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.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a poorly understood mental health condition that is deeply rooted in stigma. This causes those living with this condition to avoid seeking help, which in turn causes the condition to worsen. Without treatment, those living with this disorder can damage not only their relationships with others but themselves as well.
It’s why seeking a diagnosis and treatment is so critical after noticing the signs of BPD. Although it’s a life-long condition, it can still be treated and managed. Mental health care and addiction treatment facilities, such as Driftwood Recovery, treat conditions like BPD. This is because this condition and addiction commonly co-occur, resulting in a dual diagnosis.
Admitting that you or a loved one may have BPD can be scary. It’s a condition poorly represented in popular media and often used to paint someone as the villain. Separating fact from fiction can be hard, but with the help of a mental health care professional, light can shine on this highly misunderstood condition.
A Brief Overview Of BPD
BPD is a mental health condition that results in extreme mood fluctuations and impulsivity. This can have a severe impact on the person’s interpersonal and social relationships. It is part of cluster B personality disorders, which involve dramatic and erratic behaviors. Common symptoms of BPD include:
- Extreme mood fluctuations and swings
- Patterns of unstable interpersonal relationships
- Intense fear of abandonment
- Difficulty regulating emotions, especially anger
- Impulsive, dangerous, and reckless behavior
- Temporary paranoid thoughts
- Repeated self-harm or suicidal behavior
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Unstable self-image or sense of self
It’s unknown what exactly causes BPD to develop. However, survivors of childhood abuse or trauma have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with this condition. Factors such as family history, brain changes, and being diagnosed with conditions such as depression or anxiety can also increase the risk of BPD.
Myths and Facts Surrounding BPD
Separating the facts from misinformation is important in reducing the stigma those with BPD face. The more this stigma is lessened, the more likely those with the condition can find the assistance they need for recovery. Many struggle with this condition because they don’t know there are tools out there to help them. Spreading awareness doesn’t just help you. It also helps those around you who are hiding or making their condition.
Myth #1: BPD Only Affects Women
It was originally thought that this condition disproportionately affected women, with a belief that almost 75% of diagnoses belong to women. However, recent studies have shown that there is very little gender difference in diagnosis rates.
Myth #2: This Is a Rare Condition
Though it’s hard to get accurate estimates due to people being reluctant to seek professional help, it’s estimated that 1.6% of the US population has BPD.
Myth #3: People With BPD Are Always Attention-Seeking or Manipulating Others
BPD can cause people to act in ways in which they would not if they were mentally well. This condition is considered to be very uncomfortable, with high levels of anxiety and stress. Those engaging in manipulation or attention-seeking are usually doing so due to their fearful desperation to avoid rejection or relieve symptoms. They cannot control this behavior without professional help.
Myth #4: People With This Condition Are Dangerous
Those with BPD are more likely to harm themselves than they are another person. They may lose their temper or get physically confrontational, but they are more likely to engage in self-harming behaviors or suicide.
Myth #5: BPD Cannot Be Treated
Like other mental health conditions, BPD is treatable with professional help. With a supportive environment and quality treatment, people with BPD can live normal and successful lives.
Seeking Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Treating personality disorders has historically been difficult. With the future development of evidence-based treatments, people with this disorder can now receive the comprehensive treatment they need. BPD itself is mostly treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The main psychotherapy used is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which was designed to help people with BPD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy are also helpful in treating this condition, all of which can be found at Driftwood Recovery.
What makes BPD tricky to treat is that it usually has a concurring disorder. Some common co-occurring disorders include substance use, anxiety, mood, and eating disorders. These disorders can sometimes interfere with the diagnosis process, preventing the person from getting quick treatment. Once a dual diagnosis has been confirmed, these concurring disorders must be treated alongside BPD at the same time, necessitating an individualized treatment plan. Clients at Driftwood Recovery always undergo an assessment and stabilization process. This allows professionals at Driftwood Recovery to identify additional needs, all of which are addressed in their treatment plan.
Even with quality and comprehensive treatment, it still takes hard work and time to recover from BPD and its co-occurring disorders. To give further assistance, clients have access to programs during and after treatment. Programs such as the alumni program and relapse prevention allow those with BPD to always have access to help, even when treatment is completed.
