Whether the substance use disorders related to alcohol, opioids, heroin, or other drugs, treatment, and recovery require honesty, persistence, character, and patience. Additionally, you need to know how and where to start. In the Richmond, VA, area, Epic Health Partners help many individuals navigate the initial steps in substance use disorder treatment and follow them through the changes they’ll need to implement.
If you or a loved one is ready to begin this life-changing journey, here are the steps you’ll likely encounter.
Step #1 Acknowledge That You Have a substance use disorder.
You know that your habit is more than that. It’s a life-altering pattern that interferes with your social, professional, and familial function and relationships. Seek counsel from a trusted friend, relative, coworker, or member of the clergy. Owning your identity as an addicted person is the first important step to effective change. Be honest and accountable to other responsible individuals who care about you.
Step #2 Engage Professional Help for Detoxification from the Substance Use.
The National Survey of Drug Use and Health reports that only about 8.1 percent of people who are substance-addicted get treatment. However, detoxification medications play a crucial role in recovery, continued abstinence, and re-engagement in family, work, and school.
For instance, people challenged by opioid addiction are weaned off their prescription pain relievers that contain opiates through the use of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) which is the use of medication, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Epic Health Partners’ Intensive Outpatient Services (IOP). MAT assists with diminishing the difficult physical withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid detoxification and helps to normalize body functions without the negative euphoric effects of the substance used.
Besides providing detoxification medication and counseling, Epic’s IOP coordinates care for comorbidities, such as mental health issues, and links individuals to counseling and other community services, supporting addiction recovery.
Step #3 Receive Counseling to Understand the Reasons Behind Substance Abuse.
Addiction recovery is complex and multi-faceted. You must receive professional counseling to understand why you became addicted in the first place and what may trigger the actions, such as angry outbursts, risky sexual behaviors, and more.
We recommend individual and group counseling along with cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, you and your loved ones may benefit from family counseling to understand the dynamics which set the stage for addiction and what tools are available to prevent relapse.
Step #4 Know That There Is Always Hope.
The path to freedom from addiction is not always straight, but with persistence and the right tools, it can be navigated successfully. Evidence-based treatment modalities, combined with accountability and compassion, produce positive outcomes!
Epic Health Partners Offer Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Martinsville, and Danville, VA
Our team of highly-qualified providers is totally dedicated to offering compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment solutions which really work. We aim for total wellness, and we link people with self-help, community resources, therapy, and counseling services, which assist individuals in achieving and maintaining true freedom from addiction.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (434) 830-4601 or fill out our online appointment.
In case you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 911 right away, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741-741.
