Is There a Test for Bipolar Disorder?

Is There a Test for Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness characterized by periods of extreme highs and devastating lows. It can be quite difficult to deal with, and it can negatively affect the person with the disorder as well as those around them.

Fortunately, bipolar disorder is manageable. But the first step is diagnosing the issue. If your doctor feels you may be affected, they may give you a test for bipolar disorder. Once they figure out what the issue is, they can work out a treatment plan to keep it under control. This article will discuss the bipolar test and the disorder so you can determine the best way to care for yourself or a loved one. 

What is Bipolar Disorder? 

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by periods of emotional highs, also called mania or hypomania, and devastating lows or depression. When mania is experienced, the person will feel euphoric, energetic, and irritable. When lows are hit, the individual will have a feeling of hopelessness and a loss of interest in the things they once loved. 

Mood swings can occur occasionally or multiple times a year. Some people may have milder symptoms between episodes, while others may have none. There is no cure for the disorder, but you may be able to treat it with medications and therapy. 

There are various types of bipolar disorder, including the following:

  • Bipolar I Disorder: People with bipolar I will have at least one manic episode followed by a depressive or hypomanic episode. The mania may be accompanied by psychosis. 
  • Bipolar II Disorder: Individuals with bipolar II will have at least one depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but they will never experience mania. 
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: Those with cyclothymic disorder will have at least two years of hypomanic episodes and mild depressive episodes (one year in children and teens). 
  • Other types: Bipolar disorder can also come on as a result of doing drugs or as a symptom of certain diseases and health conditions. 

What are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder signs include the following: 

Mania and Hypomania:

  • Excessively energetic
  • Agitation and irritability 
  • Exaggerated sense of self-confidence
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Excessive talkativeness
  • Racing thoughts
  • Easily distracted
  • Poor decision making that can lead to dangerous results

Depression: 

  • Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
  • Loss of interest in the activities you once enjoyed
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Changes in weight and appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of ability to concentrate
  • Suicidal thoughts

Is There a Test for Bipolar Disorder?

If you suspect you have a mental issue, you may want to get tested for bipolar disorder. This will help you figure out what’s troubling you so you can get the treatment you need. A bipolar test involves talking to a medical health professional. The criteria for the diagnosis are available in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnosis of Mental Disorders. During the test, you will be asked about your symptoms and how long they have been occurring. 

The doctor may also give you a physical exam to rule out the possibility of other conditions causing mental issues. While you may find a test for bipolar disorder online, these are not necessarily valid sources. Only a medical professional can give you an accurate diagnosis. 

Finding the Best Bipolar Treatment for Me

It’s not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to self-medicate with drugs. While the drugs may provide temporary relief from symptoms, they will make things worse in the long run, especially if an addiction forms. 

If you are dealing with bipolar disorder and addiction, Atlanta Recovery Place can get you the help you need. Atlanta Recovery Place takes a dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously treats the illness and its underlying cause. We work with each of our patients to come up with a customized plan that’s best suited to their needs. We follow up with aftercare to ensure that the patient maintains sobriety long-term. 
If you are struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction, it is possible to get help. Atlanta Recovery can assist you in reaching your recovery goals. Contact us to find out how to say goodbye to what’s holding you back and hello to a happier existence.

What are the Signs of a Prescription Opioid Addiction?

What are the Signs of a Prescription Opioid Addiction?

Opioids are often prescribed to patients who are dealing with high levels of pain. While they are effective in providing relief, they are also very addictive. Many people who start out taking opioids for legitimate medical reasons end up with dangerous dependency issues.

Once an addiction forms, it can be challenging to resist it. Fortunately, some facilities specialize in opioid addiction treatment. This article will review the signs of prescription opioid addiction and the steps to find a treatment center that’s right for you.

What are Prescription Opioids?

Opioids are naturally found in the poppy plant. They work to block pain signals between the brain and body and are used to treat moderate to severe pain. They have also been known to produce feelings of euphoria, which impacts the brain. This process of changing a person’s brain chemistry is what causes opioids to be highly addictive.

