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Seeking Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

It is common for individuals struggling with addiction to develop other mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses may also self-medicate, causing a substance addiction to form. In fact, most people with an addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) struggle with co-occurring disorders.

Whether a person’s struggle with mental illness has led to substance use or vice versa, achieving recovery requires treatment for all disorders involved. Treatment for a mental and substance use disorder occurs in a dual-diagnosis program. When considering treatment options, individuals should question whether or not a program can accommodate a dual diagnosis.

Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes a SUD as a “mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications.”

As mentioned previously, individuals who experience SUD tend to experience a co-occurring mental disorder, which may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Gambling addiction

Just as biological, environmental, and social factors influence the cause of addiction, so are the causes of mental and substance use disorders in these situations. Understanding the complex connection between these disorders can hopefully help individuals see the importance of dual-diagnosis treatment.

How Are Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders Connected?

In a dual diagnosis, it is hard to determine if one disorder is causing another or which developed first. The National Library of Medicine indicates three possible reasons why substance use and mental disorders occur together. Those reasons include:

#1. Risk factors – genetics, stress, and trauma – can contribute to developed mental and substance use disorders.

#2. People with mental disorders may use drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Doing this is known as self-medicating.

#3. Excessive substance use can physically alter the body and brain, affecting their functions. So, when these changes occur, it can increase the chance of developing a mental disorder.

In truth, knowing which disorder came first is not as important as creating an individualized treatment plan that helps all co-occurring conditions. If one disorder is treated as primary and the other as secondary, the treatment may not be as effective. All disorders must be treated as equally impactful. It’s crucial to find a treatment center that understands this.

Diagnosing Co-Occurring Disorders

Before treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders can begin, there must be a diagnosis. Making a dual diagnosis can be a challenge. That is because symptoms of mental illness and addiction can be identical. There are, however, some indications that help identify dual diagnosis, including:

  • Individuals using substances to handle negative feelings or past trauma
  • Experiencing adverse effects on mental health because of substance use
  • A family history of mental illness in addiction

Any reputable doctor will ask about this information to ensure they’re making a proper diagnosis. If a medical provider doesn’t do this, the patient should seek out a different doctor.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

Upon reaching out to a doctor or treatment professional, a successful diagnosis can be made, and treatment can begin. Multiple forms of treatment exist that can help with co-occurring disorders. Additionally, many treatments used in addiction recovery are similar to those utilized when treating other mental illnesses. Two primary approaches to treatment include behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Behavioral Therapies

NIMH indicates a few behavioral therapies that can effectively treat substance use and mental disorders. Those therapies include:

#1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people learn to cope with difficult situations by changing their behavior and challenging harmful or negative thoughts.

#2. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches skills that help control intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and regulate emotions.

#3. Assertive community treatment (ACT) is community-based, emphasizing outreach to communities and individual therapy.

#4. Therapeutic communities (TC) are long-term residential treatments concentrating on helping individuals develop healthy behaviors.

#5. Contingency management (CT) fosters health behaviors in people through a type of reward system dependent on positive behaviors.

These group and individual therapies teach coping skills, alter unhelpful behaviors, and develop a strong support system.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

In addition to behavioral therapies, medications can help people cope with addiction and co-occurring disorders. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines MAT as “the use of medication, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a ‘whole-patient’ approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.” Certain medications, under medical supervision, can be beneficial during detox and withdrawal. Other medications can help maintain sobriety during rehabilitation.

A combination of medication, individual counseling, group therapy, and even family-based treatment can help individuals recover from their struggle with SUD and mental illness. To live a life of recovery, you must consider a program that can treat a dual diagnosis.

Substance use disorders can be difficult to treat depending on the type of substance, the potency, and the longevity of use. Unfortunately, the majority of individuals struggling with addiction are also struggling with a mental illness. Some people experience symptoms of mental illness as a symptom of addiction, while others turn to substance use to cope with their mental disorder. In either scenario, if you hope to live a life of recovery, you must seek treatment for both substance use and mental health disorders. At Excel Treatment Center, we provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to ensure our clients receive the right care. If you or someone you know is ready to heal from addiction and co-occurring disorders, call us at (833) 883-9235. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

What to Do When Both You and Your Spouse Struggle With Addiction

Do both you and your spouse struggle with addiction? Are these struggles affecting your relationship — or other areas of your life – making it difficult for either of you to discover a life beyond active addiction? Many people fall into vicious cycles of toxic relationships with their significant others, especially when addiction is involved.

