Addiction is a disease that affects millions of Americans, including teenagers. It has changed the lives of many people affecting their futures. Addiction can be caused by different things such as drugs, nicotine, alcohol, and even prescription medications. People can become addicted to many things because all substances release chemicals in the brain which make you feel good about yourself, leading them to seek it out again. Addiction can be a severe problem and needs to be treated as soon as possible before it gets out of hand. If you or your loved one is battling addiction, you may visit an East Village addiction medicine specialist for treatment. Here are some things involved in addiction treatment west jordan, ut.
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Clinical Assessment
When a person visits an addiction medicine specialist, they will have to go through a clinical assessment. It is done by asking the patient questions about their lifestyle and what substances they are taking, how long they have been using them, and if anyone in their family has had any addiction issues. The questions may be straightforward, but everyone’s answers are essential in creating a treatment plan. Addiction medicine specialists need to know a lot of information to understand the patient and how best to treat them.
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Detoxification
A typical addiction medicine specialist will set up a detoxification plan once they know what is causing the addiction. Most people who do not quit will become very ill and die without proper treatment. Going through withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant, but it is necessary for recovery. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance that was being used. Some symptoms include sweating, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and seizures. These symptoms typically last for a couple of days or less, depending on how long they were addicted.
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Rehabilitation
Once a person has gone through detoxification, they will start the rehabilitation process. It is an essential part of addiction medicine because it teaches them how to live without the addiction and face life on their terms. Most people who go through this treatment will attend meetings, group therapy sessions, and one-on-one counseling. Sometimes when people are in rehabilitation, they will have to take part in something called aftercare which is when they meet with an addiction medicine specialist from time to time. It supports them and helps them stay away from their addictions.
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Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention is a type of treatment that begins after rehabilitation. Once a patient has been taught how to live without their addiction, they will be able to go on with life as normal. It is common for people who have been through this process to slip back into their old ways from time to time because it can be challenging to go against years of addiction. Relapse prevention is meant to stop this from happening by teaching the addicts how to handle themselves when their old lifestyle tempts them.
In summary, addiction medicine is a severe condition that needs immediate attention. It can affect anyone and, if not treated, can lead to death. A typical addiction medicine specialist will assess the patient, create a detoxification plan, and then put rehabilitation and relapse prevention techniques into place. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, don’t wait for it to get worse. Visit an addiction medicine specialist and get on the road to recovery today.
