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What Is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?

Aliya on September 6, 2023

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts how we think, feel, and act. Mental health treatment helps people manage conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. Inpatient treatment or residential mental health treatment involves intensive care in a residential facility.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health is one of the building blocks of our overall well-being. It refers to our emotional, psychological, and social wellness and encompasses our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Simply put, it’s how we think, feel, and act in different situations. Just like physical health, mental health plays a significant role in our daily lives, affecting our relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

A healthy mental state doesn’t mean being free from all challenges or stressors. Instead, it involves having effective coping mechanisms and resilience to navigate life’s ups and downs. Just as we take care of our bodies by eating well and exercising, we must also nurture our mental health. This involves maintaining a positive outlook, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed.

Mental health is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it varies from person to person. Each of us has a unique mental health journey, shaped by our genetics, upbringing, experiences, and the environment we live in. It’s essential to understand that experiencing mental health challenges is a common part of the human experience, and seeking help or support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Good mental health allows us to cope with life’s challenges, build relationships, and reach our potential. Poor mental health can occur due to various factors like trauma, genetics, or brain chemistry. It may require intervention when it disrupts daily life.

Common mental health conditions include:

  • Depression – Feeling extremely sad or hopeless for long periods
  • Anxiety – Excessive fear or worry that interferes with activities
  • Bipolar disorder – Experiencing both depressive and manic episodes
  • Schizophrenia – Having hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Reliving trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Having intrusive thoughts that cause repetitive behaviors

Mental illness is far more common than you might think. In 2001, one in five U.S. adults (22.8 percent of U.S. adults) reported experiencing mental illness.

It’s important for anyone struggling with these disorders to take part in an outpatient or inpatient program where they can get a personalized mental health treatment plan. Outpatient programs offer more flexibility but less support. Inpatient treatment centers for mental health are recommended when someone needs close supervision.

What Is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?

Inpatient mental health treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 while participating in intensive programming. It’s also called residential mental health treatment and is typically offered by psychiatric hospitals, specialized mental health facilities, and dual-diagnosis centers.

This level of care is reserved for individuals who require round-the-clock monitoring, support, and a structured environment to address their mental health concerns effectively. Inpatient mental health treatment facilities remove distractions and provide constant care.

The benefits of inpatient mental health treatment include:

  • Medication management and medical monitoring
  • Individual and group counseling sessions
  • Workshops teaching wellness skills
  • A structured daily routine and healthy environment

 

Holistic mental health treatment centers take a whole-body wellness approach, considering not only the mental and emotional aspects but also physical, social, and spiritual well-being. In holistic centers, each patient receives a personalized mental health treatment plan, which may include a combination of traditional therapies like counseling and medication alongside complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and nutrition counseling. The goal is to address the root causes of mental health issues and promote overall balance and wellness.

Why Should I Get Mental Health Treatment?

Just as we seek medical care for physical issues, addressing mental health challenges is equally as important. Mental health treatment can help you better understand and manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It offers valuable tools and coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges, reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, and enhance your relationships and daily functioning. Moreover, seeking treatment is a sign of strength and self-care, allowing you to prioritize your mental health and work toward a happier, healthier future.

Benefits include:

  • Alleviating symptoms making life difficult like constant anxiety or sadness
  • Building skills to manage stress, emotions, and behaviors
  • Regaining joy and purpose in life
  • Resolving trauma, processing grief, and healing
  • Preventing mental health disorders from worsening

 

Getting substance abuse treatment can also benefit mental health, as many people self-medicate psychological distress with drugs or alcohol. Treating both conditions together (known as dual-diagnosis) often leads to better results.

How Do I Choose a Treatment Center for Mental Health?

When looking into inpatient treatment centers for mental health, consider:

  • Your specific diagnosis, symptoms, and needs
  • The facility’s treatment approach and services offered
  • Staff expertise and credentials
  • Location
  • Program length and aftercare planning
  • Payment options and insurance coverage
  • Overall environment
  • Peer reviews and success rates

 

Ultimately, the right treatment center will align with your needs, values, and aspirations, setting you on the path to improved mental health and well-being.

Inpatient Mental Health Treatment at Aliya Health Group

At Aliya Health Group, our goal is to turn your personal motivation into lasting recovery through evidence-based, integrated therapy and distinct levels of care. Your mental health treatment plan will be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals, taking into account important aspects of your life such as living environment, family dynamics, work obligations, and realistic time commitments.

Our most clinically intensive program, inpatient residential, is focused on delving deep into the root motivators behind mental health issues.

Inpatient mental health treatment includes:

  • 24-hour medical monitoring
  • Medical progress evaluations with a doctor
  • Intensive clinical programming with psychotherapy every day for 5+ hours/day

 

Investing in mental health leads to a fulfilling, purposeful life. Be sure to do your research and ask questions when searching for a treatment center. Speaking with a doctor for guidance is also recommended.

If you or a loved one are thinking about inpatient mental health treatment but have questions, call us at 888-965-3085.

References:

  1. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (samhsa.gov)

The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

Aliya on July 19, 2023

The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction

The link between mental health issues and addiction is well-established. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in four people with a severe mental illness also suffer from addiction.

Yet the reasons for this link are somewhat complex.

On the one hand, people with mental health issues often go without treatment. Sometimes this can be due to lack of access; other times, a lack of willingness to accept it.

In an effort to seek relief for their symptoms, many people with dual-diagnosis disorders start self-medicating. Self-medicating means abusing drugs or alcohol to manage symptoms of a mental health disorder. While providing temporary relief, this often leads to the symptoms becoming worse in the long run.

On the other hand, drug or alcohol abuse can also raise one’s risk for developing a mental illness, especially if they are genetically predisposed in such a way.

And this is especially so if the substance abuse begins when the person is young. For example, studies have linked early-life cannabis use to higher likelihood of developing schizophrenia.

Doctors refer to this coincidence of mental illness and substance abuse as a dual diagnosis. People in this category require special treatment at dual diagnosis treatment centers, where both the addiction and underlying mental health issues driving it can be treated.

What Mental Health Issues are Associated with Addiction?

There are a large variety of mental health conditions that are associated with addiction.

