Rehab Near Me Maryland:The Best Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers Rehab Near Me

THE TOP ADDICTION CENTERS IN MARYLAND

90 DAY INPATIENT DRUG & ALCOHOL REHAB CENTERS IN Maryland

LOOKING FOR INPATIENT REHABS IN MARYLAND

Inpatient treatment in Maryland also referred to as residential treatment, is one of the most comprehensive addiction treatment programs out there. It is also known as the best approach when it comes to achieving and maintaining long term sobriety because of how focused the program is. It provides clients with many benefits that other programs donʼt, whether theyʼre struggling with drugs, alcohol or both.

Inpatient programs acknowledge that mental health issues go hand in hand with addiction. Inpatient programs acknowledge that mental health issues go hand in hand with addiction. It tackles both the physical and emotional effects of substance abuse.

WHAT TO EXPECTED FROM INPATIENT PROGRAM?

Inpatient treatment is an intensive form of rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction.It follows the medical detox phase and combines behavioral therapy to tackle the rootcause of addictive behavior. Under an inpatient program, recovering individuals can get the proper medical attention they require, because professionals can evaluate their condition properly.

The problem with addiction is that it keeps people from quitting the substance of their choice. That is why addicted people struggle with cravings and other temptations. Addictive substances alter their brain in a way that dulls their judgment and keeps them from making good decisions.Even if they manage to stop for a while, they will go through withdrawal and eventually relapse. It becomes dangerous to quit without the aid of medical professionals. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

MARYLAND RESIDENTIAL REHAB: IS IT DIFFERENT FROM INPATIENT REHAB?

Residential rehab and inpatient rehab are two terms that are often used interchangeably, and they are actually very similar.

They both follow medical detox and make use of appropriate therapeutic techniques. They also provide full time treatment at a specific rehab facility in Maryland.

INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF INPATIENT REHAB?

REVIEW OF TREATMENT GOAL

Addiction Treatment Centers For Drugs, Alcohol and Prescription Drug Abuse

The number of people struggling with addiction in Maryland is astounding. With an opioid epidemic that is killing thousands of people in the US every year, it is important to take a look at the whole picture: why addiction is so dangerous and how treatment works for those who are suffering from it. It is safe to say that those who are dealing with addiction and substance abuse are not alone. So as overwhelming as this problem may seem, patients should know that there are resources they could use to get back to living a sober life. Here we will explore some of the most effective treatment options out there.

But first, to demonstrate the severity of the issue, here are some important statistics about drug addiction. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health or NSDUH, 19.7 million American adults over 12 years old battled a substance use disorder in 2017. Almost 74 percent of adults suffering from a substance use disorder in 2017 struggled with an alcohol use disorder. Still in 2017, almost 38 percent of adults battled an illicit drug use disorder. In fact, 1 out of every 8 adults struggled with both alcohol and drug use disorders simultaneously. In terms of co-occurring disorders, 8.5 million American adults suffered from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder that same year. The fight against addiction is very costly. Drug abuse and addiction cost the US more than $740 billion annually in terms of lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime-related costs. The causes of addiction are varied. This is another thing that makes dealing with addiction complicated. There are genetic factors, environmental factors, and mental health factors to consider. Genetics account for about 40 to 60 percent of a person’s risk of addiction. A chaotic or abusive home can increase this risk further. Parent’s drug use, attitude towards drugs, peer influences, community influences, and other things can contribute to this as well.

MARYLAND MEN AND DRUG ADDICTION

When it comes to substance abuse, men and women face unique issues. There are sex and gender differences that may make individuals more susceptible to substance abuse. Sex differences result from biology. Gender differences relate to the culturally defined roles for men and women, as well as those who identify differently. Such roles and expectations influence how they interact with others. Sex and gender can also interact with each other to create even more complex differences between men and women. In popular media, men are often depicted as more likely to get drunk or abuse drugs. In some ways, reality inspires fictional portrayals, and sometimes, it goes the other way around. In 2017, about 9.4 percent of men age 12 and older had a substance use disorder. This is much higher than the 5.2 percent of women who had the same problems. Men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs than women. However, women are just as prone to addiction when they do abuse the substances. Generally speaking, men are more likely to use almost all types of illicit drugs, and are more likely to end up in an emergency room. Illicit drugs are defined as illegal drugs. This includes marijuana, according to federal law. It also refers to the misuse of prescription drugs. For most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than women.

