
If a loved one were living with addiction, a majority of Americans say they would know how to get help. About 71% of 2,200 respondents to an American Psychiatric Association poll said they would know how to assist a friend or family members. Most, about 73%, would refer that loved one to treatment, and 74% would talk to them about their addiction. “It’s promising, especially during Recovery Month, that Americans show such openness to talking with loved ones who may have substance use disorders or behavioral addictions,” said APA President Dr. Petros Levounis. “The public’s recommendations for treatment indicate a level of familiarity with certain methods of recovery –mutual help groups, Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, or rehab — which are well-known in popular culture,” he said in an APA news release. “This is good news, but at the same time, physicians like me need to continue to educate patients and families about other safe and effective methods of treating addiction, such as medications and cognitive behavioral therapy,” said Levounis. When asked about the treatment they would recommend to a loved one, only 6% cited medication-assisted treatment and just 4% singled out cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy. Meanwhile, more than 20% said they would recommend in-patient treatment and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Nineteen percent didn’t know what treatment they would recommend.… read on > read on >