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Addiction Treatment

Addiction: Does Your Family Think You’re An Addict?

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Family Addiction, Addict

We know. Maybe you’re not an addict. Maybe you’re going through a phase, or you had a rough month, or your situation looks worse than it is and when you try to explain, they just hear what they want to hear.

Here’s what we want you to know.

It’s not your family’s job to assign you that label. And it isn’t ours either. Our clinicians are trained to understand just how exactly what makes you tick makes you tick, but when all the chips are counted, there’s only one person whose opinion means anything. And that’s yours. We don’t say “Hi I’m John, and you’re an alcoholic.” It’s just not the way we operate.

So here’s what we want you to do. If your family is telling you that you have a problem, if they’re distancing themselves from you, or cutting you off financially, or cussing you out, cursing your name and generally showing you a discouraging lack of empathy, this is your assignment:

Empathize with them.

We know. It’s hard. It feels like they started it. But they’re scared. Of you, or for you, or both. And probably, on some level, you’re scared too.

However, if you can empathize with them, if you can show them compassion and listen to their concerns, you’ve already won a tremendous victory. And having won, maybe you’re ready for another fight. Maybe you’re ready to ask yourself if you’re an addict.

Or maybe you already know, and the next chapter of your story is waiting for you.

What defines you as an addict?

Addiction is a complex disorder that can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Addiction is characterized by compulsive use of a substance or behavior, despite harmful consequences to the individual or their loved ones.

There are many types of addiction, but what defines you as an addict is the inability to control your addiction despite its destructive consequences.

How Addiction can show up in your life.

Addiction is a serious mental health condition that can have a devastating impact on the addict’s life, as well as those around them. Addiction is a disease and it needs to be treated with care.

There are many ways to help and assist in someone’s recovery. Some people use medication like methadone or buprenorphine to help them withdraw from drugs. Others use behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and contingency management to manage their addiction.

There is help.

Often times we can find ourselves feeling alone and disconnected from the world in our struggle. At Oak Forest Recovery we are dedicated to helping you build a sober community that you can continue to grow with.

If you need more information what what addiction may look like or how it may show up in you or a loved ones life, please check out our resource pages.

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction please give us at call at 1-888-597-6257 or visit Oak Forest Recovery.

For more resources available in your area feel free to reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. You can also find more information about substance abuse on John Hopkins Medicine website.

The Difference Between Mental and Emotional Health

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The Difference Between Mental and Emotional Health

Most people assume that mental and emotional health are the same because they both handle non-tangible elements of human health. However, they involve different aspects of a person’s mind and senses. As such, regulating and taking care of both a person’s mental and emotional health is crucial for a recovering addict. However, these types of programs are very different. In fact, each treats different underlying problems that can lead to addiction. Knowing the difference between emotional health vs mental health can help people when they choose a rehab center.

We assume mental health as the ocean, with emotional health being the waves. With that comparison in mind, consider the differences.

What is Mental Health

Mental Health is the hardware, as emotional health is the software. Mental health is about the functioning of your brain. In that sense, it includes emotional health — along with your intellectual, spiritual, and social health. Among other things, mental health determines how you handle:

  • Decision making
  • Interactions with others
  • Managing stress

Mental health deals with behaviors that relate to the mind or brain. Related problems that develop are typically the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are a few ways that a chemical imbalance can happen in the brain. One way is a natural imbalance of chemicals. This typically happens when mental health conditions run within the family. Another way that a chemical imbalance can occur is via the abuse of mind-altering drugs. If you encounter mental health issues, these basic functions are impacted. Such problems may be caused by:

  • Your family history
  • Experiences you have lived through (e.g., abuse, trauma, etc.)
  • Biological factors, such as brain chemistry or genes

What is Emotional Health

Emotional health deals with matters of the heart. The issues that develop tend to occur more often when people have to deal with traumatic or negative life events. Emotional health blends emotional intelligence with emotional regulation. How you process that incoming data is related to your mental health. Consider the elements constructing emotional health:

