Clinical depression is the most common form of depression. Also known as major depressive disorder, it is estimated to affect 10% of Americans at some point in their lives. It is characterized by changes in mood and behavior, feelings of sadness and an inability to enjoy the things you love. 

Scientists have spent years studying the causes of depression in hopes of gaining a deeper understanding that will help them develop innovative treatments. One question they have asked themselves is, is clinical depression hereditary? Read on to find the answer. 

Is Clinical Depression Hereditary?

Researchers have found that clinical depression is hereditary. Studies show that an individual that has a relative with depression is five times more likely to develop the disorder as compared to those who have no family history of depression. 

One study revealed that there may be a depressive gene responsible for passing the condition from generation to generation. The chromosome 3p25-26 was found in more than 800 hundred families dealing with clinical depression. 

However, depression may also be inherited from environmental factors. For example, if a child sees a parent acting depressed, they will be likely to mimic their behavior. Scientists believe that 40% of depression is caused by an inherited gene while 60% is due to the environment the person is raised in and exposed to. 

Are Depression and Addiction Connected?

It is not easy for people dealing with depression to come forward and say they need help. They may be dealing with social stigmas, or they may not want to admit they have a problem. 

People that are reluctant to get help often self-medicate. They use drugs and alcohol to make themselves feel better. While these toxic substances can temporarily relieve symptoms, they end up doing more harm than good in the long run. 

Alcohol and several other drugs are classified as depressants. Even though they may produce feelings of euphoria, ultimately, they will bring on depressive symptoms. Stimulants may bring on a temporary high, but this will be followed by an excruciating down that will make the individual feel worse in the long run. 

What’s more, if a user forms an addiction, it can result in financial and legal difficulties, health issues and the destruction of beneficial relationships. 

How to Get Help With Clinical Depression and Addiction Today

Depression is difficult to deal with and those that don’t get help may find themselves in a downward spiral that leads to addiction. Fortunately, both addiction and depression are treatable. 

The best course of action is to check yourself into an inpatient rehab facility. The medical experts at the facility will put you through an assisted detox to eliminate harmful toxins from the body. 

Once detox is completed, they will follow up with a customized therapy program. The therapist will target the underlying cause of addiction, which may be depression or another issue, and suggest methods to replace dependent behavior with healthy coping mechanisms. 

After the patient graduates from inpatient treatment, they will move onto an outpatient program. During this phase, they will adjust to sober living while getting the support they need to maintain sobriety. 

There are several rehab facilities available, but Atlanta Recovery Place offers an approach that makes us stand out from the pack. We create a customized strategy that is best suited for each patient. Our trained healthcare experts use their experience to ensure success and reduce chances of relapse. We bring in the family to see to it that everyone is on the same page when it comes to achieving and maintaining sobriety. Is clinical depression heredity? The answer is yes. But fortunately, there are ways to beat the odds. Call Atlanta Recovery Place or send us a message to go against the grain and find the healing help you need.

Outpatient programming is an option for those who wish to remain at home during their substance abuse treatment rather than living on campus 24/7. Outpatient treatment enables those who desire the flexibility to continue their commitment to work, school and/or home to continue fulfilling obligations while receiving treatment. 

What Is a PHP Recovery Program?

A partial hospitalization program, or PHP, is the most intensive form of outpatient treatment available. A partial hospitalization program is often referred to as day treatment and offers a comprehensive treatment approach with the intent of helping patients to overcome a substance use disorder. 

The majority of PHP programs require between 25 to 35 hours of program participation every week, which makes it the next step down in terms of treatment, following a residential or inpatient treatment program. 

A PHP recovery program involves daily participation in a number of evidence-based therapies as well as classes, group sessions, and other complementary options such as art therapy and yoga. Many PHPs also offer detox services through a nearby residential treatment or detox center. 

How Does It Differ From Inpatient Treatment?

