NOTE: This fact sheet discusses research findings on effective treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction. If you’re seeking treatment, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) or go to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov for information on hotlines, counseling services, or treatment options in your state.
What is drug addiction?
Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long lasting. These changes in the brain can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who use drugs. Drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop.
The path to drug addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs. But over time, a person's ability to choose not to do so becomes compromised. Seeking and taking the drug becomes compulsive. This is mostly due to the effects of long-term drug exposure on brain function. Addiction affects parts of the brain involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and control over behavior. Addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior.
Can drug addiction be treated?
Yes, but it’s not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives. Addiction treatment must help the person do the following:
stop using drugs
stay drug-free
be productive in the family, at work, and in society
Principles of Effective Treatment
Based on scientific research since the mid-1970s, the following key principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program: Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. No single treatment is right for everyone. People need to have quick access to treatment. Effective treatment addresses all of the patient’s needs, not just his or her drug use. Staying in treatment long enough is critical. Counseling and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of treatment. Medications are often an important part of treatment, especially when combined with behavioral therapies. Treatment plans must be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs. Treatment should address other possible mental disorders. Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of treatment. Treatment doesn't need to be voluntary to be effective. Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously. Treatment programs should test patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases as well as teach them about steps they can take to reduce their risk of these illnesses.
What are treatments for drug addiction?
There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including: behavioral counseling medication medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety long-term follow-up to prevent relapse A range of care with a tailored treatment program and follow-up options can be crucial to success. Treatment should include both medical and mental health services as needed. Follow-up care may include community- or family-based recovery support systems.
How are medications and devices used in drug addiction treatment?
Medications and devices can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions. Withdrawal. Medications and devices can help suppress withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. Detoxification is not in itself "treatment," but only the first step in the process. Patients who do not receive any further treatment after detoxification usually resume their drug use. One study of treatment facilities found that medications were used in almost 80 percent of detoxifications (SAMHSA, 2014). In November 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a new indication to an electronic stimulation device, NSS-2 Bridge, for use in helping reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. This device is placed behind the ear and sends electrical pulses to stimulate certain brain nerves. Relapse prevention. Patients can use medications to help re-establish normal brain function and decrease cravings. Medications are available for treatment of opioid (heroin, prescription pain relievers), tobacco (nicotine), and alcohol addiction. Scientists are developing other medications to treat stimulant (cocaine, methamphetamine) and cannabis (marijuana) addiction. People who use more than one drug, which is very common, need treatment for all of the substances they use. Opioids: Methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®), buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex®, Probuphine® , Sublocade™), and naltrexone (Vivitrol®) are used to treat opioid addiction. Acting on the same targets in the brain as heroin and morphine, methadone and buprenorphine suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings. Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids at their receptor sites in the brain and should be used only in patients who have already been detoxified. All medications help patients reduce drug seeking and related criminal behavior and help them become more open to behavioral treatments. A NIDA study found that once treatment is initiated, both a buprenorphine/naloxone combination and an extended release naltrexone formulation are similarly effective in treating opioid addiction. Because full detoxification is necessary for treatment with naloxone, initiating treatment among active users was difficult, but once detoxification was complete, both medications had similar effectiveness. Tobacco: Nicotine replacement therapies have several forms, including the patch, spray, gum, and lozenges. These products are available over the counter. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two prescription medications for nicotine addiction: bupropion (Zyban®) and varenicline (Chantix®). They work differently in the brain, but both help prevent relapse in people trying to quit. The medications are more effective when combined with behavioral treatments, such as group and individual therapy as well as telephone quitlines. Alcohol: Three medications have been FDA-approved for treating alcohol addiction and a fourth, topiramate, has shown promise in clinical trials (large-scale studies with people). The three approved medications are as follows: Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and in the craving for alcohol. It reduces relapse to heavy drinking and is highly effective in some patients. Genetic differences may affect how well the drug works in certain patients. Acamprosate (Campral®) may reduce symptoms of long-lasting withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and dysphoria (generally feeling unwell or unhappy). It may be more effective in patients with severe addiction. Disulfiram (Antabuse®) interferes with the breakdown of alcohol. Acetaldehyde builds up in the body, leading to unpleasant reactions that include flushing (warmth and redness in the face), nausea, and irregular heartbeat if the patient drinks alcohol. Compliance (taking the drug as prescribed) can be a problem, but it may help patients who are highly motivated to quit drinking. Co-occuring conditions: Other medications are available to treat possible mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may be contributing to the person’s addiction.
Graphic of components of comprehensive drug addiction treatment with an out and inner circle. The outer circle lists vocational services, mental health services, medical services, educational services, HIV/AIDS services, legal services, and family services. The inner circle lists assessment, evidence-based treatment, substance use monitoring, clinical and case management, recovery support programs, and continuing care. The caption is the best treatment programs provide a combination of therapies and other
How are behavioral therapies used to treat drug addiction?
