Category: Rehab Centers

Typical over-the-counter (OTC) medications seen as relatively harmless on their own become potentially dangerous when ingested with alcohol or when alcohol is already in your system. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one such case. NSAIDs are OTC pain relievers that treat pain, inflammation, and fever. Some of the most common include ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, meloxicam, and naproxen. While they can be safe in moderation, they can also lead to unexpected side effects combined with alcohol.

Let’s explore how NSAIDs and alcohol interact and who’s more at risk of experiencing side effects.

What Are the Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and NSAIDs?

Mixing alcohol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be dangerous for several reasons. Here are some of the potential risks and concerns:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding: Both alcohol and NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining. When taken together, the risk of developing ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding increases. Consuming up to 1 drink per day increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with NSAID use by about 37%. This can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. 
• Liver Damage: Some NSAIDs (sulindac and diclofenac), when taken in large doses or over a prolonged period, can adversely affect the liver. Combining NSAIDs with alcohol, which is also metabolized by the liver, can amplify this risk. This combination can lead to liver inflammation, liver disease, or even liver failure in severe cases.
• Kidney Damage: Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to kidney damage over time. Alcohol can also have harmful effects on kidney function. When combined, the risk of kidney problems may increase.
• Increased Blood Pressure: NSAIDs can lead to increased blood pressure. Alcohol can also have this effect, especially when consumed in large quantities. Combining the two can exacerbate hypertension, leading to other cardiovascular problems.
• Exacerbate Medication Effects: Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of many medications, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This can be dangerous, especially if driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Risk of Overdose: If someone consumes alcohol to the point of impaired judgment, they might inadvertently take more NSAIDs than recommended, leading to an overdose. NSAID overdose can lead to nausea and vomiting, dizziness or vertigo, slowed or shallow breathing, confusion, or altered mental status. In severe cases, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, or coma can occur.

Other Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and NSAIDs

In addition to the dangers mentioned previously, here are some other risks associated with combining alcohol and NSAIDs:

• Prolonged Bleeding Time: Both alcohol and NSAIDs can interfere with platelet function, leading to prolonged bleeding time. This can be especially concerning if someone has a bleeding disorder or is on other medications that affect blood clotting.
• Exacerbation of Health Conditions: People with certain health conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or peptic ulcer disease, can experience exacerbated symptoms when combining alcohol and NSAIDs.
• Masking of Symptoms: Alcohol can sometimes mask the symptoms of an adverse reaction or overdose of NSAIDs, leading to a delay in seeking medical attention.
• Impaired Judgment: Alcohol can impair judgment, which might lead someone to take more NSAIDs than recommended, increasing the risk of overdose or adverse reactions.

Who is More At Risk?

Certain individuals may be at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects when mixing alcohol and NSAIDs:

• Elderly Individuals: As people age, their body’s ability to metabolize drugs and alcohol can decrease. 
• Individuals with Chronic Medical Conditions: People with liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, or gastrointestinal disorders are at a higher risk of complications.
• Individuals Taking Multiple Medications: Those on multiple medications, especially anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, other pain relievers, or medications for blood pressure, may experience drug interactions when adding NSAIDs and alcohol.
• Heavy or Chronic Drinkers: Those who consume alcohol regularly or in large quantities are at a higher risk of liver and gastrointestinal complications when adding NSAIDs.
• Individuals with a History of Peptic Ulcer Disease or GI Bleeding: These individuals are at a higher risk of developing ulcers or GI bleeding when combining NSAIDs and alcohol.

FAQs

Can you drink alcohol while taking NSAIDs?

Those who drink heavily are at a higher risk of experiencing gastrointestinal issues when using NSAIDs concurrently with alcohol or shortly after. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as more than three drinks daily for women and more than four for men. 

Can I drink alcohol and ibuprofen?

It’s important to note that mixing any pain medication with alcohol carries inherent risks. Ideally, one should avoid consuming ibuprofen and alcohol simultaneously.

How long after taking NSAIDs can I drink alcohol?

For safety, it’s recommended to wait between 10 to 17 hours after your last dose of NSAIDs before consuming alcohol. 

Nothing can hijack sobriety progress quite like stress. The emotional response can trigger cravings, disrupt emotional stability, impair decision-making abilities, undermine coping strategies, and exacerbate mental health issues. That’s why it’s absolutely essential that a person in recovery has strategies for dealing with stress in sobriety. Here are 7 healthy ways to cope with stress during recovery. 