Many kinds of opioids are available in prescription form. The most common are:

  • Oxycontin
  • Vicodin
  • Fentanyl

Why are Prescription Opioids Commonly Abused?

There are many reasons why people abuse opioids. In some cases, they may feel like the opioid is not doing enough to treat their pain. They may increase doses without a doctor’s approval. Once they get used to a higher dose, they may find themselves on a downward spiral where they constantly need to take more of the drug to satisfy their increased tolerance.

Others may want to take more of the drug because they enjoy its pleasurable effects. This can apply to people who started using the drug to treat pain and those who use it for recreational purposes.

It is important to note that opioids are not only available by prescription. Many street dealers sell them as well. When found on the street, opioids are not always in their purest form. They can be mixed with harmful substances that make them toxic.

Heroin is an opioid often found on the streets and rarely available for medicinal purposes. Many users who can’t find opioids through their doctors or dealers start using heroin which can be quite dangerous and can easily lead to overdose.

What are the Signs of Prescription Opioid Addiction?

It’s essential to be aware of the signs of prescription opioid addiction. That way, you can find help sooner rather than later. They include:

  • Withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug
  • Increased tolerance
  • Going to multiple doctors to try and get multiple prescriptions
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irresponsible behavior
  • Poor decision making
  • Irritability
  • Shallow breathing

How to Treat an Opioid Addiction

While it is possible to wean yourself off opioids, it will be easier to recover with the aid of a reliable opioid addiction facility. They will typically take a three-step approach which includes:

Detox: Detox involves allowing the body to rid itself of harmful substances. The patient will experience withdrawal symptoms during this phase of recovery, but a medical staff will supervise them to keep them as comfortable as possible and to ensure that relapse doesn’t occur.

Therapy: After detox is complete, the patient will undergo therapy. They will be assessed to find a customized plan that is best suited to their needs. Various methods are used to treat the addiction and its underlying causes.

Aftercare: After a patient leaves rehab, they may be dealing with stressors that make them want to go back to using. The facility will continue to support them to ensure relapse doesn’t occur.

Finding Opioid Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, GA

When patients look for an opioid treatment, they want to make sure they find one that’s right for them. It should offer a comfortable atmosphere, customized therapies, and a comprehensive program that provides guidance from detox to aftercare. Atlanta Recovery Place is highly recommended.

Atlanta Recovery offers a variety of outpatient treatment plans, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. This allows patients to recover while going about their daily lives. We integrate a dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously treats addiction and its underlying causes. We follow up with aftercare to ensure residents maintain sobriety while readjusting to daily life. Overcoming opioid addiction is not easy, but Atlanta Recovery provides a comprehensive program that increases your chances of success. Call us today to get the help you need, and look forward to a new, higher-quality way of living.

How to Find IOP Alcohol Treatment Near Me

How to Find IOP Alcohol Treatment Near Me

Alcoholism is an addiction that is all too common throughout the world. According to NIAAA 2019 statistics, 6.3% of people 18 and over engaged in heavy drinking at some point during the year. 

On a positive note, there are many ways to get help for an alcohol addiction and you may not necessarily have to enroll in a full-time residential program. There are plenty of intensive outpatient (IOP) treatments available that allow you to get the help you need while maintaining your responsibilities at home or work. 

This article will review what you need to do to find IOP alcohol treatment near you. 

What are the Signs of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol encourages the release of endorphins in the brain. This provides a euphoric effect making people want to drink more. Studies show that heavier drinkers experience an even greater endorphin release. 

People continue drinking to get this pleasurable sensation. In doing so, they begin to build a tolerance to alcohol. They need to drink more to get the same effects. Increased tolerance is an early sign of alcohol addiction. 

After drinking for long periods of time, withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear. The body will become used to having alcohol in its system. When the alcohol is not present, the body will react by producing tremors and flu-like symptoms. 

Drinkers know that the only way to get rid of these symptoms is to drink more alcohol. This makes for a deadly cycle. 

Withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance are two signs of alcohol addiction. Here are some other things to look out for. 

