Alcohol is historically a huge influence on the American social scene. For this reason, you see it pretty much at every party, restaurant, and big event. Advertisements for alcohol caution that it should be enjoyed responsibly, but as we know all too well, things can take a turn for the worse almost too easily. The short-term effects of alcohol on the brain are very well-known:
These are just a few. Although the long-term effects of alcohol have been researched for years, very few people have interest in these studies. However, scientists have exposed the dangerous long term effects of alcohol on the brain. Heavy long-term drinking can even cause permanent brain damage in extreme cases, making it very dangerous. The effects may take longer to take hold, but the long-term effects of alcohol on the brain can cause numerous health problems and dangers. Here are just a few you should be aware of, and how you can find treatment if you or your loved one shows symptoms. BlackoutsLarge amounts of alcohol for either short or long periods can have lasting effects on the brain. Binge drinking, or drinking large amounts of alcohol too much and too quickly, can cause blackouts and lapses in memory. This can happen even after just a few drinks, and especially when one drinks copious amounts of alcohol on an empty stomach. A blackout is when a person cannot remember details of an event (or even an entire event) after drinking. Blackouts are a dangerous consequence of binge drinking that can have lasting effects for everyone involved. Frequent blackouts from alcohol can cause long-lasting effects on the brain. Those who drink regularly to the point of blacking out are more likely to experience general memory loss even when not drinking or intoxicated. People who have blackouts are also more likely to physically injure themselves or others, which also causes long-term effects on everyone involved. Car crashes involving alcohol account for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. A person experiencing a blackout can also get in fights that can cause themselves and others injury; alcohol tends to emphasize emotions and give people tunnel vision. People who blackout tend to not realize the consequences of their actions, and it is very unlikely that they will remember that the event happened the next day. Although blackouts seem like a temporary inconvenience that results from alcohol use, they can lead to much bigger problems. People who blackout are at extreme risk of:
Diminished Gray Matter in the BrainSubstance abuse of any kind can have a detrimental effect on the body. In regard to alcohol, it significantly affects the tissues in the brain. Research suggests that gray matter in the brain reduces due to high amounts of alcohol. Alcohol-dependent patients were studied and scanned within 24 hours of detoxification and abstinence; tissue volume was observed to be smaller in alcohol-dependent patients than in the non-alcohol-alcohol-dependent patients. This shows that alcohol use makes gray matter in the brain shrink over time. The brain is about 40% gray matter. This is the part of the brain that is essential for attention, memory, and thought. It contains neurons that also deal with motor control and coordination, which explains why long-term alcohol abuse is characterized by loss of memory and attention deficits. Studies in college-age young adults show that heavy alcohol use results in accelerated grey matter volume. It is a common misconception that drinking excessively “kills brain cells”; this is not true. However, excessive drinking does damage neurons, which can make it difficult for them to relay messages to one another. This is why brain matter is so essential for functioning. This tissue contains these precious neurons that need to relay important messages. Just because it doesn’t “kill” brain cells doesn’t mean it’s any less damaging to the brain. It is possible to save these tissues in the brain by reducing or stopping alcohol use and abuse. The same studies that show the tissue decreases with the use of alcohol proved that when those same patients were detoxified, the tissues tended to regenerate. This shows that recovery is possible with the right treatment. Attention Span and ConcentrationBinge drinking, heavy drinking, and long-term drinking have a big effect on attention span and work performance. Doctors can tell if you have been drinking excessively by testing your blood alcohol concentration. Attention deficits have been exhibited in patients who drink excessive alcohol more than once a week. Compromises memory processing has also been reported in adults 25 years of age and younger, which can lead to trouble in school and work. These may not be as severe as permanent brain damage, but they can still have lasting effects on a person’s mental health. Further, adults who participate in excessive drinking regularly frequently experience “hangovers” or symptoms that result from drinking alcohol. Symptoms of hangovers include:
Hangovers cause poor performance and conflict at work and school, which have consequences that can vary from poor mental health to verbal reprimand, termination, or expulsion. Alcohol and the Developing BrainDrinking alcohol while pregnant can result in a baby having severe physical, learning, and behavioral issues. These issues are most commonly known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), and children who have this syndrome have fewer neurons that can function correctly, which can result in learning and behavioral issues:
These are all issues that may arise from a mother drinking or abusing alcohol while pregnant. Although researchers have carried out studies to alleviate and eliminate these issues in rats, the best way to prevent FAS from occurring is to not drink while pregnant. Those with a history of alcohol abuse should reach out for professional assistance if this proves to be difficult. Long-Term Damage from Short-Term EffectsAlthough long-term brain damage is thought to be the most severe effect of alcohol consumption, other damages may result from the short-term effects of alcohol consumption. It is well-known that intoxicated individuals exhibit a loss of fine motor skills, poor coordination, slurred speech, loss of balance, and aggression. These short-term effects that are typically gone the next day may have lasting consequences for everyone involved with the intoxicated individual. Drunk driving is one of those short-term decisions that can have lasting effects. On a federal level, the maximum blood alcohol concentration to be able to drive is 0.08%. However, in the year 2014, 31% of all driving fatalities were alcohol-related. The fatalities aren’t the only statistics that matter: Permanent brain damage and loss of life is an unfortunate but true consequence of driving under the influence of alcohol. A drunk driver can easily reach the 0.08% at different points during a drinking episode, so it can be difficult to know when a drinker has reached that legal limit. That being said, consuming any amount of alcohol before driving is a dangerous decision that can result in lifelong consequences for everyone involved. Slips and falls due to poor coordination and balance from being under the influence of alcohol after heavy drinking can result in long-term consequences of drinking. Brain damage is completely possible from a bad fall. Although the dizziness from heavy drinking is temporary, its effects can be lasting. It’s important to note that aggression is a lesser-known but valid concern when discussing the long-term effects of heavy drinking. This is for two reasons:
Alcohol emphasizes emotions; if a person who is usually not aggressive starts a fight, it can be a sign that the alcohol brings out their “true form.” Reaching out to a professional for help is a good first step in finding ways to express this aggression in healthy, helpful ways. Wernicke-Korsakoff SyndromeWernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B1. Symptoms develop in two stages: the Wernicke stage and the Korsakoff stage. In the first stage, symptoms include confusion and disorientation over a few days or weeks. This may at first be confused for brain damage, but these symptoms eventually lessen. After this, lethargy, drowsiness, and indifference may occur. In extreme cases, delirium can develop; if left untreated, affected patients can experience loss of consciousness. From there, the second stage begins. This stage is characterized primarily by memory loss and impairment. Most cases of this syndrome in the United States occur due to excessive alcohol consumption. This is because heavy drinking reduces the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin. It diminishes stores of the vitamin in the liver. Treatment for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome includes the administration of Vitamin B1 and abstinence from alcohol if recommended by a physician or doctor. Chronic alcohol abuse can make this syndrome worse and even cause levels of brain damage. The most serious cases have resulted in:
However, it has been proven that if the disorder is caught and treated early, treatment can make progress to recovery. AddictionAddiction to alcohol is an unfortunately common consequence of alcohol abuse that isn’t considered “brain damage.” Typically known as “alcoholism” or “chronic alcohol abuse,” it is marked by cravings for alcohol and heavy drinking with an inability to stop. This can cause extreme personal and social harm. Addiction is possible with almost any substance use or substance abuse situation but is especially dangerous for alcohol. Since alcohol is legal (unlike many other drugs and substances), it makes it that much harder for alcohol use to be regulated, especially for those addicted to it. Other Alcohol-Induced DisordersAlcohol is a depressant to the central nervous system. However, under certain circumstances and depending on the person, heavy drinking can either excite or sedate some users. Excitement can be due to alcohol suppressing inhibitory parts of the brain, which can make the user feel invincible and powerful. Sedating effects can make the person sleepy, sad, and depressed. Therefore, alcohol should be seen as a danger to mental health. Moderate drinking can be detrimental to a person’s mental health, even if not consumed regularly or heavily. As said before, alcohol can reduce the brain volume of tissues, which can make neurons unable to communicate with each other. This can result in a feeling of sluggishness or lethargy, which also leads to more severe disorders. Although moderate drinking is normalized in society, every person is responsible for self-monitoring to avoid severe drinking habits. Alcohol-induced psychiatric syndromes can be induced by alcohol abuse, such as:
These are usually temporary and go away after the body processes and removes the alcohol from the system, but in some individuals, it has persisted and caused major depression and anxiety disorders. Other issues involving the brain and central nervous system have been linked to alcohol use and abuse, such as substance use and abuse. Users may develop a tolerance to alcohol and turn to other substances (drugs such as heroin, ecstasy, MDMA, and others) to receive that same “good feeling” that they’ve lost from alcohol. It’s important to not let it get this far and reach out to a healthcare professional if the abuse has gotten this far. Why Should You Seek Professional Help?If you’re concerned with your use of alcohol, you’re not alone. Over 14 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of alcohol abuse disorder. However, less than 9% received any form of treatment. For this reason, most people with an alcohol abuse disorder feel that they have no options or are a lost cause. Alcohol abuse does not happen suddenly, and it is not a quiet or hidden disorder; there are many signs and symptoms that point to alcohol abuse. Signs that it is time to seek treatment include:
If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or anyone else, it may be time to seek help from a healthcare professional. It may seem shameful to ask for help because you think you can stop drinking whenever you want to, but asking for help is a necessary step in the recovery process. You can’t start your recovery until you admit that you need to recover. There are several forms of treatment for alcohol abuse, and they can all help develop skills needed to stop or reduce drinking:
Regardless of the origin of the drinking problem, there is no shame in seeking professional help for an alcohol abuse problem. Personalized programs are even possible since each case is unique and should be approached as such. Always remember that it is imperative that you feel respected and understood when seeking help for alcohol abuse. Rehabilitation is possible, and support groups can help you maintain sobriety and continue on your recovery path for years to come. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction or have a loved one in danger, seek support immediately. At The Virginia Center of Addiction Medicine, we’re happy to help you or your loved one through this time of need. ConclusionAlcohol abuse will never be a simple matter. It can be thought of as a spectrum: for some, alcohol consumption can seem like a temporary escape to feeling good before coming back to earth. For others, alcohol consumption is a solution to a problem that nothing else can fix. Each person is unique. If you’re one of those who believes that there is no other solution than alcohol, you need to know that you are not alone and there is help out there for you. All you need to do is simply reach out to those who are willing to help you through it. No matter where alcohol abuse has taken you, recovery is possible with help. To learn more about resources for alcohol addiction and abuse, or if you would like to take the first steps to stop drinking, contact one of our experts at The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine. We will treat your specific condition and provide the support you need, so you can get back to feeling in control of your life. Resources: The post Long Term Effects of Alcohol On The Brain – What You Need To Know appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr Long Term Effects of Alcohol On The Brain – What You Need To Know
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The COVID-19 epidemic has been a true test for VCAM in our mission to serve our patients, who need care and support more than ever. Over the past few weeks, the team at the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine has never lost its focus or dedication. In contrast, it has grown stronger, more resolute, and more committed to fighting the disease of addiction by meeting this challenge head on. Each member of our team has been willing to work more hours and meet each and every challenge in the transition to a totally new way of providing care. While making the adjustment to a remote work environment, our providers began seeing patients via telehealth, and have continued to accept new patients that need help. It took true teamwork to make the necessary changes in our continuum of care, from our peer recovery coaches, our therapy team, and our physician and NP addiction medicine providers. Our administrative support staff have also been instrumental in guiding our patients through how to complete their visits using the Zoom video app while making in-person aspects of a visit, such as check-in and check-out, a virtual process. This transition is an incredible example of adapting our model to the needs of our patients, made possible by the contributions of each team member. It reminds me again of what I love most about our VCAM team—the passion and dedication for doing the extra work to help our patients progress in their recovery journey. Teamwork is the most vital aspect of any organization at any time—not to mention, just about anything we do as human beings. This fact is never more evident than when our communities across the world are faced with difficult times. We can all agree that now is one of those times. And while the world struggles at this very moment, we are keenly aware of the resilience of the individuals working together all around us in every community. To our own team, we say: You make us proud. You make us hopeful. And you make us aware that it is possible to overcome even the largest challenges that we face when we work together! It’s during difficult periods of time like this that good healthcare teams band together and find new and creative ways to move forward for the benefit of the patients they serve. With that in mind, we are extending our heartfelt gratitude to our entire team. Their compassion, tenacity, and ability to come together during unprecedented times gives us hope for the future and confidence that together we as a community will overcome the current health crisis. With sincere appreciation and gratitude, Anna McKean Chief Executive Officer Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine The post The Foundation of Fulfilling our Mission appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr The Foundation of Fulfilling our Mission Practicing social distancing does not mean we cannot connect deeply with our community. While the current situation requires we remain physically apart, we can still show our solidarity, our ability to communicate, and our resilience by finding creative ways to connect one with one another. Here are a few digital platforms recommended by Dr. AndreasBienert, Clinical Program Director at Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine, for you to use today! In The Rooms: A free online recovery tool, In The Rooms offers 130 weekly online meetings for those recovering from addiction and related issues. In The Rooms embraces multiple pathways to recovery, including all 12 Step, Non-12 Step, Wellness and Mental Health modalities. For more, visit https://www.intherooms.com/. Alcoholics Anonymous: A helpful list of online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings is available through the AA website found here, http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php. Narcotics Anonymous: A list of online Narcotics Anonymous meetings and recourse is available through the NA website. You can use the platform to locate helplines and websites for local groups near you who can assist you in finding a meeting. For virtual meetings, you can use the country code “Phone” or “Web” to locate helpful listings. For more, visit www.na.org/meetingsearch/. SMART Recovery: Offering practical tools and social supports, SMART Recovery maintains a helpful list of online meetings available for the week here: https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/calendar.php The post Helpful Online Recovery Tools To Use While Social Distancing appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr Helpful Online Recovery Tools To Use While Social Distancing Here is a list of tips and tricks to support you protecting your sobriety during our current COVID-19 crisis:
Online Meetings “In The Rooms is a free online recovery tool that offers 130 weekly online meetings for those recovering from addiction and related issues. We embrace multiple pathways to recovery, including all 12 Step, Non-12 Step, Wellness and Mental Health modalities.” http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php A list of online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings available through the AA website. A list of online Narcotics Anonymous meetings available through the NA website. https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/calendar.php Smart Recovery’s list of online meetings available for the week. Online Recovery Literature Just for Today daily meditation for Narcotics Anonymous. Updated Daily. https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/daily-reflection Daily Reflections daily meditation for Alcoholics Anonymous. Updated Daily. https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous The entire Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous available for reading. http://dev.coastalcarolinaarea.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/b_t.pdf The entire Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text available for reading. The post Recovery Resources During COVID-19 appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr Recovery Resources During COVID-19 The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been on everyone’s mind and it’s natural to feel vulnerable at a time like this. Know that you have support. Know that we’re in this together. And know that there are steps that you can take to protect your sobriety during these trying times. Here are some recommendations from Dr. Andreas Bienert, Clinical Program Director at Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine: · Limit your intake of news and social media. It’s important to be prepared, but it’s not helpful to be panicked. Set boundaries for your media intake and discussions over the virus, if needed. · Recognize what you can control and focus on that. We are powerless over many things going on right now, but we are not powerless over our reactions. It is important to be grounded in here and now. Be present with what is in front of you and stay where your feet are. “Accept the things we cannot the change and have the courage to change the things we can.” · Implement self-care. Take care of your mind, body, and spirit. This is important for sobriety and for your health. Listen to your body cues and rest when needed. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” We need to take care of ourselves in order to care for others. · Utilize online meetings and recovery literature. Although nothing compares to a meeting in-person, online meetings are a great tool to use. Technology is our friend during a time like this. The online community awaits and is available right at your fingertips all day long! · Don’t forget how resilient you are. Addicts and alcoholics are a strong group of people. Many of us have been through the wringer and are still here to tell the tale. Although sobriety might be new for you, don’t doubt the strength of yourself and your Higher Power. We can walk through these times – just take it one day at a time. · Ask for help if needed. Reach out to your supports when you need help (whether that be a sponsor, family member, or friend). Asking for help does not make you weak, it makes you strong! Use those supports. You are not a burden – people want to see you be sober and thrive. The post Protecting Sobriety During COVID-19 appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr Protecting Sobriety During COVID-19 VCAM is open, prepared, and always ready to serve our patients. We realize that the COVID-19 health emergency does not mean that our patients don’t need continued care and support. To ensure the safety of our patients and our team, VCAM has worked diligently to create a seamless transition plan for providing telehealth patient visits through the HIPAA-compliant Zoom video conferencing application! We began the transition to telehealth in March, carefully tested every aspect, and have implemented the offering completely so that we can continue to serve our patients at the same level of care that we’ve worked so hard to deliver over the years. It’s important to note that we carefully chose Zoom for our telehealth offering because it’s user-friendly, accessible by smart phone or computer, and HIPAA-compliant. Telehealth is available for all medical appointments as well as group, individual, and IOP therapy. The post Continued Care and Support During COVID-19 appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr Continued Care and Support During COVID-19 If we could sum up Lenny Taliaferro in one word, it would be grace. The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine, and the world, lost a beautiful friend when Lenny passed away last week. He was humble, he was grateful, and he always managed to lift up everyone he met. More than anything, he loved recovery. We first met Lenny when he called to ask if he could do an internship for his education program at VCAM. Even though the internship was not to start for another 6 months, Lenny wanted to work with VCAM right away and wanted to volunteer. His generous offer was straightforward—he was willing to do anything to help others. “I just want to help you guys out. I’ll move chairs, whatever you need,” he relayed to Bari Cohen, our director of Medical Services and Care Coordination. When Lenny arrived for his first interview, he spoke passionately about his experiences and most of all the power of recovery. He quickly began volunteering atVCAM and was immediately a part of our family. As he promised, Lenny moved chairs, he did paperwork, he made photocopies, and he put together binders for patients in groups. But Lenny did much more than that—he passed along