Behavioral therapies help patients: modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use increase healthy life skills persist with other forms of treatment, such as medication Patients can receive treatment in many different settings with various approaches. Outpatient behavioral treatment includes a wide variety of programs for patients who visit a behavioral health counselor on a regular schedule. Most of the programs involve individual or group drug counseling, or both. These programs typically offer forms of behavioral therapy such as: cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are most likely to use drugs multidimensional family therapy—developed for adolescents with drug abuse problems as well as their families—which addresses a range of influences on their drug abuse patterns and is designed to improve overall family functioning motivational interviewing, which makes the most of people's readiness to change their behavior and enter treatment motivational incentives (contingency management), which uses positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs Treatment is sometimes intensive at first, where patients attend multiple outpatient sessions each week. After completing intensive treatment, patients transition to regular outpatient treatment, which meets less often and for fewer hours per week to help sustain their recovery. In September 2017, the FDA permitted marketing of the first mobile application, reSET®, to help treat substance use disorders. This application is intended to be used with outpatient treatment to treat alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and stimulant substance use disorders. In September 2017, the FDA permitted marketing of the first mobile application, reSET®, to help treat substance use disorders. This application is intended to be used with outpatient treatment to treat alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and stimulant substance use disorders. Inpatient or residential treatment can also be very effective, especially for those with more severe problems (including co-occurring disorders). Licensed residential treatment facilities offer 24-hour structured and intensive care, including safe housing and medical attention. Residential treatment facilities may use a variety of therapeutic approaches, and they are generally aimed at helping the patient live a drug-free, crime-free lifestyle after treatment. Examples of residential treatment settings include: Therapeutic communities, which are highly structured programs in which patients remain at a residence, typically for 6 to 12 months. The entire community, including treatment staff and those in recovery, act as key agents of change, influencing the patient’s attitudes, understanding, and behaviors associated with drug use. Read more about therapeutic communities in the Therapeutic Communities Research Report at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/therapeutic-communities. Shorter-term residential treatment, which typically focuses on detoxification as well as providing initial intensive counseling and preparation for treatment in a community-based setting. Recovery housing, which provides supervised, short-term housing for patients, often following other types of inpatient or residential treatment. Recovery housing can help people make the transition to an independent life—for example, helping them learn how to manage finances or seek employment, as well as connecting them to support services in the community. Is treatment different for criminal justice populations? Scientific research since the mid-1970s shows that drug abuse treatment can help many drug-using offenders change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards drug abuse; avoid relapse; and successfully remove themselves from a life of substance abuse and crime. Many of the principles of treating drug addiction are similar for people within the criminal justice system as for those in the general population. However, many offenders don’t have access to the types of services they need. Treatment that is of poor quality or is not well suited to the needs of offenders may not be effective at reducing drug use and criminal behavior. In addition to the general principles of treatment, some considerations specific to offenders include the following: Treatment should include development of specific cognitive skills to help the offender adjust attitudes and beliefs that lead to drug abuse and crime, such as feeling entitled to have things one’s own way or not understanding the consequences of one’s behavior. This includes skills related to thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering. Treatment planning should include tailored services within the correctional facility as well as transition to community-based treatment after release. Ongoing coordination between treatment providers and courts or parole and probation officers is important in addressing the complex needs of offenders re-entering society. Challenges of Re-entry Drug abuse changes the function of the brain, and many things can "trigger" drug cravings within the brain. It’s critical for those in treatment, especially those treated at an inpatient facility or prison, to learn how to recognize, avoid, and cope with triggers they are likely to be exposed to after treatment.
How many people get treatment for drug addiction?
According to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 22.5 million people (8.5 percent of the U.S. population) aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit* drug or alcohol use problem in 2014. Only 4.2 million (18.5 percent of those who needed treatment) received any substance use treatment in the same year. Of these, about 2.6 million people received treatment at specialty treatment programs (CBHSQ, 2015). *The term "illicit" refers to the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana according to federal law, and misuse of prescription medications. Points to Remember Drug addiction can be treated, but it’s not simple. Addiction treatment must help the person do the following: stop using drugs stay drug-free be productive in the family, at work, and in society Successful treatment has several steps: detoxification behavioral counseling medication (for opioid, tobacco, or alcohol addiction) evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety long-term follow-up to prevent relapse Medications and devices can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions. Behavioral therapies help patients: modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use increase healthy life skills persist with other forms of treatment, such as medication People within the criminal justice system may need additional treatment services to treat drug use disorders effectively. However, many offenders don’t have access to the types of services they need. Source : https://www.drugabuse.gov
Study: Medical Marijuana Cuts Use of Prescription Drugs
A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, revealed medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines – such as opiates. Researchers monitored the use of prescription medication by participants enrolled in the Illinois medical marijuana program. This is the first peer-reviewed scientific study conducted which examines this correlation. Their results confirmed medical marijuana might contribute to the reduced use of opioids. As the opioid epidemic continues to claim countless lives across the nation, these Illinois researchers think medical marijuana could be an effective alternative to prescription painkillers.
