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4 Steps To Manage Your Dual Diagnosis

Individuals with mental health issues are the ones most likely to develop substance abuse problems. The existence of both issues is called dual diagnosis. This condition means that there is a presence of mental health issues alongside drug or alcohol addiction. A recent study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse states that 17.5% of people with mental health issues have substance abuse issues. This is roughly equivalent to 8 million people. And among the 8 million, only 12.4% are receiving the appropriate treatments for their dual diagnosis.

What Are The Common Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders?

  • Schizophrenia
  • Anxiety
  • Panic disorder
  • Depression
  • Disordered eating
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD)

What Are The Root Causes Of Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues?

Self-Medication Theory

The self-medication theory states that a person may use drugs and/or alcohol to medicate their mental illnesses. These substances provide them with relief from reality. However, the relief is temporary and reliance on these substances will only result in harmful effects in the long run. Alcohol and drugs may even worsen pre-existing mental health disorders. These substances may heighten anxiety and depression. They may also lead to other types of mental disorders.

Multiple Risk Factor Theory

This theory states that shared risk factors can result in co-occurring disorders. These risk factors include social isolation, poverty, lack of structure in everyday life, or living in close proximity to drugs.

How To Manage Your Dual Diagnosis

1. Get A Diagnosis

The first step is to get a solid and valid diagnosis for your co-occurring disorders. The people who have the following diagnostic requirements will receive dual diagnosis

  • History with substance abuse
  • Presents mental disorder symptoms
  • Poses as a danger to others and themselves

You may begin treatment as soon as you express your willingness and motivation to recover. The first phase of treatment is getting admitted to rehab and detox from the substance. Diagnosis is a crucial first step so that your healthcare professionals can craft the best treatment plan that suits your needs. Your psychiatrist should be able to assess your situation, outline your condition, and provide the next steps for treatment.

There is no sure way to identify if you have co-occurring disorders by yourself. The best you can do is to analyze if you are feeling negative emotions, such as:

  • Worthlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Fear
  • Hopelessness
  • Panic
  • Racing thoughts
  • Irritability
  • Suicidal thoughts

2. Look For The Right Treatment Plan

After your diagnosis, the next step is to identify the rehab center that best caters to your needs. Not all rehabs are equal. Some centers specialize in certain treatments over others. It is preferable to go for the rehab center that has had experiences with dealing with co-occurring disorders. Focusing on one or the other may be counterintuitive to your healing.

Some common treatment plans offered by these centers include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on eliminating harmful actions and thought patterns. This is highly effective against depression and other mood disorders. This type of treatment aims to take negative thoughts and transform those into positive and more meaningful messages.

This type of therapy also helps the patient to create an effective coping mechanism to combat mental disorders and substance abuse. This is often issued as a short-term solution and may work alongside individual psychotherapy.

Medication

This type of treatment involves pharmaceutical drugs recommended by your physician in order to treat or manage your co-occurring disorders. The prescription medication greatly helps in altering your mood by stabilizing your hormones and regulating chemical imbalances in the brain. Some examples include antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is an excellent treatment plan for people with dual diagnoses. The group sessions educate the participants based on their types of diagnosis. Everyone is empowered to cooperate and heal as a group. The feeling is a sense of belongingness is highly beneficial for people with co-occurring disorders as it makes them feel less alone and it fuels them to strive to become better.

Group therapy sessions are held with a moderator or therapist. The members share their journey and personal experiences. These are motivational for individuals who are in the same plight. Group therapy sessions are excellent sources of hope, optimism, and self-worth.

Individual Psychotherapy

This is also known as counseling or talk therapy, where a patient and a therapist work hand-in-hand to instill positive change in the patient’s life. Individual psychotherapy gives the two a chance to discuss private matters that may be impeding the patient’s healing.

This type of therapy is very broad and can cover all topics and factors related to the patient’s dual diagnosis. The goal of the sessions is to instill compassion, courage, and love so that the patient may overcome their addiction. The therapist typically outlines goals for the patient which will serve as markers for the patient’s recovery and overall health improvement.

