Treating Co-Occurring Disorder

 

Treating Co-Occurring Disorder

 

 

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When individuals suffer from drug or alcohol addictions and mental health disorders, we call the condition co-occurring disorder. This disorder is common in those receiving treatments against substance abuse. There are many things that impact one recovering from substance abuse which can trigger the use of these drugs, the intake of alcohol again, or result in co-occurring disorder. Some of such are:

#1 Guilt

#2 Grief

#3 Depression

#4 Low Self Esteem

#5 Anger Management Issues

That said, these things are considered more as symptoms rather than disorders. But their impact on the patient can not be overemphasized.

 

Three Common Co-Occurring Disorders

 

Eating Disorder

Eating disorders like anorexia or excessive eating are quite common in people dealing with substance addiction. They tend to rely on drugs or alcohol to build their self-confidence and suppress hunger, resulting in co-occurring disorders with time.

 

Anxiety Disorder

People with many episodes of anxiety and panic attacks tend to result in substance use. Some overdose on their doctor’s prescription, while others rely on alcohol and illicit drugs as a coping mechanism.

 

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder leads some to substance misuse. After going through stressful, scary, or life-threatening situations, some people relieve the symptoms that accompany PTSD by taking alcohol and drugs.

 

Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Techniques

When suffering from a dual disorder, also known as co-occurring disorder, you need to get help. Seek professional help and support from close friends and family. This would help you maintain a healthy and balanced life.

Treatment techniques that would be of great help include:

#1 Peer support groups

#2 Individualized counseling

#3 Cognitive behavioral therapy

#4 Medication-assisted treatment

#5 Aftercare group or individualized therapy

It is important to get treated, but it is much more important to get treated by the appropriate quarters. Seek professional help, and you will receive the correct guidance on which treatment would suit you because every situation has its peculiarities. It would also keep you accountable, especially if you experience a relapse.

 

 

“We honor ourselves when we speak out for recovery. We show the world that recovery matters because it brings hope and peace into the lives of individuals and their loved ones.”

 – Beth Wilson

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Alcohol and Drugs Relapse

 

Alcohol and Drugs Relapse

 

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What is Relapse?

Relapse occurs when an alcoholic or a drug user who has been abstaining from alcohol intake or drug use returns to taking these substances. The triggers that cause this relapse include:

#1 Rejection

#2 Depression

#3 Financial Problems

#4 Relationship Issues

#5 Work-Related Problems

#6 Emotional and Physical Stress

#7 Mental and Physical Health Issues

 

How to Prevent Relapse

Relapse doesn’t mean that you have failed; what you need to do is replace the habits with new ones by:

#1 Adopting a healthier lifestyle and behavior.

#2 Developing a good and healthy food diet.

#3 Building a positive self-image and self-control.

#4 Engaging in healthy activities—avoid boredom.

#5 Steering clear of people and places that trigger your substance use.

#6 Joining a strong support group and keeping a group of supportive friends and family.

 

 

If you have experienced a relapse or currently going through one, you don’t have to feel less of a human. Getting over a habit such as alcohol or drug abuse and turning a new leaf is a process. Don’t beat yourself up. Take courage, speak with people who can help you, and break off.

 

Attend therapy sessions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, and stay accountable. It takes a lot of strong will and self-control to break off a habit, which is why you need to stay among a community of people who can be of great help to you.

 

Make sure you dig deep into why you relapsed and use that as a means of identifying your triggers so that you can avoid co-occurring disorders associated with substance abuse.

 

 

Holli Kenley said,

 

 “Shame serves to fuel and feed relapse. Further relapse fuels and feeds shame.”

 

 Do not allow fear or shame when you relapse; rather, stay accountable to those who can help you.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Here’s Why You Have Been Feeling Excessively Sleepy

 

Here’s Why You Have Been Feeling Excessively Sleepy

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We’ve all seen situation comedies where a character just can’t seem to stay awake, and the condition is aimed at making people laugh. However, if you have been diagnosed with narcolepsy or your loved one has it, it’s not funny. Narcolepsy affects your quality of life, both during the day and at night.

