Treating Clients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Individuals with co-occurring disorders may require additional treatment or support services to address their symptoms and side effects. Healthcare professionals often benefit from providing personalized care to clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other co-occurring mental health issues. The staff at Driftwood Recovery use comprehensive assessments and other tools to help clients with substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis.

Treating Clients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Clients with OCD may struggle to adhere to specific treatment guidelines. For example, time management may be difficult for some individuals with complex routines related to their disorder, making them more likely to miss appointments or fail to complete certain mandatory activities. In addition, clients with OCD often have more severe anxiety and may require accommodations to reduce stress and anxiety during treatment. 

Some of the challenges of treating clients with co-occurring OCD and SUD include: 

• Individuals who have used substances to manage symptoms of OCD may have a more challenging time separating addiction from compulsive behaviors 
• Clients with OCD often experience more severe anxiety during withdrawal 
• Individuals with OCD may find it challenging to distinguish cravings from OCD symptoms 
• People diagnosed with OCD often have rigid, black-and-white thinking and may struggle with the recovery process 
• Clients with OCD are more likely to experience anxiety related to prescription medications 
• SUD and OCD may both lead to self-isolating behaviors, making it more difficult for clients to engage in treatment 

Addiction and mental health experts must consider these factors when educating clients and creating treatment plans. Family involvement in the treatment process could reduce some of the barriers to treatment. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery collaborate with one another and clients to determine what factors may require additional treatment and support. Providing effective and appropriate client care often involves multiple treatment modalities or the support of outside resources. 

Diagnosing Co-Occurring OCD and Substance Use Disorder

Undiagnosed OCD can cause significant emotional distress and interfere with the treatment of alcohol or drug addiction. The initial intake interview involves taking a detailed medical and personal history to ensure that healthcare professionals make an accurate diagnosis. According to the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, “OCD symptoms often go undetected in individuals with SUDs.” Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to diagnose co-occurring disorders. 

Some clients may have multiple co-occurring conditions or severe symptoms of withdrawal that make it more difficult for clinicians to make an accurate diagnosis. The care team at Driftwood Recovery may conduct a second assessment after detox to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and ensure clients receive the best care. Healthcare professionals must consistently monitor client treatment and adjust care plans to address any new symptoms or factors affecting mental health. 

The Connections Between Addiction and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Addiction and OCD have some overlapping risk factors and side effects. Clinicians benefit from educating clients on how these conditions interact. Simultaneous treatment may reduce the severity of symptoms for both disorders. 

A few of the known connections between OCD and SUD include: 

• Individuals with OCD may use alcohol or drugs to manage symptoms 
• Both disorders involve compulsive behaviors 
• Trauma caused by the side effects of substance abuse may lead to OCD 
• Both conditions share neurobiological pathways 

Clients with co-occurring OCD and SUD may have multiple factors connecting both conditions. Healthcare professionals must work with clients and families to determine how best to address the root causes of these disorders. Treating OCD and SUD together can reduce overall stress and speed the healing process. 

Addressing Both Conditions Simultaneously

Clients with co-occurring OCD and SUD may transition through multiple levels of care as they learn to effectively manage their condition. Healthcare professionals use a wide range of therapeutic modalities to address each client’s unique needs. Addressing both conditions simultaneously often has the best outcomes, and treatment for OCD frequently extends through aftercare. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Address Co-Occurring Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery work together to provide clients with practical tools for managing symptoms of OCD during treatment. The integrative care and personalized treatment programs allow clients to heal at their own pace and receive individualized support. 

Symptoms and side effects of OCD vary significantly from person to person. In addition, the impact of SUD on mental health may fluctuate over time. Tailored care plans allow healthcare professionals to carefully monitor and adjust client treatment. Personalized rehabilitation programs support clients and ensure the services meet their needs and preferences. 

Experts Offer Personalized Care Plans

Personalized care plans improve treatment outcomes for individuals with co-occurring SUD and OCD by providing the following:

• Customized therapeutic techniques 
• Optimized medication management 
• Dual relapse prevention 
• Flexible scheduling and practical support 
• Client-centered treatment goals 
• Ongoing evaluation of progress 

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery use tailored treatment and aftercare planning to prepare clients with OCD for long-term sobriety.  

Clients with co-occurring SUD and OCD may struggle with different aspects of treatment. Intrusive thoughts are common and may interfere with a person’s ability to adhere to treatment expectations. Healthcare professionals improve treatment outcomes by taking a detailed client history and determining the best way to accommodate their needs during rehabilitation. Personalized care plans and tailored therapy sessions allow for greater adaptability and enable clients with OCD to manage their symptoms more effectively. Experts at Driftwood Recovery use a whole-person approach to client care to ensure individuals in treatment feel supported and valued. To learn more about how we treat individuals with OCD and other co-occurring conditions, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Addiction and mental health disorders are some of the most stigmatized conditions. The consequences of stigma often result in barriers to care and poor health outcomes. According to Cureus, stigmatization of mental illness can lead to poor help-seeking behavior, delayed diagnosis, discrimination, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. Stigma often stems from a lack of understanding and misinformation, contributing to fear and stereotyping. Therefore, access to psychoeducation in recovery is invaluable to dismantling self-stigma and social stigma for you and your loved ones.

At Driftwood Recovery, we understand that challenges like addiction, mental health, and chronic pain come with predispositions and assumptions. The complexities of stigma can disrupt treatment and recovery to build a courageous life in recovery. Thus, we are committed to guiding and supporting you with psychoeducation in recovery for whole-person healing post-treatment. With psychoeducation in recovery, you can expand your knowledge of evidence-based practices to grow and thrive across every stage of recovery.

Yet, what is psychoeducation? How can psychoeducation in recovery support sustained recovery?

What Is Psychoeducation?

