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Is There a Standard Length of Treatment?

Addiction recovery professionals should tailor treatment to each individual. When they do, there should not necessarily be a rigid time limit on how long it will last. Everyone reaches recovery at their own pace, so expecting a standard length of time for you is unrealistic. Factors like your duration of use and type of substance should influence the general time frame. The type of program you are in will also influence the length of treatment.

Unfortunately, other factors influence the length of treatment too. Often, factors like finances, insurance coverage, or other clerical technicalities come into play. Nevertheless, individuals should not let these factors hinder the transformative process of treatment. Feel empowered to advocate for your recovery needs, collaborate with your medical team, and sense when the right time is for you to leave treatment.

Outpatient Treatment

The length of treatment initially depends on the type of program. Two specific options for treatment include outpatient and inpatient. Both are equally effective; however, one may be a better fit for your particular situation.

Outpatient treatment allows clients to seek treatment at a facility but return home to accommodate their daily needs. A program like this is an excellent way to get the help necessary to live a life of sobriety while continuing with your day-to-day responsibilities.

Additionally, outpatient treatment has many other benefits, including the chance to practice holistic therapy, continue working, and grow through traditional therapy methods. With outpatient treatment, there are no strict timelines. You can attend therapy sessions once a week or more if you would like, and there is much more flexibility which helps clients feel empowered in their recovery journey.

Unfortunately, outpatient treatment is not efficient for everyone. You will likely require more intense treatment if you are in the very early stages of addiction treatment. Your support needs will be higher when detoxing. Additionally, doctors must stabilize you before releasing you if you self-harm and experience suicidal thoughts. In these scenarios, inpatient treatment is necessary.

Inpatient Treatment

Individuals who need more intensive care will benefit from an inpatient treatment program. Inpatient rehab, also known as residential care, is when a person comes to live in a treatment facility. During an inpatient treatment program, you will usually have access to several services, including:

  • Medically supervised detoxification where clients can be closely monitored and administered medications to help with withdrawal symptoms
  • Group and individual therapy sessions that help you get the root cause of your addiction, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and family-based therapy
  • Aftercare planning or relapse prevention programs, which will aid your transition from residential treatment to life post-treatment

During inpatient treatment, you can develop a sober support system by creating friendships with other people in recovery. You can also focus on rediscovering your identity outside of addiction.

Benefits of Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient programs are vital for individuals still in the deep of active addiction and offer many benefits, like:

  • Structure and routines allow clients to focus solely on their treatment, mental health, and long-term sobriety
  • Around-the-clock care is essential; you wake up at night with intense cravings or other symptoms, and 24/7 care will support you
  • Being in a safe environment will allow you to detox, practice coping skills, and plan for your life in recovery

One downside of residential care is that there will come a time for it to end. If insurance and finances allow, you may be able to extend your time, but that is not always the case.

Why Limit Length of Treatment?

On average, a treatment facility’s program will last about 30 days initially. You can sometimes extend treatment, but insurance companies may not cover it. There could be other stipulations if you stay.

Some facilities also focus on specific areas of recovery. One facility may have long-term programs to help with lifestyle practices post-treatment. Others focus primarily on detox and early treatment.

In reality, individuals cannot remain in addiction treatment for extended periods. Treatment is the first step in a much longer journey. The next step is life in recovery, but you must leave treatment to experience this next step.

Leaving treatment, especially when you have 24/7 support, is scary, but it is a testament to how far you have come. As long as you are open and honest with professionals at your facility, your treatment program should prepare you for what’s to come.

Is There a Right or Wrong Length of Treatment?

Regarding how long it takes for treatment to work, the American Psychological Association (APA) indicates on their page titled “How Long Will It Take for Treatment to Work?” that the length of treatment for psychological problems varies greatly from one patient to another. According to them, treatment “should always be matched appropriately to the nature and severity of the person’s presenting difficulties.”

In other words, the right length of treatment depends on your individual needs. Do not let the standards of others define what you require for your recovery journey. You started the healing process, and you can help decide your needs.

