Addiction Treatment Clinic

Learn more about addiction treatment at Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems in Lafayette, LA

Substance abuse refers to harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Additionally, substance abuse and addiction is a complex illness that is characterized by intense and uncontrollable cravings, paired with compulsive drug seeking and use that are continued despite the presence of devastating consequences. While no one takes a drug or drinks alcohol for the first time with the intention of becoming an addict, over time an individual’s ability to choose not to take these substances is compromised and their life becomes entirely consumed with using. Furthermore, psychoactive substances can lead to development of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological problems that develop after repeated use.

Here at Vermilion in Lafayette, Louisiana we understand that right now you may be feeling that there is no hope in being able to control your substance abuse, however with the right treatment and support, many are able to overcome their addictions and lead a sober lifestyle. With special attention paid to individualized treatment that is compassionate, comprehensive, and high quality, the services offered at Vermilion are specifically designed to meet the needs of our patients. At Vermilion’s addiction hospital we implement therapeutic techniques that are proven and evidence-based in a structured and safe environment beneficial to healing and recovery. Our experienced and qualified staff provide ongoing support as each patient submerges themselves in the therapeutic process and works on improving mental, emotional, and social wellness. We recognize that substance abuse and addiction is cycle of destruction that is very difficult to escape from and that it not only affects the user, but his or her loved ones as well. Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems offers hope for a healthier future by being the premier provider of mental health and chemical dependency treatment.

Helping a loved one get treatment for addiction

Substance abuse is not always obvious and because many people are ashamed of it, or genuinely do not believe they are addicted, they will deny that they have a problem when they are confronted. If you are worried that someone you love may have a substance abuse problem here are some signs to look out for:

• Deterioration of physical appearance
• Engagement in secretive or suspicious behavior
• Unexplained need for money or financial problems
• Drop in attendance or problems at school or work
• Sudden changes in friends and hobbies
• Frequently getting into trouble
• Unexplained changes in personality or attitude
• Sudden mood swings

If you notice some of these warning signs in your loved one then it is important that you take action, not sit on the sidelines while they slowly become consumed with addiction. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Speak up- talk to your loved one about your concerns, offer your support and help without being judgmental. The earlier addiction is treated the better, so don’t wait until your loved one hits rock bottom.
• Be prepared for excuses and denial by listing specific examples of the behavior that has you worried.
• Avoid self-blame- you can offer your support, but you cannot force anyone to change. Let your loved one take responsibility for their actions and recognize that you can control their decisions.
• Take care of yourself- don’t get so caught up in a loved one’s drug problem that you neglect your own needs. Make sure you have people you can talk to and lean on for support.

Why consider treatment for addiction at Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems in Lafayette, LA

When used inappropriately, all substances are going to cause a number of negative consequences, including addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse wreak havoc on the body and the mind and eventually will end in death. Those who abuse drugs often put their addiction before their loved ones, which causes mistrust to develop between family members and can often lead to divorce or isolation. Addicts will also have to deal with the physical side effects that result from being addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and lung disease can all be the effects of long-term drug abuse. If continued to be left untreated things will only get worse.

One treatment option with proven efficacy in treating substance abuse and addiction is an inpatient treatment clinic. Offering an environment away from everyday stressors and triggers, a person struggling with substance abuse problems will be able to place their entire focus on recovery while receiving much-needed support from the staff around them. In addition to professional support, an addict is able to find encouragement in fellow patients struggling with addiction and gather a sense of hope by connecting with those who are further along in the recovery process. Furthermore, if an individual requires detox or medication to treat another mental health condition, inpatient treatment offers access to medical staff, 24 hours a day, who ensure safety and work towards improving the overall quality of life for all patients.

Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems philosophy and treatment benefits

For over 30 years, Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems has prided itself in being the most comprehensive, freestanding provider of behavioral health services in the Acadiana region. Our multidisciplinary team of specialty clinical staff, including addiction specialists, social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, mental health technicians, recreational therapists, and case managers is devoted to maintaining optimal training and development to increase competency with all of the different populations that we serve. We strive to help our patients explore and process issues and challenges and increase insight and understanding of their own mental health and chemical dependency concerns. By encouraging family involvement and enlisting community support, we aim to assist those who come to us for care in meeting their treatment goals so as to achieve optimal healing and lasting recovery.

Types of addiction treatment Offered at Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems in Lafayette, LA

When patients first get to Vermilion in Lafayette, they will take part in a free, confidential level of care screening by one of our Assessment and Referral Specialists. After gathering all pertinent information, one of our psychiatrists will review the assessment and determine the appropriate level of care and treatment.

At Vermilion’s addiction hospital, we believe in the power of using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) as our main approach to treatment. We have found that this therapeutic model is suited for treating both acute and short-term lengths of stay due to its effectiveness in working quickly by focusing on skill-building, as well as by identifying and disputing irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions. By implementing this REBT approach to treatment, the therapeutic interventions that are incorporated at our inpatient addiction hospital include the following:

Detoxification: For those adults who come to us struggling with various drug and alcohol addictions, we provide medically supervised detox services. As part of the 12-step model of recovery, we implement the idea of “rational recovery,” designed to provide patients with recovery skills that can last a lifetime and prevent future struggles with addiction.

Medication management: As part of the treatment process, patients who are suffering from a co-occurring disorder may receive medication in order to treat any symptoms they are experiencing. Meetings with a psychiatrist occur on a regular basis in order to monitor the effectiveness of any medication that is prescribed and to make any necessary changes.

Group therapy: Group therapy is the main component of treatment at our inpatient treatment clinic. Various groups are held on a daily basis and may include discussions on:

• Problem-solving
• Medication education
• Relapse prevention
• Mental illness education
• Anger management and conflict resolution
• Healthy relationships
• Developing effective communication skills
• Goal-setting
• Holistic wellness
• Forming appropriate boundaries

Individual therapy: Individual counseling sessions are held on an as-needed basis and provide patients with time to meet alone with their therapist in order to discuss anything that may be of concern to them.

Family therapy: We believe that positive changes are initiated through the family unit as a whole, which is why we strongly encourage our patients’ family members to actively participate in the therapeutic process. Family sessions are designed to address issues that affect the entire family and begin the process of healing. We also offer parents and caregivers education on mental illness, substance abuse, and medication management so that they can effectively help their loved one during and after treatment.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This form of therapy is designed to help people create a rich and meaningful life, while developing the skills needed to effectively handle the pain and stress that comes with life’s experiences.

In order to provide a fully comprehensive therapeutic experience, Vermilion also provides the following therapies:

• Expressive
• Recreation
• Experiential

Continuing care and levels of treatment for addiction

At Vermilion’s treatment clinic in Lafayette, LA, we believe that thorough treatment planning is critical to ensuring a patient is discharged into the most supportive environment possible. In doing so, we are able to promote a positive continuity of care and quality of life, maximize stabilization, and minimize the need for re-hospitalization. Our social services staff works with each patient’s treatment team to develop a discharge plan based on the patient’s needs, resources, preferences, family involvement, location of residence, and community resources. With patient consent, this plan is then passed on to the designated discharge planner who initiates referrals, schedules appointments, and finalizes any other necessary arrangements.

If you are in need of treatment for mental health concerns or chemical dependency issues, you have found the right place. Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems is where lasting healing and recovery begins.