WOMEN AND DRUG ADDICTION IN MARYLAND

Women also face unique issues when it comes to substance use. Scientists who study addiction and drug abuse discovered that women who use drugs can have issues related to hormones, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and the menstrual cycle. In addition, women themselves describe unique reasons for using drugs. Some women do it to control weight, fight exhaustion, cope with pain, and to try and self-treat mental health problems. 19.5 million, or 15.4 percent, of women ages 18 and above have used illicit drugs in the past year. Women abuse substances differently than men. Divorce, loss of child custody, or the death of a partner or child can trigger women’s substance use or other mental health disorders. And similarly, they also respond to substances differently. From 1999 to 2014, the number of women with opioid use disorder at labor and delivery quadrupled. They may take smaller amounts of certain drugs for less time before they become addicted. Women may have more drug cravings and may be more likely to relapse after treatment.

Hormones can make women more sensitive to the effects of some drugs. Women have also been found to be more prone to physical effects on their heart and blood vessels. Because of this, women are also more likely to die from overdose. Women who are victims of domestic violence have an increased risk of substance use. Substance use during pregnancy is another factor that makes the experience unique for women. Drug abuse while pregnant is very risky to the woman’s health and that of her children. It can have both short term and long term effects on both of them. Most drugs could potentially harm an unborn baby. Some substances also increase the risk of miscarriage while also causing migraines, seizures, or high blood pressure in the mother—all of which may affect her fetus. This is why pregnant women should always check with their health care provider before taking any medications. When a woman uses drugs regularly during pregnancy, the baby can go through withdrawal after birth. This condition is called neonatal abstinence syndrome or NAS. NAS can occur if a pregnant woman uses opioids, alcohol, caffeine, and some prescription sedatives. The severity of a baby’s withdrawal symptoms depend on the drug used and the mother’s drug habits. Symptoms of NAS in a newborn can develop immediately or up to 14 days after birth. Common symptoms of NAS include: diarrhea, fever, increased heart rate, irritability, rapid breathing, seizures, sleep problems, slow weight gain, vomiting, and trembling.

MOST ABUSED STREET DRUGS IN MARYLAND

Gender differences might make addiction a bit more unique between men and women, but the effects can be somewhat predictable based on the substance taken by the individual. Street drugs, for example, are taken only for their recreational purposes. They do not have any medical benefits—but people take them in order to get high. While the euphoric experience caused by these street drugs can make a person feel good, it is also expected to make them suffer from adverse effects later on, especially with continued use. Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused street drugs out there. The National Institutes on Health or NIH report that there were roughly 1.5 million cocaine users aged 12 or older in 2014. That is 0.6 percent of the population.

Adults ages 18 to 25 are most likely to abuse cocaine. Men are more likely to use cocaine than women. In fact, there were over 3,000 male overdose deaths in 2014, while only 1,000 female overdose deaths were recorded. When short term cocaine use crosses the line into long term abuse, the risks increase and the dangers become more apparent. Long term effects of cocaine abuse include extreme fatigue, headaches, nosebleeds, abdominal pain, significant weight loss, heart attack, stroke, seizures, respiratory arrest, widespread cardiovascular disease, and death. Heroin is another commonly abused street drug, made from the opiate called morphine. Street names for it include smack, horse, hell dust, and big H. Long term heroin abuse may lead to insomnia, damaged tissue, abscesses, infection of the heart lining and valves, lung complications, mental disorders, sexual dysfunction, and irregular menstrual cycles. The NSDUH reported that about 948,000 Americans were using heroin in 2016. The trend is mostly driven by young adults aged 18 to 25. The number of people using heroin for the first time is high, with 170,000 people starting heroin use in 2016. Out of all the street drugs, however, marijuana may be the most popular. Approximately 4.1 million American adults over the age of 12 battled a marijuana use disorder in 2017. Most of the people struggling with marijuana addiction that year were between ages 12 and 25.

