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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. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Gambling Addiction: How a Common Pastime Can Become a Life of Addiction

Gambling is a common pastime across the country, with an entire city – Las Vegas – referred to as the gambling capital of the world. For many, it is a harmless activity, but for others, gambling addiction becomes an incredibly debilitating illness that can be a challenge to recover from.

Individuals struggling with behavioral addictions should not take their situations lightly. The short- and long-term effects of behavioral addiction can impact their work, relationships, and ability to function daily.

Understanding Behavioral Addictions

When talking about addiction, so many of us focus on alcoholism or substance use disorders (SUD). The reality is that behavioral addictions can be just as problematic.  According to a literature review published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, “Behavioral addictions resemble substance addictions in terms of natural history, phenomenology, tolerance, comorbidity, overlapping genetic contribution, neurobiological mechanisms, and response to treatment.”

This claim is further supported in other scientific journals. As discussed in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, other behavioral scientists believe “all entities capable of stimulating a person can be addictive.” They claim that when a habit becomes an “obligation, it may be considered an addiction.” Behavioral addictions include many actions in addition to gambling. Commonly, people may experience addiction to the internet, shopping, food, and sex.

Behavioral addictions are similar to SUD in function. They impact the neural pathways in the reward system of the brain. People experience intrusive thoughts and compulsions. They urge people to repeat actions that cause a reward response.

A key indicator of behavioral addiction is the inability to stop or control these actions despite the harm or destruction they yield. People can also experience cravings when trying to stop compulsive actions. Addictive behaviors can physically change the brain like substance use does, making it more challenging to stop.

What Is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction is just as it sounds — an addiction to gambling. Like other behavioral addictions, gambling consumes the lives of money and can lead to a number of problems, including financial trouble. According to the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, components of a behavioral addiction, like gambling, include:

#1. Continued engagement in a behavior despite adverse consequences

#2. Diminished self-control over engaging in the behavior

#3. Compulsive engagement in the behavior

#4. Intense cravings prior to engaging in the behavior

Additionally, the Harvard Review of Psychiatry also states that individuals with a gambling addiction often experience co-occurring disorders such as “impulse-control, moody, anxiety, and personality disorders.” Gambling addiction may trigger these latent illnesses, or gambling may be a byproduct of pre-existing mental disorders.

This idea is similar to thoughts surrounding SUD. The inability to cope with trauma, stress, or other distressing situations and mental illnesses may lead to the development of addiction.

Signs of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is also sometimes referred to as compulsive gambling. Signs of compulsive gambling include:

#1. Constantly thinking about or wanting to gamble

#2. Lying about gambling habits to friends, family, or other loved ones

#3. Spending time gambling instead of working or being with family

#4. Recognizing unhealthy gambling patterns or even feeling guilty about gambling

#5. Unsuccessfully trying to stop gambling

#6. Using money meant for responsibilities, like bills, to gamble

These are just a few signs that may indicate a person has a problem with compulsive gambling. Some individuals also become dependent on the feeling of taking bigger risks. For example, they may need to increase how much money they gamble in order to experience the same high.

Additionally, people often find themselves in debt because of their struggle with gambling. They may start borrowing money from people and getting themselves into sticky situations because they can not pay those people back. It is also common for people to steal from loved ones in order to maintain their habits. In their scenario, financial trouble becomes a severe risk in addition to potential run-ins with the law.

Some people may be able to reduce their gambling slightly. They also may not experience urges and cravings when they do not have the money to gamble. However, as soon as they come into any amount of currency, they find themselves back where they were. Seeking treatment is the best way to recover from a gambling addiction.

Treatment

Many treatment options for gambling addiction are similar to those that treat SUD. They typically include behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These can be very effective. CBT, in particular, focuses on helping people recognize negative thinking or behavior patterns and changing them.

Medication can also help individuals with gambling addiction. They can help people deal with the underlying issues associated with gambling, like depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses.

Support groups are very effective as well. Like Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, attending Gambling Anonymous (or other groups) meetings as needed keeps people accountable, helps them cope with urges, and reminds them they are not alone in their struggle

By engaging in these established treatments, individuals struggling with gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders can get better. They can be on the path to recovery.

Many compulsive behaviors impact the reward system in our brains. As we become accustomed to these rewarding or pleasurable feelings, we start craving more. These behaviors typically include addiction to the internet, food, sex, and gambling. Gambling can be a harmless form of entertainment, but it can become addictive. Individuals struggling with a gambling addiction can seek treatment at Excel Treatment Center. We offer both inpatient and outpatient programs that can help you learn to manage your addiction. Through our various groups, you’ll gain a support system of people who understand what you’re going through. To free yourself from an active gambling addiction, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235 today. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Creating a Self-Care Routine for Recovery

Life post-treatment comes with many challenges. However, there are things we can do to better prepare for these challenges and tackle them head-on. Ask yourself this: Do you currently have a self-care routine?

