Panel in Paramus says changing behavior is key path to recovery from drug and alcohol abuse

October 2, 2014, 11:00 PM Last updated: Thursday, October 2, 2014, 11:15 PM

PARAMUS Changing behavior and mind-set and making sure that process continues is crucial not only in helping drug- and alcohol addicts sustain their recovery, but also in talking about and preventing addiction from developing.

That was the common message Thursday night during a panel discussion on drug abuse and rehabilitation, held by The Foundation at Bergen Regional Medical Center at its facility in Paramus.

The discussions, moderated by Bergen County drug court Judge Eugene H. Austin, centered on drug- and alcohol addiction causes, recovery and prevention.

Michael Paolello, the hospitals director of addictions and panelist, said the common notion that addicts need to hit bottom to then improve is dangerous. Instead, recovery and treatment should focus on at what point addicts are in the process of healing, recognizing the great steps they are taking in getting better, he said.

Change is not a singular event. Change is a process, Paolello said.

Panelist Marc Wurgaft, clinical director of the Counseling Center at Fair Lawn, said for treatment, it is important to focus on changing the individual and their fundamental worldviews so they can see that their previous behaviors were unhealthy and dangerous.

And although such change is not easy, it is possible.

Its not putting a Band-Aid on it, Wurgaft said.

That is why it is important that those struggling with addiction seek long-term help, starting with detoxifying the drug from their systems, then seeking residential rehabilitation and ensuing individualized outpatient treatment, Wurgaft said.

Continued here:
Panel in Paramus says changing behavior is key path to recovery from drug and alcohol abuse