  • Temporary blackouts
  • Short term memory loss
  • Making excuses for drinking
  • Drinking alone
  • Devious behavior
  • Engaging in dangerous behavior when drunk
  • Mood swings
  • Financial issues
  • Troubled relationships
  • Changes in social groups
  • Losing interest in the things you once loved

The Benefits of Looking for “IOP Alcohol Treatment Near Me”

If you are dealing with alcoholism, there are many types of programs that offer help. Therapy typically comes in the form of an inpatient residential or outpatient plan. 

Outpatient plans are preferred by many. They are lower cost than inpatient treatment and they allow you to go about your daily duties during recovery. 

There are three primary forms of outpatient therapy as follows:

  • Partial Hospitalization: This involves spending 6-8 hours a day in therapy while spending the rest of the time at home or work. 
  • Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP): IOP may be the next phase of therapy after partial hospitalization. During this stage, patients will attend sessions a few times a week. 
  • Outpatient Therapy: In this final stage of recovery, patients may go for therapy once or twice a week. Therapy may be administered on an ongoing basis. 

Outpatient therapy is recommended for patients that have stable home lives that are free of abuse and dependency issues. 

How to Find an “IOP Alcohol Treatment Near Me”

Finding an IOP alcohol treatment near me can be as easy as googling the search term. Once results appear, it’s essential to find one that offers a clean and comfortable atmosphere, a trained and compassionate staff, and a customized therapy plan. 

Atlanta Recover Place checks off all the boxes. 

Atlanta Recovery Place considers each person’s background, length of abuse, motivation for treatment, and environment to find a plan that works best. We provide a variety of treatment programs, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. We follow up with sober living services to ensure patients make a healthy adjustment. Alcoholism is a fatal disease. Do not let addiction negatively affect your life. Call Atlanta Recovery for the help you need today. We will assist you in moving on so you can enjoy the happy, healthy life you deserve.

Addiction and Codependency Simplified

Addiction and Codependency Simplified

Addiction doesn’t only hurt the person dealing with the disease. It also has negative effects on the people they are close with. 

Codependency is a common issue in relationships where one or both partners are addicted to drugs. It can be the basis of the relationship, or it can form as the relationship progresses. When codependency happens, both partners need to get help.

This article will discuss addiction and codependency simplified and how both issues can be treated.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is defined as “a biopsychological disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences”. Anyone can be addicted to anything, including drugs.

Drug addiction begins to form when a person builds a tolerance to the drug they are taking. They will need to take more of the drug to get the same effects. 

Over time, they may also begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not in their system. They may feel like they have a severe case of the flu and the only way to feel better is to take more of the drug. 

Other symptoms of addiction include:

  • Financial troubles
  • Mood swings
  • Withdrawal from social situations
  • The development of health conditions
  • Troubled relationship
  • Legal issues
  • Inability to find enjoyment in the things you once loved

What Is Codependency?

Codependency occurs when one partner in a relationship has extreme physical and emotional needs. The other person becomes so devoted to helping their partner, it begins to negatively affect their lives and their other relationships. It can also enable the partner with the disorder to continue to engage in destructive behaviors. 

Symptoms of codependency include the following:

  • Low self-esteem
  • People pleasing 
  • Caretaking
  • Lack of a self of boundaries
  • Obsession with the relationship

Codependency can occur in any relationship, but it commonly happens when one or both partners are abusing drugs. And while codependency typically happens with spouses, it can occur in parent-child relationships as well. A child of an addicted or emotionally disturbed parent may feel the need to take on the role of the caretaker in these situations. 

Addiction and Codependency Simplified

Basically, codependency occurs when both partners become dependent on each other. The emotionally disturbed person becomes reliant on their partner to care for them, and the partner builds their life around caring for that person forming their own reliance. 

And while addiction and codependency can be simplified in language, the relationship formed is very complicated. Fortunately, there are ways to get help. 

How To Get Help with Addiction Today

There are many ways to treat addiction and codependency. The first step is to deal with the addiction. This usually requires a multi-course approach that includes detox, therapy, and aftercare. 

A patient allows their body to become free of chemicals in detox and they follow up with required therapy. Then an aftercare program is put in place to ensure they maintain sobriety. 

