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

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Causes and Symptoms in Veterans and Children

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Causes and Symptoms in Veterans and Children

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Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental illness that is not gender or age-biased. An adult or a child can be diagnosed with this mental health condition. This disorder is diagnosed in those who have witnessed some terrific or life-threatening events like military veterans and sexually abused children.

According to the National Center for PTSD, studies show that about 15% to 43% of girls and 14% to 43% of boys go through at least one trauma. Out of these children and teens who have had a trauma, 3% to 15% of girls and 1% to 6% of boys develop PTSD.

Also, according to the National Center of PTSD, about 11-20 out of every 100 veterans who served in OIF or OEF have PTSD in a given year; about 12 out of every 100 Gulf war veterans have PTSD in a given year.

PTSD is a mental illness that should not be overlooked. Knowing the causes and symptoms in veterans, children, and other people will help us relate with them better and know how to help them.

Causes of PTSD

1. War

2. Neglect

3. Sexual Abuse

4. Physical Abuse

5. Natural Disasters

6. Domestic Violence

7. Car or Fire Accident

8. Psychological Abuse

9. Witnessing the Loss of a Loved One

 

Symptoms of PTSD

1. Lack of Sleep

2. Hypervigilance

3. Self-Destruction

4. Severe Nightmares

5. Aggressive Behavior

6. Lack of Trust in Others

7. Difficulty in Concentrating

8. Inability to Express Affection

9. Panic Attacks when Reminded of the Trauma

10. Inability to Remember Details of what Happened

11. Physical Sensations Such as Pain, Sweating, Nausea, or Trembling

12. Vivid Flashbacks: Re-Living the Events as If It is Happening Right Now

 

Keep in mind that if you have PTSD or a loved one has it, it is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. You survived the incident, and since you survived, you can overcome the trauma that came as a result of the incident.

 GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Eating Disorders and The Road to Recovery

 

Eating Disorders and The Road to Recovery

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No one ever woke up and said: “Today I want to have an eating disorder”. Most times, anorexia and bulimia stem from distorted body image as a result of anxiety, depression, emotional trauma, and societal expectations. Those suffering from these conditions often view extreme weight loss and dieting as a way to look good, acceptable and regain control in their lives.

It starts from skipping a meal or two, binge eating, and vomiting. Then, it starts to become a habit. However, recovery is possible even though it’s difficult. It is normal to feel anxious and wonder if you’ll slip back into your old habits. Your fears are valid because sometimes what you are most afraid of doing might set you free.

 

…

 

Here are a few things you should know on your way to recovery:

#1 Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Being too self-critical won’t help you in recovering. Instead, it can cause feelings of shame and exacerbate an already difficult situation. Stay positive and use affirmative words to tackle self-critical thoughts.

 

#2 Seek Help

Research shows that people with eating disorders are more likely to recover with a professional treatment plan in place. Motivational and self-care books cannot replace the guidance of a qualified doctor or dietician.

 

#3 Be Patient with Yourself

Total recovery can take years, and people often struggle with relapse. Have faith in yourself and seek support when you need it. Talk to people who have earned your trust and let them hold your hand during weak moments.

 

You’re perfect the way you are. Love your body and in moments when recovery feels painful, keep pushing forward because it means you are making progress.

  

 

 GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

OCD: Overcome Compulsive Disorders

OCD: Overcome Compulsive Disorders

            Up. Down. Left. Right. Wait a minute. That’s not right. Down. Up. Right. Left. Okay, maybe that’s good. Oh, no! If you carry the traits of obsessive compulsive disorder, those inner thoughts of aiming for perfection may be familiar to you.

            Obsessive compulsive disorders affect approximately 2.3% of the population between ages 18- 54 (understanding_ocd.tripod.com). More people suffer from OCD than more commonly known mental health disorders such as panic attacks and bipolar disorder. So one will wonder, how does a seemingly uncommon challenge touch so many lives?

              

A common symptom of OCD is the perfect alignment of objectives.

           

CAUSE

            For many years, OCD was believed to be the result of learned behaviors from life experiences. This conclusion is an understandable premise due to common OCD behaviors that include cleanliness and compulsive repetition of beliefs, thoughts and actions. But with today’s advanced research, the cause of OCD stems more toward biological origins. Through the study of PET scans, OCD has been connected to other neurological disorders such as Tourette’s syndrome & body dysmorphic disorder aka obsession with cosmetic changes and appearances (understanding_ocd.tripod.com).

EFFECT

            Symptoms of OCD does not equal insanity. The behaviors and thoughts are unique and different but manageable. No need to think that an OCD lifestyle is beyond control or devastating.

            OCD traumatizes most who are new to the symptoms. The repetitive and obsessive behaviors and thoughts that are characterized as OCD sometimes lead to agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, fear and depression. Most individuals who have learned to live with OCD in some way have learned to manage their symptoms to live a “normal” lifestyle.

OVERCOME OCD

            Medication in combination with cognitive behavior therapy is the most effective method to management of obsessive compulsive behavior. This method should follow the diagnosis and recommendation of a professional healthcare personnel. Self- assessment and diagnosis of OCD or any other mental health challenge is not a sound option.

            OCD support groups are another beneficial element in the remedy to relieving symptoms. Support groups aid in providing solace and comfort. Knowing that others have the same experiences of unwanted repetitions provides more opportunity to control and management skills.

            The best way to overcome any life challenge is through changing the way you think about the challenge. Firstly, don’t think that your issue is a hindrance. Any challenge placed before you can strategically be moved to behind you.

            Secondly, be bold enough to seek the assistance you need. Due to stigma associated with mental health and addiction, guidance is rarely sought. The last thing that needs to be focused on is how your issue adds up to someone else’s. No one has the same challenges or lifestyle. Do what is best for you to defeat your challenge.

            When you are ready to sit down with a professional and strategically overcome your life challenge, contact GMC at info@ginmanconsulting.com.

            Schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation to plan out your next steps past your life’s challenge. VISIT www.ginmanconsulting.com or send your contact information to info@ginmanconsulting.com

           

            If you or someone you know has OCD, please leave a comment to enlighten or educate us.