Some of the most common include:

  • Depression — According to a national survey, 16.9% of the 20.3 million people who suffer from depression also reported having a substance use disorder
  • Anxiety Disorders — Nearly 22% of those with anxiety disorders self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
  • Schizophrenia — 47% of people with schizophrenia deal with substance abuse issues throughout their lives.
  • Personality Disorder — One study found that anywhere from 34 to 73% of personality disorder cases also involve addiction
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — Over 21% of people with PTSD struggle with substance abuse issues

If you or a loved one are dealing with mental illness and addiction, contact Aliya Health to benefit from one of our dual diagnosis treatment centers.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

The main feature of Dual Diagnosis treatment is that it tackles both conditions together. This is crucial because both the mental illness and substance use disorder can influence each other.

For example, a person with mental illness might use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms (known as “self-medication”), and conversely, substance use can exacerbate mental health issues.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment:

Integrated Intervention

This means treating both the mental illness and substance use disorder at the same time. The healthcare team, which can include psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, and other medical professionals, collaboratively create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both conditions.

Medication

Certain medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and treat mental health conditions. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics can all be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Therapy

This is often a key component of dual diagnosis treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently used, which helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that can lead to substance use and exacerbate mental health conditions. Other types of therapy, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family therapy, or group therapy, may also be included.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Helps:

By addressing both disorders simultaneously, Dual Diagnosis treatment provides a holistic approach that can lead to improved outcomes compared to treating each disorder separately. The aim is to not only achieve sobriety but also to manage the symptoms of mental illness, reduce the risk of relapse, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life.

It’s worth noting that the path to recovery from co-occurring disorders can be complex and challenging, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. The best treatment approach varies depending on the types and severity of disorders, the individual’s personal circumstances, and their readiness to change. That’s why a tailored, individualized treatment plan is crucial.

Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment at Aliya Health Group

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

We at Aliya Health Group seek to be a beacon, resource, and partner for those struggling with addiction. We offer affordable and compassionate alcohol addiction treatment, with dual diagnosis treatment centers across the country.

There are several different approaches to treating dual diagnosis treatment, including:

Residential Treatment

After successfully completing medical detox, you’ll transition to residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment. There, you’ll receive medically-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis treatment to deal with any cravings or co-occurring mental health issues you may be battling.

In addition to individual and group counseling and medication management, you’ll also have access to leisure activities and family support services.

Partial Hospitalization

A step down from inpatient care but with more structure than conventional outpatient programs, a partial hospitalization program offers a good balance for those looking to ease back into normal life. Clients can receive care five to seven days a week for a number of hours each day, returning back to their homes in the evening.

This way, they can recover without putting their daily lives on hold, receiving intense therapeutic interventions like group and individual therapy, skill development, and medication management as necessary.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Clients undergoing this program participate in intensive therapy sessions, meeting three to five days a week, with each session lasting three hours. This level of care is a step down from partial hospitalization, requiring less time commitment.

IOPs offer participants the ability to continue their employment or academic obligations, receiving support and therapy as needed as they prepare to reenter society.

Outpatient Care

Finally, there’s outpatient care. Outpatient care allows clients to receive care without neglecting their responsibilities at home. It also tends to be significantly more affordable than higher levels of care.

Start Your Dual Diagnosis Recovery Journey Today

If you or a loved one are thinking of seeking dual diagnosis treatment but have questions, call us at 888-965-3085 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to assist you.

References:

  1. Treatment of the Depressed Alcoholic Patient – PMC (nih.gov)
  2. Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
  3. Young men at highest risk of schizophrenia linked with cannabis use disorder | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  4. Comorbidity of Personality Disorder among Substance Use Disorder Patients: A Narrative Review – PMC (nih.gov)
  5. The Link Between Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder: A Unifying Hypothesis – PMC (nih.gov)

Can Inpatient Depression Treatment Help Me?

Aliya on June 19, 2023

What Is Depression?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, one in fifteen American adults struggle with depression in any given year. Many of these people won’t seek inpatient depression treatment. One reason for this is a lack of knowledge regarding what depression is.

Depression is a mental illness wherein you experience a low mood for an extended period. While everyone “feels down” from time to time, it’s generally in response to some sort of life challenge and usually goes away fairly quickly. This is what is known as “situational depression.”

Clinical depression, also known as major depression, is altogether different. It needn’t have a specific, discernable cause, and can persist for months or even years at a time. It’s often a debilitating mental illness.

Here are some clinical depression statistics:

  • According to the World Health Organization, 280 million people — an estimated 5% of the world’s population — experience depression each year.
  • Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
  • The prevalence of adults with clinical depression was highest among young people — with those aged 18-25 comprising 17.0% of the total.
  • Up to a third of those struggling with depression also receive substance abuse treatment.

Depression can develop so gradually that you may not even notice it until it has taken over your life. While feeling sad from time to time is normal, feeling hopeless all the time is not.

If you’re wondering what depression is, recognizing the warning signs and stages might help you take preventative measures and manage the illness. And if you think you’re suffering from depression, it might be time to seek inpatient depression treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

If you believe you or someone you love is struggling with depression, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of clinical depression to be able to recognize the problem.

 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, outlines the symptoms of clinical depression.

For clinical depression to be diagnosed, a person must experience at least five of the following symptoms nearly every day, for a large part of the day over a period of two weeks or longer:

  • Persistent sad mood
  • Reduced or complete loss of pleasure or interest in activities
  • Weight loss, weight gain, or change in appetite
  • Changes in sleep such as insomnia or increased sleeping
  • Restlessness or slow movement or speech
  • Feeling tired and having no energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Difficulty making decisions, remembering things, or concentrating
  • Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

At least one of the clinical depression symptoms must be a loss of interest or pleasure in activities or a depressed mood.

Other common signs of clinical depression include:

  • Leaving the house less often than usual
  • Reduced motivation at school or work
  • Becoming withdrawn from family and friends
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Loss of confidence
  • Experiencing aches and pains
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Physical problems like heart disease or chronic pain
  • No longer taking pride in physical appearance
  • Recurrent thoughts of death

If you think you or someone you know may attempt suicide, seek inpatient depression treatment immediately.

What Is Inpatient Depression Treatment?

 Inpatient depression treatment, also known as residential depression treatment, involves a comprehensive program where clients live at a treatment facility for a certain period. The length of stay can range from a few days to several weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the depression and the individual’s response to treatment.

Approaches and interventions used in inpatient depression treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management. It also often involves regular meetings with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. This is all done within the context of intensive and structured care, with 24/7 medical and therapeutic support.

Someone undergoing Inpatient depression treatment may also learn coping skills, stress management, and techniques to improve emotional well-being. Other holistic therapies such as yoga, art therapy, music therapy, mindfulness, and exercise may also be covered. Moreover, they may also provide education about nutrition, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle factors that contribute to mental health.

