Monthly Archives: March 2015

What Are Mood Disorders? And What’s The Relationship To Substance Abuse?

Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorders where a person’s mood is not appropriate to his or her situation. They include the following:

  • Major depression
  • Cyclothymia (a mild form of bipolar disorder)
  • SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
  • Mania (a state where a person is euphoric, hyperactive, has unrealistic optimism and an overinflated ego)

Approximately 20 percent of the US population reports experiencing at least one symptom of depression in any one month; 12 percent report two or more symptoms each year. Bipolar disorder is less common; it occurs in about 1 percent of the population. Some experts believe that it is under-diagnosed, since the manic state is not usually reported as an illness.

Lasting Help Addiction & Mental Illness - NewBeginningsRecoveryCTR.com

Relationship Between Mood Disorders And Substance Abuse

Mental health issues like mood disorders have been linked to substance abuse. When a person struggles with addiction and a mental illness, which includes a mood disorder, they have a dual diagnosis.

Some people who are experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder may turn to alcohol or drugs in an effort to self-medicate. A depressed person may be looking for something to help improve their mood, and someone who is manic and is having trouble settling down to sleep at night may turn to alcohol or drugs to try to slow down enough to get the rest they need. Many people who suffer from mood disorders also experience some levels of anxiety, and they may look to substances to deal with these symptoms as well.

In some instances, the substance abuse starts first. Over time, continued use of drugs can trigger symptoms of mental illness in some people.

Depression And Physical Illness

Physical illness and depression are also linked. A number of chronic medical conditions are associated with depression, including heart disease, cancer, stomach issues and diabetes. Between 25-50 percent of patients living with chronic pain are also depressed. Since chronic pain patients may also be taking prescription medications on a long-term basis to help control their pain, they may be at higher risk for prescription drug addiction because they have access to narcotics and other medications.

Treatment Programs For Addiction And Mental Illness

Mental health disorders and addiction is treatable. New Beginnings Recovery can provide lasting help, hope and peace. Contact us today to find out how our effective and individualized outpatient and inpatient treatment programs for addiction and mental health issues can help you or your loved one today!

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We Have A Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic

Deaths from prescription drug use have hit an all-time high, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to declare a prescription drug use epidemic. Incidents involving prescription drug abuse have been steadily on the rise for the past two decades, and are now responsible for nine out of 10 poisoning deaths.

On a daily basis, 6,748 people receive treatment in Emergency Departments for either drug abuse or misuse, and around 120 people die. The death rate from drug overdose has more than doubled in the years from 1999-2013. Over half of the 43,992 drug overdose deaths in the US were attributed to prescription drug abuse. (CDC)

What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Prescription drug abuse is taking a medication in a way that is different from that which the doctor originally prescribed. It includes:

  • Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic - NewBeginningsRecoveryCTR.comTaking a larger dose than what was originally prescribed
  • Taking a prescription prescribed for someone else
  • Using the medicine for another purpose (to get high)
  • Using it in a different manner than as directed (crushing tablets, then snorting or injecting them)

A number of prescription medications can have similar effects to illicit drugs when they are taken in higher doses than prescribed by a doctor or when taken by people who do not have symptoms of the disorders for which they are usually prescribed.

Types Of Drugs Commonly Abused

Painkiller addiction has become a major part of the prescription drug abuse epidemic, with opioids leading the way. Chronic pain is frequently treated with this class of drugs, and their clinical use has increased over the past several years.

Opioids can create a feeling of euphoria among users. Over time, a tolerance and physical dependence leading to drug addiction can develop. When taken at high doses or in ways other than prescribed, they can have similar effects to heroin. Some people progress to a heroin addiction when they are unable to access their prescription painkiller or can no longer afford it, since heroin can actually be easier to obtain and is a cheaper alternative.

Stimulants used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are also being abused. Drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta act on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems in the same way as cocaine.

Prescription drugs used for anxiety, including Xanax and Valium, have the same type of calming effect as club drugs like GHB.

All of these drugs have the potential for addiction, and the risk is higher when they are abused. As a result, some physicians are reluctant to prescribe opioids to patients living with chronic pain, even when there is a clear need for pain management. The possibility of prescription drug abuse is having an impact on some doctors when making choices about what to prescribe for their patients.

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment

If you concerned about prescription drug abuse for yourself or a loved one, contact New Beginnings Recovery today to learn about our treatment programs. We will develop a personalized prescription drug addiction treatment plan to help you or a loved one overcome the holds of prescription drugs.