According to Progress in Brain Research, psychoeducation is a therapeutic intervention designed to transfer knowledge about an illness and treatment to enable effective coping. Moreover, psychoeducation integrates emotional and motivational elements that empower you to take an active role in your treatment and recovery. Through psychoeducation in recovery, you are given tools to help you and your loved ones thoroughly understand your condition. The elements of psychoeducation that support knowledge, competence, insight, relapse prevention, and crisis management include:

• Staying informed and educated
  • Provides detailed information about your condition
  • Education of mental health disorders and substance use disorder (SUD)
  • Dismantles misconceptions about SUD and mental illness
  • Reduces stigma
• Skill building
  • Provides practical coping strategies to manage stress, cravings, and triggers
  • Enhances problem-solving skills
  • Improves interpersonal communication skills
  • Enhances decision-making skills
• Fostering emotional support
  • Development of emotional intelligence
  • Improves resilience
  • Fosters a safe space to share challenging emotions and experiences
  • Encourages a sense of belonging and connection with others
  • Reduces isolation and loneliness
• Empowerment through self-assertiveness
  • Encourages self-expression and setting healthy boundaries
  • Reestablishes a sense of control over yourself and your life
  • Guidance of realistic goal-setting
  • Increases goal achievement
  • Strengthens self-efficacy and self-advocacy 

Originally, psychoeducation was conceived in the 1980s to support individuals and their families dealing with schizophrenia. However, psychoeducation has evolved as an evidence-based intervention to support individuals and families with a variety of challenges, including addiction. Thus, there are a variety of different types of psychoeducation programs you can engage with to heal.

Types of Psychoeducation Programs

As the Indian Journal of Psychiatry notes, psychoeducation in recovery can vary based on the target population and program focus. Listed below are some of the different types of psychoeducation programs you can explore for your recovery:

• Active psychoeducation
  • Direct interaction with a clinician
  • Provides clarification in real-time
• Passive psychoeducation
  • You and your loved ones receive educational materials
    • Pamphlets
    • Audio
    • Video
    • Leaflets
  • Materials are designed with simple language for easy understanding and assimilation
• Individual psychoeducation
  • You work one-on-one with a clinician 
  • Individualized support
    • Specific concerns, needs, and symptoms
    • Information and services, relevant to your treatment and recovery
• Group psychoeducation
  • You participate in sessions with a small group with similar conditions
  • Group members learn from each other’s experiences in a supportive environment
    • Sharing insights
    • Fosters a sense of belonging
• Family psychoeducation
  • Can support a single family or multiple families in a group setting
    • Shares the same or similar conditions
  • You and your loved ones gain insight into your condition
  • Together, you learn more effective communication strategies and skills
  • Support relapse prevention
    • Improved recognition of early signs or relapse
• Condition-specific psychoeducation
  • Addresses the specific needs of an individual, family, or community based on the condition
    • Schizophrenia
    • Bipolar disorder (BP)
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Depression
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Personality disorders
    • SUD
    • Co-occurring conditions
  • Condition-specific goal setting
• Model-driven psychoeducation
  • Informational: Focus on condition information and management
  • Skill training: Development of certain skills for more effective condition management
  • Supportive: Engages loved ones in sharing and exploring their feelings
  • Comprehensive: Combines informational, skill training, and supportive models

Whether the psychoeducation program is focused on compliance and adherence, condition, treatment, or rehabilitation, there is a program for you. The versatility of psychoeducation in recovery highlights its position as an invaluable tool for sustained recovery.

Value of Psychoeducation in Recovery

Psychoeducation in recovery can provide various benefits for growth as you learn how to live independently and reconnect to your family and community. Some of the benefits of psychoeducation in recovery include:

• Condition clarity 
• Greater awareness of support services
• Increased self-awareness
• Reduced shame and stigma
• Empowerment
• Trigger identification
• Adaptive coping skills
• Increased engagement and adherence
• Enhanced interpersonal relationships
• Improved treatment outcomes
• Relapse prevention

Access to family psychoeducation in recovery can be particularly valuable to healing the whole family.

Family Psychoeducation in Recovery

The knowledge and support that family psychoeducation can offer can be instrumental in treatment and recovery. As the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states, family psychoeducation does more than provide information; it can reduce relapse, strengthen social support networks, and enhance the functioning and well-being of the entire family. Thus, supportive interpersonal relationships are a cornerstone for health and well-being across every domain of life.

Supporting Whole-Person Well-Being at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we know how important involving the family is for building a solid foundation for sustained recovery. The connections you make with loved ones and your peers are instrumental in restoring those connections with the self. Access to a mutually supportive network allows you and your loved ones to embrace each other in healthier ways. You and your loved ones deserve access to support that encourages and champions a courageous life in recovery. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive alumni program that cherishes connections for healing the whole of your parts.

Addiction and mental illness carry a significant stigma that can impede maintaining recovery. However, access to psychoeducation in recovery can support relapse prevention through the dissemination of information. Psychoeducation can enhance your knowledge of your condition, skill building, emotional support, and self-empowerment. Whether you engage in individual, group, or family psychoeducation, you can unlock tools to reduce shame and stigma, increase your interpersonal relationships, and improve engagement and adherence to treatment. Further, family psychoeducation can be invaluable to restoring those important connections with the self and others to heal the whole family. Thus, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a vibrant holistic alumni program to support healing you and your loved ones. Call us at (512) 759-8330 today.

Developing bad habits is one of the pitfalls a person can face while in addiction recovery. This is especially true for people leaving a structured environment, such as residential treatment. Learning how to care for yourself during and post-treatment can be hard. However, anyone can learn and practice healthy habits. Mental health care and addiction treatment facilities such as Driftwood Recovery work to teach these skills. With enough time and practice, a bad habit can be prevented from taking root. 

What Are Bad Habits?

A habit can be considered good or bad depending on its effect on an individual. Even the most healthy of habits can turn dangerous if misused or uncontrolled. For example, exercise is important to have a healthy body. Over-exercising, however, can put you at risk for serious injury. As a result, a bad habit is defined as actions that cause a detrimental effect on your mental or physical health. These habits may also invoke feelings of guilt or shame in a person.

Examining some examples of common bad habits that can develop during recovery shows how easy a bad habit can take root — but also, how you can fix them. 

#1. Bad Habits That Ignore Healthy Routines

It takes a lot to keep a person healthy. They must eat nutritious food, rest, sleep, exercise, socialize, and stay clean. Some healthy habits are established early in life, such as brushing your teeth or taking a bath regularly. However, it’s easy to fall out of these habits, which neglects your health. Bad habits include examples such as isolating yourself, not sleeping regularly, or eating nothing but junk food. 

Those who engage in these habits are routinely tired and unwell, which can cause them to lose their mental resilience. This makes it harder to resist cravings or urges that can still happen even after addiction treatment is completed.

The best way to get back on track is to use alarms or reminder apps to help establish a new routine. Healthy food services exist to provide nutrition, even when you don’t have time to cook. Driftwood Recovery goes over the importance of nutrition and exercise, so it’s always okay to contact a staff member to help you get on track. It takes time, but establishing a healthy routine will eventually become second nature. 

