Garrett Cooper's Battle: Helping Young Adults Overcome Opioid Addiction
The more time they have being abstinent, the more it gives their brain a chance to heal and they'll be able to pick up and improve just their own cognitability and start feeling normal, sensation again that they have been feeling for a long time.
Imagine being on the front lines of the opioid crisis, working tirelessly to help young adults reclaim their lives. That's the reality for Garrett Cooper, a master-level therapist featured on Recovery Radio. Garrett shares his experiences and insights into the unique challenges faced by young adults in their twenties, a group particularly devastated by opioid addiction. Many of his patients started with experimentation, often through prescription pills, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependency.
Garrett delves into the crucial role of family support in recovery, highlighting how parents can be both a lifeline and a source of tough love. Setting boundaries and taking decisive steps can be incredibly challenging for parents, but it's often necessary to help their children stay on the path to recovery.
One of the most daunting aspects of addiction treatment, according to Garrett, is helping patients come to terms with the fact that addiction is a chronic disease requiring lifelong management. This can be especially overwhelming for young people who are just starting their adult lives. However, Garrett emphasizes that time is a powerful ally in recovery; the longer patients remain abstinent, the more their brains can heal.
Using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Garrett helps his patients reframe their thinking and confront their emotions. He also addresses underlying mental health issues that often contribute to addiction, offering a holistic approach to treatment. Garrett's insights provide a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction and their families. With the right support and treatment, recovery isn't just possible—it's achievable.
Tune into this episode of Recovery Radio for an in-depth look at the battle against opioid addiction and discover practical advice for navigating this challenging journey.