There is no right or wrong length of treatment for individuals struggling with addiction, substance use, disorder (SUD), or other mental illnesses. How long treatment takes should depend on your condition and the severity of your struggle. The length of treatment will also depend on the type of program you are in. Excel Treatment Center offers four levels of care that require varying amounts of time. We offer groups that help you bond with sober peers. Additionally, you’ll be able to participate in many traditional and holistic therapies. Our care is truly individualized from the psych assessment all the way to your aftercare. To seek help or receive more information, call (833) 883-9235 today. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Returning to Work Post-Treatment

After going through addiction treatment, it’s normal for you to feel anxious about returning to work post-treatment. Whether you’re nervous about reintegrating into the working environment or fearful about seeing your co-workers for the first time since treatment, these feelings are valid.

Another factor that may influence your emotions is whether you can return to your previous job post-treatment. Your employer may or may not feel comfortable with you coming back to your previous position. This article will discuss your movement back into the workspace.

What to Consider Before Returning to Work Post-Treatment

There are many things to remember when returning to work post-treatment. Life post-treatment comes with many challenges. You must find a residence, a support system, and other resources to aid your recovery journey. Moreover, you must make sure you’re setting healthy boundaries. This can feel difficult fresh out of treatment.

Unfortunately, finding employment may be another challenge. As mentioned, a previous employer may have concerns about you returning to work. It’s especially tricky if addiction impacted your performance. Luckily, more employers today look at addiction as a disease. Your employer might have resources to offer you, such as employee assistance programs. These kinds of programs may be a great asset as you gain your footing in recovery.

Now Might Be Time for a Change

If you cannot return to an employer post-treatment and need a silver lining, consider that now may be the time to do something new. Recovery is all about making life changes. Why not make one more and consider a new career? Maybe you should throw yourself into a job you always wanted to try.

Treatment can be a perfect time to set new goals for your career and life in recovery. You can begin with small objectives. Instead of jumping right into major career movies, concentrate on becoming comfortable with your newfound life of recovery. Focus on mending relationships and cutting out past acquaintances associated with substance use. Find a support group in your area and attend your first meeting. These are all small tasks you can begin to guide yourself post-treatment.

Considering Other Career Paths or Furthering Your Education

Think about your career goals once you feel more established in your new life of recovery. If you have a hard time deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life, don’t fret. A lot of people have trouble with this. Consider seeing a career counselor or shadowing professionals with jobs that interest you. The more you learn about potential careers, the more you can gauge your interest and weigh the pros and cons.

Another option to consider is if you want to go back to school. Many people pursue education post-treatment, especially if it matches their long-term career goals. Consider programs or fields you would like to learn more about while still in treatment. Then upon leaving treatment, sign up for some courses if it makes sense financially.

Learn to Go With the Flow

If your journey with addiction has taught you anything, it’s that you can never really predict what life is going to throw at you. Planning is necessary, but so is adaptability. Set goals for yourself, but don’t let unexpected turns trigger you.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before leaving treatment. Taking the time to be present and acknowledge that you’ve made it to this point is a priority. Early recovery can be challenging, but take it all in. There will be plenty of time to focus on a new career or re-enter the workforce. If time and finances allow, use early recovery to reintroduce yourself to yourself.

Returning to Work Post-Treatment

When transitioning from inpatient rehab back into the outside world, outpatient programs may serve as a good middle step. These programs are an excellent choice for people who do not need 24/7 care and need to hold steady employment. They are flexible and give clients control over the recovery process.

Telehealth treatment may also be a tool that lets you continue receiving addiction treatment when returning to work. The extra support may offset the added stress of returning to the workforce. Additionally, you can attend outpatient therapy just to help you stay on track with your sobriety. Opportunities for support as you go back to work are endless. All you need is the proper guidance and resources to help you do so.

If you feel nervous about returning to work post-treatment, try not to let it get to you. The whole process of getting sober puts you outside your comfort zone. Instead of feeling worried, think about this as an opportunity for growth and renewal. You’ve created a life of recovery for yourself — focus on the joy of living that life.

If you’re anxious about returning to work post-treatment, know that you are not alone. Life post-treatment comes with many challenges, but these are challenges everyone experiences. Utilize your time in treatment to think about your life and set goals for yourself throughout your long-term recovery. If you need support as you navigate a shift in your career, Excel Treatment Center can help. In addition to inpatient services, we offer multiple outpatient programs of varying intensities. You can gradually re-enter the workplace while still receiving addiction treatment. Our therapists can offer you guidance on making sure you don’t overextend yourself early in recovery. For more information on returning to work post-treatment, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235. 