It is a sleep disorder where you find it hard to control sleep cycles. Patients might feel excessively sleepy during the day, so much that they can fall asleep anytime and anywhere. Also, at night, people with narcolepsy sleep poorly and wake consistently. Undiagnosed narcolepsy can lead to depression.

 

Symptoms can include:

One. Excessive daytime sleepiness: This is the main symptom of narcolepsy. You may have pressing urges to sleep even after sleeping all night.

Two. Hallucinations: Some patients experience very real hallucinations. They can be disruptive, disturbing, and frightening.

Three. Memory Problems: Excessive daytime sleep can cause memory issues because you are hardly fully awake.

Four. Sleep paralysis: Sleep paralysis usually comes with hallucinations. Patients find it hard to move while falling asleep or waking up.

Five. Cataplexy: This is also known as the sudden loss of muscle tone. The muscles become weak or even paralyzed. It can occur due to extreme feelings of different emotions like anger or being surprised.

 

Seeking treatment is vital. However, some life changes can help you manage this condition well. These changes include taking frequent naps during the day, maintaining a consistent sleep pattern, and eating a balanced diet.

 

Excessive sleep does not mean you are lazy. Seek medical attention and take your medications regularly!

 

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

Say Goodbye to Insomnia

 

Say Goodbye to Insomnia

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You are exhausted; you lie down in bed for just one thing: a night of quality sleep. But it doesn’t happen, and you lie awake. Hours pass, you toss and turn, and though you are tired, you still find it hard to sleep. Are you going through this? Do you often have trouble sleeping? Or you wake up at midnight with your mind racing. There are different causes of insomnia. Luckily, there are few tips out there that can improve your quality of sleep. Read on to discover some causes of insomnia and how you can deal with it.

 

One. Exposure to Bright Light

Do you lie in bed, stare at your phone while you try to catch up with friends on social media? Then you will probably have a problem sleeping after spending time looking at your phone. The reason? The light emitted by smartphones can cause sleep disorders. Reduce screen time and set a time when you’ll stop using these devices at night.

 Two. Caffeine

If you drink too much coffee during the day, chances are you will find it hard to sleep at night. For better sleep, it is best to avoid caffeine after 2 pm.

Three. A Heavy Meal Before Bed

We’ve all done this before: we eat a heavy meal before bed because it is irresistible. A heavy meal before bedtime makes it hard to fall asleep. Always try to choose lighter options in the evening.

 Four. Alcohol

How was your quality of sleep the last time you had plenty of drinks? Did you sleep soundly, or were you restless? Alcohol disrupts sleep. Experts advise you don’t drink alcohol 2-3 hours before sleep.

 

Sleep is vital. It is that golden chain that ties our health and body together.

 

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Addiction is Seductive

Addiction is Seductive

Addiction is a battle that many lose to over and over again. The good news is….even though you may lose the battles, you can win the war.

One big challenge with addictive behaviors is that people mainly recognize only drugs and alcohol as the culprits. Today sex addiction is becoming more of an issue in relationships.

An article published on foxnews.com highlights the sex addiction of a former NFL football player Mike Caussin. His sex addiction has caused marital issues between him and wife Jana Kramer. Within the article the couple mention a few pointers to shed light about how to overcome sex addiction within a marriage.

This is what happens when you don’t face your addiction.

#1 Shame On You!

Most people don’t seek help for addictions because it will cause shame and embarrassment. The true shame of addiction occurs when you don’t admit you have an issue and when you don’t seek the treatment you need.

#2 A Rocky Family.

Active and continuous addictive behaviors when left untreated will cause family instability. Addiction doesn’t just affect the prime participant, it has adverse emotional and physical effects on all family members.

#3 You lose.

Addictive behaviors cause you to become ineffective in significant areas of your life. When you fail to properly address the issues of addiction your lifestyle goes down. You lose financial, material, relationships, careers, family and most importantly you lose YOURSELF.

Everybody knows somebody. Battles with addiction should not be faced alone.

Contact your local community rehabilitation center or visit GMC resources page at www.ginmanconsulting.com for more information.