Family counseling is typically included in a recovery program. Codependency issues are addressed during these sessions. 

There are many rehab centers that offer care for addiction and codependency issues, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. 

We look at each patients’ situation to work out a therapy plan that works best for them. We use a dual diagnosis approach that treats addiction at its root. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatments.  

Addiction negatively affects a person and the people they love. Don’t let it tear your family apart. Call Atlanta Recovery Place today. We will help you get back to enjoying the happy life you deserve.

What are Amends in Addiction Recovery?

What Are Amends in Addiction Recovery?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol has the potential to severely harm relationships between the one battling substance abuse and the people they care about. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken when the disease of addiction has seemed to sever important relationships in a person’s life, as described by the process mentioned in Step Nine of the Twelve Step Program associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, which encourages program participants to “Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”

What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is an international fellowship of people who have a drinking problem. The program was founded in 1935 by Dr. Bob and Bill W. in Akron, Ohio. AA is self-supporting, nonprofessional, multiracial, apolitical and can be found almost anywhere. Anyone can participate in AA.  

The Alcoholics Anonymous includes a group of principles that are spiritual in nature that are believed to expel the obsession to drink while helping the sufferer from alcohol addiction to become “happily and usefully whole.” This group of principles is called The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

What Are Amends in Addiction Recovery?

Making amends is an important part of the recovery process. Amends are essentially a verbal acknowledgement or admittance of something you have done wrong and asking what you can do to make the situation right again between you and another person. Making amends with others involves mending relationships that were harmed during your addiction.

The action of making amends can help you during addiction recovery as well as encourage sobriety. When you make amends, you are committing to lifestyle changes and a new set of principles and values. People who hurt others during active addiction often find that the issue catches up with them in the future. Sometimes this can be a relapse trigger. Making amends helps to rectify any potential problems with the other person while possibly preventing repercussions that could contribute to relapse. 

Apologizing and Making Amends Are Not the Same

After learning the answer to the question, “What are amends?”, you may wonder how amends are different from apologies. 

Making amends is not the same as apologizing. Apologizing to someone means you acknowledge that you did something that was not right and you tell the other party that you are sorry. Apologizes consist of words but do not necessarily include an associated behavior change. For example, you might have apologized many times to friends or family when you were battling addiction but you didn’t necessarily change your behavior. Many people who battle addiction continually break promises. 

Making amends on the other hand involves more than just words. You not only recognize your behavior verbally to the other person but you also take steps to make things right if you can. Your actions and outward evidence begin to align with your words when you start making amends. 

How Does Alcoholics Anonymous Ensure Long Term Addiction Recovery?

One study by Massachusetts General Hospital looked at the functions and methods of Alcoholics Anonymous in addition to how participants were able to maintain sobriety over time. Researchers found that there were two significant elements of AA that were helpful in long term addiction recovery. The time spent with other individuals who are supportive of one’s efforts to quit drinking is an important factor and the increased confidence the program gives others in the ability to remain abstinent in situations they once struggled are the keys to lasting behavioral change. 

Reach Out to Atlanta Recovery Place Today

If you feel like you are no longer in control of your life or have acknowledged that you have a problem with alcohol, our passionate and experienced rehabilitation experts are readily available and dedicated to helping you end the painful cycle of addiction. Call us at 866-278-6306 or send us a message today to find out how we can help.

How Long Does PAWS Last? Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

How Long Does PAWS Last?

Drug addiction is a serious disease. When the body becomes accustomed  The recovery process is no walk in the park. One of the most challenging aspects of drug and alcohol addiction recovery is a post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS. 

Many people are unaware of PAWS. If you or a loved one are seeking addiction treatment, getting familiar with this syndrome and learning the answer to questions like “How long does paws last?” can help increase odds of lasting sobriety. 

What Is PAWS?

Withdrawal is a common experience during detox among people who have a dependence on drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal occurs in two stages. The first is acute withdrawal, which typically lasts one to two weeks after use of the substance is stopped. Physical withdrawal symptoms of acute withdrawal often resemble the flu, including nausea, muscle ache, increased heart rate and headache. It is important that detox be done in a supervised setting because dangerous health consequences can occur during acute withdrawal.

