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Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Addiction Treatment: Deciding on Programs Best for You

Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of treatment programs available to you? Perhaps you are trying to find a program best for you. Nowadays, we have endless options regarding addiction treatment. While having so many options is great, it can also be overwhelming.

In theory, there is no right or wrong program for you because treatment is most effective when tailored to your needs. Nevertheless, if you feel overwhelmed by the number of treatment programs available, reach out to a trusted facility. Discussing options with a medical provider or mental health professional can also help narrow things down.

Additionally, you can utilize your time in a treatment facility to experiment with different treatment modalities and programs. You do not have to have everything figured out when initially entering treatment.

Potential Treatment Programs

Entering treatment for the first time – or even a second time – is unique. There are various ways to treat different addictions. For example, treating a behavioral addiction may require stronger medications and a focus on psychotherapies that treat compulsions. Treating a substance use disorder (SUD) may also use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and psychotherapies, but in a way that is tailored to your needs. For instance, SUD treatment for methamphetamines may be different than treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). So, the substance in question is significant to the treatment options utilized.

As mentioned, addiction treatment is most effective when tailored to your needs. Specialized substance use treatment programs will assess your needs in order to create a specific plan. A few treatment programs you may experience include detoxification, behavioral therapies, and MAT.

Detoxification (Detox)

Detox removes toxic substances – such as drugs or alcohol – from the body. The process is necessary to enter treatment as it helps reduce dependency. Though many try detoxing alone, it is incredibly dangerous and not recommended. Detoxing in a facility offers assessments, withdrawal management, medication, and around-the-clock supervision and support.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies are typically used in treating SUD, behavioral addictions, and a number of mental health disorders. The most common such therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Other practices like group therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EDMR) are frequently used as well.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT combines medications and behavioral therapies to treat SUD. Some people are weary of using medications to treat their addiction to drugs. However, MAT uses medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help ease withdrawal symptoms and manage other discomforts throughout the treatment process. Additionally, MAT in a facility is constantly monitored throughout the detox and treatment phases.

Knowing the potential programs and treatments can prepare you for entering treatment. However, it does not quite help you determine the best programs for you on its own.

Finding Programs Best for You

The best way to find treatment programs best for you is by researching and reaching out to professionals. It sounds simple in theory, but an internet search can produce a lot of inaccurate information if you are unsure what to look for. Keep things simple to start. If you recognize the signs of SUD, behavioral addiction, or a mental health disorder within yourself, talk to your primary care physician. They may be able to refer you to a program, recommend a facility, or offer other resources to get you started in your recovery journey.

In addition to researching and talking to your doctor, do not be afraid to call facilities near you. If your doctor offers any highly recommended programs, call them first to ask them about treatment. Ask as many questions as needed to find the best facility with the right programs. Consulting with your doctor will sharpen your eye for what to look for, but you must also be honest about your situation for a facility to assess how they can help.

Creating Programs Best for You

Research, resources, and references are vital, but there are also ways for you to create your own program. Since addiction treatment is most effective when individualized, clients should have the chance to work with clinicians and have some power over their treatment program. Do not be afraid to be vocal with treatment professionals about your goals and vision for your treatment. Treatment is the time to experiment with different modalities, holistic approaches, and other alternative addiction treatment therapies. Talk to your doctor to learn more about having autonomy over your treatment program and recovery journey.

Consider Excel Treatment Center

At Excel Treatment Center, we offer a number of programs that may help your current situation. That includes partial hospitalization programs, outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, MAT, and inpatient rehabilitation. We encourage you to call and learn more about these potential programs and how Excel can help you today.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the number of addiction treatment programs out there? Do you want to find help but are struggling with where to turn? Most people struggle to find the best treatment facility because there are now more options than ever. While options are good, they can be daunting. That is why discussing your concerns with your doctor or mental health professional is vital. They can offer advice and resources or make referrals to credible treatment programs they trust. You should not feel defeated when trying to find the programs best for you. Call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235 to learn about our services and how we can help you in your recovery journey today. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

The Connection Between Body Dysmorphia and Addiction

Do you find yourself constantly worried about your appearance or concerned about flaws that may not exist? Worries such as these are typical among individuals struggling with body dysmorphia. There are a number of co-occurring disorders people experience when struggling with addiction. People diagnosed with body dysmorphia and addiction may have turned to substance use as a way to cope, ultimately leading to a substance use disorder (SUD).

