Addiction Specialist
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Advanced Psychiatric Associates
Tina Okonkwo, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Care for Children, Adolescents and Adults located in Charlotte, NC
Having psychological and physical cravings for a substance that causes long-term harm is a trap into which many people fall. If you're hoping to get away from the prison of your addiction, Justina Okonkwo, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, of Advanced Psychiatric Associates can help. At the practice in Greensboro, North Carolina, Justina and her team provide in-person and virtual holistic health care, encompassing your mind, emotions, mood, and body. Find out how you could benefit from addiction treatment by calling Advanced Psychiatric Associates or booking an appointment online today.
Addiction Q&A
What is addiction?
Addiction is a state of psychological and often physical dependence on a particular substance. It most often describes problems with illegal narcotics, prescription medication, alcohol, tobacco, and substances like solvents.
The Advanced Psychiatric Associates team uses a holistic approach to addiction medicine, delivering services that are effective in helping patients overcome the challenge of addiction.
The team uses medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, which are one of the most effective approaches in tackling drug addiction. MAT programs use medication and counseling to aid your recovery.
What might my addiction medicine program include?
The Advanced Psychiatric Associates team creates an individualized addiction medicine treatment program for you, which could contain therapies such as:
- Diet and nutrition counseling
- Medication management
- Functional medicine practices
- Body-centered therapies
- Experiential therapies
- Supplements
- Group therapies and workshops
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness practices
Medication plays an essential role in addiction medicine. Appropriate drug therapies can assist you through the process of withdrawal by reducing the severity of side effects and cravings.
The Advanced Psychiatric Associates team uses Suboxone® in their addiction medicine program, which contains buprenorphine and naloxone. With the worst withdrawal symptoms under control, you're more likely to stick with your addiction treatment.
How does talking therapy help with addiction?
Talking therapies help in several ways:
Psychotherapy
Discussing your feelings, problems, and personal barriers with a therapist or addiction counselor can help you identify why you were vulnerable to substance abuse.
Many patients who develop addictions have been through traumatic experiences that they've never come to terms with, or you might be suffering from chronic stress that you can't manage without help.
Behavioral therapies
You could also benefit from techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT shows you how to manage the immediate problems (such as cravings) that you face at each stage of the withdrawal process.
CBT techniques help you reframe your thoughts so they're more positive and give you the tools you need to avoid relapsing.
If you're looking for a way out of the addiction trap, the caring team at Advanced Psychiatric Associates can help. Call the office to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.