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Corporate Headquarters
(610) 239-9600
FAX: (610) 239-9195
106 West Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401

How do I know if my substance use is a problem?
If you begin to ask questions or feel uncomfortable about your substance usage this may be an initial warning sign. For example, some people may arrive late to work or arrive under the influence, while others may experience fights with their friends and families. In more severe cases, some people may face divorce, loss of employment or trouble with the law.

Substance dependence involves both tolerance and withdrawal from a substance. Tolerance is the need to use more and more of a substance to obtain the same effect. Withdrawal is the physical and/or psychological symptoms experienced when the use of a substance is stopped.

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How common is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is very common. A recent survey by SAMHSA (2002) found that 19.5 million Americans age 12 and over used illegal substances in the past month. This is about 8% of that population. The most common substance was marijuana. 4% of those surveyed between the ages of 12-13 were currently using substances. Substance abuse crosses all ages, races and geographical locations.

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How did the "social" drinking become an addiction?
The progression of an addiction can vary from person to person. Some may have a genetic or biological risk factor; others may have learned to use substances as a way of coping. For some, “social” drinking may never become an addiction; but typically, addiction is a progressive illness, with the amounts of the substance used increasing over time. Often those with a predisposition will experience a “trigger” situation such as the loss of a loved one, depression or anxiety which leads to increased usage. Once the pattern of regular use is established, the cycle of addiction may continue on its own.

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How do I get help?
Addiction is treatable and help is available. Our website lists the locations of our programs, as well as the types of community members who are treated at each site. Please call the site closest to you to obtain an evaluation. Our trained staff will meet with you to help you determine the severity of your substance abuse and help guide you to appropriate treatment.

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Is there help for family members?
Yes. Our website lists locations of our programs, as well as the admission criteria for each site. Please call the site closest to you to obtain an evaluation. Our trained staff will provide for support in the process of dealing with a loved one who exhibits addictive behaviors.

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What if my friend or family member is in denial, or doesn't think it's a problem?
If your loved one is not yet aware that it is a problem then you should seek support and guidance for your specific situation. In general, those in denial need support to see how their actions are causing harm to themselves and to others.

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What do I do if he or she refuses help?
If your loved one refuses help, it is often useful for you to seek support for yourself. When someone we love is facing an addiction it is very stressful, and we may face a variety of feelings including fear, anger, frustration and helplessness. By seeking help ourselves, we will be better able to offer support to our loved one.

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Is addiction biologically caused?
It is believed that there are some genetic and biological predispositions to addictions. However, these risks can be managed through proper education and /or treatment.

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Why can't I just go to an 12-step meeting?
12 step groups are based on a model of peer support. This component is very important to establishing long term abstinence from addiction. Although these groups offer a detailed program for recovery from addiction, many people may still be in need of additional medical, counseling or social services. So although 12 step groups are an important component to recovery, other supports may be needed to address the problems caused by addiction.

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What about other addictions?
Those who experience addiction are often prone to other addictive behaviors. For example, those with alcohol addiction may also be prone to substance abuse, sex addiction, pathological gambling, compulsive eating, compulsive spending, and workaholism. It is also common for those in recovery to “cross-over” to another form of addictive behaviors. Professional counseling can help you to find and alter the roots of your addiction, as well as help you develop strategies to prevent a relapse of addictive behaviors.

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What is treatment?
Treatment components will vary but typically begin with an initial assessment. In this meeting, a trained counselor will help to identify the severity of addiction and to determine an appropriate course of action. If outpatient treatment is recommended, you may see a counselor individually or in a group once per week. For some, intensive outpatient services are required which involves meeting more than once per week. With some chemical addictions, detox services may be recommended. This involves medical monitoring as your body passes through the physical symptoms of withdrawal from chemical dependency. For some with severe addictions, residential treatment may be recommended, this may be short or long term and involves daily counseling services while living in one of our facilities.

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How effective is your program?
Gaudenzia is a leader in effective substance abuse treatment. This can be seen in our continued growth as an organization. Thousands of individuals have graduated from our programs and gone on to live positive, productive drug-free lives.

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What is residential treatment?
Residential treatment involves intensive, 24 hour support for individuals seeking to develop and to maintain abstinence from substances. Individuals attend one of our treatment programs for short time (a few days) or longer (several months) as determined by the treatment planner. Treatment will include daily groups to examine how your substance abuse got started as well as how to prevent relapse.

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Does my insurance cover treatment?
At intake, a counselor will help to examine what your insurance benefits are and what level of care may be covered by your particular insurance policy. Insurance companies often cover some treatment for substance abuse.

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What is HIPAA and how does it apply to me?
Click here for HIPAA privacy law

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