Many people are faced with the combined challenges of a mental health condition and an addiction to drugs or alcohol. These types of co-occurring disorders present special challenges when it comes to obtaining proper treatment. The material below will discuss more information about detecting and treating a dual diagnosis. Substance abuse is rarely a simple…
While studies have shown the brain is impaired by abuse of alcohol—e.g., the volume of brain matter shrinks or atrophies[1]—research has also demonstrated alcohol detox can reverse this process in a relatively short time. Indeed, the head of one study, Gabriele Ende, a professor of medical physics at the Central Institute of Mental Health in…
Psychotherapy is one of the most commonly-used care options for mental health disorders and it has become a critical part of managing addiction in many different people. But what is the psychotherapy definition in addiction counseling? And how does it vary from any other type? Let’s examine all aspects of this subject to give those interested…
Marijuana is still taboo for many, but it is becoming more widely accepted for the health benefits it provides. Among these, many believe it can be effective at relieving stress. But does science back this up? Read on to find out. Stress and Substance Abuse Disorders Research has shown that there is a link between…
Dual Diagnosis: Understanding and Addressing Co-occurring Substance Use and Psychiatric Disorders Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a substance use disorder alongside a psychiatric disorder, presenting a complex challenge in treatment and management. Originating in the early 1980s in the U.S., the concept emphasizes the intertwined nature of substance abuse and mental health issues.…
A friend of mine who is an anesthesiologist relapsed on alcohol, because he had not truly surrendered to recovery during his first treatment (an impaired professionals rehab program). He told me his story. Instead of surrendering to recovery, he remained a “dry drunk” for a number of months, but when he went back into treatment…