PHP recovery programs differ from inpatient treatment in several ways. The primary difference, however, is the amount of time spent at the treatment facility. For those who undergo inpatient treatment, they spend the night at the rehab facility each night for a set number of days (often a minimum of 28 days to a maximum of 3 months). A PHP recovery program, on the other hand, allows patients to return home at night but come back to the program the next day. A PHP requires much more time commitment out of each day than a standard outpatient program, making it a sort of middle ground between the two treatment options. 

The Benefits of Going to a PHP Recovery Program

Some of the benefits of going to a partial hospitalization program may include:

• Individual therapy: Individual therapy allows patients to process progress and any relapses while being educated on solutions. 
• Group therapy: Group therapy enables patients to connect with individuals who have had similar experiences in a welcoming, safe environment.
• Medication-assisted therapy: Medication is recommended for many patients who battle addiction. It may be used to help with withdrawal symptoms during detox or to manage any underlying co-occurring disorders a patient may have throughout recovery.

It can be difficult to know whether a PHP recovery program is necessary for you or your loved one. The process of navigating the many different levels of addiction treatment can be overwhelming. The first step is to undergo a formal evaluation from a qualified mental health professional who will help determine the best programs to help. People who are recommended to undergo PHPs are those who meet the following criteria:

• Medically stable
• Not at risk of harming others or self
• Experience difficulty functioning at school, work or other places where participation is required
• Motivated to participate in treatment
• Have adequate support at home
• Experience co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders 

Reach Out to Atlanta Recovery Place for More Information

The treatment professionals at Atlanta Recovery Place engages patients while teaching them to enjoy life free of dependence on substances while facilitating a renewed passion for a life that thrives. We embody a clinical framework to identify behavior change on a continuum with our individualized treatment program, helping patients to move through their treatment programs by assessing any readiness for change and formulating interventions that match each stage for the best chances of lasting recovery. 

If you are ready to start down the road free from the chains of addiction, please do not hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our treatment options. 

The first step toward recovery from addiction is acknowledging any personal struggle with substance dependence. The next step is finding a Georgia rehabilitation center that is suited to help one break free from the disease of addiction, restoring their overall well-being.

What Is a Georgia Rehabilitation Center?

A Georgia rehabilitation center is a facility that is devoted to treating addiction. There are many types of rehab centers that offer different levels of care, treatment methods and environments. 

Inpatient Georgia Rehab: An inpatient rehab facility is suited for people who battle addiction and need to be removed from triggers in everyday life in addition to those who need round-the-clock care during the critical early stages of detoxification. Patients who undergo inpatient treatment stay on site 24/7.

Outpatient Georgia Rehab: An outpatient rehab facility offers addiction treatment but not housing. Patients who undergo outpatient treatment attend therapy sessions and treatment during the day but return home at night. Treatment typically takes place for a few hours each day and several days each week. This is a good option for those who still wish to continue going to work or school while receiving treatment for addiction.

An outpatient treatment center offers several levels of care, including:

• Partial hospitalization programs
• Outpatient rehab programs
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Sober living
• Substance abuse counseling

How Do Rehabs Help Treat Addiction?

The primary goal of a Georgia rehabilitation center is to help people overcome addiction. Rehab should heal not only the body but the mind from the harmful effects of addiction while teaching patients how to live without using drugs or alcohol. 

When a patient enters into a drug rehab program, a comprehensive assessment is first administered. The information gathered during this assessment is used to generate a treatment plant that is personalized. We know that each person’s experience with addiction is different and their individual needs for treatment and recovery vary.

Once admitted to a treatment program, the first step may be detoxification. This is especially important for those who have a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Detoxification helps to safely rid the body of harmful addictive substances. The detoxification process can be painful and the body can scream out for the addictive substance(s) the person abused, making it incredibly difficult to resist relapse. 

Various therapies are used during addiction treatment. These therapies help patients to work through any underlying issues that may lead to their substance abuse while teaching them a healthier way of living. Patients are equipped by learning positive alternatives to substance use, increasing their likelihood of a positive outcome after therapy.

