Addiction and Dual Diagnosis |
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"How Opioids Kill"
What happens in the body during a fatal overdose? And why is fentanyl responsible for more deaths than ever?
By Dina Fine Maron on January 8, 2018
Scientific American Magazine
how_opiods_kill_-_by_dina_fine_maron_1.8.2018_scientific_american.docx
What happens in the body during a fatal overdose? And why is fentanyl responsible for more deaths than ever?
By Dina Fine Maron on January 8, 2018
Scientific American Magazine
how_opiods_kill_-_by_dina_fine_maron_1.8.2018_scientific_american.docx
Scroll down for resource links!
Dual diagnosis is a term for when someone experiences a mental illness and a substance abuse problem simultaneously. Dual diagnosis is a very broad category. It can range from someone developing mild depression because of binge drinking, to someone’s symptoms of bipolar disorder becoming more severe when that person abuses heroin during periods of mania.
Either substance abuse or mental illness can develop first. A person experiencing a mental health condition may turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication to improve the troubling mental health symptoms they experience. Research shows though that drugs and alcohol only make the symptoms of mental health conditions worse.
Abusing substances can also lead to mental health problems because of the effects drugs have on a person’s moods, thoughts, brain chemistry and behavior.
How Common Is A Dual Diagnosis?
About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance abuse. These statistics are mirrored in the substance abuse community, where about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness.
Men are more likely to develop a co-occurring disorder than women. Other people who have a particularly high risk of dual diagnosis include individuals of lower socioeconomic status, military veterans and people with more general medical illnesses.
Symptoms
The defining characteristic of dual diagnosis is that both a mental health and substance abuse disorder occur simultaneously. Because there are many combinations of disorders that can occur, the symptoms of dual diagnosis vary widely. The symptoms of substance abuse may include:
The symptoms of a mental health condition also can vary greatly. Knowing the warnings signs, such as extreme mood changes, confused thinking or problems concentrating, avoiding friends and social activities and thoughts of suicide, can help identify if there is a reason to seek help.
How Is A Dual Diagnosis Treated?
The most common method of treatment for dual diagnosis today is integrated intervention, where a person receives care for both a specific mental illness and substance abuse. Because there are many ways in which a dual diagnosis may occur treatment will not be the same for everyone.
Detoxification
The first major hurdle that people with dual diagnosis will have to pass is detoxification. During inpatient detoxification, a person is monitored 24/7 by a trained medical staff for up to 7 days. The staff may administer tapering amounts of the substance or its medical alternative in order to wean a person off and lessen the effects of withdrawal.
Inpatient detoxification is generally more effective than outpatient for initial sobriety. This is because inpatient treatment provides a consistent environment and removes the person battling addiction from exposure to people and places associated with using.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
A person experiencing a serious mental illness and dangerous or dependent patterns of abuse may benefit most from an inpatient rehabilitation center where she can receive concentrated medical and mental health care 24/7. These treatment centers provide her with therapy, support, medication and health services with the goal of treating her addiction and its underlying causes.
Supportive housing, like group homes or sober houses, is another type of residential treatment center that is most helpful for people who are newly sober or trying to avoid relapse. These treatment centers allow for more freedom while still providing round-the-clock care.
Medications
Medication is a useful tool for treating a variety of mental illnesses. Depending on the mental health symptoms a person is experiencing, different mental health medications may play an important role one’s recovery.
Certain medications are also helpful for people experiencing substance abuse. These medications are used to help ease withdrawal symptoms or promote recovery. Medications to ease withdrawal are used during the detoxification process. They produce similar effects in the body as certain addictive drugs.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is almost always a large part of an effective dual diagnosis treatment plan. Education on a person’s illness and how their beliefs and behaviors influence their thoughts has been shown in countless studies to improve the symptoms of both mental illness and substance abuse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in particular is effective in helping people with dual diagnosis learn how to cope and to change ineffective patterns of thinking.
Self-Help And Support Groups
Dealing with a dual diagnosis can feel challenging and isolating. Support groups allow members to share frustrations, successes, referrals for specialists, where to find the best community resources and tips on what works best when trying to recover. They also form friendships and provide encouragement to stay clean. Here are some groups that can offer support:
Double Trouble in Recovery is a 12-step fellowship for people managing both a mental illness and substance abuse.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are 12-step groups for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction.
Smart Recovery is a sobriety support group program for people with a variety of addictions.
Dual diagnosis is a term for when someone experiences a mental illness and a substance abuse problem simultaneously. Dual diagnosis is a very broad category. It can range from someone developing mild depression because of binge drinking, to someone’s symptoms of bipolar disorder becoming more severe when that person abuses heroin during periods of mania.
