Treating Drug and Alcohol Addiction

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[x]   Transcript: When it comes to addiction treatment, there is NO one-size-fits-all program. What works for one person might not work for another, and it can often take more than one stint in a recovery program to make sobriety stick. Addiction is a complex disease that makes a person compulsively crave a substance or activity. Changes in the brain often prevent an addict from being able to stop using. Even if at some point an addict wants to stop using, it can be difficult. If not impossible, for them to stop on their own. That's where treatment comes in. The ultimate goal of addiction treatment involves getting a person to stop using their substance of choice and helping them to achieve a substance-free lifestyle. A good treatment plan gives patients the necessary tools to help take control of their lives. That means learning to cope with the situations or emotions that drove them to abuse drugs, alcohol or behaviors to begin with. Throwing oneself into drugs or alcohol can be a way to escape unpleasant feelings. If addiction patients don't learn how to manage stressful or difficult times, they could relapse as soon as life becomes challenging or too overwhelming. Addiction patients often require long-term or repeated episodes of care to reach a place of lifelong abstinence and recovery. In addition, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, treatment can: reduce drug use by 40 to 60 percent; decrease criminal activity; and improve an addict's employment potential by up to 40 percent. There are several types of drug addiction treatments. Most involve medication, behavioral therapy or both. Some people may need in-patient programs, where they are monitored 24 hours a day. Others may be able to get sober through an outpatient 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous. Some programs begin with drug or alcohol detox. This can last for three to ten days, depending on the amount and length of time that substances had been taken. Detoxification is not meant as a long-term solution. It is only the FIRST stage of treatment. It is used to help minimize the effects of withdrawal, which can occur when an addict abruptly discontinues use. Even after detox, addicts can still experience intense cravings. Sometimes drug treatment facilities will put patients on medication, like methadone, to help reduce cravings. Many times, people with addiction problems also have underlying mental illness as well. If this is the case, the patient needs to work within a program that treats the mental disorder as well. Many substance abuse programs have long waiting lists. Others take insurance while others do not. It's important to find a program that you can afford to stay in for as long as you need. Research shows that most people need at least 3 months in treatment to reduce or stop their drug use. The longer the treatment, the better the outcome. If you think you, or someone you love, may have a problem with addiction, there is hope. You can find local treatment options by using the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.

[x]   Bio:

Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as America's Psychologist, is one of the most widely sought-after experts in the field of mental health. In addition to having a private practice in Manhattan, he has garnered a reputation as being a top motivational and keynote speaker.Dr. Gardere is also one of most popular personalities in the media. In addition to being the Host of VH1's Dad Camp, he is the official "in house doctor" for the Maury Povich Show and an NBC Today Show Contributor. He is also a regular guest on: CNN, MSNBC, The CBS Early Morning Show, Fox Business News, FOX News, Nancy Grace, Tru-TV Reality Specials and Court Shows.Dr. Gardere has authored several books, including the controversial Love Prescription.He is also the co-author of Practical Parenting with Montel Williams, the Emmy-award winning TV talk show host. Dr. Gardere's first book, Smart Parenting for African-Americans: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Difficult World has been lauded as being "necessary for raising African-American children in today's society." (Black Issues Book Review). Dr. Jeff is also a monthly columnist for Sister 2 Sister.