There is hope for those with BPD. With a commitment to treatment and a personal willingness to embrace change, anything is possible. All it takes is compassion and kindness to show you that despite your mental health conditions, you are still a person worthy of help and understanding.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health condition that can greatly affect a person’s ability to form healthy relationships. Though this condition is greatly misunderstood, it is, in fact, a treatable condition. Getting swift and professional help for BPD is important for a healthy and successful life. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients can find comprehensive BPD treatment. This also includes treatment for commonly co-occurring disorders, such as addiction and substance use disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with BPD, know that people do live with this condition and lead happy, successful lives. To learn about BPD treatment at Driftwood Recovery, call (512) 759-8330 today.
Bipolar disorder is more prevalent than one might think. It’s considered one of the top 10 leading causes of disability worldwide and affects both teens and adults. Despite how common this disorder is, the condition itself is misunderstood and rarely spoken about in society. This causes those living with bipolar disorder to feel isolated and alone. Without treatment, this mental health condition can worsen and become life-threatening.
That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, we provide compassionate and comprehensive treatment for those living with bipolar disorder. Although this condition cannot be cured, it can be treated. Those in recovery can live normal lives with the right treatment and continued support. To understand how bipolar disorder is treated at Driftwood Recovery, we must first understand what bipolar disorder is.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by periods of high (mania, hypomania) and low (depression) mood episodes. These episodes can result in intense shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking patterns, and behaviors. Manic episodes can result in risk-taking and erratic behavior. Hypomania is not as severe as mania, but it can still interfere with a person’s ability to participate in normal life.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder, including:
- Bipolar I disorder: Involves at least one episode of mania that can be extreme and dangerous. Major depression may be experienced, but it is not required for a diagnosis. This type of bipolar disorder is considered the most severe and can result in hospitalization.
- Bipolar II disorder: Though similar to bipolar I, this type always has depressive episodes with occasional hypomania. Bipolar II is not less severe than bipolar I, as it is a separate diagnosis. Sometimes, bipolar II can develop into bipolar I.
- Cyclothymic disorder: Known as cyclothymia, this type of bipolar disorder has less severe highs and lows compared to bipolar I and II, with shorter episodes of hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Cyclothymia can develop into bipolar I or II.
Scientists aren’t sure what causes bipolar disorder, but it’s believed that genetics, brain structure, environment, and lifestyle factors can play a role in its development.
Myths and Facts About Bipolar Disorder
There are a few myths surrounding bipolar disorder that act as a barrier to treatment. Knowing the truth behind these myths is essential not just for encouraging an individual to seek treatment but also for improving public health and awareness.
Myth #1: People With Bipolar Disorder Are Dangerous and Violent
The truth is that people with bipolar disorder are no more violent than an average person. They may say hurtful things in the heat of anger, but physical violence is not caused by bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to harm themselves through risk-taking behavior and suicide than they are to harm another person.
Myth #2: Having Bipolar Disorder Is Good Cause Mania Increases Productivity
During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may feel more confident or feel little need for sleep. However, these episodes can also cause irritability and difficulty focusing. People in a manic or hypomanic episode may also take unusual risks, which can have negative consequences on their school, work, or social life.
Myth #3: Bipolar Disorder Looks the Same and Is Easy to Diagnose
Though bipolar disorder is marked by unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, how these symptoms present themselves in individuals varies. Some people may rapidly shift between episodes or experience mixed affective states, which can make a diagnosis tricky.
Myth #4: Living With This Disorder Is Impossible
Plenty of people live normal and successful lives while having bipolar disorder. Though the condition cannot be cured, therapy, medication, and coping skills training allow for continuous recovery.
Seeking Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Treatment for bipolar disorder at Driftwood Recovery varies, but all contain a mix of medication and therapeutic techniques. Psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help teach emotional regulation and recognize harmful patterns. Medications, such as mood stabilizers, help to mitigate severe symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Medication management helps clients stay safe while taking medications and get into the habit of managing their health needs. Other therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can also be useful in treatment depending on the individual’s needs.
Clients are also given training on how to manage their condition. Teaching clients self-care and mindfulness techniques ensure that they stay healthy during and after treatment. Relapse prevention training is also essential in helping clients stay in recovery long after treatment has concluded. These workshops are essential in teaching clients how to manage their disorder without turning or returning to substance use.
Driftwood Recovery, at its core, is a holistic treatment facility. This means that not just the mind is treated, but the body and spirit as well. Clients can expect to use therapeutic techniques such as art therapy, therapeutic recreation, and yoga. Nutritional science is also important, as clients learn how to change their diet to minimize symptoms and improve overall health. Finally, clients are taught that they are not their disorder. Although they have bipolar disorder, it does not define who they are as a person. Building up self-esteem, inspiring courage, and finding understanding are all important for continuous recovery.
