Call 24/7
(833) 883-9235
Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Handling Parenthood and Recovery Simultaneously

Achieving sobriety is a challenging feat. If you are a parent, you may wonder how you can balance parenthood and recovery simultaneously. Upon leaving treatment, you will face a number of new challenges. Depending on your chosen treatment program, you may return home to your children for the first time in at least 30 days. Reclamation with the everyday hustle and bustle of work, kids, and other responsibilities may take a bit to get used to. However, it is imperative to know that you can successfully balance recovery and the responsibility of being a parent simultaneously – even if it takes a little help.

Managing Your Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Before you leave treatment and return to everyday life, you must be able to manage your substance use disorder (SUD). That requires you to take what you learned during treatment in rehab and apply it to your life. It also requires you to make changes to maintain sobriety as you tackle all the challenges recovery throws your way.

In order to maintain sobriety long-term, you must create a recovery plan. There is no one “right” plan. Recovery plans are most effective when they are individualized. Before leaving treatment, it is necessary to sit down with a clinician or case manager and plan as much as possible for the road ahead. That includes finding a local support group and a therapist to see on a regular basis. You may also need to end toxic relationships and potentially find a new place to live if your situation prior to treatment is no longer suitable for you or your children.

Many people find it beneficial to move home post-treatment to be closer to family. Family support is critical to a successful recovery and can also help when kids are involved. For example, attending therapy and support meetings will require your children to stay with trusted individuals. That may be grandparents, family friends, or others you trust to watch your child when you must focus on sobriety.

Speaking of therapy and support group meetings, you may be wondering how much of a benefit they will be to you post-treatment. Specifically, how can therapy and support groups help you balance a life of parenthood and recovery?

The Importance of Attending Therapy and Support Groups

There are several benefits of continuing therapy post-treatment. Therapy can improve your communication skills, allow you to experience more happiness, and improve mental function and relationships. When the mind is well, the body is well too. Attending therapy will also help you learn how to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being and focus on sobriety and your mental health.

Therapy also helps people feel empowered. As you continue going to therapy post-treatment, you will learn more about your addiction and ways to cope with it. Managing daily life challenges during recovery will be triggering. Therapy can help you through those triggers.

Similarly, support group meetings are vital to coping with triggers, cravings, and anything else life throws at you. Hearing the stories of others will inspire and motivate you to persevere, especially on days when you feel like giving up. Many of the people in these meetings may also have children. Peers who have been in recovery for a while will be able to offer advice and guidance on balancing parenthood and recovery.

Finding the right therapist and support group may take time, especially if this is your first time seeking mental health services and being in recovery. Patience and persistence are vital during that time of searching.

Balancing Parenthood and Recovery

Once you have a recovery plan, a therapist, and a strong support network, you can find new ways to balance parenthood and recovery. Here are a few ways you can start balancing the two today:

  • Never shy away from asking for help – children do not come with an instruction manual.
  • Be sure to attend mental health appointments and meetings.
  • Discuss recovery with your children in a way most suitable for them.
  • Be proactive when experiencing triggers. Go to a meeting, discuss them with your therapist, or reach out to a peer for help immediately.
  • Prioritize self-care, whether that includes going for a walk with your children, taking day trips with them as much as possible, or spending some quiet time with yourself when able.

Parenthood and Recovery Are Possible

At the end of the day, there is no sure way for people to balance parenthood and recovery simultaneously. Sometimes it will be trial and error, just like anything else in life. The best thing you can do is focus on your children, stick to your recovery plan, heed the advice of others, and know that you are not alone.

If you or someone you love is a parent struggling with addiction, reach out to Excel Treatment Center today.

Sometimes when you seek addiction recovery, other factors influence your decision to do so. For many, that factor is their children. During treatment, you will create a recovery plan to help you maintain sobriety long-term. This plan will help you cope with the challenges life will throw at you post-treatment. Unfortunately, balancing parenthood and recovery post-treatment will take some time, but with the help of your support system, you can do it today. Know that there is a better life than one in active addiction and that maintaining sobriety long-term is possible. For the sake of yourself and your children, reach out to a treatment facility today. Call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Coping With Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Do you experience intense sadness during the fall and winter or feel unexplainably down around the time the days get shorter? If so, you are not alone. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects many individuals, making it difficult to maintain recovery or mental health. Understanding SAD and how it impacts your overall mental health is the first step toward managing it long-term. Like depression, you can learn to cope with SAD and maintain your sobriety simultaneously despite related symptoms and risks of relapse.

What Is SAD?

