Often perceived as a habit, substance use disorder is also an illness.

To those not familiar with addiction, it’s all too easy to think of it as a purely social, choice-based problem. For them, addiction seems like a moral failing that could be fixed if the addict simply had the will to do it. We feel there is medical information to the contrary.

Medical research has shown that drug and alcohol addiction is a chronic disease of the brain which physically alters its structure and function.

The disease creates a feedback loop so powerful that eventually the need to take a drug or drink alcohol will be so powerful it is nearly impossible to resist, even if the addict knows they should.

Thus, a person suffering from addiction must manage it like any other disease (e.g. diabetes), or it could lead to grave outcomes, including death.

Dopamine Overload

Mood-altering drugs have their effect by causing an overload in the brain’s reward system.

The pleasure-causing chemical dopamine, which the brain produces naturally, is either imitated by the drug itself, or the drug induces an abnormally large surge of dopamine production. This leaves the user with a feeling of euphoria, much more intense than a normally pleasurable stimulus.

However, the brain knows that the amount of dopamine it is producing is excessive and adapts by reducing the number of dopamine receptors or decreasing dopamine production. This causes normal pleasure to be less noticeable, leading users to go back to the drug. With enough drug use, the user will be literally unable to feel natural pleasure because of the way their brain has altered itself. After further use, there may be so few dopamine receptors in the brain that even the addict’s drug of choice doesn’t produce a pleasurable feeling, aside from staving off withdrawal.

Addiction Changes the Brain’s Chemistry

Scans of drug addicts’ brains have also shown decreased activity in the areas responsible for memory, learning, judgment, and impulse control. Therefore, an “out-of-control addict” isn’t taking drugs because of a weak will, disregard for themselves and loved ones, or poor character, but because their disease has altered their brain so much that they lack the capability to stop by themselves.

Addiction is a degenerative disease, and if it goes untreated, it will kill its victims.

At The Ridge, we treat addiction as a physical and mental illness is and no different than any other ailment. Our board-certified addictionologist Dr. Marc Whitsett is extremely familiar with addiction symptoms and effects on the brain, and is well-equipped to combat them, allowing their patients to regain control over their lives and feel healthy again. Addiction is never cured, and an addict will always need to remain vigilant in their sobriety, attending aftercare and avoiding temptations to relapse. It’s a difficult road, but recovery is possible, and the first step is seeking treatment.

We provide you with detox programs and inpatient rehab center in Cincinnati. Contact us today for more information.

What inspired you to become an addiction counselor?

I have the soul of a storyteller. Addiction counseling has proven to be a setting where my soul has found its meaning and purpose in this life. Our stories make us who we are. We share our experience, strength, and hope because our stories bind us together. When we share our stories, we know each other. I think the sharing of our stories is the “We” in the first step of the 12-step program, (We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable”). It is the essence of spirituality. Without “We” there is no spirituality. Without our stories, there is no “We.” Without “We” there is no defense against a disease that fragments and isolates human beings. Without the stories, the fire of possibility, the fire of life goes out.

How long have you been with The Ridge?

What an amazing honor it is to be a witness to the fire of life as it rekindles in the hearts of our residents and their families!! What a joy it is to join in the circle of healers and helpers who come here to lend their hearts to the work of restoring those caught in the web of addiction. I have had the privilege of hearing the stories of people beginning their passages into healing for seventeen years. The last two of those years have been at “the big white house on the hill.”

What is your favorite book/movie/podcast about recovery?

Some stories arrive in people, some in books. Some of my favorite books are

In The Realm of The Hungry Ghosts, Gabor Mate

“Not every story has a happy ending, … but the discoveries of science, the teachings of the heart, and the revelations of the soul all assure us that no human being is ever beyond redemption. The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists. How to support that possibility in others and in ourselves is the ultimate question.”

Refuge Recovery, Noah Levine

“The greatest courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.”

Moby Dick or The Whale, Herman Melville

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing.”