When seeking addiction treatment, you should also consider therapy for body dysmorphia. Especially if substance use is your escape for coping with symptoms, getting to the core of the issue is vital. Therapy will teach you how to manage symptoms while in recovery while maintaining your sobriety long-term.

What Is Body Dysmorphia?

According to an article published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) “consists of a distressing or impairing preoccupation with imagined or slight defects in appearance.” It is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in terms of symptoms. These similarities sometimes lead to misdiagnoses between body dysmorphia and OCD.

When dealing with body dysmorphia, you develop obsessive thoughts or compulsions about how you look. Obsessive thoughts can include constantly comparing yourself to others. Examples of compulsions include constantly checking yourself in the mirror.

Unfortunately, body dysmorphia goes way beyond caring about appearance. You’ll begin to worry about details or defects that are minimal or non-existent. These perceived flaws are a significant cause for concern. You may realize the irrationality of worrying about something that is not there, but in more severe cases, you may be so convinced that it leads to delusion.

Additionally, body dysmorphia can become severe enough to affect your ability to function at work or school. The symptoms could impact your daily life as well.

The teenage years can be a particularly common and difficult time for people developing body dysmorphia. During this time, you are already on high alert about your body and how it’s changing. Body dysmorphia can potentially exacerbate these anxieties and continue into adulthood. If untreated, body dysmorphia can become all-consuming and even lead to suicide.

Body Dysmorphia and Addiction: Recognizing the Signs

If you’re unsure about whether you have body dysmorphia in addition to addiction, it’s important to look at the signs. Identifying the problem is the first step to receiving proper treatment.

Firstly, your gender identity doesn’t matter. People of every gender struggle with body dysmorphia. Secondly, your body shape and size are also irrelevant. You don’t have to look a specific way to be impacted by this disorder. Rather, specific signs should help you discern if you need help with body dysmorphia. Some of those signs include:

  • Checking oneself in the mirror frequently
  • Anxious habits, such as biting your nails, picking at your skin, or pulling your hair
  • Constantly asking individuals for reassurance regarding your appearance
  • Comparing yourself to others
  • Talking about how much you hate your appearance
  • Obsessively touching or discussing a perceived flaw you are concerned with

It will also benefit you to recognize the signs of substance addiction. Common symptoms include:

  • Poor performance or other problems at work or school
  • Spending outrageous amounts of money to buy substances
  • Exhibiting unusual or risky behavior
  • Needing more substances to get the same effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop substance use
  • Loss of interest in other hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable

Addiction affects people in many ways, but if you recognize some of these situations, consult your doctor or seek treatment immediately.

Body Dysmorphia and Self-Medication

The connection between body dysmorphia and addiction is not only apparent when you’re trying to cope with the mental health repercussions of dysmorphia. You may also turn to substance use to alter how you look.

As a person with body dysmorphia, you might focus on weight and muscle mass. To increase muscle mass, you may use steroids for quick, significant results. On the flip side, if your body dysmorphia emphasizes thinness as a value, you may try to lose weight may use cocaine to reduce your appetite. In either situation, you put yourself at risk of becoming dependent, not to mention putting your body at risk by using these drugs.

These are only two examples of how you may try to alter your appearance in unhealthy ways. You might abuse laxatives, binge eat and purge, or refuse to eat. Also, you may refuse to eat and spend countless hours in the gym, hoping it will help you lose weight. Practices like these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause adverse long-term harm to the body.

Treating Body Dysmorphia and Addiction

Though body dysmorphia and addiction are different beasts, they share similar treatment methods.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help ease body dysmorphia and addiction symptoms. This form of talk therapy helps you identify the root cause of the disorder and learn how to control triggers or symptoms.
  • Certain medications may help treat co-occurring body dysmorphia and SUD. Antidepressants can treat body dysmorphia symptoms, but they should only be used if you’re medication compliant. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another instrumental tool in treating SUD and co-occurring disorders.

Body dysmorphia and addiction affect everyone differently. That means the best treatment for you may need to be determined upon further assessments by a doctor or mental health professional.

If you are trying to cope with body dysmorphia and addiction but require further assistance, seek professional help today.