SAD is a type of depression the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes as “significant changes in your mood and behavior whenever the seasons change.” For some, symptoms may be moderate. Individuals experience slight mood changes when the seasons change; we all feel the winter blues a little bit. However, symptoms can become severe for many. Especially among individuals already struggling with their mental health, the changing seasons can trigger and exacerbate symptoms of mental illness.

Individuals aware of their SAD can successfully prepare for it. Fortunately, the seasons change around the same time every year. We know when the days get shorter and when to expect the start of spring. Knowing this pattern is great because it prevents a season’s triggers from sneaking up on us.

When Does SAD Occur?

According to the NIMH, SAD typically begins in late fall or early winter and goes away during the spring or summer. This pattern is called “winter-pattern SAD,” also known as “winter depression.” However, it is possible to experience depressive symptoms during the spring or summer. When that happens, it is called “summer-pattern SAD” or “summer depression.” Though it is less common, summer-pattern SAD does happen. On average, symptoms of SAD will last for about four to five months on average.

Symptoms vary depending on a couple of factors. For example, because SAD is a type of depression, there are major related symptoms you may experience. Additionally, symptoms may vary depending on whether you experience winter-pattern or summer-pattern SAD.

Typical Symptoms

Symptoms of SAD, according to the NIMH, include:

  • Major depression symptoms
    • Feeling depressed almost all day, every day
    • Losing interest in enjoyable activities or hobbies
    • Experiencing changes in appetite or weight
    • Having problems with sleep and feeling sluggish or agitated
    • Experiencing a loss of energy
    • Feeling hopeless or worthless
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide
  • Winter-pattern SAD symptoms  
    • Experiencing hypersomnia (oversleeping)
    • Overeating, and especially experiencing a craving for carbohydrates
    • Weight gain
    • Social withdrawal
  • Summer-pattern SAD symptoms 
    • Experiencing insomnia
    • Weight loss as a result of poor appetite
    • Experiencing restlessness and agitation
    • Feeling anxious
    • Experiencing episodes of violent or erratic behavior

SAD and Substance Use Disorder

Managing a mood disorder and substance use disorder (SUD) can be a slippery slope. The journal Science & Practice Perspectives, published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), indicates that mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorders, “are the most common psychiatric comorbidities among patients with substance use disorders.” Further, treating a co-occurring mood disorder can “reduce substance craving,” but individuals in treatment will raise the question of how they can manage their mood disorder post-treatment.

Individuals who seek treatment for depression and SUD have an advantage when it comes to handling SAD symptoms. That is simply because they have already learned and practiced techniques to cope with their conditions. This is why dual diagnosis is so crucial to addiction treatment. If clinicians know you are struggling with a mood disorder alongside SUD, they can create a specific treatment plan with that in mind. Then, once in recovery, you can utilize what you learned in treatment and apply it when you experience symptoms of that mood disorder, such as SUD.

Treatment

Learning to manage SAD symptoms is vital. Fortunately, treatment can help. Some of the treatment methods for SAD include:

  • Light therapy – a mainstay for the treatment of SAD since the 1980s, which includes exposure to a bright light daily day to compensate for the lack of sunshine in the winter months
  • Psychotherapies – such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). There is a type of CBT specifically adapted for treating SAD called CBT-SAD.
  • Antidepressant medication – which increases serotonin levels
  • Vitamin D – which you can obtain from a supplement or through light therapy

How to Manage SAD Symptoms

In addition to treatment, you can manage SAD symptoms on your own by doing the following:

  1. Changing your environment to let in more natural light into your home and working spaces
  2. Spending time outside as much as possible
  3. Exercising every day
  4. Improving your sleeping patterns
  5. Practicing other forms of self-care

Consider implementing these changes today to manage your SAD symptoms and enjoy a better winter season, this year and in the future.

Do you find yourself growing irritable or experiencing depressive moods when the seasons change? More specifically, do the darker days of winter and lack of sunlight impact you mentally and emotionally? If so, you may be struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to changes in moods and behaviors whenever the seasons change. As a type of depression, symptoms of SAD sometimes mimic the symptoms of major depression. These symptoms vary depending on whether you have winter-pattern SAD or (less common) summer-pattern SAD. Treatment methods for SAD are also similar to those for depression. You can manage your symptoms of SAD and substance use disorder (SUD) through behavioral therapies and self-care practices. For more information or to get help, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

The Dangers of Self-Medicating

Self-medicating is a typical practice nowadays. Individuals often turn to substance use to cope with life stressors despite their awareness of the potential consequences. While there are many dangers of self-medication, the major one you may expect is the development of addiction. The more we use drugs or alcohol, the more the body requires it. If your journey with self-medicating has led to a substance use disorder (SUD), consider treatment immediately.

