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.

Dry January: Can You Make it 31 Days without Alcohol?

Following the holiday season, many people participate in what is known worldwide as Dry January. This 31-day sobriety challenge starting the month of January was established 10 years ago by a U.K. charity called Alcohol Change UK. The organization started the campaign as a health initiative designed to bring attention to physical health issues related to alcohol consumption, like liver disease and high blood pressure. In addition, this campaign aims to focus peoples’ attention inward to help themselves better understand their relationship with alcohol.

But Dry January has also evolved as a way to further examine your relationship with alcohol. For example, someone who cannot complete Dry January may be dependent on alcohol. Continue reading to learn more about how you can determine if you have a drinking problem and, if so, what treatment options are available.

Table of Contents

Do I Have a Drinking Problem?

Nearly 18 million adults in the U.S. suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, which equals out to one in 12 people. For this reason, many people may struggle to complete Dry January.

But how do you know if your drinking is starting to veer into dangerous territory? If you don’t think you can complete Dry January, you might need to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.

If you’re interested in finding out how likely you are to have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers a series of questions that have “yes” or “no” answers.

Have you found yourself:

Drinking more and longer than you intended?
Trying to cut back or stop drinking alcohol more than once but couldn’t?
Having a strong desire or craving to drink?
Experiencing interruptions in your work or family life due to drinking?
Carrying on drinking despite it causing issues with family or friends?
Not doing things you once enjoyed?
Participating in risky activities like drunken driving or using additional substances?
Drinking even though alcohol makes you feel sad or anxious?
Drinking significantly more than you used to because it takes more to feel the effects? Or consuming the usual number of alcoholic beverages but not feeling the result like you once did?
Struggling with withdrawal symptoms after not drinking for a few hours?
Spending a large chunk of your time drinking or being drunk?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the severity of AUD is determined by the total number of “yes” answers you get. But the rule of thumb is that a person must meet at least two of the 11 criteria listed above within a year to receive a diagnosis of AUD.

If you or someone you know has had trouble staying sober during Dry January, it might be a good idea to consider an addiction treatment center to help you get rid of the substance from your system safely.

What to Do if Dry January Isn’t Working Out

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers can be highly effective options for people struggling with Dry January. The right treatment center can give you the tools you need to overcome your dependence and achieve long-term sobriety.

Medically Supervised Detox

It’s not uncommon for people to attempt Dry January at home using the “cold turkey” method. However, if your body is dependent on alcohol, this process can be uncomfortable as well as dangerous. Additionally, this technique is typically unsuccessful due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms that people experience while detoxing. And while some of these symptoms may only be slightly unpleasant, more severe withdrawal symptoms may be life-threatening.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance being eliminated from the body but may include:

Anxiety
Insomnia
Headaches
Body aches
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Heart palpitations
Irritability
Tremors and shaking
Excessive sweating
Seizures
Hallucinations
Delirium tremens (DTs)

Individuals who don’t think they can last all of Dry January should consider enrolling in the medical detox program at The Willough at Naples. Patients here receive constant care and supervision in a safe and secure environment. This type of 24/7 intensive care enables our staff members to quickly address any withdrawal symptoms that may occur during the detoxification process. Individuals also have access to doctors and mental health professionals who teach healthy coping mechanisms so you can have a successful recovery journey that lasts beyond Dry January.

Dual Diagnosis Program

The Willough at Naples’ dual diagnosis program is a common follow-up program to medical detox. A dual diagnosis is when a person has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. For instance, an individual might have co-occurring disorders when they use alcohol to cope with symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This combination of disorders can negatively interact with each other, making treatment more challenging. Unfortunately, this is a serious issue, as more than half of people with substance use disorder also have a psychiatric disorder. Often, people who struggle to complete Dry January have an underlying mental health condition as the root of their drinking.

The dual diagnosis program at The Willough at Naples helps individuals with addiction and mental health issues via evidence-based care, including:

Group therapy: In group therapy sessions, individuals share their experiences. In this way, people can start to observe the patterns of addiction so that they can recognize and stop those behaviors in their own lives. Additionally, group therapy offers insight into how negative emotions can fuel drug and alcohol abuse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: This form of psychiatric treatment focuses on the relationship between thoughts and actions. By teaching you to alter your thought patterns, our mental health clinicians can help you develop increased control over your actions.
Medication management: Sometimes, medication can help or harm mental health, which often affects drinking habits. By working with you, our licensed physicians may work with you to find the right medication(s) for you. But all decisions are entirely reliant on your consent; nobody will force you to take medication.
Family education: Often, addiction and mental illness take a toll on familial relationships. That’s why our counselors help patients’ families understand their situation and how they can offer support. At the same time, family therapy can help individuals heal damaged connections to their family members.

Get Alcohol Addiction Treatment Today

The Willough at Naples is here to support you during Dry January and every month that comes afterward. Whether you need detox or are ready to participate in therapeutic activities through our dual diagnosis program, our team is here to help.

If you are ready to start your sobriety journey, whether it’s because of Dry January or a New Year’s resolution, contact our admissions team at (239) 688-3063 or through our confidential contact form online. We are here to answer any questions about our programs and services.

Is Dry January Hard? How to Know if You Have a Problem

Do I Have a Drinking Problem?

What to Do if Dry January Isn’t Working Out

Medically Supervised Detox

Dual Diagnosis Program

Get Alcohol Addiction Treatment Today

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