Substance Abuse Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, Emerge Healing Center is here for you. We provide a top-rated substance abuse treatment center in Alpharetta, Georgia that is ready to help anyone who wants to change their life.

Substance Abuse Treatment At Emerge

At Emerge Healing Center, our substance abuse treatment program encompasses a broad range of therapies and interventions designed to help people who are struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). A substance use disorder is diagnosed when someone’s use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances leads to health issues or problems at work, school, or home.

Understanding the nature of substance abuse, recognizing the need for treatment, and exploring the most effective treatment options are crucial steps toward recovery and rehabilitation. At Emerge Healing Center, we know the damage substance abuse can cause firsthand. We are committed to providing as many tools as possible for our clients to achieve long-term recovery from substance abuse.

Substance Abuse vs Substance Use Disorder

A substance use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to use substances despite the harmful consequences. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), outlines specific criteria for diagnosing SUDs, which include a pattern of behaviors such as using more of a substance than intended, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down use, and continued use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance.

Substance abuse can lead to significant impairment or distress, manifested through health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home. The severity of SUD can vary from mild to severe, with the number of diagnostic criteria met signaling the severity level.

To make it more simple, substance abuse is an activity, while substance use disorder is a long-term pattern of behavior.

Why Someone Might Need Substance Abuse Treatment

The need for substance abuse treatment arises from the complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the development and perpetuation of SUDs. Factors include genetic predisposition, environmental influences, psychological issues, and social pressures.

Someone might need treatment when their substance use:

Affects Health: Substance abuse can lead to a wide range of health problems, including but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, respiratory issues, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Impairs Functioning: Substance use can impair cognitive and physical functioning, affecting an individual’s ability to perform tasks, make decisions, and fulfill responsibilities.
Leads to Dependency: Chronic substance use can lead to physical or psychological dependency, wherein the body or mind becomes reliant on the substance to function normally.
Causes Distress: The distress can be psychological, such as feelings of guilt or shame associated with substance use, or social, such as strained relationships and isolation.
Results in Risky Behaviors: Substance abuse can increase the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including driving under the influence, unsafe sexual practices, and using shared needles.

Are All Substance Abuse Treatment Programs the Same?

Substance abuse treatment varies widely based on the type of substance involved, the severity of the addiction, and the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. While there are commonalities in the approach to treating different types of substance addictions, including alcoholism and drug addictions, there are also important distinctions to be made based on the substance’s pharmacological effects, withdrawal symptoms, and the psychological and social factors associated with its use.

General Types of Substance Abuse Treatment

Detoxification: The process of safely removing the substance from the body, often under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Treatment Programs: These programs provide intensive, residential treatment, including medical and psychological care.
Outpatient Treatment Programs: These allow individuals to live at home while attending treatment sessions, which can vary in frequency and intensity.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Involves the use of medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Behavioral Therapies: Including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and relapse prevention, focusing on changing the behaviors and thought patterns associated with substance use.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Many individuals with SUDs also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the substance use disorder and the mental health disorder concurrently.
Family Therapy: Substance abuse not only affects the individual but also their family. Family therapy involves family members in the treatment process, helping to repair and improve relationships.
Holistic Therapies: Approaches such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy can complement traditional treatments by promoting stress reduction and emotional well-being.
Support Groups and Peer Support: Such as 12-step and other forms of recovery groups offering community and mutual support.

Treating Alcoholism

Treatment for alcoholism often includes:

Detoxification: Alcohol withdrawal can be severe and potentially life-threatening, requiring medically supervised detox.
Pharmacotherapy: Medications such as Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate may be used to manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
Behavioral Therapies: Therapies like CBT are common, helping individuals identify triggers and develop coping strategies.

Treating Drug Addictions

The treatment for drug addictions can vary significantly depending on the type of drug and the effects it has on the body and mind.

Opioids: MAT is particularly effective for treating opioid addiction, using medications like Methadone, Buprenorphine, or Naltrexone to manage withdrawal and maintain recovery, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Stimulants: This includes the illegal drugs cocaine and methamphetamine. There are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating cocaine addiction or treating methamphetamine addiction, so treatment primarily relies on behavioral therapies and support groups.
Cannabis (Marijuana): Treatment often focuses on behavioral interventions and counseling to address the psychological aspects of marijuana addiction, as well as any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Prescription Drugs: The approach depends on the class of medication as there are significant differences in treating benzodiazepine addiction versus treating amphetamine addiction. Detoxification may be required, particularly for benzodiazepine addiction, and treatment may include MAT, counseling, and support groups.

Effective Therapies for Substance Abuse Treatment

Behavioral therapies and holistic therapies play crucial roles in the treatment of substance abuse, each addressing different aspects of addiction and recovery. The effectiveness of these therapies can vary based on the person’s unique history and situation, including the substance involved, the duration and severity of the addiction, and personal preferences and needs.

Behavioral Therapies for Treating Substance Abuse

Behavioral therapies, also known as evidence-based therapies, are among the most researched and widely used approaches in substance abuse treatment. They are grounded in psychological principles and aim to modify harmful behaviors and thought patterns associated with substance use.

Some of the evidence-based therapies we use for substance abuse treatment at Emerge include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is highly effective in treating substance use disorders by helping individuals recognize and change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. It teaches coping strategies to deal with cravings, avoid triggers, and prevent relapse. CBT is adaptable to individual or group settings and has been effective across various types of substance addictions.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI enhances an individual’s motivation to change by resolving ambivalence about substance use and treatment. It has been shown to be effective, particularly in the early stages of treatment, by encouraging commitment to change and setting personalized goals.
Contingency Management (CM): CM uses tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors such as abstinence. This approach has been particularly effective in treating opioid, stimulant, and marijuana addictions, with studies showing improved treatment retention and sobriety rates.
Family Behavior Therapy (FBT): FBT involves family members in the treatment process and addresses not only substance use issues but also other co-occurring problems such as family conflict and unemployment. FBT has demonstrated effectiveness in improving family functioning and reducing substance use.

Holistic Therapies for Treating Substance Abuse

Holistic therapies aim to treat the whole person, integrating physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. While often used as complementary to traditional treatments, holistic therapies can provide significant benefits in substance abuse treatment.

Some of the holistic therapies we use at Emerge for substance abuse treatment include:

Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common triggers for substance use. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in reducing substance use and cravings and improving emotional regulation.
Yoga and Tai Chi: Incorporating physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, these practices can improve physical strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Research suggests that yoga and Tai Chi can help reduce stress, improve mood, and decrease substance use.
Art and Music Therapy: These therapies allow for emotional expression and processing without words, which can be particularly therapeutic for individuals struggling to articulate their experiences and emotions. They have been found to reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and offer a healthy outlet for expression and coping.
Nutritional Counseling: Substance abuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor eating habits. Nutritional counseling can help restore physical health, improve mood and energy levels, and support overall recovery.

Finding Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Substance abuse treatment is a critical and life-saving necessity for anyone struggling with substance use disorders. It involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the myriad challenges posed by substance abuse, from physical health issues to psychological and social repercussions.

At Emerge Healing Center, effective treatment is tailored to each individual, drawing from a broad spectrum of evidence-based therapies and support systems. By engaging in treatment, people with substance use disorders can embark on a path toward recovery, reclaiming their health, and improving their quality of life.

The journey to recovery is often challenging and requires commitment but with the right support and resources, long-term sobriety is possible. Don’t wait, call us today and begin your own journey. We will be with you every step of the way in the pursuit of freedom.