Causes of Self-Medicating

People may start self-medicating for a variety of reasons. These can include but are not limited to trauma, mental illness, and chronic illnesses. Let’s explore these causes further.

Trauma

While there are many reasons individuals start self-medicating, trauma is a typical instigator. Trauma occurs throughout life, but traumatic events during adolescents can lead to substance use.

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine showcases the connection between early exposure to traumatic events and intoxication through substance use. Researchers examined self-medication among youths in residential treatment for “antisocial behavior via recursive and non-recursive relationships between trauma history, substance misuse, and psychological distress.”

The study focuses on two hypotheses:

#1. The effects of trauma are somewhat “mediated by substance misuse.”

#2. The experience of trauma causes “a feedback loop between substance misuse and psychological distress.”

At the end of their study, the research supported these hypotheses. With this in mind, it’s reasonable to say that trauma likely creates a cycle of emotional distress and substance consumption.

Mental Illness

Trauma is not the only cause of substance use or the only reason people turn to self-medication. Many self-medicate to cope with mental illness symptoms. In fact, results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that 9.5 million people in the United States were diagnosed with a mental illness and SUD. From this, we can infer that untreated mental illness may be a leading cause of self-medication.

Chronic Illness

Trauma and mental illness are not the only potential instigators of substance use. Other chronic conditions may lead to self-medication. Individuals diagnosed with chronic pain, cancer, or any other chronic illness may turn to substance use to cope with symptoms. Additionally, they may want to numb complex feelings surrounding their diagnosis.

Forms of Self-Medicating

One of the most common ways people self-medicate is with alcohol. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is prevalent across the United States. People drink to escape their problems, have a good time, be more social, and ultimately inebriate themselves. Especially when trying to avoid stress, alcohol helps people temporarily forget their problems.

Drug use is another form of self-medication. Substances, like drugs, impact the reward circuit of the brain. This causes a euphoric effect which only perpetuates further drug use. People begin drug use for similar reasons — escape problems, inebriate themselves, or experience euphoric effects. There are a number of known dangers to drug use, including dependency, overdose, and death though.

Dangers of Self-Medicating

One of the main dangers of self-medicating is the development of SUD. With SUD, there are several short- and long-term effects, as well as the potential development of chronic health conditions and overdose.

Drinking causes several risks. Excessive drinking can lead to the following:

  • Violence
  • Risky behaviors like unprotected sex and drunk driving
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Chronic conditions like heart or liver disease, a weakened immune system, or cancers

There are several potential risks of excessive drug use due to the number of drugs available. However, many dangers are similar to excessive drinking – chronic health conditions, drug overdose, impaired cognitive function, and death.

Another danger of self-medicating is that it does not resolve the underlying problem. Mental illness, trauma, and other distressing events have a profound impact on our overall well-being. Substance use only numbs us to pain and causes an uproar of future problems.

Treatment for Self-Medicating

If you are self-medicating to cope with a deeper problem, we encourage you to educate yourself further on the dangers of self-medicating. As discussed, it can lead to addiction and many other damages. Psychoeducation is the first step. It often helps a person understand the need for treatment.

Dual-diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders is the next step. A mental illness and SUD experienced in conjunction with one another are referred to as co-occurring disorders. It is usually hard to indicate which was present first In either case, dual diagnosis is required, and individuals must seek treatment for all conditions involved.

An integrated dual-diagnosis program offers many benefits. Individuals can begin to understand the relationship between these two disorders. Additionally, they learn coping skills to manage both and engage in treatments that help them heal and maintain recovery.

Lastly, you should find a support system. This can look like a 12-Step program like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. It can also mean reconnecting with friends and family. Moreover, it can involve leaning on others in your treatment program. The support system will ensure you have help building long-term recovery.

Do you drink or use drugs in order to deal with stress, block out traumatic memories, or cope with emotionally volatile situations? If so, we encourage you to educate yourself on the dangers and potential harm of self-medicating. Substance use can lead to addiction, chronic health conditions, and a number of other problems. To truly recover from trauma and mental illness, you must seek treatment. Excel treatment center offers comprehensive treatment to those struggling with addiction and mental illness. We provide a dual diagnosis program led by our expert staff. During your program, you might participate in traditional therapies, support groups, and holistic therapies. With our help, you can cease all self-medication. For help, call us at (833) 883-9235

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Many mental conditions co-occur alongside addiction, including bipolar disorder. Coping with multiple disorders can be daunting at once. However, there are many ways to manage bipolar symptoms and maintain recovery. In order to achieve recovery, you must seek treatment for all disorders involved.

