Focus on Wellness, Not Substance Abuse Treatment

When I originally started my Addiction Medicine Practice, I named the company "The Addiction Medicine Group." This seemed like a logical title for a dedicated group of professionals treating substance abuse issues. The practice was limited to substance abuse treatment. We offered detox, support, and recovery programs primarily for alcohol, opiate, and benzodiazepine dependence.

Almost all patients with substance use disorders have anxiety, depression, poorly managed stress, mood disorders, or unrecognized trauma. When I truly understood this, it allowed me to offer more comprehensive services to address these underlying issues. I added therapists experienced in trauma work, a nutritionist, and licensed clinicians. This goes much deeper than just detox and medication support.

Since we already had nursing on board and were administering IV Infusions, the next step evolved into offering nutritional infusions that enhance both wellness and recovery. Simple and safe infusions like the Myer's Cocktail, Vitamin C, Glutathione, and calming blends of amino acid formulations can really help people feel better, think more clearly, and build up immune support. A sense of well-being Is needed not just for complete and authentic recovery, but for life.

Some people cope with food, others with substances. Both behaviors are a maladaptive response to stress. This is why we so often take care of alcoholics who have had gastric bypass. Initially, food was calming, then the alcohol. The underlying issues are still there. We need tools to process the underlying stress and triggers that feed the overeating, the drinking, or the over-medicating. Wellness applies to everyone, not just substance abuse patients. We all deal with stress and fair to say we don't all have perfect outlets for dealing with it.

Everyone has something they can improve on. All of us want quality relationships with strong connections with our friends, family, and community. This can only be achieved by checking in, not checking out. To simply elevate our experience of living we need to be present with ourselves. We need a healthy headspace, and positive, solid relationships with other people to eliminate substance use habits and life with authenticity and grace.

At the Ken Starr MD Wellness Group, we specialize in drug and alcohol treatment, but more importantly, we focus on getting well.

Call to learn more and take a tour of our comfortable and inviting clinic. To learn more call 805-242-1360 or visit us at kenstarrmd.com