3. Remember The Importance Of Sobriety

For dual diagnosis treatments to work, the patient must strive to maintain sobriety at all costs. Staying sober allows the patient to continue their healthy habits so that they won’t slip back to old patterns. You must take your recovery as a fresh start and a chance to eliminate addiction as the norm.

There are countless ways to stay sober, but the basic underlying principle is to have a healthy daily routine. Your routine may include:

  • Good night’s rest of at least 8 hours
  • Healthy meal preparation
  • Exercising or any other physical activity
  • Meditation or yoga
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Cleaning your house
  • Bonding with friends and family

It may be challenging to establish a healthy daily routine. Seek assistance from your therapist so that you may be guided on how to start and maintain one.

4. Remember That You Are Not Alone

Feelings of social isolation may cause you to feel discouraged about your healing process from dual diagnosis. It is important to know that you are not alone on this healing journey. There are other people in the world who are likewise going through a rough patch. Treating co-occurring disorders is no easy feat, but rest assured that there are other people in the world who are going through the same situation.

You may seek inspiration from their success stories and have hope that you will someday get there, too. You should also take comfort in the fact that you have friends and loved ones who are supportive of your journey.

You may find your community in group therapy sessions, online forums, or your close circle of loved ones.

Overall, dealing with dual diagnosis is no easy feat. Co-occurring disorders require a special treatment plan as compared to dealing with substance abuse. Contact R&R Recovery for a consultation and get started today.

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Do You Have Co-Occurring Disorders? 4 Signs To Watch Out For

Substance abuse and mental illnesses often intersect and influence one another. The intersection often leaves the patient with major issues that should be remedied. A recent study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse states that 17.5% of people with mental health issues have substance abuse issues. But how can you identify if you or your loved one has co-occurring disorders?

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders are the simultaneous existence of mental health issues and substance abuse. The two illnesses may begin at the same time or cause the other to materialize. These illnesses influence the severity of the other. A patient with co-occurring disorders will need specialized treatment to remedy the two.

What Are The Common Mental Illnesses In Co-Occurring Disorders?

Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression

  • Personality disorders
  • Conduct disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Eating disorder
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

People with mental health disorders do not automatically develop a substance abuse problem, but they are definitely more susceptible. These individuals develop a dual diagnosis when their mental health issues lead them to substance abuse or vice versa. Immediate treatment is important as the disorders can exacerbate each other. As such, it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of co-occurring disorders.

4 Symptoms Of Co-Occurring Disorders

The four signs of co-occurring disorders are:

  • Inability to report to work
  • Strained relationships with friends
  • Financial issues
  • Extreme mood swings

It may be challenging to identify co-occurring disorders since the signs and symptoms of the two may overlap. A consultation with a psychiatrist can help with a dual diagnosis. These symptoms will help you signal that it is time for a consultation.

Signs Of Mental Disorders

Changes In Basic Functions

A person may have co-occurring disorders when they manifest major changes to the way they function. There may be changes in their eating habits in the form of appetite loss or binge eating. Their sleeping patterns may also change wherein they are either unable to sleep or sleeping a lot.

General Lack Of Interest

A person may have co-occurring disorders when they no longer express interest in the things that used to make them happy or excited. The patient may have abandoned old habits in favor of sleeping in. Their old hobbies may no longer bring them joy.

Mood Swings

Frequent mood swings may indicate a mental illness. A person may feel extremely joyous one moment and sad at the next. These abnormal emotional highs and lows will occur in short timeframes. Some people may feel irrational fear and anxiety out of the blue. They may feel irritable over the littlest of things and being in a bad mood may be their default. This may also affect their sense of focus in such a way wherein they are unable to think clearly and will feel like they’re in a fog.