MARYLAND MOST ABUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

As widely used as street drugs are, prescription drugs are still more widespread these days in Maryland. The fact that there is an opioid epidemic right now only shows that the problem is indeed serious. Prescription drugs have medical benefits—this is why they are being prescribed for certain conditions in the first place. But they can also be abused. In fact, because of their accessibility, people are actually more likely to abuse these medications. Some people use it as a gateway drug. Pain relievers, stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives can make a person feel euphoric. This is their most common side effect. This is also what makes people abuse their meds. In 2017, around 1.7 million people age 12 and above had a problem with pain relievers. According to a new study published in the journal Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, people who were admitted to opioid treatment programs who abused only prescription opioids, were about 5 years younger than individuals who admitted solely for heroin abuse or dependency. The same goes for those who abused both heroin and prescription opioids. Opioids and opiates are used for their painkilling properties.

They are used to manage pain ranging from moderate to severe. But it’s an entirely different story once a person misuses or abuses their given prescription. These are very potent substances that can cause addiction or physical dependence. The difference between opioids and opiates are minor: opioids are synthetic and semi-synthetic substances derived from the opium poppy plant, while opiates are natural substances. However, their adverse effects are the same. Taking high doses of opioids can lead to addiction, tolerance, and dependence. You can tell that a person is high on opioids if they seem sedated, elated, or confused. They may have constricted pupils, they may become constipated, and they can even lose consciousness. Opioid abuse can slow a person’s breathing. Developing physical dependence can be tough. This means that the body has adapted to the drug’s presence, and will therefore react negatively if intake is stopped. The user will experience withdrawal if they attempt to quit opioids. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, anxiety, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and even respiratory depression. This is why detoxification is necessary. Self-regulation rarely works and is more likely to cause relapse.

ALCOHOL ABUSE STATISTICS

Before we move on to discussing drug addiction treatment and its many different processes, we would also like to talk about alcohol abuse statistics. Although alcohol is not a drug, it is still a widely abused substance. In 2017, an estimated 14.5 million American adults age 12 and older battled an alcohol use disorder. This is 5.3 percent of the population. In fact, over half of all American adults have a family history of problem drinking or alcohol addiction. More than 10 percent of US children live with a parent who has alcohol problems. And because of the many adverse effects of alcohol use disorder, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol related causes every year.

All of this makes alcohol the third leading cause of preventable death in the US. Addiction Treatment Statistics Here are some statistics involving addiction treatment. In 2017, an estimated 20.7 million people age 12 and older needed treatment for substance use disorder. However, only 4 million people received treatment. This is just about 19 percent of those who needed it. The good news is that there are over 14,500 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States. They provide a wide variety of care options. This includes counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, case management, and other forms of care. Later on we will look at these methods more closely. Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA, has more than 120,000 groups in more than 175 countries around the world. It has more than 2 million members. The relapse rate for substance use disorders is very high. It is estimated to be between 40 and 60 percent. It is similar to the rates of relapse for other chronic diseases such as hypertension or asthma. Although the numbers look bleak, there is still hope. Addiction is a treatable disease, and recovery is possible. Let’s take a look at how addiction treatment works.

ADDICTION RECOVERY NEAR ME IN MARYLAND

Recovering from any form of addiction is no easy task. It is nearly impossible to do so without supervised professional help. Whether it is street drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol, proper treatment following a structured plan is necessary. These substances can pose all kinds of risks for those who are trying to quit them. And because of their ability to produce a euphoric high, most users don’t even want to stop taking these drugs. It is for this reason that medical detox is a necessity. Addiction is an overwhelming problem that causes physical, emotional, social, and financial consequences—among other potential effects. And because of the complexity of this condition, the treatment process also tends to be complicated. The Process of Recovery: What is involved? Drug rehab involves five stages: acceptance, assessment, detox, therapy, and aftercare. The exact length of each stage depends on the individual in question. Some may take longer in therapy, others may find it challenging to remain sober during aftercare. Some people don’t make it past the acceptance stage. But patients should know that they are not going through these five stages alone. With the help of loved ones and medical experts, all of these challenges can be overcome. Recovering individuals only need to know what to expect during the process of recovery.

AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE

This first stage is often the most difficult for addicted individuals: accepting the fact that they have a problem, and that problem needs to be fixed. Unfortunately, the rest of these stages don’t work unless the patient is willing to cooperate. Nobody can get sober unless they take an active part in the recovery process. It doesn’t matter how much support they receive. They need to have the determination to see things through. They will also need plenty of willpower to even get started in drug rehab. Becoming aware of the problem is always the first step in reclaiming their sobriety. If the addicted person is not aware of their own behavior, family members may step in and start an intervention. This is when the person is presented with the reality of the situation and how their drug habits are affecting their loved ones. During an intervention, the person needs to accept the idea of drug rehab—they must recognize the importance of sobriety. At the very least, they must be given some time to think about it and reflect upon their actions. Although addiction first involves a person’s willful abuse of a substance, it quickly turns into something that is out of their control. This is why addiction is considered a medical condition. Still, they need to make the choice to get better.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Once a person gets into drug rehab inMaryland, they will be assessed by medical professionals. This is the stage where the person’s health and drug habits are taken into consideration. Their age, their gender, their medical history, and many other factors will be assessed in order to create a suitable treatment plan. Addiction affects everyone differently, and so drug treatment should always take a personalized approach in order to be truly effective. Once a treatment plan has been made, the actual addiction treatment process begins. Everyone is on a different journey, so this plan will reflect that.

MEDICAL DETOX IN MARYLAND

This is an essential part of addiction recovery, because it deals with the physical effects of addiction. A person who has been abusing a drug long enough to get addicted will inevitably face withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, withdrawal is life-threatening, which is why detox should not be done without medical assistance. Withdrawal and intense cravings will only force the person to relapse. Their effort to get sober on their own would’ve been for nothing. It will only cause discomfort, and put their life in danger. During medical detox, a person’s drug intake is lowered gradually, and their withdrawal symptoms are managed using medications, etc.

BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

This stage is all about addressing the mental and emotional effects of addiction. Behavioral therapy consists of various techniques like counseling, addiction education, group therapy, and many other methods that help teach a person how to cope with the drug-free lifestyle. It also tackles the root cause of addiction. By getting to know the patient, their addictive behavior can be understood. And by handling these issues that cause them to abuse drugs, they can start to break free from their own habits. Aftercare Aftercare is all about maintaining the good effects of drug rehab. If detox and therapy are for achieving sobriety, aftercare is for remaining sober. This is the part that takes the most willpower, because the person is no longer receiving constant care. They will have to reclaim their own life by being productive, doing things that make them happy without using drugs, and becoming a better person. Aftercare may consist of regular counseling, or hospital visits, or staying in sober living homes for a while. This last stage is all about relapse prevention. Aftercare may take years, because addiction recovery is a continuous process. Relapse is always a possibility. But with aftercare, it becomes much easier to stay on the right track.

MEDICAL DETOX: A CLOSER LOOK

Addiction is best treated using a combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy—that is if the person wants to achieve long term sobriety. Medical detox is done under the supervision of trained medical professionals. This is the safer and more effective alternative to self-regulation. Gradually lowering a person’s intake is the best way to go, because suddenly abstaining from an addictive drug will cause intense cravings and severe withdrawal. The patient may be prescribed with medications that will either help with their symptoms or control their cravings. If a person is addicted to opiates, for example, specialized medication may be used in the process of opiate replacement.

Methadone and buprenorphine are commonly used to replace the person’s drug of choice for the time being. Although these drugs are also opiates, they are less likely to cause addiction when used as prescribed. There is the stigma that taking medications during drug treatment is merely replacing one addiction with another. But studies have proven this is not the case. In fact, the stigma is only making it much harder for people with addiction to actually get the help they need. Opiate replacement works because the replacement opiates are much easier to maintain in the long term. It will be easier to control habits, until the person is finally able to say ‘no’ to it altogether. There are plenty of factors to consider when creating a proper treatment plan for an addicted individual. Some people may be abusing another drug, for example. This will complicate the process, because both substance use disorders need to be considered. If a person was prescribed with opioids and they got addicted, the treatment approach may be changed. What if the person still needs to manage chronic pain? And what if there are co-occurring disorders? These must be taken into account before conducting the medical detox. For best results, medical detox must be done alongside behavioral therapy. The latter focuses on the mental and emotional effects of opiates. Techniques like group counseling, addiction education, and even meditation could help the patient learn how to stay sober.