An Effective Treatment Option?
The study was conducted at Depaul and Rush universities and consisted of thirty participants at an average age of 45 years old. At the conclusion of the study, participants said marijuana worked faster to relieve their pain than other prescription medication and had fewer side effects. Most commonly, marijuana was used as an alternative to opioids but participants also reported cutting down on other medications, such as:
Anti-inflammatories
Anticonvulsants
Over the counter pain relief
Encouraged by their findings, lead researcher, Assistant Professor Douglas Bruce, believes cannabis could eventually be used to treat many other conditions, such as:
PTSD
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
Shea Evans, 26, a medical marijuana patient (who wasn’t in the study) told the Chicago Tribune that cannabis helped her overcome a substance abuse issue. She’d become dependent on several of the 18 different prescriptions medications used to treat her medical conditions. She stated, “Medical cannabis is the reason I’m opiate free now…it really gave me my life back and makes my pain manageable, without inebriating me or forming another dependence.” Researchers want to continue their investigation to determine an ideal individualized dose that could be used to help someone taper off prescription painkillers, like OxyContin.
Could Marijuana Really Stop the Opioid Epidemic?
Previous research conducted at The University of Georgia found areas with marijuana dispensaries had a reduced number of opioid overdoses. Another paper, published in a Journal of the American Medical Association, discovered states with forms of legal marijuana reported a 25 percent lower annual average opioid death rate. The Chicago Tribune reported all of the participants in this study reported a deep dissatisfaction with prescription medications. Bruce said, “One of the most compelling things to come out of this is that people are taking control of their own health, and most providers would agree that’s a good thing.” However, he warned of limitations: “The lack of provider knowledge around what cannabis does and doesn’t do, the difference in products and ingestion methods and dosing, is all kind of a Wild West.” Source : https://drugabuse.com
Addiction recovery is something that should be taken very seriously. The right rehab center can make or break your recovery experience. That is why we have made the process easier for you by ranking the best rehab centers in every state in the country. Out of the many Florida drug rehab centers, these have been most recommended by customers and experts. These lists are based off of a set criteria that includes staff helpfulness, treatment success, customer experience, and accommodation. We have also covered rehab centers in states such as Texas, California, and New York, but here we present the ten best rehab centers in Florida.
1. Transformations Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center: Delray Beach, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
Transformations Treatment Center in Delray Beach is a rehabilitation center that truly goes above and beyond to give its clients a good experience. This is proven by the community feel that is evident there, referred to by the center as their “Florida Family.” The center itself is very luxurious, and a private room and bathroom is guaranteed, as well as a resort feel and specialty treatment programs. It says a lot then, that in reviews from former customers, the facilities are secondary to the special atmosphere and individual treatment that they experienced there.
2. Fairwinds: Clearwater, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
Fairwinds Treatment Center uses integrated treatment to ensure that family is a part of the treatment process every step of the way. This is something that is essential in ensuring that other aspects of your life are impacted as little as possible. This beachside community offers family therapy, individual treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, and outpatient services. In keeping with the theme of a treatment program that is fully integrated with your life, they also offer sober living homes, day school, and are pet-friendly.
3. The Recovery Village: Umatilla, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
With a skilled and experienced staff of professionals, The Recovery Village is an excellent place to receive treatment for substance abuse, mental health, and eating disorders. As the name suggests, the Village is a recovery community with full amenities including gardens with ponds, a courtyard, and water features, as well as a pool, a gym, and other recreational areas. They have a strong social media presence through which alumni can communicate and share their stories, and a unique “live chat” option on their website so that they can help those who are looking for guidance.
4. The Recovery Place: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
The Recovery Place is located in Fort Lauderdale, and offers the perfect amount of variety in its programs, so that there is something for everyone. There is a free family program, as well as free quarterly family weekends, and a very popular Christian rehab program that goes closely with Christian biblical principles to give the recovering addict a spiritual path to recovery. They also have a strong presence on social media, and a four-and-a-half star rating on Facebook.
5. A Road to Recovery: Port St. Lucie, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
A Road to Recovery is an adult-only rehab center that seeks to give you a rehab experience in an environment that feels like home. They believe that people respond better to treatment when they are in an environment “where they feel safe, comfortable, and are treated with care, respect, and dignity.” They are perhaps the most active rehab center on social media, with a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+, where they have created an online community and received rave reviews to boot.
