The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.” Substance abuse is a complex brain disorder and mental illness.
A lot of people overlook the fact that substance abuse is treatable and that many people successfully recover from it. If you or a loved one is suffering from substance abuse, please seek help – there is a lot of support and resources available to successful wean you off and get you back on track to a healthy lifestyle.
Seeking Recovery
The first step to wellness is an evaluation by an experienced professional who specializes in psychopharmacological and therapy interventions. Don’t be embarrassed to seek treatment and talk about your addiction. Be honest and open. You are not the only one dealing with substance abuse, and professionals who treat this issue regularly see patients suffering from it. Nothing you say will surprise them, and they will not judge you.
Evaluation is all about the doctor getting to know you as a person, so that you may be comfortable with each other. The doctor will then devise a treatment plan that fits your needs and your particular situation. No treatment plan is one-size-fits-all. Your treatment will be customized to fit your needs and will likely change over time as you make progress.
There are many treatments for substance abuse. One example is a treatment for opioid addiction, Suboxone. It is used to treat heroin and opioid substance abuse. This treatment can help you stabilize while in recovery. It is crucial that you take this treatment under a doctor’s care, as Suboxone is actually an opioid. However, it doesn’t produce the same high as other opioids. It works as an inhibitor, preventing opioid receptors from activating. This consequently assists in recovery, as cravings are eased. Combined with therapy, Suboxone is useful in building a resistance against what would be a patient’s drug of choice.
Substance abuse recovery often requires detoxification. Detoxification allows the body to rid itself of drugs and to manage withdrawal symptoms associated with kicking addiction. Detoxing alone, without professional intervention, is not only daunting, but also risky. The process of eliminating the effects of drugs or alcohol in the body can be uncomfortable and take a long time. How long it takes to withdraw depends on the type of substance you are withdrawing from. The length of time you have been addicted and the severity of the addiction also factor into your withdrawal period.
Attempting to detox on your own is not only likely to fail, it can also be dangerous. A facility that provides medical supervision is the best choice, allowing you to avoid serious bodily responses to withdrawal. Those negative responses might include: cramping in the abdominal region, extreme anxiety, seizures and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and even seizures. Don’t detox alone, seek professional intervention.
Substance Abuse Help in Connecticut
Psy-Visions can help you or your loved one suffering from substance abuse. We have experts who are experienced in treating such issues and have state-of-the-art treatments that can make your recovery fast and effective.
To learn more or to make an appointment, please call (203) 405-1745. You may also request an appointment online.