Marriage Counseling for Couples With Addiction

Let’s face it, relationships are tough. Couples, regardless of struggles with addiction, benefit from marriage counseling, couples therapy, or other professional services. You may struggle with a lack of communication or sometimes a general loss of connection.

When addiction is involved, professional services are sometimes inevitable. Some mental health professionals most often see relationships where one partner struggles with substance use or mental health disorders. However, it is common for both you and your partner to develop an addiction. In these scenarios, addiction affects you both and your relationship.

If you and your spouse struggle with addiction, recovery is possible. You can enter treatment on your own or attempt to achieve sobriety together. In fact, attending counseling together can benefit your recovery and your ability to support each other in recovery. A harsh reality to remember is that your partner may not want to seek treatment. If so, the relationship must end if you hope to achieve recovery for yourself.

Why Do You and Your Spouse Struggle With Addiction?

There is not a single reason why you and your spouse struggle with addiction. The cause of addiction in any person remains unknown, though research indicates that biological, environmental, and social factors impact the development of addiction.

With that in mind, relationships sometimes form from one commonality – addiction. It is common for two people to meet through mutual acquaintances associated with substance use. When that happens, substance use becomes the toxic foundation of your relationship.

Of course, relationships founded on substance use are not the only scenarios professionals encounter. You may develop an addiction for other reasons, such as work stress, financial struggles, or having kids before you’re ready.

The chances of you and your spouse both developing an addiction may seem slim, but it is possible. Unfortunately, couples who want to achieve recovery together must do some individual work. To understand why you and your spouse struggle with addiction, you must both dive into your past to unveil the root cause of the problem.

The Harm of Toxic Relationships

Toxic relationships filled with substance use have many harmful effects, and recognizing the signs of addiction is imperative. Any unhealthy relationship is dangerous. They can lead you or your partner to addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Recognizing the warning signs can be integral in your treatment journey. Avoiding toxicity is vital for recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD).

Staying in a toxic relationship may also make it harder to seek treatment. If untreated, addiction causes long-term damage to your major organs, leads to other mental disorders, and puts you at risk of death by overdose. Couples using together may not want the same thing. If your partner refuses to recognize the problem, you must walk away if you hope to live a life free from active addiction.

Seeking Treatment Together

As mentioned, couples can embark on their recovery journey together – but individual treatment is still necessary. Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) may be an option if you and your spouse seek sobriety. According to an article published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, BCT is “designed for married or cohabitating individuals seeking help for alcohol or drug abuse.” This method will aid in your recovery journey and improve the functionality of your relationship.

Post-treatment, you may consider continuing couples therapy as part of your relapse prevention plan. Couples therapy is often a helpful tool for your relationship, but you should also continue individual therapy post-treatment.

Why Individual Treatment Is Important

Despite seeking treatment together, you must not ignore individual therapy as you and your partner work toward sobriety. Earlier, we discussed how achieving recovery requires you to understand the root cause of the problem. Getting to the root cause of your addiction may be best practiced as an individual journey since it will require diving into your past or potential trauma. Many therapy options can help you discover the root, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). You will feel empowered to take control of your treatment and recovery when you focus on the individual aspects of the journey.

Seek Treatment Today if You and Your Spouse Struggle With Addiction

Do not hesitate to speak with your medical provider if you fear you and your spouse are struggling with addiction. There are several options to consider whether you embark on your recovery journey alone or together.

However, keep in mind that the worst thing an individual can do is not seek treatment for themselves. Your spouse may not be willing to recognize the dangers of untreated addiction. That does not mean you should suffer alone. If your spouse is opposed to treatment, seek it for yourself today.

