All across the country, people at every level of the economy are dealing with a deadly illness that is taking lives and tearing families apart. The disease is addiction to drugs and or alcohol, and sadly, this illness is growing into a major health crisis. All across the US, the level of drug-associated fatalities has spiraled upward, and this problem now takes more lives than those lost to gun violence. Many of these problems have come from addictions to physician-prescribed painkillers, and others have come from heroin overdoses. Add to all of this the many lives ruined or lost to alcohol addiction, and you have a major health crisis.
Part of the problem driving all this is the difficulty many people have in asking for help. Dilauded Detox is one form of help for people who suffer from a physical addiction to that drug. Detox and treatment are available for those who are suffering from addiction, but the addicted person must first face their problem and ask for help. From there, real healing can begin.
Dual Diagnosis
As more and more people have sought treatment for addiction, new forms of dealing with the illness have been formed. Dual Diagnosis in Austin is one form of treatment for people who have serious addiction issues. It’s been found that many clients who suffer from addiction also have an underlying mental health problem that drives the illness. Some of the best treatment centers today have clients undergo a dual diagnosis so that both the illness and the addiction are treated. Without this kind of full-on treatment, many clients find healing in the short term, but over time they relapse, as their mental illness problems are still part of the problem.
Seeking Treatment
When an addicted person is ready to enter treatment, one of the first things that happens is a full assessment of the client’s situation. A healthcare professional will interview the client to get a full picture of their health issues, including the level of addiction and the drugs involved. In a dual diagnosis situation, the client will also be assessed for any mental health problems, (like bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression) that may be involved. From there, a treatment plan will be established.
Detoxification Treatment
After the assessment, the client will go under detoxification. This is essential, as it’s impossible for a client to fully embrace recovery while using intoxicants.
The withdrawal process can bring on serious symptoms, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and delirium. That’s why a trained healthcare professional must be monitoring the client throughout the process, to ensure their health and safety. Once the detox is complete, the client will move into treatment in therapy.
Therapy
After detox, the client will move into a period of talk therapy, either in a one-on-one or group setting. These counseling sessions will help the client get in touch with their feelings about addiction and address what the underlying issues driving the addiction may be. A counselor will also deal with the client’s mental health issues, according to the diagnosis found when the client entered treatment. Group therapy can also be hugely helpful, as other clients offer support and the client offers support and insights to others.
The dual diagnosis aspect of treatment is an important part of the recovery process, as clients who are dealing with a serious mental health problem, like bipolar disorder, may have a very difficult time coping when drugs and alcohol are taken away. If serious depression sets in during recovery, this must be treated by a healthcare professional, so the client can heal completely.
Other Therapies For Recovery
As the client continues in recovery, other therapies may be recommended to help them reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Massage therapy, yoga classes, art classes, nature hikes, and group activities like bowling or walking can all be hugely helpful for a person who is becoming sober. These types of activities can instill feelings of joy in a person who has long been numb to many of life’s real pleasures.
After the counseling has run its course, a client may choose to continue their recovery on an outpatient basis, by going to AA classes or living in a sober home situation, where they can continue to receive support, without the danger of relapse.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, seek help right away. Help is out there, and the joy of recovery is truly possible.