Studies show that people struggling with depression are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than those without depression. One study found that depressed people were twice as likely to develop substance abuse problems compared to others. This could be due to people using substances to self-medicate their feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy levels. 

Can a Mental Health Treatment Center Help My Depression?

If you are struggling with depression the good news is inpatient depression treatment is available.

One of the most popular options for dealing with depression is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT for short, treats depression by reframing our thoughts and providing a positive alternative to the stories we tell ourselves. It’s often used in conjunction with antidepressant medication, which provides fast relief for symptoms.

This combined approach is considered the gold standard in depression treatment and is something we specialize in at Aliya Health.

If you’re struggling with depression and substance abuse, know that you don’t have to fight alone. Aliya Health Group offers nationally accredited inpatient depression treatment and substance abuse counseling. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression and substance use issues, call us today at 888-965-3085 or fill out our secure contact form. Our highly qualified staff is ready to resolve any questions or doubts you may have and help you get back on your feet.

References:

  1. What Is Depression? – Psychiatry.org
  2. Depressive disorder (depression) – WHO
  3. Major Depression – NIMH
  4. Depression – Psychiatry.org

What Is Gestalt Therapy?

Aliya on January 9, 2023

It’s normal for difficulties in the past to persist in the present. There is no reassurance that old problems won’t haunt you in the future if you don’t address them or find a solution. With the help of a certified counselor, gestalt therapy can be an incredibly beneficial resource for individuals in this situation.  Instead of focusing on the past or worrying about the future, gestalt techniques encourage change through interactive activities. As a unique approach to psychotherapy, gestalt techniques focus on increasing an individual’s self-direction, freedom, and awareness. The Gestalt method, which is supervised by clinicians, also encourages human growth by emphasizing needs, feelings, and wants.

When Is Gestalt Therapy Used?

Following its inception, Gestalt therapy has become a proven and effective therapeutic approach for addressing and treating various mental health issues. Gestalt therapy is known to benefit the following mental conditions:

    • Anxiety: If you have anxiety, you can learn to minimize catastrophic thinking styles by focusing on the present moment. This also enables people to identify any existing ideas, emotions, or behaviors that may be causing them to worry.

    • Depression: If you have depression, these exercises can teach you mindfulness practices to recognize stress-inducing triggers that worsen your symptoms.

    • Low self-esteem: If you struggle with low self-esteem, these sessions can help you to identify and overcome underlying factors contributing to your poor self-image such as intrusive thoughts and negative thinking patterns.

    • Relationship difficulties: You can benefit from identifying unhealthy patterns of behavior that may negatively impact your relationships. With gestalt techniques, you learn to focus on modifying your negative habits and changing your relationships for the better.

    • Self-awareness: Instead of talking about the past, you are encouraged to experience life in the present and to take responsibility for the management of your positive and negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Since the 1950s, gestalt therapists have employed experiential exercises that focus on awareness and understanding the present moment. Each session also encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and become more aware of how they interact with the world around them. As a result, this type of therapy helps you gain insight into your thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors so you can make changes to better manage your mental health. 

What to Expect in Gestalt Therapy

When you work with a Gestalt therapist, you can expect them to inquire about your current experiences in that present moment. During these sessions, you will also work with your therapist to explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, and behaviors in order to gain insight into how these things may be affecting your life. As you discuss your current situation, close attention will be focused on your experience and how you are feeling.

Gestalt therapy aims to increase the client’s awareness of their current experience. Although it may seem paradoxical, paying close attention to what you are going through may help you gain insight into harmful behaviors and change them. For this reason, your therapist will focus on your current situation in order to help you gain insight into why you behave the way you do. 

Similarly, your counselor may ask questions about your history to better understand why certain situations bring up certain emotions or reactions in you. Throughout your time in therapy, you will also participate in various exercises and activities that can help you gain a better understanding of yourself or your relationships with others. 

Gestalt Therapy Techniques in Treatment

Exercises and experiments are used to practice Gestalt therapy in individual and group settings. Gestalt often uses hands-on exercises to bring about actions, emotions, or goals. In fact, a key element of this therapy is experimentation. As a result, you can explore several techniques to better understand the elements that contribute to conflict in your life.

Gestalt techniques3 include:

    • Empathy/empathetic

    • “I” statements

    • Problem-solving

    • Artistic exercises

Knowing your therapist’s goal is to increase your awareness of the “here” and “now”, gestalt techniques often include mindfulness practices. Mindfulness techniques can help you focus on the present moment without getting distracted by worries over past or future situations. 

The Empty Chair

The empty chair technique is a popular role-playing exercise, allowing you to envision and take part in a conversation with another person or a metaphorical part of yourself. In this approach, you will sit in front of an empty chair while your therapist offers instructions on how to imagine a particular scenario. For example, your counselor may suggest picturing someone else (such as an angry or judgmental past self) seated in the chair. During this activity, you engage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as the imaginary situation unfolds. In turn, these mental exercises can help you grow more aware of your surroundings and mindful of different aspects of yourself.

Exaggeration

When using the exaggeration technique, your therapist may urge you to make an exaggerated motion or to repeat the same action throughout the session to give body language a voice. This might be especially useful if you need help putting what is taking place right then into words. Through these sessions, you can become more conscious of the emotions driving your behavior as well as the current sensations as a result.

How Gestalt Therapy Works

Gestalt therapy is a physical, mental, and emotional activity in which your therapist considers your body language in addition to hearing what you say and how your movements relate to your emotions. The gestalt method emphasizes developing a dialogue-based connection grounded in your personal experiences, being conscious of one’s own bodily and emotional feelings, and engaging in “here and now” or present moment exercises. Emotions must be expressed to be resolved.8

Gestalt therapy concentrates on the present because the past cannot be changed. Since the present is the only thing that can be actively changed, gestalt sessions attempt to bring previous issues into the present. This process takes place using gestalt exercises through client-therapist interactions.4

Gestalt Therapy Pros and Cons

It’s always a good idea to remember that therapy of any kind is better than no therapy, especially if you are dealing with a mental illness.

Pros of Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy has been proven incredibly successful with more pros than cons. With that being said, each client enters treatment with their own unique experiences that will influence therapeutic needs.

