Overcoming Dual diagnosis and Chronic Relapse

It’s easy to stand aside and talk about the issues of addiction and psychiatric conditions. But what’s really essential is to handle the situation carefully. It is important to know that there is proper care and treatment available to overcome this condition.  Medical science is well aware that comorbid conditions are very common and treatment approaches vary.

Drug rehabilitation centers today believe in administering comprehensive treatment programs where the patient is treated for both the addiction and the underlying mental disorder. Statistics show that the co-occurrence of a mental illness alongside substance abuse is very common and that very few people actually admit to it. On an average, almost 50 percent of people having a mental illness also have an addiction problem.

One of the major setbacks in dealing with dual diagnosis and chronic relapse is that one condition often goes untreated as those symptoms go undetected under the influence of the other. Also, in some cases, the similarities in symptoms make it even easier for it to go undetected.

What usually starts out as a means of self –medication to overcome intense emotional/ physical pain, stress or any other mental condition; may go out of hand leading to substance abuse or addiction. Unfortunately, alcohol and drugs interfere with a person’s thought process enabling them to cope with hallucinations, pain, stress, etc. This is one of the major stimuli to substance abuse.

Whereas those already abusing drugs or alcohol for extended periods of time become addicted to it. They then develop symptoms like agitation, aggression and other psychiatric symptoms. These changes in a patient have to be taken seriously and treated as these individuals are suffering and are in distress as they are seriously disabled.

Under the influence of dual diagnosis, the patient’s judgment is seriously impaired and they are often not aware of their actions.

Most drug rehabilitation centers offer specialized treatment programs to deal with dual diagnosis and chronic relapse. As opposed to common belief treatment does not see relapse as a failure; in fact, it works as an intimation to start treatment again.

When dealing with chronic relapse, medical practitioners work in a different way; they believe in designing a treatment regimen that is complete. To do so doctors and counselors begin by gathering as much information as possible about the relapse.

There are several contributing factors that actually lead to relapse and these factors are usually identifiable.  Doctors today redefine relapse to not just the stage where patients return to substance abuse, but also the process during which this happens. This way, they are able to discern certain indicators which help them design an effective treatment regimen. Studies have shown that patients with a history of relapse episodes have undergone treatment which results in log-term abstinence and in many cases, complete recovery from addiction.

Common factors that contribute to a relapse are:

•    Inability to deal with social pressures to abuse drugs or alcohol
•    Frequently being exposed to high risk conditions that have led to substance abuse in the past.
•    Psychological or physical reminders of substance abuse in the past
•    Inability to deal with interpersonal conflicts or negative emotions
•    Recurrent thoughts or the physical urge to use drugs
•    The urge to test personal control over alcohol and drugs

Besides proper treatment, Dual diagnosis and chronic relapse patients require a lot of support and care from their family and friends. This plays a major role in encouraging them to successfully complete their treatment and overcome addiction.  Drug rehabilitation centers also provide patients with extended support system through networks and support groups like the Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc. to help the patient cope with the treatment regimen and abstain from addiction.

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Unknown 01:16  No comment

Overcome the– double demons Substance abuse and depression

As opposed to popular belief substance abuse and alcoholism cannot be strictly classified as a social problem, neither can you shun people with this condition to be morally weak. Addiction is a brain disease that is characterized by chronic or often relapsing behavior, wherein the subject suffers from compulsive drug/alcohol seeking conduct.

This is a delicate condition that needs to be handled with care and proper guidance. Medical science advises a holistic approach to rehabilitating patients. If you are worried about a friend or someone you know, it’s important to understand that help is available. There are several professional programs conducted by experienced medical practitioners/organizations that help patients overcome this condition. The treatment method basically deals with a thorough understanding of the nature of the drug abuse. It would cover various aspects like how the tendency develops, the various symptoms and why it has such a powerful hold on the patient.

Another challenge to treating substance abuse is dual diagnosis and chronic relapse. Addiction is a brain disease; continuous substance abuse causes drastic changes in the structure and function of the brain. Though use of drugs and alcohol is initiated voluntarily by individuals, over time the brain begins to function differently resulting in an intense impulse to take drugs repeatedly.

These very changes in the structural and functional aspects of the brain make it even more challenging to overcome addiction. It affects an individual’s self-control and the ability to make rational decisions. That is why it’s important to understand addiction as a whole and provide an integrated approach to treating the condition. The patient would require all the support and care from his/her family and friends to battle this disease. Treatment centers focus on both behavioral therapies and on counteracting the disruptive effects of addiction. 

