Reducing the stigma of drug addiction
Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef has been specializing in the treatment of drug addiction for over 25 years. He founded Fairwinds Treatment Center in 1989 to offer individuals a fair chance at full recuperation and long-term recovery. Through his extensive professional experience with this disease, Dr. El-Yousef pioneered his celebrated dual diagnosis treatment method, which seeks to address not only the physical symptoms and causes of addiction but also the underlying mental and emotional ones as well.
To achieve long-term recovery, it's crucial that individuals address their addiction problems through holistic treatment that incorporates therapeutic counseling. With only physical clinical treatment, it's much too difficult for patients to succeed in gaining long-term health and avoid potential relapses. Dr. El-Yousef seeks to treat his patients in body, mind and spirit, so they can return to their families and live a full life. At Fairwinds we believe that as we strengthen families, we strengthen society too.
The stigmatization that drug addicts suffer has long been an obstacle to their recovery, and remains so today. Although now we know that addiction is a disease rather than a choice or a moral failing, it seems that the majority of Americans still hold certain prejudices that hinder people from seeking help for their problem. Indeed, stigmatization can lead individuals to practice unsafe drug injection methods and can be isolating, causing chronic stress and depression that then worsens their condition.
A section of the public still believes that drug addiction cannot be treated, and that relapse is inevitable. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the relapse rates for patients who are treated for addiction are comparable to the relapse rates of patients suffering from other chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction problems, it's important to know that recovery is possible with the right support, environment and treatment. Contact Fairwinds today if you're looking for drug addiction treatment and a return to a normal, healthier life.
