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.

The Power of Strong Family Support for Successful Long-Term Recovery • The Willough at Naples Behavioral Hospital

Family support is crucial for individuals battling substance use disorders and mental health issues, as it significantly influences their long-term recovery. Despite the challenges, the support from family members can be a strong motivator, enhancing the individual’s strength to face challenges and drive to mend and maintain healthy relationships. Active participation of families in therapy sessions and support groups emphasizes the importance of recovery, leading to a stronger commitment to the treatment plan. Family involvement also fosters accountability, helping track progress, provide feedback, and encourage adherence to the treatment plan, thereby keeping the individual focused on their recovery goals and reducing the chance of relapse. Furthermore, family involvement can help uncover and address root issues contributing to addiction. Emotional support from family is also key, providing a sense of belonging and reassurance, crucial for building self-esteem and confidence. This support helps combat feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, common during recovery. Family members can provide emotional support in various ways, such as empathetic listening, verbal encouragement, and creating a safe space for open communication, all of which contribute to the healing process and strengthen family ties.

Table of Contents

Proven Impact: Family Support Uplifting Recovery

Family support helps people get better when they’re recovering:

Better Treatment Participation: People with families who support them are more likely to take part in treatment and take their medicine properly, which helps them get better.
Less Substance Use: Research shows that when families are involved in treatment, people use harmful substances less often. This means they use these substances about three weeks less in a year.
More People Staying Sober: When families consistently support, people are more likely to stay sober, have less desire for harmful substances, and are less likely to start using again.
Staying Sober for Longer: Having a supportive family and friends helps people stay sober for more days and they are less likely to start using again.
More Recovery Resources: When families are involved, it adds to the recovery resources. These are the resources and support systems that people can use when they’re recovering.
Better Mental Health: People with supportive families are more likely to say they’re recovering from mental health problems. This shows that family support helps overall well-being.

Worry Families Face While Supporting Loved One’s Full Recovery

It’s important to acknowledge the challenges families may face when supporting a recovering family member:

Emotional Challenges: Families often experience a range of emotions such as disbelief, non-acceptance, disappointment, shame, shock, anger, and regret.
Communication Difficulties: Effective communication can be challenging, potentially hindering the recovery process.
Feelings of Guilt and Shame: Family members may grapple with guilt or shame about their loved one’s addiction, affecting their interactions and support efforts.
Financial Stress: Addiction can lead to financial strain due to treatment costs and lost income, adding another layer of difficulty for families.
Boundary Setting: Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is often challenging but necessary to prevent enabling behaviors.
Fear of Relapse: Families may live in constant fear of relapse, creating anxiety and stress that can lead to overprotective or controlling behaviors.
Codependency and Enabling: Families may struggle with codependency or enabling behaviors, inadvertently supporting the addiction while trying to help.
Unpredictability and Stress: The unpredictable nature of addiction recovery, with potential relapses, can cause significant stress and emotional turmoil for family members.
Erosion of Trust and Communication: Addiction can damage family dynamics, erode trust, and weaken communication, making it difficult to rebuild relationships during recovery.
Social and Spiritual Stress: Families may experience social isolation or spiritual distress as they navigate the recovery process.

Strategies for Creating a Nurturing Environment

To effectively support a recovering family member, families can implement several strategies:

Open and Honest Communication: Establish regular family meetings to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and address concerns. Encourage open expression of feelings without judgment to foster empathy and understanding.
Education About Addiction: Educate family members about the nature of addiction and the recovery process through resources like books, workshops, and seminars. Understanding addiction as a disease helps reduce stigma and eases the emotional burden on the family.
Establishing Healthy Boundaries: Set clear, consistent rules that promote a safe and stable environment. Balance support with avoiding enabling behaviors to ensure help encourages recovery rather than shielding from consequences.
Role Modeling and Engagement: Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms and responsible behavior. Engage in shared activities to strengthen family bonds and provide opportunities to observe and address any troubling behaviors.
Emotional and Physical Presence: Be emotionally available and physically present for the recovering individual. Listen empathetically and provide support to help them navigate their recovery journey.
Utilizing External Support Systems: Join family support groups like Al-Anon or Families Anonymous for community support and practical advice. Consider family therapy or counseling to address the complexities of addiction and its effects on the family.
Creating a Safe and Nurturing Environment: Ensure the home environment is substance-free and maintain a routine that accommodates therapy sessions. Celebrate small victories and involve the entire family in recovery-oriented activities to reinforce collective commitment to healing and sobriety.

