As effective as substance use treatment is, it has its limits. Some things need to be in place for it to work. Treatment like this has many years of history. Here at Axis I, we know what has worked in the past and what hasn’t. For treatment to work, it needs to follow these principles:

1. Every person is unique, and their treatment should be, too. Every person who comes into treatment comes with their struggles, traumas, and past. This is why we create an individualized treatment plan for each patient at Axis I Center of Barnwell. Individualized treatment plans address the root causes of a person’s substance use disorder and consider the individual’s specific needs.
2. Treatment needs to be accessible. Quality individualized treatment removes as many barriers as possible to help people recover. At Axis I Center of Barnwell, we accept most major insurers, including Medicaid, which means we can provide financial assistance to those unable to pay for treatment independently. We also accept cash and private medical insurance. We are committed to giving people in recovery access to quality care.
3. All of your needs should be addressed in treatment. Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand, so your treatment needs to address both. At Axis I of Barnwell, our treatment seeks to identify triggers that cause substance use. We can then educate you on alternate methods of coping with your triggers. In treatment, your counselor will help you create achievable goals and progress toward recovery.
4. Your clinician’s guidelines should be followed. Your counselor/provider has studied for years to learn how to make treatment work. That means that they will give you personalized recommendations tailored to you. It’s essential to follow their advice and stay in treatment. Leaving treatment early or a lack of participation might prevent you from getting healthy. It could also lead to relapse.
5. Treatment services can help you recover! Our certified therapists can give you the tools you need to achieve long-term recovery. They will be able to help you identify the root causes of your substance use and how to cultivate healthy coping skills. Working with a counselor who understands substance use recovery will help you continue to meet your recovery goals.
6. Your needs will change during treatment, so your treatment plan should change too. Healing is a process; for many, recovery is a long road. Your requirements will change throughout this process. Initially, your needs might be more physical (getting through withdrawals, adopting a healthy diet, etc.) Those needs can change as time goes on. For example, you may need less time to manage cravings and more time to create goals. This is just one example of how things can change. Your clinicians and your therapist need to work with you on keeping your treatment plan up-to-date.
7. Medication is helpful alongside therapeutic treatment. Medication is a valuable tool used in substance use disorder recovery. Medication helps manage symptoms such as withdrawal and cravings. Medication-assisted treatment is not just replacing one substance with another. Instead, it provides a quality treatment option shown to reduce overdose deaths.
8. Medication is nothing to be ashamed of, and sometimes it’s necessary. Treatment for the physical distress that comes with withdrawals is part of a patient’s needs. We don’t want your recovery halted by cravings or relapse. Medication is sometimes necessary. It can be an essential aspect of treatment.
9. Treatment doesn’t need to be voluntary. Sometimes people are court-ordered to attend treatment. Quality treatment could help a person recover even if their introduction to treatment was not voluntary.
10. Relapse could be part of the recovery process. A relapse is not a failure and can be a part of someone’s journey into recovery. Relapse shouldn’t carry shame or stigma.