Where can I find help for dual diagnosis?

Help for dual diagnosis can be found at specialized treatment centers that offer integrated care for mental health and substance use disorders. It's important to look for programs that specifically mention dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment. Healthcare providers, mental health professionals, or local health departments can also provide referrals to suitable programs.

Is it common for individuals with dual diagnosis to relapse?

Relapse can be a part of the recovery process for some individuals with dual diagnosis, given the complex nature of these conditions. However, integrated treatment plans are designed to reduce the likelihood of relapse by addressing the root causes of both disorders and equipping individuals with strategies to manage triggers and cravings.

How can families support a loved one with dual diagnosis?

Families can support a loved one by encouraging them to seek and continue treatment, offering emotional support, educating themselves about dual diagnosis, and possibly participating in family therapy sessions. It's also important for families to set healthy boundaries and seek support for themselves through resources like support groups.

Are there any specific medications used in treating dual diagnosis?

Yes, specific medications may be used to treat the mental health aspect of dual diagnosis, such as atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia or mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder. The choice of medication depends on the individual's specific mental health condition and substance use issues. Medications may also be used to manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings associated with substance use disorder.

What are the challenges in treating dual diagnosis?

Treating dual diagnosis presents several challenges, including the complexity of diagnosing and managing two co-occurring disorders, overcoming stigma, ensuring access to integrated treatment programs, and addressing the individual's holistic needs, including emotional and socioeconomic factors.

How does inpatient treatment benefit individuals with dual diagnosis?

Inpatient treatment offers a structured and supportive environment that is crucial for individuals with dual diagnosis. This setting provides constant care, removes individuals from potentially triggering environments, and allows for the intensive treatment needed to address both disorders simultaneously. It also facilitates the development of coping strategies and life skills essential for long-term recovery.

Can dual diagnosis be cured?

While “cure” may not be the term used in the context of dual diagnosis, effective management and recovery are possible. With appropriate integrated treatment, individuals can achieve significant improvement in both their mental health and substance use issues, leading to a better quality of life.

What does integrated treatment for dual diagnosis involve?

Integrated treatment for dual diagnosis typically involves a combination of pharmacotherapy (medication), psychosocial treatments (like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling), and personalized care plans that are tailored to the individual's specific needs. This approach may also include support for related issues, such as housing, employment, and relationship counseling.

Why is integrated treatment recommended for dual diagnosis?

Integrated treatment is recommended because it addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder together, rather than treating them separately. Research has shown that this approach leads to better outcomes, as it tackles the complex interplay between the disorders, offering a more comprehensive and effective form of care.

What is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder in an individual. It means that someone is struggling with both mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, and substance abuse, such as alcohol or drug addiction, simultaneously.

WHAT SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN MY HOSPITAL BILL?

If you are viewing estimates provided on this website, the pricing includes estimated room and board, supplies, nursing care, equipment use, nutritional services, and any services handled by the staff of the hospital within the walls of the hospital. It does not include services from outside providers such as lab or doctors fees.

WHAT IS PRICING TRANSPARENCY?

“Pricing Transparency” is the term used to describe initiatives in the healthcare industry to provide meaningful pricing information to consumers. The healthcare industry is often complex and difficult for consumers to navigate. Price transparency is a means of providing consumers price information on common services. Our hospital is committed to presenting pricing information on its website in a way that will be easy for the consumer to access and understand, as well as providing other useful information about financial assistance available, definitions of key terminology, and key financial policies.

Are There Any Anxiety Medications Safe with Alcohol?

It is generally not safe to mix alcohol with anxiety medications. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on this matter.

Can Alcohol Cause Anxiety Disorders?

While alcohol itself may not directly cause anxiety disorders, its misuse can lead to the development or exacerbation of anxiety symptoms. Those with pre-existing anxiety may find their condition worsens with alcohol use.

How Do I Stop Anxiety after Drinking Alcohol?

To manage anxiety after drinking, it's important to reduce or stop alcohol consumption, practice healthy coping skills, and seek professional treatment if needed, especially for those with a co-occurring disorder.

Is Hangxiety a Real Thing?

Yes, “hangxiety” is a real phenomenon. It's a colloquial term combining “hangover” and “anxiety,” describing the feelings of anxiety and panic experienced during a hangover, often due to depleted GABA levels in the brain.

Does Alcohol Cause Anxiety?

Long-term alcohol use can lead to worsening anxiety. For instance, the experience of “hangxiety” after heavy drinking exemplifies how alcohol can induce anxiety-like symptoms.