Who has been a source of inspiration for you in your career as a counselor?

Though I find inspiration in the lives of those who share their stories and in books old and new, the greatest inspiration for me as an addiction counselor is my wife, Dawn Michelle. As a single mother, she raised four wonder-full human beings, returned to college later in life and earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Social work and serves as a midwife to people through the dying process as a hospice social worker. She is an aneurysm survivor who has gone through seven brain surgeries and embodies the quote from Moby Dick above. She is an agent of change and a vessel of hope. She inspires me with faith, love, and joy.

How do you define success as a counselor?

Taking my wife as my example, to be successful in my work means that I am able to touch others’ lives, to help them know they are not alone, and to impart some bit of joy or wisdom that will leave them better than before with a desire to continue on.

What are 3 words your friends/family would use to describe you?

I don’t know what three words my family and friends would use to describe me. Maybe funny, compassionate and willing.

Thank you for allowing me to share some of my story with you.

What inspired you to become an addiction counselor?

When I was completing my bachelor’s degree I was working with adolescent girls. I had no desire to work in addictions until I had the opportunity to work on a residential treatment unit for dual diagnosis, active duty military. (Which is rather funny because now I have no desire to work with adolescent girls.) Through this experience, I developed a passion to work with addiction and decided to further my education in the field of addiction counseling. The many components of addiction counseling and watching change occur really helped me to decide that I wanted to be an addiction counselor.

What makes The Ridge unique?

The Ridge has hands down been my most favorite place to work. Our small team comes together in so many ways to provide top-quality care for clients. In recovery, clients need to develop a connection with their counselor and peers. The Ridge’s 16-bed inpatient facility allows for clients to gain a sense of family which provides continued support beyond discharge. Our aftercare programming and Alumni events provide a further connection to those in recovery which gives hope for those early in recovery.

How does a person’s family help in recovery?

Family is crucial in recovery. Family helps to provide the client with the love, structure, and encouragement they need. As a family member, attending Al-anon is a MUST. Learning about how to handle situations and reduce enabling will contribute to your loved one’s recovery.

Do you have any books you recommend people in recovery read?

Anything Brené Brown. If you’re not a reader, she has a Ted Talk and Netflix video. I use a lot of her concepts (vulnerability especially) to apply to groups and individual sessions. She is very inspirational and relatable! This is not just for people in recovery either, this is for anyone!

How do you define success as a counselor?

To sum it up, giving it all you’ve got. Success looks so different from one person to the next. I also live by the motto that it’s all about progress, not perfection. Just because the day wasn’t perfect doesn’t mean you weren’t successful. You can learn from bad days, give it all you’ve got and not have any regrets about it.

What are 3 words your friends/family would use to describe you?

Determined, compassionate, and sassy. Directly from 2 of my best friends!

Talk about what “recovery” for a client means for you?

To me, recovery shouldn’t be viewed as easy. The recovery process is not just 30 days of treatment. It is rehabilitating your relationships, building a support network, challenging negative and addictive thoughts, making lifestyle changes and working a recovery program (AA/NA/Celebrate Recovery/SMART Recovery). Having someone fully engaged in the detox process, seeing someone struggle and then they overcome those challenges is the most rewarding thing as a counselor. It means they’ve taken the tools and overcome something that they wouldn’t have done in the past.

The Ridge knows that it’s not uncommon for a professional—that is, a doctor, lawyer, business person, etc.—to find themselves addicted to drugs or alcohol. Even so, many professionals don’t like to admit that drug addiction is a problem in their community. Lucky for them the very same status and responsibility that makes them hide their addiction is arguably their biggest asset in recovery!

Most people don’t think of professionals when they think of a drug addict. Addicted professionals can feel ashamed of their disease because of this. They think “I’m not the drug addict type,” not aware that addiction doesn’t discriminate. They feel guilty that their behavior isn’t up to the standard expected of someone in their position, and that their addiction is going to make them lose their job, status, and prestige they spent years earning. On one hand, these thoughts misunderstand the nature of addiction as a disease, rather than a choice, but on the other, they correctly judge the destructive potential of addiction and have an increased likelihood of seeking help.

