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Mental Health

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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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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