6. Bridging the Gap Recovery (BTG): Panama City Beach, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
Like most rehab centers, Bridging the Gap offers all of the various expected recovery options, such as detox services, inpatient and outpatient treatments, interventions, and much more. But what sets BTG apart is how it takes advantage of its beachside location to show clients how they can have a fun and fulfilling life without the use of drugs and alcohol. This includes “sea-hab” and sober recreation activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and more.
7. Lakeview Health : Jacksonville, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
Lakeview Health ’ resume is certainly impressive. They have a number of positive testimonials from former patients, both on their website and across the internet. They also have a number of certificates and awards, including a Best Practices Award from the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association for their LGBT treatment program. The staff-to-patient ratio at Lakeview is also one of the lowest in Florida and the nation.
8. Just Believe Recovery Center: Jensen Beach, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
What makes Just Believe special is the way that they are able to step outside of the box to find the right recovery for their individual customers. Through a holistic approach, they help people to find recovery without excessive medication. They encourage forgiveness therapy, trauma, and grief therapy, and they also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a popular new form of therapy.
9. Counseling of Southwest Florida: Naples, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
Counseling of Southwest Florida (CWFL) is an outpatient substance abuse counseling center for both teens and adults. As well as regular rehab counseling, they offer a counseling service for issues related to addiction, including legal issues. They have a number of professionals on hand to help you with whatever you are dealing with, and who can aid you every step of the way.
10. First Step of Sarasota: Sarasota, FL
Call: (800) 506-5834
There are a number of First Step locations in Sarasota. The prevalence of this non-profit rehab service adds up to a high success rate for former addicts. They offer both outpatient and residential treatment at their various facilities. They call their treatment philosophy a “back-to-basics” approach that is second to none. And having been around since 1967, it is no wonder as to why they are so successful. When you go to First Step, you are always in safe hands. Source : http://www.drugrehab.org
As part of our series of best rehab centers across the nation, we now present the ten best rehab centers in Illinois. Based on our aforementioned criteria, including staff, food and nutrition, overall experience, and most importantly, the effectiveness of the treatment, we scoured the state for the best recovery resources and evaluated each one. We then came up with a final ranking, and filtered out the very best for this list. Here are the top ten rehab centers in Illinois.
1. Advocate Addiction Treatment Center, Des Plaines
Call: (800) 506-5834
For those who need medical help for a problem with substance abuse, it does not come better than one that is provided by a hospital. Advocate Healthcare’s addiction treatment program uses a medically-based approach to recover, and uses a range of services that are adapted to each individual’s needs. If you are skeptical of their success, you need only to head over to their Facebook page, where thousands of former clients and members of the community come together.
2. Hazelden Betty Ford, Chicago
Call: (800) 506-5834
Hazelden Betty Ford has made a few appearances on our top ten lists across the country, and sure enough, the organization’s Chicago location is one of the best in the state of Illinois. They offer all of the standard rehab options, and have a rigorous and well-structured schedule that makes sure that each person gets the best recovery possible.
3. Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Chicago
Call: (800) 506-5834
The Lutheran Social Services of Illinois provides a number of services to those in need, including things such as senior services, mental health services, affordable housing for those with disabilities, and of course, drug and alcohol treatment. They have a network of successful programs to help those with addiction, including detox, inpatient and outpatient care, halfway houses, recovery homes, and sober living facilities.
4. Soft Landing Recovery, Oakbrook Terrace
Call: (800) 506-5834
Soft Landing Recovery has an “at home” outpatient recovery that specializes in helping those with addiction to painkillers and opiates. The program involves a thorough recovery that lasts from the first few days to after six months and relapse prevention. Their “at home” technique is designed to help people to recover in their usual surroundings, to prevent relapse and learn how to face triggers.
5. Rosecrance, Multiple Locations
Call: (800) 506-5834
Rosecrance offers rehab and behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families. On offer at these facilities are all recovery services, including detox, experimental therapies, dual diagnosis, and transitional living. Originally founded as an orphanage for boys in 1916, Rosecrance has grown and evolved significantly, and now helps more than 13,000 people each year.
6. Timberline Knolls, Lemont
Call: (800) 506-5834
Aimed specifically at women, Timberline Knolls is a residential treatment center that helps with substance abuse as well as other issues such as trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, and eating disorders. The people there realize that often one or more of these problems come hand in hand, and so they are well equipped to deal with them. Their expert staff help with complete medical and psychiatric assessments, individualized care, and spiritual renewal for the whole family.
7. Gateway Foundation, Multiple Locations
Call: (800) 506-5834
With multiple locations across Illinois, there is a good bet that you can find a Gateway facility that perfectly meets your needs. They have more than four decades of experience, which they have used to perfect the most effective, evidence-based therapies and clinical approaches to rehabilitation. By offering residential, day treatment, and outpatient treatment, as well as aftercare programs, they have all your bases covered.