The Importance of Educating Family Members

Educating family members about addiction as a disease is crucial in reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment. This understanding helps shift the narrative from blame to empathy, which is essential for reducing stigma. Education empowers families by providing them with the knowledge needed to support their loved ones effectively, leading to better outcomes in treatment and recovery.

Family involvement in addiction recovery is crucial as it fosters motivation, accountability, and emotional support, significantly enhancing the chances of successful long-term sobriety and improved well-being. The emotional and practical help from families can make a big difference in the recovery journey, providing the strength and encouragement needed to overcome addiction. Evidence shows that family support is a key part of long-term recovery from substance use disorders, leading to better treatment engagement, reduced substance use, and improved mental health. Therefore, it’s important to include family support in treatment plans and recovery strategies. Despite challenges, the benefits of family involvement are greater. By understanding addiction, using supportive strategies, and keeping communication open, families can greatly help in the journey towards lasting recovery and improved quality of life.

Don’t let dual diagnosis and mental health issues control your life any longer. The Willough at Naples, with over 30 years of experience in psychiatry recovery, is here to help you regain control through strength and compassion. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to serve you. If you’re in Naples, Miami, Fort Myers, or any other community in southern Florida, reach out to us today at (239) 688-3063. Your journey to recovery starts with a single step. Take that step now.

Video

How To Help Your Child Struggling with Substance Use – The Partnership

we are committed to helping families struggling with their son or daughter’s substance use. We empower families with information, support and guidance to get the help their loved one needs and deserves. And we advocate for greater understanding and more effective programs to treat the disease of addiction.

Podcast

A Recovery Roadmap: Navigating Addiction with Family Support Strategies

In this episode of the Embrace Family Recovery Podcast, we dive deep into the challenges families face when navigating addiction, particularly when multiple family members are affected. From setting essential boundaries for safety, especially for children, to the evolving nature of these boundaries over time, we explore the strategies that can help create a supportive environment for recovery.

Mallory shares insights from their work at the Caron Foundation, highlighting the importance of honest family conversations, early education, and consistent messaging across home and school environments. We’ll also discuss the critical role of systemic change and the empowerment of individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

FAQ

Why is family support important for long-term recovery from addiction?
Family support plays a critical role in providing emotional stability, motivation, and accountability for individuals in recovery. The encouragement and understanding of loved ones help individuals stay committed to their recovery journey, reduce relapse risk, and build healthier relationships.
How can family members contribute to the recovery process?
Family members can support recovery by offering a safe and stable environment, being empathetic and patient, attending therapy or support groups together, and helping the person set healthy boundaries. Educating themselves about addiction and recovery can also equip them to provide better emotional support.
What challenges might families face when supporting someone in recovery?
Families may experience emotional strain, frustration, or burnout while supporting a loved one in recovery. There can also be feelings of distrust, resentment, or difficulty in adjusting to new boundaries. It’s essential for family members to seek support for themselves and practice self-care during this process.
How can a family member avoid enabling behaviors?
To avoid enabling, family members should focus on setting clear boundaries, being consistent in their expectations, and encouraging responsibility in the person in recovery. Enabling behaviors, such as covering up mistakes or providing financial support without accountability, can hinder progress and prolong addiction.
What role does communication play in family support for recovery?
Effective communication is vital in fostering understanding and strengthening family relationships during recovery. Open, honest, and non-judgmental communication helps family members express their feelings, share concerns, and create a safe space for the individual in recovery to open up about their struggles and triumphs.

The Power of Strong Family Support for Successful Long-Term Recovery