Does Alcohol Make Anxiety Worse?

Yes, alcohol can worsen anxiety. Over time, dependence on alcohol to relax can lead to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. Furthermore, reliance on alcohol for managing anxiety can amplify anxiety symptoms when sober, potentially leading to co-occurring disorders.

Does Alcohol Reduce Anxiety?

While alcohol initially reduces stress and makes one feel at ease, it's only a short-term effect. In the long term, it does not effectively reduce anxiety and can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Does Alcohol Help Anxiety?

Temporarily, alcohol can create feelings of relaxation and sociability due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system. However, it's not a reliable or healthy method for managing anxiety.

Do Track Marks Go Away?

Some track marks can heal and become barely noticeable, while others, particularly in areas of thin skin or repeated puncture, may lead to irreversible skin and vein damage, resulting in permanent scars or marks.

How to Get Rid of Track Marks?

Healing from track marks involves stopping IV drug use and adopting practices like using clean needles, maintaining wound cleanliness, wearing compression socks, and improving circulation through exercise. Medical evaluation and potentially plastic or vascular surgery can also reduce the appearance of damaged veins.

Are There Dangers of Intravenous Drug Use?

Beyond track marks, IV drug use poses significant health risks, including vein damage, infections, collapsed veins, bloodstream infections affecting major organs, and skin infections like abscesses.

How Long Do Track Marks Last?

The duration of track marks varies. Some may heal and leave minimal scarring, but others, especially in areas with thin skin like hands and feet, can cause permanent visible marks and scar tissue.

Where Can Track Marks Appear?

Commonly found on the forearms, track marks can appear anywhere on the body. IV drug users often use non-dominant arms for injection, but they may also use other areas like hands, feet, neck, and groin, especially when trying to conceal their drug use.

What Do Track Marks Look Like?

Fresh track marks appear as unhealed puncture wounds. Over time and with repeated use, they can darken the skin's pigmentation and may also present as bruising, scarring, lesions, and visible vein damage.

What Are Track Marks?

Track marks are the visible signs on the skin resulting from intravenous (IV) drug use. They appear as scars or pinpoint spots, usually due to repeated injections in the same area, causing skin and vein damage.

What does Tusi Lavada mean?

“Tusi lavada” refers to a specific form or variant of the drug tusi, which is the colloquial name for pink cocaine. The term “lavada” in Spanish translates to “washed” in English. In the context of drug terminology, this could imply that the tusi has been processed or purified in some way. However, the exact meaning can vary depending on the local context and the specifics of how the drug is prepared or marketed. It's important to be cautious with such terms, as they can reflect regional slang or specific methods used in the illicit drug trade, and their meanings can differ significantly. Additionally, the composition and safety of such substances are highly unpredictable, contributing to their danger.

“Tusi” or “tuci” is a local term used to refer to pink cocaine, particularly in Colombia. It is a synthetic drug known scientifically as 2C-B. Unlike traditional cocaine, tusi is not derived from the coca plant but is instead a laboratory-made substance. This drug is a combination of pink food coloring, strawberry flavoring, ketamine, caffeine, and MDMA, and its effects are more akin to ecstasy rather than cocaine. Developed in the 1970s by chemist Alexander Shulgin, tusi was initially created for treating erectile dysfunction and boosting libido. However, it was later classified as a Schedule I Controlled substance and taken off the market due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. In the club scene, especially among younger adults, tusi is known for its party-enhancing effects.

What is Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine, despite its name, is not a type of cocaine. It is a synthetic drug, classified as phenylethylamine 2C-B, which includes a combination of pink food coloring, strawberry flavoring, ketamine, caffeine, and MDMA. This composition means that its effects more closely resemble those of ecstasy, rather than traditional cocaine. Originally developed in the 1970s by chemist Alexander Shulgin, it was intended for treating erectile dysfunction and enhancing libido, and was sold under names like Performax or Erox until its reclassification as a Schedule I Controlled substance in the United States in 1995. Pink cocaine is popular among teens and young adults in the club scene, and its use can lead to a range of side effects, including hallucinations, euphoria, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, seizures and respiratory depression.

What are Valium overdose symptoms?

Symptoms of a Valium overdose include severe drowsiness, confusion, limp muscles, and slow reflexes. In more serious cases, a person might have trouble breathing, become unconscious, or fall into a coma. If you think someone has overdosed on Valium, it's important to get medical help right away because it can be life-threatening.

What is the Valium antidote?

