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Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Developing an alcohol addiction or realizing that a loved one has become addicted can be a scary, lonely time.

Left untreated, alcohol addictions can impact mental and physical health as well as relationships with friends and family. For this very reason, alcohol addictions require specialized treatment.

At NP Addiction Clinic, we are here to help you overcome your addiction and develop the tools you need to achieve long-term recovery.

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addictions arise when a person becomes physically and mentally dependent on alcohol. Due to being classed as a depressant, alcohol relaxes the central nervous system and promotes feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which can be highly addictive.

When consumed, alcohol causes the feel-good chemical dopamine to be released. In turn, the brain begins to associate positive emotions with drinking. This often leads people to consume larger quantities of alcohol, which gives way to several health complications.

Often, people who drink heavily develop a high tolerance for alcohol. As a result, they may struggle to feel the same effects as they once did when drinking small volumes of alcohol. As a result, they may begin to drink more to achieve the same feel-good effects that alcohol once offered.

As the body and mind become reliant on alcohol, it is virtually impossible to stop drinking alcohol. In this instance, treatment centers and rehab programs provide medical and psychological assistance to help promote the best chances of recovery for each client.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

The signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction are different for each individual. However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, defines indicators of alcohol addiction as:

  • Being unable to cut down on drinking
  • Spending a lot of time thinking about drinking
  • Continuing to drink even if it has adverse physical or mental effects
  • Needing to drink more to secure the desired effect

Signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD) can also be physical and psychological. These signs include:

  • Mood swings
  • Memory issues
  • Being secretive
  • Losing interest in hobbies
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Headaches
  • Lethargy

Alcohol addiction also has many long-term health and medical conditions, some of which can even be fatal. These include:

  • Cancer
  • Liver damage
  • Weakened immune system
  • Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS)
  • Gout
  • Ulcers

The symptoms of alcohol abuse can be intimidating, but help is always available to assist you or your loved one through addiction. If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it is vital to seek treatment for alcohol addiction as soon as possible.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Sometimes, people consume alcohol in a bid to cope with severe mental health conditions. This is also known as ‘self-medicating’. The medical term for this is dual diagnosis. When a dual diagnosis arises, addiction and mental illness coexist.

 

Dual diagnosis requires specialized treatment that targets both the addiction and the mental health condition. Simply going through addiction or mental health treatment alone may not effectively treat this condition.

 

Symptoms of a dual diagnosis vary depending on the mental illness and addiction in question. However, it is not uncommon for an individual to encounter the following:

 

  • Social withdrawal
  • Mood swings
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Inability to concentrate

 

NP Addiction Clinic is fully equipped to treat cases of severe dual diagnosis alcohol addiction with a comprehensive treatment plan, including medication and therapy. We aim to work with each client to target the root cause of addiction to reduce the chance of a relapse in the future.

Alcohol Detox

When receiving treatment for an alcohol addiction, the first step in many rehab programs is detox. Essentially initiating the recovery process, detox sees harmful toxins flushed from the body. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) occurs as the body adapts to functioning without alcohol if a medical detox for alcohol addiction is not rendered. 

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal include:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Hallucinations
  • High body temperature
  • Delirium tremens (DT)

For those heavily dependent on alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can be intense and can last for several days. However, many treatment centers supply medication to aid withdrawal and reduce the symptoms encountered during the detox process. These medications include:

Benzodiazepines – This medication helps calm the central nervous system and reduce the effects of withdrawal, such as anxiety and insomnia.

Disulfiram – This treatment changes the way that the body processes alcohol. Often, it makes people feel nauseous when they drink. In turn, many avoid alcohol.

Ongoing Support

NP Addiction Clinic, we know that recovery doesn’t end with detox. We offer many therapy options to help clients identify the root causes of addiction and minimize the risk of relapse. Our therapy options include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Art, music, and recreational therapy 
  • Educational groups

At NP Addiction Clinic, we provide comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment to support you through your journey to recovery. We are fully licensed to provide residential treatment for substance abuse and detox services.

 

Our residential treatment program allows clients to focus on recovery without the distractions and triggers of the outside world. NP Addiction Clinic includes the highest quality facilities, including a beautiful communal garden, a fully staffed kitchen, and yoga classes to promote well-being and mental health.

