We Have a Multi-Disciplinary Staff of Experts.
When the man initially stops using his drug of choice, he goes through a medically monitored detoxification process. Once the chemicals are out of his system he is ready for the recovery process to begin.
Close supervision by the staff of our facility (staffed 24 hours) provides support for early sobriety and frequent counseling sessions allow the clinicians to identify underlying issues that contribute to the substance addiction. Factors that are considered as the man is treated include:
- choice of drugs and history of use
- family of origin history
- relationship history
- social issues
- cultural issues
- medical history
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, and Other Issues
From over 25 years of treating men with alcoholism and addiction issues, we have seen first hand that it is often accompanied by another co-occurring disorder (or “dual diagnosis”) such as:
- Depression or Bipolar Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depressive disorders, such as depression and Bipolar Disorders
- Phobias
- Other psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and personality disorders
Being dually diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder like the above does not necessarily have long-term implications for the man in treatment – so if we identify symptoms of depression, it is not that we are levying a life sentence of psychiatric medications (often symptoms like these will alleviate with continued sobriety).
Co-Occurring Disorders Can Complicate Early Recovery
But identifying a dual diagnoses does affect the treatment program that is created. Sometimes drug addiction and alcohol abuse can exacerbate symptoms of psychological disorders (particularly anxiety and depression). It is somewhat difficult to identify if the addiction is fueling the psychological symptoms or vice versa.
Our staff of addiction professionals will meet frequently to discuss the progress the man in treatment is making. If our facility psychiatrist recommends the prescription of medications, that will be closely monitored and only continued for as long as it is deemed necessary for the man.
