People with co-occurring disorders need treatment which integrates substance abuse and mental health therapies at the same time. Read on to learn more about 8 elements of effective co-occurring ...
Inside (16 articles)
Hope is vital. Without hope, family gives up and the dual diagnosis addict lose necessary and beneficial support. Learn why treatment works, and why you have to keep hope alive!
It's tough to make an appropriate decision about treatment when you can't understand the terminology used by drug treatment facilities!
Concurrent substance abuse and psychiatric conditions are a common and problematic occurrence; and unfortunately, the treatment is tougher and takes a long time. But recovery is possible, and needs to happen. The stakes of a concurrent disorder are too great, and both conditions tend to exacerbate the severity of the other. With appropriate treatment, and therapy and medications compliance; sober living and psychiatric symptoms remission is probable...but the first step is always to stop the abuse.
About half of all ADD/ADHD patients will suffer an addiction to drugs or alcohol at some point. Learn why ADD/ADHD increases the risks for substance abuse, and more importantly, learn what's uniquely needed for effective ADD/ADHD and addiction treatment.
When they are a danger to themselves or to others, can you have them committed? Will the state do what you cannot, and force someone in need of treatment to get help?
All of us benefit from healthier lifestyle habits, but those feel-good benefits are exaggerated beautifully for those suffering a mental disorder. Get enough rest, eat well and get some exercise; it makes a big difference.
Treat the disease, not the symptoms. Dual diagnosis addicts use manipulation as a way to continue to drink or drug, and family can only influence change through tackling the real root of the problem, and by being tough...tough love
With an increasing pop-culture awareness of mental health conditions there is a tendency for individuals or families to attempt a self diagnosis, and even to take treatment steps based in this self diagnosis. Don't do it!
Drug rehab is a great step forward, yet it's only the beginning of the recovery journey - and the months and years after rehab present some pretty significant challenges to the dual diagnosis addict in recovery. Family can help, but they have to be tough.
PTSD and substance abuse go hand in hand, and since each condition exacerbates the severity of the other, alcohol or drugs are never a good idea. Get help at a facility that combines effective treatments for PTSD and substance abuse, and turn the corner to a brighter tomorrow.
4 things to look for in a drug rehab facility for patients with mental health challenges. Choosing a drug rehab facility is always stressful and challenging, and when a dual diagnosis of addiction and a mental health disorder is combined, it can be hard to know where to turn.
Bi-polar sufferers who also abuse drugs or alcohol are 20 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This fact alone compels immediate treatment for anyone with a dual diagnosis of bi-polar and addiction. Don't wait to get help.
A history of drug or alcohol abuse greatly increases the likelihood of mental illness, and mental illness greatly increases the risks of substance abuse. Learn the facts.
Intoxication can provide temporary symptoms relief for anxiety patients, and when anxiety gets bad, there is a real temptation for excessive self medication, and with it a real risk of addiction.
Don’t try chasing away those winter blahs with a few drinks to lift your spirits, you may be suffering from undiagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder and by using alcohol as self medication you are greatly upping your risk of a substance abuse problem.
People with co-occurring disorders need treatment which integrates substance abuse and mental health therapies at the same time. Read on to learn more about 8 elements of effective co-occurring disorder treatment programs.