Finally, no client is ever alone at Driftwood Recovery. With a robust peer support and alumni program, clients will always have contact with those who understand what they have gone through and the conditions they live with. Preventing isolation and loneliness ensures that no matter where you go, you will always find help at Driftwood Recovery.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite how common this condition is, those who struggle with it often feel isolated and alone. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, our clients are never alone. With a focus on providing judgment-free, compassionate, and comprehensive treatment, anyone can recover from bipolar disorder and live a normal, successful life. Our holistic treatment philosophy ensures that it’s not just your mind that recovers but your body and spirit as well. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Driftwood Recovery today by calling (512) 759-8330.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 59.3 million (23.1%) adults in the U.S. experience any mental illness (AMI) or a serious mental illness (SMI). In addition to experiencing one or more mental health disorders, many people face challenges with co-occurring substance use. As noted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 21.5 million adults in the U.S. have co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorder (SUD). Access to mental health relapse prevention is vital to avoiding a mental health relapse. Whether you experience mental health challenges alone or co-occurring SUD, addressing mental health is an important part of maintaining recovery.
At Driftwood Recovery, we know how important connection and community integration are in transitioning into recovery. Making the shift from a structured treatment program to continuing care in recovery can feel daunting. Continuing to heal from dual diagnosis or co-occurring mental health and SUD challenges can further complicate healing. Life is naturally filled with stressors that can impair well-being and increase the risk of relapse. You deserve access to a continuing care network where you can find support and accountability to thrive.
As a result, we are committed to providing an engaging alumni program with services and resources for mental health relapse prevention. Yet, you may question what is mental health relapse prevention. If you have experienced challenges with SUD, you are likely aware of the prevalence of addiction relapse. However, you may be less familiar with the concept of mental health relapse and mental health relapse prevention. By expanding your awareness of mental health relapse, you can understand the value of mental health relapse prevention in your recovery.
What Is a Mental Health Relapse?
In general, a mental health relapse occurs when mental health disorder symptoms return after a period of improvement or remission. Moreover, a mental health relapse can also include the worsening of mental health symptoms following recovery. Due to misconceptions about mental health, it can be difficult to recognize the significance of a relapse or the need for treatment. As SAMHSA notes, mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Thus, mental health plays an important role in how you think, feel, and behave.
According to “The Lifetime Prevalence and Factors Associated with Relapse Among Mentally Ill Patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia” by Liyew Agenagnew and Chalachew Kassaw, mental health relapse is common in all types of mental health disorders. For example, there is a 52–92% relapse rate for individuals with schizophrenia and 65-73% for those with bipolar disorder. Therefore, it is invaluable to mental health relapse prevention to understand the risk factors for mental health relapse.
Risk Factors for Mental Health Relapse
There are a variety of risk factors that can contribute to a mental health relapse. Risk factors can impede recovery, whether external, internal, or related to behavioral changes. Listed below are some of the risk factors for mental health relapse:
- Stressful life events
- Changes in sleep habits
- Conflict with others
- Poor social support
- Unemployment
- Low income
- Loneliness and isolation
- Stigma
- Co-occurring conditions
- Poor medication adherence
- Lack of community mental health services
Looking at the risk factors for mental health relapse highlights the need for mental health relapse prevention.
Value of Mental Health Relapse Prevention
Reducing or recovering from mental health symptoms is something to take pride in on your recovery journey. However, lasting recovery does not start and end with treatment. Countless factors, including life stressors, can contribute to impeding your mental well-being. As a result, mental health relapse prevention can give you the tools to manage your symptoms in your daily life. With mental health relapse prevention, you can build resilience to life stressors to lead a healthy life in recovery:
- Self-awareness
- Self-monitoring
- Self-care
- Self-determination
- Life satisfaction
- Set and achieve goals
Despite the benefits of mental health relapse prevention, various barriers work to impede sustained recovery.
Dismantling Barriers to Mental Health Relapse Prevention
Barriers to mental health relapse prevention often overlap with risk factors for relapse. For example, many barriers to mental health support are tied to the cost of services, stigma, and poor social support. However, as the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment notes, a better understanding of perceived barriers can help create accessible and integrated services to meet the needs of each individual. The barriers to support can feel daunting, but with continuing care, barriers can be dismantled to support maintaining recovery. Beyond medication management and therapy, support tools can include:
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Peer support
Yet, how do you take steps toward better mental health care post-treatment? Through trusted continuing care support in an alumni program, you can build a mental health relapse prevention plan to support you throughout recovery.