  • Being aware of your emotions
  • Accepting your feelings
  • Processing and managing those feelings
  • Expressing your feelings
  • Appropriately doing all of the above

Emotional Health vs. Mental Health

Though mental and emotional health can be defined differently, multiple qualities separate them from each other. For one, mental and emotional health process different parts of your mind and conduct. The state of your mental health reflects how well your mind processes information and experiences. On the other hand, your emotional health revolves around how you express your emotions based on those experiences. In a sense, your mental and emotional health handles especially different parts of your mind. Mental and emotional health both have varying scopes, with mental health beyond your own experiences and surrounding your ability to reason your decisions. In comparison, emotional health focuses more on a person’s individual feelings, experiences, and how they manage them. In the end, maintaining both good mental health and emotional health are crucial to a healthy life. Balancing both can not only pursue overall healthier wellbeing but one that can avert the vices of addiction.

People often have different symptoms when they struggle with emotional or mental health issues. While it’s possible for people to suffer from both at the same time, one is typically the underlying issue. However, how can they tell the difference? Regarding behavior, people who suffer mentally typically stay quiet and calm in a corner. This makes it harder to understand their problems. People with emotional issues typically make loud moans and heavy sighs. Those who struggle with mental health often appear abnormal or unhealthy to those around them. Thankfully, this type of problem is much easier to notice than in cases where they’re quiet. For emotional problems, people typically have radical changes in mood. In a few seconds, they can go from having depressive to manic behaviors. It’s important to manage both emotional and mental functions during rehab effectively. Doing so optimizes overall health and treats many problems such as:

  • Depression
  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Worry

Oak Forest Recovery Can Help You Manage Mental and Emotional Health

The Oak Forest Recovery Center is the Best Mental Health Clinic in California understands the difference between emotional health vs mental health and knows how to help both. The only way to truly help someone get over addiction and other mental health problems is to manage both.

Oak Forest Recovery is the Best Addiction Treatment Center & offers Sober Living Houses for men & women, we understand this idea, which is why we offer both.

We focus on providing treatment for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. We also provide gender-specific treatment, which makes our facility a great choice for both men and women. Our treatment center has unique treatment programs that deal with their individual issues. Are you unsure of the difference between emotional health vs mental health? Reach out to Oak Forest Recovery at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to learn more. 

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12 Step Programs for Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment

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12 Step Addiction Recovery

The 12-step program has become the most popular method for all types of addiction recovery, including alcohol, drugs and other addictive behaviors. In the 12-Step Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Program, former alcoholics support one another throughout their recovery journey while maintaining their sobriety. AA was created to help those struggling with a drinking problem get sober, with the support of their peers, through daily meetings and discussions about addiction. The premise of AA is that alcoholism is an illness that can be managed, but not controlled.

It can be uncomfortable to go to an AA meeting for the first time, but remember, everyone at AA knows what you’re going through. At your first AA meeting, you will be welcomed into the group. You’ll be encouraged, but not required to participate in the discussion. Attendees may share stories and include commentary about their journey of sobriety.

12 Step Addiction Recovery

The 12 step therapy program is an approach to promote the idea that addiction recovery is possible through peer support and spiritual growth. If you are unfamiliar with the 12 steps for addiction, it is almost synonymous with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has notoriety worldwide as an alcohol support group.

During a 12 step therapy program, someone admits they need help for a substance abuse issue. Then, they’re able to let go of all control of their addiction, leaving it to a higher power. They can then accept help by maintaining abstinence and admitting flaws and past transgressions. Then, they can seek to make amends for your past mistakes.

12 step facilitation is uniquely designed to battle addiction as it affects the whole person, rather than just a person’s substance use. This treatment program is a widely used tool in addiction recovery worldwide. Many support groups and additional mental health treatment therapies for those who have gone through treatment also use this treatment option.