The symptoms of mental illnesses and addiction exacerbate each other. Many individuals with addiction experience symptoms of mental illness. This can be caused by chemical and structural changes in the brain. Other people turn to substance or behavioral addictions to manage their mental illness symptoms. Seek treatment immediately if you feel you are in either situation.

Types of Addictions

Before discussing bipolar disorder, it may help to learn more about addiction. Addiction encompasses many struggles, including behavioral addiction and substance use disorders (SUDs).

Behavioral Addiction

When people become dependent on a specific activity or compulsion, behavioral addiction occurs. People can become addicted to the internet, gambling, sex, food, and even activities like shopping. Some downplay the dangers of behavioral addiction, but they can be as debilitating and cause as many problems as a SUD.

Alcohol Addiction

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a “medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” AUD is sometimes referred to as alcohol abuse, alcoholism, or alcohol dependency. According to NIAAA, a national survey conducted in 2019 indicated that 14.1 million adults struggled with AUD.

Drug Addiction

For many, drug use can become a mental illness, causing physical changes in the brain. These changes make it hard to quit drug use.  Diagnoses can include opioid use disorder, sedative use disorder, and stimulant use disorder. Not only does drug addiction cause physical, emotional, and psychological harm, but it can also lead to overdose and death.

Bipolar Disorder

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes bipolar disorder as a “mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.” It affects approximately 2.8% of the American population and consists of three distinct subtypes:

#1. Bipolar I consists of manic episodes lasting a minimum of seven days or severe manic symptoms that an individual requires “immediate hospital care.” Depressive episodes will also typically occur for at least two weeks. It is also possible to experience mixed episodes that include depressive and manic symptoms.

#2. Bipolar II includes a “pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.” However, these episodes are less severe than manic episodes and last for shorter periods.

#3. Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, consists of “recurrent hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough” to be considered hypomanic or depressive episodes.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Indicators of bipolar disorder vary depending on the category. Symptoms of mania include sleeping less, high energy, racing thoughts, or increased self-esteem. Hypomania symptoms are similar but tend to be less intense. Depressive symptoms include sleeplessness, anhedonia, self-hatred, hopelessness, or suicidality.

If you recognize some of these signs or behaviors within yourself, consult a doctor. They will help guide you through the evaluation process. You might find out that you have a different diagnosis than bipolar disorder. There’s a lot of crossover between diagnoses. However, you might also receive an official bipolar disorder diagnosis. In this case, you know the path of treatment to follow.

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Many people with bipolar disorder use substances or behaviors to self-medicate. Bipolar disorder can cause anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. People think drugs and alcohol can help them cope. However, this is counterproductive for many reasons. Namely, substance use can trigger depressive or manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder.

When you’re first getting diagnosed with these disorders, it can feel overwhelming. Experiencing bipolar disorder and addiction diagnosis together can feel scary. Treatment can seem impossible, but you are not alone. You can achieve recovery for both conditions.

Your treatment should integrate therapy for bipolar disorder and addiction. Treating both conditions together is vital. If you treat one but not the other, it will exacerbate whichever diagnosis you’re neglecting. Through assessments, professionals can create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

When a person experiences two or more mental illnesses at the same time, this is called a dual diagnosis. As mentioned, bipolar disorder and addiction often occur together. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs are ideal when handling these two conditions at the same time.

The treatment plan will look slightly different depending on the kind of addiction. However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides an idea of what to expect. SAMHSA states in a 2016 document, “Like treatment for bipolar disorder without a co-occurring SUD, treatment for co-occurring bipolar disorder and SUDs usually involves both pharmacological and psychosocial therapies.”

A reputable treatment program will also provide you and your family with more psychoeducation. Knowing the connection between addiction and bipolar disorder is vital to your recovery success.

Many people are trying to cope with SUD and bipolar disorder simultaneously, but treatment and recovery are possible. Through assessments, education, and a proper dual diagnosis, you can get a handle on your SUD and bipolar disorder. Excel Treatment Center provides all that and more. Our team provides the very best care available. Every client goes through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and symptom monitoring. With this, we can track your progress. Additionally, you can participate in a variety of psychosocial therapies meant to help you heal. You don’t have to go through this alone, either. Your family can participate in our family program, which can help them come to terms with your diagnosis. For treatment, call us at (833) 883-9235. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

The Importance of Individualized Treatment

Back in the day, the paths to addiction recovery were more rigid and uniform. However, professionals today have seen the benefits and improvements that come with individualized treatment. In fact, professionals across the entire medical community are beginning to see that not one path of treatment does not fit all clients.