Lack Of Self-Awareness

Patients with mental disorders might be unable to spot these warning signs themselves. They will also be defensive or aggressive when someone points out their drastic change in behavior. They live in a state of denial wherein they feel like things are okay, even if they are not.

Social Isolation

The patient may withdraw from social gatherings and refuse to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. They will pass up on opportunities to hang out and bond. They would much rather stay at home and perform mindless tasks. They may also choose to isolate themselves due to the behavioral changes triggered by mood swings.

Changes In The Body

Mental disorders may manifest into physical changes as well. The patient may experience a change in libido, weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, or a decline in personal hygiene. The patient may refrain from showering regularly or brushing their teeth which can likewise lead to physical changes.

Changes In Behavior

The patient may find themselves doing things that are out of their comfort zone. They may perform risky activities since they no longer have any regard for their personal safety. They may even dabble in using addictive substances as a form of temporary relief. This may become habitual which is exactly what causes the dual diagnosis. The patient may also experience chronic paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts.

Signs Of Substance Abuse

Unable To Quit

The patient may have numerous attempts to quit using drugs or drinking alcohol but failed. As such, the addiction may worsen over time as the body craves more of it. When the patient tries to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, sweating, and restlessness.

Inability To Function

The patient has a substance abuse issue when they can no longer function normally. The majority of their thoughts dwell on how they can access the addictive substance. They are overcome by their cravings which affect their ability to function. They discard regular tasks since they live in a constant haze of wanting.

Social Isolation

As the patient goes deeper into their substance abuse issue, they isolate themselves from their family and friends. They withdraw from social gatherings since they no longer feel like themselves. They would much rather stay at home or hang out with their supplier or a similar company that fuels their addiction.

The combination of the symptoms of the two disorders causes so much more issues compared to experiencing a singular problem. These symptoms become more severe as more time passes. As such, it is important to watch out for these symptoms so that they can be treated as soon as possible.

Co-occurring disorders are common among substance abuse patients. The best course of treatment is to pinpoint the exact diagnosis so that a specialized treatment plan can be executed. Knowing the signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders paves the way for immediate discovery and treatment.

It is equally important to get admitted into a rehab center that specializes in the treatment of co-occurring disorders. R&R Recovery is an excellent example with experience in treating co-occurring disorders. Contact us today.

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Do’s And Don’ts Of Family Visits To The Rehab Center

Family visits are one of the highlights of a patient’s stray in a rehab center. This is a chance for them to show off their progress and to be reconnected with the people they love. Staying in isolation for recovery can get lonely so this is an exciting event. This allows them to be reminded that they have an entire support network cheering them on.

You yourself might be looking forward to visiting them to check up on their progress. However, this affair isn’t always the easiest. During the early stages of treatment, your relationship with them may not be fully mended yet. There could be feelings of resentment and guilt which can take a toll on both parties.

Family visits are also incredibly emotional. The reunion may result in tears and heartaches but take comfort in the fact that your loved one made the right choice by getting admitted into rehab. The time apart is a small sacrifice in the face of lifelong recovery.

Don’ts During Family Visits

These will serve as a guideline on the things you should avoid doing so that the experience becomes smoother and more comfortable for all the parties involved.

1. Don’t Be Negative

It is very important to avoid bringing any type of negativity around the patient. This can make them feel like their progress is undervalued and irrelevant. They are already going through so much as is. Their time indoors, which includes detoxing and constantly resisting the urge to break sobriety, is already hard.

They will need all the positivity they could get so that they could power through. They should only meet the loved ones that make them feel happy and excited rather than anxious and scared.

2. Avoid Money Talks

It is no secret that rehab centers can be costly. Inpatient rehab means that you also pay for the rent so the amount is bound to rack up. Talking about money won’t benefit the patient in any way. They will just feel guilty about the expenses they have accrued. This can cause stress which may cause them to relapse.

3. Don’t Talk About The Future

It is important to keep the patient in the present moment. They might not be ready for future plans so do not mention those to them. Do not mention them going back to school or to an old job. Do not discuss where they might possibly live after the treatment.