Call Us Now – You CAN Overcome Prescription Drug Addiction
With Our Caring & Professional Help!

How Does A Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program Work?

Mental illness in the U.S. is not as uncommon as you may think. According to data compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 42.5 million American adults (18.2 percent of the population) suffer from some form of mental health issue, which includes depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. SAMHSA compiled data which found that 6.8 million adults had a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness in 2011. Dual diagnosis treatment for a person in this situation must be performed by experts who have experience in this field, like us here at New Beginnings Recovery.

What Is A Dual Diagnosis?

Healing Through Dual Diagnosis Treatment - NewBeginningsRecoveryCenterA client is considered to have a dual diagnosis if he or she has a diagnosable mental illness as well as an addiction. Drug and alcohol issues occur together frequently, and tend to occur in clients who also have:

How Does A Dual Diagnosis Begin?

In some instances, the symptoms of the mental illness occur first. A person may start using drugs or alcohol because these substances help them feel better, temporarily. For other people, the substance abuse comes first. Over time, it can lead to emotional and mental problems.

How Is A Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program Structured?

Treating the addiction only, without addressing the mental health issue doesn’t get to the root of deeper issues and increases the chances of relapse.

Our dual diagnosis treatment is structured so that both conditions are dealt with concurrently, so that our clients can completely heal.

The first step is for a client to stop using drugs and/or alcohol (we help our clients safely and comfortably detox). While the addiction is active/ongoing, it’s difficult to make a clear diagnosis of the mental illness and to offer appropriate treatment for a client. Once a client is sober, the mental health issues can be addressed appropriately.

Outpatient Addiction And Mental Health Services

At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we offer outpatient addiction and mental health services. This treatment model was developed for clients who are interested in receiving dual diagnosis treatment but have work, school and/or family obligations. Our professional and caring mental health staff provides counseling and treatment on an individual basis

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Program Spotlight: Outpatient Detox

New Beginnings Detox and Addiction Recovery Center offers an alternative to having clients check in to a hospital while undergoing detox. Our outpatient detox option can be used for both drug and alcohol detoxification through our facility in Florida, in conjunction with substance abuse treatment offered on an outpatient basis.

Flexible Outpatient Detox Programs

Clients can go through the detox process without having to take time away from their job or family, and they can return to the comfortable environment of their own home after detox treatments. Our program also offers support flexibility, so that you can have as much, or as little, hands-on staff support as you need.

Outpatient Detox Programs in Florida - New Beginnings Detox CenterAt New Beginnings, we will work around your schedule to create an individualized drug or alcohol detox program that will work for you. We use an integrative medical approach that combines traditional detox medicine and natural alternative treatments. Together, they form a safer and more comfortable detox experience for our clients when they are breaking free from the influence of chemicals in their bodies. Our integrative approach also helps repair the brain’s neurotransmitters, which have been damaged due to substance abuse.

Additional Detox Therapies

Everyone we work with in our outpatient detox program also has the option of adding our Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies and Restore Neurotransmitter Program to their standard outpatient detox regime.

CAM Therapies

CAM therapies focus on the whole person and on the energy of the body to accelerate the healing process. Our clients report they experience less severity in their withdrawal symptoms and a faster recovery by adding the available following therapies to their standard detox plan:

  • Nutritional support improves the body’s ability to combat illness and starts to repair the damage done through years of poor eating habits, as well as substance abuse.
  • The theory behind Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLLT) is that it will increase mood and lower anxiety levels by stimulating endorphins and certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Visual Imagery are both used to help clients get into a state of mind where they can find better solutions for the problems they are facing.
  • Hypnotherapy is conducted by either a board-certified nurse practitioner or a clinical hypnotherapist. It has been effective for people dealing with addictions, as well as anxiety, pain and those who want to achieve a sense of inner peace.

Restore Neurotransmitter Restoration Program

The Restore Neurotransmitter Restoration Program, which is made up of IV amino acid, vitamin and mineral infusions helps to restore both nutritional and neurotransmitter function, as well as alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Oral vitamin, mineral and amino acid therapy is also provided.

Clients receive a minimum of three weeks of personalized treatment, which includes a basic oral supplement program to improve stomach and cellular function.

Individualized Outpatient Detox Program In Florida

Are you or your loved one ready to start our individualized outpatient detox program in beautiful and peaceful Florida? We can design a detox and treatment plan that works with your schedule and your specific needs and goals!

Take That First Step To Start Your New Beginning! Call Us Now!