(Disclaimer: The Picture above is a Library Picture as all our centres are different inside)
What is primary care
Primary care for addiction whether it be drugs or alcohol is the first stage of addiction treatment. It is the most intense stage of treatment. The first part of primary care is to stabilise the client. So a detox is needed to stop any cravings, shaking, sickness etc, and to make the client comfortable.
Primary care detox
A detox is explained throughout this website, but it is basically when the treatment centre replaces the addictive substance (drugs or alcohol) with safe medication, and then reduces it down over a period of time, until the client has all their addictive substance taken out of their body in a medically safe way. Drug detoxes generally take longer than alcohol detoxes.
The 12 steps
This program, The 12 Step Program, was originally set by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is basically a structure and steps of treatment which ALL rehab centres use. Even if they say they do not! What you will find is, that over the years the treatment centres have adapted the 12 step program to which better suites their needs. But underneath it is still there. This is an important part of addiction treatment.
I often hear clients say to me “they do not want to go to a centre which does the 12 steps”. This is denial from the client. They are basically saying they do not want treatment. That is why a lot of rehab centres say they do not do the 12 step program. But the do.
Primary care Counselling
The next part after the detox or in most cases during the detox is the counselling. This is done on a one to one basis or in a group session. This is where the treatment centre needs to know what is causing the addiction. It could be anything from being abused as a child to bereavement. Once they have found the underlying issues, the centre can then concentrate on getting the client well.
What the counselling does
They need to find help the client through the psychological aspects of addiction. At the same time they need to restore the clients natural sleep Paterson and restore the clients appetite. Once this all all done, all that is left is to set the client up with coping mechanisms. Then if further help is needed, the client will be moved on to a secondary care unit.
Group sessions
this is where the clients all go to a meeting together. Normally run by a qualified counsellor. This is a great way to bounce off each other. It is also good for new clients to see how the older clients have progressed.
It seems you may be referring to “addiction primary care” or “primary care for addiction.” In the context of addiction treatment, primary care for addiction refers to the provision of basic medical care and primary healthcare services for individuals struggling with addiction.
Primary care providers (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services. In the context of addiction, primary care providers can play a vital role in addressing addiction-related concerns, providing preventive care, and coordinating treatment.
Here are some aspects of primary care for addiction:
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Screening and assessment: Primary care providers may screen patients for substance use disorders through the use of standardised screening tools. They can assess the severity of addiction, identify any co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions, and determine the appropriate level of care.
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Brief interventions: Primary care providers may offer brief interventions to individuals with substance use concerns. These interventions can include education, motivational interviewing, and brief counselling sessions to help patients explore their substance use patterns and consider making changes.
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Medication management: Primary care providers can prescribe medications for certain substance use disorders, such as medications for opioid use disorder (e.g., buprenorphine) or alcohol use disorder (e.g., naltrexone). They can monitor medication usage, adjust dosages, and provide ongoing support and follow-up.
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Referrals and coordination of care: If the patient requires more specialised addiction treatment or additional services, primary care providers can refer them to addiction specialists, counsellors, therapists, or community resources. They can also coordinate care between different healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and integrated treatment.
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Preventive care: Primary care providers can offer preventive care services, such as vaccinations, screenings for other health conditions, and general wellness checks. They can address any underlying health concerns that may be related to or exacerbated by substance use.
Primary care for addiction recognises the importance of integrating addiction treatment into routine healthcare services. By providing addiction-focused care within primary care settings, individuals with addiction can access treatment in a more accessible, familiar, and non-stigmatised environment.
It’s important to note that the level of addiction treatment and support provided by primary care providers can vary. In some cases, they may work closely with addiction specialists and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. If you or someone you know is seeking addiction treatment, it’s recommended to consult with a primary care provider or addiction specialist who can guide you through the available options and develop an individualised treatment plan.
Contact me
I have been through addiction. My addiction was alcohol. If you would like a chat about the help that is available to you. Contact me on 07811 606 606. Anytime is fine.