Are you constantly worrying about how you look or obsessively thinking about perceived flaws regarding your appearance? Do you notice yourself looking in the mirror too frequently or requiring reassurance from others about your appearance? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be struggling with body dysmorphia. In an attempt to self-medicate or alter your appearance, you might’ve turned to substances. Excel Treatment Center can treat co-occurring body dysmorphia and substance use disorder. You don’t have to suffer through these disorders alone. We offer a variety of therapy modalities to empower your healing. When you’re ready to change your patterns for the better, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

How Medication Management Can Help With a Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine, commonly known as “meth,” “crystal meth,” or “ice,” is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that affects brain function and activity. In addition to being extremely addictive and dangerous, meth abuse can cause serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and death. If you’re struggling with a meth addiction, participating in medication-assisted treatment will often be placed on an FDA-approved medication to help manage your addiction. Such programs will help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Long-Term Effects of Meth Use

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that can produce feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and wakefulness. Methamphetamines work in the brain by increasing the amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter released into the system. The use of methamphetamine has been linked to serious health problems, including depression, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. Long-term use can also lead to weight loss and tooth decay. Methamphetamine addiction can cause serious health problems such as brain damage or stroke.

Meth Use Can Be Fatal

Meth addiction can be fatal. If you have been exposed to methamphetamine, you may develop an addiction. Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug; if you do not get treated for your addiction quickly, you could overdose.

A medication management program helps individuals recover from methamphetamine addictions by managing their withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug. Medication management involves taking another substance, like bupropion, that helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms or cravings for the drug without adversely affecting the person using it or those around them.

Medication management programs should also offer counseling services so patients can learn how to cope with their addictions after completing treatment. Medication management programs are available at many rehab centers across the country, including us here at Excel. We work closely with doctors who prescribe medications like bupropion as part of their therapy plans for patients recovering from meth addictions.

Medication Management for Meth Addiction

Medication management for methamphetamine addiction is a strategy that helps you get through detox and recovery. It can also help you get through the day without cravings.

Medications are an important part of the treatment process for methamphetamine addiction. They can help with a variety of symptoms, including cravings, mood swings, and other psychological effects. Medications can also be helpful during withdrawal because they control the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Medication management can include:

  • A drug called bupropion (Wellbutrin) may help you quit taking meth or reduce your cravings for it. This has been proven effective in helping people with addictions to cocaine and alcohol.
  • The antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) may reduce anxiety associated with quitting using meth or abstaining from using the drug altogether.

In addition to the use of an FDA-approved medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, people who participate in medication-assisted treatment also receive counseling and therapy. Medication-assisted treatment for meth addiction has proven effective in helping people get clean from methamphetamine abuse. However, it can only work if both components, medication, and counseling, are utilized together as part of an overall plan for recovery.

Is Medication Management Right For Me?

If you are unsure if medication management is right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Do I have a history of alcohol or drug abuse?
  • Have I tried multiple forms of counseling without success?
  • Am I addicted to methamphetamine and ready to quit using it completely?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then medication management might be the best option for your recovery. While there are many factors that contribute to treatment success, incorporating medication into your plan can help improve your chances of overcoming addiction. Medication-assisted treatment involves using a variety of medications, some prescribed by a doctor, others given by injection, or taken orally. Such medications will help manage symptoms related to substance use disorder.

Support Needed During Treatment With Medication Management

If you are ready to get clean and sober, it is important that you have the support of people who love you. This could be your family, friends, or even your healthcare provider. In addition, many different resources are available to help support your recovery from methamphetamine addiction, such as:

  • A 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a valuable resource for those seeking treatment for methamphetamine addiction. The steps involve admitting that an addiction exists and asking for help from others to get on the road to recovery.
  • Other drug rehabilitation programs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may also be effective at helping people recover from methamphetamine use disorders by teaching them new ways of thinking about their substance abuse problem.

At Excel Treatment Center, we understand that methamphetamine addiction is an ever-growing problem in the United States and can be fatal if left untreated. Medication management is a treatment option that can help you overcome your addiction and get back on track with your life. Proper medication management can help you manage cravings and prevent serious problems such as overdose. If you or someone you know struggles with meth addiction, don’t wait; get help today. Our highly trained medical professionals want to help you and your loved one through this process to overcome addiction and be successful in recovery, whether it be an addiction to methamphetamine or another type of drug or alcohol. We also work with families to help all members understand addiction as a disease to help them work together when managing the symptoms. To learn more about our programs, reach out to us and call (833) 883-9235.