8. Preferred Family Healthcare, Quincy
Call: (800) 506-5834
Otherwise known as “Recovery Resources,” the Quincy facility merged with Preferred Family Healthcare in July 2014. Recovery Resources has been around since 1965, and has worked to create a more positive image for drug abuse treatment services. Their three-fold mission is to advance prevention, recovery, and wellness through healthy lifestyles for individuals, families, and the whole community.
9. C4 Community Counseling Centers, Chicago
Call: (800) 506-5834
C4 is a network of community counseling centers that provides aid and therapy for members of the community. Their philosophy is that “people recovering from mental illness, substance use, and emotional trauma are able to live, work and thrive in the community” and as such, they seek to provide help with each of these things.
10. New Hope Recovery Center, Chicago
Call: (800) 506-5834
New Hope Recovery Center’s core values state that they want to provide compassion and treat clients with dignity and worth, and when you look at the rave reviews from former clients, it is easy to see that they are succeeding in doing just that. Their staff is comprised of medical professionals as well as recreational therapists, yoga instructors, and nutritionists, all working together to insure that each client has a full and rounded recovery. For more information on this facility go to http://www.new-hope-recovery.com/center/ Source : http://www.drugrehab.org
Dealing with Drug or Alcohol Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health Problems
When you have both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems. But there is hope. There are plenty of treatments and steps you can take to help you on the road to recovery. With the right support, self-help, and treatment, you can overcome a co-occurring disorder, reclaim your sense of self, and get your life back on track.
What is the link between substance abuse and mental health?
In co-occurring disorders, both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, handle life’s difficulties, and relate to others. To make the situation more complicated, the co-occurring disorders also affect each other. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse. And when alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase too. But you’re not alone. Co-occurring substance abuse problems and mental health issues are more common than many people realize. According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association: Roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse. 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness. Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29 percent abuse either alcohol or drugs. While substance abuse problems and mental health issues don’t get better when they’re ignored—in fact, they are likely to get much worse—it’s important to know that you don’t have to feel this way. There are things you can do to conquer your demons, repair your relationships, and start enjoying life again.
What comes first: Substance abuse or the mental health problem?
Substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked, and while some substance abuse can cause prolonged psychotic reactions, one does not directly cause the other. However: Alcohol and drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of mental health problems. People often abuse alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental disorder, to cope with difficult emotions, or to temporarily change their mood. Unfortunately, abusing substances causes side effects and in the long run often worsens the symptoms they initially helped to relieve. Alcohol and drug abuse can increase the underlying risk for mental disorders. Mental disorders are caused by a complex interplay of genetics, the environment, and other outside factors. If you are at risk for a mental disorder, abusing alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs may push you over the edge. There is some evidence, for example, that certain abusers of marijuana have an increased risk of psychosis while those who abuse opioid painkillers are at greater risk for depression. Alcohol and drug abuse can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse. Substance abuse may sharply increase symptoms of mental illness or even trigger new symptoms. Abuse of alcohol or drugs can also interact with medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and mood stabilizers, making them less effective at managing symptoms. Do I have a substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problem? It can be difficult to diagnose a substance abuse problem and a co-occurring mental health disorder. It takes time to tease out what might be a mental disorder and what might be a drug or alcohol problem. The signs and symptoms also vary depending upon both the mental health problem and the type of drug being abused. For example, the signs of depression and marijuana abuse could look very different from the signs of schizophrenia and alcohol abuse. However, there are some general warning signs that you may have a co-occurring disorder: Do you use alcohol or drugs to cope with unpleasant memories or feelings, to control pain or the intensity of your moods, to face situations that frighten you, or to stay focused on tasks? Have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and your mental health? For example, do you get depressed when you drink? Has someone in your family grappled with either a mental disorder or alcohol or drug abuse? Do you feel depressed or anxious even when you’re sober? Do you have unresolved trauma or a history of abuse? Have you previously been treated for either your addiction or your mental health problem? Did the substance abuse treatment fail because of complications from your mental health issue or vice versa? Dual diagnosis and denial Complicating a dual diagnosis is denial. Denial is common in substance abuse. It’s often hard to admit how dependent you are on alcohol or drugs or how much they affect your life. Denial frequently occurs in mental disorders as well. The symptoms of depression or anxiety can be frightening, so you may ignore them and hope they go away. Or you may be ashamed or afraid of being viewed as weak if you admit you have a problem. But substance abuse and mental health issues can happen to any of us. And admitting you have a problem and seeking help is the first step on the road to recovery.
