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Is There Therapy for Addictions? Plus, Tips for Brooklyn Residents
Anyone who has experienced any of the substance use disorders knows that it can be incredibly difficult to stop using...
Every person has their own unique story about the development of their dependence on drugs and alcohol and how easy it is for even the strongest among us to turn to substance abuse. The addiction specialists at Williamsburg Therapy Group tailor substance abuse treatment to the individual and support each person’s particular needs. Addiction treatment in Brooklyn, NY, at Williamsburg Therapy Group could be the start of your road to recovery. Our treatment center can help you find ways to address addiction through therapy or medication management.
Addiction is characterized by a consistent, intense urge to partake in a given behavior, whether it's consuming drugs or alcohol, having sex, playing video games and any activity with a strong neuro-chemical or emotional response.
Addiction and substance abuse disorders can take over your life without you realizing it. It might feel like you are just experimenting with drugs or alcohol at first. But with regular and habitual use, some people find that they need drugs and alcohol just to feel normal.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine says that substance abuse disorders and addiction are long-term medical diseases that are caused by complex interactions between a person's brain circuits, genes, and life experiences. As a result of this complicated system, addiction and can be difficult to overcome on your own.
If left untreated, addiction harms self-esteem, relationships, emotional well-being, and, eventually, every aspect of life. Since each person’s path to becoming dependent on alcohol and drugs differs, everyone will have their own unique recovery journey.
Substance use disorders and addiction can be managed and treated with the right addiction treatment, which may include:
Our psychiatrists offer medical advice and support to help people who are struggling with drug use find medications that can make the path to recovery easier.
When people get the help they need, life becomes bearable again. With treatment, people find that their self-esteem increases, relationships heal, and their quality of life improves.
Over 21 million Americans have an addiction or dependency on at least one substance or activity.
Contact us or book an addiction treatment appointment today to learn more about our programs and services and to start your journey to better health and well-being.
Detoxification, or "detox," is the initial step in addiction treatment and is usually recommended for people with severe addiction. In detox, you stop using the substance(s) that are making you addicted. This can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes, detox may be done in a hospital setting under close medical supervision if the person is unable to complete it on their own. Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that can affect any walk of life. It can often be challenging to recognize because, unlike drug addiction, alcohol is available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often the center of social situations such as birthdays or weddings.
Rehabilitation, or "rehab", is a more intensive stage of treatment that typically lasts for several weeks or months. Rehab usually involves residential care in a facility specializing in addiction treatment, along with therapy and support groups. The goal of rehab treatment is to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety by addressing the underlying causes of their substance use disorder, such as emotional or psychological triggers, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions. This treatment stage typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies and medications that help manage cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, increase motivation to abstain from alcohol, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions contributing to or resulting from the addiction.
In some cases, drugs may also be used to help control a substance abuse disorder and lessen the effects of withdrawal symptoms. For example, some medications provided by an addiction psychiatrist can help reduce the risk of relapse, such as Naltrexone for alcohol, Disulfiram for alcohol and other drugs, or Clonidine for opiates and alcohol. Typically, an addiction psychiatrist will consult the patient, as well as collaborate with an addiction specialist, clinical social worker, or any other professional looped into the patient's addiction issues, and use that information to determine the best treatment.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for drug abuse because the causes and severity of the problem are different for each person. However, many people struggling with addiction find that a combination of individual therapy and group therapy is effective in helping them overcome their substance use. Depending on the severity of the substance abuse disorder and other factors such as mental health status and social support, treatment may also involve a range of therapeutic interventions such as psychotherapy, detoxification services, and peer support groups.
While there is no single cause of addiction, the following factors have been shown to contribute to addiction and substance abuse:
The physiological cause of addiction is still being studied, but many indicators point to:
Ongoing studies are currently exploring more effective methods for targeting addiction at its biological source, but for now, there are very effective medication management treatments, as well as therapists in Brooklyn, NY, and beyond who specialize in treating addiction.
Many people struggle with addiction for a long time before realizing they need addiction treatment. This is because drug and alcohol addiction can often be difficult to spot, as the signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. However, there are some general signs that can indicate that someone is struggling with addiction.
Taking a drug after its no longer needed for a health problem
Needing more of a substance to achieve the same high
Not being able to stop yourself from using drugs even if you want to
Spending a lot of time thinking about the drug
Losing interest in things you once liked to do
Having trouble doing normal daily activities like cooking or completing your work
Increased frequency of alcohol use; increased quantity of alcohol per session
Drinking more to feel the same effect
Reduced sensation of a hangover
Shakiness or irritability when going longer spans without alcohol
Drinking at work, during church, or any other place where drinking is inappropriate
Avoiding seeing or speaking with loved ones
Choosing alcohol over activities that do not allow access to alcohol
Needing alcohol to function in day to day life
Fatigue, mood problems, and depression
Continuing to drink even when it is causing physical problems or mental health issues
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to seek professional addiction treatment immediately. Our team of psychiatrists and psychologists can provide compassionate support and individualized treatment tailored to your unique needs.
With addiction therapy in Brooklyn, NY, from Williamsburg Therapy Group, you can overcome substance use and regain control of your life. Contact us today to learn more about our substance abuse counseling programs and services and start your journey to lasting recovery.
There are several treatments available for a substance abuse disorder, including:
Therapy for addictive behaviors, such as group therapy, family therapy, CBT, or dialectical behavioral therapy
Rehabilitation
Outpatient services and mental health care
Addiction psychiatry to treat addiction withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and anxiety
Addiction counseling for those in the recovery process
Substance abuse disorder groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
Beyond these addiction treatment approaches, many people may also benefit from alternative or holistic therapies, such as meditation, mindfulness training, exercise, and nutrition counseling. These approaches serve to improve the mental health of the patient, which is an extremely important part of controlling addiction.
Ultimately, the goal of substance abuse disorder treatment is to help the person regain control over their substance use, learn healthier coping strategies, and achieve long-term sobriety and wellness.
The four pillars of addiction recovery are health, home, community, and purpose. These are considered the four most important life changes that many addicts should make.
Health refers to physical and mental health issues. Improving overall health reduces the risk of a relapse.
Home refers to having a stable place to live and sleep away from substances and others with active addiction issues.
Community refers to maintaining friendships and family bonds in order to create a support network.
Purpose refers to creating a life that is inspired by a higher purpose or goal.
By focusing on building these four pillars through drug and alcohol counseling, addicts can improve their likelihood of maintaining sobriety in the long term.
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, our addiction therapists in Brooklyn, NY, can help you overcome your addiction, improve your mental health, and achieve lasting recovery.
Our psychologists take time to understand each patient’s story and struggle so as to help them find their way forward. We also help family members and friends who want to support loved ones struggling with addiction.
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