Either substance abuse or mental illness can develop first. A person experiencing a mental health condition may turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication to improve the troubling mental health symptoms they experience. Research shows though that drugs and alcohol only make the symptoms of mental health conditions worse.
Abusing substances can also lead to mental health problems because of the effects drugs have on a person’s moods, thoughts, brain chemistry and behavior.
How Common Is A Dual Diagnosis?
About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance abuse. These statistics are mirrored in the substance abuse community, where about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness.
Men are more likely to develop a co-occurring disorder than women. Other people who have a particularly high risk of dual diagnosis include individuals of lower socioeconomic status, military veterans and people with more general medical illnesses.
Symptoms
The defining characteristic of dual diagnosis is that both a mental health and substance abuse disorder occur simultaneously. Because there are many combinations of disorders that can occur, the symptoms of dual diagnosis vary widely. The symptoms of substance abuse may include:
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Sudden changes in behavior.
- Using substances under dangerous conditions.
- Engaging in risky behaviors when drunk or high.
- Loss of control over use of substances.
- Doing things you wouldn’t normally do to maintain your habit.
- Developing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
- Feeling like you need the drug to be able to function.
The symptoms of a mental health condition also can vary greatly. Knowing the warnings signs, such as extreme mood changes, confused thinking or problems concentrating, avoiding friends and social activities and thoughts of suicide, can help identify if there is a reason to seek help.
How Is A Dual Diagnosis Treated?
The most common method of treatment for dual diagnosis today is integrated intervention, where a person receives care for both a specific mental illness and substance abuse. Because there are many ways in which a dual diagnosis may occur treatment will not be the same for everyone.
Detoxification
The first major hurdle that people with dual diagnosis will have to pass is detoxification. During inpatient detoxification, a person is monitored 24/7 by a trained medical staff for up to 7 days. The staff may administer tapering amounts of the substance or its medical alternative in order to wean a person off and lessen the effects of withdrawal.
Inpatient detoxification is generally more effective than outpatient for initial sobriety. This is because inpatient treatment provides a consistent environment and removes the person battling addiction from exposure to people and places associated with using.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
A person experiencing a serious mental illness and dangerous or dependent patterns of abuse may benefit most from an inpatient rehabilitation center where she can receive concentrated medical and mental health care 24/7. These treatment centers provide her with therapy, support, medication and health services with the goal of treating her addiction and its underlying causes.
Supportive housing, like group homes or sober houses, is another type of residential treatment center that is most helpful for people who are newly sober or trying to avoid relapse. These treatment centers allow for more freedom while still providing round-the-clock care.
Medications
Medication is a useful tool for treating a variety of mental illnesses. Depending on the mental health symptoms a person is experiencing, different mental health medications may play an important role one’s recovery.
Certain medications are also helpful for people experiencing substance abuse. These medications are used to help ease withdrawal symptoms or promote recovery. Medications to ease withdrawal are used during the detoxification process. They produce similar effects in the body as certain addictive drugs.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is almost always a large part of an effective dual diagnosis treatment plan. Education on a person’s illness and how their beliefs and behaviors influence their thoughts has been shown in countless studies to improve the symptoms of both mental illness and substance abuse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in particular is effective in helping people with dual diagnosis learn how to cope and to change ineffective patterns of thinking.
Self-Help And Support Groups
Dealing with a dual diagnosis can feel challenging and isolating. Support groups allow members to share frustrations, successes, referrals for specialists, where to find the best community resources and tips on what works best when trying to recover. They also form friendships and provide encouragement to stay clean. Here are some groups that can offer support:
Double Trouble in Recovery is a 12-step fellowship for people managing both a mental illness and substance abuse.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are 12-step groups for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction.
Smart Recovery is a sobriety support group program for people with a variety of addictions.
Recovering Addicts Share 4 Things Their Peers Should Keep In Mind
“I don’t think about tomorrow — it’s of no consequence to me right now. It will be when I wake up, but not right now.”
Scott, a recent graduate of Turning Point Recovery, Addiction Campuses’ Mississippi facility, knows the key is taking recovery one day at a time. This is one important thing that anyone traveling the road to a more positive lifestyle must keep in mind if they’re going to truly recover. Variations on the “one day at a time” mantra are about as common as anything else you’ll hear when it comes to recovery, and there’s a good reason for that.
At the same time, however, there are other things to consider. Here are a few important ideals the brave recovering addicts we spoke with want their peers to remember throughout the sobriety journey.
1. Live in the present.
“Yesterday is history,” Scott continued. “I’m only focused on today and right now. I haven’t had a drink yet today, but I can’t say what’s going to happen three hours from now. You have to do what you have to do to stay clean and sober. I tell some newcomers to take it one hour at a time — you only have to stay clean for this hour. Then, eventually, hours will become days, days will become weeks, and weeks will become months. For me, that’s what works. That’s the program that works for me.”
