ADDICTION
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (asam.org), Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.
FIND TREATMENT
Finding a legitimate treatment center can be a difficult proposition. There are countless treatment centers across America, promising results that may not match up to reality. At Wavelengths Recovery we encourage you to ask the tough questions, to find the right treatment center for you. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides a great set of questions you should ask to spot a quality treatment program. Before reaching out to Wavelengths Recovery or any other treatment provider, take a moment to read their tips. When you’re done, come back to us and we’re confident that we can answer your questions satisfactorily.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is another valuable resource for finding treatment facilities and getting help with suicide prevention. If you use their search template you’ll find Wavelengths Recovery listed in their results. We’re here and we are ready to help!
SUICIDE PREVENTION
If you or a loved one are contemplating suicide, help is available Wavelengths Recovery urges you to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for confidential help. You can call them at 1-800-273-8255 or reach them online at http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Some of the most common mental health disorders found in chemically dependent people include mood- and anxiety disorders. An even higher percentage of people with severe mental illness also have co-occurring substance use disorders. Called severe because of the severity and length of episodes of illness, these mental health disorders include schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. (These latter two disorders with their symptoms of hallucinations or delusions are also sometimes called thought disorders.) These episodes are sometimes confused as a response to drug use when in fact the person has an underlying mental health issue. Here at Wavelengths Recovery we have therapists who are trained to know the difference and can get you the help you need. To read more about Co-occurring mental health disorders you can go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness website at: www.nami.org
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DRUG ABUSE
Drug and alcohol abuse can often be passed down from generation to generation. Here at Wavelengths Recovery we strive to break that chain of addiction. Our licensed clinicians and therapists work with our clients to restore their relationships with their families and help them to develop the skills necessary to building a healthy family environment. However, if you or a loved one know of a child or adolescent currently in need of addiction treatment, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a terrific source for information and direction. You can find them at: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Substance_Use_Resource_Center/Home.aspx
Another great resource (in both English and Spanish) is the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids where you’ll find discussions on parenting skills, help and support, and the Opioid Epidemic. you can find them at: https://drugfree.org/
