Center for Integrated Behavioral Health’s Substance Abuse Treatment Center was designed to offer research informed treatment of substance abuse problems in the Lehigh Valley. Substance use can lead to serious problems in someone’s life and create or exacerbate already existing life stressors. Substance use problems also co-occur with other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, AD/HD, and mood disorders. Due to the shame that most people feel when they suffer from substance related problems, they are likely to avoid seeking help. Although some people can resolve their substance use problems without formal treatment, for others it is important that they seek professional help.
The Substance Abuse Treatment Program subscribes to the harm reduction philosophy and does not use shame based confrontational approaches. We provide an array of approaches that meet each individual’s specific needs. Although people who struggle with substance use share some commonalities, a one-size fits all approach to treatment leaves many without proper care. The substance abuse treatment center provides services that fit the individual’s and family’s current needs.
We service individuals who struggle with all types of substance abuse and who have suffered various difficulties related to substance use. No problem is too small and no problem is too large at the Substance Abuse Treatment Center.
The Substance Abuse Treatment Program provides the following treatment approaches. These are being offered in both individual and group format. These approaches are tailored to the individual’s current needs.
The Substance Abuse Treatment Program subscribes to a Harm Reduction philosophy. Harm reduction believes that any changes that reduce the harms caused by substance use are valuable interventions. Although abstinence is the best way to minimize problems from substances, harm reduction recognizes that all individuals are not ready for abstinence. Harm reduction meets people where they are at in their process of change and works with them in a respectful and collaborative manner to make effective changes.
Harm reduction does not believe in shaming or confronting substance users. Research has repeatedly shown that these approaches are ineffective and only lead to a continuation of shame and guilt. Harm reduction does not believe in bullying people into changes or judging them for their actions. This philosophy believes that people use for reasons and these reasons are purposeful. The harm reduction approach to treatment guides people to recognize these reasons and if possible develop alternative strategies that serve the same purpose.
Harm reduction also does not terminate people from treatment due to substance use. Substance abuse is the only medical condition where people are denied treatment for exhibiting symptoms of their condition. Do doctors stop treating someone with high blood pressure because they ate a hamburger? No they don’t, and we believe the same for those who struggle with substance use problems. In fact, research shows that those who stay in treatment longer make more lasting and positive changes. We want you to stay in treatment!!