Image of a support group meeting as part of treatment for gambling addiction.

Can Treatment for Gambling Addiction Improve My Life?

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Gambling addiction, also known as problem gambling or gambling disorder, is a disease that plagues many people’s lives – from finances to physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, now more than ever before, this risk is ever-present with access to casinos and the growing popularity of online gambling.

Similarly to other forms of addiction, problem gambling can cause changes in brain function, including the release of dopamine, that reinforce the addictive behavior.

But, problem gambling doesn’t have to affect you or your loved ones. Thankfully, there are many resources available that address both compulsive gambling and gambling addiction treatment.

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Man struggling with substance use disorder during the holiday season.

How to Help Those in Addiction Recovery This Holiday Season

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‘Tis the Season! The holidays are quickly approaching, and while most people enjoy the holiday season, we all know how stressful this time of year can be. Whether it’s the work demands of finishing a project before taking time off, shopping for everyone on your list, preparing meals, or even getting the house ready for family gatherings (and out-of-town guests), these stressors can impact us physically, mentally, and emotionally.

From Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s, this time of year can be filled with holiday parties — and alcoholic beverages. For someone struggling with alcohol addiction or substance use disorder, this could create a difficult time of battling triggers and cravings.

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The historic Neil Kennedy Recovery Center on Rush Blvd.

Continuing the History and Mission of the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center

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Northeast Ohio was instrumental to the creation and evolution of addiction treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous first started in Akron, Ohio before becoming a national movement combating alcohol addiction. And, that historic beginning also influenced the opening of the first private rehab center in the United States – the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center in Youngstown, Ohio.

The Center went through many changes throughout its history and provided important health care for some of Youngstown, Warren, and even the Pennsylvania area’s most vulnerable citizens. While operating, the NKRC became an essential helpline for those who needed it — a feat that will never be forgotten. The legacy of the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center reminds us all of the impact individuals can have when they come together.

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A patient talking to their dedicated care team.

6 Reasons Integrated Care Is Important For Better Health Outcomes

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Healthcare is changing. There have been major advancements in our understanding of diseases and how to treat them, and each year, more and more medical devices hit the market as technology evolves to address illness.

But, despite these innovations, people in the United States report receiving low-quality care for a higher price than before. In fact, as many as 60% of Americans reported dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system.

This is why more and more people are turning to integrated healthcare services. An integrated healthcare model addresses the concerns of care costs and increases the quality of care you and your loved ones receive. If you’re searching for high-quality health care, then you should start by looking into integrated care.

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A person overcoming addiction who is developing a healthy life through exercise.

Find Hope and Restore Life After Addiction

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Recovery from substance use disorder doesn’t end after leaving a rehabilitation treatment center. It’s a long-term commitment that involves building a new life after addiction – one step at a time. 

Detox is just the first step in your recovery journey of becoming drug-free. After that, it’s time to build a new life with new relationships and new hobbies. 

Knowing how to build a sober life can feel overwhelming and even frightening. But, this new life is essential to helping you overcome addiction as you progress through your recovery process. 

Remember, recovering from drug addiction is a day-by-day process where you can enjoy discovering the new you and the new possibilities that sober life has to offer. Here are some of the best paths you can explore as you recover from addiction. 

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A concerned family member talking with someone about drug addiction.

Physical and Behavioral Signs of Addiction: Know How to Help

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Watching a family member or loved one struggle with possible substance abuse can be excruciating.

Unfortunately, it can take time to realize that a loved one is struggling, so being able to recognize the signs of addiction is an important part of caring for the well-being of those with substance use disorder.

If you’re concerned that a loved one may need support and addiction treatment, look for these common symptoms of addiction.

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Two doctors at an integrated healthcare facility speaking to a patient about their care plan.

Benefits of Integrated Healthcare: Health Care Teams That Support Whole-Person Well-Being

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Integrated health care services are becoming a more prevalent part of the healthcare system, because better health outcomes require that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s overall health. Patient care that combines behavioral health needs with physical health needs leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Integrated health care services achieve that by creating an interprofessional care team that provides a holistic approach to patient care. In doing so, healthcare providers streamline communications to provide a higher-quality of care at a lower cost.

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A support group of people with different types of addiction.

Different Types of Addiction: What You Need to Know and How to Seek Help

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Addiction is a complex disease. And, unfortunately, there are still societal stigmas associated with it that often prevent people from seeking help.

It’s important for people to know that there is no shame in seeking help for addiction disorders; they are mental health issues that impact both physical and mental well-being.

While many people associate addiction with illegal substances, the disease is not limited to drug abuse; there are several types of addiction (and in certain cases, those affected may not even realize there is a problem).

If you or a loved one are suffering from any type of addiction, a mental health professional can help you seek the right addiction treatment.

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Integrated health care services available at Meridian.

What Does Integrated Healthcare Look Like in 2023?

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As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so does the concept of an integrated healthcare system. In 2023, integrated healthcare is poised to take on an increasingly important role in health care delivery, as healthcare providers seek to improve outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and contain costs.

The integration of physical and mental health care, emphasis on providing whole-person patient care, and the use of technology to facilitate communication among healthcare providers are just a few of the trends that are shaping the future of integrated healthcare.

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Support group for addiction recovery.

Walking Through the 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery

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What exactly does the process of recovering from an addiction look like? How does someone know they’re ready for treatment? Whether recovering from substance use disorder or addictive behaviors, a great first step for a successful treatment program is understanding the 5 stages of addiction recovery.

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