame from the addict is a surefire no-go.
Drug Or Alcohol Abuse Symptoms
Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive list of symptoms that may be displayed by a person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Many of these may be internal experiences for that individual however, symptoms that may be evident to others include:
- Appearing intoxicated more and more often
- Developing problems with cognition and memory
- Being lethargic, sleeping more, sleeping irregular hours, or appearing unwell or tired
- Developing problems at work or school possibly losing ones job or dropping out of school
- Attending social events only if drugs or alcohol are available becoming intoxicated before the social event or attending fewer social events specifically to drink or use drugs
- Stealing money or valuables to pay for drugs
- Lying about the substance or how much they are using
- Becoming angry, sad, or lashing out when questioned about their substance abuse
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to take the drug
- Neglected appearance and poor hygiene
People who struggle with substance abuse problems are likely to behave differently when they are intoxicated versus when they are sober they may say or do hurtful things, and they are likely to take serious risks with their life, such as driving while intoxicated. These behavioral problems can cause intense worry and fear in loved ones.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Drug Addiction
People who are addicted to drugs tend to show signs of the disease in every aspect of their lives. The symptoms of addiction are varied, but common signs of a problem with substance abuse include:3,4
- Needing to use drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Needing more drugs to get the effects .
- Continuing use of drugs even with the awareness of the harm it causes.
- Neglecting family obligations and financial issues.
- Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite declining physical health.
- Losing interest in hobbies.
- Changes in eating habits .
Can You Overdose On Painkillers
Yes. It is possible to overdose on OTC and prescription painkillers. Although it tends to be more common with the latter. An overdose happens when a person exceeds the recommended dose.
Individuals with underlying risk factors like prior substance abuse are more likely to misuse painkillers.1 This means that there are the added risks of painkiller addiction, overdose, or in severe cases, slowed breathing and death.
However, accidental overdose can also occur in people who:
- Dont know theyve developed painkiller dependence and tolerance
- Take prescribed painkillers with alcohol
- Do not follow the doctors prescription
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , a woman will visit the emergency room for prescription painkiller misuse or overdose every 3 minutes.
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Who Is At Risk For Substance Use Disorder
Anyone can develop a substance use disorder. No one thing can predict whether a person may develop an addiction. You may be more prone to drug use due to:
- Biology: The persons genetic makeup, gender, ethnicity and mental health issues may raise his or her risk for developing an addiction. About two-thirds of people in addiction treatment are men. Particular ethnicities are at higher risk for substance abuse disorder. This is true for Native Americans.
- Environment: Surroundings can affect the likelihood of developing substance use disorder. For example, stress, peer pressure, physical or sexual abuse and early exposure to drugs can raise the risk.
- Age: Teenagers who start taking drugs are especially at risk. The parts of the brain that control judgment, decisions and self-control are not fully developed. Teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. In a developing brain, drugs can cause changes that make addiction more likely.
Other Holistic & Alternative Drug Abuse Therapy
There are alternate types of therapies that can be used to complement the more standard treatment types listed above to aid recovery. Though these techniques do serve as adequate substitutes for the substance abuse treatment programs themselves, they can help promote recovery through stress management and overall wellbeing. Some of the complementary therapies are:
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Treatment Approaches For Drug Addiction Drugfacts
NOTE: This fact sheet discusses research findings on effective treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction. If youre seeking treatment, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or go to for information on hotlines, counseling services, or treatment options in your state.
Treatment And Rehabilitation For Drug Abuse
According to the 2016 Surgeon Generals Facing Addiction in America report, 20.8 million people met the criteria for a substance use disorder in 2015. However, only about 1 in 10 people with an addiction sought treatment. Addictions are progressive, so its best to treat them before they become life-threatening. The good news is that theres better understanding of addiction now than ever, which means better treatment for everyone.
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Therapies Used In Drug Addiction Treatment
When you come to our addiction treatment center in North Carolina, youll find that you spend a significant portion of your time in therapy. Therapy sessions allow you to get to the root cause of your addiction and provide you with the tools to curb your addictive behaviors in the future.