#2. Rejecting Further Help Because You Feel ‘Cured’

It’s essential to understand that addiction and other mental health conditions can’t be cured. However, they can be managed well enough for someone to achieve recovery and function normally. Recovery is not a finish line, but a continuous journey that will last the rest of your life. Everyone, including you, will need help again at some point in your life. Even people who have never developed an addiction or mental health disorder can need help. Recovery means accepting this and being willing to utilize professional and familial/peer support to assist when needed. 

Assuming that you no longer need to be aware of your mental and physical health can lead to more problems than a decline in general health. Always be aware of your needs and establish a crisis plan with your provider before leaving treatment. 

#3. Bad Habits That Surround You With Negative Influences

Surrounding yourself with negativity can sharply decline your mental health. This can result from a lack of boundaries, or hanging around toxic people. It also comes from living in a chaotic or unclean environment. People-pleasers often fall into these bad habits because they have difficulty saying “no.” Being around these influences can trigger a relapse. 

That’s why Driftwood Recovery works with clients to teach them essential social skills. These include setting firm boundaries, resisting peer pressure, and finding self-worth in yourself. You don’t have to accept mistreatment from others. Free yourself and find healthier connections. You deserve to be treated well. 

#4. Substituting Addictions in Recovery

You’ve worked hard to overcome your addiction. Now care must be taken to ensure that you aren’t still engaging in the bad habit of self-medicating. Bad habits often form as a response to stress and other difficulties. You may be tempted to engage in certain behaviors, such as shopping or gambling, as a form of relaxation. Or you may use substances that you may consider less dangerous, such as nicotine, as a “safer” way to deal with stress. These habits can quickly become another addiction if left unchecked and can rapidly spiral out of control.

The best response is prevention. Clients at Driftwood Recovery learn techniques, such as stress management and self-care, to reduce the desire to self-medicate. If you feel as though your behaviors or substance use are getting out of hand, it’s vital to seek help immediately. 

#5. Being Too Hard on Yourself

Perhaps the most impactful bad habits are the ones that bring down your self-esteem. It’s common for people in recovery to be overly hard on themselves. Such feelings are especially entrenched if their actions harmed someone. The unresolved guilt and shame can drive someone to inflict increasingly dangerous levels of self-punishment or penance. These bad habits start as thoughts that you don’t “deserve” something nice because of your past actions. It can quickly turn into constant negative self-talk, lowered self-esteem, and denying yourself joy. 

Addictions are hard enough on an individual. Self-punishment does nothing but cause pain, because it will never feel enough to completely eradicate guilt and shame. Instead, make a habit of volunteering or giving back to the community. That way, you can make a positive difference in the world and find healing in yourself. Letting go of the guilt is hard, but possible for anyone with the right help. 

It’s easy to not be kind to yourself. Forming healthy habits is in of itself a form of self-care. So, don’t let bad habits sabotage your recovery. Be aware, lean on your support, and seek professional help to ensure lasting healthy recovery habits. 

Bad habits don’t just make life harder. They can also threaten recovery and trigger a relapse. Everyone in recovery needs to be aware of common bad habits around recovery and work to overcome them. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients use therapeutic techniques to identify harmful habits. Then, they can change these habits into healthy ones, ensuring that they have the skills they need to remain in recovery. Having access to a robust community of fellow alumni ensures that clients learn and practice healthy habits, ensuring lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.

In the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in older adults diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals 65 and older often face unique challenges during treatment and continuing care. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to learn how to effectively treat clients of all ages, ensuring they receive the best care to meet their needs. 

Challenges of Treating Older Adults for Substance Abuse

Older adults may have difficulty navigating the treatment process, and some require additional forms of support. Healthcare professionals use comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine what resources clients may benefit from during treatment and ongoing recovery. 

Some of the most common challenges of treating older individuals with SUD include: 

• Stigma and shame surrounding substance abuse or treatment
• Generational attitudes toward addiction and mental health 
• Chronic health conditions 
• Prescription medication management 
• Limited mobility or transportation issues 
• Social isolation and a lack of support systems
• Financial barriers to starting or maintaining treatment 
• Lack of age-specific programs 
• Co-occurring cognitive decline
• Greater vulnerability to severe withdrawal symptoms 
• Unhealthy family dynamics 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Aging could possibly lead to social and physical changes that may increase vulnerability to substance misuse.” Treatment must address the underlying causes of the addictive behaviors to help older clients avoid falling back into maladaptive patterns of behavior after they complete treatment. 

Stigma and Misinformation

People often avoid activities that may cause others to think of them in a negative way. Societal expectations of what addiction or mental health disorders look like for older adults may make it harder for some people to accept the need for professional treatment. 

Some of the stigma and misinformation related to seniors with alcohol or drug addiction include: 

• Older adults may believe it is acceptable to abuse alcohol, prescription opioids, or other substances to address chronic pain 
• The belief that older adults are “set in their ways” and incapable of changing addictive behaviors 
• Misinformation about age-related memory issues and confusion may make it more difficult for individuals and families to recognize signs of substance abuse
• Addiction is often seen as less disruptive or problematic in retired individuals 
• Many people believe rehab programs are for “young people” and do not have the resources to effectively treat older adults
• Some people may believe alcohol or drug abuse is a normal way to cope with loneliness caused by social isolation 
• Older people may believe addiction is only experienced by younger age groups

Normalizing conversations about the realities of addiction and mental health with clients and families reduces stigma and misinformation. Healthcare professionals have an important role in educating communities and ensuring clients understand the risk factors associated with age. Family therapy, psychoeducation, and other support services provide clients and families with essential information about substance abuse and addiction recovery. 

Additional Barriers to Treatment for Older Adults

Seniors face additional barriers to starting and maintaining professional addiction treatment, including: 

• Heightened sense of guilt, embarrassment, or shame 
• Resistance to change 
• Coping with grief or loss during recovery 

Seniors also often take multiple prescription medications, making it difficult for them to benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other services. Healthcare professionals educate individuals and families to help clients overcome barriers to treatment. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Treat Older Adults?

The addiction and mental health experts at Driftwood Recovery use tailored care plans and family support to treat older adults with SUD or dual diagnosis. Clinicians understand that older adults may struggle to connect with the care team or have difficulty adhering to treatment expectations. Rehabilitation programs offer flexibility to ensure the care team can adapt to the needs of each client. 

