Treatment

This year has seen so many changes in the way we communicate with others. Social distancing protocols mean we need to maintain increased distances; limitations on public and private gatherings have affected small and large-scale events; restaurants and other client-serving businesses have seen massive closures and/or limited hours; in-office workspaces have transitioned to incorporate a work-from-home model. Before the pandemic began, it was estimated that one in every five Americans was affected by a mental health challenge. Now, in the wake of COVID-19, those figures could be even higher. Mental health providers have been working hard to ensure that all [...]

It’s often times difficult to face the reality that your teenager might be struggling with drug or alcohol use. However, admitting to yourself that your teenager needs help is critical if you're going to serve as their advocate during the journey. Unfortunately, we’ve seen some parents ignore, or even actively avoid, signs that their teenager might be challenged with substance use habits, simply to try to escape the confrontation they know is likely to follow. In reality, your teen’s best chance for getting help likely starts when you acknowledge the reality of the situation, and work with them to help [...]

Recovery from drug or alcohol use is always a process. There’s no set timeline for substance use recovery; each individual and each situation is unique. No matter the type of substance use treatment you’re receiving - detox, therapy, counseling, etc. - it will typically qualify as either inpatient or outpatient care. Depending on your individual needs and the nature of your situation, either inpatient or outpatient care will be recommended by your licensed healthcare professional. It’s important to note that when it comes to inpatient and outpatient rehab, one type of care isn’t an outright better option over the other. [...]

There are two broad methods of changing behavior: punishment and positive reinforcement. Punishment is when someone receives a negative consequence for doing something bad, while positive reinforcement occurs when a person is rewarded for doing something good. Contingency management psychology therapy is one form of positive reinforcement that is used in drug and alcohol rehab programs. It often yields better results than punishment. Here is a brief look at why punishment doesn’t always work, and how contingency management can help with the recovery process. The Problem with Punishment for Substance Use People with substance use disorders are used to society [...]

When people enter addiction treatment, the first stage is to break the physical dependence on the substance. Medically supported detox is the safest way to go through this process and handle withdrawal symptoms. Afterwards, the deeper recovery work can be done. This includes various types of therapy. Here is an overview of common counseling approaches used in addiction treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is probably the most widely used therapy for addiction treatment. The principle behind CBT is that learning processes play a key part in the negative behaviors that are responsible for substance abuse. By applying [...]

COVID-19 has shut down non-essential businesses across the country, including some outpatient addiction treatment centers. However, addiction treatment is considered essential and life-sustaining in most states. You might be concerned about entering treatment during the outbreak. Is it safe? Should you wait until there is a cure or vaccine for COVID-19? Here are some things to consider when deciding if it’s safe to enter treatment right now. How Severe Is the Addiction? If your addiction is putting you in danger, then it’s essential to seek treatment. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Am I risking exposure to coronavirus so [...]

Addiction recovery is a long-term effort that requires outside support. However, it can be hard to find the time to see a counselor or participate in a treatment program. That’s where telehealth can help. It allows you to receive treatment from home over the internet rather than traveling to a treatment center. How Telehealth Works Telehealth lets you see a licensed drug and alcohol counselor through a virtual platform. You’ll see and talk to the counselor through video conferencing technology, providing a similar feel to in-person sessions. You may also participate in a virtual therapy group with other people in [...]

Anyone who has practiced in the behavioral health field for any extended period of time can attest to the fact that it is a field that is always changing. As the practical needs of our clients and communities change, so must our methods of treatment and delivery. During the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important that therapy remain readily available for those who need it. That's why incorporating telehealth into therapy is so vital. As with most changes, the idea of telehealth might feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable for both therapists and clients.  The idea of reaching out for [...]

As the world adapts to the ever changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental and behavioral healthcare providers are a step ahead of the curve with telehealth counseling sessions (also known as teletherapy or online therapy).  Formerly, in order to provide HIPAA-compliant telehealth services, practitioners had to connect to a secure, hard-wired line. In fact, many telehealth operations still function this way today. However, as companies like BlueJeans and Zoom developed HIPAA-compliant software that safely and legally protects Personal Health Information (PHI), the mental health field began to embrace telehealth on a larger scale, well before the emergence of [...]

Individuals struggle in addiction treatment for many reasons. Sometimes, the main reason is because there is no affirmation or evidence of success. For a person who experiences multiple relapses or a stream of setbacks, it can be hard to have hope and look at recovery with optimism. Positive reinforcement can help with that. If you're struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it's possible that celebrations for smaller victories can spur you on to greater successes. Read on to learn how positive reinforcement can help you get sober and stay sober. What is positive reinforcement? According [...]