Substance use disorders are serious chronic conditions that can affect people from all walks of life. They have both environmental and biological triggers, which means that they can’t be overcome by mere willpower. A lasting recovery requires access to evidence-based care from experienced healthcare professionals.
Recovery Treatment Addresses the Physical Nature of Addiction
When a person with a substance use disorder stops using, their body still craves the substance no matter how strong their will may be. Without professional help, these cravings can be overwhelming and can lead to relapse. Professional addiction treatment helps to mitigate these cravings by providing medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as holistic therapies like yoga and massage which can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Detox is the first step in recovery, and this can be dangerous if done without professional help. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shakes, sweating, headaches, and extreme mood swings. In those who have abused alcohol for many years, a serious condition known as delirium tremens (DTs) can occur. Professional supervision ensures that a person going through detox is safe and comfortable during the process.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can also be an important part of addiction recovery, particularly for people who are recovering from an opioid use disorder. MAT combines medications with behavior modification and counseling. This type of treatment has been proven to be effective in helping people achieve long-term sobriety.
The treatment team from Waypoint Recovery Center includes experienced healthcare professionals who understand what it takes to treat the physical effects of addiction, as well as individuals who have firsthand experience with the recovery process. Each client receives a comprehensive initial assessment that is used to develop a treatment plan personalized to fit their unique needs.
Recovery Treatment Addresses the Psychological Nature of Addiction
Addiction has deep psychological roots as well as physical ones. Without professional help, it can be difficult to address these issues in a meaningful way. A professional therapist or counselor can help you work through the root causes of your addiction, enabling you to develop healthier coping mechanisms going forward.
Effective addiction treatment needs to address the underlying factors that contributed to the development of a person’s substance use disorder, including:
- Chronic pain. In some cases, chronic pain can be a major factor in addiction. Painkillers are often prescribed to manage pain, and this can lead to physical dependence or even full-blown addiction. Unfortunately, when the prescription ends, so does access to the drug of choice—forcing many people into withdrawal. Professional treatment centers can work with clients to find ways to treat their chronic pain without the use of addictive substances.
- Mental health disorders. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can be a major factor in addiction, as people may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with difficult thoughts or feelings. Professional treatment is essential because substance abuse can exacerbate the symptoms of a pre-existing mental health disorder and increase the risk of self-harm or suicide.
- Trauma. Past trauma can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, as people may try to numb the pain of trauma with drugs or alcohol. Professional treatment centers can provide therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) that are specifically designed to help people work through past traumas in a safe and supportive environment.
Waypoint’s philosophy focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit to promote a lasting recovery. We work closely with clients to address the psychological factors that contributed to the development of their addiction. We also have a Tactical Recovery Program that focuses on the specific needs of veterans and first responders.
Treatment Helps You Tap Into the Power of a Strong Sober Support Network
For some people, loneliness can be a major factor in the development of a substance use disorder. People who are feeling isolated and alone may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their feelings. Professional treatment centers offer support groups and other social activities that can help people connect with others and provide an important source of emotional support.
At Waypoint Recovery Center, we believe that addiction is a disease of isolation—and that recovery must focus on building connections with people who can support and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Clients attending our South Carolina residential addiction treatment center have access to community-building activities that help them connect with others in recovery as well as family services that help them develop healthier ways of communicating with their loved ones. After completing residential treatment, we encourage clients to utilize 12-Step groups and to take advantage of our alumni services to build a strong sober support network as they transition back to independent living.
Are You Ready to Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Future?
Change can be scary but admitting that you need help is an act of courage. To learn more about our inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment services, contact our admissions representatives today.