ALCOHOL DETOX: WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Same as with drug detox, alcohol detox is done gradually. Going to rehab for the very first time can be an intimidating experience, so the recovery process is done slowly. It is important to understand that rehab will give alcoholics the push that they need in order to adopt a sober lifestyle. The momentum they gain from alcohol rehab can easily be carried over to their life after treatment. It will help them regain control over their own path, rather than allowing alcohol to take everything away. An alcohol treatment program is made to help the person slowly adjust to the sober life. The first thing patients need to know is that there are no locks on the door. They are free to go whenever they want. Of course, leaving rehab can have its consequences, and it may slow down or stop their progress—but these are decisions they will make on their own. At the end of the day, they are in control of their destiny. Again, no one can help them get sober unless they are also trying to help themselves.

For those who are willing to stay for the entire duration of the program, they can expect to go through a similar detoxification process. Most residential rehab facilities have their own detoxification programs. Some centers require clients to complete detox before entering their facilities. Before choosing a rehab facility, try to learn what approach they take. There are some facilities that require patients to get clean before entering rehab. This means that a facility that offers medical detox is necessary. Residential facilities differ in terms of facilities. The cheaper ones may offer camp-type settings. The more expensive ones can offer luxurious facilities with fine dining and private suites. Rehabilitation also involves education as one of its core components. Again, this may vary depending on the facility, but the whole process of alcohol rehab is aimed at changing addictive behavior. And this cannot be achieved without providing some sort of education. It helps alcoholic individuals take an honest and realistic look at their own drinking habits and understand why they must change it. It can help them change their attitude towards alcohol abuse. Some people don’t even know that they are an alcoholic. If a person doesn’t seem to know when to stop or how much is too much, then they likely have a drinking problem. Addiction treatment for alcohol use disorder involves counseling and group therapy.

No one should face this problem alone. A support system is as important here as it is in drug rehab. A trained addiction counselor may help through private, individual counseling. On the other hand, group therapy helps patients connect with other individuals and create their own support system. While recovery is always challenging, it is slightly easier when the patient is surrounded by people who also want to get better and understand what they are going through. Patients may begin to see that what they have is not an extraordinary circumstance, but a very common problem that affects so many families all over the world. Rehab sessions are designed to teach patients skills that they’ll need to live life without the need for alcohol. Facilities have different ways of teaching these coping skills. It may involve 12-step meetings, group sessions, family therapy, couples therapy, or addiction education. Lastly, aftercare is just as essential here. It’s the part where the real challenge lies: staying sober after treatment has ended. The typical alcohol rehab will last about 28 days or longer, depending on the patient’s condition. This is a structured environment where their alcohol intake can be monitored. But beyond that, it’s all about the person’s willpower and their desire to pursue sobriety. Some of the most successful rehab programs will incorporate a strong aftercare program plan to help guide them through aftercare. In other cases, counselors may suggest the next step based on the patient’s progress. When it comes to withdrawal, the severity and duration experienced by the alcoholic is closely related to the severity of their addiction. This also applies to alcohol detox. Medications help patients deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These prescription drugs can help ease the transition from addiction to sobriety. And of course, doctors will always monitor their intake so that they don’t misuse their prescription. Expect these medications to be taken while closely following a schedule, because some of the drugs can also be misused or taken recreationally. During the early stages of detox, the patient may feel sick, anxious, depressed, or irritable. They may have sudden spikes in heart rate or blood pressure. Some even suffer from nightmares. These complications have to be monitored. This is why alcohol treatment has to be done in an inpatient setting. As the detox progresses, withdrawal symptoms will gradually reduce in their intensity. However, only continued sobriety can end long-term addiction. The risk of seizure lessens after the first 48 hours of detox. Medical observation may still be required going forward, because the risk of heart attack and stroke remains.

INPATIENT VS. OUTPATIENT THERAPY: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Different drugs cause different health problems, both physical and psychological. Addiction itself has effects that extend beyond a person’s mind and body. It has social, legal, and financial repercussions. An addicted person may lose their friends, their jobs, and they may even get in trouble with the law. A person doesn’t just choose between inpatient and outpatient treatment. They need to consider their needs, among other things. One treatment option is not necessarily better than the other. They work in different ways and serve different types of patients. Someone who is struggling with addiction must know the difference between the two options. What are Inpatient Programs? Inpatient programs are intensive and structured. It is also known as residential treatment, and it works great for serious addiction. If the condition is severe, then the patient might not be able to choose another option. This is recommended for the kind of addiction where nothing but focus and continuous effort can fix the problem. Patients who are suffering from life-threatening symptoms as well as intense withdrawal are also targeted by inpatient programs. Inpatient programs involve letting the patient stay in a facility for the duration of the treatment. There, they’ll receive both medical and emotional support. It often makes use of a combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy. Their drug intake is gradually lowered and their symptoms are managed. As their health is restored, they can learn how to adapt to the drug-free lifestyle. The main benefit of this type of treatment is that they are removed from their usual, stressful environment where their triggers are prominent and constantly present. In a treatment facility, they can focus on getting better. The main disadvantage is that inpatient treatment is more expensive. It is more effective, after all.