Many resources are available to help healthcare professionals provide high-quality care to seniors. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) “has a number of products for serving older adults with mental and substance use disorders that can be useful to clinicians, other service providers, older adults, and caregivers.” 

Becoming Familiar With the Needs of Seniors

Seniors have unique needs to ensure their continued mental, physical, and spiritual wellness during treatment for substance abuse or mental health disorders. Healthcare professionals support seniors by becoming familiar with their needs through assessments, one-on-one intersections, and collaboration with family members. 

Every client has different needs and life situations. However, healthcare workers can effectively support seniors in rehabilitation by doing the following:

• Personalizing treatment to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of seniors
• Addressing co-occurring conditions during treatment 
• Creating a safe and comfortable environment by adjusting lighting or noise levels and making other accommodations for sensory or mobility issues
• Using simple, direct language and written instructions to communicate clearly 
• Connecting seniors with peers 
• Educating families about the unique challenges of addiction and recovery for seniors
• Offering alternative holistic services to support spiritual and mental health 

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery ensure that older clients have access to essential and complimentary services to provide the best possible treatment outcomes. 

Seniors with substance use disorder often struggle to get the support they need due to multiple barriers to treatment. Stigma, lack of resources, age-related health issues, and other factors make it more difficult for older adults to participate in rehabilitation programs. Healthcare professionals make their programs more accessible to older adults by offering tailored treatment services addressing their unique needs. Family engagement is often an essential part of treatment for older adults to ensure they have support during continuing care. Driftwood Recovery treats seniors using personalized treatment plans and an integrative approach to care that ensures consistency. To learn more about our programs and facility, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

Traditional ideas of recovery and media representations often paint addiction treatment with a broad brush. As a result, sobriety is usually thought of as the abstinence of substances. However, detox and abstinence are only elements of your journey toward sustained recovery. Recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) and or co-occurring mental health disorders requires a whole-person approach to healing. Thus, understanding the impact of self-stigma is an important step towards maintaining your recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know how important it is to find a meaningful role in life. Finding meaning and purpose is fundamental to believing in your capacity for change and growth. A sense of self can encourage self-compassion and motivation to continue to strive for wellness. However, challenges post-treatment with stressors like stigma can impede your well-being. Further, the impact of self-stigma can rob you of your confidence and hope. 

Therefore, understanding the impact of self-stigma can be invaluable to dismantling barriers to a courageous life in recovery. Yet, you may question how self-stigma can dismantle all the work you have done to heal. The impact of self-stigma alone does not lead to relapse but is a powerful obstacle that erodes your resilience. Thus, understanding the impact of self-stigma, further highlights the need to break down the assumptions about treatment and recovery that disrupt adaptive coping strategies. 

Assumptions About Treatment and Recovery

Many assumptions about addiction and mental health can cloud judgment on treatment and recovery. Some of the assumptions that can impede your well-being include:

• The loss of friends
  • Truth: Disconnecting from friends who still abuse substances is common
  • Those friendships were based on substance use
  • You learn how to build healthy and mutually supportive sober relationships 
• Constant boredom
  • Truth: Sobriety gives you the freedom to discover or rediscover sober passions
  • Finding sober activities and hobbies can foster joy and fulfillment
• Loss of identity
  • Truth: Sobriety can give you the tools to uncover your true identity
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is not real sobriety
  • Truth: MAT can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings
  • Support relapse prevention
• No support post-treatment
  • Truth: A comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment supports continuing care resources
  • You can access alumni services and resources that support sustained recovery
    • Outpatient programs
    • Sober living
    • Stable housing resources
    • Education and employment resources
    • Counseling
    • Peer support groups
    • Family programs
    • Alumni meetings, events, and activities
• Relapse equals failure
  • Truth: Recovery is a dynamic process, filled with peaks and valleys
  • Much like other health challenges, addiction is a disorder that requires individualized trial and error
• Recovery equals cured
  • Truth: Recovery is a lifelong process of self-discovery and growth
  • Through recovery, you engage in the continuation of self-education, adaptive coping strategies, forming healthy habits, and social support 
• Seeking support is a weakness
  • Truth: It takes significant courage and bravery to recognize the need for support and to reach out for help

The assumptions associated with treatment and recovery are often unfounded myths that perpetuate stigma. Through the perpetuation of myths about addiction and mental health, stigma is left to fester and rot the sense of self. It is imperative to understand the role stigma plays in recovery.     

Understanding the Different Forms of Stigma

In general, stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes people may hold about others. The negative attitude, prejudice, or false beliefs of stigma are often associated with specific traits, seen and unseen health symptoms, and sociocultural circumstances. Through stigma, discrimination occurs, which can increase challenges with others, laws and practices, and how you see yourself. Thus, stigma does not exist as a singular form; rather, there are many intersecting forms of stigma. As the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) notes, stigma can be broken into three categories: 

• Social stigma: negative stereotypes that members or perceived members of a group have socially undesirable characteristics
  • Built on misunderstandings, partial truths, and generalizations 
  • Leads to distancing and exclusion
• Structural stigma: discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that negatively impact specific individuals and groups
  • Built on explicit and implicit biases
  • Leads to unequal access to opportunities, resources, and services
    • Housing
    • Employment
    • Education
    • Healthcare
    • Criminalization
• Self-stigma: when members of a stigmatized group believe the negative beliefs and stereotypes about themselves
  • Built on the pervasive and persistent nature of social and structural stigma
  • Leads to shame, guilt, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and the avoidance of support

Further, the impact of self-stigma in particular can be profoundly detrimental to maintaining recovery.

The Impact of Self-Stigma on Recovery

Many different characteristics like race and ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and religion are stigmatized. Additionally, groups with physical disabilities, mental illness, and or SUD experience significant stigmatization. In particular, the impact of self-stigma erodes resilience to the challenges of SUD and or co-occurring mental illness. As noted in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, once you internalize negative stereotypes, you are open to physical and psychological harm:

• Self-esteem
• Self-worth
• Self-efficacy
• Health outcomes
• Quality of life
• Healthcare service use
• Increase self-isolation

Yet, how do you overcome the impact of self-stigma?

Dismantling the Impact of Self-Stigma

Stigma is a social injustice that harms countless lives. Although you cannot eradicate social and structural stigma alone, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact of self-stigma in your life. While everyone’s experiences and needs are unique, a strong support system can be invaluable to dismantling the impact of self-stigma. Connecting with your loved ones, peers, and community can support:

• Empowerment
• Self-worth
• Self-compassion
• Self-understanding
• Self-reliance 
• Independence
• Knowledge
• Adaptive coping
• Resilience
• Sense of belonging

Through activities and shared experiences, you can form a sense of community with others to thrive in recovery together.

