10 Jan Edmonton Interventions and Addiction Services
The cost of addiction is high, and not just from an economic perspective. Addiction is associated with a higher rate of premature deaths, and not only from overdose. Death through addiction arises from several conditions that range from infectious, cardiorespiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases to trauma and accidents. Additionally, people who live with addiction are less likely to seek preventive health care. They often wait until the illness or injury is more acute.
This makes it crucially important to help anyone you know in Edmonton suffering from addiction problems with an intervention as soon as possible.
Planning an Intervention in Edmonton
Planning an intervention for a family member who is addicted to drugs is not an easy task to undertake, but it’s better than watching a loved one disappear into the throes of addiction. If previous attempts at getting the person to quit the addiction have failed, an intervention is the best way to show the patient that he or she has the support of family and friends. A professional interventionist can guide the language used throughout the process to ensure the patient does not feel cornered or attacked.
The interventionist will also interview family members and friends to identify who should attend and who should not attend the intervention. They usually make sure there are no more than six people are present to avoid the patient from feeling overwhelmed.
An interventionist will also look into the patient’s history to find out if they need additional health or mental support. Many people addicted to substance abuse will have emotional, mental, or physical issues that need to be addressed concurrently with the substance abuse. A professional interventionist can help determine the scope of needs and offer advice on addiction services in Edmonton and addiction treatment programs to make sure the patient receives the treatment they need.
Addiction Intervention Services in Edmonton
New regulations and licensing standards came into effect under the Mental Health Services Protection Act last year to address the many concerns about addiction treatment centers that were not providing the required standards of care or professionalism. There are many addiction services available, but it can be confusing if you don’t know what services are provided or which services the patient needs. Your interventionist should be able to give you advice on of the services available and help you determine what is best for you.
Medications and Devices Used in Drug Addiction Treatment Programs
Additionally, your interventionist may be able to give you advice on the medications and devices available in Edmonton treatment centers. There are a few different medications and devices that drug treatment centers use to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat conditions that are present at the same time.
- An electronic stimulation device, NSS-2 Bridge, can help reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. This device is placed behind the ear and sends electrical pulses to stimulate certain brain nerves.
- lofexidine, a non-opioid medicine can be used to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.
- To help prevent relapse, medications that help decrease cravings and re-establish normal brain function are used. These medications can block the effects of opioids at their receptor sites in the brain.
As with all medications, effective treatment must work with the individual’s medical history. It has to take into account any allergies, previous illness, and age. And this is why it is crucial that the drug treatment center you choose is supported by a reputable organization.
A professional interventionist can help your loved one accept the fact that the addiction is ruining his or her life. They can also help provide the advice you need for addiction services in Edmonton.
Call Andy Bhatti, and get the support you need to help your loved one kick the addiction.