09-15-2024 GAR - Flipbook - Page 15
A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Sunday, September 15, 2024
Response (www.stopoverdose.maryland.gov) concurs, citing that “the
word ‘abuse’ has been shown to lead
to negative judgments and punitive
treatment decisions by providers,” and
recommends using the words “drug
use or substance use” (as opposed to
“abuse”), and “substance misuse” to
refer to prescription medications.
According to Shah, only 20% of
those diagnosed with a substance or
alcohol use disorder receive treatment. “When you have a chronic disease that’s socially stigmatized, it can
be difficult to find accessible, available and de-stigmatized treatment options,” he says.
Shah observes that the rise of telehealth visits since the pandemic has
helped with the issue of privacy,
adding that he is also seeing a shift
at the community health level, with
treatment becoming more comparable to that of other chronic diseases,
with medical interventions, follow-up
appointments, and family support
being offered.
The Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Administration (www.samhsa.gov) cites four major dimensions
of substance abuse recovery: health
(overcoming or managing one’s disease or symptoms); home (having a
stable and safe place to live); purpose
(conducting meaningful daily activities, such as job, school and family);
and community (having relationships
and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hope).
“Dealing with substance use disorders is becoming less about how
quick someone can get off treatment
and more about the necessity for staying on treatment,” says Shah. “A lot
of patients now acknowledge that
they need to be well for the long-term,
whether it’s because of their overall
health, their need to function at their
job, or as a spouse or parent. It’s hard
to address all of a patient’s needs, but
we want to meet them holistically as
individuals and make a more humane
health care system.”
Compassionate care
for mental health.
Life can be challenging at times.
From struggles with anxiety,
depression or substance use, the
experts at the Klein Family Center
can help you feel so much better.
Klein Family Center
802 Baltimore Pike in Bel Air
Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP, 24/7
or visit umuch.org/Klein
Help is available day or night.
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