2. Don’t be too complacent.
You may make it days, months, or even years without relapsing, and that’s wonderful. You’re doing great! However, you can’t let yourself become too complacent, because plenty of addicts have been where you are and have slipped back into their old ways simply because sobriety is a round-the-clock, full-time job.
“My advice to someone once they get sober is never to get too complacent,” said recovering addict Wendy, who now works in a treatment facility herself. “No matter how much time you’ve had, you’re always one drink, one toe, one line away from relapse. You have to keep that pain — you have to hold onto it. Thinking about the pain that I went through to get here is what keeps me sober. And if you always keep that pain up front and never be complacent, it will help you stay sober.”
3. You have to want it.
I spoke with quite a few recovering addicts, and one common theme I heard repeated time and time again was that for recovery to work, you have to really want it to work.
Scott agreed, “If I can do it, anybody can do it — they just have to want it. That’s the key. Being ready for sobriety is the first step.”
“Until you really want the help, I don’t think you are going to stay sober,” Wendy concurred. “You can’t do it for anybody else — you have to do it for yourself. It’s a selfish time, but this is a time to be self-absorbed. I have to be right with myself before I can be right with other people.”
4. Remember that nobody is perfect.
As you work on your recovery, it’s easy to get caught up in the sadness of the past and place a lot of blame on yourself, but it’s a good idea to frequently remind yourself that nobody’s perfect. Everybody you know has made their share of mistakes, whether you know what those are or not. We’re all human, and we have our flaws and regrets.
“That’s the beautiful thing about the world we live in — there are 7 billion people and nobody’s life is perfect,” said Lincoln, who reached a full year of sobriety just a couple of months ago. “Everybody goes through traumas and dramas and has had things happen that brought them to where they are now. But no matter what you’re going through, somebody has been through it before you, and somebody was able to get past where you are now.”
I believe that truer words — which apply to all of us, whether we’ve struggled with addiction or not — were never spoken.
Cecelia Johnson believes strongly in the power of good deeds and recognizing great work. That’s why she created RecognitionWorks.org. The site is dedicated to connecting those who’ve been awarded for exemplary work in their communities to companies and organizations that can help them continue their admirable efforts through donations, sponsorships, and gifts. By making these connections, she hopes to build stronger, more altruistic communities and citizens.
For the original article - click here.
“I don’t think about tomorrow — it’s of no consequence to me right now. It will be when I wake up, but not right now.”
Scott, a recent graduate of Turning Point Recovery, Addiction Campuses’ Mississippi facility, knows the key is taking recovery one day at a time. This is one important thing that anyone traveling the road to a more positive lifestyle must keep in mind if they’re going to truly recover. Variations on the “one day at a time” mantra are about as common as anything else you’ll hear when it comes to recovery, and there’s a good reason for that.
At the same time, however, there are other things to consider. Here are a few important ideals the brave recovering addicts we spoke with want their peers to remember throughout the sobriety journey.
1. Live in the present.
“Yesterday is history,” Scott continued. “I’m only focused on today and right now. I haven’t had a drink yet today, but I can’t say what’s going to happen three hours from now. You have to do what you have to do to stay clean and sober. I tell some newcomers to take it one hour at a time — you only have to stay clean for this hour. Then, eventually, hours will become days, days will become weeks, and weeks will become months. For me, that’s what works. That’s the program that works for me.”
2. Don’t be too complacent.
You may make it days, months, or even years without relapsing, and that’s wonderful. You’re doing great! However, you can’t let yourself become too complacent, because plenty of addicts have been where you are and have slipped back into their old ways simply because sobriety is a round-the-clock, full-time job.
“My advice to someone once they get sober is never to get too complacent,” said recovering addict Wendy, who now works in a treatment facility herself. “No matter how much time you’ve had, you’re always one drink, one toe, one line away from relapse. You have to keep that pain — you have to hold onto it. Thinking about the pain that I went through to get here is what keeps me sober. And if you always keep that pain up front and never be complacent, it will help you stay sober.”
3. You have to want it.
I spoke with quite a few recovering addicts, and one common theme I heard repeated time and time again was that for recovery to work, you have to really want it to work.
Scott agreed, “If I can do it, anybody can do it — they just have to want it. That’s the key. Being ready for sobriety is the first step.”
“Until you really want the help, I don’t think you are going to stay sober,” Wendy concurred. “You can’t do it for anybody else — you have to do it for yourself. It’s a selfish time, but this is a time to be self-absorbed. I have to be right with myself before I can be right with other people.”