Pros of gestalt therapy include:

    • A stronger sense of self-control

    • Enhanced capacity to control and keep track of thoughts and emotions

    • Heightened consciousness of emotional demands

    • Increased emotional intelligence

    • Increased awareness and improved communication skills

Cons of Gestalt Therapy

Cons of the gestalt method include:5

    • May take more time than other therapeutic methods

    • Present-focused techniques may not be appropriate for those with unresolved trauma who need to confront and heal from past experiences.

    • Therapists may use Gestalt exercises incorrectly if they lack a thorough comprehension of the theory and its applications.

How to Get Started

For several reasons, you might want to consider Gestalt therapy. For instance, this treatment can be beneficial for you if you have trouble controlling your emotions. Similarly, gestalt techniques may be helpful for keeping you in the present. This is especially true if you tend to reflect on past mistakes or worry about messing up in the future. These sessions do not follow specific guidelines, and depending on the situation, gestalt methods urge therapists to be creative in their methods.9

It is important that you are willing and ready to use these therapeutic approaches to reap the greatest benefits. Although the empty chair and exaggeration techniques may seem strange at first, try to have an open mind to your therapist’s instructions.

Reach Out

During treatment for substance abuse, gestalt therapy can be a highly effective method of change. The gestalt method is fundamentally about respecting the potential and unpredictability of ongoing interactions between people on a daily basis. Both sides evolve as a result of those interactions and together, they create new realities and experiences.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call us today at 888-965-3085 to find the right level of care for your unique situation. Gestalt therapy is one of our evidence-based therapy offerings and it has assisted many of our clients during treatment for substance abuse and in recovery.

Gestalt Therapy FAQs

Gestalt therapy’s fundamentals have not altered over time. However, our understanding of “the self” and the most therapeutically effective techniques is constantly being explored and broadened through several theoretical and practical approaches.

Gestalt therapy addresses fundamental concerns in each individual since it is process oriented. Working with material that comes up in therapy can involve any element of the individual, including behavior, cognitions, beliefs, physical sensations, imagination, and dreams.

The Gestalt approach is about the therapeutic, which is certainly not only “therapy” in the traditional sense.6

Awareness is the key factor in the gestalt-based approach to therapy. Bringing a change and shift in client awareness levels is primary. Any further changes are their choices and responsibility.

In general, gestalt methods have two possible limitations: It exclusively concentrates on the present and demands a high level of personal development and knowledge from the therapist.

References:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-gestalt-therapy#:~:text=Gestalt%20therapy%20can%20help%20people,%2C%20compulsive%20gambling%2C%20and%20PTSD.
  2. https://mytherapynyc.com/gestalt-therapy/
  3. https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-gestalt-therapy.html
  4. https://ro.co/health-guide/gestalt-therapy-how-it-works/
  5. https://domental.com/blog/benefits-of-gestalt-therapy
  6. http://www.afn.org/~gestalt/faq.htm
  7. https://ct.counseling.org/2017/06/key-concepts-gestalt-therapy-non-gestalt-therapists/
  8. https://www.gestalt.org/yontef.htm
  9. https://www.bircham.edu/gestalt-therapy.html

What Is CBT Therapy?

Aliya on November 15, 2022

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of behavioral therapy offered by Aliya Health Group’s treatment providers to help treat and manage mental health and substance use disorders.

CBT is often referred to as talk therapy. This is because the main portion of healing in CBT occurs during discussions with your therapist. The evidence-based practices found in cognitive behavioral therapy focus on altering unwanted behaviors by teaching you to identify and change unhealthy or inaccurate thoughts. 

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the core principles of cognitive behavioral therapy include:

  1. False beliefs and unhealthy thought patterns are partially responsible for psychological distress.
  2. Unhealthy learned behaviors can negatively influence symptoms of mental health conditions.
  3. Problems with mental health can be minimized with healthy coping skills.

Together, the core principles of CBT are meant to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can influence each other. 

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

CBT is an incredibly beneficial therapy approach that instills healthier ways of thinking by teaching you to notice the negative patterns in your day-to-day thoughts. In general, cognitive behavioral therapy works by combining two therapeutic approaches—cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy.

Centered around the term cognitive, meaning “to recognize,” cognitive therapy helps you develop a clear understanding of your own thoughts, moods, and expectations. The goal of cognitive therapy is to identify your false beliefs and change them to reflect a more positive outlook. In doing so, this form of therapy aims to lessen the negative impact of stressful situations by minimizing the importance you attach to the issues in your life.

Behavioral therapy functions under the belief that human behavior is learned and can be unlearned or relearned. The focus of behavioral therapy is to find out if your behaviors intensify the problems in your life. After that, you and your therapist work together to change your problematic behavioral habits.

By integrating the practices found in cognitive and behavioral therapy, CBT provides an engaging environment to help you change your thoughts and behaviors for the better.

CBT’s therapy approach includes:

  • Identifying unwanted behaviors or issues
  • Analyzing unhealthy thought patterns and their impact on life
  • Challenging false beliefs and reframing mindset
  • Learning and practicing healthy alternative behaviors

You learn to engage in mindful strategies that introduce healthier, more realistic expectations. The techniques also help you cope with and decrease maladaptive thoughts and behaviors as you work through CBT therapy.

To promote a healthier internal monologue, CBT techniques help you implement healthy coping methods to handle negative emotions, stress, and low self-esteem.

CBT Techniques

CBT techniques highlight the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can provide clarity and support logic-based responses to handle stressful situations. As you reframe your perspective and address unhealthy beliefs, you also learn healthier, alternative coping skills. In doing so, CBT techniques can help relieve your symptoms and allow you to become more effective in your life.

Core CBT techniques include:

  • Emotion Management: Addresses insecurities while treating anxiety and depression for a healthier state of mind.
  • Behavior Shifts: Replaces negative behaviors and reduces emotional reactions to everyday situations by introducing healthy coping skills.
  • Mental Maintenance: Applies cognition and reasoning to focus on the connection between emotions, behaviors, and the healing process.

As you practice CBT therapy techniques, you will begin to recognize false narratives within your thinking patterns that lead to irrational thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and unwanted behaviors.

CBT techniques to change unhealthy thinking patterns can include:

  • Identify your cognitive distortions (false beliefs) and then reevaluate them from a rational perspective with fact-based thinking
  • Gain a better understanding of the behaviors of others instead of taking their actions personally
  • Use healthy problem-solving skills so that you can cope with stressful situations
  • Develop a greater sense of confidence in your abilities

CBT techniques to change unhealthy behavior patterns can include:

  • Face your fears instead of avoiding anxiety-inducing situations
  • Participate in role-playing activities to prepare for stressful scenarios
  • Practice relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body

This form of behavioral therapy focuses on the “now” rather than the past, which develops goal-oriented thought patterns. So, instead of focusing on past wrongs or harboring resentments, CBT therapy teaches you how to move forward and succeed in recovery. Participating in CBT techniques during substance abuse treatment can also help you identify high-risk situations and triggers to prevent relapse. 

