Many adults struggle with mental illness in the workplace but are not sure how to share this with their bosses. Mental health issues still come with stigma and challenges associated with sharing it widely with family and loved ones. When it comes to sharing the struggle, there are some tips to make it a more smooth dialogue with a boss.
A loved one can struggle with both mental health issues and addiction at the same time. This is known as a co-occurring disorder. There are many reasons a loved one will refuse treatment or support. Having bipolar disorder causes depression and mania. Without properly managed psychologically or psychiatric care, they are not likely to trust or be willing to open up to treatment for the condition. Getting help for them can be a challenge, but is not impossible with the right tools.
An intervention is a daunting task. Finding the right treatment center to care for a loved one with addiction can feel overwhelming. There are places that treat drug addiction and work with interventionists, but certified interventionists are all over the place and are easier to find online than ever. It is not always advisable to try and go it alone without professional support. This can lead to challenges with a loved one responding well to the intervention.
There is a difficult balance to strike between finding meaningful self-help and seeking treatment for addiction. Lots of information is freely available online and elsewhere, but that does not make it good (or even accurate) information. Addiction treatment requires intervention and support. Self-help is great for some aspects of it but is most likely not going to help the majority of people who struggle by itself without being part of a larger program. Find some ways to balance the self-help concepts with an integrated treatment plan that focuses on healing.
Bipolar disorder is an illness that lasts a lifetime and needs careful management. Often, people with co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction struggle to find treatment due to the complexity of their needs. Find out what treatment exists for people with bipolar disorder and why it is not always what people think of when they consider treatment options.
The main way people seek help for bipolar disorder is through medication. This helps people with bipolar illness manage symptoms and function well in everyday life. A person who has bipolar disorder tends to experience mania (highs) and lows (depression). Medication stabilizes the person’s mood so they can function without the highs and lows. Drug therapy varies for each person, so it is important to speak with a treating physician and psychiatrist about symptoms. Medication may need to be adjusted or changed accordingly. Some of the following are medications that may be used:
A key component of this illness is seeking psychological support mechanisms. This includes group and individual therapy when dealing with addiction recovery. Individual therapy with mental health professionals can provide support for changing the mood, triggers that lead to depressive episodes or learning coping skills for the mood swings. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family treatment are different kinds of treatment modalities that can be offered, as well.
Making sure a person gets enough rest is key to their growth and healing in recovery. A doctor and therapist will discuss strategies to manage lifestyle. This means getting good food, drinking enough water, getting away from drugs or alcohol that may interfere with treatment, and finding support in loved ones and support groups.
Treatment in a professional environment is the best way to engage with this disorder. Bipolar disorder is best managed by a team of people who understand the individual’s history and can help them get the best support, along with a treatment plan, that can help the person move forward with their lives and find healing.
A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Finding help is key to managing mental health issues and addiction. We are equipped with therapists and a program that supports your unique needs in recovery. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702
Diazepam is a commonly recognized drug, also called Valium. When used to treat anxiety, it can be helpful. Over time, however, people who use it too long or not as prescribed may find it causes withdrawal and health issues. Due to the high potential for abuse and addiction, it is no longer the choice of medication to treat anxiety, even though it is used in other settings. Find out why people become addicted to Valium and how to offer support to a loved one who needs help quitting.
Benzos like Valium are considered to have the potential for abuse and development of physical dependence. They have considered Schedule IV controlled substances, indicating these are purchased legally with a prescription. Valium has been a professionally used drug for a long time. Benzos have a bad name for being responsible for polydrug abuse and addiction. They are often mixed with alcohol, narcotic pain meds, and other drugs to enhance the euphoric effects of other drugs. Mixing benzos with alcohol can cause serious health crises. This opens up the potential for adverse reactions to drugs, including potential for overdose. Fatalities from benzos in the United States have risen sharply between 2011 and 2014. Benzo abuse is a growing health issue. Valium and other benzos may produce physical dependence in those who take them for a long period of time.
Physical dependence is a condition where people grow tolerant of the drug and need more of it to feel the same effects. With higher doses, the person inches closer to the risk of overdose, even though the body does not recognize this is happening. It is commonly associated with drug-taking for several weeks or months before this occurs. It is not easy to just quit using these drugs. A person can develop a dependence on the drug at any point, but not all drugs produce withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from Valium follows pretty much the same progression in each person. Withdrawal has been described as classical symptoms of benzo withdrawal. There are two stages:
Following the withdrawal, people will stabilize but may experience issues with anxiety and depression. The person may feel out of sync and out of time. This is just the body’s way of stabilizing and bringing some peace to an otherwise difficult time for the entire brain and body to comprehend.