At Oak Forest Recovery, Our leadership team, clinical technicians, therapists, and team members strive to uphold and reinforce 12 step principles in their day-to-day actions and interactions with others, modeling for our clients the essence of an authentic life based on:

  1. Honesty
  2. Hope
  3. Surrender
  4. Courage
  5. Integrity
  6. Willingness
  7. Humility
  8. Brotherly/Sisterly Love
  9. Discipline/Self-inquiry
  10. Perseverance
  11. Awareness
  12. Service

We have a unique way of integrating the 12 Steps into our program so that each individual can be met exactly where they are in their process of recovery. Please reach Oak Forest Recovery today at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to learn more. 

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Psychotherapy for Addiction Recovery

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Psychotherapy for addiction recovery

There’s no magic blueprint for the perfect drug rehab program. Everyone has different needs when it comes to addiction recovery. With that said, a few services work wonders for most people. One of the best examples is psychotherapy. The term “psychotherapy” simply refers to talk therapy. It’s a range of treatments that help people with mental health disorders. Addiction is one disease therapy can treat because it’s a mental illness. Rather than use medicine, therapy helps people understand their feelings and change their lifestyle.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, which people refer to as just talk therapy or counseling, helps people with an array of mental illnesses. Since addiction is a mental disorder, therapy works wonders with managing addiction. In either case, it controls or eliminates troubling symptoms that stem from disorders and emotions. Dealing with negative emotions can assist people in improving their overall well-being.

Key Areas in Psychotherapy Helps People

Psychotherapy can help people on a number of levels and with a variety of problems. For example, it’s important for dealing with trauma. It can also help people deal with specific disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, how does dealing with these problems help people overcome addiction? After all, most experts agree that a psychotherapy treatment program is a good option for people with this disease.

Counseling helps because it addresses the root cause of addiction, which could be a mental health illness. Most people don’t aim to abuse drugs. It just kind of happens. Typically, drug abuse is the result of another underlying problem. For example, people who struggle with trauma or depression don’t always seek professional help. Instead, they self-medicate in order to feel normal. However, taking drugs only makes them feel normal for a short period of time. In order to get lasting relief, they have to deal with the underlying issues.

Psychotherapy Types and Techniques

Mental health treatment can’t have a one-size-fits-all approach because there are various diagnosable illnesses. People also experience many different symptoms that vary in severity. Addiction is no different, therefore, experts develop numerous psychotherapy techniques for comprehensive treatment.

One-on-One and Group Therapies

There are traditional forms of therapy as well. For example, one-on-one sessions involve only one client and a therapist. Together, they focus on the cause of addiction while addressing buried emotions. Group sessions can involve up to 12 clients and one or more therapists. Overall, clients have similar problems, so they benefit from building relationships with their peers. They observe how others handle issues and provide feedback to facilitate change and improvement. Not to mention, the support clients get in group therapy helps them overcome the sense of isolation addiction creates. Although it scares some people, the sessions demonstrate that nobody is alone in their addiction struggle.

Family Therapy

Overall, family counseling is a type of talk therapy that helps relatives resolve conflicts. Additionally, families learn skills for strengthening their relationships and getting through hard times. Each person has the opportunity for further emotional support as well. Licensed therapists provide this service to our families. As a part of treatment, therapy might include every family member or only those willing to participate. Family therapy is similar to group therapy because multiple clients participate. However, it generally includes the client with addiction, their closest loved ones, and one therapist.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy is a technique that helps people understand how their behavior makes them feel. Thus, it focuses on doing more positive activities like those that reinforce social interaction. Overall, the main objective is to replace negative behavior with positive alternatives.

Therapists achieve this by assessing the specifics of client behavior. Then, they enhance their client’s opportunities for positive experiences. This approach is most helpful for people whose emotional distress is evident in their own behavior.

Cognitive Therapy

As another technique, cognitive therapy focuses on the theory that the way people think shapes how they feel. Therefore, changing inaccurate or negative beliefs positively affects how an individual feels and perceives situations.

Rather than look at the past, cognitive counseling focuses on current patterns of thinking and interacting with others. For example, therapists help clients confront improper thoughts by showing them various perspectives of similar situations.

Oak Forest Recovery Offers Psychotherapy

Whether you need drug or alcohol addiction treatment, Oak Forest Recovery provides therapy for your unique needs. Addressing substance use and other mental health problems, please reach us today at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to learn more. 

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Women’s Alcohol And Drug Rehab Center

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OFR Video Testimonial

Drug and alcohol addiction affects individuals of all demographics. However, how addiction affects a person will vary, with the most specific differences being seen between genders. This is why Oak Forest Recovery rehab centers offer gender-specific programs catered to the unique needs of women in addiction and recovery. Millions of people in the United States are suffering from some degree of alcohol use disorder (AUD). If your drinking has progressed beyond an occasional night out with friends, it might be time to find reliable help. Did you know that this could help you stop drinking and teach you how to avoid future relapses? You can recover your independence from alcohol and start rebuilding the pieces of your life that alcohol has destroyed.

Women’s alcohol and drug rehab programs are designed to treat a number of different addictions, including alcohol and illicit and prescription drugs. Many programs also treat co-occurring disorders such as addiction and depression. This is especially helpful, as many women suffer from both addiction and mental health disorders at the same time. Treatment programs designed for women offer several benefits, including increased comfortability for patients and the chance to form lasting bonds with other women in recovery. Additionally, the women’s programs offered by Oak Forest Recovery include customized plans of recovery to suit the needs of each patient.

Why Should I Choose A Gender-Specific Rehab For Women?

Men and women experience various aspects of addiction differently, including the substances they use and the frequency and duration of drug or alcohol abuse. Women are also more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol more quickly than men due to various differences in a woman’s body. Additionally, certain environmental factors such as domestic abuse and societal influences may increase a woman’s risk of substance abuse. Women are also more susceptible to some mental health conditions which can contribute to the development of addiction. Women may also be more likely to experience anxiety and panic as a result of substance abuse.

Oak Forest Recovery addiction treatment facilities that offer gender-specific programs for women have trained medical professionals who are familiar with and able to address all of these issues. Women’s rehab facilities strive to cater to the unique needs of women, making it easier for women to get the help they need and deserve. If you are a woman who is looking to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol, our women’s addiction treatment programs may be right for you. The women’s programs offered at Oak Forest Recovery facilities customize each recovery plan to suit each patient.

Benefits Of A Women’s Alcohol And Drug Rehab Program

Gender-specific addiction treatment programs can offer a number of benefits to women. Women face unique challenges when it comes to addiction recovery, and a women’s program caters to these challenges.

The Benefits Of A Women’s Addiction Program Include:

  • A more relaxed and comfortable environment which makes it easier for women to share with one another
  • The ability to form lasting relationships with members of the same sex who are also in recovery
  • A stronger sense of safety
  • The potential to maintain custody of children while in treatment
  • Programs that focus on the unique issues women experience that may not be addressed in traditional rehab settings

Additionally, many women find that women’s alcohol and drug rehab programs offer fewer distractions than mixed-gender treatment settings. Women may also be able to relax and open more when they are surrounded by other women who are experiencing the same issues in addiction and recovery. All of these benefits can contribute to the overall success of treatment and boost the chances of long-term sobriety.

Types Of Treatment Offered In Women’s Drug Addiction Treatment Programs

Oak Forest Recovery strives to meet the needs of each person who walks through our doors. Our women’s drug and alcohol rehab programs offer a number of different therapies and other treatment types to ensure we address each person’s unique situation and recovery needs. A few of the many types of treatment that may be offered in a women’s addiction program include:

  • Parenting Classes — Many women who enter addiction treatment are mothers and will need to learn how to raise their children in sobriety. Parenting classes can teach women how to cope with motherhood in a healthy and drug-free way.
  • Counseling — The counseling offered in women’s treatment programs is often customized to address the unique issues that women face in addiction and recovery.
  • Family Therapy — Family therapy is an important part of the recovery process. The more a family is involved and supportive, the more likely a person is to stay sober.
  • Behavioral Therapy — Behavioral therapy is often a key part of many women’s treatment programs. Behavioral therapies that may be used include cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
  • Alternative Therapy — Acupuncture, massage therapy, physical exercise, and other forms of alternative therapy can support a program of recovery for women.
  • Trauma Therapy — Some women have experienced trauma that may have fueled or caused a substance use disorder. Working through this trauma is essential to helping a woman mentally and physically recover and achieve long-term sobriety.