7 Ways to Deal with Stress in Sobriety

Dealing with stress can be especially tricky for someone in recovery.  Not only because drug use can disrupt how their minds process emotions, but because their substance of choice was very likely their main coping mechanism. Maintaining sobriety means losing that past source of comfort — which often ends up being its own source of stress. 

The difference between a healthy and an unhealthy coping mechanism is the long-term impact on a person’s well-being. Bad coping mechanisms harm physical, emotional, or mental health and often have other negative consequences to either the individual, their immediate surroundings, or the larger community. 

By contrast, good coping mechanisms are constructive and sustainable, and have only positive consequences for both the individual and the world around them. Incorporating these suggestions into your daily life will help improve your overall emotional resilience.

1. Move your body

One of the best things you can do for your physical, mental, and emotional health is to exercise. You don’t need to exert yourself so much that you’re red-faced and out of breath. A 15-minute brisk walk is enough to get the blood pumping and your brain firing off those feel-good neurochemicals. 

2. Meditate/Deep breathing

These practices promote a state of relaxation, reduce physiological arousal, and calm the mind. Meditation also encourages individuals to become more in tune with themselves, allowing for greater emotional awareness and regulation. 

3. Skip the caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that activates the central nervous system. It can exacerbate stress by heightening feelings of anxiety and restlessness as well as amplifying stress’ physiological effects by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine is also counterproductive because it makes it harder for the body to come down from its state of high alert. 

4. Smile!

The mind-body connection is powerful, and one easy way to trick your body into feeling happier and calmer is simply to smile. Doing so signals to the brain that you’re feeling good (why else would you be smiling?) which in turn, causes the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Smiling can also counteract muscle tension, thereby activating the body’s natural relaxation response. 

5. Spend time outdoors

Spending time in natural environments, such as parks, forests, or near bodies of water, has a soothing and calming effect on the mind and body. Surrounding yourself with greenery has been scientifically proven to have calming effects. The sounds of nature can help too. Multiple studies found that participants who listened to bird calls had reduced feelings of anxiety, depression, and paranoia. 

6. Listen to music

Listening to music you enjoy can uplift your mood and evoke positive emotions and serve as a useful distraction to whatever puts you in a bad mood. Listening to calming music (which may not be your usual genre), might have the greatest benefits.  Slow-tempo music with soft melodies and gentle rhythms can help lower cortisol levels, and directly counteract the effects of stress by slower breathing, reduced heart rate, and decreased muscle tension.

7. Journal

Journaling is a productive form of self-expression that also encourages self-reflection. By writing about your experiences, challenges, and stressors, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to certain situations. This self-awareness can help identify patterns and triggers that contribute to stress and help you evaluate how you handled them and what did or didn’t work about your approach. 

Need help dealing with stress in sobriety?

Stress is unavoidable, whether the cause is work, money, or relationships. When it strikes, higher-level thinking, self-restraint, and decision-making take a backseat and our base primal instincts take control. Bad news for those in recovery.

Rather than trying to avoid stress entirely, it’s far more practical to learn how to deal with stress in a healthy and productive way. These natural stress relief methods are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. For more ideas on how to deal with stress, there’s no better source than your peers. 

Consider attending an AA meeting or NA meeting today to connect with other people who are in addiction recovery and know first-hand the struggles you are facing. If you’re dealing with chronic stress or another underlying mental health condition, talk to a medical professional to discuss possible medications for stress that could help you. 

Recovery is a multifaceted, personal journey involving more than symptom reduction. It’s about building a fulfilling, meaningful life, regardless of mental health challenges. At the heart of this journey lies ten fundamental components of recovery, each contributing uniquely to the process. Let’s explore these pillars, underpinned by extensive research and forming the bedrock of the recovery model.

1. Self-Direction

Recovery starts with the individual. A person’s unique needs, strengths, preferences, and goals guide the process. People in recovery assert control over their own lives, making informed decisions and shaping their path toward wellness.

Tips: Try setting personal goals, like practicing self-care for 10 minutes each day, to help guide your recovery journey. 

2. Individualized and Person-Centered

Each recovery journey is as unique as the person undertaking it. Tailoring plans to the individual – considering their life experiences, cultural background, and values – is key. It recognizes the person behind the diagnosis, emphasizing their individuality and uniqueness.

