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.

What Happens in a Psychiatric Hospital? • The Willough at Naples

The idea of a hospital stay can be frightening for anyone going through a mental health crisis. Even if you know that you or your loved one is in need of assistance, you’re probably still wondering what happens in a psychiatric hospital.

Today, we’ll walk you through some of the most frequently asked questions, from what happens in a psychiatric hospital to what the treatment plan will look like and how you might benefit from your stay. We’re here to alleviate your concerns so that you can get the help you need. Let’s get started with your questions below.

Table of Contents

What Is a Psychiatric Ward?

When some people think of a psychiatric ward, they imagine dark, lonely rooms or uncaring nurses hanging out medications. Unfortunately, psychiatric wards aren’t always properly represented in popular culture. As a result, these perceptions can negatively influence people’s ideas of what happens in a psychiatric hospital.

In actuality, a psychiatric ward is a residential facility in which people with mental health struggles can receive 24-hour care. Those who are wondering what happens in a psychiatric hospital can rest assured knowing that these centers provide a safe, supportive, and sober environment where patients can fully concentrate on the healing process.

The staff members of a psychiatric hospital typically consist of medical professionals and mental health experts. At The Willough at Naples, for example, we have a staff of doctors and nurses who are clinically trained to assist with various mental illnesses, including:

Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Phobias
Obsessive-compulsive behavior

Additionally, during your time in mental health treatment, you will meet other people who experience similar mental health difficulties. The goal of being in a psychiatric unit is to promote long-term healing. For this reason, family members are also encouraged to participate when applicable during visiting hours and join in on therapeutic sessions.

All of this proves that psychiatric hospitals aren’t lonely places—on the contrary, you will have a full team behind you through each step of the recovery journey.

What Happens in a Psychiatric Hospital When Voluntarily Admitted?

Usually when somebody is wondering what happens in a psychiatric hospital, they (or someone they love) are experiencing a mental health crisis. Often, these crises can bring up safety concerns. For this reason, there are two different ways to be admitted for hospital stays: involuntarily and voluntarily.

In the United States, some psychiatric hospitals take patients who are involuntarily admitted. The law behind this is known as the Baker Act and comes into play when somebody is so unsafe and unwell that they often aren’t able to make a rational decision to get help.

At our facility, we only accept patients who are voluntarily admitted. This means that patients have made the decision to seek out treatment in order to find relief from the pain that mental illness can bring.

There are many different reasons as to why somebody would be voluntarily admitted. After all, untreated mental health difficulties can lead to the following:

Physical health challenges (headaches, weight loss/gain, nausea, etc.)
Substance abuse
Relationship strain
Career challenges
Feeling on edge
General unhappiness and discomfort

Though making the decision to get psychiatric assistance can be tough, most patients who seek out professional treatment are able to leave the hospital feeling happier, healthier, and prepared for long-term recovery.

What Are My Treatment Options in a Psychiatric Hospital?

One of the most frequently asked questions after what happens in a psychiatric hospital is what exactly are the treatment options? At The Willough at Naples, treatment is personalized for each patient after a professional psychiatric assessment. Psychological and cognitive screenings can also be beneficial in helping patients know where their needs lie.

Remember that the goal for treatment is to help patients learn the skills they need to achieve long-term recovery. Thus, there are many different approaches that patients have access to in our residential program for mental health needs, including:

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Medication management and evaluation
Physical health assessments
Recreational therapy
Group sessions
Long-term wellness education

This list is by no means extensive. In addition to all of these services, we pride ourselves on offering dual diagnosis treatment. This treatment option is for patients who struggle with a mental illness as well as an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Studies show that mental health and substance use are very closely related to one another. If you do not treat both, the symptoms of the other will spiral out of control and might lead to a relapse of past problems.

This is why dual diagnosis is essential to long-term recovery. Many patients begin this path to recovery with medical detox. Through this process, you will have 24-hour care to monitor and manage any withdrawal symptoms you may experience. Not only does this keep you safe, but it protects you from the typical stressors or triggers of every-day life while you find your footing.

After detox, you will have a stable foundation on which to build the rest of your recovery skills. With the right tools to manage your mental, emotional, and physical health, you will then be able to leave the hospital with confidence. Though those stressors of daily life might sneak in on occasion, you’ll know how to handle any pressing issues by using healthy coping mechanisms that actually work.

Now That I Know What Happens in a Psychiatric Hospital, How Do I Get Help?

Whether you still have questions about what happens in a psychiatric hospital or you’ve already decided that seeking help is the best course of action for you, we are here to help you in each part of your journey.

Still feel unsure? Need assistance with the next steps? You have the option to reach out to us by calling 800-722-0100 or submitting a confidential contact form online. Recovery is something that shouldn’t have to wait. Find out what mental health recovery could look like for you by joining us at The Willough at Naples today.

What Happens in a Psychiatric Hospital?

What Is a Psychiatric Ward?

What Happens in a Psychiatric Hospital When Voluntarily Admitted?

What Are My Treatment Options in a Psychiatric Hospital?

Now That I Know What Happens in a Psychiatric Hospital, How Do I Get Help?

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