Introducing our exciting new program — Gracer Behavioral Health Services — now part of the comprehensive Pain Management and Addiction treatment at Gracer Medical Group in San Ramon.
We now know that addiction is a brain disease-chronically, and sometimes permanently, damaging neuroreceptors. This is what causes the hardest part of recovery, dealing with the long lasting, and occasionally permanent, post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAW). PAW causes fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and depression, as well as drug cravings. Now, with recent medical advances, we can treat PAW just as we treat any other medical illness such as hypertension or diabetes. And just like these other chronic problems, the treatment must be long term.
Most programs stress drug detox, a short course of therapy, and then discharge to a 12 step program. But we realize that many of our middle class patients are uncomfortable in a public group setting, so they drop out of these programs almost immediately. This combined process has a success rate of only about 15 percent at the end of one year, yet the usual response is to put the patient through the same type of program again, and again, and again.
How Our Comprehensive Program is Different
We use advanced treatments such as Subutex, PROMETA™ and VIVITROL™ (recently approved by the FDA) to ease detox and continue treating the addictive cravings that often lead to relapse. We also perform another important aspect of recovery; surfacing and treating any other neuropsychiatric disorders—such as depression and bipolar syndrome—that commonly occur along with substance abuse. Counseling and support groups are an important part of this treatment.
Additionally, we evaluate and treat any other underlying pain or medical problems that may have triggered the substance abuse in the first place. This is a key factor in long-term recovery that is almost always ignored.
We use evidence-based treatment methods that are individualized for each patient. Our client-centered approach is both empathic and directive in helping patients create the changes necessary to recover from addiction.
Learn more about the Gracer Behavioral Health Services comprehensive system to accurately diagnose and treat the underlying cause of substance abuse.
If you or someone you care about might be suffering from addiction problems , contact GMG Behavioral Health Services today for a confidential consultation.