The antidote for a Valium overdose is a drug called flumazenil. It can quickly reverse the effects of Valium by blocking it from working on the brain. This antidote is usually given in a hospital setting where healthcare providers can closely monitor the patient because it can also cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are dependent on Valium.

How Much Valium Is Too Much?

The amount of Valium that is too much will vary from person to person. Factors like your age, weight, overall health, and whether you've taken it before all play a role. Generally, doctors will prescribe the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of overdose. Taking more Valium than prescribed, or mixing it with other substances like alcohol, can quickly become dangerous.

Is Valium a Narcotic?

Valium is not considered a narcotic. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and dull the senses, and are often opioids like morphine or hydrocodone. Valium, however, is a benzodiazepine and is used mainly to treat anxiety and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system. While not a narcotic, Valium is still a controlled substance because it has the potential for abuse and dependence.

What are benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that helps to relax the nervous system. They are often used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia because they can calm the brain and help with sleep. Common benzodiazepines include drugs like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. They are effective but need to be used carefully because they can cause dependence and withdrawal if used long-term.

Valium is a medication known by the generic name diazepam. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines and is used to treat conditions like anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Valium works by calming the brain and nerves, and it is also used to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Can you overdose on Valium?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Valium. Taking more than the recommended dose, or using it in ways not prescribed by a doctor, can lead to serious health problems. An overdose can slow down your breathing, cause confusion, make you feel sleepy or even fall into a coma. It's important to always take Valium exactly as prescribed to avoid these risks.

Alcohol Addiction Help: Do I Have a Drinking Problem? • The Willough at Naples Behavioral Hospital

One of the most common reasons people hesitate to seek alcohol addiction help involves the question of whether their addiction is “bad enough.” However, individuals shouldn’t approach treatment with the intention of comparing themselves to others.

Instead, consider it on an individual basis. Alcohol addiction help is for anyone whose life is affected negatively by their drinking habits. If their daily life could improve with professional help, they should not hesitate to reach out.

Table of Contents

Alcohol Use Disorder Defined

Many people drink alcohol on occasion, but to recognize when to get alcohol addiction help, it’s important to know how to draw the line between moderation and abuse. Generally, people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are the ones who should seek addiction treatment. But what does having AUD really mean?

In simplest terms, someone may receive a diagnosis for AUD if their alcohol consumption causes them consistent harm or distress. Typically, people encounter these symptoms by frequently partaking in excessive drinking or binge drinking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the parameters of excessive and binge drinking based on the sex of the consumer:

For women, binge drinking involves consuming more than four drinks on one occasion.
For men, this number rises to more than five drinks on one occasion.
Similarly, excessive drinking in women is defined as having more than eight drinks in a week.
Men, on the other hand, can have up to 15 drinks in a week before it is considered excessive.

Please note, however, that factors besides sex can affect someone’s threshold for excessive drinking as well. For example, weight, age, and the alcohol concentration of their drinks can all influence someone’s experience with alcohol.

Because of these inconsistencies, AUD can not always be reliably measured based on drink intake alone. To determine if someone needs alcohol addiction help, they need to assess their symptoms on a broader scale.

Do I Need Alcohol Addiction Help?

Even knowing what constitutes heavy drinking, it can be difficult for some people to identify when their drinking has truly become a problem. In these cases, it can help for them to take a less generalized approach and focus on their individual situation.

For instance, they may want to consider their feelings about alcohol and its impact on their life. Afterward, they can form a clearer image and decide whether they need alcohol addiction help.

To aid in this process, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism outlines several red flags that indicate an AUD. They are as follows:

Drinking more (or longer) than intended
Wanting or trying to limit or stop drinking, but being unable to
Spending most of your time drinking or recovering from drinking
Only thinking about how much you want a drink
Experiencing problems at home, school, work, or in relationships because of drinking
Continuing to drink knowing it causes problems
Losing interest in or giving up once-enjoyable activities
Partaking in risky behaviors during or after drinking (i.e. drunk driving)
Continuing to drink despite it causing feelings of depression or anxiety
Having to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effect as before
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking

If someone exhibits just two of the above symptoms, their doctor can diagnose AUD. At four symptoms, the AUD grows from mild to moderate in nature. Finally, at six, it becomes severe.

In addition, remember that there is no shame or weakness in reaching out for alcohol addiction help. Millions of people battle addiction every day, some of whom avoid seeking treatment because of the stigma surrounding their condition. Do not let the uninformed beliefs of others prevent you from improving your life. Know that it takes bravery and strength to confront addiction.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

Once someone accepts that they need alcohol addiction help, they can begin to explore the available treatment programs. Several routes to recovery exist, and the best one for you may depend on factors such as:

The severity of your alcohol addiction
The state of your home life
The strength of your support groups
Life responsibilities to which you have already committed

Furthermore, at The Willough at Naples, our alcohol treatment programs specialize in dual diagnosis. This program allows us to treat individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues, meaning they are afflicted by both conditions at once.

With that being said, we will now discuss some of the treatment programs available to provide alcohol addiction help at The Willough at Naples.

Medical Alcohol Detox

Many individuals looking for professional alcohol addiction help will find themselves undergoing a medical detox first. This is a common initial step during alcohol rehab because it is important for someone to flush all alcohol from their system when they begin treatment.

Unfortunately, detox is seldom as easy as merely walking away from the bottle. In many cases, people with alcohol use disorder have fundamentally changed the chemistry of their bodies. When this happens, the balance within the body comes to depend on the presence of alcohol. As a result, when someone stops drinking, the body struggles to function properly, having forgotten how to do so without alcohol. This development is aptly known as alcohol dependence.

Just as the body learned to rely on alcohol, it can once again learn to live without it. However, before that happens, someone will likely experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These can include irritability, sweating, tremors, nausea, and anxiety.

Most withdrawal symptoms are minor, but in rare cases, someone may exhibit more severe symptoms, such as seizures or hallucinations. Some complications, if left untreated, can be dangerous and potentially even fatal.

Medical detox programs eliminate these concerns and highlight the reason professional alcohol addiction help is so crucial. At The Willough at Naples, patients remain under constant medical supervision by a team of licensed physicians. These staff members are trained to provide immediate, effective care throughout detox.

Whether someone only experiences mild symptoms or shows signs of something more threatening, the medical professionals overseeing their detox can leap into action to make the process as easy, comfortable, and safe as possible.

Inpatient Treatment

Individuals who require the highest degree of alcohol addiction help may enroll in a inpatient rehabilitation program. Throughout the duration of care, inpatients live on-site at the treatment facility. In addition, each day adheres to a schedule of evidence-based therapeutic activities, which provides patients with a sense of structure and stability.

These activities can take on numerous forms. The Willough at Naples prefers to utilize a variety of treatment options in our inpatient dual diagnosis program, such as:

Individual therapy (i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy)
Group therapy
Recreational therapy
Medication evaluation and management
Family therapy
Links to community-based resources and support groups
Relapse prevention

By participating in psychoeducational focus groups and recreational activities, patients learn a broad range of vital coping skills. Some of these abilities serve to replace the role of alcohol in their lives, while others expand on important, general life skills.

For example, some of the qualities our treatment programs improve include healthy communication, emotional awareness, and self-esteem. These may seem only distantly related to alcohol addiction help, but at The Willough at Naples, we look beyond the surface level.

Here, treatment does not end as soon as someone quits drinking. We want to equip each of our patients with the tools they need to secure the future they want, and one that will last them well beyond their time in our care.

Partial Hospitalization

Not everyone who seeks alcohol addiction help needs the same level of intensity in care. For those who are mentally stable but still experiencing fairly intense symptoms, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) may be an option.

PHPs, also known as a type of intensive outpatient program, actually share several qualities with inpatient rehab. Patients participate in many of the same treatment options and learn many of the same skills. The most notable difference involves how much time they spend on site.

Where inpatient rehab patients live at the facility throughout treatment, PHP patients return home every night. Instead of staying at the rehab center 24/7, they typically visit five times a week for several hours each day.

Because PHP patients go home regularly, it is vital that they have a supportive and sober atmosphere to which to return. PHP is not recommended for individuals who lack that type of stable environment.

If someone does have an encouraging, warm home life, PHP can serve as a great boon to their recovery efforts. They can continue to spend time with their loved ones and celebrate each small victory as it happens.

Get Alcohol Addiction Help at The Willough at Naples

The Willough at Naples is a mental health facility that treats people with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems. Here, you can participate in crucial therapeutic exercises and receive alcohol addiction help in a tranquil, home-like environment.

We teach our patients how to get and stay sober so they can lead a long, fulfilling life. No matter where you currently are in your recovery journey, remember that it is never too late to heal. Anyone can achieve long-term sobriety with the proper resources and aid. All you have to do to get started is reach out.

So, when you decide it’s time to begin recovery, we’re here to guide your steps. Call our admissions team at (239) 688-3063 or submit a confidential contact form to learn more about getting alcohol addiction help. With our support, you can successfully stop drinking and overcome substance abuse.