Healing Connections: Overcoming the Impact of Self-Stigma at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we know how valuable a peer-driven approach can be for whole-person healing. With a strong alumni family, you can meet, manage, and overcome everyday and unexpected stressors. Moreover, through shared experiences, you are reminded that you are not alone or less than. You are loved, wanted, valued, and worthy of health, recovery, and happiness. 

Stigma contributes to myths about treatment and recovery for SUD and mental health disorders. Further, challenges with stigma can come from social stigma, structural stigma, and self-stigma. Each category of stigma can be detrimental, but the impact of self-stigma can be particularly harmful to recovery. Self-stigma can erode your self-esteem and self-worth and increase self-isolation. You become convinced that you are weak, a burden, and unworthy of healing. However, with support, you can rediscover your sense of belonging to thrive. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to fostering a peer-driven alumni to heal through connections built from shared experiences and support. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more today.

Continuous and reliable mental health support is one of the essential components in lasting recovery. With the internet, it’s now easier than ever to stay in contact with a support network. It’s not just this contact that is a boon to those seeking mental health support. More access to digital resources has broken down barriers that kept people from seeking help, or realizing that they need help in the first place. The more awareness about mental health conditions is spread, the more likely vital information will reach those who need it the most.

However, as amazing as the internet is in assisting people, it can also bring harm. It’s important for those who rely on digital mental health support to understand common dangers they may face along the way. The internet, like most tools, can have a positive or negative effect depending on how the individual utilizes it. 

That’s why mental health care and addiction treatment facilities work to stay on top of the constant breakthroughs in digital support and care. Doing so helps keep clients safe, while also having access to new tools that can further assist in treatment and recovery. Facilities like Driftwood Recovery have even created their own app, allowing their clients and alumni to have portable support and assistance. 

The digital world is vast, but there are some common places a struggling person can look for mental health support.

Common Digital Sources of Mental Health Support

The internet is amazing in that it can connect people who are states, or even whole continents away. Easy means of creating websites, forums, and chatrooms allows for the quick creation of communities united under one topic or goal. It’s common for people to use these sources to connect with those who share a hobby, or the love for a book or television series. However, those who need mental health support can find communities centered around care, treatment, and recovery. A few searches or recommendations from a treatment provider can point you in the right direction to find them.

Local support groups or mental health care facilities may have an online chatroom or forum that clients can access alongside in-person meetings. Some facilities use telehealth, a video care service to reach clients who may be unable to leave their homes, or live far away. Telehealth has been invaluable in extending care to vulnerable people, especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. As long as you have a webcam, you can chat with a provider, or participate in a support group on Zoom, all without leaving the house.

Apps are another common source of mental health support. They can do everything from sending medication reminders to walking you through calming breathing exercises. Some people in recovery use apps to track their progress or journal their experiences. No matter what your needs are, a specialized app may exist to assist you. 

However, as useful as these digital support tools are, it’s still important to be cautious when using them.

Online Safety Tips When Seeking Mental Health Support

Several dangers can exist online — one being toxic communities and echo chambers. These communities can spread misinformation or even encourage someone to jeopardize their recovery. Before joining an online community or chat group, examine their behaviors. Do they encourage you to seek professional help, or are they trying to sell you a miracle cure? Will they hold you accountable, or will they blame your actions on others? Do they accept criticism, or do they get angry when you bring up concerns? Trust your gut, especially if they make you feel insecure or isolated.

Secondly, never give out your full name and address online. Be wary about sharing pictures, especially if they have identifying information in them. If you are meeting someone, do so in a public place and always tell someone where you are going. Some apps can also be malware or viruses in disguise. Always check reviews and only download apps from secure sites. 

If you are seeking digital mental health support, it’s always okay to talk to a mental health care professional about it. They’ll give you resources that will help you find connections with others. They may be able to recommend apps or other digital tools that can offer assistance. For those in treatment at Driftwood Recovery, there is the Driftwood Recovery app — which can further assist in the recovery process. 

The Driftwood Recovery App

As part of the alumni program, all clients, alumni, and their families have access to the Driftwood Recovery app. This app is designed to help participants stay connected, no matter how far away they are. It allows for continuous peer support, ensuring that nobody is alone or isolated. This is important, as studies show that peer support has a positive effect on recovery. The Driftwood Recovery app also offers easy access to current and future events. With regular updates, participants learn about upcoming workshops and community meetups. 

The goal of the Driftwood Recovery app is to remind participants that they are never alone, even when they struggle. There is always a way to connect with your peers. Sobriety can be challenging and having that connection available can be welcomed. Also, it’s not uncommon for peers to form lasting friendships. Being reminded of exciting upcoming events can offer mental health support by showing you that good things are coming your way. For those who struggle to pull themselves out of darkness, having such a beacon of light can help guide them out.

The digital age offers many wonders. Perhaps the most amazing of all is easier access to help for those struggling. 

The digital age has allowed for people with mental health disorders to find support and assistance from the comfort of their homes. Utilizing digital resources ensures that individuals can stay in contact with their support network or seek help quickly. The value of such tools cannot be overstated. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, we provide and guide clients to mental health digital tools to assist them in their recovery journey. With our Driftwood Recovery app, alumni can stay connected, and subsequently, stay in recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or its co-occurring mental health disorders, don’t wait to get help. Contact Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common co-occurring disorders diagnosed alongside substance use disorder (SUD). The symptoms and side effects of ADHD vary significantly from person to person and exist along a spectrum. Healthcare professionals use evidence-based and holistic modalities to treat addiction and co-occurring ADHD. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff to tailor treatment services to accommodate clients with ADHD and other conditions. 

Clients With ADHD May Experience Unique Symptoms and Side Effects

Healthcare professionals must keep in mind how co-occurring conditions, including ADHD, may impact a client’s ability to adhere to treatment guidelines and achieve lasting sobriety. Flexible rehabilitation programs treat all active conditions simultaneously and allow for accommodations. Experts in mental health and addiction work together to effectively address any symptoms or side effects clients experience during early recovery. 

