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Partial hospitalization typically involves the most intensive care available outside of nonresidential programs, and it could be just want you need. It is often used for people who suffer from addiction and abuse, mental health disorders, and/or behavioral health disorders. People who have already completed residential treatment and want to transition to more independent living may benefit from this form of hospitalization, and people whose needs do not require residential treatment may also use partial hospitalization. According to the Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare (AABH), partial hospitalization can be beneficial because it costs less than full residential facilitation, and those who participate in this program often need less treatment afterwards because of the intensive care they received during that time. Participating in partial hospitalization could mean that you receive the care that you need while maintaining outside responsibilities and transitioning to full, independent living. Partial hospitalization may include medical attention as well as individual or group therapy, just as they would in residential facilities. The program typically requires 6 or more hours each week, and you would continue to learn about your addiction or mental illness and even discuss your concerns with others. Here, family is even given an opportunity to attend therapy and work with you as well. However, where you would live and receive food in a residential treatment center, partial hospitalization means that you would return home each day, able to take care of your children or other home responsibilities. However, this form of treatment is not appropriate for those who suffer from severe addiction and behavioral issues, or those who are just beginning their journey to recovery and need full support. Partial hospitalization is not beneficial for those who need round-the-clock care, and if you are suffering severely from behavioral issues or other concerns, this may not be an appropriate option for you. If you have indicated initial stability in your residential program but may not be fully ready for outpatient programs, partial hospitalization may be a wonderful choice. If you are considering participating in partial hospitalization, please speak with a health care professional now. If you are currently in a rehabilitation facility, speaking with a leader in your program could be beneficial because they will be able to work with you to determine a plan of action that fits your needs.

Work obligations, family issues, and deep-rooted problems can reappear daily and can make us feel weak, upset, and helpless. Health issues can leave us feeling as though we cannot do the things that we want to, and that can be very upsetting. Acupuncture is a popular, holistic treatment method aimed to ameliorate many negative effects that we experience. There are many reasons why someone may choose to use acupuncture. Here is a breakdown of the most common causes in need of this form of treatment:

Programs with proven results provide peace of mind and clarity to any given treatment center program. Addiction and mental illness both require experts who care about the individual person, and are willing to individualize each component of the program to best suit the client’s needs. By exploring the four strongest evidence-based programs for addiction and mental illness recovery, you can have a better working knowing of what is most effective and what may be a good fit for you. With evidence-based programs, there are 3 primary components that determine what makes the list:

There are many speculations regarding mental illness – some of them are informed by research and experience, while others aren’t. Understanding the real impact of mental illness means that we acknowledge what mental illness consists of and how it can affect lives. If we know the facts, we can protect ourselves against stigma and discrimination – we can also use our knowledge to inform others so that more people seek treatment and utilize therapy to promote their mental health and wellbeing. Here are the most common assumptions regarding mental illness:

The Sanctuary Model, constructed by Dr. Sandra Bloom, is a theory-based, trauma-informed, trauma-responsive, evidence-supported, whole culture approach that aims to build and/or change an organizational culture. It is a model because it all depends on the team and how they integrate this model. The goal of the sanctuary model is to provide a cohesive, integrative context from which healing can occur from both psychological and social traumatic experiences and the differences between everyone can be addressed. Organizations who choose to use this model will work towards building a space where peace is the core mission and skills are developed on how to lead non-violent lives and generate teamwork. Here are just a few of the characteristics of an organization that uses this model:

Recovery can be a transformative journey that requires dedication, patience, a learning perspective, and so much more. For people that embark on this journey, so much growth occurs. There are many aspects to recovery, such as learning more about addiction and its effects, becoming closer in mind and body, learning more about oneself, and so much more. Another component of recovery that everyone must go through is learning one’s triggers and how to combat them. For some, this may mean simply saying “no” to someone – for others, this may mean leaving a place that is triggering them to engage in their previous addiction. When someone is recovering, many things can influence someone to engage in their addiction. The ways in which a person can tell if something is triggering them, as explained by The Recovery Village, are: physical symptoms such as tightness of the stomach, feeling nervous or “jumpy” and psychological symptoms such as increase thoughts of how good it would feel to use the drug again, remembering times of using in the past, planning how to go about getting the drug or substance, and feeling like the person “needs” the drug. The following are common relapse triggers that people experience: emotions such as anger, loneliness, guilt, sadness, feeling stressed, feeling over-confident, social situations that remind the person of using, people that the person used to engage in addictive behaviors with, reminiscing about previous drug use, places where the drug or substance is available, isolating oneself, mental illness such as anxiety, depression, etc., and physical illness. This list is not exhaustive, but provides top relapse triggers for people in recovery. Television can also trigger someone if it brings up any of the previously mentioned emotions. Commercials and movies do not have to explicitly show the drug or substance – scenarios that make a person sad could also trigger them to want to use again. In a recent study found in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, rules are provided to help people stay successful in recovery:

Addiction and mental illness doesn’t just affect the person who has it – it effects all friends and loved ones, those who are close to the person. Treatment for recovery is critical, but many times friends and family need to be educated as well; in doing this, they can better assist their loved one and better maintain their own well-being. By understanding the benefits that family can add to a person’s recovery, more families can get involved and help themselves and their loved ones better understand the disease of addiction. In a book from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration titled, Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy, family can be a source of help to the treatment process, but must also manage the consequences of their loved one’s addictive behavior. Many recovery programs offer family therapy, whose aim is to help meet the needs of all involved. Family therapy allows each person to address their concerns and hopes, and to work together to come up with creative solutions. This isn’t always the easiest task, however. Family effort in recovery requires mutual understanding, flexibility, and adjustments between the treatment provider, family therapist, and the family. Open communication is critical for family therapy to be successful. Steven Gifford, LPC and writer for Psychology Today, notes that each family is different and should be treated as such when it comes to recovery. Each family has a different form of communication, and any unhealthy patterns of communication should be addressed before the whole family can move forward. Many counselors at treatment centers are prepared to assist families with the adjustment of recovery and how to best help themselves and their loved ones. Family meetings can benefit in the following ways:

Many organizations wish to use the Sanctuary Model because of its grounding principles. While there are several diverse types of organizational models, the Sanctuary Model considers the lived experiences of each person and integrates those experiences into a loving, empathetic and productive community. The Sanctuary Model was developed Dr. Sandra Bloom and is a theory-based, trauma-informed, trauma-responsive, evidence-supported, whole culture approach that works to create organizational change. Many human service organizations, such as the Andrus Children’s Center, have utilized this model to create a respectful atmosphere. There is much research behind the success of this model. This model is the only organizational and clinical intervention recognized as a Promising Practice by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. It has also received a Scientific Rating of 3 (Promising Research Practice) by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare. Previous research has shown that this model has been successful in working with youth in residential treatment centers. The Sanctuary Model builds on four primary components: shared knowledge, shared values, shared language, and shared practice. These pillars are comprised of different “tools” that should be used within organizations to build their respect, empathy, and understanding of one another. In 2005, researchers found that the Sanctuary Model provided stronger support, spontaneity, autonomy, personal problem orientation, safety and total treatment environment in residential facilities that utilized it. One aspect of the Sanctuary Model, SELF, stands for safety, emotion management, loss and future. These components can be utilized within organizations for treatment planning, community conversations, and collaborative decision-making. The model is based on seven commitments which include: nonviolence, emotional intelligence, inquiry and social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, growth and change. The basis of the Sanctuary Model is that it can be used in whatever way best suits the organization – whatever your needs are, you can incorporate the tools within to build and grow. The organizations that thrive best are those that work hard to connect both employees and patients. Everyone has unique experiences that contribute to their being; the Sanctuary Model helps people understand and respect those differences and see the light for what they can offer to the team.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), approximately 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder every year. Although only 36% of those adults receive professional treatment, many use over-the-counter medication or take medication that was not prescribed to them. Anxiety medication can be very dangerous and addicting; therefore, it’s so important to know what you are taking and how much you should be taking. The most common form of anxiety medications are benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium and Ativan – all of which work quickly and are not recommended for long-term use. The quickness of anxiety medications can help greatly with panic attacks, but many have unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, trouble concentrating, memory problems, headaches, and more. If a person becomes dependent, the withdrawal symptoms can include increased anxiety, insomnia, confusion, stomach pain, depression, panic attacks, pounding heart, and more. If a person takes medication that is not prescribed to them, they are at increased risk for dependency and damage to the body. Antidepressants are another form of medication typically prescribed, such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. Dependency may take a little longer with these types of medication, but there can still be unwanted withdrawal symptoms such as extreme depression, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, flu-like symptoms, and insomnia. Some antidepressants can make the depression worse for some people – putting them at higher risk for suicide, hospitalization, and more. If a person is experiencing hostility, restlessness, extreme agitation, or panic attacks while taking their antidepressant, they should see a doctor immediately. Anxiety medications directly affect the central nervous system, and while they may relieve short-term physiological concerns, there are alternative methods to treat anxiety.  Some people wish to combine their medical treatment with these other types, and some wish to utilize holistic methods strictly. Exercise, psychotherapy, yoga and tai chi, mindfulness and meditation are just a few excellent ways to reduce anxiety and depressive thoughts in a safe, holistic manner. Closely monitoring your medicine usage and symptoms with regular doctor check-ups is a fantastic way to ensure that you do not become dependent or addicted to anxiety medications. Utilizing holistic, therapeutic methods of treatment are also great ways to ensure that you are working through your stress and anxiety in a healthy manner. Consulting with a doctor and therapist to discuss these options may help you determine which path is most effective for you.