What Happens in CBT Therapy?

You and your therapist will analyze your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to better understand how you perceive yourself and the world around you. In doing so, you are able to identify irrational and unhealthy thought patterns and determine how your beliefs affect your day-to-day life. As a result, your therapist will be able to help you figure out how to challenge unrealistic or unhelpful thoughts and encourage healthy behaviors.

CBT sessions for substance use can include:

  • Motivational intervention
  • Contingency management
  • Relapse prevention
  • Psychoeducation
  • Cognitive reframing
  • Skills training
  • Behavioral strategies

CBT is effective in both individual therapy and group therapy. For example, clients practice CBT techniques in group settings to work through unhealthy thought patterns with the help of others. Similarly, those with co-occurring disorders can participate in cognitive behavioral therapy to help work through emotions with their primary therapist.

CBT therapy can help you work through emotions including:

  • Fear 
  • Stress
  • Anger
  • Worry
  • Self-doubt
  • Low self-esteem
  • Guilt and loss

CBT coping skills allow you to engage in healthier ways of thinking by teaching you to notice the negative patterns in your day-to-day thoughts. You learn to engage in mindful strategies that introduce healthier, more realistic expectations as a result. 

Addiction treatment programs that utilize CBT for substance abuse help you instill healthy alternative reactions to triggers and cravings in the same way. In time, you learn to cope with and lessen destructive thoughts and behaviors, ultimately feeling more power over your life in recovery.

What Is CBT Used For?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people identify, understand, and change dysfunctional behavior. CBT focuses on the “now” rather than the past. As a result, CBT can help you understand underlying core beliefs that feed self-doubt, anxiety, and anger. Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy as a psychological treatment can also be effective for a range of conditions. 

CBT assists in the treatment of:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Panic disorder
  • Mood disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Sexual disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Phobias
  • Anger management
  • Family conflict
  • Chronic pain
  • Substance use disorders

Cognitive behavioral therapy has helped all different types of individuals and can also help you by identifying unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that feed addictive behaviors. There are many CBT strategies used in individual and group therapy during alcohol and drug rehab that can help you reframe your mind and recover from addiction. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Addiction Treatment

The goal of CBT during substance abuse treatment is to lessen the mental hold of addiction by building coping skills. For this reason, a key benefit of cognitive behavioral therapy in addiction treatment is that it teaches you how to identify high-risk situations and triggers. In substance abuse treatment, CBT therapists guide relapse prevention groups in developing ways to cope with those triggers and manage the effects of cravings.

Studies support CBT as an effective treatment for substance use disorders due to its successful outcomes in the following:

  • Thought analysis
  • Strategies to avoid triggers
  • Building problem-solving skills
  • Drug refusal
  • Coping skills

By understanding the impact cravings have on your moods and reactions, you also can practice mindfulness throughout your daily life and utilize CBT skills as a form of relapse prevention. As a result, you begin to build self-confidence and self-motivation as you continue to maintain your sobriety. 

Reach Out

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call us today at 888-965-3085 to find the right level of care for your unique situation. CBT is one of our evidence-based therapy offerings and it has helped many of our clients heal during treatment and in recovery.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Aliya on November 8, 2022

To achieve your goals in recovery from substance abuse, it’s essential you know about your treatment options.  Many people are aware of traditional treatments like individual and group therapy, but there are also several holistic techniques available like hypnotherapy. Whether you struggle with impulsivity or self-destructive behaviors, hypnotherapy sessions could be an effective option for you.

Does Hypnotherapy Work?

A lot of people disregard hypnotism as a pseudoscience (practices that claim to be scientific, but are not). As a result, you may associate the healing practice with things like palm reading and fortune telling. While mainstream portrayals of hypnotism often make it out to be a humorous side act, hypnotherapists know it is the main event.

In fact, the healing power of hypnotism speaks for itself. In treating various conditions, our hypnotherapists obtain quicker results that otherwise may have taken months or even years to unearth. While many find healing through traditional therapeutic interventions, hypnotherapy is a unique therapeutic approach to mental health counseling.  In certain cases, hypnotherapy has been known to provide faster results than evidence-based practices like psychotherapy and behavioral therapy.

This is not to say that traditional therapy practices are without merit — in fact when paired with regular group therapy sessions, you may be able to embrace hypnotherapeutic methods with even more success. Learning additional coping skills in group and individual therapy alongside hypnotherapy may help you discover a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that once fueled your substance misuse.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is an alternative form of psychotherapy that offers relief from symptoms of anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders. Working at a subconscious level, hypnotherapy uses the power of suggestion to change your behavior, thoughts, or feelings. 

In order to be effective, hypnotherapy requires a trained therapist who uses repetition, visualization, and imagery techniques. These hypnotic techniques aim to relax you into a state where you’re more open to suggestions. In fact, hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool that eases the process of healing and creates lasting change. Hypnotherapy helps you to:

  • Uncover negative patterns and beliefs
  • Untangle false narratives
  • Resolve trauma
  • Restore inner peace 

Through the use of relaxation techniques, guided hypnosis lulls you into a tranquil state of intense concentration. This hypnotic state helps you to achieve a heightened state of mindfulness.

Hypnosis is a psychological therapy process that’s often misunderstood. As a result, it is not widely used in the treatment of substance use disorders. In spite of this, medical research continues to support hypnosis as an incredibly beneficial therapy tool.

What to Expect During a Hypnotherapy Session

During hypnotherapy, certified master hypnotists help you use your mind in new, unconventional ways to heal from challenges like trauma. Certified master hypnotists aim to strengthen your resolve in recovery by harnessing the entirety of your mind’s power. They do so by accessing your subconscious through a process known as hypnosis.

While using hypnosis techniques, hypnotists guide you into a state of relaxation that is free from negative emotions. As you’re in this hypnotic state, your therapist works with you to replace behaviors that are no longer serving you.