Tips: Work with your healthcare provider or counselor to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and goals. This might include a combination of medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and supportive services.

3. Empowerment

Recovery cultivates personal power. People in recovery have the authority to make decisions and choices, fostering a sense of control. Empowerment fuels motivation and instills hope, driving the recovery process forward.

Tips: Do your best to actively participate in your treatment decisions. Learn about your condition and treatment options to make informed decisions about your care. 

4. Holistic

Recovery goes beyond mental health. It encompasses all aspects of a person’s life, including physical health, social networks, community participation, and more. A holistic approach recognizes that various elements interplay to contribute to overall well-being.

Tips: Incorporate practices that support overall wellness, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness or meditation. 

5. Non-Linear

Recovery isn’t a straight path; it’s a series of ups and downs. People might face setbacks, but these don’t denote failure. Instead, they’re part of the process, offering valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.

Tips: Develop a resilience plan to manage these challenging times, such as identifying coping strategies and supportive resources.

6. Strengths-Based

Recovery builds on a person’s strengths and resilience, not just managing their weaknesses. A strengths-based approach empowers individuals to draw upon their innate abilities and resources, fostering self-confidence and resilience.

Tips: Identify your strengths and use them in your recovery process. This could be creative problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, or even a strong determination to overcome challenges.

7. Peer Support

Peer support is a vital element of the recovery model. The shared experiences among people with similar struggles offer a sense of understanding, acceptance, and communal strength that can significantly aid recovery.

Tips: Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ can provide mutual support and encouragement. This could be through formal support groups or online communities.

8. Respect

Recovery flourishes in an environment of respect. This involves overcoming stigma, fostering acceptance, and ensuring that people in recovery have the same rights and opportunities as anyone else.

Tips: Practice self-respect and kindness. Surround yourself with people who respect and support your recovery journey.

9. Responsibility

People in recovery take responsibility for managing their health and wellness. This responsibility extends to seeking help and support, engaging in self-care practices, and taking proactive steps toward recovery.

Tips: Take an active role in your recovery process. This might include adhering to your treatment plan, practicing self-care, and seeking help when needed.

10. Hope

Finally, recovery is grounded in hope. The belief in a better future, that challenges can be overcome, and that a fulfilling life is achievable fuels the journey of recovery.

Tips: Cultivate a hopeful outlook. This could involve keeping a gratitude journal, practicing mindfulness, or visualizing your recovery goals.

Understanding the Fundamental Components of Recovery

These components serve as the foundational elements underpinning the concept of mental health recovery. Regardless of their specific circumstances, diagnoses, or personal background, they are universal and applicable to anyone embarking on a recovery journey.

Recovery is a deeply personal, unique journey – one about surviving and thriving. These ten fundamental components provide a roadmap, a compass to navigate the often complex terrain of mental health recovery. Each element contributes to a broader understanding of what recovery means, reminding us that recovery is not just a possibility – it’s an expectation.

Looking to sleep better and heal faster? We’re not talking about exercise–there’s another champion of self-care that’s also one of the best addiction recovery tools out there: it’s journaling. 

As little as 15 minutes of writing a day can improve memory, mindfulness, and mood and make sense of things when your life has turned upside down–or more accurately, right side up–after addiction. Here are 23 addiction recovery journal prompts for you to try.

23 Writing Prompts for Recovery & Daily Recovery Questions

There are a few different approaches you could take when journaling. You could write free-form about whatever pops into your mind at the moment without any guide or prompt. But when you’re not sure what to write about, answering thought-provoking questions about recovery, your feelings, or your past is a great way to process this major life event. 

These 23 suggestions will range from specific questions to broad ideas to explore. Either type is capable of providing a better understanding of how you got where you are today, highlighting your triumphs and acknowledging rough patches, and a safe space to reflect on the past and future.

Prompts if you’re just starting the recovery process

• What scares me most about recovery?
• What would I be doing right now if I wasn’t in recovery?
• Write a goodbye letter to things, people, or behaviors I know aren’t healthy and want to leave behind.  
• What did I do to strengthen my recovery today?

Prompts if you’re struggling to find motivation

• List 10 things you’re most grateful for since being in recovery.
• What do I want to accomplish tomorrow? What steps can I take to set myself up for success and how will that benefit my long-term recovery journey? 
• When I meet new people, what do I want them to think about me? 
• When do I feel most in tune with myself?

