You suspect that your (or a loved one’s) casual drug or alcohol use has turned into something far more serious, and you’re concerned.
One of the first things the team here at Northshore Health wants you to know is that you’re not alone. In 2017, nearly 20 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder, and we suspect that the number was low to begin with and has grown since then because of the pandemic.
The second point we want to make is that there is help — experienced, compassionate, and nonjudgmental help. Enlisting an addiction team to help you or your loved one break free from a substance use disorder is a critical step, but it’s important to get the right team.
Here’s a look at what characteristics to look for in addiction specialists. Make sure they:
Way back in 1956, the American Medical Association declared that addiction to alcohol and drugs is a disease. Despite this declaration, there’s considerable stigma still attached to substance use disorders, and far too many people continue to believe that addiction is a choice and not a disease.
At our practice, we know the truth. We understand that addiction is a disease of the brain in which neural pathways and brain chemicals are altered in such a way that the person has little control over the problem.
Substance use disorders are complex, and there are often co-occuring mental health issues, so you want a team that has in-depth experience with addiction and mental health.
Such a team exists at NorthShore Health. Each member of our team, including Dr. Barbara Mendrey, Dr. Steven Barthel, and nurse practitioner Deanna Mills, has extensive experience helping patients break free from substance use disorders.
Each of our staff has chosen addiction medicine as a specialty and, together, they bring more than two decades of experience. In fact, both Dr. Mendrey and Dr. Barthel are board-certified in addiction medicine.
Instead of a piecemeal approach to a substance use disorder, you want a team that’s with you from start to finish. At Northshore, we guide patients through every step, from quitting through reclaiming your life and protecting yourself against relapse.
No two people are alike when it comes to substance use disorders, and we understand that, which is why we offer or recommend every tool and resource available, including:
We recognize that each person’s journey to recovery is different, and our goal is to make sure you have the resources you need to make the journey successfully.
Not only is our team experienced and qualified, we offer compassionate and nonjudgmental care. We know that even the strongest among us can succumb to addiction and, getting back to our first point, it’s a disease not a choice.
For expert guidance and medical care through your substance use disorder, please contact our office in Bothell, Washington, to set up a confidential consultation.
