News
Silver Hill Hospital observes substance-abuse recovery month
By Silver Hill Hospital
Aug 28, 2008 - 2:28:14 PM

For those suffering from substance-abuse disorders, asking for help and finding treatment is essential to regaining healthy, fulfilling lives. In celebration of the four million Americans who receive treatment and pursue recovery each year, Silver Hill Hospital offers information about this mental health issue.

“Someone who has a substance-use disorder is dependent on or abuses alcohol and/or drugs, including prescription drugs,” said Sandra Benti, a licensed clinical social worker and Senior Treatment Care Coordinator at Silver Hill Hospital. “It impacts not only users themselves but also their families and communities.”

A variety of treatments are available to help people recover. Getting these messages out is part of the focus of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, sponsored this September by the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS).

“Substance abuse is treatable, and results of treatment are impressive,” Benti said.

Widespread benefits of treatment

Treatment and/or recovery programs for substance-abuse disorders are as effective as receiving treatment for other chronic conditions, professionals report. According to DHHS, one year after treatment, people report a significant reduction in their alcohol and drug use, increase in employment and income, and decrease in homelessness.

Through recovery, people can also avoid some of the personal and societal dangers of alcohol and drug addiction, Benti said. These include drug- and alcohol-related traffic crashes, financial pressures, job loss, relationship issues, violence, and child abuse.

Addiction can have a negative effect on people's health, too, Benti said. For example, there are more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities from substance use disorders than from any other preventable health condition, according to a report of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Heavy drinking contributes to illness in each of the top three causes of death: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Plus, nearly half of all cirrhosis (liver scarring) deaths are linked to alcohol.

Due in part to recovery programs and education, overall abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs have declined in recent years. While signs of healthier behavior exist, experts report the need for on-going efforts to help people find an effective recovery program.

Treatment options

“People might use one or several treatment options to help them stop abusing alcohol or drugs,” Benti said. “Professionals will work with them decide which is best for their long-term recovery.”

Treatment options include:

• medical detoxification, or treatment under the close supervision of medical professionals to cleanse the body of alcohol and/or drugs.

• overnight hospital-based (inpatient) programs, which might run from several weeks to several months

• day programs (outpatient), where people stay at the hospital during the day, and return home at night.

• one-on-one or group visits with a therapist who is specially trained in substance abuse recovery.

• medical maintenance programs, using specific medications to help wean a person off of an addictive substance.

If you would like to know more about substance abuse treatment, contact Silver Hill Hospital toll-free: (866) 216-4455.

Founded in 1931, Silver Hill Hospital is a nationally recognized, independent psychiatric hospital. The not-for-profit facility provides patients with diagnosis and treatment of the full range of psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Silver Hill is distinct in offering a full continuum of care with both inpatient treatment as well as longer-stay residential Transitional Living Programs.

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