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Opioid addiction is something many individuals and families continue to face. Based on current research, healing takes more than just medical treatment; it also involves building emotional strength and support. Places like hospitals and counseling centers in our communities continue to work together to help people heal both physically and emotionally.
Addiction works in the brain and neural pathways. Neurons are a series of pathways that are important for the brain coordination and to perform certain functions that are needed for daily life. These pathways can become compromised when drugs or alcohol interact with them.
According to the National Institute of Drug Use, drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters. Substances can also produce large amounts or even replace certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin producing a sense of euphoria in our brain’s rewards system, which makes these drugs so addictive.
The Mind and Body Connection
Mental health is a very important factor contributing to recovering from any addiction, even opioids. It is important to recognize reasons why some people might use opioids and other related drugs to relieve stress or deal with certain mental states like depression and anxiety. Addressing the mental state of someone with addiction is a crucial part of recovery intertwined with other combinations of treatment therapies.
How CBT Promotes Recovery
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common type of practice for a variety of therapies aimed at improving overall wellbeing. American Addiction Centers states that CBT emphasizes changing negative thought patterns to change behaviors, as well as developing and implementing healthy coping skills into one’s life.
This means that CBT can be very effective in helping those with substance abuse disorder especially because the goal of CBT is to bring awareness to certain thinking patterns that may be harmful and to reevaluate one’s motivations and behaviors.
This practice typically looks like talking one on one with a therapist or other trained professional in a safe space like an office to set goals and manage your mental health challenges.
When thinking about treatment options of substance abuse, integrative healing has been proven to be very impactful in the recovery process. Integrative healing combines the practice of medical treatments and certain therapies aimed to work together to heal the body and the mind. By having access to therapy alongside medical treatments, people are more likely to discuss the root cause of their addiction, develop healthier coping skills and strategies, as well as experience long term recovery that supports one’s physical and mental well being.
Resources In Alameda County
Alameda County offers a range of valuable resources that support mental health and addiction recovery through both medical and therapeutic care. Organizations like the Alameda Health System provide medical treatment and substance use services for underserved communities. Another well known organization is The Oakland CBT Center, which specializes in evidence-based therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals manage thoughts, behaviors, and emotional health. More places like the East Bay Counseling Services offer accessible, integrative care that addresses both physical health and mental wellness in the recovery journey both in person and online, reaching and supporting even more people.
Overall, these organizations play an important role in supporting recovery from drug addiction and promoting wellness for individuals who are currently struggling with opioids or have faced challenges in the past through all ages.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