Building a Mental Health Relapse Prevention Plan
Creating a mental health relapse prevention plan is an important step toward recognizing your symptoms. When you can recognize your symptoms, you can use tools to manage your symptoms and feel better in your daily life. Your mental health relapse prevention plan should include:
- Monitor mood
- Quality sleep
- Exercise
- Hobbies
- Gratitude
- Reframe thoughts
- Stay connected
- Adaptive coping strategies
- Medication maintenance
- Help-seeking behaviors
With an active alumni program, you can access services and resources to help you build and maintain your relapse prevention plan. Moreover, you can find connections and community among alumni who remind you that you are not alone in your recovery.
Power of Connection for Mental Health at Driftwood Recovery
At Driftwood Recovery, we know a strong alumni program gives you a foundation of connection and community for long-term wellness. Through a peer-driven approach to continuing care, you foster self-efficacy to manage the setbacks and challenges that arise in recovery. We are dedicated to providing a continuing care program built on compassion, support, service, and accountability. Lasting healing does not happen alone, and with a supportive, sober community, you can build a courageous life in recovery.
Addiction relapse is not the only form of relapse that can impede your well-being. Mental health relapse can disrupt your recovery whether you have co-occurring SUD or not. Following treatment, there are various risk factors and barriers that can lead to a mental health relapse, like stigma, financial stressors, and poor social support. Therefore, building a mental health relapse prevention plan is invaluable to symptom management and sustained recovery. With access to an active alumni program in continuing care, you can connect to a sober community and resources to support relapse prevention. At Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a peer-driven approach to recovery post-treatment. Call (512) 759-8330 to learn how alumni can support you.
Getting a psychiatric evaluation is an important step in receiving the treatment you need for a mental health condition. Psychiatric evaluations can be more than that; they can open up an avenue for relief and understanding for a person who is struggling. However, the positives of this diagnostic tool are often overshadowed by the stigma and misunderstanding of mental health disorders and conditions. For many people, being told that they might benefit from a psychiatric evaluation is akin to being told that they are going to be locked up and have the key thrown away.
The truth is a psychiatric evaluation, much like mental health treatment in general, is quite different than how it is portrayed in popular media. The goal of mental health care is to provide care while respecting the individual who needs it. It’s especially important in mental health care and treatment facilities like Driftwood Recovery, which focus on inspiring healing and self-confidence in their clients. To receive this level of care, everyone begins with a psychiatric evaluation. As you understand exactly what that entails, you may find yourself less afraid and more interested in what this tool could offer you or a loved one.
Why You Might Need a Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is an essential diagnostic tool. Psychiatrists also use psychiatric evaluations to determine if your symptoms stem from physical or psychological causes. Sometimes, a mental health condition can be caused by both. Psychiatrists use the data gathered from a psychiatric evaluation and any additional ordered tests to diagnose and treat any mental health disorders.
If you are already struggling with a diagnosed mental health condition, mental health care facilities will conduct a psychiatric evaluation to determine your current status and make an accurate treatment plan. For those not currently in treatment, a psychiatric evaluation can solve the mystery of why you may suddenly be feeling bad or down. If you struggle with symptoms that persist for over two weeks, it may be time to schedule a psychiatric evaluation. These symptoms can include:
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Persistent feelings of doom, despair, and fear
- A desire to self-harm or thoughts of suicide and death
- Being unable to find the energy to care for essential needs, such as hygiene and eating
- Outbursts of uncontrollable emotions that impact your daily life, such as anger, frustration, and sadness
Experiencing any of these symptoms denotes the need to speak to a psychiatrist immediately or a psychiatric evaluation.
Tips to Prepare Before an Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation involves answering a lot of questions. Though a psychiatrist won’t rush you, people tend to feel less nervous if they have their thoughts together beforehand. The more information you have before you go into a psychiatric evaluation, the more accurate a diagnosis you will get.
Some tips that will help you prepare are:
- Have your family history ready, as some mental health disorders can be hereditary
- Write down any thoughts and symptoms you are experiencing regarding your mental and physical health
- Have your medical history prepared. Include the medications you take as well as any tests or medical procedures you’ve already had
- Write down questions you’d like to ask the psychiatrist before and after the psychiatric evaluation
What Happens During a Psychiatric Evaluation?
During a psychiatric evaluation, the psychiatrist performs what is known as a clinical interview. This involves asking you questions and recording your answers. Depending on the answers, the psychiatrist may order additional tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. During the psychiatric evaluation, the psychiatrist will do their best to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable. It’s normal to feel nervous at first, but remember that the psychiatrist is here to help you.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your feelings, family history, and any symptoms you are experiencing. Examples include:
- “What was your childhood like?”
- “Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep?”
- “Has anyone in your family committed suicide?”
Though some questions can be upsetting, It’s important to be honest during the psychiatric evaluation so the psychiatrist can accurately determine a diagnosis. However, you still have rights during the process, and you are allowed to take the time to gather your thoughts. You will not be judged or belittled during the psychiatric evaluation. The job of the psychiatrist is to evaluate your mental state to see if it matches any known mental health disorders so you can get the treatment you need.
What Happens Next?
After the psychiatric evaluation is completed, the psychiatrist will be able to give you a diagnosis. At Driftwood Recovery, a treatment plan will be created once other assessments are completed. You will continue to work with a psychiatrist during treatment, especially if you require additional medical care or prescription medications. If you feel as though your diagnosis is not accurate, you have the right to seek a second opinion. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, now it’s working with your treatment providers to create a care plan.
Depending on where you receive treatment, your treatment plan may vary. Driftwood Recovery is a holistic-focused treatment facility, so a treatment-plan post psychiatric evaluation will include treatments such as nutritional therapy, therapeutic recreation, and evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The psychiatrist, along with a time of expert providers, will work with you to create a treatment plan that fulfills your needs and achieves your recovery goals.
Driftwood Recovery, as a facility, works to make sure all treatments and evaluations are safe, accurate, and effective. That includes psychiatric evaluations and other diagnostic tools. At Driftwood Recovery, you can count on your information being safe and private. It takes one step to start a journey, and in no time at all, you will find that recovery is not as scary as you’d think.
When providing mental health care, it is important to get an accurate picture of an individual’s mental state. To do so, mental health professionals use what is called a psychiatric evaluation. This allows professionals to give clients a full comprehensive evaluation so they can receive the customized care they need to recover. It may sound scary, but it’s a straightforward procedure that helps countless people get the care they need. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, we use psychiatric evaluations along with other tools to provide the care you need to succeed. To learn more about the process of client evaluation and enrolling, don’t wait. Driftwood Recovery can help. Call (512) 759-8330 today.
Healthy boundaries are essential to having a good relationship with your loved ones and peers. Usually, people learn about setting boundaries as young children. However, there are times when a child is taught that their boundaries don’t matter through interactions with toxic peers or guardians. It’s especially true for people who are survivors of childhood abuse or neglect and find themselves unable to say “no” or set firm boundaries.
Of course, childhood abuse and neglect is an underlying cause of several mental health conditions, such as addiction. The risk of a relapse increases when a person is exposed to triggering situations that exasperate their mental health conditions. Sometimes, these triggers can result from proximity to toxic or unaware loved ones and peers who may inadvertently or deliberately behave in ways that can trigger a relapse. Knowing how to navigate these relationships and setting healthy boundaries is key to protecting an individual’s recovery and preventing relapse.
That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, clients are taught how to understand, recognize, and establish healthy boundaries with their loved ones. Not all relationships are toxic, but the general misinformation about mental health disorders in society can often lead to inadvertent harmful behaviors. It’s important for everyone, not just those in treatment and recovery, to understand the value of healthy boundaries.
What Are Healthy Boundaries?
Healthy boundaries are defined as a set of personal rules or protocols that protect your health and establish healthy interactions with loved ones and peers. As a person grows and develops, their boundaries will evolve, too. Boundaries can be deeply personal or specific, but they all serve a role in helping the individual set rules that respect their personhood. There are universal healthy boundaries that children learn through interactions with their peers. Examples include:
- Asking permission before touching another person or their belongings
- Talking through problems when upset instead of defaulting to hitting or other forms of physical violence
- Respecting a person’s desire for time alone or privacy
As a person enter adulthood, they find themselves having to create custom boundaries to suit their personal needs. It’s especially important for those in recovery who must be vigilant about triggers that may increase the chances of a relapse. To do so, establishing healthy boundaries with loved ones is important. Examples of such healthy boundaries include:
- Forbidding loved ones and peers from bringing addictive substances into your home
- Asking loved ones and peers not to bring you or invite you to establishments where substance use is normalized, such as bars
- Establishing that no means no and not continue to pressure you after declining to engage in substance use
It is always okay to set boundaries. Anyone who tells you it’s wrong to set boundaries usually has an ulterior motive that isn’t good for you. Everyone is entitled to privacy, body autonomy, and basic respect. Healthy boundaries allow you to not just protect yourself but also forge healthier bonds with your loved ones.