All of these will inflict a huge amount of pressure on the patient.

4. Don’t Comment On Their Weight

Addictions may result in serious weight changes. Some patients may lose weight as they become unhealthy and neglect their meals. Others may gain weight as they stress eat or experience some of the side effects while being on medication.

No matter how they look, do not comment on their weight. Their physical appearance will just become another problem or negativity that they will obsess about. Always stick to the positive comments, such as pointing out that they look healthier or stronger.

5. Avoid Pressure

It can be tempting to drop subtle hints on your loved ones to pressure them to get better soon. However, this can easily backfire in the form of relapse due to stress. Let them take their time and make it a point to celebrate all of their wins so far.

They are already aware of the amount of damage they have inflicted on all aspects. Just be patient and remember that healing takes time. They do not need the additional layer of pressure to get better.

Do’s During Family Visits

1. Be punctual

Family visits are usually set at fixed hours so if you value your time with your loved one, then you should be on time. Additionally, it sets a good example for the patients. They are highly encouraged to practice routines and routines can only be executed if one strictly follows a schedule.

2. Acknowledge and applaud their progress

They will need positive energy to cheer them on during this rough journey. Make sure to tell them how much you appreciate all the hard work and good decisions that they have made so far. Expressing these things will show your support which will encourage them to stay sober and work harder to gain independence from addictive substances.

3. Discuss news events and the weather

Light conversations are encouraged and you can keep them up by talking about the weather and current events. They will also appreciate these updates since they are normally cut off from the outside world.

4. Bring something to share

Bring a simple gift that they will appreciate. This can be their favorite snack or toy. It is an excellent way to start a conversation and they will surely appreciate a gift from the outside world.

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What To Bring To Inpatient Rehab: Complete Packing List + Do’s And Don’ts

Inpatient rehabilitation centers have very strict policies in terms of what you can bring. Most of the time, you will be provided with a complete packing list so that you’d know exactly what to pack and what to leave out.

As a general rule, you are allowed to bring your necessities. The rehab facilitator will create a catalog of your belongings to ensure that you will bring everything with you when you leave.

Complete Packing List

1. Contact list

This is a list of the contact information of the people who are involved in your recovery. This includes the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your friends and loved ones. It also includes the details of your healthcare professionals and sponsors. In this way, your facilitator will know who exactly to contact in case of emergencies.

2. Important jewelry

Everyday jewelry is allowed. This includes your wedding ring, engagement ring, or wristwatch. Other unnecessary pieces must be left at home.

3. Alarm clock

Rehab centers encourage a healthy lifestyle which starts by waking up bright and early. An alarm clock will help you get up on time so that you can participate in the day-to-day activities. It should be an analog clock without a radio or any other features. Some rehab centers provide alarm clocks so be sure to check first before purchasing one.

4. Prescription medication

Your prescription medication should be stored in the original pharmacy bottle. The label which contains the information and refill date should be intact. Liquid medications must come in brand-new and sealed bottles. A list of all of the medications and their dosage must also be provided.

5. Cash

Patients are allowed to bring small amounts of cash for store runs or vending machines. The recommended amount is $50 to $100.

6. Payment method

This depends if the payment is already settled before the patient is admitted into the treatment center. The patient might need to bring their checkbook or debit cards to settle balances or to purchase medication. Insurance cards are also necessary if the inpatient treatment program is covered by the patient’s insurance company.

7. Identification cards

IDs allow the rehab center to properly identify and confirm the identity of the patient. This is also necessary documentation for processing paperwork. Some valid forms of identification include a driver’s license and passport.

8. Notebook or journal

A notebook or journal is necessary because patients are encouraged to write down their thoughts and feelings. One exercise is gratitude journaling wherein they list down all of the things they are grateful for. This allows them to adopt a grateful mindset which will make them appreciate their lives even more so that they will value healing. The patient may also want to write down anything inspiring that they might hear from the group or individual therapy sessions. They can go back to these learnings later on.