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse
If you’re wondering whether you have a substance abuse problem, the following questions may help. The more “yes” answers, the more likely your drinking or drug use is a problem. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use? Have you tried to cut back, but couldn’t? Do you ever lie about how much or how often you drink or use drugs? • Are you going through prescription medication at a faster-than-expected rate? Have your friends or family members expressed concern about your alcohol or drug use? Do you ever feel bad, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking or drug use? On more than one occasion, have you done or said something while drunk or high that you later regretted? Have you ever blacked out from drinking or drug use? Has your alcohol or drug use caused problems in your relationships? Has your alcohol or drug use gotten you into trouble at work or with the law? Signs and symptoms of common co-occurring disorders The mental health problems that most commonly co-occur with substance abuse are depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. Common signs and symptoms of depression Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness Loss of interest in daily activities Inability to experience pleasure Appetite or weight changes Sleep changes Loss of energy Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt Concentration problems Anger, physical pain, and reckless behavior (especially in men) Common signs and symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder Feelings of euphoria or extreme irritability Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs Decreased need for sleep Increased energy Rapid speech and racing thoughts Impaired judgment and impulsivity Hyperactivity Anger or rage Common signs and symptoms of anxiety Excessive tension and worry Feeling restless or jumpy Irritability or feeling “on edge” Racing heart or shortness of breath Nausea, trembling, or dizziness Muscle tension, headaches Trouble concentrating Insomnia Other mental health problems that co-occur with substance abuse include: Schizophrenia Borderline Personality Disorder PTSD Treatment for substance abuse and mental health problems The best treatment for co-occurring disorders is an integrated approach, where both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Whether your mental health or substance abuse problem came first, long-term recovery depends on getting treatment for both disorders by the same treatment provider or team. Depending on your specific issues:
Treatment for your mental health problem may include medication, individual or group counseling, lifestyle changes, and peer support.
Treatment for your substance abuse may include detoxification, managing of withdrawal symptoms, behavioral therapy, and support groups to help maintain your sobriety. Keep in mind: There is always hope. Both mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse problems are treatable conditions. Recovering from co-occurring disorders takes time, commitment, and courage, but people with substance abuse and mental health problems can and do get better. It’s important to get and stay sober during treatment. If your doctor needs to prescribe medication for your mental health problem, mixing it with alcohol or drugs could have serious effects. Similarly, talk therapy is far less effective if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Relapses are part of the recovery process. Don’t get too discouraged if you relapse. Slips and setbacks happen, but, with hard work, most people can recover from their relapses and move on with recovery. Peer support can help. You may benefit from joining a self-help support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. A support group gives you a chance to lean on others who know exactly what you’re going through and learn from their experiences. How to find the right program for co-occurring disorders Make sure that the program is appropriately licensed and accredited, the treatment methods are backed by research, and there is an aftercare program to prevent relapse. Additionally, you should make sure that the program has experience with your particular mental health issue. Some programs, for example, may have experience treating depression or anxiety, but not schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. There are a variety of approaches that treatment programs may take, but there are some basics of effective treatment that you should look for: Treatment addresses both the substance abuse problem and your mental health problem. You share in the decision-making process and are actively involved in setting goals and developing strategies for change. Treatment includes basic education about your disorder and related problems. You are taught healthy coping skills and strategies to minimize substance abuse, strengthen your relationships, and cope with life’s stressors, challenges, and upset. Treatment for dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders Helping you think about the role that alcohol or drugs play in your life. This should be done confidentially, without any negative consequences. People feel free to discuss these issues when the discussion is confidential, nonjudgmental, and not tied to legal consequences. Offering you a chance to learn more about alcohol and drugs, to learn about how they interact with mental illnesses and with medications, and to discuss your own use of alcohol and drugs. Helping you become involved with supported employment and other services that may help your process of recovery. Helping you identify and develop your own recovery goals. If you decide that your use of alcohol or drugs may be a problem, a counselor trained in integrated dual diagnosis treatment can help you identify and develop your own recovery goals. This process includes learning about steps toward recovery from both illnesses. Providing special counseling specifically designed for people with dual diagnosis. This can be done individually, with a group of peers, with your family, or with a combination of these. Source: SAMHSA
Treatment programs for veterans with co-occurring disorders
Veterans deal with additional challenges when it comes to co-occurring disorders. The pressures of deployment or combat can exacerbate underlying mental disorders, and substance abuse is a common way of coping with unpleasant feelings or memories. Often, these problems take a while to show up after a vet returns home, and may be initially mistaken for readjustment. Untreated co-occurring disorders can lead to major problems at home and work and in your daily life, so it’s important to seek help.
Self-help for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders
In addition to getting professional treatment, there are plenty of self-help steps you can take to address your substance abuse and mental health issues. Remember: Getting sober is only the beginning. As well as continuing mental health treatment, your sustained recovery depends on learning healthier coping strategies and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges.