Individuals diagnosed with co-occurring SUD and ADHD may experience unique symptoms, including: 

• Impulsivity 
• Difficulty delaying gratification 
• Increased cravings and intrusive thoughts 
• Forgetfulness
• Disorganization
• Intense mood swings and emotion dysregulation 
• Trouble with low stimulation and boredom 
• Chronic sleep disturbances or irregular sleep patterns 
• Impaired executive function 
• Inconsistent motivation and difficulty following through with set goals 

Clinicians benefit from collaborating with clients to determine the most effective way to manage issues affecting client focus, energy, and commitment to recovery. Treatment plans generally include a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. According to Cureus, “Non-pharmacologic interventions proposed for the management of ADHD include mindfulness-based stress management, exercise, and meditation amongst others.” Staff at Driftwood Recovery accommodate clients with ADHD who may need additional structure or support to remain actively engaged in treatment. 

Creating Personalized Care Plans for Specific Groups

Tailored care plans allow mental health and addiction experts to adjust treatment as needed to meet client goals. Healthcare professionals create personalized treatment plans by doing the following: 

• Utilizing comprehensive assessments
• Identifying client goals 
• Customizing therapeutic modalities 
• Offering medication management 
• Addressing sensory and environment considerations 
• Enhancing coping skills
• Offering family and social support
• Gradually exposing clients to triggers 
• Offering practical support adhering to treatment 
• Comprehensive aftercare planning 

An individualized approach to client care improves the effectiveness of addiction treatment for clients with ADHD. According to the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, “The premise is that individual differences are likely to exist in the effects of treatments and that if those individual differences can be predicted, they can be used to select the most effective treatment for a particular individual.” Tailored care plans reduce the risk of relapse. The dedicated professionals at Driftwood Recovery educate clients and their loved ones on the various treatment options to ensure they make informed decisions about their care. 

Being Mindful of Co-Occurring Conditions to Better Serve Clients

Co-occurring conditions may interfere with rehabilitation, making it more difficult for healthcare professionals to treat clients. Individuals with SUD and ADHD may have other co-occurring conditions affecting their ability to adhere to treatment programs. Being mindful of all active disorders and underlying issues ensures that addiction and mental health professionals provide appropriate treatment options to meet each client’s unique needs. 

Healthcare Professionals Can Adjust Treatment Programs to Support Clients With ADHD

Treatment programs should meet clients’ needs by anticipating and addressing issues affecting client engagement. Healthcare professionals often use an integrative approach to care and collaboration to ensure clients can access essential support. 

Some potential accommodations that addiction and mental health professionals provide to clients with ADHD include the following: 

• Allowing movement or breaks during therapy 
• Breaking therapy down into shorter sessions 
• Supplementing treatment with written or visual instructions and guidelines 
• Adjusting expectations and treating clients with compassion if they struggle with memory issues or focus
• Teaching effective strategies for emotional regulation
• Recognizing and addressing impulsivity during relapse prevention education 
• Teaching time management strategies 
• Allowing for greater flexibility in treatment sessions 

Healthcare professionals work with each client to determine what symptoms or side effects of their ADHD may need to be addressed through accommodations or other forms of support. 

How Do Professionals at Driftwood Recovery Treat Clients With ADHD?

Individuals with co-occurring SUD and ADHD benefit from tailored care focused on both conditions. According to The American Journal on Addictions, “Given the common co-occurrence of ADHD with SUD, clinicians working with patients with SUD must be proficient in the identification and treatment of ADHD.” The staff members at Driftwood Recovery treat ADHD using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. 

Preparing Clients for Lasting Sobriety With Comprehensive Aftercare Planning

Clients with ADHD often struggle to manage cravings, everyday stressors, and intrusive thoughts. Healthcare professionals improve the effectiveness of treatment and help clients continue making progress in their healing journey by developing comprehensive aftercare plans. Staff prepare clients for long-term recovery by educating them in the realities of recovery from addiction with ADHD. 

Some of the factors clients and clinicians must consider during aftercare planning include: 

• Greater risk of impulsive relapse during continuing care 
• Need for increased accountability and frequent check-ins 
• Greater risk of boredom leading to relapse 
• Need for structured routines 

The experts at Driftwood Recovery work together to ensure that clients feel confident and prepared for long-term sobriety by providing detailed aftercare plans and referrals to additional resources. 

ADHD affects everyone differently. Some individuals may not need additional accommodations to successfully participate in structured treatment. However, other clients may require therapy, prescription medications, or other treatments to control symptoms of ADHD during rehabilitation and aftercare. ADHD cannot be “cured” and must be managed long-term. Healthcare professionals use their experience and expertise to help clients and their families navigate recovery. Driftwood Recovery treats clients with ADHD and other co-occurring disorders using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. The personalized approach improves treatment outcomes and ensures clients have the ability to focus on their treatments. To learn more about our facility, programs, and treatments, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Healthcare professionals work with a wide range of individuals with different needs, including clients diagnosed with autism. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be twice as likely to experience substance use disorder (SUD). According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, “The high functioning group of patients with ASD will be more likely to engage in social activities and may use alcohol or drugs as a coping strategy or a form of self-medication to reduce social anxiety and increase their social skills.” Driftwood Recovery treats clients with autism using evidence-based and alternative holistic modalities. 

Creating Personalized Care Plans for Clients With Autism

Individuals with ASD benefit from personalized care plans and comprehensive support services. Healthcare professionals create a more welcoming and comfortable environment by tailoring care plans to each client’s expectations and needs. 

Addiction and mental health experts create individualized treatment plans for clients with autism by doing the following: 

• Conducting thorough evaluations and assessments to determine what factors may impact treatment and recovery 
• Collaborating with neurodevelopmental specialists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists 
• Accommodating sensory sensitivities during treatment 
• Providing structured, consistent, and predictable schedules 
• Modifying therapeutic modalities to suit each client’s preferred style of communication 
• Providing autism-friendly coping skills for managing SUD and co-occurring conditions 
• Involving family members in the treatment process 

Clinicians benefit from collaborating with professionals, clients, and families to create the most effective treatment plans. Healthcare professionals treating clients with ASD must take into consideration all factors that may affect the client-clinician relationship and the client’s comfort during rehabilitation. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to educate themselves on the needs of specific groups to ensure they provide the best care. 

Autism and Support Services

Individuals with autism may require additional support services to address underlying issues, co-occurring conditions, or other health concerns. Clinicians may refer clients to specialists to ensure they receive high-quality care. Clients with ASD also benefit from comprehensive aftercare planning and alumni support services during the transition from structured treatment to aftercare. Healthcare professionals may consult with outside professionals to ensure they provide the most appropriate care to individuals with ASD. 