his quiet strength to others. After completing a formal internship for his CSAC-A, Lenny continued working “officially” and facilitated countless group therapy sessions where he quickly became a favorite for his calming spirit and unwavering commitment. Lenny taught us that no matter how hard life can be, we can learn from it, grow from it, and live each day to the best of our ability. He walked the walk and was an example of gratitude in action by always doing whatever he could to make things better for others. We are grateful to you, Lenny, and we thank you. You will be missed. The post Tribute to a Colleague and a Friend appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr Tribute to a Colleague and a Friend We’re proud to announce that the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine has appointed Dr. Andreas Bienert as our clinical program director. Dr. Bienert will join Anna McKean, who was recently appointed as the chief medical officer, in leading the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine through a new growth phase in 2020. “Dr. Bienert’s unwavering dedication and commitment to an evidenced-based, system-wide response to the disease of addiction has earned him a place on our growing team,” said Dr. James Thompson, co-founder of the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine. “Together, we will continue to improve the care of Virginia’s citizens who suffer from this chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal—but absolutely treatable—disease.” Dr. Bienert, a licensed professional counselor and certified substance abuse counselor in the state of Virginia and a nationally certified counselor, has served as a leader in the mental health field since 2005. He is widely recognized for his high-caliber work with individuals struggling to recover from addiction and trauma within inpatient and outpatient levels of care. In addition, Dr. Bienert has helped children, adolescents, and adults, in addition to couples and families. This experience has also led him to pursue training and expertise in a variety of areas, including neurofeedback and EMDR. He holds memberships in the Association for Counselor Education & Supervision, American Counseling Association, Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Virginia Counseling Association, Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals, and the European Association for Counseling. “My goal at the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine is to continue the organization’s strong emphasis on an individualized approach to each patient’s care and to help patients regain control of their lives. I also look forward to growing the intensive outpatient programming at the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine,” said Dr. Bienert. A native of Austria, Dr. Bienert grew up in a country that has a long history in psychological theory. His bicultural background and focus in clinical mental health have led Dr. Bienert to an impressive list of accomplishments, teaching roles, published articles, leadership positions, and volunteer opportunities. He has served as a steering committee member of the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP), where he contributes to quality assurance efforts within International Counselor Education programs. “Every person deserves to be heard and that requires providers to listen unconditionally and to create strong relationships built on trust and empowerment,” said Dr. Bienert, about his commitment to ensuring that everyone who suffers from the disease of addiction knows that they are heard and valued. As part of his new role as clinical program director, Dr. Bienert will help implement a new growth plan for the physician-led addiction treatment programs offered by the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine. The year ahead will mark the largest expansion of the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine since it was introduced in 2016. The post The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine Names Dr. Andreas Bienert as Its Clinical Program Director appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine Names Dr. Andreas Bienert as Its Clinical Program Director The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine is proud to announce that we have appointed Anna McKean as our new chief executive officer. Anna, along with members of the executive leadership team, will be responsible for launching a new growth phase for the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine throughout the region in 2020. “Anna has a proven track record in the healthcare industry for inspiring high-growth teams and driving innovation, but most importantly, she delivers the type of results that improve the lives of individuals and their families who are at the forefront of everything we do,” explains our co-founder, Dr. James Thompson. Anna has 20 years of experience in executive leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings and is known as an innovator with a passion for improving health populations. Prior to joining the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine, she served as the president of Aviant Health where she worked with healthcare providers and employers to implement prevention and treatment programs to improve outcomes and financial performance. Anna also served as executive vice president of strategic initiatives at Health Diagnostic Laboratory (HDL) where she led a dynamic, 200-person team that delivered population health improvement programs to employers and health systems, which realized more than 100 percent growth in three consecutive years. In addition, Anna served as president and chief operating officer at PartnerMD, a pioneer in concierge medicine. Under her leadership, PartnerMD grew from a single physician practice to a sophisticated business operation with multiple locations and more than 4,000 clients between 2004 and 2010. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Richmond. “It’s an honor to join the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine and to work alongside passionate physicians who have set a new standard of care for patients suffering from the disease of addiction,” says Anna.
