Substance Abuse Treatment In St. Augustine

What to Expect During Substance Abuse Treatment in St. Augustine

In order to help you overcome your addiction, at Pearl Of The Sea, we work with you to find the best treatments for your personal situation. Some of the treatment options we offer include substance abuse therapy, group meetings, and healthy exercise. You’ll work with one of our caring addiction specialists to devise the best recovery plan for you, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. We even have medical staff who will help you cope with withdrawal symptoms.

Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment In St. Augustine

Even though substance use disorders can be completely devastating to the individual and their loved ones, the good news is that these disorders are treatable. And, when treatment is obtained for substance abuse, individuals can find themselves free from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Some of the greatest benefits that come along with substance abuse treatment include, but are certainly not limited to, the following:

• Developing skills – One of the biggest reasons why people find themselves such in a seemingly non-stop cycle of substance abuse is because they lack the skill set needed to cope with what is going on around them. In treatment, individuals who abuse drugs and/or alcohol can work with therapists to develop skills that put them in control of their lives, rather than allowing their lives to be controlled by their substance abuse.
  
• Establishing a support system – Support begins right away when a person begins treatment for a substance use disorder, as their are professionals ready and waiting to help show them the way towards recovery. While being treated, individuals can bond with others who are also trying to get sober and in recovery. This bond can strengthen as treatment continues, as can the bond that individuals re-establish with their loved ones.
  
• Ending physical use of substances – The sooner the physical substance abuse stops, the safer the individual becomes. Continued substance abuse can lead to a slew of health problems and potentially fatal overdose. When in treatment, substance abuse is prohibited. Plus, individuals who require assistance to fully detox from drugs or alcohol can do so in the care of professionals.
  
• Creating a healthy lifestyle – So much of the recovery process is rooted in creating a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating well, exercising, and doing things that bring one joy and happiness as opposed to being detrimental to their wellbeing. In treatment, these principles are encouraged and even explained for those who may have never lived a healthy lifestyle.

The benefits of substance abuse treatment are endless. The more effort that individuals put into their treatment, the more successful their recovery becomes.

These medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as help better control cravings, allowing individuals to remain focused on their recovery.

How is Substance Abuse Treated?

The disease of addiction is one that is extremely complex. Thankfully, there are several evidence-based treatments available that can help individuals put a stop to their use and begin making a full recovery.

Substance abuse is typically treated by a combination of therapy and medication (if necessary). Therapy is designed to help individuals identify and address the root causes of their substance abuse, as well as what modifications they can make to help symptoms going forward. Common therapies used in the treatment of substance abuse include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Individual therapy
• Group counseling
• Family therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Contingency management
• Experiential therapies

These therapies, when combined with medication for those who can benefit from it, can help treat the symptoms of substance use disorders. Many individuals benefit from the combination of the two, as there are several medications that can help in the treatment process. Not only can individuals be prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other medications for certain mental health conditions that are uncovered during treatment, but individuals who need help with the detox process can also benefit from medications provided.

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a form of treatment that includes prescription medications into one’s treatment plan. Depending on their needs, they may be prescribed one of the following addiction treatment medications:

• Suboxone
• Subutex
• Vivitrol
• Methadone

These medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as help better control cravings, allowing individuals to remain focused on their recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse often creates a whole slew of different signs and symptoms that can be noticeable to the naked eye. Of course, that does not mean it is always easy to spot a substance abuse problem when it is happening. That is why it is so imperative to be aware of what to look for so that if you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, treatment can be obtained.

Signs and symptoms of substance abuse can vary depending on the type of substance that is being abused, how frequently the abuse is occurring, and what other underlying conditions an individual might have. Generally speaking however, some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with substance abuse include the following:

• Changes in physical appearance (e.g. weight loss/gain, poor hygiene practices)
• Sudden, unexplainable mood swings
• Social withdrawal
• Hanging around new groups of people that use drugs/alcohol
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, and school
• Experiencing problems at work, such as being written up, being absent from work, or receiving demotions
• Having marital problems due to the amount of drugs/alcohol being consumed
• Attempting to stop abusing drugs/alcohol but being unable to do so
• Abusing more drugs/alcohol than initially intended

These are just some of the symptoms one might display if abusing drugs or alcohol. Anytime a person experiences drastic, sudden changes when using drugs or drinking alcohol, it is important to keep a close eye in an effort to help if possible.