Tapering can be helpful for people with Valium addiction. This means the person will experience a slow tapering off of the medication to help their body adjust better. Other medications may be used to help, including melatonin for anxiety and sleep issues. Anticonvulsant meds can be used for seizures and muscle relaxant baclofen to reduce cravings. The most important thing is a person is able to get help from a certified treatment facility that understands withdrawal. They should not feel like there is no hope on the other side for them in recovery. There is support in the right places for people who go looking for the treatment of their challenges with addiction.
A Step in the Right Direction helps you face your fears around treatment and provides you with the best service with professionals who understand addiction. We tailor programs for you so you get the most out of treatment to move forward in a healthy way in recovery. For more information about sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702
People with drug or alcohol addictions consider themselves better off after they give them up, but recovery is a long game. It is not something that just happens. It takes years of dedicated effort to focus on sober living. It all starts with detox, which is basically the withdrawal of the body from substances. Within a day of stopping alcohol consumption, the brain and body will respond with some symptoms that may be challenging for some to cope with, which is why it is safer to detox in a rehab facility where medical staff can oversee the process. Find out what happens to a person’s mood during withdrawal and how to cope with the changes.
Depression during withdrawal is described as sadness, but not overwhelmingly so. It is not so bad that, when monitored, a person cannot get through it. People who quit drugs sometimes describe the feeling of being hopeless. It is often accompanied by a lack of energy or enthusiasm for life. If drinking or drugs were central to your life, it can feel a bit scary. People going through withdrawal often have feelings of doom, gloom, and low self-worth. When preparing for this part of withdrawal, it is helpful to be around supportive people who don’t trigger old habits and support the experience with joyful, fun experiences like watching funny movies. It is okay to be reminded of good feelings during this time. Overall, it is helpful to see the process as grief; not unhealthy, but part of the process of becoming stronger in recovery.
Everyone in withdrawal will experience some type of anxiety. This is different than nervous feelings. Anxiety during withdrawal helps a body adjust and people who will have used drugs or alcohol to self-medicate may be afraid of coping with this feeling. Physical symptoms of anxiety, including shortness of breath and feeling like the mind, is playing tricks can be challenging for a time, but it is short-lived. It is a normal part of healing to break through to the other side.
People going through withdrawal often feel exhausted, like they have no energy, and as if life is not worth living. It is important to remember that life is worth living, even though things may be swinging like a pendulum. The feelings will pass. It is just living through them at the moment that can be tough. When mood swings do not get much better on the way out of withdrawal, psychologists and psychiatrists can help even things out with therapy and medication. Working on underlying causes of addiction will eventually help moods even out as much as possible.
Following the first week, support will shift because the needs change. When seeking treatment options, it will be helpful to sign up for a place where they support the journey with therapy, medication (as needed), and provide a safe space to explore the challenges of addiction. While some people do this on their own, the added support can be helpful since the body will be susceptible to cravings and triggers during this period. Avoiding relapse should be the primary goal during this time.
A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Focusing on yourself is the first step to healing. Don’t want to get treatment if you need it right now. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702
Going to treatment can be a frightening experience. It can provide just the lift a person needs to get back on track with recovery. It also is about walking into treatment with a focus on understanding the process to know what to expect through to the end. From detox to aftercare, find out what it is like to walk into treatment for the first time and how to seek support for addiction.
After the initial assessment, the first step is detox. Residential rehab centers feature in-house detox programs, while others utilize detox outside their center, then take in the person a few weeks later when they are ready to begin the rehab journey. Withdrawal when dealing with drugs or alcohol varies from person to person and this transition can last up to seven days.
The key to learning about addiction is to become educated on the treatment and rehab process. The process helps people look at themselves honestly, with openness and gratitude around drug and alcohol use. Most people with addiction may be in denial but they can give up drugs and alcohol if they desire. Treatment programs try to break through denial to get to a commitment to a clean and sober lifestyle. Most typically, a person can learn about the nature of their addiction, why it happened, how to prevent relapse, and find support for triggers and cravings in recovery.
Every rehab place will provide individual and group therapy. It may vary, but people will participate daily in therapy meetings with others that help them navigate their journey to freedom from addiction. During rehab, a person will likely receive lots of therapy to sort out their drug addiction, past trauma, and think about the future where they may encounter situations that are triggering. Learning new coping skills is a huge part of recovery.