All health care is most effective when tailored to each individual. The same goes for addiction treatment and recovery. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment and recovery or relapse prevention. To create a treatment plan, you must go through an assessment and work with professionals to create something that works well for you.

Addiction as a Unique Experience

Millions of people across the United States struggle with behavioral addictions, substance use disorders (SUD), and other mental illnesses. Despite being a common issue, each struggle with the above conditions is unique. No one person goes through the same experience, though people can relate.

For example, when you attend a support group meeting – such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous – you hear the narratives of people with the same disorder. However, each individual tells a unique story. These narratives offer a diverse perspective on how addiction, SUD, and other mental illnesses affect other people.

Due to the uniqueness of your experience with addiction, treatment must be individualized. That does not mean your treatment will not have some similarities. It means that you should have some power in your overall treatment plan. Treatment facilities should work with their clients and assess their addiction journey.

As the individual seeking treatment, you should feel empowered to make decisions about your treatment. Additionally, consider educating yourself on the potential treatment options as you embark on your recovery journey.

Individualized Treatment Options

Even when doing individualized treatment, there are commonalities. Typical treatment options for people seeking addiction recovery include behavioral therapies and medication.

Behavioral therapies are effective when treating both SUD and other mental illnesses. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common modalities. However, you may also try dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma work, and emotional regulation. Some behavioral therapies may work better than others, but being open about which works best with a clinical professional is vital.

There are also several medications that treat these conditions. Medicines are effective when treating depression, anxiety, and other mental disorder, but some people are weary of using them to treat SUD. However, many find medication-assisted treatment (MAT) effective in their treatment program.

Medication-Assisted Treatment in Individualized Treatment

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines MAT as “the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavior therapies, to provide a ‘whole-person’ approach” to treating SUD. MAT is clinically effective and can help many people manage withdrawal symptoms during detox.

You will have to try different methods during treatment, but many individuals find that a combination of MAT, behavioral therapies, and support group meetings is most effective.

Choosing a Recovery Program

In addition to working with a clinical professional to create a treatment plan, you must pick a recovery program. Typical recovery programs include:

  • Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
  • Inpatient rehabilitation

Picking the right program is dependent on your specific situation. For example, some people may require more intense treatment and 24/7 care. These individuals most likely benefit from an inpatient rehab program. However, if your circumstances require you to stay home with your family and provide for them, outpatient programs are an excellent choice.

The Importance of Assessments

As mentioned, assessments are critical to individualized care. Some of the questions you may be asked include:

#1. How long have you been consuming substances?

#2. What substance do you most struggle with?

#3. Are there specific goals you have for your addiction treatment?

#4. Why are you choosing to seek out treatment now?

#5. Do you know of or are you aware of underlying issues that may have led you to SUD?

Questions such as these help therapists and clinicians understand where you are at in your journey and create a plan accordingly. You may also consider discussing personal goals with your medical team during this time. Together, you can work on implementing a timeline and goals for your treatment.

Advocating for Your Treatment Needs

Feeling empowered to advocate for yourself in your treatment program can be challenging, especially at first. That is normal for anyone new to treatment. Remember that an individualized treatment plan will be more effective, help you achieve your goals, and decrease the risk of relapse later on.

Do not hesitate to advocate and co-create your individualized treatment plan. Addiction is a unique journey, and your treatment should be specific to your story. To learn more about individualized treatment, reach out to a professional today. A life of recovery is just around the corner.

Millions of Americans struggle with behavioral addiction, SUD, and other mental illnesses. However, each individual story is unique. For that reason, treatment must be tailored to every one of those million Americans struggling with these concerns. That includes you. Regardless of where you are in your journey, you should feel empowered to advocate for individualized treatment. You must work with clinicians and case managers to ensure your goals for treatment are heard Excel Treatment Center offers fully individualized treatment. You can attend various experiential therapies that cater to your personality and needs. Additionally, you’ll engage in traditional behavioral therapies. This combination sets you on the path to recovery. If you require treatment, call us at (833) 883-9235. 

1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 13

(833) 883-9235

We're available 24/7

58 N Sussex St, Dover, NJ 07801

Visit Us Today

info@exceltreatmentcenter.com

Send us a message

Excel Treatment Center is an addiction treatment center in New Jersey that offers high-quality treatment designed around each client’s personal needs.

Programs

What We Treat

Get Started

About