The Mental Health Side Of Addiction: Understanding Dual Diagnosis

This stage of the addiction cycle, where one goes right back to using substances even after trying to get on the road to recovery, is why addiction is said to be a cycle. The tolerance stage is where things actually start becoming dangerous, because it is progressive, and not in a good way. Increasing the dosage of whatever substance is being taken might work for a while, but given enough time, tolerance will again kick in, and an even higher dosage is needed. This practically ensures that the person does not only sink deeper into substance abuse, but they are also digging deeper into addiction by creating dependence on the substance. Each stage is observed to feed into the next, with the progression of substance abuse steadily getting worse. It would appear that having established some form of pattern in the cycle, intervention, and stoppage of the cycle would be easier and more effective.

Physical Health Consequences

People may also be prescribed medication, such as opioids, by their doctor. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction.

What types of therapies are used in dual diagnosis treatment?

These changes in brain chemistry create addiction, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, which all lead to cravings. Some drug users may have a need for the medication they are addicted to, but not in the quantity that substance abusers take it. People who are addicted to painkillers are known to take pain pills even if they don’t suffer from any pain, or https://televous.com/harmful-alcohol-drinking-significance-and/ from the level of pain that requires taking pain pills.

Preventing Relapse

Her focus is to make each individual feel supported, build trust and to create a safe space to experience the ups and downs of life together. She fosters a patient-centered approach and tailors treatment to meet the needs of each person. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously, offering integrated care for better outcomes. This is known as the bidirectional relationship, meaning that mental health conditions can worsen addiction, and addiction can worsen mental health problems. One client, “Jake,” came to Safe Harbor Treatment Center in Mission Viejo hoping to address his alcohol use.

Co-occurring mental health disorders are common among those with substance use disorders. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently coexist with substance misuse, creating a complex interplay that can challenge recovery efforts. Another term for addiction is a substance use disorder, which is an accurate description because it is a chronic disease that will present risks for a lifetime. Even after a person quits using a drug and has undergone treatment, there will always be the danger of relapse. This means, one must commit to an entire lifestyle change,  in order to maintain their life of recovery. The first stage of addiction is called initiation, during which time the individual tries a substance for the first time.

• You are in the best position to recognize the signs of addiction in them because you have the opportunity to see the subtle changes in their behavior, mood, and habits over time.
• A gateway drug is a substance that increases your likelihood of using other, more harmful substances.
• At Into Action Recovery Centers, we incorporate a people-centered approach to detox and addiction treatment to help people find new paths in their life.
• In the first stage of addiction, initial use, an individual takes the substance for the very first time.

This is a very important first step in committing to recovery and breaking the drug addiction cycle of addiction. Addiction is officially the most severe stage of a substance use disorder. Addicts have lost control over their use completely, and their focus in life revolves around obtaining and using the substance, whether it is drugs or alcohol.

• This can range from medical interventions like detoxification and medication-assisted treatment to behavioral therapies and long-term aftercare in an outpatient setting, even once sobriety is achieved.
• Many rehabs also have strong alumni communities with events, 12-Step groups, and more to keep patients connected and supported long after they leave treatment.
• In this first stage, people often tell themselves that they’re just going to try it once to see what it feels like, especially if it’s a widely used drug like marijuana.
• The scope of care will be at the sole discretion of the healthcare providers and service vendors who are treating you, with no guarantee of diagnosis, treatment, or prescription.
• For example, they might drive under the influence, skip responsibilities like work or school, or mix substances to enhance effects.

Changes in Behavior:

She has been working in the field of mental health and substance abuse since her graduation. Wendy’s enthusiasm in helping others to recover from addiction issues has led her to becoming one of choose the correct cycle of addiction. the best in her field. In her time working in substance abuse treatment she has worked in detox and residential healthcare and knows the ins and outs of doing treatment safely and efficiently from a medical perspective.

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