Addictions

It is ironic that in an age when so many of the most of the infectious diseases that have afflicted mankind since the dawn of time have been conquered or at least largely controlled that the man-made disease of addiction is tormenting so many people. The argument over whether addiction is a disease or a choice has largely been resolved. Most professionals and policy-makers now agree that addiction is a disease—of choice. But, while other behavioral addictions—such as eating disorders, gambling or pornography or sexual problems—don’t involve a substance (unless Twinkies or a new pair of red pumps count!), the consequences can be just as devastating.

At the Ark Treatment Centers, we recognize that just treating an addiction without focusing on the underlying mental or emotional cause generally won’t result in lasting change. That’s why we emphasize a dual or multi-diagnosis approach.  During the intake process, we usually have a client who is admitted for some kind of addiction write an extensive autobiography. With the help of our professional staff, we encourage the person to examine noteworthy events in their lives so they can begin to see that very often addiction is the result of their self-medication. Once they understand that the use of addictive substances often begins when they are looking for some avenue of escape or an artificial means to mask those symptoms, then we see a glimmer of hope that we are moving in the right direction.

Some addictions are psychological in nature while others are truly of a biological nature. In such cases, that person is physiologically dependent on that substance to the extent that life itself depends on a continued supply and may need the aid of a psychiatrist who can prescribe medications; in some cases, a short hospital stay may actually be required before entering the Ark. Each person who enters the Ark gets a battery of tests and evaluations by psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers and case workers to determine the type of and extent of his or her addiction. Then and only then will the Ark formulate a regimen of treatment to help that client escape from the hell of addiction.

We invite you to take a closer look at our modalities of treatment, types of services and philosophy of dealing with a whole range of addiction and mental health problems that may be just what you or your loved needs.