The second stage is post-acute withdrawal, which occurs after the initial stage. PAWS is believed to be the brain’s way of resolving chemical imbalances that took place during active addiction. While drug abuse is active, the brain has to make adaptations to make up for changes in the available neurotransmitters in the brain. When drug use ceases, levels of neurotransmitters can change, which may reduce the brain’s ability to deal with stress, causing symptoms. 

The symptoms of post-acute withdrawal tend to involve more emotional and psychological aspects of withdrawal, unlike during acute withdrawal. 

Symptoms of PAWS may fluctuate in severity and can disappear only to reappear later. Some of the most common post-acute withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hostility
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Limited ability to focus or difficulty concentrating
  • Low energy
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Chronic pain that cannot be explained
  • Lack of libido
  • Difficulty maintaining social relationships
  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

Other names for post-acute withdrawal syndrome include post-withdrawal syndrome, protracted withdrawal syndrome or prolonged withdrawal syndrome. 

Symptoms of PAWS manifest primarily after withdrawal from opioids, alcohol and benzodiazepines (which are often prescribed for the treatment of panic attacks and anxiety) but have also occurred after the use of other drugs. 

How Long Does PAWS Last?

It is important to be aware of the answer to the question of “How long does PAWS Last?”. PAWS can persist weeks or months after abstaining from substance abuse. PAWS may last as long as two years while the brain continues to recalibrate after active addiction. Although PAWS is a temporary condition, the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be a driving factor in relapse – even in those who are fully committed to staying sober. 

How to Get Help With a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

The first step to overcoming drug or alcohol addiction is making the decision to find help. The next step is getting the right help. At Atlanta Recovery Place, we employ proven, evidence-based methods offered by licensed and credentialed doctors, counselors, and nurses while we focus on long-term recovery. With an understanding that each individual’s recovery journey is unique, we tailor each treatment plan to meet the needs of every patient who comes through our doors. Reach out to us today to talk to one of our compassionate care team members to learn more about the help we can offer you or your loved one.

Cocaine Statistics: Addiction and How to Get Help

how to get help with addiction

Cocaine addiction is on the rise. Although the number of cocaine overdose cases were stable from 2009 to 2013, numbers have gone up since then. By 2018, there were two to five cocaine related deaths per every 100,000 people in the United States. 

Cocaine is a dangerous drug but fortunately, there are ways to break addictive habits and improve quality of life. Read on to find out more about cocaine addiction and how to get help. 

What Is Cocaine? 

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant. It is made from cocoa leaves. Cocaine hydrochloride is isolated from the plant and it is often diluted with unnatural substances such as cornstarch, flower baking soda or talcum powder. It is sold on the street in powder form and is usually snorted but it can also be injected or smoked.

Cocaine is commonly referred to as a “party drug”. It’s most popular being used amongst a group of people in a social setting, but this is not to say that people don’t do cocaine alone. What could start off as what is perceived to be “casual drug use” with other people, can certainly turn into a full blown addiction.

Why Is Cocaine so Addictive? 

Cocaine’s addictive properties are due to the chemical reaction it creates in the brain. It increases levels of dopamine, a chemical that is located in the rewards center of the brain. It promotes feelings of pleasure and energy making the body want more. 

People who use cocaine regularly begin to build up a tolerance. That means they need to take more of the drug to experience the same feelings of pleasure. This increases addictive tendencies.  

Cocaine Statistics

Here are some eye-opening statistics regarding cocaine use. 

  • Cocaine overdoses are on the rise in the United States. Fatalities rose from 3,822 in 1999 to 15,883 in 2019. 
  • According to 2018 statistics, Americans 35-44 years old were most likely to die of a cocaine overdose. 
  • Cocaine use is prevalent in black communities. In 2018, the number of black people to die of an overdose doubled as compared to the rate of white people and tripled as compared to the number of Hispanic deaths. 
  • In 2018, the rate of cocaine deaths were nine times higher in Northeast urban regions as compared to deaths that occurred in Western rural areas. 
  • Cocaine use is problematic among today’s youth. A 2020 study published on Drug Abuse.gov shows that 1.6% of American 8th graders and 10th graders and 4.1% of 12th graders have used cocaine at least once in their lifetimes. 