Having a self-care routine can be an integral part of recovery. Many people struggle to prioritize taking care of themselves. You may feel awkward or selfish focusing on yourself. Also, you might be socialized into always thinking of others. The truth is that your physical and mental well-being matters.

Defining Self-Care

The term “self-care” seems self-explanatory, but there are several stereotypes people often think of. For example, many people associate the concept with frequently taking lavish trips or having luxurious spa days. While vacations and spa days may be part of a self-care routine, self-care is not about constantly pampering oneself. It is precisely how it sounds, taking care of oneself.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines self-care as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.” They claim self-care can help people handle stress, decrease the risk of illness, and boost overall energy.

Examples of Self-Care

You don’t need to do opulent activities for self-care. Simple daily tasks are a valid way to care for your needs. Eight examples from NIMH include:

#1. Daily exercise, which can consist of a 30-minute walk or whatever you enjoy that gets your body moving

#2. Eating healthy and nourishing food and drinking plenty of water

#3. Quality sleep and creating a designated sleep schedule to follow every night

#4. Experiment with relaxing activities, such as wellness apps, meditation, breathing exercises, or journaling

#5. Learn to prioritize and set daily goals of what must be done to prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed but having too much on your plate

#6. Remind yourself daily of everything you are grateful for – writing it down will help you practice gratitude

#7. Focus on staying positive in the face of challenges or distressing situations

#8. Stay in touch with friends and family, be honest about your struggles, and allow them to help you when necessary

While NIMH recommends these tips for practicing self-care, remember that every self-care routine looks different. You may have to experiment with various practices and see what feels right for you.

Creating a Self-Care Routine

Some people begin experimenting with new self-care practices while in treatment. Many facilities implement holistic or alternative therapies in their addiction treatment programs. That may include yoga, meditation, or other mindfulness-based methods.

If exposed to these holistic approaches, you should try them out and see what feels good. Before leaving treatment, you will likely sit down to create a relapse prevention plan. Use this time to make a self-care routine and incorporate these techniques.

Next, you must consider how to incorporate these practices into your daily life. You can set aside a designated time and switch up what you do each day. Start out small by setting 15 minutes while getting accustomed to your routine.

You may also strengthen your self-care by doing it with someone else. Perhaps you met someone at a support group meeting who is also new to recovery. Going for a 30-minute walk or hike, practicing yoga, or learning to cook healthier foods is something you can do together. Not only does it keep you both accountable to a self-care routine, but it builds fellowship as well.

How a Self-Care Routine Will Help Your Recovery

Now, you may wonder how a self-care routine will aid your recovery, but believe it or not, it can. You see, the path to recovery is a path to wellness. While it is a broad term, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) define wellness as being healthy in “many dimensions of our lives.”

According to SAMHSA, these dimensions include emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social. Achieving recovery is about bettering yourself in these dimensions of wellness, and self-care can help you do that.

Mental health — whether it is a struggle with anxiety, depression, or addiction — is about much more than mental illness. It also encompasses emotional and social well-being. Self-care is all about improving your well-being. In addition to helping you maintain recovery, it can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress in addition to improving your mood.

Combining Relapse Prevention Plans and Self-Care

At the beginning of recovery, you should create a relapse prevention plan. Relapse prevention may include coping techniques, weekly therapy sessions, and support group meetings – essentially whatever it takes to maintain sobriety. When done correctly, a self-care routine will support or be a part of your relapse prevention plan. As discussed, practicing self-care is a vital part of maintaining recovery long-term.

When you notice your self-care becoming less of a priority, it may be time to revisit your relapse prevention plan to make sure you’re checking all the boxes. Often, you’ll find that one part of the plan isn’t being executed. This might be a sign you need to recommit to the plan. It also could mean you need further support from a treatment program. Neither is a failure on your part. Recovery is a life-long process. Simply take the steps needed to get back on track.

Individuals leaving treatment and entering recovery should consider a number of factors. First and foremost, you must remember that life post-treatment has many challenges, and there will be risks to sobriety. The best way to handle these risks and challenges is to create a relapse prevention plan, and part of that plan may include a self-care routine. Self-care is about taking the time to do things that improve your physical and mental well-being. At Excel Treatment Center, we support your self-care needs by offering a robust alumni program. We have hundreds of former clients involved in our community. You can find friends who will hold you accountable and support you. Start your recovery strong. Call (833) 883-9235 today. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

What Is Post-acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?

