Addiction Treatment: Breaking the Stigma and Finding the Right Support
Addiction affects millions of people across the country, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental health concerns we face. Whether someone is struggling with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or another compulsive behavior, one thing is clear: shame and judgment are not the answer. Effective addiction treatment starts with understanding, compassion, and the right level of care.
Greg Franklin, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, recently appeared on WJZ’s Wellness Wednesday to discuss how we can reframe the way we think about addiction, and what it actually takes to get better.
Think Medically, Not Morally
One of the most important shifts we can make when it comes to addiction is to stop thinking of it as a moral failing and start thinking of it as a medical condition. Greg Franklin puts it plainly: “You wouldn’t judge somebody who is experiencing high blood pressure or diabetes. You would encourage them to talk to their doctor, maybe change some eating habits or exercise habits.”
Addiction is not a choice. People struggling with substance use or compulsive behaviors are not choosing hardship for themselves or their families. Many have genetic predispositions that make them more vulnerable, and it’s common for addiction to co-occur with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma—factors that can intensify symptoms and make recovery more complex.
Common Misconceptions About Addiction
Stigma often stems from misinformation. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about addiction:
- Addiction is a choice. In reality, very few people set out to become dependent on a substance or behavior. The pull of addiction is driven by brain chemistry, mental health factors, and circumstances, not willpower alone.
- Switching to a “safer” substitute solves the problem. Trading cigarettes for vaping or swapping one substance for another doesn’t necessarily address the underlying issue. Not all alternatives are equally safe or beneficial.
- Only severe cases need treatment. Addiction exists on a spectrum. Someone doesn’t need to hit “rock bottom” to deserve or benefit from professional support.
Signs It May Be Time to Seek Addiction Treatment
Recognizing when a behavior has crossed into problematic territory can be difficult, especially when you’re in the middle of it. Franklin notes that a key question to ask is whether certain behaviors are “getting out of control.” Some signs to watch for include:
- Using more of a substance than intended, or more frequently than planned
- Difficulty cutting back despite wanting to
- Continuing the behavior even when it’s negatively affecting relationships, finances, or health
- Loved ones expressing concern about your use
- Spending significant time, money, or energy on the substance or behavior
Family members play a crucial role here. If you’re worried about a loved one, expressing concern without judgment and encouraging a conversation with a mental health professional can be a meaningful first step.
Approaches to Addiction Treatment
There is no single path to recovery. Addiction treatment is most effective when it is tailored to where someone actually is, not where others think they should be. Franklin describes two primary frameworks:
Abstinence-Based Models
In abstinence-based treatment, the goal is to completely stop the substance use or behavior. These models work well for many people, especially those who have found that moderation is not sustainable for them.
Harm Reduction Models
Harm reduction takes a more flexible approach, meeting people where they are rather than where a clinician thinks they should be. This model asks: How much are you using? How much do you want to be using? What are the health risks? It acknowledges that not everyone is ready or able to stop completely, and that reducing harm is still meaningful progress.
Franklin emphasizes the importance of the Stages of Change model in guiding treatment: understanding how ready someone is to make a change is essential to building an effective plan. Readiness varies from person to person, and the most effective clinicians work with that reality.
The Role of Medication in Addiction Treatment
Medication can be a valuable component of addiction treatment, particularly for managing cravings and reducing the reinforcing effects of substances. Franklin highlights several commonly used medications:
- Vivitrol (naltrexone injectable): Blocks opioid and alcohol receptors, reducing the urge to use
- Oral naltrexone: Works similarly to Vivitrol in tablet form
- Antabuse (disulfiram): Creates an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, serving as a deterrent
Medication alone, however, is rarely enough. The most effective addiction treatment combines pharmacological support with therapeutic work, helping people understand their patterns, build coping skills, and make lasting behavioral changes.
Support Resources for Addiction Treatment
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. A strong support network—whether that’s professional treatment, peer groups, or both—significantly improves outcomes. Franklin recommends a range of options:
- Al-Anon: A peer support group for family members and loved ones of people with alcohol use disorder
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A 12-step fellowship for individuals recovering from alcohol dependence
- SMART Recovery: A science-based alternative to 12-step programs, focused on self-empowerment and behavioral tools
- Individual therapy: Working one-on-one with a licensed counselor to address the root causes of addictive behaviors
- Outpatient group programs: Structured support that offers education, accountability, and community without requiring inpatient admission
Addiction Treatment at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness
Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness is expanding its addiction support services with two new outpatient-level addiction groups, designed specifically for people who aren’t yet ready for intensive outpatient or inpatient treatment. This program offers a lower-barrier entry point into care: a place to get support, gather information, and take the first steps toward change at whatever pace feels manageable.
Gladstone’s team includes prescribers who can address co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction, offering a truly integrated approach to care. For those needing more intensive levels of treatment, Gladstone can also connect patients with local resources such as Ashley Addiction Treatment and Kolmac, which offer a range of inpatient and intensive outpatient services in the Maryland area.
Groups, Franklin notes, are among the most powerful interventions available, providing a safe, non-judgmental space to talk openly, learn from others, and recognize that you’re not alone. “Having a safe place to talk it through and recognize this is okay to have this conversation,” he says, “that’s why groups are such a powerful intervention.”
Taking the First Step
Reaching out for help with addiction can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a dramatic leap. Education is often the first step. Learning about what addiction is, how it works, and what treatment looks like can reduce fear and make the path forward feel more accessible.
Whether you’re personally struggling or worried about someone you love, the team at Gladstone is here to help. Visit us at gladstonepsych.com to learn more about available services or to schedule an appointment.
You can watch Greg Franklin’s #wellnesswednesday segment here.
