Complex Addiction

Complex Addiction

Many people do not realize that many people who struggle with addiction, struggle with multiple substances. Many people start off using drugs at party scenes where they mix substances. Alcohol and cocaine are a common mix in the party scene. Other people who become addicted to prescription pills are often abusing multiple prescription drugs, not just one. While one drug can manipulate and change the brain in a negative way, abusing multiple substances can accelerate this process or make it even worse. Using multiple substances can also lead to a higher chance of a deadly overdose. Treating a single addiction in itself is hard, treating multiple addictions is even more difficult, but can be done. Treating multiple addictions is difficult because each substance causes it’s own physical, mental, and emotional effects on the patient. They may not be able to take certain drugs during detox or medications to help with treatment because of their multiple substance addiction. Each addiction will be addressed in the treatment process in a personalized treatment plan. Most people addicted to multiple substances are encouraged to use an inpatient treatment option. This will remove them from temptation and offer the support and time needed to truly begin their recovery from all addictions. Inpatient treatment allows patients the chance to completely focus on getting well and sober but it is not just about getting away from the stressors of life and stopping the alcohol or drugs. It is about learning to take control and responsibility for their life, finding their Higher Power and opening themselves to others. The treatment process focuses on the whole person, not just the physical addiction, and their recovery is supported by caring and highly-qualified staff members. They will gain more than they ever thought was possible as they undergo a healing process…a new way of looking at each aspect of their life; the mind, body, and spirit. They will learn more about themselves, their addiction and how to overcome it, new activities to do outside of rehab, new life skills, and how to take care of their mind, body, and spirit. They will meet new like minded people who will offer encouragement and support throughout the treatment and throughout their new sober life. In order to get better, a person must go through a period without using alcohol or drugs.Patients are stabilized and assessed in this aspect of the program according to ASAM criteria. Patients admitted to this level of care have a need for medical monitoring and display withdrawal symptoms. During this phase of treatment patients will be receiving ongoing support and medical attention from medical staff, psychiatrist, and addictionologist. They have access to 24-hour medical attention if they need it and this can make all the difference between relapse and recovery. As a patient progresses through our program, they will experience several phases of treatment ranging from medical stabilization, to education, to relapse prevention. Clients are actively involved in the development and implementation of their treatment plans in each phase. Many people who abuse multiple substances also have a co-occurring disorder that they may be trying to “cure” on their own with the different substances, or they may have developed a co-occurring disorder because of the abuse. People who have a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis will need to work on this in therapy and learn how to manage their symptoms without the substances. Common co-occurring disorders are depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and PTSD. Treatment of drug and alcohol addiction is seldom as simple as merely addressing the particular chemicals an addict is taking into his body. More often than not, addicts suffer from other disorders in conjunction with their chemical dependency which is clinically referred to as co-occurring disorders. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services says about 45% of U.S. citizens seeking treatment have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2014 approximately 7.9 million adults in America suffered from co-occurring disorders. A holistic approach allows for decreased readmission rates, increased tenure in sobriety, increased patient satisfaction, and decreased absenteeism. To fully recover, someone with co-occurring disorders must be treated for both conditions. After the patient has gone through titration and stabilization, the next step is rehabilitation for the substance problem and treatment for the mental disorder. This integrated treatment allows staff to address the mental and substance abuse at the same time which helps lower costs and increases long-term sobriety. Treating patients with holistic care helps them find and maintain balance in all aspects of their life. It gives them many ways of dealing with stress and their addiction once they are starting their new sober life. It also helps improve mental and physical well being and make them feel more in control of their own lives and learn to take responsibility for themselves. Treating the whole person reduces stress and boost the entire immunity and moral while helping them to maintain their health and heal quicker. By treating the mind, body, and spirit patients are able to reduce their stress, anxiety, tension, depression, and insomnia while improving their entire well being and self control. Many articles and research have been published that talk about the benefits of holistic therapies that help patients recover from their addictions. Patients feel calmer, more relaxed, more energetic, less depressed, and less pain. When patients leave treatment they are not only sober but because of holistic care feel that they are more health-conscious, have changed their entire lifestyle, and have a more constructive way to manage stress and life challenges without drugs or alcohol. Treatment for multiple addictions is possible. If you or your loved one is suffering from multiple addictions, we are here to help you. Treatment as soon as possible is always best. We will answer any questions you may have and get you the help you need. Call 1-877-633-4896.