Dual Diagnosis
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.
Do I need to go to rehab?
Aug 12th
This is a question many facing drug addiction and alcoholism try to figure out on their own. But every individual is different and may need to be assessed with a treatment counselor to assess their current situation and whether they need to be in a residential rehab setting.
Scientific research since the mid–1970s shows that treatment can help patients addicted to drugs and alcohol to stop using and drinking to avoid relapse, and successfully recover their lives. Based research, key principles have emerged that form the basis of effective treatment programs:
• Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.
• No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
• Treatment needs to be readily available.
• Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse.
• Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.
• Counseling—individual and/or group—and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment.
• Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.
• An individual’s treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that it meets his or her changing needs.
• Many drug–addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.
• Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long–term drug abuse.
• Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.
• Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur.
Residential treatment programs can also be very effective, especially for those with more severe problems. For example, residential facilities are highly structured programs in which patients remain at a residence, typically for 30 days to 12 months. Treatment centers differ from other treatment approaches principally in their use of the community—treatment staff and those in recovery—as a key agent of change to influence patient attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors associated with drug use. The focus of rehab is on the re-socialization of the patient to a drug-free, crime–free lifestyle. Please call today to discuss your needs for treatment.
Pain Management Programs
Aug 10th
How do you manage your pain without being reliant on addictive pain medications and the effects they produce? How do you restore your sleep, manage your physical pain that will allow you to a fulfilling life once again? A residential pain management program may be the answer. Thousands of people suffer from chronic pain but feel trapped by the effects of the medications they are prescribed.
Addiction to pain medication is a common diagnosis and focus of many treatment centers. Physical pain, if not well managed, often acts as a primary trigger for addictive processes. The connection between pain management and addiction requires a high level of medical expertise to generate consistently successful outcomes. A pain management program utilizes various proven therapeutic modalities to target the causes of pain. Thus, the patient receives the most comprehensive treatment available. Treatment seeks to use the fewest medications possible, and abstinence is always preferred. If medication is required, non-addictive medications with fewer side effects are considered first. Occasionally, opiates may be indicated for effective pain management. At Recovery Hub we have many highly qualified treatment centers that are experts in developing individualized medication management plans for patients dealing with chronic pain. Please call today to discuss your options for yourself or your loved one.
The Facts about Opiate Addicition
Aug 2nd
Opiate addiction is increasing
Opioids are drugs that slow down the actions of the body, such as breathing and heartbeat. Opioids also affect the brain to increase pleasant feelings. They get their name from opium, drug made from the poppy plant.
Opioid medications are prescribed to treat pain and sometimes for other health problems such as severe coughing. Heroin is an
illegal opioid that is smoked, snorted, or injected to get a good feeling, often called a “rush” or “high.” People also sometimes
seek this feeling by taking large doses of prescription opioids. If you take opioids, you can become tolerant to them. This means that more of the drug is needed to obtain its effects. It is also possible to become dependent on opioids. This means
that if you stop taking them, you will feel sick. This sickness is called withdrawal. Dependence is not the same as addiction,
but sometimes dependence leads to addiction. The signs of addiction are:
- Craving—The mind develops an overwhelming desire for the drug.
- Loss of control—It becomes harder to say no to using thedrug. Use is compulsive and continues even though the drug
- causes harm.
- Tolerance and dependence are common side effects of
- prescribed opioid medication that can be managed under a
- doctor’s care. Tolerance and dependence also are side effects
- from misuse of opioids. Addiction is not likely to develop in a
- person using medication properly, but this sometimes happens.
- Addiction usually occurs through misuse. Some people are at
- higher risk of addiction because of their genes, temperament,
- or personal situation.
Not everyone who uses opioids gets addicted. But it is difficult to stop using opioids after you have become addicted, because the
cravings are so strong and the fear of withdrawal is so great. Opioid addiction can be treated. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease, like heart disease or diabetes. A chronic disease is a medical condition for life. It cannotbe cured, but it can be managed. A person with addiction canregain a healthy, productive life.
But if you are like most people, you cannot walk away from addiction on your own. Treatment—the care of medical professionals and substance abuse treatment providers—can help. Treatment helps you give up the problem drug. It helps you get
through withdrawal and cope with cravings. Treatment also helps you change addictive thinking into nonaddictive, health
ful patterns. It can help you move away from other harmful behaviors, too, such as drinking alcohol or abusing other drugs
besides the problem opioid.Just as important, treatment helps you address life issues you might have that are tied to the addiction, such as feelings of low self-worth, a bad situation at work or home, or spending time with people who use drugs. In short, treatment helps you move into a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle—into a way of living referred to as recovery.
Treatment may include medication. Medication-assisted treatment is treatment for addiction that includes the use of medication along with counseling and other support.
Effective Treatment Approaches
Jul 24th
According to the National Institute of Drugs and Alcohol medication and behavioral therapy are part of the treatment for recovery from addictions, often this begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of effective treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining its effects. And sometimes, as with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment regimen, addressing all aspects of an individual’s life, including medical and mental health services, and follow up options (e.g., community- or family-based recovery support systems) can be crucial to a person’s success in achieving and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.