Substance abuse challenges are faced daily. Find a lifetime of support in Newport Co.
- Newport Hospital saw 960 alcohol-related emergency room visits in 2022, the fourth highest in Rhode Island.
- Nearly 70% of Newport Mental Health clients seeking mental health treatment also struggle with substance abuse.
- Newport Mental Health offers various substance use programs and resources for those seeking help.
April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, an opportunity to reflect on the ways alcohol use affects individuals and communities.
In 2022, there were 960 Emergency Department visits to Newport Hospital for acute, alcohol-related emergencies. This is the fourth highest of the 10 Rhode Island hospitals tracked by the Rhode Island Department of Health. RIDOH tracks drug and alcohol statistics and finds that alcohol and substance use often go hand in hand; 30% of all overdose deaths in Rhode Island also had alcohol as a contributing factor.
Substance use and mental health
The numbers reflect the substance use and mental health challenges that people face every day. Co-occurring disorders, which refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, can create a complex and often overwhelming experience for individuals. Those living with co-occurring disorders may feel trapped in a cycle where their mental health symptoms exacerbate their substance use, and vice versa. For instance, someone dealing with anxiety or depression may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication, leading to increased dependence and further worsening of their mental health.
Additionally, the stigma surrounding both mental health and addiction can make individuals feel misunderstood or judged, compounding feelings of hopelessness. Navigating daily life can be particularly challenging, as they may experience mood swings, fatigue and cognitive difficulties, making it hard to maintain relationships, employment and overall well-being.
Co-occurring disorders require integrated treatment approaches that address both conditions simultaneously to foster healing and recovery. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or supporting someone else, recovery is a journey that can begin right here at Newport Mental Health, or at any of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in Rhode Island.
According to David Boscia, chief clinical officer at Newport Mental Health, “Nearly 70% of clients seeking help for mental health issues also face challenges with substance use.” These co-occurring disorders are affecting people from all walks of life; we are seeing clients struggling with alcoholism, opioid addiction, crack cocaine, and stimulant misuse. Newport Mental Health takes a comprehensive, person-centered approach to recovery. “We conduct a thorough clinical assessment and then collaborate with the client to identify what they see as the priority in their recovery,” says Boscia.
Why harm reduction makes a difference
A harm reduction approach to recovery works by placing the individual at the forefront of their healing journey, acknowledging their unique experiences, needs, and goals. This approach recognizes that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process but rather a personalized path that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their health and well-being. By prioritizing empathy, respect, and support, harm reduction fosters a non-judgmental environment where individuals can address substance use issues at their own pace, reducing stigma and promoting positive change. This method not only focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of substance use but also encourages individuals to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and engage in healthier behaviors, leading to sustainable recovery outcomes.
Madisson Catanzaro, the division director of substance use services at Newport Mental Health adds: “Harm reduction is about building an alliance with the client and empowering them.” It also considers the broader circumstances that contribute to substance use. Is the person unhoused? Are they juggling multiple jobs while using stimulants to keep up? Newport Mental Health works to address these underlying factors. “Substance use treatment is not just about stopping use,” says Catanzaro. “It's about eliminating barriers to stopping.” Boscia believes many still do not fully understand the harm reduction model, but he is confident in its effectiveness. “As we continue to educate the community, more people see the value of this approach.”
Embracing the nonlinear journey
“Recovery is not a linear process” says Boscia. It often resembles a winding path. Embracing this non-linear aspect can help individuals maintain hope and motivation, recognizing that progress comes in many forms and is often marked by gradual, cumulative change. Here are several key contributors to a non-linear path:
1. Setbacks and Relapses: These moments can feel discouraging; however, they are often part of the learning process. Each setback can provide valuable insights and an opportunity for growth.
2. Unique Journeys: Every person’s recovery experience is influenced by their individual circumstances, histories, and challenges. This diversity means that some may progress quickly while others may take longer, facing different obstacles along the way.
3. Emotional Fluctuations: Recovery involves navigating a wide range of emotions, from hope and joy to frustration and sadness. These emotional difficulties can be unpredictable and require ongoing attention and management.
4. Shifting Priorities and Goals: As individuals grow and evolve during recovery, what was once a primary focus might change, leading them to revisit previous stages of their journey or explore new aspects of recovery.
5. Integration of Experiences: Recovery often requires individuals to integrate past experiences, both positive and negative. This process may involve revisiting difficult memories or working through unresolved issues, which can feel like taking steps backward.
6. External Factors: Changes in relationships, employment, or health, can impact recovery and create new challenges or stressors that may require individuals to reassess their strategies and coping mechanisms.
7. Building Resilience: Developing resilience involves learning how to cope with challenges and adversity. This means that individuals might oscillate between feeling strong and capable one day and struggling the next.
Addiction is not a choice
“Addiction is not a choice, but every day you wake up and you can choose recovery,” says Catanzaro. “And tomorrow, even if you do use, it does not take away your success from yesterday, because it is a milestone. You have hit it, and you can hit it again.”
Addiction is often misunderstood as a simple choice or a matter of willpower, but research has shown that it is a complex condition rooted in biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors, such as those listed here.
1. Brain Chemistry: Addiction alters the brain's chemistry and wiring. Substances like drugs or alcohol can hijack the brain's reward system, leading to intense cravings and compulsive behaviors. This neurological impact makes it difficult for individuals to choose sobriety over substance use, even when they desire to quit.
2. Genetics: Genetic predispositions can affect how individuals metabolize substances, experience pleasure, and respond to stress, making some people more vulnerable to addiction.
3. Mental Health: Many individuals also face co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related issues. These underlying conditions can drive substance use as a form of self-medication.
4. Environmental Factors: Family dynamics, exposure to substance use in the household, socioeconomic status, and access to support systems all contribute to the development of addictive behaviors.
5. Developmental Aspects: Adolescents and young adults are at a higher risk because their brains are still developing, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. Early exposure to substances can have lasting effects on their neurological development and decision-making processes.
6. Long-Term Persistent Conditions: Just as individuals with long-term persistent conditions like diabetes or heart disease learn to manage their conditions, those with addiction may also experience cycles of relapse and recovery.
7. Social Stigma: This stigma often leads to feelings of shame and isolation, making it harder for individuals to acknowledge their struggles and seek the support they need.
Getting help in Newport County
Newport Mental Health has experienced significant growth since becoming a CCBHC last October.
Additional substance use programs have been added under CCBHC, including an Intensive Outpatient Program, and additional supports are available through local agencies including CODAC and EBCAP. If you or a loved one would like help, please call Newport Mental Health at 401-846-1213 and we will connect you to the right program or resource.
The RIDOH data on adult alcohol use can be found at ridoh-excessive-alcohol-surveillance-landing-page-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com. Dayna Gladstein is president & CEO of Newport Mental Health in Middletown. Peace of Mind, which is co-written with Kristan McClintock, and appears monthly in The Newport Daily News and online at newportri.com.
Newport Mental Health is a 501(c)3, charitable nonprofit and a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) that provides mental health and substance use treatment to those who live, work, and study in Newport County, regardless of their income, insurance, or ability to pay. Newport Mental Health offers programs and services for children and adults; immediate access to care is available by calling 401-846-1213. For more information, please visit newportmentalhealth.org