Episode Summary:In this insightful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Dr. Amy Swift, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut. A leading addiction specialist, Dr. Swift brings a holistic approach to mental health, addiction, and trauma care. Together, they discuss the realities of addiction treatment, the critical role of families, and how emerging approaches—including medication-assisted treatment—are transforming lives. Dr. Swift offers hope and practical guidance, emphasizing destigmatization, early intervention, and the resilience needed for both individuals and their loved ones on the recovery journey.Key Discussion Points:Dr. Swift’s path into addiction medicine and her holistic care philosophyWhy early family involvement is essential to treatment successThe emotional toll of addiction on families—and how to support themPsychoeducation: helping families understand addiction as a lifelong conditionThe importance of self-care and boundary-setting for loved onesDestigmatizing medications like buprenorphine in addiction recoveryEmerging trends in treatment, particularly for adolescentsAddressing trauma and shame for both individuals and familiesHow hope, resilience, and compassionate care shape the recovery journeyPractical advice for families seeking quality help and resourcesSome Questions I Ask:What inspired you to pursue addiction medicine?Have you had personal or family experiences that shaped your work?What do you wish you had known at the start of your career?How do families typically enter treatment, and what challenges do they face?What are the first steps for families to move forward together?How can families maintain their own well-being while supporting a loved one?What are the most promising trends in addiction treatment right now?How do you approach pain management for those with a history of addiction?What advice would you give to families who feel hopeless or overwhelmed?In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why family involvement is a cornerstone of effective addiction treatmentHow to navigate the emotional landscape of loving someone with substance use disorderThe importance of realistic expectations and psychoeducation for familiesPractical self-care strategies for parents, partners, and loved onesWhy medications like buprenorphine can save lives—and why they should be destigmatizedHow trauma and shame affect recovery—and ways to address themThe importance of hope and resilience, even in the face of setbacksHow to find quality treatment centers and advocate for comprehensive careResources:🌐 Silver Hill Hospital: silverhillhospital.orgFor information, support, or admissions, contact Dr. Amy Swift at [email protected]👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:Dr. Amy Swift serves as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital, where she specializes in addiction psychiatry with a holistic focus on mental health, trauma, and recovery.📚 Community Support & Education:Pleasure Unwoven by Dr. Kevin McCauley – A powerful resource for understanding the brain and addictionSilver Hill Hospital Family Support – Help...

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