Prompts for dealing with setbacks

• What’s the last mistake I made that made me feel ashamed? Why did I feel that way?
• What emotions am I holding on to? What hurts right now? How can I find relief?
• What’s the most recent instance where I didn’t set healthy boundaries? What happened because of it and how could the outcome have been different?
• What distractions get in the way of being my most productive?

Prompts for living in the moment

• If my body could talk, it would say….
• What was the highlight of my day?
• What are the things in my home that are the most “me”?

Prompts for self-discovery

• What three important things have you learned from previous relationships?
• How can you better support and appreciate your loved ones?
• What are 10 words you’d use to describe yourself? Now list the 10 words you want to use. How can you make that happen?
• What’s something new I’ve learned about myself since getting sober?

Prompts for tracking your progress

• Where was I 1,3, or 5 years ago? What differences am I most proud of? 
• What would my friends and loved ones say are the biggest ways I’ve changed (for the better)? 
• What things can I appreciate better now because I’m sober?
• What have I learned about myself during the recovery process?

The Benefits of Journaling for Addiction Recovery

Science has shown that putting pen to paper can have real, tangible benefits on our health. These benefits include lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and improving liver functionality. However, it’s journaling’s benefits for psychological well-being and cognition that make it so deeply beloved by the addiction recovery community. 

Journaling helps us process our feelings and work through emotions that are difficult to express, like those related to traumatic experiences. This is why writing down our thoughts is a powerful outlet for people struggling with mental illness like anxiety or depression but is particularly beneficial for those in recovery.  

The isolating nature of drug use can leave people feeling isolated and estrange them from loved ones who, after recovery, may not have a support network to express themselves to. There’s also the high probability that those newly in recovery haven’t been alone with their thoughts in a long time and aren’t sure how to deal with them. Journaling provides a safe, judgment-free place to lay out their thoughts–and because it’s so widely accepted as part of mainstream culture, it’s a practice a person can take up without feeling gimmicky and self-conscious.

Another easy way to support your recovery journey is to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or other 12-step meeting groups. Find an AA group near you, today. 

Science has proven that having friendships in recovery can have major benefits for recovery. Support networks provide motivation and all-important accountability, which have been shown to significantly decrease the odds of relapse and increase overall recovery success. 

That said, achieving this supportive friend group isn’t always easy. 

Many who come home after rehab find that those close to them may resist the idea of their new sober selves, especially if these were people that a recovered person used to cavort with when doing their drug of choice. In these instances, it’s best to ditch your toxic, unsupportive old friends and find a new tribe of like-minded people who respect your new lifestyle and will support you in upholding it–here’s how to do just that. 

How to ditch unsupportive friends and cut ties

When it comes to friendships, especially for a person who’s newly sober, you want quality over quantity. It’s better to have few or no friends than to be surrounded by bad ones that don’t support your sober lifestyle. These are the “friends” that urge you to resume your old ways, scoff and belittle your attempts to better yourself, or continue to drink or use drugs around you. These individuals will actively hinder your progress and lead you to relapse. 

Even if your old friends aren’t actively deterring your progress, there’s still a strong chance they’ll keep you anchored to your previous not-so-great way of life. Addiction and cravings are strongly tied to memories. If you’re hanging out with the same people or in the same places, it becomes harder to distance yourself from your old ways.

There’s no one right way to cut ties. If you feel inclined, you can let them know you’ll be stepping back in order to focus on yourself and your recovery — though they’re invited to stick around if they’ll be supportive. If the relationship is highly toxic, it might just be best to ghost them entirely without a formal farewell. 

Finding a new friend group

First, what not to do. At least in the beginning, steer clear of places where you know people are dealing or using drugs like nightclubs and bars. For the best odds of success, put yourself in the mindset of a person who’s already sober and stable. Where do they hang out? What hobbies do they have? 

Apps, video chats, and social media have made it easier than ever to connect with others and find highly specific communities. There are plenty of events and resources dedicated to sobriety and recovery communities, and finding them is as easy as a quick search on your phone. Here are a few ways to find your people: 

Follow sober social media accounts

There are lots of accounts dedicated to recovery content–some funny, some uplifting. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll feel comforted seeing their mass of millions of followers and know that you’re far from alone in your journey. Want to connect with people one on one? Create an account on recovery-exclusive communities like Sober Grid, which is like Facebook and Snapchat combined, but a platform dedicated to those recovering from addiction. 