Several women’s addiction programs also offer treatment for co-occurring disorders. Many women suffer not only from addiction, but also from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Treating both addiction and the mental health disorder(s) is the most effective way for a person to fully recover.

Finding Recovery at A Women’s Rehab Center That’s Right For You

A women’s addiction treatment program can help you reclaim your life and live confidently in sobriety. Oak Forest Recovery has highly structured sober living homes, mental health clinics, and addiction treatment facilities in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village California, many of which offer gender-specific addiction programs. Each rehab center provides customized plans for recovery to meet the needs of each patient. To learn more about our women’s alcohol and drug rehab programs, contact us Oak Forest Recovery specialists today at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to learn more. 

Source:
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/

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Men’s Alcohol And Drug Rehab Center

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Men have specific needs when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction treatment. That’s why The Oak Forest Recovery treatment facilities offer gender-specific programs that cater to the unique differences between men and women in addiction and recovery. Millions of people in the United States are suffering from some degree of alcohol use disorder (AUD). If your drinking has progressed beyond an occasional night out with friends, it might be time to find reliable help. Did you know that this could help you stop drinking and teach you how to avoid future relapses? You can recover your independence from alcohol and start rebuilding the pieces of your life that alcohol has destroyed.

Gender-specific programs are available to address a wide range of addictions, including alcohol, prescription drug, and illicit drug dependence. Our treatment programs also help men who are suffering from co-occurring conditions, including PTSD and other mental health disorders. Attending a men’s alcohol and drug rehab program can provide many benefits and allow men to focus on recovery in a distraction-free environment. Our programs provide customized treatment plans that meet the needs of each man who walks through our doors.

Why Should I Choose A Gender-Specific Rehab For Men?

Some men may be hesitant to enter an addiction treatment program due to the belief that it will make them weak. Many men are brought up with the conditioning that they should be able to fix their problems themselves rather than ask for help. However, deciding to enter treatment for a substance use disorder is one of the best and bravest decisions that can be made. Each man who enters a drug and alcohol rehab program has different needs. The gender-specific programs offered at Oak Forest Recovery treatment facilities work to address the specific needs that led a person to enter treatment. Unlike programs that are not male specific, our recovery programs cater to the unique requirements of men to get and stay sober.

Attending a men’s alcohol and drug rehab program can be beneficial for any male looking to overcome substance addiction. Whether this is your first time in treatment or you are attempting to get sober again after a relapse, our gender-specific programs offer individualized plans of recovery for men.

Benefits Of A Men’s Alcohol And Drug Rehab Program

Men face unique challenges in recovery. As fathers, caregivers, husbands, and professionals, men are often under a great deal of pressure to provide and show up for their loved ones. Effective treatment programs address the various emotions men face when getting sober and help them learn to cope with these emotions to promote long-term sobriety. In addition to addressing the unique emotions that men experience when getting sober, other benefits of a men’s addiction program include:

  • a distraction-free environment where men can focus on recovering
  • therapies that address specific male-related issues in recovery, including masculinity and sexuality
  • the chance to form lasting relationships with other men in recovery
  • a higher level of comfort that may be hard to experience in gender-mixed treatment programs
  • better communication
  • reduced feelings of judgment that can result in more comfortability discussing issues

Many men feel more comfortable in gender-specific programs. The more comfortable an individual feels in treatment, the more likely he is to stick with the program and take sobriety seriously.