Getting Help for Your Cocaine Addiction

There are several types of treatments that are available for cocaine addiction, but a more intensive rehab option may be the best place to start. The Atlanta Recovery Place offers evidence-based strategies that will help you overcome addictive behaviors. 

Once checked in, clients are detoxed to eliminate all chemicals from their bodies. This is followed up by therapies that provide coping mechanisms that aim to replace dependence with healthier ways of dealing with stressors. Once inpatient treatment or partial hospitalization is completed, clients are provided with ongoing outpatient care to help them adjust to and maintain sober living. 

Reach Out to Atlanta Recovery Place Today for Help With Addiction

Cocaine is a deadly drug. It can destroy your relationships, your ability to do the things you love, and it can even kill you. A cocaine addiction can commonly start off as casual drug use in a social setting and slowly become more intense. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact Atlanta Recovery Place to take the first step in fighting back and increasing your chances of leading a long and fulfilling life. 

Tips on How to Talk to Someone With Anxiety

Tips on how to talk to someone with anxiety?

It is natural to want to help someone you care about when they are struggling with anxiety – but it can also be intimidating. The anxious person feels completely overwhelmed and may even battle panic attacks. Sometimes people with anxiety don’t have a clear understanding of their condition and may not be able to tell you how exactly you can help them. 

Before you try to help your anxious loved one, it is important to gain an understanding of anxiety. Anxiety is not a flaw. Nearly everyone experiences feeling anxious at some point because it is an emotion that is naturally ingrained into us to help us see potential threats, keeping us on alert. 

People with anxiety or anxiety disorder, however, deal with patterns of anxiety that tend to snowball – often overthinking while worrying about something that has happened in the past occurring again or worrying about the future. They may use avoidance coping to avoid stressors instead of dealing with them, such as avoiding talking about topics, going places or doing certain things. This can be difficult to see and may push people away, but there are ways you can help, including learning how to talk to someone with anxiety.

How to Talk to Someone With Anxiety

Here are some tips on how to talk to someone with anxiety.

Educate Yourself

Learn about anxiety and the different forms, from social anxiety to health anxiety. Increase your understanding about generalized anxiety disorder and symptoms that go along with it. Learn about anxiety treatment and look for supportive suggestions you can offer. By pouring your time into educating yourself, it will show to your anxious friend and can help.

Listen

You probably already know that listening is important but it can be challenging to listen to someone who has fears that you do not relate to. Strive to listen with an empathetic ear without getting annoyed or frustrated. Keep listening even if you feel like you can’t any longer and avoid making assumptions or judgements while you do so. Always remain patient and calm while listening to someone with anxiety.

Be Gentle and Empathetic

Be honest and straightforward when you do speak and/or offer suggestions but remember to be as gentle as you can. Be careful to not minimize their struggles by making statements like, “It’s really not a big deal,” and, “You have no reason to be worried or anxious.” These statements are not only unhelpful but can be hurtful to a person who is already struggling. Most people with an anxiety disorder are generally aware of the fact that their anxiety is not always rational. Pointing out this fact can lead to more negative feelings, self-judgement and discomfort.

It is also important to recognize that some people with chronic anxiety are not willing to change. For example, a person with agoraphobia (the fear and avoidance of places that may cause a person with anxiety to panic) may not be willing to “face their fears.” Remember to be understanding and not try to force them to do something they are not willing or comfortable to do.

Offer Support

Instead, ask how you can help them. Rather than guessing what kind of support they need, ask! Some people benefit from strong support that may look like helping them break their coping strategies down into more manageable steps or discussing in depth how they can work through difficult situations but prefer to have their independence and autonomy acknowledged. Others may prefer more emotional support, knowing that you are there for them through everything and they don’t have to worry that you might abandon them since anxiety can push people away. 