9. Pictures

Patients are allowed to bring pictures of their friends, families, and loved ones. These photos may be kept inside their wallet, journal, or on the wall of their room. This allows them to remember and value the important people in their lives whom they might have hurt and needed to make serious changes for.

10. Clothing

Inpatient rehab centers usually have strict dress codes. It is best to pack layering options so that you can adjust your outfit according to the weather condition and temperature that day. Pack some sweaters, cardigans, or jackets in case you need to warm yourself up. Avoid overpacking since closet spaces in rehab centers are usually limited.

Make sure to bring enough clothes to last for a week before laundry day. It is also important to bring clothes that are easy to wash. Avoid clothes that need special washing care, like dry cleaning.

Pack comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day and not feel tired of. You also need a pair of tennis or rubber shoes for athletic and outdoor activities. Some rehab centers encourage morning workouts and hiking so you will need the appropriate footwear for those.

You may also bring a dressy option or two for special occasions like Family Night.

11. Personal Hygiene And Beauty Products

Rehab centers require all personal hygiene and beauty products to be alcohol-free. Aerosols are also not allowed. Your kit should include the essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hair styling items, feminine hygiene products, lotion, makeup, and sunscreen.

What NOT To Bring

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Narcotics
  • Weapons like sharp objects, scissors, knives, and guns
  • Any form of pornography
  • Drinks and food
  • Alcohol-based toiletry and hygiene products
  • Electronic cigarettes
  • Nail polish and nail polish remover
  • DVDs and video games
  • Revealing clothing
  • Sporting equipment
  • Aerosols
  • Electronics
  • Cleaning supplies like ammonia and bleach
  • Board games
  • Playing cards
  • Candles

You might be surprised as to why electronics, games, and digital media aren’t allowed. This is because the patients should focus on healing which can be achieved by eliminating distractions. Do not worry because inpatient rehab centers have a rec room in which patients will be allowed to play or watch films during break times.

Patients with special dietary needs should notify the center so that the appropriate meals can be provided for them.

Get Help Now

Contact R&R Recovery for the complete list of items that you can bring. The center allows you to bring items that will make your room feel comfortable so that you will feel at home.

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Why Is An Inpatient Treatment Important For Alcoholics?

Alcoholism is a tricky issue to tackle. Like any other substance abuse issue, it may be hard to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Your best course of action as an alcoholic is to make sure that you are signing up for a trusted facility that can care for you and help you remedy your alcohol dependence.

The best way to beat alcoholism is through inpatient treatment. This is not the sole treatment option but it is the best first step that maximizes  the potential for a successful journey towards sobriety. This article dissects why inpatient treatment is an important step for the recovery of alcoholics.

Safe And Supportive Environment

When alcoholics are enrolled into inpatient rehab centers, they are subjected to a safe and supportive environment. The patients will be surrounded by individuals who thoroughly understand their case. Additionally, they will get an abundance of peer support which is a prerequisite for successful recovery.

Inpatient rehab allows the patient to connect with fellow patients that are likewise going through recovery. Things like support groups and group therapy sessions help the foundation of a supportive network that the patient can lean on and draw strength from. The sense of belonging allows them to be more comfortable with their recovery and gives them the confidence to think that it is fully possible. 

Systematic Recovery

Inpatient treatment provides the patient with a systematic path towards full recovery. These centers have an established routine so that all the patient has to do is follow along. These centers provide structure to the patients’ seemingly chaotic lives. Having a sense of routine helps them recover because it gives them a sense of purpose as well as something else to focus on besides their alcoholic cravings.

Most inpatient treatment centers have an organized flow of events for each day. The patients are kept engaged so that they can heal. Breaks are provided at reasonable intervals. The environment is also kept relaxing which helps to lower stress levels. The family is allowed to visit on visitation days.