At Red Oak Recovery, were happy to provide a range of evidence-based and holistic therapies to give you the support you need. Evidence-based therapies are treatments which experts in addiction recovery have studied extensively. They know that these treatments can effectively address addiction. On the other end of the spectrum, holistic therapies are treatments that address the damage that addiction has done to a persons mind, body, and soul. We use a combination of these therapies, which we tailor to each persons unique needs in our treatment program.
Our programs include:
What Are The Treatments For Drug Addiction
Treatments for drug addiction include counseling, medicines, or both. Research shows that combining medicines with counseling gives most people the best chance of success.
The counseling may be individual, family, and/or group therapy. It can help you
- Understand why you got addicted
- See how drugs changed your behavior
- Learn how to deal with your problems so you won’t go back to using drugs
- Learn to avoid places, people, and situations where you might be tempted to use drugs
Medicines can help with the symptoms of withdrawal. For addiction to certain drugs, there are also medicines that can help you re-establish normal brain function and decrease your cravings.
If you have a mental disorder along with an addiction, it is known as a dual diagnosis. It is important to treat both problems. This will increase your chance of success.
If you have a severe addiction, you may need hospital-based or residential treatment. Residential treatment programs combine housing and treatment services.
Also Check: How To Get Out Of Addiction
What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you or a loved one is experiencing substance use disorder, ask your healthcare provider:
- How can I stop taking drugs?
- What is the best treatment plan for me?
- How long will the withdrawal symptoms last?
- How long does therapy take?
- What can I do to prevent a relapse?
- What community resources can help me during my recovery?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Substance abuse, or substance use disorder, is a brain disease. Drugs affect your brain, including your decision-making ability. These changes make it hard to stop taking drugs, even if you want to. If you or a loved one has a substance use disorder, talk to a healthcare provider. A trained provider can help guide you to the treatment you need. Usually, a combination of medication and ongoing therapy helps people recover from addiction and get back to their lives.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/03/2020.
References
Pursuing Pleasure To Avoid Pain
Old school thinking believed that people who developed addictions were morally inferior and overcoming addiction simply a matter of mustering up the willpower to just say no. That catchy slogan from the 1980s, unfortunately, perpetuated the idea that addictions arent mental health illnesses. They ARE.
Today, we know through science and research that addiction is a chronic disease. Addiction changes brain structure and function, just as cardiovascular disease damages the heart or diabetes disables the pancreas.
Addiction develops as dysregulation of our brains drive-reward system when stimulated by pleasure-inducing substances and/or behaviors in vulnerable people. Vulnerability is generally a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors.2
In vulnerable people, addiction impairs the ability to self-regulate and leads to the compulsion for different reasons.
Our neurobiology drives us to do things that promote our survival and propagate our DNA. We experience these drives as motivations, compulsions, impulses, urges, desires, or cravings. Desire compels us to be safe, to feel good and to not feel bad, and to reproduce.
The brain has evolved to experience rewards as a way to satisfy desire. These rewards are relief of distress and pleasure. We seek relief from pain, anxiety, discomfort, and other unpleasantness. Pleasure can include satisfaction or enjoyment .
Distress can be biological , emotional , and spiritual .
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The Role Of Shame And Trauma In Addiction
Traumawhether emotional or physicalis a significant risk factor for addiction. Trauma overwhelms a persons capacity to cope and the effects can last for decades. The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences Study is one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse and neglect and resulting challenges in health and well-being ever done. 7
The original ACE Study was conducted from 1995 to 1997. Thousands of children were studied, and the results found a strong correlation between exposure to abuse or household dysfunction during childhood and multiple risk factors including the development of addiction.
Trauma can include experiencing fairly common events like divorce, surviving a bad car accident, or a natural disaster. Perhaps you grew up in a household with a mentally ill parent or a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol. Maybe you were raped or sexually assaulted.
All of these experiences have the potential to leave traumatic scarring. Trauma can leave its heartbreaking mark on the mind, heart, and body. One way to cope with the impact is through addiction.
Many clinicians find trauma to be common among those suffering from addiction, although the exact relationship of trauma to addiction is still unclear.8
Trauma can impair the ability to self-regulate and to form healthy attachments. If you grew up with a parent who ignored or trivialized your needs, you learn that asking for help is dangerous.