You may be able to help them learn to identify triggers of their anxiety and help them to come up with ways to combat them. Anxiety triggers may include:

  • Relationship problems
  • Work stress
  • Health problems
  • Caffeine
  • Stress
  • Social events
  • Poor sleep
  • Changes in routine

Offer to be an accountability partner. Having an accountability partner who supports an anxious person can increase the chance of positive outcomes. 

Encourage Self-Care

Encourage basic self-care habits, including maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and staying active. Many of these habits are forgotten when a person struggles with a mental health condition. Good self-care habits can have a big impact, helping one to manage stress, increase energy and lower risk of illness in addition to increasing mood. 

Seek Help

If your loved one experiences unsurmountable anxiety and/or panic attacks, anxiety can be managed through a combination of self-care and professional help. You can offer to help them find a treatment facility, such as Atlanta Recovery Place. Therapy, medication or a combination of the two treatment methods can help with a person battling anxiety. 

Remember to not pressure a person to seek treatment but if they agree therapy could be beneficial, offer your support and willingness to help them take the first steps. 

Let Atlanta Recovery Place Help You or Your Loved One Today

Reach out to the trained and caring professionals at Atlanta Recovery Place today to find out how we can help your loved one through this obstacle and on the path to greater well-being.

Searching for Rehab Facilities in GA? We Can Help!

Searching for rehab facilities in GA?

Finding drug and alcohol rehab facilities in GA can be overwhelming. If your life or loved one’s is careening out of control due to excessive substance abuse, you likely feel the urgency of pursuing necessary treatment. Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction causes terrible damage to the lives of those using substances in addition to those who love them, and treatment is vital. Fortunately, there are many rehab facilities in GA to help.

Why You Should Seek Professional Help for Your Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Many people underestimate the importance of pursuing professional substance abuse treatment. Many people opt out of treatment, trying to just abstain from their drug or drink of choice while unknowingly missing a key part of recovering from addiction. Addiction recovery is much more than merely abstaining because addiction is deeply rooted in many people. Physical detox alone is rarely sufficient by itself as it does not address any physical or mental urges that might trigger a person to use drugs. Taking the necessary steps to examine and work on these inward issues is proven to increase the likelihood that clients will not repeat the same mistakes they have made in the past. 

Furthermore, when drugs and/or alcohol are abused, they can change the structure and function of the brain. These changes can persist after you stop using drugs or alcohol, which is in part why people addicted to substances are at a high risk of relapse even after long periods of abstinence. Treatment helps to better equip clients to identify relapse triggers. 

Another reason you should get addiction treatment from rehab facilities in GA is because detox without medical assistance can be risky in some clients. Professionals at a rehab facility can safely manage physical symptoms of withdrawal while, in some cases, paving the way for effective long-term addiction treatment. 

Benefits of Going to a Rehab Facility in Georgia

Finding treatment at rehab facilities in GA is one of the best things you can do for yourself or a loved one battling the throes of addiction. Anyone struggling with addiction will benefit by going to rehab. Although the primary priority of a rehabilitation facility is to help clients overcome their addiction, there are many other benefits of going to a rehab facility in GA as well, including:

  • Structure: Rehab facilities in GA offer structure. Treatment programs encourage daily routines with days full of counseling sessions and productive activities to keep clients engaged while eliminating distractions. Clients are also allowed breaks throughout the day to sit, visit and relax.
  • A Safe and Supportive Environment: Those battling habitual drug use may experience intense cravings to continue using drugs or alcohol. Stopping cold turkey can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and can be life-threatening in some cases. Drug rehab helps clients to detox in a safe environment while receiving professional treatment and support. 
  • Exploring Underlying Issues: Rehab helps clients to explore any underlying issues that may contribute to drug or alcohol use, including co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Staff counselors have undergone specialized training to help you dig into problems that you may be trying to deal with while teaching you new coping skills for dealing with them that don’t involve using substances.
  • Peer Support: Having the opportunity to connect with those who truly understand how you feel goes a long way in addiction recovery. Group meetings are a great place to do this in a safe and structured environment where you can discuss with each other your feelings and talk about what does and does not work for you.