The five steps of hypnotherapy include:

  1. Explanation: Identify and review your problem behavior
  2. Creation: Develop a plan to redirect energy during the sessions
  3. Induction: Encourage a receptive mindset with calming techniques
  4. Suggestion: Introduce the strategy for change through suggestions
  5. Evaluation: Follow up to review the positive shifts in behavior

During hypnosis, the hypnotist will often give suggestions that can help you address the issue at hand. For example, a hypnotherapist may suggest visualizing yourself in a different situation that is more positive or relaxing.

Used to treat symptoms of anxiety, phobias, and substance abuse, hypnotherapy is a helpful therapeutic tool. The altered state of increased relaxation helps to keep you focused and open to the power of suggestion. As a result, you can examine unhealthy beliefs and behaviors without fear. Introducing therapeutic suggestions that encourage positive behavioral change within your subconscious mind is a key part of hypnotherapy’s benefits.

Is Hypnosis the Same Thing as Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the practice of hypnosis within the parameters of a therapeutic treatment. This means that hypnosis is the tool and hypnotherapy is the healing application of that tool. Another way to look at it: hypnosis is to hypnotherapy as horses are to equine therapy.

Simply put, hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration in which the hypnotherapist can access the subconscious mind. The therapist then gives suggestions that are intended to help you overcome your condition. 

Without the guidance of a qualified hypnotherapist, hypnosis is whatever the person providing the service wants it to be. This is why it’s important to experience hypnosis in a professional, therapeutic setting with licensed hypnotists.

What Does Hypnotism Feel Like?

During a guided hypnosis session, the certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist guides you into a deep state of relaxation. Most commonly regarded as a trance-like state, our clients often describe this experience as if they are in a daze, or being gently soothed into a calming daydream, unburdened and light.

While in this state of calm, you may feel as though you drifting off to sleep, yet you remain fully aware of your surroundings.

How Does Hypnosis Work?

The process begins as a certified hypnotherapist guides you into a state of intense concentration.  The therapist helps you achieve this state through repeated verbal cues. By entering an altered mental state of heightened relaxation and concentration, you can focus on accepting the therapeutic suggestions of a certified hypnotist.

As you settle into tranquility, hypnotherapists introduce suggestions designed to promote introspection and reflection as a means of accomplishing the chosen goal for the therapy session. The course of the session and the content of the verbal cues are dependent on the hypnotherapist and your goals, both for the session and the long term. Sessions can focus on anything from phobias to recalling events. Once the session has come to an end, the therapist will “wake” you from your trance-like state, or you may exit the state yourself.

Why Does Hypnosis Work?

The hypnotic state induced during hypnotherapy is meant to both relax the mind and heighten focus. As a result, you are able to contemplate the guided suggestions without experiencing the instinctual reflex to reject or avoid potentially painful topics. This is because the subconscious mindset helps to put a barrier between you and the painful memory or topic. This allows you to acknowledge the details surrounding the pain without consciously re-experiencing the traumatic event(s).

Hypnotherapy’s mind-body intervention eases you into a mental state of increased suggestibility, offering the therapist a clean slate to work with as they introduce healthier, alternative behaviors in replacement of your unwanted behaviors that were discussed earlier in the sessions.

In essence, the mindset induced during a session of guided hypnosis frees you from experiencing any negative reactions to the suggestions during the therapy session. 

What Does Hypnotherapy Treat?

Hypnotherapy’s focus on relaxation can be an incredibly helpful tool for those struggling with conditions like addictive behaviors, anxiety, and trauma. Our certified master hypnotists aim to help you progress in recovery by harnessing the entirety of the power of your mind. As a very effective method for accessing subconscious thoughts, hypnosis helps you remove unhealthy behaviors without triggering any feelings of stress, fear, or self-doubt.

As a treatment geared toward identifying and replacing maladaptive behaviors, guided hypnosis can help if you suffer from mental blocks. Hypnotherapy is a great tool that helps you remove unhealthy beliefs that impede your ability to acknowledge the need for change and introduce new, positive behaviors into your daily life. 

Hypnotherapy assists in the treatment of:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Phobias
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance use disorder (SUD)
  • Codependency and relationship issues
  • Grief and loss
  • Sleep disorders
  • Chronic pain

Hypnotherapy can assist you in your recovery from both physical and mental conditions. It can also help you implement healthier alternatives to replace unwanted behaviors like drug and alcohol use. 

How Can Hypnosis Help People With Addiction?

Many who want to end their addiction make several attempts to recover but have a difficult time staying sober. Trying a variety of therapy techniques in treatment without seeing lasting success can be incredibly discouraging and may lead to feelings of hopelessness. 

Hypnotherapy can increase your chance of success by addressing some of the contributing factors to dependence including low self-esteem and emotional trauma. It can also help resolve conflicts between conscious and subconscious motivations.

During a clinical study focused on hypnotic states, Harvard researchers determined that hypnosis elevates two key areas within the brain that control and process the internal workings of the body. Similarly, the area of the brain that controls your actions and your awareness of your actions also shuts down or slows significantly during sessions of hypnosis.

The study also found that the effects of a hypnotic state include: 

  • A dissociated control state
  • Increased positive feelings
  • Decreased negative feelings
  • Improved visual imagery
  • Heightened attention

Simply put, key portions of the brain — areas that affect our levels of awareness and control — are noticeably altered during hypnosis. For this reason, hypnotherapy is an extremely beneficial form of treatment for those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders when administered in a safe and secure environment.

Recovering From Trauma in Hypnotherapy

Unfortunately, a person’s past experiences — especially after receiving judgment and blame — can result in the development of defensive mechanisms such as increased anger and volatility when confronted with evidence of their poor behavior. Others may shut down and withdraw from the thought of change following years of shame and rejection from loved ones. 

Normally, once you associate the concept of change with negative interactions from the past, your initial gut reaction to therapeutic healing methods can trigger confrontational responses that will often impede your progress.

It is important to understand that feelings and memories related to trauma can “hide” in your unconscious memory. On a conscious level, you may not realize the impact of the trauma you experienced. In fact, you may not remember the traumatic event at all. During these sessions, you will gain the ability to ruminate over questions that you otherwise might have brushed off, ignored, or reacted defensively against, were you in your default mindset. 

Hypnotherapy provides a space for you to separate yourself from the walls you have built throughout the years. It is within the space between your walls of defense that your hypnotherapist works, guiding you toward healthier emotional outlets, and motivating you to accept change with open minds, hearts, and arms. 

Reach Out

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call us today at 888-965-3085 to find the right level of care for your unique situation. Hypnotherapy is one of our holistic therapy techniques and it has helped many of our clients heal in recovery.

