Addiction Treatment

Desperate Person

Addiction treatment has become a vital service.  Chances are good that either you or someone you care about has been directly impacted by addiction.  Addictions take many forms but share common characteristics.  Addiction creates a significant impairment in life.  Examples include financial or job loss, relationship problems, or health problems.  The person with the addiction would like to change his or her behavior but has not been successful.  Addiction is rarely the only emotional issue a person is facing.  Generally, addictive behaviors serve as an escape from an underlying pain of some kind.  If you are in need of outpatient addiction treatment, call us today at 336-293-7406.

There are two major categories of addictions.  Chemical addictions involve the use of substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or prescription medication.  Other types of addictions involve pleasurable behaviors, such as gambling or sex.  While these behaviors are very different, they may result in similar consequences.  Addiction treatment is often a necessary aspect of healing for any of these behaviors.

Limbic System and Addiction

Whey do people engage in addictive behaviors?  Some individuals are able to drink alcohol in moderation without significant impairment.  Other individuals experience many negative consequences from alcohol use.  This is not only true of chemical addiction but other types of addiction as well.  While the causes of addiction are numerous and complex, one contributor is biology and genetics.  There are structures in the brain that comprise the limbic system which is involved with processing sensations of pleasure.  Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters involved in this complex mechanism that drives many of our emotions and instincts, such as sex, hunger, and satiation.  When addiction occurs, this process malfunctions, and maladaptive behaviors become extremely pleasurable and individuals have extreme difficulties in changing associated behaviors.

Recovery is Possible

Addiction treatment is available to help you on your journey.  While addictive behavior can be extremely difficult to change, recovery is possible.  Some individuals experience recovery through a spiritual experience or self-help method, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or reading a book.  Many individuals require professional treatment.  The following list describes four categories of addiction treatment.  The list begins with the most intensive type of treatment and progresses to less intensive forms of therapy.  Generally, the more severe the addiction impacts the patient’s functional status (ability to care for one’s health, work, and meet responsibilities), the more intensive the type of treatment would be needed.

• Inpatient Medical Treatment – This type of treatment typically takes place at a medical center and includes a multi-disciplinary treatment team of medical providers, nurses, therapists, and other allied healthcare professionals.  This is the most comprehensive and expensive type of treatment and is often needed for addictions that involve chemical dependency or for individuals who are also experiencing significant mental health problems or suicidal behaviors in addition to addictive behaviors.
• Residential Treatment – This type of treatment is similar to inpatient treatment, but it does not occur at a medical center.  It often includes a multidisciplinary team that provides care, but less emphasis is placed on medical treatment.  This type of treatment can be very helpful in providing an environment that does not include opportunities for addictive behavior and more intensive treatment than is possible in non-residential settings.
• Intensive Outpatient – This type of treatment allows the patient to stay at home, but includes appointments nearly every day.  There is often (but not always) a multidisciplinary team involved in the patient’s care.
• Outpatient – This type of treatment generally involves 2-4 appointments per month (weekly or nearly weekly sessions).  This type of treatment may include psychiatry, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.

Finding the Best Treatment

Addiction treatment requires the proper fit to be most successful.  As you are selecting the best treatment for yourself (or in support of someone you care for), it is critical that you find a treatment that matches the need.  A patient who has a severe chemical dependency (and not able to function) is much more likely to need inpatient treatment.   At Piedmont Counseling Center, our treatment is restricted to outpatient treatment and best suited for patients who have an addiction significant enough to warrant professional help (some functional impairment), but not severe enough to require medical treatment.

All of our clinical staff have training in addiction treatment.  One of our clinicians, Mr. Terence Hunt, is a licensed professional counselor, but also has an advanced credential in the treatment of addictions (LCAS – Licensed Chemical Addictions Specialist).  If you contact us, we will provide you with information about the type of treatment that will be the best fit for your situation and help you connect with that treatment if it goes beyond our outpatient services.

Contact us today at 336-293-7406. You may also fill out a contact form and we will respond at our earliest convenience.

We wish you the best in your recovery and thank you for giving us the opportunity to help you in your journey.