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 Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? • The Willough at Naples

When it comes to seeking help for your mental health, finding the right treatment method and facility can be a challenge. There are different types of therapy, but not all of them will be the right fit for your needs. You might have heard of a treatment process called cognitive behavioral therapy that deals with changing feelings and behavioral patterns. But what is cognitive behavioral therapy?

If you are searching for the answer and somewhere you can get help, The Willough at Naples facility can help you learn coping strategies to better manage you mental health through our impatient treatment for mental illness, co-occuring substance abuse, and more.

Keep reading for information on cognitive behavioral therapy to see if it’s right for you and how our facility can help you benefit from evidence-based therapeutic treatments.

Table of Contents

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Before you can decide if cognitive behavioral therapy is right for you, you need to know “What is cognitive behavioral therapy?”

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that teaches individuals how to identify and alter thoughts and behaviors that can be destructive or harmful. Through therapy sessions, individuals work to improve these emotional and behavioral thought patterns to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. The focus is on altering automatic negative thoughts and feelings that contribute to long-term symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions.

This type of treatment has been proven to be effective in treating a number of mental health conditions including:

Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Eating Disorders
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

The American Psychological Association considers cognitive behavioral therapy to be a more effective treatment option than alternative therapy and medication methods. CBT includes a variety of approaches and techniques that address maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. In laymen’s terms, they help stop negative self-thinking. And there’s strong evidence that this approach works. Medical reviewers have found that multi-session CBT had a higher efficacy rate and lower drop out rate than alternative single-session or brief intervention visits for addiction and substance abuse disorder.

How Does CBT Work?

Now that you have an answer to the question, “What is cognitive behavioral therapy?” you need to know how it works. There are different approaches and techniques. These approaches focus on the most helpful strategies to overcome unwanted thought patterns for each individual. Some of the most popular strategies include journaling, methods of relaxation, and role-playing.

And thankfully, there are few risks when it comes to cognitive behavioral therapy. However, you will experience emotional discomfort at times while you work to process your emotions and experiences. It’s not uncommon to feel sad, upset, or physically tired during or after a session. This is a normal part of the process that will get easier as you discover new coping skills to manage your feelings.

The Willough at Naples offers a dual diagnosis program for adults who are struggling with drug and/or alcohol abuse with a co-occurring mental illness. And one of our evidence-based programs is cognitive behavioral therapy. By employing CBT therapeutic techniques, we help address the root cause of both addiction and mental illness in order to provide the best treatment outcomes for our patients.

Identifying Negative Thoughts

The first step in CBT is learning how to identify the thoughts, feelings, and current situations contributing to maladaptive behavior. This can be a difficult step for anyone who struggles with introspection. But learning how to identify negative thoughts and what is causing them is an essential part of the treatment plan that will be beneficial to you in the long run.

Medical reviewers have linked an individual’s beliefs about themselves and the world around them with automatic thoughts that contribute to these maladaptive behaviors. Identifying and processing the initial thoughts will break the cycle.

Becoming More Aware of Emotions and Behaviors

The next step helps you to identify the negative thoughts behind the emotions and behaviors you plan to work on. You will become more aware of where they stem from by asking and answering questions. These emotions and behaviors can stem from a wide range of conditions and situations in your life, such as health issues, a divorce or breakup, grief, or a mental health disorder.

This step requires you to observe the way you interact with yourself. This includes how you speak to yourself, your interpretation of the situations that cause negative thoughts, and your perception of yourself and others. Keeping a journal may be beneficial as you work on becoming more self-aware.

Practicing Altered Behaviors and Thoughts

Lastly, practicing new behaviors and thought patterns is tricky when the old patterns feel like they’re ingrained in your personality. However, with practice, this step will become easier. You will be encouraged to differentiate between situations based on fact and those created through a potentially inaccurate perception. This will help you redirect the thoughts and feelings that dictate your behavior. And redirection will eventually lead to habits that require less effort than in the beginning.

How to Get The Most Out of Mental Health Treatment

Now that you know what CBT does, how do you get the most out of this therapeutic treatment? To reach this goal, it’s important to come into treatment with an open mind. It can feel awkward or uncomfortable to address underlying core beliefs, but changing them is the only way to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

You may continue to question, “What is cognitive behavioral therapy?” as you learn more throughout treatments. The best way to see results is to:

View your treatment plan as a partnership. Our multi-disciplinary team will work with you to create the most effective treatment plan for your circumstances. The process will work the best as long as you remain an active participant by sharing and contributing to the treatment sessions.
Be honest. How well the treatment works depends on your willingness to be honest. Our psychiatrists, social workers, mental health therapists, and unit staff are here to evaluate your needs.
Stick to your treatment plan and goals. You might be tempted to skip sessions or stop doing the work discussed in sessions. You may go through periods where you lack motivation or feel overwhelmed. This is a healthy part of confronting new parts of yourself.

Get Mental Health Support in Naples, Florida

Now that you have an answer to the question, “What is cognitive behavioral therapy?” You should have a better idea if this treatment process is right for you. You can seek treatment at our mental health and addiction treatment center, The Willough at Naples. We offer multiple levels of 24/7 patient care to meet the needs of all our patients staying at the facility.

If you have any questions about the programs we offer and how we can help, call our office at (239) 893-5765. You can also fill out a confidential contact form with any of your questions or concerns. We are eager to help you create better patterns of thought and behavior to reach a happier state of mind.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?