Dawn Farm
Dawn Farm
Does Addiction Treatment Work? - May 2017
Does Addiction Treatment Work? - May 2017
Does Addiction Treatment Work? - May 2017
Monday 19th June 2017
Dr. Carl Christensen discusses the efficacy of addiction treatments, debunking myths and highlighting scientific truths in this insightful episode.
69 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Honest
Engaging
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Dawn Farm
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!The Truth About Addiction Treatment: Insights from Dr. Carl Christensen
If you have addiction and you stop your buprenorphine, your methadone, your steps, your naltrexone, whatever, and you relapse and wind up in the ICU, I'm going to come see you and say: you're an addict, you're hopeless, you're fired.
Ever questioned whether addiction treatment actually works? In this episode of the Dawn Farm Addiction and Recovery Education Series, Dr. Carl Christensen, a specialist in addiction and chronic pain treatment, tackles this very question. With a blend of humor and deep expertise, Dr. Christensen navigates the murky waters of addiction treatment criticisms and the scientific studies that either support or challenge various methods.
From Twelve Step programs to residential treatment and medication-assisted therapy, he breaks down the myths and controversies that often discourage people from seeking help. Dr. Christensen doesn't shy away from the tough topics. He highlights the conflicting research surrounding these treatment modalities and explains why some studies show different results. For instance, he discusses the success rate of buprenorphine, a medication-assisted therapy option, which stands at about 50-60%.
Yet, he also points out the ethical dilemmas in conducting controlled studies for these treatments. Methadone clinics come under scrutiny as well. Dr. Christensen reveals that the first two weeks at a methadone clinic can be the most dangerous period for someone transitioning off heroin. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the four Cs: craving, which dominates an addict's thoughts. Pregnancy and addiction treatment is another critical area covered. The standard care in the U.S.
involves methadone for pregnant women, but this comes with its own set of challenges and risks, particularly post-delivery when monitoring often stops. Ultimately, Dr. Christensen offers a realistic view of addiction treatment success rates, noting that about 40% of patients succeed. However, he stresses that stopping medication or other treatments often leads to relapse, complicating the journey to recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with addiction or supporting someone who is.
It offers a balanced, insightful look into the complexities of addiction treatment, debunking myths and shedding light on scientific truths.