MARQUETTE -- "The drug is irrelevant--marijuana, alcohol, opiates, bath salts--you name it. When it has control of an individual's brain, it is running their life, and they're going to struggle with sobriety," said John Lehtinen, MD, Addiction Medicine Physician at Marquette General Hospital.
Dr. Lehtinen is an expert at treating substance addictions. Substance abusers can come to MGH for help, but they have to make that decision first.
"The biggest challenge for an individual is to admit to themselves that they actually have a problem," said Jim Divine, Regional Director of the Great Lakes Recovery Centers.
Depending on the substance, the treatments and medications to help you may vary, and you need to know where to go for specific treatments.
"If you have a primary care physician, that would be a place to start with. First detox, getting rid of the drug, is the key thing, whatever they might end up using. Second, then, is coming up with a game plan or a program," Dr. Lehtinen said
Your physician may be the one to treat you, but they also might direct you elsewhere. One likely treatment location is one of the several Great Lakes Recovery Centers across the U.. They offer outpatient and residential services, and most treatments last a matter of weeks.
At the Great Lakes Recovery Center in Marquette, they treat thousands of patients every year. After treatment is over, there are many support groups available for additional assistance.
On Facebook, Judy Kupari said, "Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and for the family or friend,we have Al Anon. The programs really work."
These programs are often a necessary part of keeping clean after treatment. If you feel you need help to beat addiction or know a loved one who is battling addiction, Jim Divine had this piece of advice: Make a call. If you're not doing well, and you feel like you want help, make a call."
To contact the Great Lakes Recovery Centers, visit their website or call (906) 228-9699.
Remember that the best course of action is to never abuse drugs or alcohol in the first place.
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