Where can I find help for dual diagnosis?

Help for dual diagnosis can be found at specialized treatment centers that offer integrated care for mental health and substance use disorders. It's important to look for programs that specifically mention dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment. Healthcare providers, mental health professionals, or local health departments can also provide referrals to suitable programs.

Is it common for individuals with dual diagnosis to relapse?

Relapse can be a part of the recovery process for some individuals with dual diagnosis, given the complex nature of these conditions. However, integrated treatment plans are designed to reduce the likelihood of relapse by addressing the root causes of both disorders and equipping individuals with strategies to manage triggers and cravings.

How can families support a loved one with dual diagnosis?

Families can support a loved one by encouraging them to seek and continue treatment, offering emotional support, educating themselves about dual diagnosis, and possibly participating in family therapy sessions. It's also important for families to set healthy boundaries and seek support for themselves through resources like support groups.

Are there any specific medications used in treating dual diagnosis?

Yes, specific medications may be used to treat the mental health aspect of dual diagnosis, such as atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia or mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder. The choice of medication depends on the individual's specific mental health condition and substance use issues. Medications may also be used to manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings associated with substance use disorder.

What are the challenges in treating dual diagnosis?

Treating dual diagnosis presents several challenges, including the complexity of diagnosing and managing two co-occurring disorders, overcoming stigma, ensuring access to integrated treatment programs, and addressing the individual's holistic needs, including emotional and socioeconomic factors.

How does inpatient treatment benefit individuals with dual diagnosis?

Inpatient treatment offers a structured and supportive environment that is crucial for individuals with dual diagnosis. This setting provides constant care, removes individuals from potentially triggering environments, and allows for the intensive treatment needed to address both disorders simultaneously. It also facilitates the development of coping strategies and life skills essential for long-term recovery.

Can dual diagnosis be cured?

While “cure” may not be the term used in the context of dual diagnosis, effective management and recovery are possible. With appropriate integrated treatment, individuals can achieve significant improvement in both their mental health and substance use issues, leading to a better quality of life.

What does integrated treatment for dual diagnosis involve?

Integrated treatment for dual diagnosis typically involves a combination of pharmacotherapy (medication), psychosocial treatments (like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling), and personalized care plans that are tailored to the individual's specific needs. This approach may also include support for related issues, such as housing, employment, and relationship counseling.

Why is integrated treatment recommended for dual diagnosis?

Integrated treatment is recommended because it addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder together, rather than treating them separately. Research has shown that this approach leads to better outcomes, as it tackles the complex interplay between the disorders, offering a more comprehensive and effective form of care.

What is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder in an individual. It means that someone is struggling with both mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, and substance abuse, such as alcohol or drug addiction, simultaneously.

WHAT SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN MY HOSPITAL BILL?

If you are viewing estimates provided on this website, the pricing includes estimated room and board, supplies, nursing care, equipment use, nutritional services, and any services handled by the staff of the hospital within the walls of the hospital. It does not include services from outside providers such as lab or doctors fees.

WHAT IS PRICING TRANSPARENCY?

“Pricing Transparency” is the term used to describe initiatives in the healthcare industry to provide meaningful pricing information to consumers. The healthcare industry is often complex and difficult for consumers to navigate. Price transparency is a means of providing consumers price information on common services. Our hospital is committed to presenting pricing information on its website in a way that will be easy for the consumer to access and understand, as well as providing other useful information about financial assistance available, definitions of key terminology, and key financial policies.

Are There Any Anxiety Medications Safe with Alcohol?

It is generally not safe to mix alcohol with anxiety medications. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on this matter.

Can Alcohol Cause Anxiety Disorders?

While alcohol itself may not directly cause anxiety disorders, its misuse can lead to the development or exacerbation of anxiety symptoms. Those with pre-existing anxiety may find their condition worsens with alcohol use.

How Do I Stop Anxiety after Drinking Alcohol?

To manage anxiety after drinking, it's important to reduce or stop alcohol consumption, practice healthy coping skills, and seek professional treatment if needed, especially for those with a co-occurring disorder.

Is Hangxiety a Real Thing?

Yes, “hangxiety” is a real phenomenon. It's a colloquial term combining “hangover” and “anxiety,” describing the feelings of anxiety and panic experienced during a hangover, often due to depleted GABA levels in the brain.

