Depression
At War With Alcoholism
May 19th
In America, where there is an “epidemic” of mental health problems and alcohol abuse that have been reported in the troops returning home from war zones in recent years. Overall, more than one in ten (13 percent) of the respondents said that they were drinking alcohol in quantities defined by researchers as hazardous, according to the World Health Organization’s Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test .
Soldiers and Alcoholism
It is a concern for officials in Britain and America to focus on prevention of PTSD, whereas a culture of binge drinking and alcohol misuse could be more of a problem, both before and after each soldier’s tour of duty. American’s serve at least a 15 month deployment compared to the 5-6 months in other countries. This has added to the mental unstability of the troops returning from duty. In Britain The charity Combat Stress said, however, that it had seen a 66 per cent rise in demand for its services in the past five years, with veterans taking an average of 14 years to seek help after being discharged. Support services were now seeing about 4,000 new veterans each year, but this could rise to 9,000 a year within a decade, the charity added.
A recent Army mental health report concluded that most service members need closer to two years between tours before their battle-related symptoms resolve themselves. Studies show that alcohol consumption is up 13% amongst armed forces. There are several factors which lead to the higher rate of PTSD, alcoholism, and mental instability within returning troops. Although our troops are fighting our country’s battles, sadly they return to only 5 years of coverage after their duty is completed. Compare that with Britain’s lifetime care and it is absolutely unacceptable considering soldiers do not report their symptoms on the whole for quite some time after their return.
Take it or Leave it?
May 13th
The best chemical dependency rehab is to not pick up at all. This can be difficult because most people feel they can stop. Interestingly this may be the case for some but not others…
Take it or Leave it
The science community has been researching the function of newborn neurons, to help understand their possible role in psychiatric and neurological diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia and epilepsy. This research is simply incredible. The scientific community may possibly be on the verge of understanding, treating or even preventing life-ruining brain-based diseases — including one that affects an estimated 23 million Americans: drug and alcohol addiction.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Michele Noonan, a University of Texas neuroscience graduate student in the lab of Amelia Eisch, shows that a lack of neurogenesis, or birth of new neurons, in the adult rat can actually cause drug addiction. The very idea that if an individual is not producing a normal amount of new neurons, it leaves them susceptible to addiction is groundbreaking. This is the strongest evidence yet that there are real biological reasons why some people might be more vulnerable to addiction than others, and gives us a better understanding of the role these very important generating neurons might play in the brain. This also implies that perhaps in the future there may be methods for testing for the rate of production and practicing preventative measures to not pick up that first drink, hit, or pill….because you would actually “know better”.
Responsible Recovery
Apr 29th
To live a fulfilling life with any chronic disease it is imperative that the patient is a participant in the process. Recovery is lasting when the addicted is action oriented rather than merely being in proximity to the methods of treatment. An alcoholic would never want to watch someone take a drink for them, so participating in the “natural high” of recovery and change holds the same principle….it is all about willingness and action. Therefore, in order for a patient to have a successful recovery from a chronic disease it is crucial that there is a lot of effort on the part of the patient. A person with a chronic illness (Alcoholism/Addiction) should know as much about their condition as possible and the steps they can take to aid their own recovery. It is paramount that the patient works with their providers to develop a recovery plan, and then commit to it. If medication is part of the treatment, they need to take it as directed, be sure to talk to a doctor before stopping its use, and always be in communication with a support group that knows all the details. Furthermore, being diligent about attending therapy or support group sessions can further promote fellowship and combat loneliness and feelings of depression. It is so important that if the alcoholic/addict has friends or family members who are willing and able to help, that they let them know what they can do to help. This can be a difficult step in the right direction but it is the beginning of willingness to do something different. Ultimately, their recovery is going to depend on the work they do with treatment professionals and all of their personal relationships.
Substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities
Aug 15th
Finding a dual diagnosis facility that treats both substance abuse and mental health issues at the same time can be a difficult process. At Recovery Hub we have a network of facilities that are licensed and accredited, their treatment methods are backed by research, and have an aftercare program to prevent relapse.
There are a variety of approaches that treatment programs may take, but some of the basics of effective treatment are:
• Treatment addresses both the substance abuse problem and mental health issues.
• The patient and family share in the decision-making process and are actively involved in setting goals and developing strategies for change.
• Treatment includes basic education about mental health disorder and related substance abuse problems.
• Patients are taught healthy coping skills and strategies to stop substance abuse, cope with upset, and strengthen their relationships.
Treatment for co-occurring disorders does take time and patience, however there is hope. With the right support and the willingness to live a more fulfilling life many people recover. To find out the options for treatment for mental disorders and substance abuse issues please call Recovery Hub today, we are here when you are ready.
What is a dual diagnosis facility?
Aug 14th
Co-occurring disorders, also referred to as dual diagnosis, is a term used when you have both a mental health disorder—such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder—and a drug or alcohol problem. Both the mental health issue and the addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function, handle life’s difficulties, and relate to others.
Complicating the situation, the two problems affect each other and interact. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse as well. The problem worsens because one will attempt to self medicate their mental health issue with drugs and or alcohol. And when alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase too.
Recovery depends on treating both the addiction and the mental health problem.
Whether your mental health or substance abuse problem came first, recovery depends on treating both illnesses. The good news is that most people suffering from co-occurring addiction and mental health problems are able to recover, given proper treatment and support. Please call today to discuss possible options for treatment, we are here when you are ready.