We are looking back on one of the toughest years we’ve faced in a long time. Fatal overdoses in Saratoga County had nearly doubled by the end of November 2020 compared to all of 2019. While substance abuse and alcohol intoxication incidents continue to be on the rise locally, here at Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Addiction Medicine, the good news is that we are seeing patients overcoming their obstacles to recovery every day.  

There is a tenacious level of courage and resilience within people who are in recovery from alcohol and substance addiction. These are people who have already overcome much adversity, and many face tough times from a place of strength.  

If you’re struggling with addiction and would like to get help, our Addiction Medicine program delivers high-quality treatment and support—respectfully and without judgment—that helps you tap into that strength to begin and maintain your recovery. 

For example, if your old coping strategies aren’t working to get you through the day, we can help you self-identify new alternatives to substance use that work specifically for you. We offer several non-controlled anxiety medications, as well.

Recovery is not something to take on alone, which is why we also emphasize a combination of virtual support groups and mentoring. The bonding and sharing experience of group support, along with the experienced guidance of our dedicated team of medical, behavioral health, and social work professionals, builds that needed sense of connection so invaluable to recovery.

The people in your life who are concerned about you likely want to help in some way. Here are some of the tips we share with families of our patients:  

• Find ways to learn more about addiction. 
• Don’t judge or lecture. 
• Listen, encourage getting help, but know that only the person seeking recovery can make the call.
• Be realistic with expectations. Addiction is a lifelong disease.
• Seek support. It may be helpful to get their own counseling. 
• Learn CPR and, when possible, get NARCAN training. 

Being prepared is the best thing your family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers can do to help. Everything else is up to you.   

When you are ready to commit to recovering from substance addiction, the Addiction Medicine program is accepting new patients. Our team specializes in treating addiction, including medication management and counseling, providing services all under one roof at Saratoga Community Health Center. The Addiction Medicine program also has had a tremendously positive response from patients using its telehealth services. To make an appointment to being your recovery, please call the Addiction Medicine team at 518-886-5601. 
If you need immediate help in case of emergency, call 9-1-1. The Centers for Disease Control offer these tips to help prevent an overdose. Additional resources offered at Saratoga Community Health Center and elsewhere in our local community are available here.