Successful drug and alcohol rehab programs include people in the family treatment program which focuses on helping family dynamics grow and challenge them. Including family and friends in this process often improves rehab outcomes significantly. The family who participates is often able to connect with the loved one post-rehab and find ways to build support for the journey alongside them.
Typical residential drug and alcohol rehab programs last around 28 days. This may last longer, during which time people remain in an environment where no drugs or alcohol are available. Aftercare plans vary, but counselors will know what will work the best. This might mean living in a longer residential environment for additional support. There, people attend 12-step groups, weekly check-ins are the norm, and counselors can offer support along the way to healing.
Finding the right pathway for healing can look different for people, depending on where they are in the journey. Treatment is a good way to start the journey of healing where people get supported and often get help for moving forward in ways they had not been able to in the past. In this way, it can be life-changing for the person who can enter recovery with a new mindset.
A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Our goal is to help you move forward with therapeutic techniques that support your healing. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702
The risk of developing a physical dependence on inhalant is low but people may become psychologically addicted quite easily. When a person is addicted to inhalants, they cannot stop using them. Like many drugs, there is a process of withdrawal the body has to go through. To suddenly stop confuses the body and even puts it at risk for shutting down when a drug is stopped suddenly. Find out why inhalant detox support is important for a healthy recovery and how to get it.
Withdrawal symptoms may be a combination of physical and mental sensations. They may be mild, but they may be more severe like seizures. It is common to find severe withdrawal symptoms that include:
Withdrawal symptoms present within the first 24 to 48 hours after last use. Duration and severity vary also but most people experience the worst symptoms in a week. Cravings and depression may last longer, depending on the person. users often have psychological withdrawal for months after quitting. This is considered PAWS, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome, which can last up to two years as the body and brain adjust to not having drugs in the system.
A precise inhalant withdrawal timeline is important to know, but it varies per person. The person’s body will experience similar symptoms but on varied timelines. Some things to consider include:
Some of the following will help you think about the timeline for detox. Within 48 hours, a person will experience symptoms of withdrawal. This includes psychological symptoms like anxiety, cravings, insomnia, and irritability. For the next five days, it is possible to experience depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Following that, cravings may linger but will lessen with time. Detox is an important time for you to adjust to the lack of presence of drugs in the system.
Detox support is critical for people with inhalant abuse in their background. Coming to rehab is a tough decision, but necessary, for healing. To detox alone can lead to relapse, harmful physical effects, or feelings of depression that can lead to deeper mental health issues. Treatment for inhalant addiction starts with medical detox, followed by various therapies to support a person in finding support throughout the process. Going through detox is only the first step of many in recovery from inhalant abuse. A treatment center can provide healthy options for learning how to navigate recovery like a pro.
A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702
Prescription drug use or any other addiction is hard to move past because of so many factors. Detox is just the start, but managing cravings and avoiding relapse is part of recovery. Therapy is also a key component of its drug abuse addiction therapy because it taps into root causes. It focuses on family issues, individual issues, and support a person’s journey of healing so they feel less alone.
Detox is only the beginning of the journey. Even after detox, the body can still get hooked. A high risk of relapse may occur. Certain psychological and social factors can be powerful triggers. Consider some of the following:
Counseling works to treat prescription drug abuse from the inside out. With medication, group therapy, and other types of support, a person can find their way much easier to a space of healing with the right individual plan in place.
Group therapy can work in a different way than individual therapy. People are more challenged and supported by friends who are going through rehab. When talking about group therapy, it also involves things like twelve-step programs, peer support groups, and other support groups. Individual therapy can help when people have mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, and any issues that require support separate from addiction.
Counseling varies depending on the treatment program. Residential therapy puts people in a place where they are not out in the environment where they got addicted. They learn new habits or skills for sober living. This may work short term, but it depends on the person. Outpatient programs can be helpful following residential programs because they support a person where they live, in their environment, and help them navigate the challenges with support where they are.
Addiction takes over a person’s life. Successful treatment relies on strong relationships with family and friends. Counseling methods that include spouses and another family can be of great help, as well. Family can be a powerful force for people. Finding the right therapeutic support, whether it is a dual diagnosis, inpatient, outpatient, group, or individual, the goal is all the same. Focus on recovery, work on dealing with underlying issues and stay as clean and sober every day as possible and working to get stronger with the help of loved ones.
A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702