Types Of Treatment Offered In Men’s Drug Addiction Treatment Programs

At Oak Forest Recovery, we go to great lengths to ensure we meet the needs of each patient. Our men’s addiction treatment programs offer various forms of therapy and other methods to provide a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. Types of treatment that may be offered in our men’s alcohol and drug rehab programs include:

  • Counseling – Specialized counseling is a large part of a successful treatment program. Counseling in a men’s program is catered to the unique issues men face, including domestic violence, anger management, and relationship counseling.
  • Alternative Therapy – In addition to behavioral therapies, many treatment programs also offer alternative therapy options for men. These may include adventure therapy and physical exercise, both of which have shown to help men in recovery.
  • Life Skills – Many treatment programs help men development healthy life skills that will promote a positive and productive life after treatment. Job skills classes and parenting classes may also be offered.
  • Family Therapy – Many men who enter a rehab program have a family to support. Family therapy can help family members better understand their loved one’s substance use disorder and show the family how they can support their loved one in recovery.

Additionally, several of our addiction programs for men offer dual diagnosis treatment. Co-occurring disorders that are commonly seen in men include addiction and depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD.

Finding Recovery at A Men’s Rehab Center That’s Right For You

A men’s addiction treatment program can help you reclaim your life and live confidently in sobriety. Oak Forest Recovery has high structured sober living homes, mental health clinics, and addiction treatment facilities in Agoura Hills, Westlake Village California, many of which offer gender-specific addiction programs. Each rehab center provides customized plans for recovery to meet the needs of each patient. To learn more about our men’s alcohol and drug rehab programs, contact Oak Forest Recovery specialist today at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to learn more. 

Source:
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/

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Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center for Addiction and Mental Illness

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Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center for Addiction and Mental Illness

Dual Diagnosis treatment helps to treat co-occurring disorder of both mental illness and addiction. A common problem with addiction treatment is that it fails to address the issue of mental health. Quite often, an addiction begins due to the self-management of an undiagnosed mental illness. More facilities like Oak Forest Recovery understand the need for this treatment. Over the past six years, the percentage rose of those seeking dual diagnosis treatment.

Oak Forest Recovery is one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers in Agoura Hills, California. Through a dual diagnosis treatment center, individuals can get a professional diagnosis for all of their conditions. Once they know what the issues are, they can immediately start treating them. Oak Forest Recovery Center is the best mental health treatment center in Westlake Village, California has to offer, clients can learn more about the treatment options they can choose from. Often, the treatment center will do an initial evaluation to decide the right care for each unique individual. This may involve medication for a mental illness or a recommended stay in rehab.

At Oak Forest Recovery – The dual diagnosis treatment center may use different therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or trauma therapy to help the individual to change their lifestyle. Group meetings help provide feedback, advice and support during recovery. Meanwhile, family therapy allows clients to get the support they need to stay sober after their rehab stay is complete.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

When someone experiences a mental illness and a substance use disorder at the same time, it is called Dual Diagnosis. Also referred to as Co-Occurring Disorders, either can develop first. Research shows that alcohol and drugs exacerbate the symptoms of mental illness and people who have these issues often turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication in an effort to “improve” the symptoms they experience. Because of the different cultures related to mental health treatment and substance use recovery, dual diagnosis treatment is highly specific. Effective care addresses all issues simultaneously as each condition affects the other.

Symptoms of Co-occurring Disorders

Many individuals who are diagnosed with a simultaneous mental illness and a substance abuse disorder are more likely to experience a relapse. Not only is the individual dealing with addiction but they are also trying to get a grasp on their mental illness. Without the proper help and guidance, usually through a co-occurring disorder treatment center, recovery can be tricky. The signs of co-occurring disorders will vary depending upon which mental health disorder is diagnosed and the drug of choice.