Does Alcohol Cause Anxiety?

Long-term alcohol use can lead to worsening anxiety. For instance, the experience of “hangxiety” after heavy drinking exemplifies how alcohol can induce anxiety-like symptoms.

Does Alcohol Make Anxiety Worse?

Yes, alcohol can worsen anxiety. Over time, dependence on alcohol to relax can lead to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. Furthermore, reliance on alcohol for managing anxiety can amplify anxiety symptoms when sober, potentially leading to co-occurring disorders.

Does Alcohol Reduce Anxiety?

While alcohol initially reduces stress and makes one feel at ease, it's only a short-term effect. In the long term, it does not effectively reduce anxiety and can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Does Alcohol Help Anxiety?

Temporarily, alcohol can create feelings of relaxation and sociability due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system. However, it's not a reliable or healthy method for managing anxiety.

Do Track Marks Go Away?

Some track marks can heal and become barely noticeable, while others, particularly in areas of thin skin or repeated puncture, may lead to irreversible skin and vein damage, resulting in permanent scars or marks.

How to Get Rid of Track Marks?

Healing from track marks involves stopping IV drug use and adopting practices like using clean needles, maintaining wound cleanliness, wearing compression socks, and improving circulation through exercise. Medical evaluation and potentially plastic or vascular surgery can also reduce the appearance of damaged veins.

Are There Dangers of Intravenous Drug Use?

Beyond track marks, IV drug use poses significant health risks, including vein damage, infections, collapsed veins, bloodstream infections affecting major organs, and skin infections like abscesses.

How Long Do Track Marks Last?

The duration of track marks varies. Some may heal and leave minimal scarring, but others, especially in areas with thin skin like hands and feet, can cause permanent visible marks and scar tissue.

Where Can Track Marks Appear?

Commonly found on the forearms, track marks can appear anywhere on the body. IV drug users often use non-dominant arms for injection, but they may also use other areas like hands, feet, neck, and groin, especially when trying to conceal their drug use.

What Do Track Marks Look Like?

Fresh track marks appear as unhealed puncture wounds. Over time and with repeated use, they can darken the skin's pigmentation and may also present as bruising, scarring, lesions, and visible vein damage.

What Are Track Marks?

Track marks are the visible signs on the skin resulting from intravenous (IV) drug use. They appear as scars or pinpoint spots, usually due to repeated injections in the same area, causing skin and vein damage.

What does Tusi Lavada mean?

“Tusi lavada” refers to a specific form or variant of the drug tusi, which is the colloquial name for pink cocaine. The term “lavada” in Spanish translates to “washed” in English. In the context of drug terminology, this could imply that the tusi has been processed or purified in some way. However, the exact meaning can vary depending on the local context and the specifics of how the drug is prepared or marketed. It's important to be cautious with such terms, as they can reflect regional slang or specific methods used in the illicit drug trade, and their meanings can differ significantly. Additionally, the composition and safety of such substances are highly unpredictable, contributing to their danger.

“Tusi” or “tuci” is a local term used to refer to pink cocaine, particularly in Colombia. It is a synthetic drug known scientifically as 2C-B. Unlike traditional cocaine, tusi is not derived from the coca plant but is instead a laboratory-made substance. This drug is a combination of pink food coloring, strawberry flavoring, ketamine, caffeine, and MDMA, and its effects are more akin to ecstasy rather than cocaine. Developed in the 1970s by chemist Alexander Shulgin, tusi was initially created for treating erectile dysfunction and boosting libido. However, it was later classified as a Schedule I Controlled substance and taken off the market due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. In the club scene, especially among younger adults, tusi is known for its party-enhancing effects.

What is Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine, despite its name, is not a type of cocaine. It is a synthetic drug, classified as phenylethylamine 2C-B, which includes a combination of pink food coloring, strawberry flavoring, ketamine, caffeine, and MDMA. This composition means that its effects more closely resemble those of ecstasy, rather than traditional cocaine. Originally developed in the 1970s by chemist Alexander Shulgin, it was intended for treating erectile dysfunction and enhancing libido, and was sold under names like Performax or Erox until its reclassification as a Schedule I Controlled substance in the United States in 1995. Pink cocaine is popular among teens and young adults in the club scene, and its use can lead to a range of side effects, including hallucinations, euphoria, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, seizures and respiratory depression.

What are Valium overdose symptoms?

Symptoms of a Valium overdose include severe drowsiness, confusion, limp muscles, and slow reflexes. In more serious cases, a person might have trouble breathing, become unconscious, or fall into a coma. If you think someone has overdosed on Valium, it's important to get medical help right away because it can be life-threatening.

What is the Valium antidote?

The antidote for a Valium overdose is a drug called flumazenil. It can quickly reverse the effects of Valium by blocking it from working on the brain. This antidote is usually given in a hospital setting where healthcare providers can closely monitor the patient because it can also cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are dependent on Valium.

How Much Valium Is Too Much?

The amount of Valium that is too much will vary from person to person. Factors like your age, weight, overall health, and whether you've taken it before all play a role. Generally, doctors will prescribe the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of overdose. Taking more Valium than prescribed, or mixing it with other substances like alcohol, can quickly become dangerous.

Is Valium a Narcotic?

Valium is not considered a narcotic. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and dull the senses, and are often opioids like morphine or hydrocodone. Valium, however, is a benzodiazepine and is used mainly to treat anxiety and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system. While not a narcotic, Valium is still a controlled substance because it has the potential for abuse and dependence.

What are benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that helps to relax the nervous system. They are often used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia because they can calm the brain and help with sleep. Common benzodiazepines include drugs like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. They are effective but need to be used carefully because they can cause dependence and withdrawal if used long-term.

Valium is a medication known by the generic name diazepam. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines and is used to treat conditions like anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Valium works by calming the brain and nerves, and it is also used to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Can you overdose on Valium?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Valium. Taking more than the recommended dose, or using it in ways not prescribed by a doctor, can lead to serious health problems. An overdose can slow down your breathing, cause confusion, make you feel sleepy or even fall into a coma. It's important to always take Valium exactly as prescribed to avoid these risks.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment: How Does It Work? • The Willough at Naples Behavioral Hospital

You’re not alone when it comes to searching for the right bipolar disorder treatment. Thankfully, there are treatment centers in Florida that have the resources to help struggling adults. One of these treatment centers is The Willough at Naples. Here, treatment options are tailored to each patient’s needs to provide the best care. You don’t have to manage your disorder alone.

Table of Contents

The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is divided into four groups, each type characterized by different symptoms. Individuals can find the best bipolar disorder treatment according to their specific diagnosis. In order to receive a diagnosis, individuals are assessed by medical staff. This will determine the appropriate level of care needed. As a result, people can find a treatment plan that works best for managing their symptoms.

Bipolar I Disorder

This type is characterized by episodes of mania and depression. Put simply, mania is defined by an extremely elevated and unstable mood that can interfere with relationships and daily functioning. Manic episodes typically last a minimum of seven days with depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks. For this condition, the best bipolar disorder treatment will focus on stabilizing these extreme emotions.

Bipolar II Disorder

This type is characterized by depressive and hypomanic episodes without the experience of manic episodes. However, episodes of hypomania are less severe than manic episodes experienced with type I. Additionally, depressive episodes may be more severe, often mimicking clinical depression or major depressive disorder. As a result, individuals with type II are more frequently misdiagnosed, and subsequent treatment plans lack treatment for hypomania that are included in the best bipolar disorder treatment plans.

Cyclothymic Disorder

This type is a less severe form of bipolar disorder. Individuals with this cyclothymic disorder experience chronic and unstable moods with periods of hypomania or depression lasting two years. Although there are brief periods of euthymia, a state without mood disturbances, these periods tend to only last for eight weeks.

Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)

The “not otherwise specified” category is for individuals who don’t meet the criteria for the other types of the disorder. Although it is characterized by similar bouts of mood elevation and depression, this category doesn’t fall within the same intervals. Due to its undefinable nature, the best bipolar disorder treatment for this condition often comes down to the individual.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary according to the type and its severity. And as a result, the best bipolar disorder treatments can vary depending on what type of bipolar symptoms you’re trying to treat. To help you better understand this mental health condition, we’re going to take a deeper look into manic and depressive episodes as well as what happens when these feelings collide.

Signs and Symptoms of a Manic Episode

Some people with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania or hypomania periodically throughout their life, while others rarely experience them. The signs and symptoms of a manic episode include:

Feelings of excessive happiness or euphoria
Sudden and severe mood swings
Restlessness
Rapid speech
Racing thoughts
Trouble sleeping due to heightened energy
Impulsivity and poor judgment
Recklessness
Psychosis (can be experienced in the most severe manic episodes)

Signs and Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

The symptoms experienced during a depressive episode are comparable to symptoms of major depression. These symptoms include:

Overwhelming sadness
Low energy or fatigue
Lack of motivation
Inability to concentrate
Changes in appetite
Sleeping too little or too much
Irritability
Withdrawal
Suicidal thoughts

Signs and Symptoms of a Mixed Episode

Mixed episodes are characterized by symptoms of mania and depression occurring at the same time or rapid cycling without a recovery period in between. For people seeking bipolar disorder treatment, having conflicting symptoms can make receiving a diagnosis especially difficult. During these periods, individuals tend to experience negative thoughts and feelings in addition to agitation, restlessness, and heightened energy. These symptoms last for a week or longer, sometimes all day or for a majority of the day.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options

Although there is no cure, there are a variety of ways to treat the different types of bipolar disorder. Individuals benefit from a combination of bipolar disorder treatment methods depending on their symptoms and recovery goals. The Willough at Naples provides adult mental health programming to help people with bipolar disorder gain control over their symptoms.

Medication

A common form of bipolar disorder treatment includes medication. Which type of medication is best suited for managing symptoms depends on the type of bipolar disorder and the severity of the symptoms.

Mood stabilizers: Can take up to two weeks to start working but they help stabilize mood swings, especially phases of mania. They are taken daily on a long-term basis.
Antidepressants: Are typically prescribed in combination with a mood stabilizer to prevent triggering a manic episode. However, they can be used to treat depressive episodes.
Antipsychotics: Work more quickly than mood stabilizers by balancing symptoms of mania or depression within hours. Antipsychotics are frequently paired with mood stabilizers or antidepressants. However, they can sometimes be cut out of the medication regimen in the long run.

Medication is often necessary to help individuals mitigate symptoms of bipolar disorder. Since medication comes with side effects, it’s important to work with your physician to find the right medication and dosage. Some side effects can be temporary and only last until your body adjusts to the medication’s effects. As a result, The Willough at Naples provides voluntary medication management services to patients who want it as part of their treatment plan.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is an effective bipolar disorder treatment, especially when paired with medication. This type of therapy helps individuals with a broad range of mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, understand and manage their symptoms. Patients talk about their emotions and experiences to function more healthily. Some common categories of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on how patients manage their symptoms by altering the way they think and behave in response to them. Patients develop coping skills after identifying patterns of thought and behavior they can control.
Group therapy: Is led by a mental health professional and allows a group of individuals facing similar struggles to share their experiences. These groups help individuals form a community as they undergo similar treatments for bipolar disorder.
Family therapy: Includes family members and spouses in the treatment plan can be beneficial. When family members know about the disorder and how it manifests, they can better understand the experience, which can help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle in the long run.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Using drugs or alcohol to treat bipolar disorder symptoms yourself can be dangerous. Specifically, drugs and alcohol can contribute to the extreme emotional highs and lows of bipolar disorder. For this reason, it’s vital to stop drinking or using drugs if you are using them to self-treat bipolar disorder symptoms. If you’re struggling with battling addiction and bipolar disorder, a dual diagnosis program could be the right bipolar disorder treatment for you.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are commonly associated with bipolar disorder. Many individuals struggling with bipolar disorder turn to substance abuse for bipolar disorder treatment rather than seeking professional help. In addition, those who have a SUD are at a higher risk of developing a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder. Withdrawal symptoms can also mimic symptoms of bipolar disorder, making the problem harder to identify without professional treatment.

Finding The Right Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Florida

It’s okay to need help finding the right bipolar disorder treatment to manage your symptoms. The Willough at Naples provides a variety of treatment options led by a team of experienced mental health workers. Don’t hesitate to call the admissions office at (239) 688-3063 or fill out a confidential contact form if you have any questions about our inpatient care services. The right treatment can make all the difference.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment: How Does It Work?