In drug rehabilitation centers, professionalism and drive are some of the best traits a recovering addict can have. Drug rehab is most effective with a cooperative patient who is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to recover. People like doctors or lawyers already have experience applying vast amounts of mental resources to achieve difficult tasks, so they’re used to making the kind of effort required to make rehabilitation work to its full potential.

Considering drug treatment for yourself or someone you know? The Ridge is a highly-accredited and certified facility that treats addiction every step of the way, from intervention to aftercare. We have developed a complete detox program and an inpatient rehab facility in Cincinnati to help people suffering from addiction.

When searching for addiction treatment one of the first questions is: “How do I pay for treatment?” Fortunately, many treatment centers can utilize medical insurance to pay for some or all of the treatment episode. This coverage is protected by a law established in 2008, this law called The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act. This law placed mental health and addiction treatment services on the same level as surgical, medical or other health benefits. The Parity Act as it has come to be known does not require insurance providers to cover addiction treatment or mental health treatment. What it does prohibit providers from is limiting benefits for addiction or mental health treatment in ways that they do not limit for physical medicine.

Additionally, the Affordable Care Act that was signed into law in 2010 requires insurance policies to offer substance abuse or mental health coverage in most cases.

In short, your insurance policy likely has some benefit for coverage of substance use or alcohol use disorders. Though the costs and levels of care still vary widely. These laws have made it somewhat easier to find a covered addiction treatment program but there are still wide variations in coverage, costs, and levels of care available.

Health insurance policies cover 6 basic classifications of care.

• Inpatient, in-network
• Inpatient, out-of-network
• Outpatient, in-network
• Outpatient, out-of-network
• Emergency care
• Prescription drugs

That means that if you have a policy that covers these categories for physical medical needs, it must also offer these benefits for addiction treatment or mental health. This does NOT mean that your policy must cover all of these benefits – just that they cannot cover them differently based on physical or mental health. For example – a health maintenance organization (HMO) policy excludes ALL out-of-network benefits. So, if the addiction treatment facility you are looking into is not in-network with your HMO policy, you will have to self-pay. There are other policy limitations that you will need to be aware of as well.

• Some policies require a referral from a doctor
• Some policies exclude higher levels of care such as inpatient or residential
• Some policies limit the number of days for higher levels of care
• And so on…

Most treatment centers make this easy for you by doing verification of benefits for your specific policy. They will tell you whether their service is covered and whether or not you will have co-pays or out of pocket expenses. It is usually best to call the treatment center and provide them with your insurance information as they will best be able to determine if their level of care and service is allowed under your health insurance policy.

The types of coverage you have available will depend on the type of plan you purchased. Plan types generally fall under 6 categories.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): is a type of plan that is in-network only. These networks are typically made up of a group of providers that limit medical care provided through doctors and agencies that are under contract to the HMO. HMO plans have in-network addiction, treatment providers. These are available by calling the number on the back of the card or by checking online. An addiction treatment provider will also know if they have a contract with a specific HMO insurer.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): In the United States, an exclusive provider organization is a hybrid health insurance plan in which a primary care provider is not necessary, but health care providers must be seen within a predetermined network. Out-of-network care is not provided, and visits require pre-authorization.

Point Of Service (POS): A Point of Service Plan is a type of managed care plan that is a hybrid of HMO and PPO plans. IN a POS plan the patient must still use an in-network physician but can also go out of network for care. As long as the primary care physician has made a referral then the out of network care may be covered.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): a PPO plan typically has a network of physicians and facilities which are lower cost to use, but they also offer out of network benefits where you may choose the facility r provider but must pay a higher coinsurance, copay, or patient responsibility. These types of plans tend to be the most flexible when looking for specialized care or if you prefer a specific doctor or facility.

Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years and older and certain people with disabilities that are under age 65. Medicare is essentially a large HMO and has no out of network benefits.

Medicaid: Medicaid is run by the state you reside in and is funded jointly by federal and state dollars. Medicaid assists low-income families or individuals in paying for medical needs, Coverage depends on the state you are in, and many states do offer addiction treatment as part of their Medicaid plans.

Thankfully due to the Parity Act and shifting public opinion on addiction as a disease and not a moral failing many insurance policies will be able to cover much of the costs associated with addiction treatment episodes.

When you decide to start looking for addiction treatment a good place to start is by understanding your insurance plan and what is and is not covered. Your insurer may be one place to start but they will certainly steer you in the direction of an in-network provider. If your plan allows, you have the right to choose an out of network facility and your insurance company won’t always know which facility is the best for your situation. Admitting addiction treatment is necessary is a huge step – so keep asking for help when searching for a provider. Ask your doctor, your friends, family or others who have had experience with addiction.

When you have narrowed your list of providers down give them each a call. Most providers have a person who specializes in insurance and billing and will walk you through the process. Their experience is invaluable.

Now that you understand what your medical plan can cover the real and exciting work begins. Now you can focus on healing and recovery for life! The Ridge offers a complete detox program and an inpatient rehab center in Cincinnati to help people struggling with addiction. Get help today!

The old saying goes “you are what you eat.” And while drugs and alcohol aren’t strictly eaten, the phrase still holds true. Addicts who consume immense quantities of these harmful substances are doing damage to their bodies and are often extremely malnourished as a result. This poor nourishment leaves a body feeling sick and tired, which may spur an addict into using to make this feeling go away. While traditional drug addiction rehab is necessary for these people, a full recovery requires introducing a therapeutic nutrition program as well.

A balanced diet free of processed foods will give the addict long-lasting energy and regular digestion. This feeling may have been missing from the addict’s life for weeks, months, or years. This improved sense of general well-being helps recovering addicts appreciate being drug-free, and helps them resist going back to using.

Since addiction is a disease of the brain, an addict’s diet should be rich in foods that promote brain health. Foods like meats, nuts, beans, and cheese are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The body uses these acids to repair neurotransmitters in the brain damaged by drug use. Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat found in fish and grains like flaxseed, promotes the production of dopamine, a pleasure-causing chemical in the brain that is deficient in addicts’ brains. Consuming these nutrients and helping to repair the brain can make it easier for an addict to abstain by reducing the effects of addiction on the body.

Some rehabs for drug addiction, such as The Ridge, keep chefs on staff to ensure that patients are getting the blend of vitamins, proteins, and unprocessed foods they need for a strong, recovery-based diet. This way, programs like The Ridge can work on healing the body while they focus on healing the mind. Some of our best success stories feature clients gaining five to fifteen healthy pounds after they were emaciated by years of drug or alcohol abuse. But even aside from diet’s therapeutic value, eating delicious, multi-course meals every day has the more immediate effect of making rehab for drug addiction much more enjoyable!

With nutritional meals prepared by a private chef, complete full body health is attended to at The Ridge’s drug addiction rehab center. Click here to learn more.

Survivors of domestic violence-related PTSD often live in fear, dis-empowerment, anxiety, and depression. Between constantly reliving the acute physical and psychological trauma they received and feeling shame for allowing themselves to become victims, domestic violence victims are vulnerable to a whole host of mental health issues, many of which can lead to substance abuse and eventual addiction.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with domestic violence-related PTSD, and have begun self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs, it’s important to take a holistic approach to heal the origins, triggers, and consequences of the problem to achieve balanced recovery and peace of mind.

PTSD, Mental Illness & Addiction: What’s the Connection?