Our mood is comprised of so many things – biological factors, external stimuli, coping mechanisms and responses, and more. Mental illness can mean mood swings, and our diet can also impact the way that we feel. With so many things at play, understanding what impacts our mood can help us better combat those days when we feel upset or sad for no “apparent” reason. While we can’t always control our moods, we can learn what might be impacting us and make minor adjustments to our daily routine to help prepare us to feel better. According to Associate Editor Margarita Tartakovsky of Psych Central, negative people can certainly impact our mood. When we are surrounding by people who always look to the negative side of things, we are bound to feel a little less cheerful. Additionally, spending too much time on internet sources such as Facebook can leave us feeling drained. A recent study conducted by Shakya and Christakis (2017) found that Facebook decreases well-being, as people are more likely to compare themselves with others, making them feel less than enough. Dr. Young from Psychology Today states that exercise and activity level can also affect our mood. If our body isn’t getting proper exercise, we can feel sluggish and tired. Nutrition also plays a vital role, as processed foods, sweets, and foods with poor nutrient health can leave us feeling down. Consuming foods that contain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables can also help increase our moods, leaving us feeling refreshed and healthier. One factor that impacts our mood that most people don’t recognize is disorganization – living and working in clutter can cause us to subconsciously feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed and anxious. By keeping our home and work spaces clean, we are making way for a more healthy and productive outlook on the day. Not surprisingly, the weather can impact our mood. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a depressive disorder that typically occurs in people during fall and winter months, when there is less sunshine. Extremely hot temperature and heavy rain can also cause people to feel tension and aggression – as confirmed thus far by 2 studies, one conducted by Hsiang et al. (2013) and the other conducted by Connolly (2013). With so many factors impacting our mood, sometimes the best way to deal with a negative mood change is to simply allow yourself to feel it. Spend a brief period allowing yourself to feel angry, frustrated, sad, etc. In doing this, you are giving your mind and body the attention it needs while also choosing to move forward after you have allowed yourself to feel. Eating properly, getting adequate amount of exercise, avoiding negativity, maintaining clean spaces, and more can help you to feel refreshed, healthy, and ready to move on with your day.

For someone in recovery, relapse is a common fear. While relapse is the main concern by many people, relapses occur due to triggers. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, relapse triggers are events or circumstances that can lead to uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety, panic, or despair. Relapse triggers can include people, places, or things. The following is a brief description of the types of triggers one may experience:

Recovery can seem daunting to those who are just beginning. The pressure of wanting to make sure you’re doing everything right and the fear or relapse can be overwhelming, but recovery is meant to be a journey. The perspective that one holds is most important; those that look through a negative lens will find more problems, concerns, and setbacks than someone who is looking at their journey with hope and enthusiasm. Dr. David Susman, licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Kentucky, has provided Psychology Today with key steps towards making the most of your recovery: