Dual Diagnosis
Dual Diagnosis
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When somebody is classified with a dual diagnosis it means that they have a substance abuse problem along with another mental health issues such as; depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. The fact of having both of these conditions makes treatment more complicated and both issues will need to be dealt with if there is to be any chance of a successful recovery. Dual diagnosis drug rehabilitation is now more widely available than ever before so this means that there is more hope for the person in this position.
A problem with treating somebody with a dual diagnosis has been that this type of individual often finds it hard to accept the need for dual diagnosis drug rehabilitation. All addicts suffer from denial as this is a symptom of the condition, but a breakthrough can often occur when the addict can get past their denial and see the need for help. This moment of insight is often not as easy for the person with dual diagnosis to reach. Their other mental health issue can seriously detract from their ability for any type of insight into their own behaviour; for instance those with bipolar and schizophrenia usually have poor judgement. If the individual is able to recognise the need for dual diagnosis drug treatment then there is far less hope of it being successful. When you can’t see a problem you are unlikely to put much effort into fixing this problem. In fact for many people with a dual diagnosis it is hard to let go of the belief that their addiction is helping them cope with their other problems; this may have in fact been the case in the beginning, but the only place that addiction leads is misery.
When it comes to dual diagnosis drug rehabilitation the traditional methods for treating the addiction might be counterproductive. This will of course depend on the severity of the other mental health issue. The most favoured way of dealing with addiction is through a twelve step programme or a programme that relies on teaching the individual cognitive strategies. Both of these methods can produce poor outcomes for many people with a dual diagnosis. This is because they both approaches either rely on the ability to have deep insights and deal with emotional issues head-on, or they involve strategies that just might not work for someone with schizophrenia or another mental health problem. It is for these reasons that the most appropriate course for most people will be to go somewhere that dual diagnosis drug rehabilitation can be provided under the same roof. Luckily these types of treatment facility are now more common than ever. If the other mental health condition is mild in nature then in some instances attendance at a more traditional treatment facility might be possible; although the other problem will need to be dealt with if recovery is to be a success. The main thing is that a good recovery from a dual diagnosis is possible if treatment is approached correctly.
Body Image
Afraid a Loved One is Suffering from Anorexia or Bulimia?
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An eating disorder can disrupt many lives and make things challenging for all of those involved. Attaining professional treatment for eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia, is crucial to the well being of an afflicted person’s mental and physical health. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, eating disorders like these can cause health problems that can linger for the duration of a lifetime.
It would not be a bad idea to make you aware of the symptoms and warning signs of an eating disorder. The symptoms vary regarding the type of eating disorder involved. Anorexia and bulimia are 2 of the more common disorders known today.
Anorexia nervosa is a condition that causes a person to simply stop eating. The weight loss involved with anorexia can be accomplished by laxative abuse and/or causing one’s self to purge. However with anorexia the weight loss is most commonly attributed to the lack of calories and nourishment one is receiving. This can become a life-threatening situation if not dealt with on time. The symptoms of anorexia include:
· extreme weight loss
· low self-esteem
· menstrual changes in females
· depression and fatigue
· brittle nails or hair
Bulimia is another eating disorder directly linked to the desire to lose weight. Bulimics are often more prone to the self purging technique for weight loss, however, laxative abuse and increased physical exercise can also play a factor. The signs and symptoms to watch for include the following:
· vomiting after binge-eating
· fear of becoming overweight
· lack of control over eating habits
· exaggerated interest in health and fitness
· dehydration
Treatment for bulimia and anorexia will often focus on the person’s self-esteem and how they view their body. Treatment plans will often include nutrition education, psychotherapy, family counseling, and medications. It is important to follow professional assistance thoroughly so that a complete recovery can be made with the fewest long-term health effects possible. Self-care will play a crucial role in the healing process.
If you suspect an eating disorder in your family you may want to start watching your loved one more carefully. Is that person spending long periods of time in the bathroom during or after dinner? This could be a telltale sign that they are purging themselves after eating. You may also want to be on the lookout for any odd changes in diet or fitness habits. Does your loved one still eat meals with the rest of the family or try to remain excluded from the event? These would be things to consider when trying discovering a problem. It is a fact that an eating disorder can develop into much worse if left unnoticed and untreated.
What causes eating-disorders like anorexia or bulimia? It is usually a low self-esteem accompanied by a society who worships the beautiful. The desire to be what is accepted can turn into a life or death battle for some. The probability of a successful recovery increases with support from family, friends, and loved ones.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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There has been a shocking increase in the number of members in our military who are returning from the war in Iraq with mental health problems and drug addictions. It is believed that a disorder previously known as “shell shock” in WW I and is now diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is causing the alarming increase of numbers.
We are all aware of the violence in Iraq. As civilians who have never been exposed to the horrors of war, we will never understand the mental anguish of such disturbing experiences. The traumatic events encountered by our soldiers are causing PTSD. PTSD can cause depression, hyper-sensitivity, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and ultimately an addiction to drugs or alcohol. These co-occurring disorders should be evaluated and treated by a professional.
The symptoms of depression related with PTSD can often lead to substance abuse when a habit to kill the pain becomes an addiction within the brain. Often drugs like marijuana, heroin, and prescription pain pills are abused to help ease the pain. This causes a chemical change within the brain when the opioid receptors react to the flood of opiates. The opioid receptors begin to shut down and release less dopamine than normal with the expectation of more opiates. Addiction takes hold when the body begins needing the drugs that are being taken and withdrawal occurs when they are not.
Soldiers have always been known for their “binge drinking” during their leaves from duty. If alcohol is being used as means to alleviate PTSD symptoms it can lead to dependency. This is why alcohol is also considered a drug. I can lead to addiction and withdrawal by creating chemical changes within the brain much like other drugs. Long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to vital organs in the body. That is just one reason why professional treatment becomes necessary.
Professional treatment from a drug and rehabilitation center can provide the means for a recovery from these tragic disabilities. Attention from professional doctors and specialists can mean the difference between a recovery to a life of sobriety or the chance of re-occurring relapses back to drug addiction. They will provide an individual assessment and present the treatment options they are prepared to offer. Treatment will often include individual and group therapy sessions along with the introduction of a 12-step program.
As members of our military, many veterans may be hesitant to seek treatment. They may believe it to be a display of weakness. They may also fear what their friends and family will think of them. It is very important that anyone suffering with addiction from PTSD related symptoms has a large and unyielding support group. This can mean good friends, family members, and even members from the community.
Depression Treatment
Depression Treatment for Addicts and Alcoholics
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Addicts who suffer from depression are the most difficult cases by far. They will need all the help they can get to resolve their problems. There multiple issues with these addicts that must be addressed before they can start on their road of recovery. Professional therapeutic assistance will be required.
Once professional assistance is attained, a therapist will require abstinence from drugs or alcohol so that she can get a better understanding of the conditions involved. It is hard to diagnose a patient who is an addict suffering from depression. Substance abuse can cause depression while at the same time depression can cause substance abuse. Once the patient has attained sobriety, the therapist can then get a clearer picture of what may be causing the depression. At this point the addict should adhere to abstinence from any substance abuse to see if the mood disorder improves. The patient’s depression can now be assessed and diagnosed more clearly. If the depression continues without substance abuse then a course of treatment can be developed by the professional therapist.
Psychosocial treatments can work well with patients who suffer from dual disorders, such as addiction and depression. This treatment addresses the issues that the patient is suffering from in the form of group therapy, individual drug counseling, cognitive behavioral-therapy, and relapse prevention. In the most severe cases, medication may be required. A doctor on staff will make that judgment and give the necessary prescriptions.
If the patient does not respond well to psychosocial treatments and therapy sessions, then medication may be the only course of action. Addicts who suffer from depression are at risk of committing suicide. Everything must be tried to help the individual. There are medications that will help with addiction withdrawal symptoms. They may also need a medication to help relieve the depression and sadness that they are experiencing. It is very important that the patient receives therapy along with their medications. The combination of therapy and medication may be the best course of action.
If the therapy and medication seems to be working, do not fool yourself into believing that your problems are over. Be sure that the patient continues with therapy sessions and takes any prescribed medication. You also always need to stay on the lookout for signs of relapse and recurrence. This is very common with addicts. If a relapse into depression occurs it won’t be long before the patient resorts back to his addictions.
The most important part of recovery for an addict suffering from depression is their support system. Their family needs to let them know that they will always be there. They must be encouraged to go out and do the things they once enjoyed so much, have their family join them when possible. The addict cannot be allowed to alienate themselves from friends and family. They need assistance and reason to motivate them to change their lifestyle to a healthier, happier one. And more than anything they need unconditional love and support from everyone around them.
Co-Occurring Disorders
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Co-occurring disorders with addiction treatment is now widely seen as being a serious consideration when helping anyone reach recovery. The fact is that, although the exact number of people is unknown, there are many people requiring addiction treatment that also have other mental health issues that need dealing with. This type of dual diagnosis can make treating the addiction more difficult and if ignored it can make treating the problem almost impossible in many cases.
The reasons why it is so important for options to be available in regards to co-occurring disorders with addiction treatment is that the success of any intervention will depend on how well both issues are handled together. Any person with a dual diagnosis who somehow manages to escape their addiction but has their other problem ignored will in all likelihood find sobriety to be very challenging. In many instances it was an attempt to escape from unpleasant feelings and thoughts that led to the addiction in the first place. If recovery is not much better than how things were prior to falling into addiction then it is unlikely that they will remain sober for long. This is a real shame because it will likely be more difficult to encourage somebody to go through the recovery process again if they have been disappointed in the past. It is for this reason that co-occurring disorders with addiction treatment really must be considered.
One reason why co-occurring disorders with addiction treatment fail to be treated is that they just haven’t been noticed in the first place. It can often happen that the individual just failed to recognise that they had a mental health issue that was causing them so much distress. It also frequently occurs that the medical professionals fail to recognise the presence of the dual diagnosis. This is understandable really because many of the symptoms of these other conditions are very similar to symptoms associated with drug abuse. If an individual is an addict and they report symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even hallucinations then it is all too easy to just put these down to the addiction. In many instances co-occurring disorder can be mild and so easily missed among all the other problems the individual is dealing with.
The good news is that more health care professionals and those involved with the recovery movement are recognising the needs of co-occurring disorders with addiction treatment. This is great news because in most instances there will be a great opportunity for progress and a contented life in recovery. The process may be that much more of a challenge for those with a dual diagnosis, but it is still very achievable once care is taking to treat both disorders. In some cases the interventions needed to treat the co-occurring disorder will be minimal, while for others a long-tem treatment strategy will be needed to manage the problem; either way the life available in recovery will be far superior to the one that can be found in addiction. There is little doubt that addiction can only ever lead to increasing misery and suffering.
After Care
Dual Diagnosis After Care
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Outpatient drug rehabilitation for dual diagnosis can provide the perfect alternative to an inpatient program for those who have family, jobs, or school that prohibit them from being away for an extended period of time. One of the hardest parts of drug treatment is being away from your everyday responsibilities. The fear of losing everything often keeps an addict from seeking the help that they so desperately need. Outpatient rehabilitation allows you to maintain your responsibilities while receiving treatment for your drug addiction.
After a professional assessment of the severity of your addiction is made, a course of treatment will be developed to best suit your health problems. Most outpatient facilities will follow the traditional 12-step program, including group and individual therapy sessions. The participation and support of your family and good friends will be encouraged as a part of your rehabilitation. As an outpatient, you will have less restrictions so you will have to put forth all of your effort and dedication to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Substance Abuse Treatment
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If you or any of your loved one is entangled in the net of substance abuse, then finding a suitable substance abuse rehab should top the list of your priorities. Drug addiction takes a heavy toll on the addict and his family members and it is highly recommended that you find a reputed substance abuse rehab NOW!
What is Substance Abuse
The term ‘substance’ generally refers to various detrimental drugs and chemicals such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine and several other prescription drugs. Therefore, substance abuse is the act of intemperance or excessive dependence on the intake of various injurious drugs and chemicals, which gradually affect the body, mind and soul of an individual, which in turn result in adverse consequences. Substance abuse rehabs are treatment centers which work towards the improvement of the lives of the people who are entangled in the net of alcohol and drug addiction.
Do You need a Substance Abuse Rehab
Following are some symptoms which indicate the need of immediate medical attention from the professionals at a reputed substance abuse rehabs:
Failure to meet the work duties and family responsibilities
Over dependency on a particular drug or substance
Overtly aggressive and violent behavior
Drug abuse can also result in several social, financial and legal problems. In majority of the cases, the addict is the last person to admit that he needs medical help. However, it is the responsibility of the family members and loved ones to provide him with strong emotional support so that he can take the first step towards a substance abuse rehab.
Substance Abuse Rehabs and Treatment Options
Medical professionals at the reputed substance abuse rehabs consider drug addiction as a clinically critical distress. It can be diagnosed within the period of twelve months if the person shows the following symptoms:
Repeated drug or chemical overdose that results in a failure to perform major responsibilities at work, educational institute or at home
Repeated drug and chemical use while driving or operating a machine
Facing legal problems such as arrests and penalties due to inappropriate conduct while impaired due to drug abuse
Continuous intake of drugs and chemicals regardless of frequent interpersonal conflicts and domestic violence which are the result of drug abuse
There are a number of substance abuse rehabs across the world which can help one to overcome the challenges posed by drug addiction. Such substance abuse rehabs identify the teenage group as the major group afflicted by this disorder because the teenagers contribute to the maximum number of admissions in the substance abuse rehabs.
Substance Abuse Rehabs
Different substance abuse rehabs employ different therapies to treat the addicted patients. It is observed that substance abuse rehabs that are more vigilant in their treatment approach are the most successful ones. This is because the addicts usually have the tendency to indulge in drugs secretly, and if the substance abuse rehabs are successful in shielding the patients from indulging in such misconduct, then such substance abuse rehabs certainly garner a laudable position in the hearts of the people. You can choose from a number of substance abuse rehabs to get your loved one freed from the shackles of substance abuse.
Get Help Now
Get Help Now
(888) 208-0196
We can help! Don't hesitate any longer. If you or someone you know needs help with a Dual Diagnosis or Addiction Treatment - please fill out the form below or call the number above. All calls are completely confidential and assessments are completely free of charge.
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