Addiction Management

What is substance addiction?

Substance addiction develops when you become dependent on something you take because of its pleasurable effects. Addiction can cause psychological and physical harm, damage careers, interfere with studies, and ruin relationships.

When you have an addiction or substance use disorder, everything in your life becomes secondary to using your substance of choice. Without intervention, addiction inevitably leads to financial hardship and despair.

Substances that commonly cause addiction include:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Stimulants (cocaine)
• Hallucinogens (LSD)
• Inhalants (glue and solvents)
• Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiety medications
• Opioids (heroin and prescription painkillers)

Opioid addiction is one of the most common problems Dr. Brutus treats at La Bonne Sante Clinic. In addition to illegal street drugs like heroin, many strong prescription painkillers, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, contain opioids.

People with pain medication prescriptions often find they need more pills than they can get on prescription or can’t stop taking the drugs even when their pain improves. This has led to a substantial increase in the demand for illegal prescription drugs and rates of opioid addiction.

What treatments does addiction management use?

The treatment Dr. Brutus recommends for your addiction varies depending on which substance you’re addicted to and how badly it affects you. Options include:

Talk therapies

Talk therapies have several uses in addiction management. Some help you address traumas from your past and present problems that increase your vulnerability to substance use disorder. Others, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help you understand addiction and find ways to change your behaviors.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

MAT uses medications like Suboxone® (which contains buprenorphine and naloxone) and naltrexone to make opioid and alcohol withdrawal symptoms less intolerable, combining them with counseling and behavior therapies for optimal effects.

Addiction management only works when you accept you have a problem, which often doesn’t happen until the problem reaches an advanced stage. Trying to quit drugs at this point without help is likely to lead to a relapse and feelings of failure.

Dr. Brutus has years of experience helping people succeed with drug withdrawal and avoid relapses. She provides a safe space where you can be open and honest about your addiction without fear of judgment.

If you think you or someone you love could benefit from addiction management, call La Bonne Sante Clinic or book an appointment online today.