People with alcoholism have developed behaviors and mental pathways that lead them to believe that satisfaction and happiness are only present in alcohol. This is such a difficult pattern to break, and having a routine makes the process easier as it enables the patient to break the destructive cycles that led to the development of their addiction. This also allows them to form positive habits that may help them harness tools that will help them become stronger and more resistant to relapses.

Various Treatments And Therapies

Inpatient treatment offers a wide array of treatments and therapies that the patient can try out for recovery. That’s because addiction is an issue that targets different areas of the human psyche: from mental, physical, to psychological aspects.

The main way to target these areas is through therapy, which can be in the form of individual, group, or alternative therapy. Therapy is important to explore the root cause as well as possible triggers. These sessions also help the patient form healthier coping mechanisms. 

Effective therapy is powerful enough to provide the patient with enough independence to prevent a relapse. There is no fixed type of therapy that suits all patients. The patient must be assessed first to determine which types of therapies are compatible and effective. The entire process is about enabling change in the patient’s beliefs and behaviors regarding alcohol. This also has the goal of creating a healthier lifestyle. 

Here are some examples:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Multidimensional family therapy
  • Contingency management
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT)
  • Integrative approach
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

Full-Time Medical Support

Alcoholism is an issue that requires full-time medical maintenance simply because it affects so many different aspects of the human body. Medical and clinical supervision is essential to ensure that the patient recovers well.

The first step to recovery is detoxification, and this process is often difficult for the patient. It involves getting rid of all traces of alcohol in the patient’s system so that his body can relearn how to live without it. As a consequence, the patient may experience severe withdrawal symptoms like:

  • Changes in mood and appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Congestion
  • Tremors
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Muscle pain
  • Shakiness
  • Nausea
  • Runny nose
  • Restlessness

Some of these will require the help of a doctor so that the patient will have a way to alleviate these discomforts. Additionally, being surrounded by experienced individuals from the medical field allows the patient to feel safe and secure, which is essential for growth.

Setting Achievable Goals And Building New Habits

Inpatient rehab submits the patient to a systematic environment where patients are asked to submit their goals and are provided with actionable tips on how to achieve them. This is a crucial part of recovery because there are so many patients that have tried to achieve this independently, but failed. 

Healing independently makes it easy for the patient to succumb to the vicious cycle of addiction with no real progress. It’s definitely better to be enrolled in a full-time inpatient facility where the patient can highlight exactly what he wants and have trusted support to lean against in order to achieve those goals. 

Overall, alcoholism is definitely something that every patient can overcome for as long as they have the right institute to guide them on this journey.

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Why Is An Inpatient Treatment Important For Alcoholics?

Inpatient treatment is one of the two major types of treatment plans for alcoholics. The other is an outpatient treatment which basically means that the patient resides outside the facility.

There are major differences between the two. Inpatient treatment is usually used as the primary treatment plan for any recently diagnosed alcoholic. It is also reserved for very severe and recurring cases. This article talks about why you shouldn’t overlook inpatient treatment as well as why it’s incredibly important for alcoholics.

What Is Inpatient Treatment?

This type of treatment involves inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Simply put, the patients are checked in so that they can receive full-time care and surveillance. The main difference is that outpatient treatments commit fewer hours since they go home to their respective houses at the end of each day.

Inpatient treatment is also known as residential treatment. It is the best option for severe alcoholics who wish to make full recovery. The duration of the stay depends on the severity of the addiction. It can range from a month to twelve months, depending on how well the patient improves.

Benefits Of Inpatient Treatment

The biggest benefits to inpatient treatment are the emphasis on safety and the higher effectiveness rate. Here are some of the major benefits of inpatient treatment.

Detoxification

This is the process of eliminating all traces of alcohol in the patient’s body so that the patient will learn to have independence from it. Detoxification is the first step towards sobriety. However, it can get ugly for some patients. As they’ve developed dependence, it’s all they could ever think about. Their bodies will also react on the biological level as they crave for alcohol. Some of the symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, depression, and the occurrence of tremors and seizures.

