As his daughter approached age 3, a father realized he’d been drinking too much and too often for far too long. “I started thinking how I’ve been treating my body over the years, and how I want to be around for my daughter,” said the man, whose primary doctor referred him to NewBridge Services for outpatient treatment.
In April, the 43-year-old began medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to curb his urges for alcohol, and attending weekly counseling sessions with Derk Replogle, Director of Addiction Services at NewBridge. “It’s really nice to have someone to talk to every week,” said the dad, who has significantly reduced his alcohol consumption.
“He has made impressive strides, and is very motivated for self-improvement,” Replogle said. The man said his fiancée and the rest of his family “are really proud I took these steps.”
As the father sought help for his alcohol addiction, he became a strong advocate for addiction recovery awareness, realizing the importance of treatment.
What is National Recovery Month?
His experience highlights the power of seeking treatment — a message especially vital during National Recovery Month. We honor the estimated 21 million Americans are in recovery from substance use disorder as we mark National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
“People often think they can handle their addiction on their own, but professional treatment is crucial for long-term recovery,” Replogle said. “The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most important.”
Advances in alcohol recovery medication have expanded treatment options. FDA-approved alcohol recovery medications such as naltrexone, which blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol, and disulfiram, which causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed, have been proven effective in combination with counseling.
NewBridge uses evidence-based practices to help clients reduce harmful behaviors, work toward recovery, and prevent relapse. Treatment by licensed, certified staff includes individual counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment. While outpatient treatment works for many people, others require a more intense intervention. Replogle outlined the various treatment options here.
Sobering National Statistics on Addiction
Nearly 49 million Americans ages 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2022, based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Alcohol accounted for 60% of that total.
The opioid epidemic has dominated headlines in recent years. While the number of overdose deaths decreased in 2023, deaths have exceeded 100,000 annually since 2021.
Alcohol use disorder is a growing crisis. A study published this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found deaths from alcohol-related causes increased nearly 30 percent between 2016 and 2021, when there were 178,000 deaths. Alcohol-related causes include cancer, liver disease, alcohol poisoning, and motor vehicle crashes.
Heavy drinking — defined as five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week for men, and four or more in a day or eight in a week for women — increases the risk of liver disease, heart disease, certain cancers, and accidents. It also damages personal relationships, careers, and financial stability.
As part of Addiction Recovery Month, NewBridge encourages everyone to spread addiction recovery awareness and support those in need of recovery services.
A Critical Intersection: Alcohol Abuse and Suicide
September also marks Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s important to acknowledge the connection between addiction and suicide ideation. People struggling with addiction often face underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, which can exacerbate their risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Roughly a third of U.S. adults with mental illness also had a substance use disorder in 2021, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported.
How You Can Help
At NewBridge Services, addiction treatment addresses these underlying issues, helping clients rebuild their mental health alongside their recovery. A holistic approach is vital.
NewBridge plays a critical role in the fight against addiction and suicide prevention, providing treatment options that save lives. During National Recovery Month, join the voices for recovery: your addiction recovery donation to NewBridge Services will support recovery from substance abuse as well as gambling addiction, and mental health challenges like depression and suicide ideation. Your support helps people like the dad introduced above succeed on their life-improving journey of hope and healing. Every recovery donation ensures that more individuals have access to life-saving treatment and support. Recovery is possible! Go to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/5a03/n?vid=1kwscr. Thank you.