There are volumes of research dedicated to illustrating the correlation between domestic violence-related PTSD. One comprehensive study from the University of Tennessee indicates that domestic female violence victims, who represent a clear majority of victims overall, experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a rate of 51 to 75 percent. Around 35 percent to 70 percent of these women experience depression; over 13 percent become addicted to alcohol and nearly 23 percent experience past-year illicit drug use to cope with their mental health issues.

There is a clear relationship between intimate-partner violence, mental health issues, and substance use disorder, but everyone’s journey is different. Even those who don’t turn to alcohol and other drugs need help to regain their peace of mind, mental health, and their overall quality of life.

It’s Not Your Fault: Dealing with Self-Blame and Guilt

As unthinkable as it may be, many domestic violence victims become convinced that they brought the abuse on themselves. Part of any effective domestic violence-related mental health treatment should be reinforced self-compassion and a therapeutic component to help mitigate self-blame. These types of therapies can also increase overall self-acceptance and worth. People often stay trapped in an abusive relationship because they feel they deserve the abuse, or they feel they’re tied to their abuser for safety reasons. Self-compassion not only offers validation, it also empowers domestic violence victims to take an active role in their recovery and their everyday lives.

You Don’t Have Anything To Be Ashamed Of: Addressing Shame & Stigma in Domestic Violence

An unfortunate reality of domestic violence is that so many cases go unreported. This is often because victims are too ashamed to admit that they’ve fallen victim to an abusive relationship dynamic, whether they’re currently living in it, or it’s part of their past. They don’t know where to go with these feelings of shame and often wind up committing self-harm or abusing alcohol or other drugs to dull the pain. Comprehensive domestic violence-related PTSD treatment must address these deep-rooted feelings of shame, exploring both how they played a role in the abuse itself, as well as the emotional aftermath that followed.

Addressing Domestic Violence & PTSD-related Substance Abuse

Helping domestic violence victims overcome substance use disorder goes way beyond withdrawal management and three weeks of rehab. These individuals are plagued by deep trauma, as well as emotional issues that may have predated the abuse they experienced. It’s also worth noting alcohol and drugs are involved in an overwhelming number of domestic violence cases, according to data from the World Health Organization, which means that domestic violence and PTSD-related addiction treatment should include behavioral coping mechanisms to help break the cycle of addiction and abuse, particularly for those who are already vulnerable to substance use disorder by virtue of their dysfunctional relationship.

Treatment for PTSD-related addiction should include medically supervised detox to address the immediate medical needs associated with prolonged and untreated substance use, along with group therapy, individualized counseling and supplemental behavioral therapies to address the root causes and sustaining factors of addiction.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that over eight million Americans struggle with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, and may be best served by dual-diagnosis treatment programs. These programs allow you or your loved one to simultaneously address your addiction and underlying trauma in one treatment setting for balanced mental health.

Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Women’s Resource Center
• Domestic Violence Resource Center

Ohio’s Governor, Mike DeWine, is working to address the drug problem in the state, and he is asking for the help of the court system, treatment professionals, residents, and other organizations to help him accomplish his goals. Governor DeWine recently created the RecoveryOhio initiative to improve how the state addresses mental health and substance use disorders, including better treatment options, prevention campaigns, advocacy, and support services. Residents are finding out just how the new initiative can benefit their friends and loved ones who are addicted to drugs, particularly those who have been convicted of drug crimes.

Governor Mike DeWine recently released his proposed budget for Ohio which includes asking for $7.5 million over two years to create 30 new drug courts in the Buckeye State. The proposal is Ohio’s latest in a series of moves to combat the opioid epidemic in a state that has seen more deaths and overdoses per capita than any other but West Virginia. The new courts would add to the current 150 drug courts already in the state. The proposal is the first major move from the governor’s desk against the crisis.

Does Ohio Have A Drug Epidemic?