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

7 Tips to Stay Sober Over the Holidays

7 Tips to Stay Sober For Christmas and New Year

The holiday season is often filled with family, friends, and celebrations where we all come together to eat, drink and be merry. As fun as those parties and occasions can be, they are a very challenging time for those new to recovery. 

With all the hustling and bustling of the holiday season, it can be easy for those in recovery to feel alone in their journeys. If you find yourself feeling like you are the only one not drinking at a party or bringing in a boozy new year, you are not alone. There are millions of people in recovery facing very similar challenges: to pass up that glass of wine, to stay sane amidst the stresses of the holiday season, and to keep their commitment to sobriety as old friends and family members come home for the holidays. Just know that you too can keep sober during the holidays with these 7 tips to stay sober.

You just need a bit of planning and a lot of dedication to get through until January. Here are our seven tips for staying sober during the holidays.

  1. Recognize your relapse triggers.

This year, you may be brought back to places and parties where you used to have fun and get high. You may run into old friends who are back in town, old friends from your using days, who will remind you of substance use. You may find yourself grieving relationships and ties that were broken during the holiday season.

As a part of your recovery plan, it is important to know how to properly cope with the relapse triggers that the holidays so often bring. Manage them as they arise so that you do not find yourself face-to-face with relapse. If you encounter a familiar, dangerous situation, walk away. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or lonely in your sobriety, talk to someone you trust. If you feel physically or mentally exhausted, get some rest to try and quiet any uneasiness. Properly taking care of yourself – physically, mentally, and emotionally – can help you avoid a relapse.

  1. Start every day with a plan.

To avoid holiday temptations, start each waking day with a plan to keep sober. This means thinking ahead about all the possible triggers and situations that may come your way during the holiday season. Always be prepared. If you are in a place where your drug cravings start to unleash, have a plan to settle them. Leave the situation or call a sober friend. If you are uncomfortable at a party, be sure that you always have your own way home. Decide in advance what you are going to say if someone offers you a drink. Rehearse three or four responses. A polite, clear “No, thank you” most often does the trick, but you may encounter pushy and prodding people as well. Have a plan for dealing with them, whether it be saying, “I don’t drink for health reasons” or just simply walking away.

  1. Keep a (non-alcoholic) drink in your hand.

If it is one of your first sober holiday parties, you may be a bit anxious about having to deny drinks or talk about your recovery. To avoid excessive explanations or denials, simply carry a drink of choice in your hand – egg nog, water, coffee, whichever you prefer. By doing so, you will most often avoid the question altogether. And if someone does offer you a glass of wine, you can easily turn it down by saying, “No, thank you, I’m all set.”

  1. Don’t be afraid to talk about your recovery.

Sobriety and recovery are losing the stigma they once carried. Most people know someone who has battled addiction. Of course, it is your choice whether you want to talk about your journey, just know that you do not have to be afraid to do so. By being open about it, you will likely gain more support and encouragement than you’d ever imagined from family and friends. You may even inspire others to take the leap in their own efforts to get sober. If you just want to tell a selected, trusted number of people about your sobriety, that can also be beneficial. By doing so, you will gain some accountability as well as a small support system as you stay sober during the holidays.

  1. Keep busy.

Don’t let yourself spend too much time sitting around and chatting with your friends and family members. Because most often, this sitting around can involve or lead to drinking. This year, plan some more engaging activities. Get outside for some ice skating or sledding with the family. Plan Yankee swaps or other holiday games to engage both the young and the old. Help out with decorating, cooking, or driving to and from events in efforts to stay sober.

  1. Learn how to channel holiday stress.

While most often a merry time, many people still experience stress during the holidays. Whether it be last-minute gift giving or stressful relationships within the family, you may know these anxieties as well. In the past, you may have channeled these stresses through drinking and drug use. You may have used substances as an escape. In recovery, you must find new ways to cope with your stresses – such as working out at the gym, going for a walk, reading a book, or meeting a sober friend for coffee.

  1. Stick to your meeting schedule or call in your sober network when you need support.

Despite being the holidays, 12-step meetings do not take days off. Whether you are home for the holidays or traveling, find a meeting place or recovery center near you. Meet with others who are staying sober during the holidays, people who are like you and understand your journey, to help keep you on the right path.

For more tips on staying sober during the holidays, or to get help for a loved one battling a substance use disorder, please do not hesitate to reach out. Call Excel Treatment Center at (973) 352-0845 today to learn how we can help.

