National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month: Supporting Recovery in All Its Forms
Washington D.C
September marks the start of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, an observance celebrated since 1989. Every year, communities nationwide come together to support and promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, honor the nation's strong recovery community, and recognize the contributions of dedicated service providers who help make recovery possible.
Whether you are just beginning your recovery journey or have been in recovery for years, this month is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, connect with others in the recovery community, and look to the future with hope and optimism.
What is a Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder, commonly known as SUD, is a common yet complicated condition that affects many individuals and their loved ones. SUD can be challenging to overcome on your own, and it requires professional assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
What are the symptoms of a SUD?
SUD can manifest in various ways, and different substances might produce different symptoms. However, some common symptoms of SUD include:
Craving and seeking substances compulsively
Using drugs or alcohol in unsafe situations
Having difficulties meeting obligations and responsibilities
Withdrawing from social activities and hobbies
Experiencing legal, financial, and relationship problems
If you or someone you know experience these symptoms, it's important to seek medical help and diagnosis as soon as possible.
What are the treatment options for SUD?
Overcoming substance use disorders (SUDs) can be a daunting task. SUDs are a chronic condition, and like other chronic diseases, they require treatment, care, and management. While resisting the temptation to take drugs is an important step in recovery, there's much more to it than that. No single treatment method works for everyone, and it's important to understand the available options.
Medications
While no single medication works for all SUDs, physicians use a few FDA-approved medications to assist with managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone and buprenorphine are two medications used to manage opioid addiction, while Naltrexone and Acamprosate are used to manage alcohol addiction. When used properly, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help reduce the risk of relapse and improve the chances of a successful recovery.
Outpatient Counseling
Outpatient counseling is a form of addiction treatment involving therapy sessions outside a residential treatment center. You can receive care at a doctor's office, clinic, or online via telehealth appointments. Depending on your needs, this treatment can last a few weeks to several months.
Outpatient counseling includes a range of therapies to help individuals understand addiction, recognize their triggers, and address the underlying causes of their drug use. Common therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones, and group therapy, which allows patients to connect with others who are going through similar struggles.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient rehabilitation offers 24/7 professional medical care, essential in treating addiction, especially in the early stages of withdrawal. The medical team can help manage withdrawal symptoms and provide necessary medication and psychological support. This enables you to overcome the physical and mental challenges of addiction and be on the road to recovery.
One of the key benefits of inpatient rehabilitation is the structure and routine it provides. Patients have a well-planned daily routine, ensuring their recovery activities are productive and meaningful. This routine creates a sense of discipline and responsibility, which can be beneficial even after you leave rehab. It can help maintain sobriety as it reinforces healthy habits and routines.
Inpatient rehabilitation programs offer long-lasting support to patients, even after they leave. The support system includes follow-up care, such as outpatient programs, counseling sessions, and helpful resources you can access anytime. This support system can help prevent relapse and keep you on track even after you have completed the program.
Behavioral Healthcare
Sometimes, people think they can handle their mental health concerns independently, but that's not always the case. Seeking professional help can make a massive difference. A trained provider can assist you in understanding your difficulties, empower you with new skills, and develop a plan to help you cope with your emotional struggle. Mental health providers are great listeners who provide emotional support and guidance and offer tools and techniques to improve overall well-being.
In behavioral health care, a mental health provider evaluates, diagnoses, and treats behavioral and emotional disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. The traditional treatment methods are psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medications, and other complementary therapies. Behavioral health care helps patients improve their emotional and mental well-being, reduce symptoms, and improve their ability to cope with stress and relationships.
Additional Resources
Guidelines published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) assist physicians in selecting a treatment method appropriate for individual SUD patients. SAMHSA's TIP 45 guideline, "Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment," provides physicians with evidence-based recommendations for treating SUDs. The guideline emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to treating SUDs, including medication and behavioral therapies. Physicians can use this guideline to identify evidence-based treatment options and select the best treatment for each patient.
What do we recognize during National Recovery Month?
Evidence-Based Treatment
Recovery Month provides an opportunity to recognize the effectiveness of evidence-based treatment practices in promoting long-term recovery. Evidence-based treatments are based on scientific research and clinical experience and are proven effective in treating substance use disorders and related mental health conditions. It's important to be aware of these evidence-based practices, including medication-assisted treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapies, or other approaches tailored to your needs. Working with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment for you can enhance your chances of long-term recovery and improve your overall quality of life.
Honoring the Recovery Community
Recovery Month is also a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of the recovery community. Whether through 12-step programs, support groups, or other forms of peer support, individuals in recovery find strength and hope in one another. Patients can benefit from connecting with others in the recovery community by attending meetings, volunteering, or getting involved. By building a supportive network of peers and allies, you can strengthen your recovery journey and help others.
Recognizing Service Providers
Finally, Recovery Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of healthcare providers, counselors, social workers, and other professionals who support patients in their recovery journeys. These dedicated individuals play a critical role in providing evidence-based treatment, reducing stigma, and promoting overall wellness. Working with a healthcare provider who understands your unique needs and can provide the support you need to succeed in your recovery is important. By building a strong relationship with your provider and staying engaged in treatment, you can achieve lasting success in your recovery journey.
National Recovery Month is a time to celebrate recovery in all its forms, from evidence-based treatments to peer support to the dedication of healthcare providers. As a patient, you can play a critical role in this celebration by staying engaged in your recovery, building a supportive network of peers and allies, and recognizing the contributions of those who help make recovery possible. By working toward recovery every day and taking advantage of the available resources, you can achieve greater health, wellness, and overall success. So let's come together this September and celebrate recovery in all its forms!
If you or a loved one have questions about substance abuse disorders or want help to overcome a substance abuse disorder, please give us a call at 202-796-9775.
Consider Bluerock Care for your HealthCare needs
Looking for comprehensive, high-quality primary care? Look no further than Bluerock Care. Our team of doctors and professionals is available 24/7 to meet your needs, whether that’s in our center, your home, or via phone or video visits. We offer same or next-day appointments (for existing patients) with no waiting lists or long wait times, and we can even help eligible patients with transportation. So if you’re looking for a primary care provider that’s convenient, accessible, and always available to you, look no further than Bluerock Care!
Call us: 202-796-9775
Email us: info@bluerock.care
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 6). Recovery Is for Everyone: Understanding Treatment of Substance Use Disorders | Feature Topics | Drug Overdose. CDC. Retrieved August 18, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/featured-topics/recovery-sud.html