When Governor DeWine created the RecoveryOhio Initiative in January of this year, he stated that “Ohio is facing the worst drug epidemic in my lifetime and is losing 13 or 14 people a day from accidental drug overdoses. Every county in Ohio and every city, town, and village – urban and rural – are affected. The human toll, the increased crime, and the economic and societal damages caused by this epidemic are devastating; and the cost consequences of this epidemic reach every part of Ohio’s communities: schools, jails, businesses, health care, foster care and more. One study indicates the cost of the drug epidemic is nearly 9 billion dollars a year in Ohio.”

Drug use is terrorizing the state of Ohio, and many of those who have been convicted of drug possession are users who are addicted to the substance. The Ohio Public Defender’s office states that:

• 2,600 people in Ohio are currently in prison for drug possession
• 1 in 8 people in Ohio prisons is there on a drug possession charge
• 1,600 people are locked up for possessing drugs in amounts for personal use only

Better Access To Treatment In Ohio

The answers to Ohio’s drug problem are better prevention and treatment options, as well as more coordinated care for those struggling with addiction. One of the main areas Governor DeWine hopes to focus on is the criminal justice system. According to recommendations by the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council, courts should have more options to redirect individuals charged with drug-related crimes into treatment programs instead of sending them straight to prison. Based on recidivism rates and court data, those who simply spend time behind bars for drug crimes are much more likely to go back to using as soon as they are released. Those that get help in the form of addiction treatment programs, on the other hand, are better prepared to remain sober and stay clean even after their sentence is served.

In connection with the Governor’s Council, the Ohio House has passed House Bill 1, which would expand access to treatment programs for non-violent drug offenders rather than prison time. The Bill has experienced non-partisan support so far. “House Bill 1 gives these Ohioans a second chance to start over and have a real shot at reaching their fullest potential,” State Representative Stephanie Howse said during the discussion of the bill on the House floor. Ohio has recently put more emphasis on other addiction treatment programs such as the one bite program for impaired physicians.

Speaker Larry Householder agrees, “Our lawmakers have been working across the aisle to craft legislation that expands opportunities for all Ohioans,” said Householder. “This legislation is proof of that. I’m pleased that we will be able to help those overcoming addiction start a new life and become a productive member of society.” The bill is now headed to the Ohio Senate for further discussion and consideration.

Additional Drug Courts Mean More Opportunities For Treatment

In order to ensure better access to drug treatment, Governor DeWine plans to seek additional funding in the 2020-2021 budgets to create 30 new specialty drug courts throughout the state. “Specialty dockets give judges the flexibility necessary when they encounter someone in the court system who is may benefit more from treatment for substance use disorder rather than serving jail time,” DeWine said. “These specialty courts are a proven way to hold those with substance use disorder accountable and ensure participation in mental health and addiction treatment.”

RecoveryOhio Advisory Council

In addition to recommending the addition of drug courts, the Governor’s Council issued more than 70 recommendations in the areas of stigma, parity, workforce development, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports, and data and outcomes measurement.

Recommendations put forth by the Governor’s RecoveryOhio Advisory Council:

• Establish statewide prevention coordination with all state departments and agencies to ensure best practices, consistent messaging, technical assistance, and delivery of prevention services across multiple domains.
• Commission a statewide campaign to address stigma against people with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Ensure that each patient’s needs and treatment recommendations are determined by a qualified clinical professional and promote insurance coverage of medically-necessary services identified by quality clinical care providers.
• Review and create a comprehensive plan for safe, affordable, and quality housing that will meet the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and would include supported housing options, transitional housing, recovery housing, adult care facilities, and short-term stabilization options.

Drug Court In Ohio

“Far too many Ohioans have died and too many continue to struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. The recommendations, offered by the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council provide a framework for a new system of prevention, treatment, and support that we will work to implement,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio should be a state that is a national model for prevention, offers top-notch treatment services, and supports recovery and well-being. Investing in streamlining and improving what we as a state are doing to prevent, treat, and encourage recovery, is truly an investment in Ohio’s future.” Drug rehab in ohio should be easily accessible and highly helpful for detox treatment.