This is exactly why detoxifying on your own is very dangerous, assuming you even succeed at doing it and not fall into a relapse. You will encounter medical conditions that require the attention of a medical professional. You also need to be surveilled since the detoxifying stage is the stage where it is very much likely for you to relapse.

Alcohol detoxes usually last for 3 to 10 days. The withdrawal symptoms manifest in as early as 3 days. There are severe alcoholism cases wherein the detoxification process lasts for an entire month, while the withdrawal symptoms of depression and anxiety can likewise stretch for months. This is exactly why it helps to do this process surrounded by professionals that can help alleviate the symptoms.

Higher Success Rate

Inpatient treatments are known to have a higher success rate than outpatient rehab simply because the supply of alcohol is totally shut off. When an alcoholic resides outside the facility, it’s very easy to relapse and go to the liquor store to buy some alcohol. The patient is subjected to the very same conditions that caused them to develop an addiction in the first place.

This does not mean that alcoholics should stay in the rehab facility forever. Their stay in the center allows them to form the necessary mental tools to resist these urges to relapse before they rejoin society.

Studies also show that inpatient detoxes are much more effective and sustainable than outpatient detoxes. The consistent exposure to the treatment improves the patient’s psychological, social, and occupational functioning. More data revealed less criminal activity.

Sense Of Community

A sense of belongingness is one of the most important aspects for full recovery. Choosing inpatient treatment allows the patient to feel at home among fellow recovering addicts, the counselor, and the staff. This is exactly why there are meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous. The idea that the patient is not alone on this difficult journey is comforting for them.

Having a support system is very important for recovery. It lets the patient feel like he has people he can lean on or run to, especially on the nights where it gets harder to resist the temptation to relapse. Research also says that being a part of a community hastens healing. These healthy relationships allow friendship, support, hope, and love to blossom – all of which are incredibly important for a full recovery.

These special bonds are much more difficult to form with outpatient treatment, where there are so many distractions and fewer people that the recovering patient can rely on. This unique sense of community is only exclusive to inpatient rehab.

Are The Benefits Worth It?

The primary reason why some patients do not go for inpatient rehab is because of its price. It’s admittedly more expensive as the patient pays for lodging, full-time supervision, and more. Some people think that it’s not worth the price, but if you value true recovery, then this is the best way to go.

American addicts spend over 600 billion dollars per year to access these addictive substances, and that figure is significantly lessened if every patient is made to attend effective treatments that will completely sober them up.

Additionally, it’s better to spend in one go on a treatment plan with a high success rate. You may be tempted to go for outpatient rehab because it’s cheaper, but know that it is not as effective in successful detoxes and relapse prevention which means that there’s a chance for it to become something recurring, hence something expensive.

At the end of the day, it’s really difficult to put a price on full recovery and stable mental health.

Final Thoughts

There are countless options that recovering alcoholics can take. It’s a daunting and difficult process but it is totally manageable, especially if the patient is armed with the right tools and resources to beat the addiction.

It also helps to explore these options and to thoroughly research every single one of them so that the family can arrive at the best fit for the patient. Make sure to go to reputable rehab centers like R & R Recovery to assure a successful healing process.

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Group Therapy Guidelines Before, During, And After The Session

There are a lot of questions surrounding the topic of group therapy. What happens during therapy sessions? How effective can group therapy be? How do I go about group therapy? And so much more. These questions and uncertainties are mostly because therapy and mental health, in general, is such a taboo topic. Because of this, anything related to a person’s mental wellbeing is mostly hidden behind a veil of uncertainty and is kept hush.

This article will be divided into three broad categories that aim to help answer some of these questions: what to do before group therapy, how to conduct yourself during group therapy, and how to process the group therapy sessions that you have just undergone. Our goal is that after reading this article, you would have a general idea of the guidelines of group therapy and how it works.