Most people are familiar with the concept of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. Fewer people have heard of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS is a secondary phase of withdrawal individuals sometimes experience when in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). These adverse symptoms can last for weeks or months after ceasing consumption of a substance. Symptoms vary, and learning to manage them is crucial. However, it may help to understand more about withdrawal, in general, before diving into PAWS specifically.

Understanding SUD

As many already know, SUD occurs when your use of alcohol or drugs leads to health concerns or problems in your professional and personal life. People develop SUD for several reasons, including environmental, social, and biological factors.

In many cases, the development of SUD is due to past trauma. Big-T traumas in childhood, like abuse, are connected to higher addiction rates. Even little-t traumas, such as peer pressure during adolescence, can cause immense distress, though. The inability to cope with the trauma or stress causes people to turn to self-medication, often with drugs or alcohol. In this case, a dual-diagnosis treatment program may be necessary to manage both trauma disorders and SUD.

Damaging Effects

Recovery is possible if you seek treatment. However, SUD and excessive substance use can have several adverse effects. Consider treatment sooner rather than later to prevent the onset of these damaging effects.

Some of these damaging effects include:

  • Mental illnesses and chronic health conditions developed as a result, such as depression and heart disease
  • Accidents resulting from risky behavior, like driving under the influence or engaging in unprotected sex
  • Risks of overdose
  • Conflicts with family resulting from behavioral changes
  • Problems at work due to lack of performance
  • Issues, legal or financial in nature, due to substance use

Withdrawal Symptoms

Upon entering treatment, individuals typically go through detoxification. The detox process is meant to remove all toxic substances — alcohol and drugs — from the body before treatment.

Unfortunately, excessive substance use causes the brain and body to become physically dependent. You start building up a tolerance, needing more of the substance to get the same effects. When you stop substance use, the body experiences acute withdrawal. The potency, frequency, and substance highly influence the severity of withdrawal. Typical symptoms include the following:

  • Sweating and chills
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Erratic mood swings
  • Intense substance cravings

Other symptoms that are more intense and serious include experiencing a heart attack, seizure, or stroke. Some people even begin to hallucinate or experience extreme fits of delusion.

Due to the potential for dangerous symptoms, it is recommended that you seek professional detox services. Detoxing alone can be risky. Seeking professional help can offer you 24/7 supervision, support, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Effectiveness of MAT

MAT is not only utilized during detox. Many facilities or recovery centers also implement it into their treatment programs. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT can effectively:

  • Improve client survival
  • Increase retention in treatment
  • Reduce illicit opiate use and criminal activities among individuals struggling with SUD
  • Increase the ability to gain and maintain employment

Additionally, MAT is just one of many treatment options that help manage withdrawal symptoms during treatment. Individuals fearful of withdrawal symptoms should take comfort in knowing facilities can help them through it. Doctors and therapists know how to handle withdrawal. Plus, others in the same treatment program can provide support through shared experiences.

What Is PAWS?

PAWS occurs when an individual experiences withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months after stopping substance use. It is hard to determine what causes these symptoms, though some scientists believe physical changes to the brain from substance use can be a factor.

Some PAWS symptoms individuals may experience include:

  • Impaired memory or cognitive function
  • Experiencing anxiety or depression
  • Intense cravings
  • Disturbed sleeping patterns
  • Compulsive behaviors

People may also experience similar symptoms to those experienced during withdrawal. However, PAWS can sometimes begin long after the initial withdrawal period. These symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years after an initial withdrawal period.

Luckily, just as there are ways to manage initial withdrawal during the detox process, there are ways you can manage PAWS symptoms.

Managing PAWS Symptoms

Due to the fact that extended symptoms can potentially last for weeks, months, or years, prolonged treatment options may be required. Psychiatric medications can be used to manage your PAWS symptoms. You may also benefit from individual and group behavioral therapy modalities.

In addition to therapy and medication, you can manage your symptoms by educating yourself, consulting health care providers, prioritizing sleep, and taking care of your body. The road to recovery may be long at times, but recovery is possible. Do not let the fear of these withdrawal symptoms stop you from seeking a life of sobriety.

If you are struggling with active addiction, you may avoid treatment out of fear of withdrawal symptoms. To successfully seek treatment for a substance use disorder, you must go through detox. Purging the body of the harmful substance is vital and can be dangerous, which is why you should never detox alone. Detoxing in a facility will help you manage symptoms through many techniques. Unfortunately, some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS symptoms can last for weeks or months after abstaining from substance use. Once you’ve detoxed, Excel Treatment Center can help you manage and stabilize your symptoms. Through our program, you’ll be on the way to recovery. Call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235 for help.

