Treatment

12-Step programs help individuals struggling with addiction and help change their negative beliefs. In recovery, it is essential to create a framework that allows you to shift your perception about yourself into a positive perspective. When you discover the good and the potential within, you can then move about your life and recovery confidently and purposefully. The 12-Steps rely on good support to help you overcome difficult challenges that you will likely face.

Trauma is defined in many different ways depending on the objective of the definition. It has been described as merely a disturbing or distressing event or as in-depth as emotional and psychological trauma resulting from extraordinarily stressful events that shatter our sense of security. As a result, our brains’ responses shift and affect how we navigate our way through the world. Psychological trauma often leaves us struggling with uncomfortable emotions, traumatic memories, and anxiety or depression that won't go away.

According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 60% of North Americans experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Trauma is often defined as a “deeply distressing or disastrous event.” Though this accurately describes a great deal of traumatic experience for many people, it can also be the result of systemic oppression, repeated childhood physical or psychological abuse, or an ongoing subtly distressing experience.  Though a traumatic experience is often thought of as an event, it is usually much more. It merely begins with an event that then snowballs into a mental structure that shapes how we see and perceive the world. Some individuals who have experienced trauma will develop PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition marked by intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to a traumatic experience that lasts long after the traumatic event has ended.

Recovery, healing, and re-discovering our happiest and healthiest selves is a very intimate and personal process. The idea that specific programs are effective for the majority of people going through similar experiences is not only untrue; it can be very dangerous. Every person has individual needs and desires for their mental health and recovery, and there is no such thing as a less valid pathway.

The definition of “holistic” in relation to medicine is characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease. Recovery in itself is a holistic experience. As it is a physical, psychological, and emotional process, if only one of those is ignored or not valued, it can make the process slower and more difficult to manage.  Though modern medicine has had a track record of focusing on the symptoms of an individual “illness,” considering all aspects of the human experience in considering treatment is becoming more well-known and valued in the scientific community.

Neurofeedback is the use of electronic instruments to learn more about a person’s body’s physiological functions. This includes the functions of the brain, which is called neurofeedback. The concept is based on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt through reorganization. In neurofeedback therapy, EEG tests monitor brain waves and how a person reacts to certain stimuli. Over time, the brain can become conditioned to respond differently to the same stimuli. Neurofeedback and conditioning of the brain play a significant role in relapse prevention.

It is common for those who use substances to use more than one at a time, known as polysubstance abuse. Treatment for multiple substances is more tedious than treating addiction to a single, particular drug. However, there are many techniques for treating polysubstance abuse. There are several reasons someone may engage in using multiple substances, such as genetics. Some people are exposed to multiple substance use somewhere in their childhood. A parent’s substance use can influence how their children see substance use and contribute to developing substance use disorder (SUD). There are also social factors that play into polysubstance abuse. Many teens engage in polysubstance abuse to experiment with drugs or as a result of peer pressure. However, they are not mature enough to use proper risk assessment when using multiple substances, nor do they possess adequate drug interaction knowledge.

Many people who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health disorders experience instability. It can come in many forms; financial instability, emotional instability, or behavioral instability. When entering recovery, you may begin stabilization immediately, including doctor-patient monitoring, detox, or therapy. Stabilization helps aid people in recovery for the long term.

Gestalt therapy was developed initially as an alternative to standard psychotherapy. It is a type of experiential therapy that focuses on an individual’s experience in the present moment and emphasizes the importance of self-responsibility in the recovery process. The holistic approach of Gestalt therapy has been found useful by many therapists. The sessions do not have rigid structures and allow the patient to use creativity to understand their emotions.

Research suggests that both acute and prolonged use of drugs can affect a person’s brain responses. Some substances can exacerbate an already existing mental disorder. For instance, in people with a genetic disposition towards psychosis, using marijuana increases the chance of experiencing a state of psychosis. Marijuana is often viewed as a less destructive drug and has become increasingly more socially acceptable. However, there are implications of severe side-effects of marijuana use and mental health disorders. Diagnosing co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders can be difficult. The symptoms can often mimic each other, and providing treatment can be challenging. It is crucial to find a tailored treatment when dealing with co-occurring disorders. Many facilities offer inpatient treatment, which may be essential to treating mental health and substance use disorder (SUD). The great attention that inpatient provides is beneficial in treating co-occurring conditions. The best practice is to treat both disorders simultaneously. Treating them separately can be arduous, and one condition may take precedence over the other. When mental health is treated with SUD, relapse decreases due to awareness of mental health triggers. SUD and mental health disorders go hand in hand. You may be dealing with co-occurring conditions without realizing it. Some substances only exacerbate mental unwellness, and mental health may lead to drug use. A treatment program can address any mental health issues to provide the most effective care. Most recovery treatment models can be tailored to meet a person’s needs, and the addition of mental health counseling can only be positive in the long run. It is essential to research facilities before deciding to ensure they have the tools and resources to deal with co-occurring disorders.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is often used to treat PTSD and other forms of trauma. EMDR focuses on the process of memory recall. During EMDR sessions, you relive traumatic or triggering experiences in small doses while the therapist directs your eye movements. Over 30 controlled outcome studies have shown positive outcomes with EMDR therapy. Some of the studies have shown:

To better understand the concept of psychodrama, let’s start by breaking down the word itself. The word “psycho” derives from the Greek psyche, which means heart, mind, soul, and spirit, while “drama”, which is also derived from Greek, refers to a play, a movie, or a story. Essentially, psychodrama means a drama of the mind and soul. This form of therapy is helpful in recovery because it forces us to take a different perspective on our emotions or actions giving us time to reflect and develop the ability to properly express our emotions or to control our emotions.