WHAT ARE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS?

An outpatient program is far more flexible than its inpatient counterpart. This is only allowed for patients with more manageable conditions, and those who cannot leave work, school, or any other responsibility they may have. Outpatient rehab is more like a part-time program. It allows the patient to follow a certain treatment schedule. This involves frequent visits to the treatment facility. It helps the patient adjust to the post-addiction lifestyle more quickly, as they remain in their same environment while receiving treatment. However, there is a bigger risk of relapse compared to inpatient treatment. The rehab program is usually the same as inpatient: it combines medical detox with behavioral therapy so they can get sober while learning how to stay sober. However, it is less restrictive, and also less structured. This can be a program on its own, but it can also be part of a long-term treatment program. The benefit is that the patient can receive continuous care from the people they love the most—they don’t have to live separately from them. It is also much cheaper because they don’t have to pay for basic necessities and lodging. Inpatient programs are more focused, more effective, but also more expensive. Outpatient programs are more flexible, more manageable, but also less focused.

ADDICTION TREATMENT AND INSURANCE IN MARYLAND

Nowadays, addiction is more widely understood for what it truly is: a treatable medical condition. At the same time, insurance companies are beginning to take responsibility for covering the cost of treatment: this includes rehabilitation and therapy. The goal is to ensure that the effects of drug abuse are reversed, and the patient’s health is restored. The rehab process should make sure that the person can return to living a sober life once the treatment is over.

However, rehab is a long process that varies from person to person. And so rehab can take the form of inpatient or outpatient treatment. Inpatient programs, also known as residential treatment, are bound to cost more than their outpatient counterpart. Verifying which types of treatment are covered by the patient’s insurance company is important. Families should check that all types of treatment are covered. This way, they can pursue treatment that is covered by their health insurance provider. Remember, not everyone who needs help for drug or alcohol abuse receives it. In 2013, for example, 22.7 million people reported that they needed assistance, but only 2.5 million people actually received support. It was either they did not seek help, or they were left without access due to the lack of insurance coverage. These are some of the questions patients should ask about their insurance coverage: does it cover inpatient drug treatment? How long will they be able to stay in the facility? Does it only cover outpatient treatment? Does it cover all expenses throughout the duration of rehab? Does the health insurance cover addiction treatment at all? It is important to find out the scope of the insurance policy. It can help navigate the tricky process of rehab without worrying about the financial hurdles. This way, the patient can manage their budget and make the necessary adjustments. There are public and private insurance plans that can help compensate a portion of the expense of treatment for every type of addiction.

If the insurance plan doesn’t cover behavioral therapy or other necessary treatments, public insurance can be an affordable option. If all else fails, asking the drug rehab facility about various payment methods can work wonders. What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Therapy? Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is a term used for patients who are suffering from a mental illness and a substance use disorder at the same time. Either disorder can develop first. People experiencing mental health problems may turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication to try and improve their mental health symptoms. Alternatively, research shows that alcohol and other drugs worsen the symptom of mental illnesses. Finding integrated care can be challenging, but first, we must understand co-occurring disorders and their tricky nature. For starters, dual diagnosis is very common. According to a 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.9 million people in the U.S. experience both a mental disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously. More than half of these people are men. That is 4.1 million people. Many combinations of dual diagnosis can occur. And that is why the symptoms can vary widely. Mental health clinics are starting to use many different alcohol and drug screening tools to help identify the people who are at risk of dual diagnosis. Still, there are quite a few common symptoms to watch out for. For example, the patient may be exhibiting sudden changes in behavior like withdrawal from friends and family.