Preparing for Group Therapy

Before going to therapy, there are some things that you ought to do before starting. You should not just dive in blindly without prior preparations because you may end up clueless and lost. This will be unproductive because instead of spending your time fruitfully, you would have more to spend more time adjusting to the way things work.

1. Set a goal for yourself. The first step you should do when preparing for your therapy is to know your goals. Why are you doing therapy? Think about it deeply and keep it in mind. Therapy can be draining for anyone, so you should constantly remind yourself of this goal to keep you going.

2. Write questions you might want to ask. Preparing a set of questions that you want to ask ahead of time will not hurt. It will help you think of conversation topics ahead of time so that your therapy will run smoother. However, it is not your job to initiate all conversations so if things get awkward later in therapy, do not fret. All these are normal situations, however, having a “cheat sheet” of things that might come up or things you are interested to ask will probably be helpful for all involved.

When having your group therapy

Now that you have done the preparations that you need for therapy, you finally step in to meet other people. They are your peers who are undergoing similar struggles as you are, so make sure to relax and take a deep breath. Once the ball gets rolling, hopefully, you and your peers get to have meaningful conversations and a fruitful therapy session. Here are some ways you can do that:

1. Set an expectation and say it upfront. When in therapy, it would be a good idea to be transparent about your goals and intentions. This will be a good way to break the ice as well because it is likely that everyone has similar expectations and intentions, but are shy to be the first to talk. Therefore, you should be honest in terms of your expectations and say it out loud: “I expect and hope that with this therapy, I will…” then you fill it in. Hopefully, this would lead others into doing the same which would then ignite possible conversations and shed light on possible similarities between you and others.

2.  Be honest but kind. A lot of addicts are compulsive liars. This is not surprising news because addicts tend to do anything to get high again. Therefore, addicts eventually end up getting good at lying and covering up what they want to say. This might be helpful for them previously, but it would be counterproductive in the setting of group therapy. In fact, lying and being evasive is the exact opposite of what you should be doing in therapy.

Being honest and vulnerable is one of the only ways you get to express what you are feeling. We agree that it can be terrifying to be vulnerable and open yourself up to other people’s judgments, but this cathartic release in a safe and judgment-free space can be very gratifying. It can remove a heavy burden on your shoulders as you share with others what you are feeling. However, you should do all of these kindly and with deep sympathy. You should never be condescending in front of others who mustered the courage to be vulnerable just to be met with your prickly words. Kindness goes a long way, especially in an environment like group therapy.

3. Be a part of the team. Engaging with other people and taking part in their conversations will play a vital role in the success of group therapy. You should lend a listening ear and give feedback to other people when appropriate. Sarcasm and angst should not have a place in group therapy because all of you have the same goal of getting yourselves back up on your feet. When other people ask you questions, answer them with courtesy and kindness. If there are activities in group therapy, do try to participate as well. Basically, be a good sport about group therapy and do not spoil it for others. 

What to do after a session

1. Know the next session. After all has been said and done, the first thing you need to know after a group therapy session is when the next one might be. Knowing this and blocking it in your schedule will help you gain some semblance of order in your life which can be beneficial.

2. Reflect and process. Therapy is not easy and you would have inevitably heard some interesting stories. Try to reflect on what you have heard and see if there are things your peers did that may benefit you and is applicable in your own life as well. Furthermore, having an emotionally-charged therapy session may be draining for some, so you should give your time to digest all the things you have heard and process them the best way you can.

Having group therapy is a challenge in and of itself, especially for people who never had it before. It necessitates a great deal of patience and compassion for you to be able to have success with it. However, if you can overcome that learning curve and get past all of the harder parts, group therapy can be extremely fruitful. You can bond with other people in a way that is unique and unlike any other. You bare yourselves and get vulnerable so that others may have the chance to help you, and you get the same opportunity to do the same.

Taking the right steps at the right time is crucial in your path to recovery. Contact us to help you take that step.