Although the symptoms of mental illness are somewhat unique to each individual illness, the symptoms of substance abuse are general, they include:

  • An uncontrollable craving for alcohol or drugs
  • Swift changes in behavior
  • A sudden transition from normal habits
  • Displaying radical behavior when under the influence

In particular, alcohol and drug problems tend to occur with:

  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Personality disorders

There are standard screening tools in mental health facilities used to determine people at risk to drug or alcohol abuse. If diagnosed with dual diagnosis it is best to seek dual diagnosis rehab. Through the dual diagnosis treatment center in Westlake Village, California, clients can get treatment for mental health disorders, physical ailments and addictions. During the client’s initial intake, a specialist will assess their physical, nutritional, emotional and mental needs. Then, the specialist will design an individualized treatment plan. Whether the client needs an eating disorder treatment center or group support meetings, the right options are out there.

The Oak Forest Recovery Center is the Best Mental Health Clinic in California understands the difference between emotional health vs mental health and knows how to help both. The only way to truly help someone get over addiction and other mental health problems is to manage both. Oak Forest Recovery is the Best Addiction Treatment Center & offers Sober Living Houses for men & women, we understand this idea, which is why we offer both.

We focus on providing treatment for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. We also provide gender-specific treatment, which makes our facility a great choice for both men and women. Our treatment center has unique treatment programs that deal with their individual issues. To know more details about Dual Diagnosis? Reach out to Oak Forest Recovery at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to learn more. 

Source:

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

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Prescription Drugs That Can Become Highly Addictive

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Prescription Drugs That Can Become Highly Addictive

Prescription medications help people deal with pain and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They can be highly effective when used properly and per physician recommendations. When abused, taken improperly, or used in ways other than prescribed, prescription drugs can become addictive. What’s worse, they have the potential for producing dangerous adverse medical effects, including death. As the number of prescription medications increases and reasons for taking them to do too, the chance for prescription drug abuse and addiction rises as well, especially among adolescents and teens.

Certain medications are addictive by nature whereas others are not. For example, Tylenol is not a psychically addictive medication. The base ingredient, acetaminophen, has no properties that allow for dependency to grow, and that’s really what addiction is all about — a chemical and physical dependency on a drug. Once this dependency develops, the user feels like he cannot function without the substance. True to form, without the substance, withdrawal symptoms set in that make going without the substance seem unbearable. These symptoms vary from drug to drug and include:

  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea that may or may not be accompanied by vomiting
  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Diarrhea
  • Drug cravings
  • Respiratory depression
  • Coma
  • Death
  • Mood swings

How Do People Misuse Prescription Drugs?

One question many ask is how it’s possible to abuse prescription drugs. The definition of misuse of a prescription drug includes taking medicine:

  • In a way or dose other than prescribed
  • That wasn’t prescribed to you
  • For the effect it causes (getting high)

While prescription drugs are given to solve a problem, misuse is dangerous and can lead to bigger problems. That’s why it’s important to follow your prescribing physician’s instructions to the “T.”

Steps to Take to Become Free of Prescription Drugs

Are you or a loved one addicted to prescription drugs? Prescription drug addiction is as dangerous as being addicted to illicit (hardcore) drugs. That’s why you must get help for yourself or your loved one. The first step to breaking free is to seek help from a professional, dedicated rehab center. For more information on how to beat prescription drug addiction, check out our article on prescription drug abuse.

We are dedicated to helping you find your path to recovery, and helping you each step of the way through individualized emotional, spiritual and physical healing. To learn more about how addicted to prescription drugs, contact Oak Forest Recovery at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to begin your journey. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/hypoxia-hypoxemia

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How Addiction Can Change Your Personality

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Addiction is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. And yes, it is a disease, as it alters the way the brain and the body function – potentially even years after a person has stopped using drugs or alcohol. That’s why it’s important to notice the behavioral signs of addiction as early as possible.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), more than 23 million adults in the United States have struggled with problematic drug use. For this reason alone, it’s important to understand the underlying causes of addiction, its relationship to other psychiatric conditions and how to treat it most effectively. Repeated and regular substance abuse drastically alters your brain activity and tricks it into prioritizing drugs or alcohol over everything else. Because drugs or alcohol then consumes the brain, a person’s personality can change dramatically and may even cause mental health problems.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a strong compulsion to use substances despite the consequences of doing so. In most cases, it leads to behavioral changes as well as changes in personality. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at some personality changes you can expect to see in a person that is an addict.

