Case Study: How the Family Affects Treatment Outcomes
We know family involvement in the treatment process increases the probability of a client experiencing a successful outcome. We know this because addiction is a family disease, so naturally the family must be supported as well.
Today we discuss the case of a 25 year old female. This client presented for treatment for substance abuse disorder, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. This client admitted to several treatment centers prior to her admission at Destination Hope. She reported a deep self-hatred due to a near fatal accident involving a close family member for which she blamed herself. She also struggled with obsessive compulsive behaviors which impaired her ability to complete college and was the source of family conflict. While prescribed prescription drugs to manage the pain from the accident, she began abusing them. However, upon admission she denied being an addict and was closed to discussing her abuse of substances although admitted to the detox level of care.
What to Look For When Choosing a Behavioral Health Center?
Finding a behavioral health center can be a process. Seeking help for your mental or behavioral health, or that of your loved one, is a deeply personal decision. You want to find a center that has experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy people, but you’re in a rush, not wanting the window of opportunity to close. This article will help you know what to look for in a behavioral health center – to choose a place that best fits you and the condition you are struggling with, and a facility that can best help lead you toward a path of recovery.
Substance Abuse: America’s Problem
Substance abuse overdose is epidemic in our society. Statistics show that in 2019 over 7 million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20 reported that they drank more than a sip of alcohol in the previous month. 20% of seniors in high school report they have taken prescription drugs that were not prescribed to them. And the overall overdose rate in Americans rose by 4% from 2018 to 2019.
Not only do Americans begin to abuse drugs and alcohol an earlier age, but the abuse is following many in our society through the remainder of their adult lives. For example, substance abuse has reached outrageously high levels in the senior citizen community. Studies indicate that 33% of alcoholics developed their problem in their later years of life.
Mid-Twenties Client with Cooccurring Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Client was a mid-twenties male from the West Coast. He presented for treatment to address problem areas such as Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, with symptoms of rage, anger, physical aggression and substance abuse issues. The client has a history of being administratively discharged from previous treatment centers. The client reported “I am trying to get my life right.” Client struggled with communicating and interacting positively with others as evidenced by verbal and physical abuse of others, disrespect for others, throwing chairs and increased profanity. Client reported that he had a history of abusing substances daily for the previous 5 years. Client presented with mental health symptoms related to depression and anxiety. The client lacked coping skills and had very little insight into his substance abuse/mental health issues. The client realized he was homeless, had no finances and had burned his bridges with his family and friends. Initially, the client denied needing treatment, but realized he would like to work on “having a successful and happy life.” Client then realized the importance of building a positive sober support network.
Substance Abuse Problems and PTSD: How to Stop the Cycle
PTSD & Substance Abuse: A Dangerous Duo
Substance abuse can occur because of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, a condition that occurs after a person experiences some type of traumatic event. Further, individuals are more likely put themselves in situations that may ultimately cause PTSD because of their substance abuse. War, terrorism, abuse, natural disasters, and assault are examples of events that can contribute to the development or worsening of PTSD. Regardless of its cause, trauma is not uncommon among Americans. One survey showed that over 50 percent of women and 60 percent of men reported at least one traumatic incident in their past.
Can Alcohol Rehab Work For Me?
Alcohol rehab is an incredibly helpful lifeline to individuals suffering from an alcohol dependence. Assessing your alcohol intake and dependency is required to determine your particular level of alcohol abuse. The lines are often very blurred between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction, but what’s important to note is that they are both centered around problem drinking.
Case Study – Middle Aged Female with Co-Occurring Disorders
A middle-aged female arrived at Destination Hope’s residential level of care voluntarily due to mental health diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder with alcohol and cocaine abuse in remission. The client had spent time in recovery prior to her admission, reporting to residential level of care due to her inability to manage her severe mental health symptoms – sharing with staff members “I didn’t relapse, things just got really bad for me, and I want to just nip it in the bud”. The client arrived to treatment from her halfway house expressing to the therapist: “I took some advice to get some help, that’s why I came here, I didn’t relapse.” The client demonstrated motivation at both Residential and PHP levels of care to address her underlying mental health symptoms, gain coping skills, and participate in the therapeutic process. The client also presented with secondary emotional / psychological symptoms of unresolved grief, anger and resentment, and unresolved feelings of guilt. Lastly, poor stress management and lack of balance in her life became important focuses of her treatment as well.
What Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)?
If you’ve been looking into different drug or alcohol rehab options, you may have learned about intensive outpatient treatment programs, or IOP. This unique form of addiction treatment allows clients to participate in therapy and work on their recovery skills while continuing to live at home and attend school or work.
DH Case Study: Successful Middle-Aged Woman – Depression with Substance Abuse
Client was a middle-aged successful businesswoman, an active mother to her children, and a wife to her husband. She presented to treatment to address areas such as mood instability, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorder. Client reported the day before entering treatment, she was severely depressed, and informed her mother and husband that she did not want to wake up anymore. This is reported to be the breaking point for her to seek treatment. Client also struggles with co-dependency issues with her mother that was caused by her toxic relationship with her husband, as she would constantly turn to her mother for help and support.
Q&A with Anna Racicot, DH’s Wellness Coordinator
Q: You’re the Wellness Coordinator here at DH. What does that mean?
A: I act as the organizer for groups like our yoga therapy group, which is one of our most popular. We also have mindfulness and meditation which is a huge part of the recovery process in dealing with depression and anxiety – it’s really beneficial. We also introduced a music group which includes the use of music as a therapeutic tool and is highly effective – it’s really fun, too! The clients absolutely adore it.
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