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Can I Keep My Job and Go to Day Treatment?

Realizing that you might need treatment for your addiction is a huge step in the right direction. However, many fear their life will change when they take that first step, including potentially losing their job. This is a valid concern; however, at Excel Treatment Center, we want you to know that you have options.

If you are searching for addiction treatment and fear losing your job while attending an inpatient program, there are day treatment options that may fit better for your schedule; these are also called outpatient treatment programs. Here at Excel Treatment Center, we offer various outpatient services.

The Benefits of an Outpatient Program

Day treatment offers a convenient, cost-effective way for many people to get the care they need in a safe environment with minimal disruption to their lives. A day program can also offer an easier transition between work and therapy than residential treatment, which typically involves a 24-hour commitment with no outside responsibilities like work or family obligations to distract from recovery efforts.

An inpatient program might be too much of a time commitment for some people who are searching for treatment options. An outpatient program offers many things that inpatient programs don’t provide. With outpatient care, you can carry on with your regular activities, live in your own home, and visit the treatment facility on a regular basis. This allows people to keep their jobs and maintain active treatment and sobriety.

Different Types of Day Programs

There are multiple different types of day programs people can attend. Choosing a day program that fits your needs can ensure success.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are programs that work well for people struggling with co-occurring disorders. This type of program ensures you can still take care of daily responsibilities while receiving the level of care you need. In PHP, you will live at home and travel to and from a treatment facility for the program. Most PHPs are approximately six hours a day for five days a week.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are an excellent option for those who are in the thick of their addiction and need a lot of support. The integrated approach of intensive outpatient programs may benefit clients who need a structured treatment plan to conquer addiction. Programs for intensive outpatient care are created to help people obtain intensive outpatient therapy with the least amount of disruption to their daily life possible.

The goal of intensive outpatient programs is to allow clients to continue managing other aspects of their lives, such as their jobs or studies, while also attending sessions at the facility on their own time. Clients are encouraged to come into the clinic about six days a week. During the week, it is recommended to spend between six and thirty hours attending treatment at the facility.

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs are a great option for those who don’t need round-the-clock support for their addiction but still need some support. This program supports clients’ reintegration into society and supports them in leading fulfilling lives. You will learn, with help, how to overcome life’s challenges if you remain actively involved in the therapy process while still taking care of your daily obligations.

With the potential to create enduring relationships that support people in holding one other accountable for their recovery goals, outpatient programs establish a favorable climate for shrewd encounters. You will develop lifelong friends and relationships through outpatient programs.

Day Treatment vs. Inpatient Treatment

Day treatment options might be better for some people than an inpatient program because it allows more flexibility and might allow you to continue working while attending treatment. Although it may seem impossible to continue working while attending day treatment, there are many ways that you can go to treatment and still maintain employment.

Attending Treatment Before Work

You can attend day treatment before work each morning. This allows the treatment professional in charge of your care at the facility to make sure that your needs are being met, and it also allows them time with you when they would otherwise not be able to meet with clients in person, such as after hours.

Attending Treatment in the Afternoon

Another option for attending day treatment while maintaining a job is to attend sessions in the afternoon instead of staying until closing time at work every night. This will allow you to maintain employment while working on your recovery.

Protections for Treatment

Anti-discrimination laws protect you from losing your job if you need to attend treatment. The following laws, when applied correctly, can ensure you maintain employment while finding help for your substance abuse or mental health needs:

  • Family Medical Leave of Absence Act (FMLA): Under FMLA law, you are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected medical leave. Under this law, substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders are considered serious health conditions.
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): SUD and mental health disorders are considered disabilities. This means your job is protected under anti-discrimination protections. Companies with 15 or more employees are bound by ADA.
  • Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act (MHPAEA): This law protects your right to access treatment with insurance provided by your job. Under MHPAEA, group health plans cannot provide fewer benefits for addiction and mental health treatment.

Professionals at a treatment facility can help you learn more about your job protections in treatment and assist you with taking leave or creating a treatment plan that allows you to continue treatment while working.