Take a workout class

If you’re looking to expand your circle beyond people who are sober or in recovery but who are likely to uphold similar values to your new lifestyle, fitness classes are a great place to look. These are people who are (at least somewhat) committed to being healthy and likely to be very understanding of your drug-free ways. Bonus, you’ll also get a workout buddy! 

Volunteer

If you’re looking to surround yourself with upstanding people, joining others with a desire to give back to the community is a sure bet. Here you’ll find people with compassion and patience who are sure to be super supportive in your recovery journey.

Keep in touch with your treatment facility

Graduation from rehab doesn’t have to mark the end of your relationship with the professionals and clinicians who care about you. Odds are, your facility has an alumni program that regularly hosts events and other gatherings that allow you to either meet other graduates or those who are still in treatment. Either way, it’s a guaranteed place to find your peers without the burden of you having to initiate the first move.

Join a 12-Step group

Whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous, or any of the many other peer-based support groups, attending a meeting is a very low-stakes way to meet others who are in recovery. These groups are host to people in various stages of recovery (including those who have yet to begin), which could be beneficial for you, giving you a glimpse of how far you’ve already come as well as a peek into what success looks like. 

Addiction, and addiction recovery, can sometimes be a lonely experience. Digital apps are helping to close that gap, providing a sense of community, a source of accountability, and support on virtually every aspect of recovery. But there are hundreds of apps out there —  where do you start? Whatever you’re looking for in your journey, here are 9 of the best smartphone apps for recovery,

9 Must-Have Mobile Apps for Addiction Recovery

Most addiction recovery apps fall into these general categories, and many offer more than one feature:

• 12 Steps resources
• Directories
• Habit or sobriety tracker
• Information
• Peer support
• Relapse prevention assistance

The apps we selected are all free mobile apps, though some may require in-app purchases to unlock the full features. 

12-Step Meditation Daily Reflections for AA, NA, Al-Anon 

A great option for members of 12 Step groups. This app makes it easy (and pleasant) to work the Twelve Steps outside of group meetings. There are hundreds of guided meditations, soothing music and sounds, and audio recordings of the twelve steps and prayers that you can layer to create personalized audio tracks. You can also make a playlist with all your creations, making it the perfect app when you’re traveling or just need to create a calm, quiet space for yourself.

AA Big Book Free — For Alcoholics Anonymous

An essential app for anyone involved in AA. This app is chock full of useful features with full access to the Big Book and the ability to make notes, mark passages, and search the text. It also has AA prayers, podcasts, a meeting finder and a sobriety tracker. 

I Am Sober

There’s no shortage of sobriety trackers apps out there, which I Am Sober is. Besides being one of the most user friendly apps and thorough (it counts sobriety down to the second), our favorite standout feature is that the tracker also tells you how much money you’ve saved since quitting drinking. The practical nature of this side function makes it a great form of positive reinforcement when motivation is running low. 

I Am

I Am allows users to customize their phones with aesthetic and soothing images paired with positive affirmations.  You can also have pretty and empowering messages delivered as push notifications throughout the day. While not specifically an addiction treatment app, a big part of treatment is undoing the negative thought patterns. This does that in a user-friendly way while being cute to boot.

Recovery Path: Addiction Recovery & Addiction Help

This app does it all, offering CBT-based motivations and reminders, posting abilities, and even a directory. What we love most is the related support app for loved ones and even clinicians, providing a rounded-out community that offers encouragement and accountability in all forms.

Sober Grid

Imagine a Facebook that was exclusively for people who are sober or in recovery. Well no need to imagine, it exists! Sober Grid is a full-fledged social networking app that allows you to make posts, connect with others, and message people. Joining is completely free, and so is the app! It also features 24/7 live coaching available, making this one of the best apps for finding social support. 

SoberTool

This app is backed by science, as it was created by a licensed counselor. It offers the usual features you’d expect in a recovery app, but what makes it stand out is its craving analyzer which helps you recognize and work through triggers when they strike. There’s also a built-in community forum feature where you can speak to other people who are in recovery.

Nomo — Sobriety Clocks

Nomo keeps things simple, making it the perfect recovery app for people who want no-frills recovery support. It’s a sobriety tracker that lets you set as many clocks as you want, allowing you to celebrate both big and small addiction recovery milestones. Plus, collect virtual chips when you do! Nomo also has minigames to serve as a distraction when cravings strike.