Establishing Healthy Relationships for a Strong Recovery
Driftwood Recovery is a facility that strongly believes in the importance of loved ones in a client’s recovery journey. Care is taken to help families and clients work through their troubles and establish a deeper understanding. Programs like the Courageous Family Program and therapies such as family therapy work to strengthen bonds and clear up misunderstandings. Having an established and extensive support network is one way a client can prevent relapse and stay sober.
However, healthy boundaries are still important, even with an established support network. Sometimes, it takes searching deep within you to discover why you may be reluctant to set or recognize healthy boundaries. To assist in this, clients at Driftwood Recovery participate in psychotherapies designed to work through an individual’s thought process. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) especially can help clients recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and behavioral patterns. This and recognizing the need for healthy and supportive relationships is the first step to setting boundaries of your own.
How Do I Learn to Set Healthy Boundaries?
Once a client recognizes the need to have healthy boundaries, they now must work on setting and sticking with them. This is easier said than done, especially if the individual lacks confidence or is exposed to toxic relationships. To build confidence, Driftwood Recovery has clients participate in activities such as team-building exercises, therapeutic recreation, and self-expression. Recognizing that you are an individual worthy of respect and consideration is the foundation behind setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.
Clients participate in exercises, such as role-playing, to practice skills that will keep them in recovery. Part of setting healthy boundaries is learning how to say no, recognize and resist peer pressure, and communicate effectively. Therapies such as group therapy offer further opportunities to practice setting boundaries. Group therapy had the bonus of giving clients access to shared wisdom and experiences that can help them create boundaries that feel right to them.
Of course, the staff at Driftwood Recovery is always happy to help clients set healthy boundaries for themselves. With a wide range of available experts, it’s easy to get advice for specific boundaries that will best suit the needs of the client. Boundaries for those recovering from addiction, for example, may look different from boundaries designed for those recovering from depression. Healthy boundaries that encourage mutual respect and understanding, however, are fairly universal in their use and importance.
Receiving treatment at Driftwood Recovery isn’t just a way to recover from mental health conditions. It’s also a place to gain self-confidence and recognize one’s inherent value as a human being. Once you understand that you are worthy of compassion and respect, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries becomes second nature.
Setting healthy boundaries is important to maintain healthy relationships with others. It’s especially important for those in recovery. It’s easy for a friend or other loved one to jeopardize your sobriety when healthy boundaries are not in place. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, we work to set all of our clients up for success during and after treatment. Learning how to navigate relationships and set boundaries that protect your mental health and recovery is only one of the ways Driftwood Recovery prepares clients for life after treatment. Don’t wait to learn how to have healthier relationships and safeguard your recovery. To learn more, call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.
Trigeminal neuralgia is widely considered one of the most distressing chronic pain conditions a person can develop. It’s a rare condition, affecting an estimated 4 to 13 per 100,000 people annually. Trigeminal neuralgia isn’t just the pain it causes. It’s also the conditions that occur because of it, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and, in some cases, suicide. Those who struggle with trigeminal neuralgia often do so in silence, as chronic pain is considered an “invisible” condition.
That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, we give a voice to those who struggle with chronic pain conditions. With a focus on comprehensive and quality care, clients don’t just find a way to take back control of their lives. They also find a community of those who understand and support them. There is hope, and anything is possible with the right help, including care for trigeminal neuralgia and its co-occurring conditions.
Understanding trigeminal neuralgia is the first step to spreading awareness about this condition and its treatment. The more we know, the easier it is to support our fellow people who live with these difficult and often misunderstood conditions.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve of the face. This is a large, three-part nerve that sends signals between the face and the brain. When this nerve is interrupted or damaged, it can cause intense pain in one or more parts of the face. Common pain spots include the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, and lips. Sometimes, the forehead and eye may be affected as well. This condition is often classified as type 1 and type 2, depending on which side of the face and the type of pain that occurs.
The pain for type 1 trigeminal neuralgia is commonly described as feeling like an intense electric shock or jolt that occurs from simply touching the affected area. This pain usually occurs on one side of the face. Type 2 is marked by constant aching or burning pain that happens in addition to pain attacks, which can occur on one or both sides of the face. Either type makes it difficult to perform normal functions, such as eating, smiling, or shaving without intense pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia often occurs in women or people over 50. However, this condition can develop at any time if a person experiences significant facial or cranial trauma. Stroke, facial injuries, brain tumors, nerve blockages/obstructions, and surgical trauma are all common causes of trigeminal neuralgia. People with hypertension or multiple sclerosis are also at risk for developing trigeminal neuralgia. The link is common enough that upon the development of trigeminal neuralgia, multiple sclerosis testing is recommended.