Toxic relationships cause harm to individuals. Partners can develop depression, anxiety, addiction, and other disorders. Some relationships are founded on the commonality of substance use. Seeking treatment is imperative if you and your spouse struggle with addiction. Unfortunately, your spouse may not want to seek treatment. In that case, you must realize that the relationship will continue causing harm. You both can, however, embark on your journey to recovery together at Excel Treatment Center. We offer a variety of therapies that can help you and your spouse, including individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic therapies. To learn more about the options available at Excel, call us at (833) 883-9235 today. 

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

Alumni Events in New Jersey

Addiction recovery is a lifelong process. This can make it difficult for people in recovery to find ongoing support and connection with others who share similar experiences. Alumni events can be a great way for you to learn from others, pursue new activities, and share your story.

At alumni events, you will get support from people who have completed treatment programs. Such support will help you learn more about addiction and recovery, make new friends, and stay connected to the community.

What Are Alumni Events?

Alumni events are gatherings for people who have completed treatment and are now on the road to recovery. These social events provide an opportunity to continue strengthening the connection between yourself and the recovery community.

Why You Should Attend Alumni Events

Alumni events are a great way to reconnect with other people who’ve been through the same things you have. You may even be able to find new friends and continue to strengthen your support system.

Benefits of Alumni Events include:

  • Getting support from peers that can offer advice on how to manage the challenges of recovery
  • Helping you to continue to participate within the recovery community and even help others in need
  • Continuing to develop focus, motivation, and accountability to stay on the path of recovery

Educational and Motivational Support

Alumni events provide ongoing educational and motivational support. Addiction recovery is a lifelong process, so there’s always more to learn. Alumni events can help you stay connected to your treatment center. It will also keep you connected to peers you met during treatment. Such an environment can also provide opportunities for growth and self-reflection.

Alumni groups are also great for staying motivated. Many alumni report that the community they helped build at their treatment center was the most helpful element in their treatment and recovery. This is because they were among others that shared similar experiences.

Sharing Experiences

Alumni events are another fantastic way to allow you the opportunity to share your experience with others who have been in your shoes. Sharing experiences is an important part of recovery because it helps you learn from others and continue to grow as an individual.

It also allows you to help others by giving back to the community. Hearing someone else’s story can be an eye-opening experience that can change your thoughts about yourself and your recovery. Further, giving back is a great way to continue cultivating awareness and support within the recovery community.

Finding New Hobbies and Activities

Finding things to do to keep yourself busy can be difficult in recovery. Attending alumni events can help you find other people with similar interests. You could find someone who shares a hobby you can do or practice with others in recovery.

Some things you might be able to start as a hobby with other alums might be:

  • Running, walking, or biking
  • Going to the gym
  • Volunteer work
  • Reading or book clubs
  • Painting or drawing
  • Learning to play an instrument
  • Taking classes to learn a new skill such as woodworking, or sewing

Finding people who share similar interests with you and who also live a sober lifestyle can help you stay successful in your recovery. So the next time you go to an alumni event, talk to other people. See if any of them would be interested in picking up a hobby with you. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can have a powerful impact on staying sober.

Alumni Events in New Jersey

Here at Excel Treatment Center, we are big on hosting alumni events as opportunities to engage in social activities and strengthen the recovery community. We understand that being in early recovery can be overwhelming, and It might be hard to start going to social events again. Therefore, going to events like this can help ease you into social gatherings while ensuring your recovery comes first.

Fall Events at Excel Treatment Center

This fall, we will host our “Fall Family Fun” event. This event is for all alumni, their families, and friends. This will be a great way to foster the community and make it comfortable to bring in a new community and expand. During this event, we will be creating committees for future events.

There will also be pumpkin carving and apple bobbing. So much fun for the whole family. It is much easier to return to a place where you are comfortable and bring your family and friends to experience it with you.

Holiday Dinner at Excel Treatment Center

We will also have a holiday dinner with the alumni this December. More is to be announced on this later. So stay tuned and keep a look out for more information on this dinner that will be coming out soon. We hope to see you there.

At Excel Treatment Center, we are more than just a program, we are a family. Alumni events are great opportunities to continue to help you develop meaningful relationships and experiences during recovery. They also help raise awareness and advocate for others that need help. Our biggest goal is to make sure you’re continuing to learn about your addiction and put your recovery first. These settings also allow family and friends to attend so that they can also continue to learn about addiction and the importance of staying sober. It is not always easy to reintroduce yourself to a community as your sober self; however, alumni events provide a safe and comfortable space for you to socialize with others. If you or someone you know is struggling to manage recovery then the time to get help is now. To learn more contact us today by calling (833) 883-9235.