References

Phenomenological state effects during hypnosis: a cross-validation of findings; V. K. Kumar PhD, Ronald J. Pekala, Michael M. McCloskey; 23 February 2006; https://doi.org/10.1002/ch.145

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Aliya on October 21, 2022

Aliya Health Group offers several levels of care including a partial hospitalization program (PHP). Our PHP programs teach clients the skills they need to rebuild a life rooted in passion, purpose, and health in recovery.

During our treatment programs, clients have access to medical care, community support, and addiction treatment resources. All of our rehabilitation services aim to help you maintain sobriety in our partial hospitalization programs and beyond.

Partial Hospitalization for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Addiction Treatment

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide a level of care between inpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programs (IOP).  A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides a smooth transition into less intense outpatient treatment following detox and residential programs. Compared to inpatient, PHP is a more flexible treatment option that’s available to clients who no longer need 24/7 medical supervision.

PHP is developed specifically as a continuum of care for people who have built a strong support system and moderate self-sufficiency. While participating in PHP during the day, typically 5 days per week, many programs provide sober living housing options. In doing so, PHP offers you the opportunity to live at home or move into a sober community.

What Happens During PHP?

PHP programs typically include group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and other types of counseling and addiction education. PHP programs are best suited for people who are highly motivated to recover from addiction.

A typical day in PHP includes:

  • One-on-one counseling sessions
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Psychoeducation courses
  • Skill-building group exercises
  • 12-step and alternative support meetings
  • Medication management
  • Regular check-ins with your personal care team

During PHP, your day will consist of therapy, education, skill-building, and regular check-ins with your personal care team.

In general, evening and weekend hours are free time to work or spend time with family and friends. Partial hospitalization is often very beneficial for people who need structure and support during the early stages of recovery. The program also provides greater freedom by allowing you to live at home or in sober living.

If you choose to return home, it’s important to have people to help maintain accountability in early recovery. Alternatively, if you transition into a sober living environment during PHP you will continue treatment surrounded by a built-in sober support system.

Clinical Care in Partial Hospitalization Programs

While program schedules and treatment services vary from one treatment facility to the next, most centers use a variety of therapeutic techniques. In fact, quality addiction treatment centers include traditional, evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alongside holistic treatment methods like equine-assisted therapy and trauma-sensitive yoga.

In addition to therapy, you will participate in regular meetings with your psychiatrist for medication management. Medication management ensures that you receive the appropriate prescription for co-occurring disorders or are enrolled in a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. During these appointments, your doctor reviews medications to ensure that your symptoms are effectively managed. Any treatment questions regarding your mental health conditions, chronic pain, or general health concerns can be answered in these sessions.

PHP clinical services that focus on healing the mind, body, and spirit are incredibly beneficial to your recovery because they address all aspects of addiction. These types of programs go beyond talk therapy and focus on whole-person healing. This helps reinvigorate your passion for life in recovery.

Individual and Group Therapy

During PHP, counselors guide group therapy sessions in skill-building exercises. Often, the discussions teach you how to manage your emotions better. Other times, you will participate in team-building activities to cultivate healthy communication and trust. Partial hospitalization programs also offer additional types of therapy that build off the skills learned in residential treatment.

Types of therapy in PHP include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Trauma-sensitive yoga
  • Wilderness therapy
  • Equine therapy
  • Sound therapy
  • Writing therapy
  • Dance/movement therapy (DMT)
  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy

Within group sessions, you discuss healthy alternative behaviors to replace maladaptive coping skills. Alongside addiction-related topics, groups also cover similar problems that result from low self-esteem and poor self-image. During these therapy sessions, you will work with other group members to dismantle unhealthy thought patterns, build healthy coping skills, and develop a relapse prevention plan.

Counseling topics in group therapy:

  • Relapse prevention plan topics
  • Life skills and goal-setting topics
  • Addiction psychoeducation lectures
  • Trauma and mental health topics
  • Social skills activities
  • Gender-specific topics
  • Veteran-specific topics
  • LGBTQIA+-specific topics
  • Coping skill-building topics

Along with group therapy, you and your individual therapist discuss your personal needs and goals in recovery. As you grow in treatment, one-on-one sessions help you to appreciate your progress and problem-solve any specific roadblocks you may face during the early stages of recovery.

Case Management During a Partial Hospitalization Program

In some partial hospitalization programs, you will also meet with a case manager to resolve any legal, housing, or personal issues that you may have. Your rehabilitation case manager also works with your doctor, primary therapist, and care team to plan, monitor, and evaluate your progress during treatment.

As an advocate for your success in treatment, your case manager will assist in any issues you may have during rehab. To set you up for success outside of PHP, case managers are available to help guests in solving their problems in and outside of treatment. During partial hospitalization, your case manager makes sure you are prepared with the necessary skills, education, and employment so that you can become self-sufficient once you complete treatment.

Employment Assistance in PHP

Some treatment programs include employment specialists to help you build and create resumes in preparation for searching and applying for a job. All of these resources are intended to support a new and healthy sober life.

Employment specialists also assist you during your search for employment through community connections. As you practice job readiness skills during mock interviews, you will become confident and prepared as you re-enter the workforce and life in recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long are PHP programs?

A: A partial hospitalization program can run at varying lengths depending on the provider. That being said, the average length of treatment in PHP is three to four weeks.

Q: How long do you have to be sober before enrolling in PHP?

A: During PHP and outpatient, a common requirement for admission is a urinalysis free from illicit substances and a breathalyzer that returns a 0.00% BAC.

Depending on the rehab, you may have to complete an inpatient program prior to entering the outpatient portion of treatment. We recommend clients attend treatment in a residential inpatient program prior to attending one of our outpatient programs.

While outpatient levels of care provide amazing programming and support, we believe that the best chance of life-long success is through a foundation of knowledge and insight into your clinical needs and goals. The best way to truly understand what you need in recovery is through intensive therapies in inpatient.

If you choose to enter treatment at an inpatient level of care, you will likely spend 2-4 weeks in intensive individual and group therapies as you integrate healthy coping skills. Following inpatient, you can join an aftercare program with PHP, IOP, and OP services.

Q: What type of clinicians are on staff during PHP?

A: During PHP and all levels of care, Aliya employs:

  • Physicians
  • Nurses
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed mental health counselors (LMHC)
  • Substance use disorder professionals (SUDP) 
  • Social workers

We maintain a robust team of medical professionals to benefit the treatment process for each client. We also uphold a high level of support staff like counselor’s assistants and behavioral health techs (BHT) to ensure our team members and clients receive the support they need.

Q: Do you recommend any inpatient treatment centers prior to entering PHP?

A: As a provider, we are incredibly selective in referring you to other programs because we can only ensure the highest quality of treatment within our programs and other centers that we maintain close relationships with.

Aliya Health Group provides inpatient treatment services within the following states:

Q: Do you recommend any treatment centers that offer PHP?

A: To ensure that your time in treatment is a positive, beneficial experience, we will only recommend facilities with program details and service offerings that have been personally reviewed and discussed by our team.

Aliya Health Group provides PHP treatment services within the following states:

Reach Out to Join a Partial Hospitalization Program

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call us today at 888-965-3085 to find the right level of care for your unique situation. Partial hospitalization may be the perfect step in your journey to recovery.

References

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Intensive Outpatient Treatment and the Continuum of Care.

How To Detox From Medication

Aliya on October 17, 2022

Undergoing detox from medications like stimulants, benzodiazepines, and opioids  can be a difficult and uncomfortable process. However, there are ways to detox safely and comfortably. Comfort medications, medical tapers, and medical care can help relieve some of your withdrawal symptoms during detox.

Regardless of the drug, it is important to remember that detoxing from medication is a process. It can take time and there may be setbacks along the way. However, if you are committed to starting your new, drug-free life in recovery, there are several ways you can detox from medication.

How to Detox From Drugs

Detox is a necessary step in recovery from drug use disorder as it removes the toxins from your body. During detox from drugs, you may experience mild symptoms or more severe symptoms.  In general, the severity of withdrawal symptoms during detox will depend on:

  •  The type of drug
  •  How long it was used
  • How much was used
  • Your physical health
  • If you have co-occurring medical conditions or mental health disorders
  • If you’re also abusing alcohol or other drugs 

There is no way to know what type of withdrawal symptoms you will experience and the severity of them until the process begins.  That’s why the best way to detox from drugs is to receive medical care in a detox program for substance abuse. When you enter our detox program, medical professionals identify the key factors related to your drug abuse during a medical evaluation. Our staff of doctors and nurses determine the best treatment for you to detox from medication. 

Whether you receive treatment during an observational detox or a medically assisted detox, our staff monitors your progress around the clock to safely and comfortably remove the toxins from your body.

Detox For Specific Medications

For the most part, specific types of drugs are more likely to result in physical withdrawal symptoms while others are more prone to mental symptoms of withdrawal. As a result, it is important to receive detox from medication in a medical detox program that offers treatments specific to the drug.

Detoxing From Stimulant Medication

During detox for stimulant medications, treatment plans place a higher focus on the psychological withdrawal symptoms. For instance, if you enter treatment to detox from Adderall, you will primarily experience symptoms of mental distress. 

Throughout the early stages of detox, the absence of Adderall commonly results in mental side effects such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. 

The discomfort of Adderall withdrawal may also make you restless and fatigued. For this reason, detox for drugs in the stimulant family provide comfort medications in the form of natural sleeping aid and nutritious meals to satiate your appetite and lessen your irritability.

Detoxing From Pain Medication

In contrast, during detox for opioid medications medical professionals place an emphasis on the treatment of physical withdrawal symptoms. This is because withdrawal from opioids like Oxycodone is known to cause physical pain. While physical pain can impact your mental state, Oxycodone withdrawal is known for symptoms like: 

  • Aches
  • Cramps
  • Fever
  • Nausea

The Dangers of Benzodiazepine Detox

Alternatively, benzos, or benzodiazepines, are one of the most dangerous drugs to detox from, especially if you attempt to detox outside a medical setting. Unlike stimulants and opioids, benzodiazepine withdrawal comes with both severe mental and physical side effects. In fact, detoxing from benzos requires a medical taper to prevent potentially fatal side effects.

No matter what substance is being abused, detox can be uncomfortable, but it is important to remember that it is only temporary. Drug withdrawal symptoms will eventually go away and you will feel better.

Withdrawal Symptoms To Expect During Detox

Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on factors like what drug you were abusing and for how long, as well as your physical makeup. While your experience during treatment is unique to you, there are some common withdrawal symptoms to expect during detox.

Common drug withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Distractibility
  • Cravings
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Tension
  • Tremors
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Weight fluctuation

In general, withdrawal symptoms during detox from drugs can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. The severity of drug withdrawal symptoms will depend on a number of factors, including the drug being withdrawn from, the length of time the drug was used, and your physical and mental state. 

Severe drug withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Delusions
  • Feeling like you’re observing yourself from outside your body
  • Disorientation
  • Tremors
  • Panic attacks
  • Paranoia
  • Psychosis
  • Seizures
  • Death

Depending on the length of use and type of drug, symptoms of drug withdrawal can last for days, weeks, or longer. For example, someone who has been using Xanax for years is likely to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than someone who has been using Xanax for six months. Knowing that drug withdrawal is often worse if you abuse drugs for a long period of time, it is best to seek treatment for drug use disorder as soon as possible. 

How Long Does It Take To Detox From Medication?

It is a relatively short process to medically detox from medication, lasting anywhere between four and eight days. That said, the length of detox isn’t set in stone. This is because each person’s addiction factors affect how long a drug stays in the body. 

Factors affecting the length of detox include:

  • Type of drug(s)
  • Length of abuse
  • Amount of drug(s)
  • Age
  • Weight
  • Sex
  • Physical health
  • Metabolism

Using your unique addiction factors, your medical team will determine the time required for your detox from medication. That said, if you require more time in a detox level of care, your team will continue your treatment.

While there is no way to perfectly calculate how long a drug will take to be eliminated from your body, you can lessen the impact of withdrawal in treatment for substance abuse.

Reach Out To Detox From Medication

If you are struggling with an addiction to medication or drugs, it is important to get help as soon as possible. While receiving treatment to detox from medication can be difficult, it is worth it. With the right support, you can overcome addiction and live a healthy and happy life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug use disorder, it is important to get help right away. Many resources are available for people dealing with this condition, and there is no shame in seeking out assistance. We can help. Get a free, confidential consultation: 888-965-3085

*Disclaimer: the information on this web page does not replace or supplement information provided by a licensed medical professional or doctor. If you are seeking medical advice for this condition, please contact a licensed medical professional or follow up with your primary care physician. 

References

  1. https://www.unodc.org/documents/drug-prevention-and-treatment/Treatment_of_PSUD_for_website_24.05.19.pdf
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
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