Some of the therapies used in a Georgia rehabilitation center may include:

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Art therapy
• Sports and recreation
• Thai chi
• Yoga

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help You Overcome Addiction

Recovering from addiction can be difficult. For most, it takes a heap of self-discipline and willpower to remain substance-free, maintaining lasting sobriety. Fortunately, you are not alone. At Atlanta Recovery Place, we are here to help. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery from addiction, regardless of the treatment path that you choose. 

We strive to offer everything you need in order to recover from addiction. At our facility, we offer comprehensive care, treating the individual as a whole. For patients who battle co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, we are fully equipped to help with our dual diagnosis treatment program.  

To learn more about the addiction programs we offer, speak to one of our treatment specialists today by calling or sending us a message. You do not have to suffer alone. There is hope for recovery and lasting wellness.

Addiction is all too common of a problem in the United States and around the world. Almost 21 million Americans struggle with one at least one addiction, yet only about 10% of them get treatment. Of those that do get treatment, many relapse. 

Joseph A. Califano, Jr., founder of the National Center on Addiction and Substance stated that rehab centers have a 30% success rate with 70% to 80% of users relapsing by the 3-6 month marker. 

So what are ways to prevent relapse and change these numbers? Read on to find out. 

What Is Relapse? 

Relapse is the recurrence of a past condition. It could refer to any disease. Addiction is a disease and patients relapse when they go back to using after going through periods of sobriety. 

What Causes Relapse?

To come up with ways to prevent relapse, you must first look at why it happens. Relapse usually happens during the withdrawal phase or after rehab. 

The withdrawal phase is the time when patients detox and allow their body to be cleansed of toxic substances. During this stage, they experience violent symptoms which can only be ‘cured’ if they start using again. Many of them turn to drugs and alcohol so they will feel better.

Relapse also happens after rehab. Once people return to the ‘real world’ they may see people they used to drink and use with and be tempted to go back to their old ways. They may drive by the local bar and have the urge to go in for a drink. They may be dealing with stressful situations and feel that drinking or using will be the only way to calm them down. 

Different Ways to Prevent Relapse

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent relapse. Here are a few that are effectively integrated into the rehabilitation process. 

Assisted Detox: Assisted detox is typically available in inpatient rehab facilities. After the patient is checked in, a medical professional supervises them during the process and provides them with medications to reduce symptoms. A staff member is there every step of the way to see to it that patients don’t relapse. 

Inpatient Treatment: During inpatient treatment, therapists provide patients with healthy coping mechanisms that replace the need to use. They get to the root of the issues that drove patients to use and help them understand what led to their addiction and they suggest alternate methods for dealing with anger and stress. 

Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment occurs when patients return to the ‘real world’ after rehab. During this phase, they can work and be with their families. However, it is recommended that they continue treatment with a private therapist or by attending support groups like AA and NA to get the help they need in adjusting to sober living and maintaining sobriety. 

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help

There are many treatment centers throughout the country that offer services that provide ways to prevent relapse and overcome addiction, but Atlanta Recovery Place is one of the most effective. 

Atlanta Recovery Place takes a customized approach when it comes to treating clients. We consider every individuals’ background, social situation and length of abuse to find a plan that works best for them. We use a dual diagnosis treatment that focuses on addiction and its underlying cause getting to the root of harmful behavior. We offer a full spectrum of care from detox to outpatient treatment all in a soothing, clean environment. 

Call Us Today at Atlanta Recovery Place – A Premier Outpatient Facility

Don’t let addiction deprive you of your happiness. Call Atlanta Recovery today and take the first step in getting help. Then look forward to a happier, healthier, higher quality way of living. 

Whether you are in the throes of drug or alcohol addiction yourself or you ache because your loved one is battling addiction, there is hope. One of the most overwhelming parts of getting help for drug or alcohol use is finding the best metro Atlanta treatment center for you.

Signs of a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Signs of drug or alcohol addiction can be hard to recognize, and denial is common. But understanding the signs of drug or alcohol addiction can help you decide if you or someone you care about needs to seek help.

• Risky behavior, including trouble with the law or acting in ways that could be harmful to oneself or others
• Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite problems caused by the substance(s)
• Problems at home, work or school 
• Increased aggression
• Changes in personality
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Unusual body odors
• Looking unkempt
• Sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping
• Poor physical coordination
• Financial difficulty, often due to spending too much money on substances

What Is a Metro Atlanta Treatment Center for Drugs and Alcohol?

A metro Atlanta treatment center for drugs and alcohol is a place that offers treatment, or rehab, for substance addiction in a metropolitan area. A metro Atlanta treatment center is devoted to treating the disease of addiction. The primary goal of rehab is to help a person overcome addiction, healing the mind and body from the effects of addiction in addition to teaching the person how to live without using drugs/alcohol.

What Are the Different Types of Metro Atlanta Treatment for Drugs and Alcohol?

Metro Atlanta treatment options for drug and alcohol can vary, depending on the individual’s unique situation and services offered by facilities. 

1. Drug addiction, which is a mental health issue, can be treated by way of various therapies that help them work through the issues caused by substance abuse. This helps patients to learn a healthier way of life by replacing drug or alcohol use with positive alternatives. Treatment practices may include group therapy, individual therapy, medication-assisted treatment, support groups and workshops that teach life skills. Typically, therapies are offered through inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment.

Inpatient Treatment 

Patients who undergo inpatient drug rehab treatment can live on-site while receiving addiction treatment. This is the best option for most people battling drug or alcohol addiction because it removes them from temptation and triggers. 

Inpatient drug or alcohol addiction often begins with detoxification – especially for those who exhibit a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. During detox, the body can rid itself of addictive substances and the debilitating effects of addiction, offering a foundation for a successful recovery. 

Once withdrawal is managed successfully, therapies can be offered to address any underlying causes or maladaptive behaviors that may contribute to drug or alcohol misuse. 

Outpatient Treatment

Just like inpatient treatment, outpatient addiction treatment programs can vary, depending on the needs of the patient as well as services offered. Programs for outpatient rehab vary, with several factors playing into each patient’s treatment, such as the person’s health and commitments outside of rehab (work/school/etc.), the type and severity of the addiction and the duration of the addiction. Outpatient rehab offers many of the same treatment options as inpatient rehab while enabling a person to live life outside of rehab as well. 

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help You or Your Loved One Today

Finding support and getting help is the most important step in the recovery process. Finding a reputable metro Atlanta treatment center for drug or alcohol addiction is important. Look for a drug rehab center that offers the following for the best chance of recovery success:

• A comfortable environment
• Personalized treatment options
• Types of treatment that fit the needs of the individual
• Multiple therapy options
• Aftercare programs

A rehab facility that is poorly run or offers standardized treatment is not as likely to help someone overcome addiction for good. 

Atlanta Recovery Place offers individualized care while focusing on the whole body, mind and spirit. Recovery doesn’t have to be cold and clinical. We offer recovery services in an intimate setting that is conveniently located in the Atlanta Metro area. If you or a loved one needs help with overcoming drug or alcohol misuse, reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive residential treatment and outpatient treatment options. Your new tomorrow begins today!

Making the decision to pursue professional treatment for drug abuse or addiction can be scary. Finding the best local rehab for your needs or those of a loved one can be overwhelming. Will the facility offer the best treatment options? Is the staff caring? Are treatment programs affordable? Read on to find out why Atlanta Recovery Place is the best local rehab.

What Is Atlanta Recovery Place?

Atlanta Recovery Place is an addiction treatment facility, located in Atlanta, GA. We don’t offer a one-size fits all approach but instead take into consideration many factors, individualizing and tailoring treatment programs that are unique to the needs of each patient. 

Clients are offered one-on-one treatment with a licensed therapist in addition to evaluations from a medical doctor and group and education treatment programs for drug and alcohol treatment. 

We also recognize that addiction is often the result of an underlying issue, which is why we treat mental health disorders as well, to encourage healthy mental and psychological states in all our clients who receive treatment through our dual-diagnosis programs. 

Why You Should Choose ARP to Be Your Local Rehab

The highly experienced staff at Atlanta Recovery Place is made up of board certified doctors, medical psychiatrists, addiction counselors and nurses who offer the best local rehab care. We work together to create an integrated treatment plan while we work with you to fight against drug and alcohol addiction, helping you to gain the necessary skills to live a sober life so you can truly begin again. 

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we have the tools and knowledge to get you the treatment you need. We offer the following treatment options:

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Our Partial Hospitalization Program is ideal for those who are suited for outpatient drug and alcohol addiction recovery, with a structured program that addresses mental and physical aspects of substance abuse. 
• Intensive Outpatient Program: Our Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to meet the needs of those who need long term care with flexibility, while not requiring clients to live on facility grounds.
• Outpatient Program: The ARP Outpatient Treatment Program offers care and support through the process of recovery while offering clients flexibility to maintain a normal life schedule. 
• Sober Living: Our Sober Living Program offers aftercare in a safe community space, made up of like-minded individuals. Our sober living homes offer luxurious amenities to keep clients comfortable while they strive to stay sober during the early stages of sobriety that are so fragile.

The community at ARP is supportive and nurturing, bringing together those grappling with addiction. You will never be alone in your struggles while in our care. There is always a knowledgeable and friendly staff member around for you to turn to during your recovery process. We strive to offer a home away from home environment. 

We do not want the burden of finances to keep you from getting the treatment you need. Unlike some rehab programs, we do accept many health insurance plans. If you do not have insurance or if your insurance company does not cover all of your treatment, we can work with you to come up with a payment plan that suits your needs. The best local rehab facilities address the body as a whole during addiction treatment, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit – and we do just that. Atlanta Recover Place is committed to helping clients who suffer from the disease of addiction while offering a safe space coupled with our team of experts who offer quality care with compassion, love, and empathy. If you or your loved one is ready to take the step toward addiction recovery, reach out to our caring addiction counselors today by calling 866-813-2183 or send us a message to get started.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are serious problems. Nearly 14.5 million people between the ages of 12 and older have experienced an alcohol use disorder, but only about 7% of those receive the necessary treatment. Many people avoid treatment because they don’t understand what to expect from an alcohol treatment program. Understanding the steps to alcohol recovery can make you or your loved one who battles alcoholism feel more confident to take the first step toward sobriety and wellness.

The Steps to Take to Achieve Alcohol Recovery

Detox

The initial step in any alcohol treatment program is to detox and withdraw from alcohol. This is typically the most difficult step to alcohol recovery. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable and can entail many dangerous physical and psychological symptoms, including irregular or rapid heartbeat, fever, seizures, insomnia, mood swings, hallucinations, agitation and more. Symptoms associated with detox from alcohol can be managed in a professional medical detox facility that offers medications and other treatments that are developed to ease symptoms while making the process of detoxification to be easier to bear and much safer, while under the care of medical professionals.  

Rehab

Many types of behavioral therapies are available at alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction treatment facilities. Rehab may entail individual or group therapy and seeks to help people understand what motivates them to use alcohol as well as teaching them how to recognize triggers for alcohol abuse. 

Some of the types of therapies for alcohol abuse may include: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps clients to recognize negative thought patterns and behavioral issues in order to interrupt responses while learning to substitute behaviors that are more positive, while learning to avoid alcohol abuse.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT can help a variety of clients but is particularly helpful for clients who experience dual diagnoses, encouraging a way to manage alcoholism combined with any other disorder via motivational enhancement and behavioral skills.
• Interpersonal Therapy: By learning to build support structures, such as a social network, to moderate loneliness, depression and any other driving factors of addictive behaviors, clients can learn to strengthen their own resistance to relapse. 

12 Step Support Groups

Many 12-step programs exist for many types of addiction and compulsive behaviors. 12-step programs are primarily based on spiritual principles, but many people who are not religious have also found these programs to be quite helpful. A 12-step approach is designed to help participants figure out what works best to maintain abstinence from alcohol abuse, according to their individual needs. 12-step programs offer encouragement, support and accountability for those who genuinely want to overcome addiction. 

Continuing Aftercare

Eventually, any formal treatment or rehab programs will reach an endpoint. Clients are however encouraged to continue ongoing recovery efforts. Continuing aftercare is important. Any form of follow-up treatment for substance abuse after initial rehab is considered “aftercare.” The physical and psychological impacts of addiction can persist long after substance use has terminated. Because of the potential for these long term changes associated with addiction and recovery, the need for long-term treatment is important. 

Aftercare programs teach clients many benefits, including:

• Learning how to prevent relapse 
• Providing a space that is safe for participants to discuss recovery, including pitfalls and accomplishments
• Offering fun opportunities for sober meetups and activities
• Building self-esteem and confidence to overcome triggers and urges
• Connecting members with local individuals who can offer encouragement and support

Let Atlanta Recovery Place Help You Seek Alcohol Recovery

Unfortunately, most people who need specialized treatment for substance abuse do not receive it. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, only around 11% of people who require treatment for substance abuse actually receive it. Do not let yourself for a loved one be one of these statistics. 

If you or a loved one are ready to learn more about how the steps to alcohol recovery can help, reach out to the caring professionals at Atlanta Recovery Place to get on the path to lasting recovery. 

For too long, much misinformation has existed about bipolar disorder. The many misconceptions about bipolar disorder can be harmful for those living with the condition.  Whether you have been recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder or someone you know has, learning about the common misconceptions about bipolar disorder may help.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood, between mania and depression. Energy and sleep are also affected. Bipolar disorder differs from the normal ups and downs in everyday life that many people experience in that the mood swings occur more frequently and with greater intensity than what is developmentally appropriate and can last much longer. People with bipolar disorder often experience problems at home, school, work and in relationships in addition to other areas of life. 

Are There Common Misconceptions About Bipolar Disorder?

Arm yourself with knowledge by learning about a few of the common misconceptions about bipolar disorder.

Myth: Bipolar disorder is rare.

Fact: Bipolar disorder is not rare and affects millions of people. 

Nearly 2.1% of the population is estimated to experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime. Bipolar disorder affects women and men equally. It is not as common as some other mental health conditions, but it is burdensome in many ways. It is long-lasting and chronic and can significantly impair a person’s ability to live a normal life. 

Myth: If a person has mood swings, it indicates bipolar disorder.

Fact: Mood swings do not always indicate bipolar disorder and regular mood swings are not the same. 

People with bipolar disorder experience very distressing fluctuations in mood that differ greatly from normal fluctuations between times of happiness and sadness in those without the condition. Bipolar disorder mood swings can be persistent and frequent. Many people with bipolar disorder experience cycles of mania and depression that are linked with harmful behaviors, such as going days without sleeping or being at risk of self-harm. 

Myth: Mania is really just a good, happy feeling.

Fact: Mania can be a serious problem that can become detrimental and even terrifying.

It is true that when a person is manic, they may feel good initially, but without treatment, there are often negative aspects. When a person with bipolar disorder comes out of a depressive episode, the high of a manic episode may feel like a sort of relief but a person can also feel like they have no control or situations or people are against them. Manic episodes can make it difficult to function and may cause a person to lose control of their thoughts and actions.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder are always either happy or sad. 

Fact: People with bipolar disorder can experience a balanced mood as well.

Euthymia is a state of mood that is even and balanced and does not correlate with mania or depression. When a person is in euthymia, he or she may feel cheerful and happy and possibly even a resilience to stress. Euthymia can last for long periods of time. 

Conversely, people with bipolar disorder can also experience what is referred to as a “mixed episode,” which entails features of mania and depression at the same time. 

Myth: People with bipolar disorder are violent.

Fact: People who deal with bipolar disorder are not inherently violent. 

Some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder can include impulsivity and irritability – especially when one is in a manic state. These symptoms can make people feel more agitated or act aggressive, but this does not mean a person with bipolar disorder is violent. 

Myth: Medication is the only treatment for bipolar disorder.

Fact: There are many treatments available for bipolar disorder.

The most effective treatments for bipolar disorder focus on balancing the highs and lows in mood as well as energy. Several therapy techniques produce promising results for bipolar disorder treatment, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help encourage attention to automatic positive thoughts in addition to triggers for mania. 
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help improve emotion regulation.
• Psychoeducational therapy to help understand triggers and how to manage the illness.
• Family-focused therapy to help improve communication and the reduction of emotional conflict. 
• Medication therapy to help balance extreme symptoms, such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medications. 

Atlanta Recovery Place offers treatment for clients struggling with bipolar disorder and co-occurring substance abuse disorders in a serene environment. If you or a loved one are ready to move beyond the symptoms of bipolar disorder and resolve any underlying issues, reach out to us today. Our trained and caring professionals are ready to help you better understand your diagnosis. 

Mental health disorders are conditions that affect the way people think and act. They can affect people of any gender, sex, ethnicity, age or socioeconomic group. Disorders can range in severity from mild to severe. People struggling with mental health disorders may struggle to cope with everyday life due to their altered thinking, behavior or moods. If you wonder what are the most common mental health disorders, read on to find out about the ten most common disorders among American adults. 

What Are the Most Common Mental Health Disorders?

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that refers to a wide range of mental health problems characterized by low mood, loss of enjoyment and interest and reduced energy in addition to other associated cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral symptoms. Depression is more than just feeling sad. 

There are many different types of and symptoms of depression. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of enjoyment and interest in everyday life
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of helplessness
• Reduced attention
• Thoughts of suicide

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by worry and excessive anxiety that occurs on more days than not over the period of at least six months. People with GAD may be excessively apprehensive about outcomes of events or activities. They may also anticipate catastrophic outcomes from mild physical symptoms or medication side effects. GAD sufferers often battle depression too. The following symptoms are common with GAD:

• Excessive worry and anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle tension
• Disturbed sleep
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is associated with panic attacks and intermittent apprehension. Panic attacks may occur spontaneously or may be related to specific triggers. The severity and frequency of panic attacks for people with panic disorder can vary. Agoraphobia, which is characterized by anxiety about being in certain situations or places from which a person may be unable to escape, is common among those with panic disorder. As a result, many people with panic disorder avoid a variety of situations, such as being alone in public, being home alone, traveling in a car or airplane or being in a particular place 

Phobias

Phobias are characterized by extreme and persistent fear of a specific situation or object. Usually a person with a phobia experiences extreme discomfort and a level of fear that is out of proportion to the actual level of danger of the thing they fear. Most people with specific phobias recognize that the fear is excessive or out of proportion to the actual risk. 

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by strong fear in social situations that causes distress and leads to a person feeling self-conscious and anxious. People with social anxiety disorder often struggle to function effectively in certain aspects of their daily lives. Their performance at home, work and school may be affected and they may spend days or weeks worrying about a single social situation. Fears are often triggered by imagined or real scrutiny from others. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include:

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Blushing
• Palpitations
• Panic attacks
• Trembling 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder is another common mental health disorder and is classified as a form of anxiety disorder. People with OCD experience obsessions, compulsions or both. Obsessions are defined as recurrent thoughts, impulses or images that are unwanted and intrusive. Compulsions are distressing and time-consuming repetitive rituals that originate in a person’s mind and not instigated by an external source and that a person feels driven to perform. Usually the person with compulsions acknowledges them as excessive or unreasonable.  

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder usually develops in response to a traumatic event or events that the person has experienced, such as severe accidents, interpersonal violence, military action or disasters. People with PTSD re-experience symptoms over and over again involuntarily and in a vivid and distressing way. Symptoms of PTSD may include:

• Repetitive and distressing images
• Nightmares
• Irritability
• Exaggerated startle responses
• Difficulty concentrating
• Avoidance of trauma reminders
• Sleep difficulties
• Feelings of detachment
• Inability to have feelings

If you are concerned you or a loved one are dealing with one of the most common mental health disorders and want to pursue treatment, our professional team of admissions counselors at Atlanta Recovery Place are available to answer any questions you may have. We can help you through the admissions process if and when you are ready. Contact us today by filling out a form or calling us at 866-278-6306 so you or your loved one can get on the path to true recovery.