Recovery tip 1: Recognize and manage overwhelming stress and emotions
Learn how to manage stress. Drug and alcohol abuse often stems from misguided attempts to manage stress. Stress is an inevitable part of life, so it’s important to have healthy coping skills so you can deal with stress without turning to alcohol or drugs. Stress management skills go a long way towards preventing relapse and keeping your symptoms at bay. Cope with unpleasant feelings. Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to cover up painful memories and emotions such as loneliness, depression, or anxiety. You may feel like doing drugs is the only way to handle unpleasant feelings, but Helpguide's free Emotional Intelligence Toolkit can teach you how to cope with difficult emotions without falling back on your addiction. Know your triggers and have an action plan. When you’re coping with a mental disorder as well as a substance abuse problem, it’s especially important to know signs that your illness is flaring up. Common causes include stressful events, big life changes, or unhealthy sleeping or eating patterns. At these times, having a plan in place is essential to preventing a drink or drug relapse. Who will you talk to? What do you need to do to avoid slipping?
Recovery tip 2: Stay connected to others
Make face-to-face connection with friends and family a priority. Positive emotional connection to those around you is the quickest way to calm your nervous system. Try to meet up regularly with people who care about you. If you don’t have anyone you feel close to, it’s never too late to meet new people and develop meaningful friendships. Get therapy or stay involved in a support group. Your chances of staying sober improve if you are participating in a social support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous or if you are getting therapy. Follow doctor’s orders. Once you are sober and you feel better, you might think you no longer need medication or treatment. But arbitrarily stopping medication or treatment is a common reason for relapse in people with co-occurring disorders. Always talk with your doctor before making any changes to your medication or treatment routine.
Recovery tip 3: Make healthy lifestyle changes
Exercise regularly. Exercise is a natural way to bust stress, relieve anxiety, and improve your mood and outlook. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days. Practice relaxation techniques. When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being. Adopt healthy eating habits. Start the day right with breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more stressed or anxious. Getting enough healthy fats in your diet can help to boost your mood. Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, so try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night. Recovery tip 4: Make healthy lifestyle changes To stay alcohol- or drug-free for the long term, you’ll need to build a new, meaningful life where substance abuse no longer has a place. Develop new activities and interests. Find new hobbies, volunteer activities, or work that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose. When you’re doing things you find fulfilling, you’ll feel better about yourself and substance use will hold less appeal. Avoid the things that trigger your urge to use. If certain people, places, or activities trigger a craving for drugs or alcohol, try to avoid them. This may mean making major changes to your social life, such as finding new things to do with your old buddies—or even giving up those friends and making new connections. Group support for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders As with other addictions, groups are very helpful, not only in maintaining sobriety, but also as a safe place to get support and discuss challenges. Sometimes treatment programs for co-occurring disorders provide groups that continue to meet on an aftercare basis. Your doctor or treatment provider may also be able to refer you to a group for people with co-occurring disorders. While it’s often best to join a group that addresses both substance abuse and your mental health disorder, twelve-step groups for substance abuse can also be helpful—plus they’re more common, so you’re likely to find one in your area. These free programs, facilitated by peers, use group support and a set of guided principles—the twelve steps—to obtain and maintain sobriety. Just make sure your group is accepting of the idea of co-occurring disorders and psychiatric medication. Some people in these groups, although well meaning, may mistake taking psychiatric medication as another form of addiction. You want a place to feel safe, not pressured. Helping a loved one with a substance abuse and mental health problem Helping a loved one with both a substance abuse and a mental health problem can be a roller coaster. Resistance to treatment is common and the road to recovery can be long. The best way to help someone is to accept what you can and cannot do. You cannot force someone to remain sober, nor can you make someone take their medication or keep appointments. What you can do is make positive choices for yourself, encourage your loved one to get help, and offer your support while making sure you don’t lose yourself in the process. Seek support. Dealing with a loved one’s mental illness and substance abuse can be painful and isolating. Make sure you're getting the emotional support you need to cope. Talk to someone you trust about what you're going through. It can also help to get your own therapy or join a support group. Set boundaries. Be realistic about the amount of care you're able to provide without feeling overwhelmed and resentful. Set limits on disruptive behaviors and stick to them. Letting the co-occurring disorders take over your life isn't healthy for you or your loved one. Educate yourself. Learn all you can about your loved one’s mental health problem, as well as substance abuse treatment and recovery. The more you understand what your loved one is going through, the better able you’ll be to support recovery. Be patient. Recovering from co-occurring disorders doesn’t happen overnight. Recovery is an ongoing process and relapse is common. Ongoing support for both you and your loved one is crucial as you work toward recovery, but you can get through this difficult time together and regain control of your lives. Source: https://www.helpguide.org/
Many careers exist in the field of drug abuse treatment and prevention. The drug abuse treatment field is a rewarding career choice for many people, as it makes a difference in the lives of millions of people annually. Those who work in this field use hard work and determination to help patients earn sobriety, which is worth more than a paycheck to many. It is unfortunate that 23.5 million people required treatment for drug or alcohol abuse in 2009 according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Of these 23.5 million people, only a mere 2.6 million received care at a specialized facility. The drug abuse treatment field is booming with careers for compassionate, caring individuals. Careers in drug abuse are based at many locations including detention centers, research facilities, educational centers, hospitals, methadone clinics, private practices, detoxification centers, mental health centers and drug rehabilitation centers. This makes them very available and attainable.
