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.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction: How to Recognize the Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Recognizing the signs of cocaine addiction is necessary for overcoming a cocaine use disorder. But overcoming the cycle of addiction can leave you feeling trapped. Without the support and resources of an accredited treatment center, you may struggle to take the first step. That’s why The Willough at Naples provides addiction and mental health services to adults in Florida who are ready to take that step. Below, you’ll learn more about the signs of cocaine addiction and how we can help you start recovery.

Table of Contents

Why Cocaine Is Addictive

Cocaine is considered one of the world’s most addictive drugs. It’s a synthetic stimulant that comes from the leaves of coca plants in South America. One of the reasons it’s so addictive is the strong sense of euphoria that individuals feel within a few minutes of using it. The effects of the drug are quick and intense, but they don’t last long. There is also a lot of variety in how cocaine is taken: When in powder form, it can be snorted, injected, or swallowed. In the case of crack cocaine, it can also be inhaled.

But not only does the high from cocaine end quickly, but the comedown also causes feelings of anger, anxiety, and depression. To avoid these unpleasant feelings, individuals use it again and again, oftentimes in short succession to build up and maintain the intensity of the high. The repetition of this behavior plays a major role in addiction. Frequent use leads to tolerance, resulting in the need to use more every time to achieve the same effect, and it causes cravings.

Many people who use cocaine do so in environments where other substances are present. The simultaneous use of cocaine, alcohol, opioids, or other substances is known as polysubstance use. This can lead to dependence or addiction to multiple substances. As a result, you’ll find a number of triggers in the same place, making it difficult to remain sober. The signs of cocaine addiction may not be obvious in the beginning, but over time, the effects of cocaine abuse can negatively impact your mental and physical well-being.

Warning Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine was once associated with the wealthy. However, lower prices have made it more accessible to a variety of people. As a result, cocaine overdose deaths in the United States have steadily increased in the last few decades. Individuals can become addicted after only a few uses, making it incredibly dangerous.

The risk factors for cocaine addiction vary from person to person. If you rely on cocaine use to cope with a demanding job or to feel confident in social situations, you may be exhibiting the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. Others may rely on the drug to avoid difficult symptoms of a mental health disorder or they may have tried it once at a party, only to become long-term users. No matter your reason, you can get help to end your addiction.

Behavioral signs of cocaine addiction include:

Hurried speech
Hyperactivity
Erratic behavior
Aggression
Mood swings
Lying
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Psychosis

Physical symptoms of cocaine addiction include:

Dilated pupils
Elevated body temperature
High blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Cardiovascular problems
Trouble sleeping
Panic attacks
Nose bleeds
Tremors and seizures

Effects of Cocaine Addiction

Long-term use of cocaine can have devastating effects on someone’s life. Not only does it result in negative consequences for your mental health and your body, but it also impacts the lives of your family members and other loved ones. However, cocaine alters the reward circuits in your brain. This causes it to become a compulsive behavior whenever you’re faced with a triggering situation. Dopamine levels are increased, which reprograms the brain to view cocaine use as a reward. Because of this, you may feel unable to stop despite the negative consequences.

Some long-term effects include:

Family problems
Relationship problems
Academic failure
Job loss and unemployment
Arrest or imprisonment
Financial problems
Cognitive impairment
Hypertension
Liver and kidney damage
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Suicidal ideation

However, it’s never too late to seek treatment. Identifying the signs of cocaine addiction is the first step in getting the help you need. Getting help as soon as possible is instrumental in your recovery. The effects of substance abuse can be difficult to overcome, but they’re not impossible with the right resources. If you’re ready to seek help for your addiction to cocaine, The Willough at Naples is here to support you every step of the way.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Due to the highly-addictive nature and the long-term effects of cocaine addiction, you may believe it’s more difficult to overcome in comparison to other substance use disorders. However, this isn’t the case. The Willough at Naples offers a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques proven to help adults recover from cocaine addiction. In combination with support groups, supplemental therapy methods, and a dedicated care team, you will have all the resources you need to successfully begin your recovery journey, regardless of what signs of cocaine addiction you’ve experienced.

Cocaine Detox

For many adults ready to stop displaying signs of cocaine addiction, the first step to sobriety is completing a drug and alcohol detoxification program. A medical detox eliminates all of the toxins from your body left over from substances you were taking. This takes place in a trigger and stress-free environment so you can focus on your recovery. Beginning your journey with a medical detox increases your chances of effective recovery and decreases the risk of relapse.

Moreover, cocaine withdrawal can be unpleasant. Some of the symptoms include exhaustion, aches and pains, and tremors. But throughout the detox process, you are provided with 24/7 support from a team of trained physicians, mental health professionals, nurses, and more. Their goal is to keep every patient who has abused cocaine as safe and comfortable as possible during the withdrawal phase.

Detoxification helps you and your body adjust to a life free of drug abuse. The length and intensity of this process depend on your drug history and the severity of your symptoms. Once you have completed detox, your care team will work with you to create the most effective treatment program to meet your recovery goals at the center. Your individualized cocaine treatment plan will take into consideration your health status and the most beneficial treatment options for your long-term recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Program

Many adults struggling with signs of cocaine addiction also struggle with an underlying mental health condition. Symptoms of these conditions may be a reason for your cocaine usage or may be a result of it. But no matter the reason, it’s essential to receive comprehensive care that addresses the symptoms of your addiction and additional mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis program does just that. This type of treatment program gets to the root of your mental health problems by treating both disorders simultaneously.

In addition to its connection with anxiety and depression, long-term cocaine usage can lead to mood disturbances. As a result, individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing psychosis or developing schizophrenia. This is most common when binging cocaine in powdered form. If you are experiencing symptoms of these mental health conditions or any other, the dual diagnosis program at The Willough at Naples can help you. This program will be guide you through the process of receiving a diagnosis and how to manage your symptoms in the long run. This is done through a combination of evidence-based treatment modalities.

Some of the treatment modalities at our center include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Group therapy
Recreational therapy
Medication education and management
Relapse prevention and planning
Links to community-based services

Start Your Cocaine Addiction Treatment Today

Recognizing the signs of cocaine addiction is step one in your lifelong healing journey. From there, the staff at The Willough at Naples is dedicated to helping you find the right methods for achieving all of your addiction recovery goals. For more information on how we can help, reach out to our admissions experts at (239) 688-3063 or submit a confidential contact form online. We’ll help you overcome addiction at your own pace.