Upon completing one of our treatment programs, we provide an extensive alumni service and aftercare planning to support each client as they return to daily life.

We’re Here To Help You

At NP Addiction Clinic, we know how challenging recovery can be. With many of our staff in long-term recovery themselves, we aim to support you or your loved one through all of the difficulties that addiction brings.

We pride ourselves on our in-depth medical, psychiatric, and clinical assessment process that allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan just for you. Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. As a result, we are committed to helping each client however best we can.

To start your journey to lifelong recovery today with NP Addiction Clinic, contact us today to see how we can help you through the challenges of alcohol addiction.

Why Choose NP Addiction Clinic?

Why our St. Lucie County rehab and mental health center is right for you and your loved ones.

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24-Hour Support

We are dedicated to helping people heal, recover and live better lives, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Count on us to be there when you need us most. 

On-Site Detox

Unlike most facilities, we provide a complete, in-house safe and comfortable medical detox.We care for you from start to finish.
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Mental Health Treatment Pros

We are experts in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction and much more. Our mental health expertise is above and beyond the norm.
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Aftercare and Alumni Support

Our aftercare, alumni support and MAT programs are second to none. We’re invested in your recovery and wellness for the long haul. 

Get the Help You Deserve

At NPAC, successful recovery is only a phone call away. We are always open, and we accept most private insurance plans that can cover your entire cost of treatment. The rest of your life is only around the corner.

Contact us today:

24/7 Helpline: (888) 574-3506

Contact Us Today

The Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic is committed to delivering the very best treatment programs for addiction and mental health. Contact us to find out how we can help you.

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NP Addiction Clinic
5481 NW East Torino Pkwy
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

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Kim L. Buckner

Facilitator

As a Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker, Pastor, Peer Advocate, and Facilitator. Kim helps clients avoid relapse by understanding their triggers. Those people, places and things that can cause craving, as well as internal triggers like feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Kim also clients with identifying and building healthy relationships now that they’re clean and sober.

Kim’s background includes extensive experience as a motivational speaker and work in faith-based organizations helping youth and adults alike. She says she is motivated by giving back to the community, understanding, and not judging who she comes into contact with. Kim’s favorite quote is by Dr. Raymond Johnson: “The respect given to others rebounds to the giver to deny the scared in the Other is to deny it in oneself.”

Caty Burns

Clinician

Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

During those seven years, she taught life and coping skills as well as behavior management, provided case management and peer recovery services, and facilitated treatment teams that included the client, family, providers, and community members. I have also worked at an IOP providing group therapy services. She is currently working towards my Master of Social Work.

In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants.

Madison Knowles

Mental Health Therapist

My name is Madison Knowles, I am a Mental health therapist at NPAC. I am a single-mother of two and I have a daughter who is globally delayed and has been diagnosed with autism. I have been in this industry since I was 16 years old, as I was fascinated with human behavior. I obtained my masters in applied behavioral analysis and started off working with people with disabilities. I then found my love for counseling when I worked with juveniles who had mental health and substance use issues. I then decided to go back for my mental health therapy license after that and working in a forensic treatment center. I went on to obtain my therapy credentials and since 2017, I have also been working on my PhD in forensic psychology in which I am currently working on my dissertation. I am inspired by change and how resilient people can be. My favorite inspirational quote is “Some will, Some won’t, So what, NEXT!!!” This quote has inspired me to try, try, and try again no matter how hard life gets, someone will give you a chance eventually. As a therapist at NPAC, I have been given the opportunity to work with diverse populations such as in substance use and mental health and I am known for my work with people on the schizophrenic spectrum as well as with other clients with other severe conditions including personality disorders.

Megan Carmona, LMHC

Lead Therapist

Our Lead Therapist, Megan, is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. As Lead Therapist, she provides individual, family, and group therapy sessions to our clients.  Megan says “I am very passionate about therapy, especially about supporting my clients in exploring their strengths and identity. My goal is to provide individuals with the tools that can help them achieve independence in coping with their challenges and facilitating personal development.” In her free time, Megan enjoys watching docu-series and playing video games with her family. Her dream is to own acres of land so she can care for vulnerable animals, especially old dogs, cats, and horses. 

