San Luis Obispo
Addiction Recovery
Center
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Medical Treatment for a Medical Problem
Welcome! I'm glad you're made it here! I look forward to working together to overcome your disease! We are here to help YOU achieve YOUR goals in life, and YOU choose the length of treatment you engage in. Through my work at the County Jail and County General Hospital I have many years of experience in treating drug addiction and drug abuse. Most recently we have established the San Luis Obispo Addiction Recovery Center promoting the use of FDA-approved prescription medicines for treating drug addiction and alcoholism. After seeing that hundreds of people have found relief from addiction through the use of prescription medication it is clear to me that medically assisted sobriety and recovery helps people find relief when they would otherwise not be able to escape from their disease. Drug addiction is a medical condition the same as high blood pressure or diabetes. People do not “choose” to be drug addicts or alcoholics any more than people “choose” to be diabetic or “choose” to have hypertension. Addicts are victims of a disease process. People with this disease of the brain do not deserve to be judged as bad or condemned for suffering from this illness. We help you overcome the guilt and shame associated with this disease. We have compassion for those suffering the burden of chemical dependency. We may be brutally honest and share our opinions openly with startling frankness, but we will treat you with respect and kindness. Determining when someone is ready for recovery can be elusive. We work to find that spark of hope and help patients make the courageous decision to change their lives. At your first consultation we will evaluate your unique problem with substance abuse. After an open, non-judgmental discussion of your personal drug history and pattern of abuse we can establish a treatment plan that is specifically designed to be your best approach towards recovery from your disease. There are numerous well established and medically accepted protocols to assist you in getting better. Sometimes a simple plan of home detox and community group therapy is all that is needed. Other situations may require the use of prescription medications scientifically shown to reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol. We can also prevent narcotic withdrawal and eliminate cravings using FDA approved Suboxone or Subutex. It is undisputed that the best chance for long term recovery from substance abuse involves counseling and participation in 12 step programs. Many people have fears and pre-conceived negative attitudes toward the groups of Alcohol Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. In reality, when addicts and alcoholics meet regularly in a safe environment to openly discuss the disease of addiction and share information on how to live a drug and alcohol free life, their chances for long-term sobriety increase astoundingly. Think of it this way; the newly sober person doesn’t really know much about how to live a sober life, while most people in the rooms of 12 step programs have years of experience in doing just that. The changes that have occurred in the addict/alcoholic brain can not be overcome alone, but joining a group of fellow recovering persons can help you successfully conquer your addiction. There is no specific schedule or regimen for appointments at our office. Each individual has different needs regarding the duration of treatment. We see people frequently at the beginning of treatment, sometimes daily, and as time goes by we go longer between visits until eventually we meet once or twice a month. On occasion if people find they are struggling more we increase the frequency of visits as needed. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our staff. We are eager and excited to help you find a better life. Sincerely, K. Dane Howalt, M.D. and the staff of the San Luis Obispo Addiction Recovery Center |
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