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Hosting an Intervention

Interventions are often required when your loved one needs addiction treatment. Especially when an individual is unaware of their addiction, an intervention can be very effective when implemented correctly. Denial is a natural response to intervention. By hosting an intervention, you can help a loved one see the severity of their situation and seek help.

Your primary job during this time is to provide support and encouragement. You can host a successful intervention by following some simple steps. Keep in mind that it can be overwhelming. If planning the event feels like too much to handle, it can help to work with a professional interventionist.

What Is an Intervention?

An intervention is a gathering of friends, family, and loved ones. Intervention is typically associated with addiction or substance use disorder (SUD), but it can be used for other ailments as well. The group gathers to help a loved one experiencing SUD, behavioral addiction, mental illness, or chronic conditions. However, you could host interventions for all sorts of reasons. You may look to help a loved one leave a toxic relationship or live a healthier lifestyle.

What Happens During an Intervention?

The primary goal of an intervention is to make your loved one aware there is a problem, educate them on their options, and ultimately convince them to seek help. You will also provide resources to your loved one during an intervention. Additionally, the loved ones who gather can speak about how they have been affected by the addiction or illness.

It is important to note that this is not a time to make a loved one feel shame or guilt. However, hearing narratives about how their struggle has impacted the people they love can motivate them to seek the necessary help they require.

Interventions must be planned, though. You don’t want the intervention to fail. If you go into it without a proper plan, emotions will likely get the better of everyone. By thoroughly planning ahead, you can keep the intervention on track if things begin to go awry.

10 Steps to Hosting an Intervention

Once you understand more about interventions, their goal, and what situations warrant an intervention, you can begin to plan one effectively. Here are ten steps you can follow to host a successful intervention today.

#1. Seek Professional Help

This is optional, but seeking professional help increases the level of support and prevents you from planning one alone.

#2. Create an Intervention Team

Intervention teams consist of friends and family members who will gather to help a loved one. They’ll often participate in the planning.

#3. Make a Plan

An intervention is not something you can wing. Schedule a specific date and time, create a guest list, and develop a procedure to follow along with. You should have an itinerary long before you intervene. This will include the order in which people will speak.

#4. Research and Gather Information

As mentioned, part of the intervention consists of offering resources and treatment to your loved one. In order to provide the best information, you must research viable options. You must also obtain foundational knowledge. Ultimately, you need to know the basic facts about their illness to educate them.

#5. Write Out Your Narratives

Individuals attending will also want to write and rehearse their narratives or impact statements. You must prepare what you want to say and practice it. Emotions can run high during the event. Preparation is the best way to combat these intense emotions. These statements should not be used to attack your loved one. They should come from a place of honesty and compassion.

#6. Provide Support

In addition to offering resources, you must also provide support. That includes being involved throughout detox, rehabilitation, and recovery. You may provide car rides to and from treatment. Also, you might attend family counseling and group meetings with your loved one. Recovery is a long-term process, and your loved one will appreciate feeling supported throughout their sobriety journey.

#7. Set Boundaries

You must also set boundaries during an intervention. Your loved one needs to know what you will do if your loved one refuses treatment. You should implement consequences that protect your well-being. It may seem harsh at first, but these consequences show how serious you are about a loved one seeking help. Also, you should be prepared to follow through on the boundaries.

#8. Rehearse

Next, you must rehearse the plan. That includes each person reading through their narrative statements. An intervention is not time for tangents. Rehearse at least once to help individuals know what they will say, how long it will take, when to speak, and when to cede the floor.

#9. Manage Your Expectations

In addition to setting boundaries, you must manage your expectations. Not everyone seeks treatment immediately. You must understand that you can’t force your loved one into treatment. Also, a “no” isn’t a failure. Many people say no initially but come around in the days or weeks following.

#10. Follow Up

Lastly, follow up with your loved one. You should ask how the treatment is going and what you can do to help. When they are exiting treatment, you can talk about their continued support needs throughout recovery.

Many individuals struggling with addiction, mental illnesses, or other chronic conditions may not realize the severity of their situation. Interventions are often required when helping your loved one seek treatment. An intervention occurs when friends and family of your loved one gather to address the issue and offer help. The staff at Excel Treatment Center can help you prepare for an intervention. We believe it’s never too early or late to seek treatment. When your loved one is ready to seek treatment, we can offer them various levels of care that meet their unique needs. They’ll get access to all our support programs, setting them on the path to recovery. For more information, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235.

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