Pain experienced from trigeminal neuralgia can fluctuate or increase in intensity over time. This leaves those who struggle with this condition with the fear of it getting worse.
The Mental Toll of Trigeminal Neuralgia
As a chronic pain condition, trigeminal neuralgia can have a devastating toll on an individual’s mental health. Conditions such as depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder increased upon the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia. Individuals are often driven to find ways to self-medicate their pain, no matter how dangerous the behavior. Substance abuse, especially pain medications, such as opioids, are commonly abused by those with a chronic pain condition.
Chronic pain conditions are also marked as particularly isolating. It’s known as an “invisible” illness, with many people being dismissed or ignored because they don’t look like they are in pain. Being unable to perform normal functions as a person, such as washing your face, can add to the frustration and loneliness of this condition. Without help, it’s easy to slide into an addiction or, in extreme cases, think about ending your life. It’s why it’s vital for those with trigeminal neuralgia to not just get treatment, but find hope and support.
Finding Hope at Driftwood Recovery
Though it is a chronic condition, trigeminal neuralgia and any co-occurring mental health disorders can be treated and managed. The staff at Driftwood Recovery is well aware of the toll this and other chronic pain conditions have on a person’s physical and mental health. Rather than sell a cure that doesn’t exist, Driftwood Recovery focuses on reliving pain safely and bolstering mental resilience. In time, clients can find joy and reasons to embrace life again.
This is accomplished by creating an individualized comprehensive treatment plan that combines therapy, wellness, and medication. To treat trigeminal neuralgia specifically, clients are prescribed medications such as anticonvulsants to block pain signals and reduce the frequency of attacks. If this does not work, other medications can be tried to provide relief. Combined with medications are complementary approaches that may also help manage pain, such as:
- Nutritional therapy
- Meditation
- Low-impact exercise
- Aromatherapy
- Yoga
Clients at Driftwood Recovery utilize psychotherapy as part of treatment, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies are designed to help clients recognize harmful thought and behavior patterns and change them. This involves learning healthy coping skills, practicing mental wellness, and building mental resilience. Group and family therapy gives clients a safe space to have their voices heard and receive support in return.
In some cases, surgery can relieve the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. Side effects are common after these procedures, such as facial numbness, and symptoms can return even if the procedure is successful. Though surgeries are not performed at Driftwood Recovery, psychotherapies can help clients prepare for the emotional and physical toll of surgery should the client choose a surgical approach. No matter what, clients can trust that they will receive the most accurate, comprehensive, and compassionate treatment available. Though it may not seem like it now, there is always hope that your life will get better, and it can get better at Driftwood Recovery.
There are many kinds of chronic pain that a person may develop throughout their life. One of them is known as trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that makes touch to the face painful. Such a condition isn’t just painful; it can also cause other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and addiction. Despite this, there is hope for those who struggle with trigeminal neuralgia. Treatments exist not just to reduce physical pain but to relieve mental anguish as well. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients everywhere can find relief from their chronic pain and develop a healthier mindset. To learn how Driftwood Recovery can help you, call (512) 759-8330 today.
Not many people truly understand what happens in schizophrenia treatment. Much like the condition itself, it seems mysterious to an average person. Most people instead get an inaccurate depiction of schizophrenia from media sources, which further compounds the fear and shame that many with the condition feel. It’s estimated that between 0.25% and 0.64% of the U.S. population have schizophrenia and other related psychotic disorders. However, this number only accounts for those who have sought schizophrenia treatment. The actual number is likely much higher, as many don’t seek schizophrenia treatment due to societal stigma and internalized shame.
This treatment is vital, as untreated schizophrenia can lead to or co-occur with other conditions, such as addiction. Those struggling with schizophrenia are more likely to attempt or die by suicide, especially those without diagnosis or treatment. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, clients with this condition can find comprehensive and compassionate schizophrenia treatment. With a focus on providing an encouraging and private environment to heal, anyone can learn how to manage their condition for a successful life.