Family Involvement in Treatment and Aftercare

Family involvement provides additional information for the clinical team and ensures clients have more support. According to Pediatric Research, “Most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—a complex, life-long developmental disorder—do not have access to the care required to address their diverse health needs.” Healthcare professionals educate families and clients, providing information on additional resources to ensure they receive the best care. 

Rehabilitation programs incorporate families into the community and recovery process by doing the following: 

• Providing updates to family members with approval from the client 
• Offering family therapy and other support services 
• Using community events to educate families and introduce them to the sober community 

Individuals with autism benefit from having a solid support network. Staff at Driftwood Recovery help clients develop a support system and prepare for long-term sobriety. 

Unique Challenges Faced by Clients With Autism

Some of the unique challenges faced by clients with autism include: 

• Disruption to daily routines during treatment may cause emotional distress and resistance to change 
• Group therapy and support groups may feel intimidating and overwhelming 
• Difficulty with traditional talk therapy due to literal interpretations of language
• Clinical setting may cause sensory overload and increased anxiety 
• Difficulty identifying and expressing emotions 
• Traditional mindfulness-based therapies may not be effective 

Healthcare professionals help clients navigate these challenges using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Treat Clients With Autism?

The clinical team and support staff at Driftwood Recovery use tailored care plans to treat clients with ASD. Therapeutic sessions, peer interactions, and program expectations may be adjusted as needed to support clients with specialized needs. Staff ensure clients and their families have the information and resources they need to successfully navigate rehabilitation and aftercare. Each client has unique needs, and every department at the facility works together to ensure those needs are met.  

Healthcare Professionals Help Clients Navigate Treatment

Clients with autism may need additional help navigating the treatment process from the initial interview until the transition to aftercare. Healthcare professionals support clients by building trust through person-centered care. Staff at Driftwood Recovery have the training and expertise needed to treat individuals with autism and ensure they feel comfortable maintaining sobriety independently. 

Healthcare professionals accommodate clients with autism by doing the following: 

• Creating sensory-friendly environments
• Using clear language and avoiding metaphors or abstract concepts to ensure effective communication 
• Providing predictable routines 
• Teaching individualized coping strategies
• Allowing for gradual social exposure and community integration 
• Adapting relapse prevention plans 
• Providing autism-friendly, trauma-informed care 
• Validating neurodivergent experiences 

Individuals with autism benefit from participating in addiction and mental health treatment programs. Healthcare professionals offer essential insights, resources, education, and support to clients and their loved ones to ensure individuals with autism have positive treatment outcomes. 

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may experience challenges during treatment related to interpersonal connections, communication, and behavior. Healthcare professionals work with clients to determine how best to accommodate their needs and preferences while providing appropriate and effective treatment. Autism exists along a spectrum, and each client has a unique recovery experience. Experts in addiction recovery and mental health have an ethical obligation to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable during the treatment process. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery work closely with clients and their loved ones to ensure individuals with autism receive the level of support they need to heal from SUD and mental health disorders. To learn more about our staff and facility, call us at (512) 759-8330.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40.3 million people (14.5%) in the United States have a substance use disorder (SUD). In addition, as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes, 59.3 million (23.1%) U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Further, as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states, approximately 21.5 million adults in the U.S. have a co-occurring disorder. The prevalence of SUD, other mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorders highlights the complexities of recovery and the need for continuing care. With continuing care in recovery, you can utilize resources like self-help groups to address various challenges in recovery. 

At Driftwood Recovery, we know fostering a connection with a community of peers in recovery is invaluable to recovery. Through the forging of deep connections with others, you can gain greater self-awareness and self-understanding. With greater self-awareness and self-understanding, you can build a strong base of connection with both the self and others to sustain recovery. The power of connection reminds you that you belong, are loved, and are deserving of healing. Thus, the power of connection with others makes self-help groups crucial to the healing process.

Yet, you may question how you can build connections with self-help groups. Often challenges with SUD and/or other mental health disorders work to disconnect you from others. SUD and mental health challenges isolate you and convince you that no one understands you or your experiences. However, self-help groups can help you recognize that you are not alone in your challenges or recovery. By increasing your knowledge of self-help groups, you can better understand their value for your well-being. 

What Are Self-Help Groups?

As noted in “Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines” by C. Khasnabis et al., self-help groups are informal groups of people who work together to address common challenges. At the core of self-help groups is the idea of mutual support in which the group members help each other. Further, as the American Psychological Association (APA) states, self-help groups meet regularly to help each other cope with various life problems. As a result, typically there is no fee or limit to the number of group members, and it is led by members rather than health professionals. Through self-help groups, you can find emotional support and practical help to share experiences, coping strategies, and resources. 

Yet, you may question why you would join a self-help group. Aren’t self-help groups and group therapy the same if they both offer things like experiential support? Why choose a self-help group when you can get professional support in group therapy? Group therapy can be invaluable to your recovery. However, understanding the difference between self-help and group therapy can provide insight into the value of self-help groups post-treatment.

Differences Between Self-Help and Group Therapy

According to “Understanding Group Therapy and Support Groups” by Marla Deibler, group therapy and self-help groups can play a significant role in your long-term well-being. Self-help groups and group therapy share many similarities and are often used in conjunction. While you can benefit from self-help groups and group therapy in your recovery, there are some key differences to note:

• Self-help groups
  • Affordable
  • Unlimited group size
  • More informal
    • May or may not have a set curriculum
    • Topics vary based on current challenges
    • Process-oriented
  • Most often led by peers
  • You can attend meetings for as long as needed
  • Supports the transition from treatment to recovery
  • Bridges gaps in support
• Group therapy
  • A greater expense but often covered by insurance
  • Small group
  • More formal
    • Follows a curriculum
    • Tailored to address specific issues
    • May include homework 
    • Focused goals
  • Guidance from clinicians
  • Often supports well-being in treatment

At the end of the day, the goal of continuing care services is to help you find the right resources for you. 

Finding Your Group: Types of Self-Help Groups

Much like your experiences, there are a variety of self-help groups that are unique in the needs they support. Some of the different self-help groups types include:

• 12-Step
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  • Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)
• Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery)
• Online support groups
• Condition-specific support groups
  • Alzheimer’s Association
• Educational support groups
• Family support groups

Many different types of self-help groups can overlap with each other, like educational and family support groups. Thus, there is a support group that can meet your specific needs, from meeting in person or online, using a formal or informal structure, to serving specific communities. Access to different types of self-help groups can have a profound impact on your well-being.