Reach Out to Atlanta Recovery Place Today

Addiction is not easy and nobody should have to go through it alone. The caring professionals at Atlanta Recovery Place are ready to delicately help with addiction intervention and treatment planning while guiding you or your loved one toward recovery. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient addiction treatment options, in addition to sober living and aftercare options. Contact us today to find out more about our addiction treatment program and how we can help you reclaim your health and wellness.

Choosing the Right Drug Recovery Center

Drug Recovery Center

Choosing a rehabilitation center for drug or alcohol abuse can be overwhelming or difficult regardless of whether you are choosing a drug recovery center for yourself or someone you care about. Drug addiction, also referred to as substance use disorder, is a mental health condition that affects a person’s brain as well as behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of a drug or medication, whether legal or illegal. When a person is addicted, he or she may continue to use the substance regardless of any harm it may cause. 

Often, drug addiction begins with experimental use of recreational drugs in social situations then it becomes more frequent. But for some people, drug addiction can begin with exposure to medications that have been prescribed (either to the or someone they know who shares the medications), such as people addicted to opioids. 

What Is a Drug Recovery Center?

Drug abuse is a horrible condition that can cause significant damage to the lives of addicts and those who love them. Fortunately, treatment is available from drug recovery center professionals and programs that are dedicated to helping addicts along the road to recovery while encouraging and helping them to remain on it. 

Atlanta Recovery Place strives to help our clients make positive changes in their lives by working through maladaptive behaviors. Our clients learn emotional regulation skills, impulse control, healthy coping skills and strategies that will help them refuse drugs to avoid relapse long term. 

The Different Types of Drug Recovery Centers

There are many different types of drug recovery centers. From detox programs to various levels of outpatient drug treatment, there are several options available to people struggling with substance use disorders. Residential or inpatient programs are the most intensive type of drug recovery program while partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment programs offer various degrees of flexibility during the recovery process without requiring clients to pack up their whole lives to live at a treatment center. 

Residential Centers

Residential or inpatient drug recovery center programs allow individuals to stay at the facility round-the-clock – often for no less than 30 days. These arrangements help people battling substance use disorder to focus fully on recovery by removing them entirely from their everyday setting. Residents are in an environment that supports healing, reflection and recovery while being surrounded by caring professionals. 

Partial Hospitalization 

Partial hospitalization programs, often referred to as PHP or partial day treatment, is an ideal option for those undergoing outpatient drug and alcohol treatment who hope to stay at home rather than onsite but still undergo a structured program that will address all aspects of substance abuse. PHPs require clients to be present for several hours a day, at least five days a week.

Intensive Outpatient

An intensive outpatient program is a step below a partial hospitalization program and is a great option for clients hoping to receive long term care for their substance abuse with flexibility. You can receive intensive treatment without having to live onsite while being free to move throughout your recovery process at your own pace so you can experience treatment and normal life at once.

Outpatient Treatment

Some people are better suited for outpatient treatment programs that offer flexibility to live at home while maintaining a normal schedule outside of treatment. Outpatient treatment is designed to offer professional support and care through the addiction recovery process during set times and days for clients. Outpatient treatment programs are the least restrictive treatment programs that are ideal for certain clients. 

Sober Living

Knowing that the early stages of sobriety can be fragile for many people battling addiction, sober living programs are designed to offer a safe space in a community of individuals who are like-minded to encourage sobriety. Sober living homes are luxurious and ensure that clients have everything they need to remain sober during and after treatment. 

How Atlanta Recovery Place Helps With Addiction

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we tailor and individualize each treatment program based on individual client needs. Each of our clients have a unique background, type of drug or drugs used, length of abuse and motivation for seeking treatment. We weigh these factors and help determine the best treatment program and environment for each client in order to help them reach the best outcome for lasting health, wellness and recovery. 

Each client will receive treatment with a therapist as well as a medical doctor. Group and education treatment and alcohol or drug treatment are also part of the recovery treatment regimen. 

Our caring professionals don’t stop there. We know that addiction is usually the result of underlying issues, which is why we seek to treat any mental health disorders that accompany addiction. By helping our clients to get to a healthy mental and physiological state, we help to set them up for a higher chance at success. Reach out to us today for help if you or someone you love are battling addiction.