Many people fear seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) due to employment. Luckily, day programs exist. Day programs allow you to live at home while attending treatment. With day treatment, you can continue to work while receiving care for SUD. At Excel Treatment Center, we offer three different day treatment options: partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and outpatient programs. Our team of professionals recognizes that every individual has a unique situation. We can help you create a treatment plan that fits your goals and needs and helps you succeed in a life free from substances. With our outstanding clinical services, psychiatric treatment options, and family support choices, our goal is to help you excel in life. For more information on Excel Treatment Center’s day treatment options or to learn more about how you can continue to work while receiving addiction treatment, call (833) 883-9235. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

How Can I Support a Loved One Struggling With Addiction?

Addiction not only affects those struggling with the addiction but also affects the friends and family around them. It can be just as challenging to support them as it is to watch them in active addiction. Learning to create a loving, supportive space without enabling can be difficult, but it is crucial to develop this space to help your loved ones through their recovery.

What are some things that you can do to help those struggling with addiction? How can you create successful boundaries while allowing them to feel loved and supported? Here are some ways to support your loved ones as they fight against their addiction.

Educate Yourself

The best way to support someone through their addiction is to educate yourself on the type of addiction your loved one is battling. Suppose they are struggling with opioids; this could be a good opportunity to research opioid addictions. Learn about the symptoms and what the recovery would look like. Research treatment options and what they will go through as they start their recovery. The more you learn, the better you will understand what they are going through, and the more you can assist your loved one.

It isn’t easy to help someone when you know nothing about what they are dealing with. Although you won’t know what they are going through as you are not experiencing what they are, you can learn about addiction to better serve them. Your loved one will feel more comfortable and appreciative when you take the time to learn about what they are going through and how to help them.

Compassion and Patience

Showing compassion to your loved one while facing one of life’s biggest battles is probably the most important thing you can do for them. They are already going through so much, and having love and compassion next to them will help far more than judgment will.

With compassion comes patience. This is a long journey, and there will be setbacks. They are going to have many hard days. Don’t expect immediate change from them as they navigate their new life without the use of substances. Recovery will not be an overnight change; as you practice patience, they will feel supported.

Don’t Enable

Love and support are extremely important to ensure your actions don’t turn into enabling behaviors. There is a difference between support and enabling; you want to ensure you don’t cross that line into enabling your loved one.

Along with not enabling their behaviors, it is essential not to fall into their manipulation. Some people struggling with addiction can’t control their behaviors, and ensuring that you don’t fall into their manipulation tactics will help create boundaries that will support their recovery and not enable them.

Get Involved

If your loved one is entering treatment, visiting the facility with them can help them feel supported. Going to 12-Step meetings with them can also help. Communicating with them to understand what they need and how to be involved will benefit them. Showing them that you are interested in their recovery will help them feel safe and supported.

Seek Counseling or Therapy

As a loved one of someone struggling with addiction, you are going through something. You are facing something that needs to be talked about. Guidance and support from a mental health professional will help you feel supported and make sure you are creating healthy boundaries as your loved one goes through this battle. It is just as important to take care of your mental health so you can be the best support system for your loved one.

What to Expect

Knowing what to expect when a loved one enters treatment can help you to support them. You may feel an array of emotions as your loved one starts this journey to recovery.

You might be glad your loved one is finally getting help and feel the comfort that they are making a good, safe choice. You may worry about the well-being of your loved one. You might feel resentment that your loved one has placed this burden on you for a long time. You might feel sad that this is part of your story and the story of your loved one. You might feel shame that addiction has infiltrated your life.

All of these feelings are valid and real. You are allowed to feel whatever emotions come to you during this trying time. Don’t try to stuff them down. Allow yourself to feel them. Talking with a therapist might help you manage all of these emotions.

Watching a loved one battle addiction can be very scary, and if they make the decision to enter treatment, it can be even scarier. Learning to support your loved one during this trying time can be the difference between keeping a healthy relationship with your loved one or losing that relationship. Take time to care for yourself so you can be the best version of yourself to support your loved one through their journey. Here at Excel Treatment Center, we want to help you be involved in your loved one’s recovery. We want to support you just as much as we support your loved one; you and your well-being are just as important. The client and the family can both benefit from family support and participation in the addiction recovery process. Call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235 to learn how we can support you and your loved one.

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