Finding Drug Abuse Jobs
The first step in finding a drug abuse career is to evaluate how you would like to help people suffering from drug dependence. There are many careers dealing with all aspects of drug rehabilitation, from direct care to researching potential cures for drug addiction and prevention. Evaluating your skill set and interests will help you make the best career decision.
The most common career in drug abuse work is the addiction counselor. Addiction counselors are professionals that work with children, teens and adults suffering from drug abuse problems and other addictions, such as gambling. Together with the patient, they identify the addiction, point out the associated behaviors and implement a plan of recovery. With the patient, they work on the problems that drug abuse causes and confront emotional and behavioral problems that exist. Addiction counselors treat the addiction at its core and track the progress that the patient makes along the recovery journey. Addiction counselors keep the patient and the family of the patient up to date on treatment information, drug information and the progress being made. It is their job to educate people about drugs, drug treatment and life after treatment. They also arrange treatment at other facilities if needed, such as other mental health counseling, healthcare and coordinating services with other members of staff for their patients. The main focus of an addiction counselor is the patient's recovery. Job growth in the addiction counseling sector is expected to grow an estimate 27 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychiatrists and psychologists also often work with people suffering from drug abuse problems. Psychologists treat what is going on in the mind through therapy, while psychiatrists work in medicating disorders that may be occurring in patients. The decision of which type of therapist to go to depends on the severity of the drug abuse problem and any underlying mental conditions. Medication is only used when there is a mental condition that cannot be improved through traditional therapy methods. Mental illness is often intertwined with substance abuse and should be treated by such professionals. According to a SAMHSA study on mental health in 2009, 25.7 percent of adults with serious medical illnesses also suffered from substance abuse at the same time. According to the same study, adults with mental disorders are 25 percent more likely to abuse drugs than adults without mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists treat underlying mental conditions along with the drug dependency problems. Careers that focus on direct care with patients include psychiatric nurses, addiction nurses and detox specialists. These careers focus on treating the patients' symptoms that come along with the addiction, the detox, the withdrawal and the after effects. They administer medications and track the physical progress of the patients. It is their job to keep the patient as comfortable as possible while nursing his or her body back to health. These positions are for people who want to directly work by physically healing and helping those who suffer from drug addiction. Other career options that are more involved with organizing care, educating and researching are professors, social workers and researchers. These careers are less involved with direct care and focus more on the big picture of the epidemic of drug abuse. It is their job to take the issue and find solutions for it. Social workers work with various agencies to find proper care for those suffering from substance abuse problems. They are interested in the safety and welfare of the addict as well as any dependents that the addict may have. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, an estimated 75 percent of drug users are employed but may change jobs frequently or get fired due to their drug use. This makes providing for oneself difficult. Social workers also care for problems that arise such as pregnancies or children that need to be housed and cared for while their parents are in rehabilitation. It can be a stressful career, but many feel that the reward is worth it. Professors work in academic centers teaching about addictions, the mental aspects of addiction and substance abuse awareness. They teach classes about substance abuse and educate others that are interested in going into the substance abuse treatment field. It is an excellent career for those who want to educate others. Substance abuse researchers study patterns of substance abuse in the general population. They note where drug addiction is on the rise, what drugs are being abused the most and what drugs are the most dangerous. They compile data on drug trends and study patterns in the data. They also research treatments, therapies and potential cures for substance abuse. They work in medical and psychiatric research centers and perform many experiments in their daily work that are integral in the treatment of substance abuse.
Drug Abuse Employment Training
Careers in the drug abuse sector require different levels of education depending on the career and the level of responsibility that comes with it. Some require simply a high school diploma, while others require a degree such as:
Associate's Degree: Requires two years to complete as a full-time student
Bachelor's Degree: Requires four years to complete as a full-time student
Master's Degree: Requires two years additional work after bachelor's degree is completed
Doctorate Degree: Requires two years of additional studies after master's degree
To find work as an addiction counselor, you are expected to at least have a high school diploma. Some states may require certification that can be earned by attending special classes. Certain facilities require an addiction counselor to have either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. Psychiatrists and psychologists require the most education-a doctorate degree is a must. In addition to the degree, some states require psychiatrists and psychologists to complete a supervised period of time under a licensed member of their field. This can range from several weeks to over a year. Nurses and detoxification specialists carry associate's degrees or bachelor's degrees in their respected career. All states require nurses to carry nursing licenses in the state that they work in. According to the BLS, nursing is expected to experience a growth of 26 percent in the next decade. Social workers, professors and researchers are all required to have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some employers may require a master's degree or doctorate degree of study. Source : https://drugabuse.com
