In June 2010, Nora D. Volkow, MD, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, delivered an encouraging presentation regarding new developments for those addicted to drugs and alcohol.
The addiction field is continually evolving and, with this evolution, an increased understanding of addiction as a disease emerges. Studies continue to show that our genetic makeup accounts for nearly half of one’s risk to becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Research has also shown that addiction is a result of continued, marked disruptions in brainwave communication. The breakdown begins with interference in specific cognitive functions like memory and then moves onto higher functions such as decision making, delay of gratification and, finally, emotional functions. Under normal circumstances, these functions work together and change with experiences that shape individuals’ lives. However, with repeated drug abuse, these systems begin to take a new shape, disrupting the delicate balance of the systems, and the brain begins to be driven by drug cravings, resulting in addiction and thus necessitating the need for effective
drug rehab.
Dr. Volkow presented possible ways to intervene prior to the beginning of the addiction cycle through methods such as addiction vaccines, long-acting medications for addictions, and, most promising, personalized approaches to recovery.
“The addiction treatment field is a landscape that is forever changing,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “It is exciting to see all of the possibilities on the horizon for drug rehabs and, ultimately, substance abusers. There is no easy solution to drug addiction — the only thing we can do is to continue to do research and implement methods that show promise through empirical data. It’s refreshing to see that Dr. Volkow acknowledged personalized approaches to recovery, although she was speaking more to the tailoring of treatment for a person’s genetics. However, recognizing that personalized approaches to drug rehab is what will result in the highest long-term sobriety success rates, is the tenet that we have been adhering to all along. Our individualized approach to drug rehab, coupled with the consideration of appropriate medications for each individual, is very promising.”
Mountainside’s original, unique approach to drug rehab began 12 years ago. Since then, drug treatment officials have recognized the effectiveness of Mountainside’s treatment modalities and how they are giving individuals an optimum chance for sustained recovery.
The compassionate, caring treatment team at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is comprised of licensed and certified counselors and social workers as well as an on-staff Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, both of whom have specializations and extensive experience in drug addiction and alcohol treatment. For clients who may have psychiatric issues and/or a dual diagnosis, Mountainside provides the services of a Psychiatrist who also has specialization in addictions.
The program, along with the cohesive addiction treatment team, earned national recognition and resulted in Mountainside being invited to Washington by the White House to meet with the White House Drug Czar, John P. Waters, for an in-depth meeting on what makes Mountainside’s program so successful. These accolades did not go unnoticed within the addiction treatment field and resulted in the adoption by many throughout the country of a more holistic approach to drug addiction treatment.
If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, or if you have any questions, please contact Mountainside
Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center for a confidential inquiry at 800-762-5433.