Depression and addiction can be complex and may feel difficult to manage – especially when a person is dealing with both mental health conditions. Thankfully there is help available for both depression and addiction. Whether you or a loved one struggle with these disorders, understanding the symptoms, treatment options and risk factors of each condition in addition to how the two are connected can help.

Depression Explained

Depression is defined as a mental health condition that causes severe symptoms including lack of interest or depressed mood that affect how a person feels, thinks and handles daily activities that persist for at least two weeks. It can be brought on by a series of difficult circumstances or events but it can also come about without any known explanation and is fairly common. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States, with an estimated 17.3 million American adults having experienced at least one major depressive episode in the year prior, according to a 2017 poll. 

People struggling with depression may exhibit different signs, and some of the symptoms are connected with other mental health conditions, which is why it is important to talk to a medical or mental health professional to rule out any other problems. The most common signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Insomnia
• Withdrawal
• Poor concentration
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability 
• Feelings of worthlessness 
• Difficulty carrying out daily tasks, such as eating and having good hygiene.

Treatment options for people with depression depend on the severity of the depression and may include therapy and/or medication. 

Addiction Explained

Addiction is another treatable mental health condition that involves complex interactions among brain circuits, the environment and genetics in addition to a person’s life experiences. People who battle addiction exhibit excessive use of substances or engagement in behaviors despite any adverse events or consequences.  Many things in life can lead a person to fall into addiction, such as trauma that people develop unhealthy coping mechanisms to overcome from. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million American adults battled some form of substance use disorder in 2017. 

Like depression, symptoms of addiction can mimic other disorders. Addiction symptoms tend to show up quickly when a person becomes addicted to a particular substance or stimuli. The most common signs and symptoms of addiction include:

• Loss of control
• Obsessive thoughts and actions
• Denial of addiction or substance use
• Poor coordination
• Insomnia
• Unusual body odors
• Slurred speech
• Bloodshot eyes and/or unusually large or small pupils
• Lying
• Secretiveness
• Stealing
• Agitation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Changes in social behavior and/or groups
• Lack of financial responsibility
• Looking unkempt 

Treatment options to help people with addiction vary according to each person, but the most common treatment options for addiction include counseling, medication and/or behavioral therapy. Addiction can be difficult to break, sometimes taking people years or decades to get through it. The temptation for relapse is also high early on in the treatment process, which is why it is important to have help from a professional through the addiction recovery process.

The Connection Between Depression and Addiction

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.5 million U.S. adults had some form of dual diagnoses, which refers to having a mental illness, such as depression and a substance use disorder at the same time. 

Both depression and addiction can affect one another. For example, some people with depression may turn to substance use (which may then turn to addiction) to ease their painful thoughts or to get relief from their symptoms. On the other hand, substance use can exacerbate mental health disorder symptoms – or even cause them to develop in certain cases. The two conditions often feed into each other, leading to increasingly severe forms of each illness.

Furthermore, depression can actually weaken a person’s body and immune system, making them more vulnerable to illnesses. When alcohol or drugs are the substance of choice the chances of a person’s physical and emotional health deteriorating can increase greatly. Getting treatment for depression and addiction can help improve quality of life while preventing consequences that can be detrimental – especially in those with severe depression. 

Treatment for addiction and depression is very complex. Many rehab programs are not equipped to deliver optimal results for those suffering from depression and addiction. It is important to find an integrated behavioral health system that offers specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders. The treatment professionals at Atlanta Recovery Place are equipped to help patients struggling with depression and addiction. Reach out today to find out about our services and how we can help you or your loved one get on the path to true healing.