BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Q: I know I need to get help for my drinking, but I have tried it all before. I’ve been to AA, IOP, and 30-day treatment centers but nothing seems to stick. Any advice? A:

Success in treatment depends on many variables and a common misconception is that all IOPs, AA meetings, and hospitals are ‘all the same’. While there may be a degree of familiarity across treatment programs, the most important factors in regard to a successful outcome depends on the motivation of the patient, as well as the rapport or connection with the therapist/ meeting leader. I know it is frustrating and can feel defeating to attend many styles of treatment without success, but all it takes is one therapist or one meeting to ‘click.’ Consider your time in school; you likely had teachers you considered to be your favorite that taught you the most, typically due to their passion for the subject and for their personality allowing you to connect with them as a person. You’ve probably also had teachers that you did not connect with and therefore did not enjoy the particular class or subject. Learning is half the battle, but applying what you learn is what separates those who get clean from those who continue to struggle. Providing you are motivated, it is more a matter of finding the right therapist or sponsor—someone you can connect with on a personal level that increases your motivation and inspires you to apply the strategies or steps.

In regard to treatment, I work with a highly trained group of professionals to treat mental health and addiction recovery problems at PBHS. We address the mental health and addiction problems simultaneously so one does not cause a relapse of the other. Our clinicians have availability in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and even weekends. Give us a call and we will schedule an initial assessment for you within 24-48 hours.

Corey Maddox, M.A., LICDC Premier Behavioral Health Service 8701 Mentor Avenue Mentor 44060 440-266-0770

Corey Maddox, M.A., LICDC