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

Common Triggers of Alcohol and Drug Use

 

Common Triggers of Alcohol and Drug Use

 

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Quitting drinking and drug use can be a challenging and difficult process. You didn’t develop the problem overnight, so overcoming your addiction will not happen overnight either. It is not uncommon to suffer a relapse. However, understanding what might trigger your relapse is one of the first steps towards prevention.

 

Here are four triggers you should watch out for:

1.Stress

Stress is one of the major triggers of alcohol abuse and drug use. And people who struggle with addiction always feel an increasing need to use alcohol and drugs when stressed, especially if it was their primary coping mechanism. Although you can’t eliminate everything from your life, you should avoid situations that cause you extreme stress.

 

2.People or Places Connected to Your Behavior

People and places who are part of your addictive lifestyle are potential triggers for relapse. It is best to avoid your drinking buddies and those who remind you of your former lifestyle.

 

3.Negative Emotions

People who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse need to have effective ways of managing negative feelings. Drugs and alcohol are used to provide temporary relief from negative feelings in your life, but you can’t rely on them again. Learn how to deal with uncomfortable feelings and emotions.

 

4.Seeing the Object of Your Addiction

Reminders of your previous lifestyle can cause a relapse while recovering.  A whiff of cannabis, watching people drink at bars are triggers you might see everywhere. It is normal for you to feel like going back, but recovering is not just about abstaining; it is about building a new life that is easier, desirable, and free of addiction.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Uh-Oh! You Are Dealing With Triggers of Covid the Wrong Way

Uh-Oh! You Are Dealing With Triggers of Covid the Wrong Way

People who experience traumatic events sometimes find substance use as a way to deal with the situation. Drugs and/or alcohol furnish negative coping strategies in reaction to dramatic situations. Now with the horrific experience of COVID19, substance use may be the comforting shoulder for many. When dealing with a traumatic event, evaluate if you want a positive outcome or negative outcome. Choosing to use drugs to cope will normally result in negative consequences.

Positive Coping Strategies That Equal Positive Results

Distractors Alcohol and drugs are distractors but they keep you from living a healthy and prosperous life. Instead occupy your thoughts and time with positive distractors from reexperiencing trauma. Participate in exercising to your favorite song, cleaning an area of your house that is cluttered or declutter your mind by journaling, drawing or art work.

Interactors Being around positivity can brighten your mood and decrease thoughts of using substances such as drugs and alcohol. Spend time with a positive friend or family member via FaceTime or Duo or talk to your next best friend, AKA your pet.

Counselors Sometimes it takes a professional to change your perspective or outlook on a traumatic situation. Sometimes your feelings and emotions are private and you do not want to share with others who know you. Seek a therapist to confide in and get advice.

Remember… just because a situation yields a negative pathway does not mean your response to dealing with the situation has to be negative. Negative coping will only make negativity the continuing pattern.

Let’s talk about COVID19. Talking out ways to effectively handle trauma is the best option!

Schedule a session today at ginmanconsulting.setmore.com

For more information about how therapeutic techniques can help you.

Email us at info@ginmanconsulting.com