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Family Systems: How Forgiveness Can Aid in Recovery

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces in restoring healthy relationships. Forgiving others can help you move forward, overcome pain and suffering, repair damaged relationships, and improve your physical and mental health. When addiction has touched your life, forgiveness is important to move forward and have successful relationships. So how exactly does forgiveness work? What are some ways you can incorporate forgiveness into your life? Is it possible to forgive someone struggling with addiction?

Forgiveness Soothes Shame, Regret, and Remorse

Shame is an emotion that can lead to addiction. A sense of insignificance or worthlessness can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, and remorse. Forgiveness helps you let go of negative emotions such as shame, so they don’t have control over your life anymore.

Guilt is another type of emotion that can lead to addiction. Feeling guilty about something may cause stress in your life, causing you to turn towards using substances to cope. Forgiveness allows you to let go of these negative feelings, so they don’t have control over what happens today.

Forgiveness Helps Repair Resentment

Forgiveness is often associated with the idea that we must forgive others, but in reality, it can be a useful tool for healing from addiction. Forgiving yourself is an important component of recovery. Allowing forgiveness to flow through your body can help repair the damage done by feelings of resentment and anger. Forgiveness has the power to enhance your health and increase happiness by preventing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Forgiving someone who has harmed you may seem impossible at times, especially when they continue to hurt you in other ways. However, taking small steps toward forgiving an individual or group can significantly impact your health. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes makes it easier to move forward without dwelling on resentments that keep you stuck in negative thought patterns. Forgiving another person will allow them space within your heart, so they no longer control every aspect of how you feel about yourself. Forgiving those who wronged you frees up energy previously used on anger management so you can use it more productively.

Forgiveness Helps Take Back Your Life

As you learn to forgive, you may find yourself gaining a sense of control over your life that you didn’t know possible. You can’t control what others say to you or the things they say about you, but forgiving helps end the anger and resentment that would otherwise be holding them in place. Forgiving is a way of taking back control of your life and focusing on promoting a healthy road to recovery.

Forgiving also allows you to move past painful experiences and start new chapters in your life. It permits you not only to let go of the past but also lets you look forward with hope instead of fear or regret. By forgiving others who have hurt you, you are no longer bound by those events. Instead, you can focus on moving forward into a brighter future with confidence.

Forgiveness Helps You Let Go of the Past

Forgiveness helps you let go of the past. Forgiving yourself and others can be a powerful way to move on from past mistakes and grow as a person. We all make mistakes, but if we don’t forgive ourselves for them, it can prevent us from moving forward. It can be hard to let go when we feel someone has harmed us. However, taking those steps to forgive can help let go of some of the hurt from the past.

Forgive Yourself and Others

Forgiving yourself is forward progress when it comes to recovery. Forgiving yourself also allows you to recognize that what happened was not your fault and that you are worthy of love even if things didn’t work out exactly as planned. When you forgive yourself for past shortcomings, it’s much easier for others in your life to do the same.

When it comes time to forgive someone else, this process may take longer than forgiving yourself. Understand that others may not immediately forgive you. Some may not be ready, while others may never be ready. Still, it is important to forgive yourself to move forward. You need to reach an understanding of who you are now that you are sober. When you lead with this person, others will take notice of how serious you are about recovery. In turn, this may help people come around to forgive you. Holding onto negative feelings only hurts you in the end. So don’t hold on. Focus on continuing to improve who you are now that you are sober.

At Excel Treatment Center, we believe in the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the need to hold resentment toward yourself or others. It’s not about condoning the actions of others, but rather it’s about taking responsibility for yourself and knowing that you have the power to forgive and move forward with your life. Forgiving does not mean forgetting what happened. It means letting go of old wounds that are holding you back from living a full life today. Taking the steps to forgive can help you reconnect and nourish the relationships with someone who is struggling with addiction and we can help. If you are struggling with addiction, forgiveness can help you heal some of the wounds of your past. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us by calling us today at (833) 883-9235.

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