Individuals in many high-pressure careers face an increased risk of substance use disorders. Business executives, lawyers, doctors, and other health care professionals experience highly stressful environments that can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, burnout, and other mental health issues. Many professionals struggle to cope with the pressure and turn to alcohol and drug use to numb their symptoms.
Professionals are often able to hide their substance use and achieve career success as highly functioning addicts, seeking treatment only when their addiction threatens their career, relationships, or general quality of life.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, you’re not alone. Among those industries affected are:
- Health care and social assistance
- Educational services
- Public administration
- Finance and insurance
- Professional and technical services
- Real estate
- Management of companies and enterprises
Indiana Center for Recovery specializes in meeting the needs of leaders and high achievers who find themselves in need of treatment for substance use and abuse. Our highly structured and individualized treatment programs are built on evidence-based best practices with demonstrated success in helping professionals create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The Needs of Professionals in Treatment
Executives and other professionals entering an addiction treatment program have specific needs. Our professional program provides patients with the level of care, comfort, and confidentiality they expect.
The very strengths that allow professionals to achieve success in their careers — such as drive, perfectionism, and persuasiveness — can sometimes create barriers to success in a traditional treatment program. As a result, professionals are advised to seek treatment in a program with counselors and addiction professionals specially trained in the unique challenges faced by these patients.
Effective Treatment Programs for Professionals
Addiction is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Substance use can change how the brain functions, resulting in symptoms that vary widely from patient to patient. Thus, no single treatment process is appropriate or effective for everyone. Addiction and substance abuse treatment for professionals is a highly individualized process that may include various modalities such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- EMDR treatment
- Family therapy
- Medically managed detoxification
- Medication
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Special services as needed
Addiction treatment must also address all of the individual’s needs, not just drug use. The underlying causes of and factors contributing to addiction are varied and can be hard to pin down, but addiction is typically a result of biological and environmental factors. While family history, past trauma, and personality disorders often play a role, so can stress, anxiety, and depression. For treatment to be effective, all of these contributing factors must be addressed.
When you enter a treatment center, you will undergo an initial assessment with a licensed counselor or other addiction professional. Though it may be difficult, it’s best to be as honest and forthcoming as possible during this process, as the information gathered during your assessment will form the foundation of your treatment plan.
Residential addiction treatment may last from a week to a month, depending on your individual needs. Remaining in treatment for the duration of your program is critical to significantly reduce your drug or alcohol use and prevent relapse. Upon completion of your inpatient program, you should continue with aftercare programs, any recommended therapy, and group support meetings, such as those conducted by your local AA or NA chapters.
Depending on your situation and characteristics, your treatment may include some or all of the following services. As you progress through treatment, your treatment plan will be regularly reviewed and modified to ensure that it continues to meet your needs and provides you with the highest level of care. Our integrated approach to care means we will put extra focus wherever it is needed so that you always receive the therapies and services that are most appropriate to your situation.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
For those patients who can benefit from a period of supervised detoxification, this is the first step in the treatment process. Detoxing from certain substances can be uncomfortable and even dangerous and is sometimes best managed under the care of medical personnel. In some cases, medication can help manage symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, sweating, vomiting, depression, seizures, and hallucinations.
Candidates who are most likely to benefit from medically supervised detox are those using alcohol, prescription opioids, heroin, or benzodiazepines. Detoxification is the first stage of treatment and, while necessary, is not adequate by itself to address long-term addiction and substance abuse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication is a valuable part of treatment for many people, especially when combined with the necessary behavioral health services and other treatment modalities. The use of certain medications during substance abuse can help relieve physical cravings and other distressing symptoms, which can help patients focus on the psychological aspects of recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment has been shown to increase the amount of time spent in treatment, improve social functioning, and reduce the risk of relapse. This approach is primarily used for patients addicted to opioids such as heroin or prescription pain relievers that contain opiates.
Behavioral Therapies
Drug addiction treatment is most successful when it includes one or more forms of behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is perhaps the most widely used form of therapy in drug treatment today. CBT helps patients identify their problematic thoughts and behaviors and increases their awareness of how these patterns impact their addiction and recovery. When an individual understands why they feel and behave in a certain way, they are better equipped to choose more positive thoughts and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy used to treat people with multiple mental health conditions, particularly borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. DBT employs a variety of approaches, such as mindfulness and distress tolerance, to help patients change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Family therapy allows family members to participate in the treatment process. Under the guidance of a trained therapist, families can work on conflicts and face issues that have caused resentment and misunderstandings. Sharing difficult emotions in a safe environment can be extremely helpful for families dealing with substance abuse.
Group therapy is another crucial part of addiction treatment. In a group setting, patients can learn from others going through the recovery process, receive support from their peers, and learn that they are not alone in their struggles. In many cases, group therapy can be just as effective as—or even more effective than individual therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy used to help people heal from the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR may help reduce the urge to use drugs and alcohol, and research shows that it can be helpful for substance abuse patients who also experience PTSD.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people with substance use disorder are also diagnosed with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. In some cases, substance use can bring about a mental health disorder by inhibiting the production of neurotransmitters, which help regulate mood. Other individuals with a pre-existing mental health condition may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of relief, leading to substance abuse and addiction.
Individuals with a dual diagnosis should seek treatment at a facility with licensed counselors skilled in treating substance abuse and related mental health conditions.
Additional Services as Needed
Professionals often face other issues that may present barriers to recovery. Based on your initial assessment, your treatment plan may be adjusted to include more specialized services, such as:
- Gender or sexual identity
- Sexual assault
- Trauma
- Body image
- Spiritual care
Amenities for Professionals in Treatment
Our professionals’ program is designed to help patients receive treatment while maintaining their careers, or if desired, transition to a new career that offers a greater opportunity for work-life balance. To that end, professionals entering our addiction treatment program can expect amenities such as:
- Access to workspaces that offer the use of computers and reliable WiFi
- Private conference rooms
- Complete confidentiality, so you can work while and recover in privacy
- Luxurious facilities with fitness centers and spa services
- Lower staff-to-patient ratio to ensure you always receive personalized care
We also offer career counseling and back-to-work services for patients who may need assistance restoring their career or professional reputation.
Contact Indiana Center for Recovery
If you or someone you know needs professional addiction treatment services, contact us today at (844) 650-0064. It’s not too late to create a life worth living. Get the support you need to start your recovery and create a happier life for yourself and your loved ones.