4. Remember that nobody is perfect.
As you work on your recovery, it’s easy to get caught up in the sadness of the past and place a lot of blame on yourself, but it’s a good idea to frequently remind yourself that nobody’s perfect. Everybody you know has made their share of mistakes, whether you know what those are or not. We’re all human, and we have our flaws and regrets.
“That’s the beautiful thing about the world we live in — there are 7 billion people and nobody’s life is perfect,” said Lincoln, who reached a full year of sobriety just a couple of months ago. “Everybody goes through traumas and dramas and has had things happen that brought them to where they are now. But no matter what you’re going through, somebody has been through it before you, and somebody was able to get past where you are now.”
I believe that truer words — which apply to all of us, whether we’ve struggled with addiction or not — were never spoken.
Cecelia Johnson believes strongly in the power of good deeds and recognizing great work. That’s why she created RecognitionWorks.org. The site is dedicated to connecting those who’ve been awarded for exemplary work in their communities to companies and organizations that can help them continue their admirable efforts through donations, sponsorships, and gifts. By making these connections, she hopes to build stronger, more altruistic communities and citizens.
For the original article - click here.
Learn More About Dual Diagnosis Today
Drug or alcohol addictions have a wide range of influences, chief among them mental health problems. Unfortunately, the co-occurrence of these two problems can lead to a situation known as dual diagnosis. This troubling situation can create a loop of abuse that can feel impossible to escape. However, it’s always possible to pull out of the negativity of addiction. It requires a lot of personal strength and dedication, but treatment and help are available. If you or someone you love is suffering from a dual diagnosis, there is hope for your recovery. Please contact us at RehabCenter.net to learn more. We can help you find a center near you that fits your needs and your budget and get you on track for a life free of addiction. View a list of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Wisconsin at http://www.rehabcenter.net/dual-diagnosis-treatment-recovery/. We also have an awesome Expert Article ( http://www.rehabcenter.net/experts/ ) section that provides white papers written by doctors and other mental health professionals! Visit us at http://www.rehabcenter.net/dual-diagnosis-treatment-recovery/ 1-800-570-3670 
DrugRehab.com, is an organization that provides answers to the questions people have about addiction, substance abuse, and mental illness. Many people who struggle with mental illness also suffer from a substance abuse disorder, but often never seek treatment for their co-occurring disorder. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse. Our website provides individuals with information to help them to overcome their illnesses, put addiction into the past, and to reclaim their lives. Mental illness can be classified as anything from minor cases of depression to severe impairments such as schizophrenia and PTSD. Of the 23 million Americans struggling with addiction, nearly 14 million also suffer from some form of mental illness, either stemming from or leading to substance use. These people suffer from a co-occurring disorder and require an integrated treatment plan that targets both illnesses at once. To learn more visit https://www.drugrehab.com/co-occurring-disorder/ |
AddictionCenter.com is a professional web guide that connects individuals struggling with addiction to treatment options. Mental health issues and substance use disorders often co-occur. In fact, SAMHSA estimates that nearly 9 million adults have both a mental illness and chemical dependence. Given the difficulty of diagnosing dual conditions, more than half of those individuals do not receive treatment for either disorder. Our goal is to provide families and communities with helpful information and resources on mental health, addiction, and recovery options. www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/dual-diagnosis/ 
Addiction Guide was created to provide the most comprehensive up-to-date information about various addictions and how to overcome them. We are not a treatment center, but through our informational website we can provide outlets for people seeking help. We are a diverse team of recovering addicts, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates who can provide you with tools and advice to help you regain control of your life. By increasing awareness and including this resource on your page, millions of Americans across the globe will have the best opportunity to find the right treatment for them and improve their quality of life. Our mission at Addiction Guide is to serve you. By spreading awareness, more and more people can become educated about their treatment options. We understand that there is no perfect formula for recovery. Everyone’s journey is different but we firmly believe that with the right help, a personalized recovery plan can be created for everyone. www.addictionguide.com 1-888-733-5032 
For the latest news, visit the Addiction Professional website. March 2016 update Some frustration lingers over pace of sober home reform in Florida Although Florida is on the brink of implementing a law restricting referral to non-certified sober homes, some fear that the playing field continues to become more uneven for high-quality home operators. Cumberland Heights sees steady growth of continuum in its golden anniversary year Cumberland Heights will open its 10th intensive outpatient program (IOP) this year, all intending to meet local needs in its home state. Characteristics of rural opioid users create obstacles to treatment Users of heroin and prescription opioids in rural communities face socioeconomic challenges that impede treatment prospects, states a report based on federal data. Use of practice guidelines in pain treatment reduces death risk A Yale University study's findings make the case for prescription opioid prescribers' use of clinical guidelines that emphasize interdisciplinary care. Dynamics differ for older women with eating disorders Many adult women with an eating disorder appear so high-functioning that their problem can easily elude notice. |