They may suddenly stop enjoying hobbies that they used to love. They may use substances under dangerous conditions, or engage in other risky behavior. Family members will likely notice that they are losing control over their use of substances. They may develop a high tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. They will feel that they need a drug in order to function. Just like drug abuse-related behavioral changes, the symptoms of mental health conditions may also vary greatly. There are warning signs that can clue family members in, such as extreme mood shifts, confusion, and problems concentrating. They may display a lack of social awareness, or may even avoid their friends. In some of the worst cases, the person may contemplate suicide. Sometimes there are no warning signs at all. This makes it that much harder to deal with these co-occurring disorders. Loved ones might not even notice there’s a problem in the first place. If the patient has a dual diagnosis, there are a few other indicators that may help. For example, a person who is struggling with both substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, they might try to use drugs to escape their psychological problems. Using drugs because life feels unbearable is a sign that the person may have a mental illness. Some people begin abusing drugs after a divorce or a breakup. They mistakenly believe that it will take the edge off of the pain.

And though the joyful sensation of a drug-induced high is certainly pleasant—it is only a temporary feeling. This fleeting sense of euphoria leads to even bigger problems, with the person’s health becoming affected. Additionally, if a person’s emotional distress is so great that the only way to get relief is to use drugs, then this is possibly more than just everyday stress. This may mean a mental health condition such as depression. Some people are genetically vulnerable to dual diagnosis, just like how some are more likely to abuse drugs based on their environment. And speaking of a person’s environment, there are environmental factors at play here as well. Childhood trauma, or just trauma in general, can increase a person’s likelihood of getting a dual diagnosis. If the family has a history of mental illness, then this is another big contributor. Mental illness does not go away on its own, especially without proper treatment. If the patient has a previous diagnosis for a mental health disorder and they did not receive medical treatment, then odds are good that the diagnosis still affects them in some way.

The problem may even play a role in their decision to abuse drugs. On top of these causes, there are also other factors like a person’s tendency toward risky behavior or their tendency to self-medicate. A clear indicator of a co-occurring disorder is the way withdrawal affects the person’s mood and behavior. While withdrawal in general is uncomfortable, it tends to be worse in people who are already struggling with mental health issues. Trying to quit the drug might make them angry, suicidal, or even violent, in extreme cases. Although withdrawal is tough for anyone, it should not make the patient hopeless or suicidal. Anxiety, anger, and difficulty concentrating might indicate a dual diagnosis. The patient might feel like they are losing control and cannot tolerate another second of withdrawal. Others display behavior such as self-harm, overwhelming fear, aggression, anxiety, or hostility. The aggression may often be directed at people who have not provoked them. Of course, a person who is already dealing with so much will find it nearly impossible to form new relationships or even maintain the ones they already have. For this reason, they may push their own loved ones away, burn bridges, and refuse to take part in social activities.

HOW IS DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATED?

The best treatment for a dual diagnosis is integrated intervention. Through an integrated intervention, the person receives care for both their diagnosed mental illness and substance abuse. There used to be an idea that a person who is depressed cannot be treated unless they get sober first. This is an outdated point of view, knowing how complex addiction treatment is. To deal with a dual diagnosis, medical care providers should be able to consider the person’s entire situation and provide them with a treatment plan that suits them completely. These issues need to be tackled simultaneously, so that the person can begin rebuilding their life. Current thinking requires both issues to be addressed. The treatment provider should understand the ways each condition affects the other and how treatment can be made more effective. As such, treatment planning cannot be and will not be the same for everyone. Just like in addiction treatment, dual diagnosis begins with an assessment that allows health care providers to understand the patient’s situation in particular. After this, it is pretty straightforward. It involves detoxification, which allows for initial sobriety and safety. The patient’s withdrawal symptoms are monitored and managed so that they are kept under control. As the addicted individual’s health is restored, they begin to feel more comfortable in their situation.

Behavioral therapy and counseling can them help address their mental health issues. Some patients thrive in individual therapy sessions, while others do well when surrounded by groups of like-minded people. Psychotherapy is usually a big part of an effective dual diagnosis treatment plan. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, teaches patients effective patterns of thinking, as well as various coping mechanisms. Medications may be used to help fight mental illnesses. Certain medications also prevent withdrawal symptoms and keep cravings under control. If someone in the family is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against drug abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.