Understanding addiction is the first step of the recovery journey.
At Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers, we treat the acute problem that brings a patient to us, and then we work to unravel the social, psychological, and biological issues that go along with the addiction.
Addiction is a chronic disease, not a personal failing.
Our experienced team knows that understanding addiction begins with recognizing that it is a chronic disease that requires ongoing care, not a quick fix. Like diabetes or hypertension, addiction does not reflect a lack of willpower or morals.
Learn more about how to identify addiction.
The science of addiction
Addictive behavior stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain’s primitive reinforcement center that, among other things, controls how we feel pleasure. As addictive behavior or substance use continues, that primitive part of the brain—the part that is motivated by reward—grows stronger, and the higher functioning part—the more rational part—becomes weaker. This drives a physical need for the addictive substance or behavior, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.
Kolmac treats patients who are struggling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and gambling addiction.
Dual-diagnosis—Addressing co-occurring disorders
Addiction often goes hand-in-hand with co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. An important part of Kolmac’s program involves dual-diagnosis—identifying any such co-occurring conditions and creating an individualized treatment plan that addresses both addiction and mental health.
Preventing relapse through deep understanding
A relapse back into addiction is not a single event. Instead, it is a predictable series of steps that eventually leads to the substance use or addictive behavior. Understanding addiction gives patients the insight to identify the early phases of a relapse and stop it.
The focus of Kolmac’s Intensive Outpatient program (IOP) is on relapse prevention, which helps patients avoid returning to their addictive substance or behavior. We help patients learn how to maintain abstinence while establishing a life that they enjoy by:
- Developing coping skills
- Learning to manage internal and external triggers
- Implementing relapse prevention techniques in daily life
- Developing a recovery support network
At Kolmac, understanding addiction guides everything we do.
Since 1973, Kolmac has helped more than 50,000 patients understand and overcome addiction. Contact us today or call (888) 331-5251.