As part of her new role, Anna will execute a new growth plan for the physician-led addiction treatment program that was created by Dr. James Thompson, one of Richmond’s first board-certified addiction medicine physicians to be named a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and Dr. Sherman Master, a renowned pioneer in Addiction Psychiatry, who passed away in August. Under her leadership, the Virginia Center for Medicine will continue these physicians’ vision of a comprehensive, outpatient approach to addiction treatment that is accessible, flexible and affordable and that offers expert, individualized care plans for real healing and success. “The year ahead will mark the largest expansion of the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine since it was introduced in 2016,” says Anna. “As the new chief executive officer, I’m committed to leveraging 100 years of combined recovery and addiction experience at the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine so that we can bring our evidence-based medical model to as many patients as possible—including addiction evaluations, group and individual therapy, medical detoxification, Medication Assisted Treatment, recovery coaching, intensive outpatient programs, and much more.” The post The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine Names Anna McKean as Chief Executive Officer appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine Names Anna McKean as Chief Executive Officer There is an old anecdote about a guy looking for his lost car keys at night on a dark street, not where they were likely dropped but under the street light, a little way off, where the light is better. It illustrates the natural tendency to try to solve a problem by doing what we are comfortable doing, rather than the more difficult but sensible approach. Coincidentally, one of the places you might hear that allegory is at a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, where the particular message is that recovery requires that we move past the easier, familiar way of doing things and instead take on the more difficult task of changing our ways. Last week, VCU hosted a conference called “Silent No More – Overdose Symposium,” a gathering of stakeholders in the effort to combat the deadly epidemic of opioid overdose in Virginia. The gathering was sponsored by US Attorney’s Office, the DEA, SAMHSA, Virginia State Police, the Governor’s Office, and VCU itself. We were encouraged by the apparent level of interest from such important institutions. But the experience was unfortunately ironic in that the speakers were mostly from law enforcement while the experts in the field, the treatment providers and recovery advocates, were primarily in the audience. So, while we were grateful to be invited and appreciate the agents and officers who have come to care about those of us who suffer from addiction, we may have made more progress if the speaker/audience arrangement was reversed. It’s true that law enforcement has been the ‘front line’ of the opioid crisis in our country, but we’ve all come to understand that this isn’t an ideal arrangement. We still lack an evidence-based, organized, system-wide health care response to what we know is a prevalent and serious disease—addiction. But that’s beginning to change. In fact, there were some very experienced and knowledgeable people—doctors, counselors, coaches, advocates, researchers and recovery leaders—right there in the audience with the kinds of ideas that we know will make the greatest difference. When we were finally given a chance to speak up at the end of the conference we couldn’t help but point out, with all due respect and appreciation for the agents and officers there who had come to understand that addiction is a disease and not just ‘bad behavior,’ what a shame it was that the people with the answers had spent the day listening to a detailed presentation of the problem, instead of the other way around. “It’s time that we insist on changing places at the podium and get to work advancing and improving addiction treatment—not because it is ‘our turn,’ but because it is our only real hope.”For many years it has been clear to everyone concerned that the answer to the opioid overdose crisis and the problem of addiction in general is to channel our resources and energy into treatment and recovery support services. We have known for decades that drug abuse, which primarily driven by addiction, can’t be fixed by the criminal justice system, which was acknowledged over and over by the presenters at the ‘Silent No More’ symposium; we can’t arrest our way out of this disaster. At Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine, where we have treated more than 3,000 Virginia citizens that suffer from addiction, we believe that we must start treating addiction as the chronic, progressive, potentially fatal but absolutely treatable, disease that it really is. The post Silent No More – The Key to Turning the Tide On the Opioid Crisis is Treatment appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia. via Tumblr Silent No More – The Key to Turning the Tide On the Opioid Crisis is Treatment |