WEconnect

Spoke to your sponsor recently? Went to an AA meeting? With WEconnect, you can earn gift cards and other tangible rewards for completing small and large tasks in your recovery program. This app can only be used by a person enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program at a facility that has partnered with the app — so this one isn’t for everyone. Those who are able to get an access code will find this a powerful complement to their recovery program that offers great incentives for creating good habits.

Did we miss your favorite apps for addiction recovery? Let us know in the comments! If you’re ready to go offline and get IRL support, find an AA meeting or NA meeting near you, today. 

Addiction and mental illness are treatable conditions. Have you ever wondered what happens if addiction and mental illness are developed at the same time? This phenomenon is called co-occurring disorders. 

Co-occurring disorders, or the circumstance in which a person has at least one substance addiction disorder and at least one mental health disorder, have advanced in understanding, and we now know much more about them. Now it is evident that treating only a portion of the issue results in treatment failures whereas treating all substance addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously as part of a holistic strategy has a much higher chance of success. Integrated treatment essentially means that both mental health and substance use therapy are provided by the same provider (or team of providers). 

What Is Integrated Treatment?

Mental illnesses are brain disorders that frequently result in a decreased ability to cope with the everyday demands of life, much like diabetes is a sickness of the pancreas. While addiction is a medical illness, substance abuse is a behavioral issue. Alcohol and other drug use habits that are harmful as a result of substance addiction and dependence cause severe impairment and distress. 

When mental illness and addiction go hand in hand it means that a person is suffering from a co-occurring disorder. This is when Integrated Treatment comes in. Integrated treatment refers to the employment of several treatments, such as the blending of medication like Suboxone and Subutex, and therapy like CBT and DBT. Integrated Treatment’s primary focus is to address both mental and physical aspects of addiction and how it is leading to mental health disorders.  

Why Mental Illness and Addiction Often Go Together

Sometimes it might be challenging to distinguish between an addiction and a mental illness. How can one tell if depression is brought on by substance usage, withdrawal from substances, or a diagnosable depressive disorder? How can one distinguish between anxiety brought on by cocaine abuse and anxiety disorders? How can someone tell the difference between mood swings brought on by the overuse of depressants like alcohol and stimulants like cocaine and bipolar disorder? Yes, it might be challenging to detect the difference. It can be unexpected to learn that a sizable percentage of people seeking treatment for addiction also have a mental health condition.

A person may be more likely to struggle with addiction if they have depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, trauma, or ADHD. Because they are unaware they have a mental illness, the problem has gone misdiagnosed, or they don’t like the medication recommended for their condition and how it makes them feel, many people who are experiencing emotional problems turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. However, experts and people in recovery can attest that while these drugs may reduce symptoms temporarily, they ultimately worsen mental health problems. They are never cured. 

Is Integrated Treatment Impactful?

Yes. Integrated treatment is impactful because:

• It offers simultaneous treatment of a mental health condition and an addiction
• It uses the same expert team for the treatment of both illnesses
• It creates a solid network of social support while receiving therapy
• It utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities to address each person’s goals and issues
• It offers flexible treatment options that take into account the unique requirements of each patient

Benefits of Integrated Treatment

Addiction treatment programs that offer dual diagnosis can help a person who is suffering from addiction and mental health disorders. Here are a few benefits of Integrated Treatment:

• Help patients understand the part that drugs and alcohol play in their lives. 
• Approach to both the mental health condition and the substance abuse
• Gives patients the chance to learn about the interactions between drugs, the symptoms of mental illness, and other medications
• Utilize these problems as a backdrop for investigating their own substance use
• Offer counseling that is provided in the form of individual, group, family, or a combination of these sessions 
• Offers therapy that is specifically tailored to the special requirements of people with co-occurring illnesses
• Encompasses support services, such as employment assistance, and may aid patients in their recovery
• Helps patients to determine personal recovery objectives and understand how each sickness will be recovered from

The Bottom Line…

Integrated treatment reduces symptoms and enhances the capacity for healthy functioning since it treats co-occurring illnesses concurrently. Abusing drugs or alcohol makes mental health issues worse.

Integrated treatment may help a person to develop healthy coping mechanisms and more effective ways to manage the symptoms of a mental health condition by treating substance addiction as well as the underlying mental health disorder.