Benefits of Self-Help Groups

Through education, shared experiences, and peer support, you can address challenges that impact every facet of your life. Self-help groups have become known for the value they bring to psychological wellness, sobriety, and vulnerable communities. Listed below are some additional benefits of support groups:

• Self-esteem
• Motivation
• Self-regulation 
• Adaptive coping skills
• Self-efficacy
• Reduce stigma
• Sense of belonging

Further, self-help groups are cost-effective, which can help close the gap in support for individuals and communities that experience greater socioeconomic barriers.

Building Community Through Shared Experiences at Driftwood Recovery

Self-help groups’ ability to address and close gaps in socioeconomic barriers speaks to its power as a tool for change and growth throughout recovery. At Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a strong alumni program, where you can find connection, meet challenges head-on, and thrive at every stage of recovery. We understand that many of the challenges you have faced in treatment and recovery are intersectional. Therefore, you deserve a treatment and recovery program that meets you where you are. With compassion, guidance, support, and accountability, you can break the cycle of suffering to foster a purposeful and fulfilling life in sustained recovery.

Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health disorders does not start and end with treatment. The challenges of addiction and mental illness impact every facet of your life. Thus, access to continuing care services like an alumni program is invaluable to maintaining recovery. Through an active alumni program, you can connect with peers and access resources like self-help groups to thrive post-treatment. While group therapy and self-help groups have many similarities, outside of treatment, self-help groups offer an affordable, peer-driven, and flexible support option. At Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing support that fosters physical, psychological, and social wellness. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn how self-help groups can support whole-person healing and sustained recovery.

Mood disorders as a whole affect a large amount of our current population. According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, 21.4% of U.S. adults are estimated to have had a mood disorder at some point in their lives. Mood disorders tend to have co-occurring disorders — one of the most common being substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction. Together, this creates a dual diagnosis, when a person has two or more co-occurring mental health disorders. 

Are you more likely to have one of these disorders if you have another? Statistically, the answer is yes: 56% of people with bipolar disorder have also reported to have an SUD, along with 18% of those with major depressive disorder. However, this does not necessarily mean that one disorder will always cause the other. The true answer is a lot more complex, but there is a noticeable link between the two disorders. As more research is conducted, the more we learn why these disorders are so closely linked.

What Are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders affect a person’s emotions and feelings to the point where it interferes with their ability to function in normal life. There are two types of mood disorder, depression and bipolar disorder. Both these disorders can be further broken down into types — such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or bipolar II disorder. Mood disorders are typically long lasting, sometimes even life-long. However, with professional help, people can and do live normal lives while living with these conditions. 

Common symptoms of depressive disorders include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Difficulties in concentration or focus 
• Self-isolation 
• Unplanned weight-loss or gain
• Difficulties falling asleep or sleeping too much 

Common symptoms of bipolar disorders include:

• Feelings of worthless or guilt
• Episodes of depression, mania and/or hypomania
• Feelings of melancholy
• Engagement in risky behavior
• Feeling a distorted sense of well-being

Though different disorders, there are some overlapping symptoms — mainly, thoughts of suicide or death. Experiencing these symptoms denotes a need for help. If you can’t stop thinking about death or suicide, reach out for help right away through the 988 Lifeline.

Why Are Mood Disorders and Addiction Linked?

It’s hard to tell which disorder came first in a dual diagnosis. Mood disorders often lead to someone self-medicating to deal with negative feelings, which leads to dependence and then addiction. Substance use can exacerbate mood degradation, which can develop into depression or other mood disorders. But what causes someone to want to engage in substance use, or develop a mood disorder? There are several theories on what may be responsible for the development of both conditions. 

Genetics may be one cause. Both mood disorders and addiction have genetic risk factors. Those with family members with either disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. By no means is this a prophecy, but many with either disorder report that they have a family member who struggles as well. 

Trauma and adverse living conditions may also be an underlying link between both disorders. Living in an abusive situation can cause the development of a mood disorder as well as a dependence on substances as a coping mechanism. This is especially true if there is an overabundance of stress. Depression may arise from feelings of helplessness due to chronic stress, and stress can facilitate self-medicating behaviors to deal with it.

Some substances themselves can mimic symptoms of depression and mania. For example, withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine can cause the development of anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) — a common symptom of depression. These symptoms are the result of a change in brain chemistry. Disorders like depression can arise with the interruption of brain chemicals like serotonin. An individual’s brain chemistry is unique and delicate. The interruption of such due to substance abuse can be a factor behind mood disorders. 

Treating a Dual Diagnosis at Driftwood Recovery

The staff at Driftwood Recovery understand the link between mood disorders and addiction and are fully prepared to offer dual diagnosis treatment. A dual diagnosis can be complex, requiring a specialized treatment plan to facilitate recovery. Although a dual diagnosis can feel impossible to overcome, plenty can and do recover from them. The goal is to address the underlying cause for full healing. This can include utilizing trauma-based therapies, family therapy, and stress management techniques. Paired with holistic methodologies and frequent evaluations, clients get the care they need for success. 

Medications may also be needed as part of treatment. Conditions like bipolar disorder do need medication to manage symptoms. Those with depressive disorders can utilize medication to help them feel more focused and comfortable as they undergo treatment. Some addictions may require medication-assisted detox or withdrawal management for the safety of the client. If you need medications, Driftwood Recovery will ensure that the process is safe.

Sometimes being removed from a toxic environment can facilitate positive change in treatment. Driftwood Recovery is designed to be a sanctuary, offering security, safety, and support to all who receive treatment there. This environment shows clients that, yes, they deserve to be treated well and to receive kindness. Such an environment is important for those who want privacy as they recover. 

Again, it’s important to reiterate that though mood disorders and addiction are linked, they are not a guarantee. However, those who struggle with both can achieve recovery as long as they are willing to accept professional help. Experiencing either condition, let alone both, is serious enough to necessitate treatment. So don’t wait, experience Driftwood Recovery for yourself. 

The link between mood disorders and addiction means that many people struggle with a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis takes specialized treatment to overcome, but recovery is possible for anyone with the right professional help. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients can find comprehensive and compassionate dual diagnosis treatment. With an emphasis on providing sanctuary, clients find a supportive and safe environment to find healing. Evidence-backed and holistic treatments ensure total care to an individual’s mind, body, and spirit. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mood disorder and addiction, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Driftwood Recovery today by calling (512) 759-8330.