Addiction Based Personality Changes

Common addiction-based personality changes include:

  • Abusiveness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Dishonesty
  • Fatigue
  • Forgetfulness
  • Impulsiveness
  • Laziness
  • Manipulation
  • Mood swings
  • Paranoia
  • Restlessness
  • Secrecy
  • Selfishness

Erratic or impulsive behaviors and negative changes in your personality as a result of addition often have the following devastating effects:

  • Social

Frequent mood swings; erratic behavior and poor anger management can cause relationships to deteriorate.

  • Professional

Loss of interest, apathy and an inability to focus can lead to termination from work or expulsion from school.

  • Legal

Aggression, impulsiveness and poor decision-making can lead to erratic behavior, unnecessary risks and unlawful behavior.

At Oak Forest Recovery, we understand treating a substance addiction isn’t just about eliminating access to drugs or alcohol. It’s also about diagnosing and treating the underlying psychological disorders or diseases. When a person is struggling with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder they are more likely to misuse, or become dependent on, alcohol, medications or illicit drugs.

To learn more about how addiction changes your personality, contact Oak Forest Recovery at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to begin your journey. We are dedicated to helping you find your path to recovery, and helping you each step of the way through individualized emotional, spiritual and physical healing.

Reference:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

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Gestalt Therapy for Addiction Recovery & Mental Illnesses

by
Oak Forest Recovery's Mission

Gestalt Therapy is a very useful tool in a therapist’s arsenal. While most substance abuse treatment programs would agree that the support of others is most beneficial in helping one to stay sober,  it is through one’s personal journey that the change really starts to occur behaviorally, cognitively, and emotionally. I have found that there are many modalities of treatment that help one to recover,  but very few stay focused on the emotional component that the Gestalt modality brings us.  It uses the “here and now” concept so that one can understand and gain an awareness of their feelings and learn how to manage them usefully.

Developed in the 1940s by Frederick “Fritz” Perls and collaborators Laura Perls and Paul Goodman as an alternative to conventional psychoanalysis, gestalt therapy has been used today to successfully treat a host of addiction disorders and mental illnesses treatment, including substance use disorder, sex addiction, compulsive gambling, eating disorders, trauma, bipolar disorder and depression.The word gestalt comes from the German word shape or form, and can be defined as “unified whole.” It makes sense, then, that gestalt therapists use this technique to enhance awareness, freedom, and self-direction.

How Does Gestalt Therapy Work?

The goal of Gestalt therapy is to increase self-awareness in the present moment. Psychologists who use Gestalt therapy believe that when a person is genuinely self-aware, they will consistently improve their physical and psychological health and make improvements to their immediate environment, which will perpetuate future health and holistic growth.

Gestalt therapy uses guided visualization exercises that promote self-awareness and personal ownership. A key concept in Gestalt therapy is that the perceptions of past events are unreliable, and these misperceptions can have disproportionate effects on perceptions about the present. By becoming aware of the negative effects that memories can have while working to develop self-regulation and effective coping skills, people are able to free themselves from constricting ties to the past and move into a stage of growth and personal betterment

The Benefits of Gestalt Therapy

Generally speaking, gestalt therapy helps promote awareness of your thoughts, emotions and perceptions, and helps you better understand how these internal dialogues play a role in actions and behaviors. When used as an integrated approach to addiction treatment, gestalt therapy can also help you:

  • Monitor thoughts and actions in “real time”
  • Discover suppressed feelings or feelings masked by other feelings
  • Accept and trust your emotions
  • Provide a greater sense of freedom, control and serenity
  • Promotes conscious and thoughtful actions
  • Gain a new sense of self as overall awareness

Finding Treatment for Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, help is available. The Oak Forest Recovery at Agoura Hills CA, experts can give you a more explanation about Gestalt therapy and other forms of behavioral therapy. Please contact us today at 1-888-597-6257 or submit the form below to begin your journey.

Reference:

Gestalt Therapy: Advances in Theory and Practice

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