 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Long-Term Health Problems Related to Binge Drinking

For many, there is a fine line between binge drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, if it goes unchecked, binge drinking can often lead to struggles with alcohol addiction.

According to the World Health Organization’s fact sheet on alcohol, about 5% of annual deaths are related to alcohol misuse, proving that alcoholism continues to be a growing concern across the United States.

Individuals can recover from alcohol addiction if they seek treatment. At Excel Treatment Center, we offer clients several services, including individual therapy, withdrawal management, and aftercare support. However, the first step starts with you reaching out for help

Binge Drinking Culture

Some may theorize that alcohol addiction is so prevalent because alcohol use is so prominent in our culture. Think about it, when was the last time you attended a family barbeque or an office party where alcohol was not present? The concepts of having fun and enjoying ourselves are attached to drinking alcohol.

While there is nothing wrong with consuming alcohol, everything is best in moderation. Unfortunately, when it comes to alcohol consumption, many people forget about drinking moderately.

Binge drinking culture typically begins in high school. During our teen years, there is excitement around the idea of doing everything we are not supposed to do. Plus, peer pressure plays a huge part in how much we are willing to experiment in high school.

Beyond high school, college is yet another time associated with partying and drinking. Again, on the surface, harm is minimal. However, when young and impressionable individuals become accustomed to so much alcohol consumption, it quickly opens the door to other problems. Additionally, excessive drinking in our youth can cause many unfortunate decisions that are sometimes hard to recover from.

Developing Alcohol Use Disorder

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol use disorder (AUD) “is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” As a chronic brain disorder, the brain of people with AUD changes and makes stopping alcohol consumption challenging, in addition to increasing the risks of relapse. Despite this, it is treatable.

There are many potential causes of AUD. NIAAA also states the risk of developing AUD depends on “how much, how often, and how quickly they consume alcohol.” So, while not everyone binge drinking develops AUD, it could increase your chances.

How much and how often you consume alcohol is just one potential factor. Genetics, environmental, and social factors also play a part. Research also shows that people who start drinking early can be at a greater risk of developing AUD.

While there are several treatment options for AUD, you must first acknowledge that there is a problem. Unfortunately, individuals who are binge drinking or who have AUD may not always recognize the signs within themselves. People can recover, but they have to seek treatment for themselves and have the desire to change.

Defining the Line Between Moderation and Binge Drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption is not just a concern among youth. Many adults have difficulty drawing the line between moderate drinking and binge drinking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as the consumption of five or more drinks for men or four or more for women. According to the CDC, it is the “most common, costly, and deadly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States.” Not everyone who binge drink develop alcohol addiction, but binge drinking is still harmful.

Short-Term Effects of Binge Drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period of time can be harmful and life-threatening. Some of the potential short-term effects of binge drinking, according to the CDC, include:

  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Driving while under the influence can lead to accidents, death, and legal trouble
  • Violent behaviors, such as homicide or suicide
  • Engaging in risky behaviors, like unprotected sex, which may lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unintended pregnancy, or other complications, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

These issues can cause long-term consequences. For instance, in most states, if someone dies when you commit a felony DUI, you can be charged with felony murder.

Long-Term Health Concerns

There are also many long-term effects and health concerns of binge drinking. Binge drinking wreaks havoc on many different areas of the body. Heavy alcohol consumption is known to cause adverse problems to the liver, but it can lead to other concerns.

Common long-term effects of binge drinking include:

  • Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease
  • Cancer, including cancer of the mouth and liver, to name a few
  • A weakened immune system
  • Impaired cognitive function, memory problems, and dementia
  • The development of other mental health disorders

Untreated AUD or binge drinking can lead to these complications in your life. That is why drinking moderately and seeking treatment for AUD are vital.

Binge drinking is a common phenomenon, more common than some may realize. In general, alcohol consumption has a heavy presence across many cultures. The heavy presence of alcohol may make it hard for you or a loved one to draw the line between moderate and excessive alcohol consumption. While not everyone who drinks heavily develops alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is a potential consequence of excessive drinking. If you struggle to control your alcohol consumption or fear you have AUD, it’s important that you reach out to Excel Treatment Center for help. We provide inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient programs to ensure people get treatment that matches their schedule. When you’re ready to heal, call (833) 883-9235. 

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