Kristen Bensley

Primary Clinician

As Primary Clinician, Kristen works with all aspects of our clinical team, from case management to primary therapy.  She has broad experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining our team at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, Kristen was part of the team awarded the Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation by Cigna. She says her motivation is to help people rediscover who they are and become excited about the future and all the possibilities life offers. Kristen’s favorite quote is: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Ronn Daigle, MSW

Therapist, Utilization Review Clinician

Ronn Daigle services as a Therapist and Utilization Review Clinician at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 2011, with experience in all facility-based levels of care. Ronn earned, both an Associate of Arts in Psychology (2013) and Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an Addiction Studies Concentration (2015) from Indian River State College. 

Ronn additionally earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2021 and is a current Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working toward licensure (LCSW). He describes himself as detail oriented, and solution focused.

Ronn says: “There is nothing more fulfilling than working with someone who doesn’t believe in himself or herself, and being there in the moment with them when the belief begins. We work with individuals who come to us at a point and time in their respective lives where they do not believe that change for others is possible; let alone for themselves…throughout the process they eventually come to a point where they realize that change is not only possible, but achievable.”

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI

Assistant Clinical Director

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI is the Assistant Clinical Director at Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic who specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ, addiction, as well as mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to Bipolar Disorder, trauma, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy, and is fluent in Spanish.
 
Throughout my years of practice, one of the things I enjoy helping people find is inner peace. Whether you are in the deepest parts of depression, overrun by your anxiety, controlled by your addiction, or there are certain issues in your life that are negatively impacting your ability to function, and have a happy, healthy life, maybe now is the time to talk about it. I am a big believer in empowerment, working hard in therapy, and utilizing different techniques to help you regain that inner peace that may have been lost along the way. I want to work with you as a team because with two people, absolutely everything is possible. I want to be there as a therapist, to help build you up, support you, but also help you be honest with yourself and accountable. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, my biggest goal for you is going to be simple….for you to no longer need my services. Why? Because if you no longer need my services, it means that you have regained your peace, you have regained your strength, you have regained your confidence. It means that you now have the tools to address any issues that try to derail you, and best of all, you will have the insight to overcome and thrive. So let’s begin this journey together, and get you to the place you want to be, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in your sobriety.

Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC

Clinical Director

Aurelio has worked with those that suffer from the disease of addiction in adults and juveniles alike for over 10 years, beginning in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years, working with those that were succumbed by addiction due to trauma and continuing his passion for helping those in need locally in Central Florida.

He specializes in both Addictions and Trauma, he has worked first as a therapist then as the clinical supervisor to both the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court programs in Brevard County. Aurelio has been instrumental in developing substance abuse treatment programs directly tailored to help those that also suffer from complex trauma due to their addiction. He has been recognized by several organizations for his forward thinking and ability to tailor treatment to individuals in the most restrictive environments.

Mr. Ayuso received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Aurelio specializes in the treatment of Addiction, Trauma, and Abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Therapies. At the Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic he passionately develops holistic curriculums that foster the belief that through addressing the mind, body, and spirit together, the Disease of Addiction can be addressed successfully.

Robert Lehmann, MHSA

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration with a concentration in Mental Health Administration and over twenty-five years of experience as a senior executive at addiction and mental health treatment facilities.

One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction. Bob has been actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. Recently he was one of the founders of the Florida Addiction Treatment Coalition (FATC) and is its present Vice President. FATC was designed to bring together treatment executives in Florida to advocate on behalf of treatment facilities and the clients they serve adhering to a foundation of integrity and service excellence.

Jose R. Toledo, M.D.

Medical Director

A well-rounded and accomplished individual, Jose R. Toledo, M.D., is the Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a neurologist with 25 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1991 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He completed his neurology training at the State University of New York and his Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

He also completed 24 months of acute inpatient psychiatry at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center, University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 2008, Dr. Toledo participated in and was certified in the continuing medical education activity entitled “Buprenorphine and Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence” from The Medical University of South Carolina during which began his quest to found and head Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a brain specialist with particular competence in addiction medicine and out-patient detoxification treatment and integrates the fields seamlessly. He is certified to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone). He incorporates his background in neurology into the addiction field. Dr. Toledo is member/fellow of The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine