“The Alcoholics Anonymous model has worked for drinkers and drug addicts for decades. But there are other options too,” says Lisa Lombardi, writer for TIME Magazine’s Special Edition: “The Science of Addiction.” Addiction is difficult to overcome, and these other options may prove to be beneficial for those who don’t find the 12-Step programs to work as well as they would have hoped. “Studies show that it’s not a quick fix,” says Lombardi. “Only one third of those who get help for a drinking problem are free of alcohol one year later.” Arbor Behavioral Healthcare wants to help make that number grow. We want to bring that number to two thirds, then as close to one hundred percent as possible. Continue reading to learn more about what options are out there for you besides 12-Step programs.
Drugs for Drug Problems?
Medications can be of great assistance to those struggling with addiction. However, the Journal of Addiction Medicine reports that, less than half of treatment programs offer medications for opioid addiction treatment. Naltrexone is one of these drugs. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning that “it blocks opiate receptors in the brain. That means it’s impossible to get high while Naltrexone is in your system. The drug also curbs cravings for opioids, which may be the real key to why it’s making a difference in the fight against addiction. Cravings are a huge part of why the number of relapses are so high. Many people struggling with addictions report that the cravings can be uncontrollable.
Rx for Booze
Just like taking Naltrexone for opioid addiction, you can also take it to help with alcohol problems. “But,” reports Lombardi, “it actually seems to work better when the person continues to drink.” This method, known as the Sinclair Method, has proven to be beneficial because the drug disrupts the body’s reward system, making the individual not want to drink alcohol. Thus, the person that’s addicted will slowly begin to drink less and less as “the reward of drinking is slowly unlearned.” It’s the same as ringing a bell with Pavlov’s dogs.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you find the method of recovery that works for you. Call us today at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to hear from you and get you started with us today. Recovery is attainable with Arbor Behavioral Healthcare!