As per the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study conducted by the National Institute on Health one-third of individuals diagnosed with depression had a comorbid substance abuse disorder. Rehabilitation centers now deal with dual diagnosis and chronic relapse as integral facets of their professional program.  Treatment approaches today vary depending on individual patient requirements that cover the patient’s addiction pattern, other medical conditions as well as psychiatric and social problems that have a role in the patient’s recovery.

There are several misconceptions that revolve around addiction and its treatment. Most people assume that overcoming addiction wholly depends on the will power of the patient. But the significant changes in the brain that drug abuse results in, cannot be reversed by sheer force of will. That is exactly why it is important to treat patients as early as possible. The recovery process is better when diagnosed early because - the stronger the addiction, the more difficult it is to treat. Another popular myth is that the patient wouldn’t recover, unless he /she voluntarily want help.  This is not at all true, as when the patient is under the influence of drugs/alcohol they are unable to judge or make rational decisions. But once the treatment begins and they sober-up, most of them realize that it is eventually for their good.

Another frequently discussed issue is that of Relapse. Most friends and relatives of the patient don’t always respond well to relapses. It is important to understand that recovery from drug addiction is a long process that involves several setbacks. Research shows that 54 percent of patients are expected relapse. Also of the patients susceptible to relapse 61 percent would show multiple periods of relapse. During treatment relapse should be seen as a symptom of drug abuse as it is preventable. Social adjustment is key to preventing chronic relapse and the patient should be put back on treatment under such circumstances. Relapse should not be seen as a failure but as a signal to reinstate treatment.

Professional programs that most rehabilitation centers provide encompass different approaches to treating addiction. Most of them have separate Inpatient Addiction and Alcoholism treatment and Intensive Outpatient Programs. Some establishments also provide employee assistance programs to incorporate treatment methods without disrupting your profession and professional life. These centers tailor a healing therapy that takes into account dual diagnosis and chronic relapse to ensure superior medical care and guidance.

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Unknown 02:41  1 comment

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers – Saving Lives by Defeating Complications

Dual diagnosis is a worse scenario where you get exposed to vulnerability. It is a scary relationship of mental illness and substance dependency that results in severe medical complications, restricting the recovery process. It negatively governs your mental behavior during anxiety and depression. As a result, during depression moments, you use drugs and alcohol to feel good. The abuse of these substances does not treat the underlying condition, but results in worse complications.

Beating the misery of dual diagnosis requires characteristically intense and confrontational treatment programs. There are dual diagnosis treatment centers, capable of inspiring change and breathing a fresh life into your deteriorating health. Some of the most effective treatments include residential dual diagnosis treatment, chronic relapse treatment, intensive inpatient and outpatient programs, etc. These programs are aimed at influencing mental, physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of your life. The intensity of alcohol and addiction treatment programs stabilizes your mental health that enables you to think, manage, and socialize in the community.  

Professional centers have a wide range of involvement activities that keep you motivated and dedicated towards recovery. These methods motivate you to perform various tasks, which otherwise you deny, due to lack of commitment and willingness. These activities are intense with a fixed daily routine. At times, you may feel confined, but in the long-run, they are essential to eradicate the relapse possibility. 

Getting dual diagnosis treatment can transform your obscure hope of life into a fresh beginning. It will help you to control severe mood swings, suicidal thoughts, forget episodes of sadness and hopelessness and flashback of traumatic events. A professional dual diagnosis treatment center will have perfect combinations of treatment programs and therapies that will benefit every aspect of recovery. The center should have following programs to maximize chances of full recovery.

• Treatment programs for curing substance abuse and mental illness must be undertaken by trained and experienced team of doctors and therapists
  
• While treating for co-occurring disorders, intense activities should be considered for quick recovery
• A supportive approach must be encouraged that motivates and helps you to regain confidence rather that confronting you with aggressive facts and negative statements
• Other inclusive programs must involve partners, children, spouses and other family members for group meetings and counseling

It is important to understand the fact that dual diagnosis is a serious combination of mental health and substance abuse. There isn’t any precise or a sure fire remedy to overcome this fatal condition. But, there are recognized treatment methods and therapies, capable of bringing you back to normal life.

It is also crucial on your part to avoid altering thoughts and perceptions restricting you to go for treatment. Depression may make you think against saving your life. Mental illness may provoke you to prefer alcohol and drug, the only option to cope with the stress.  But, trust, hope and assistance can help you to recover and make the rehabilitation simple and rewarding.

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Unknown 00:37  2 comments