Part of schizophrenia treatment is understanding what the condition is, its myths, and why treatment is so effective. The more people are aware of the truth of schizophrenia, the less fear and stigma are attached to it – and the greater the likelihood that a person in need will seek help.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition that interferes with a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Though schizophrenia used to be classified into different types, it is now considered a spectrum disorder with varied symptoms a person can experience. Some common symptoms can include:
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized speech and thinking
- Delusions
- Disorganized or unusual motor behavior
- Lack of normal functioning, such as being unable to display emotions, take care of hygiene needs, or feel pleasure in once enjoyable activities when they previously could in the past
Though research is still ongoing on what causes schizophrenia, several risk factors have been identified. A person is more likely to develop schizophrenia if they:
- Have a family history of schizophrenia
- Grew up in or is still in an environment that causes consistent stress or danger
- Have taken psychoactive or psychotropic substances as teenagers, which may have altered the brain as it was developing
- Been exposed to environments that may have affected early fetal and infant brain development; examples include being exposed to viruses, toxins, and poor nutrition before or after birth
Schizophrenia usually develops late in life, from the late teen years to the early 30s. Men typically show symptoms between their teen years and their 20s, while women tend to show symptoms in their 20s and 30s. Though considered a life-long condition, it can be managed with the right schizophrenia treatment.
Myths and Facts Surrounding Schizophrenia Treatment
Perhaps the greatest and most damaging myth behind schizophrenia is that those with the condition are dangerous to others. The truth is that those with schizophrenia are more likely to inadvertently harm themselves due to their condition than they are to hurt another person. Seeking treatment is vital in preventing self-harm, but many with schizophrenia are reluctant to seek help.
This is due to another dangerous myth that people with schizophrenia are locked up during treatment and lose their rights. The truth is that people with any mental health condition still have human rights regardless of the severity of their condition. Modern treatment facilities are not prisons, and clients can expect to be treated with compassion, understanding, and respect.
Lastly, it’s a myth that those with schizophrenia are “drugged up” during treatment. Though medication is important in the treatment and management of schizophrenia, clients receive other forms of treatment alongside it. Clients are not “drugged up” and instead receive a carefully crafted medication plan to give them the most relief with the lowest medication dose possible.
To get an accurate picture of schizophrenia treatment, we only need to see how a treatment facility like Driftwood Recovery treats this condition.
Schizophrenia Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery is a comprehensive, holistic, focused treatment center. This means that clients receive treatment that enhances all aspects of their lives, which includes physical, mental, and spiritual health. In the case of schizophrenia and any co-occurring conditions, care is taken to ensure that each client gets the training and assistance they need to continuously manage their condition.
This is done with a combination of medication, psychotherapy, skill training, family therapy, and community support. Antipsychotic medicines are carefully prescribed to work with the lowest dose needed to prevent side effects. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help clients cope with their condition and change unhealthy behaviors that exacerbate symptoms. Clients are encouraged to improve their physical health through exercise and a nutritionally varied diet. Finally, clients work with their loved ones and fellow peers to establish a support network. Having access to a support network doesn’t just produce understanding companionship; it has also been shown to reduce the chance of relapse.
Clients during the schizophrenia treatment process focus on recognizing episodes and how to mitigate them. Though treatment can greatly reduce the frequency of episodes, they can still happen. Knowing what to do in a crisis and who to contact for help prevents future harm and allows one to receive help quickly.
Clients at Driftwood Recovery don’t just get treatment. They become part of a supportive community that will always be there when times get hard. For those with schizophrenia, it can be hard to find positives in life. But here, everyone learns that no matter what condition they have, they still have inherent value as an individual. Seeing that you are more than your schizophrenia and finding value in your own life allows those with the condition to not just stabilize but thrive.
Though schizophrenia can be a frightening condition, it doesn’t mean that those who struggle with it can’t be helped. On the contrary, schizophrenia is a treatable condition and can be managed successfully. With the right treatment, anyone with schizophrenia can lead a normal and fulfilling life. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, those struggling with schizophrenia receive comprehensive and holistic treatment to aid them in recovery. With an emphasis on privacy and safety, our clients find an ideal place to heal and become healthier people. By learning how to accept yourself and make healthy changes, you, too, can find joy again. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Call (512) 759-8330 today.
Oppositional defiance disorder is a poorly understood mental health condition. Though usually seen in children, this condition can affect adults as well. Many of these adults struggle with patterns of anger and vindictiveness without knowing its source. It can be severe enough that adults struggling with oppositional defiance disorder turn to self-medicating to ease their symptoms. In the end, self-medicating often leads to substance abuse and addiction. Oppositional defiance disorder is not just an isolating condition. It also can be life-threatening.
That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, clients living with oppositional defiance disorder can find comprehensive and compassionate treatment. The staff at Driftwood Recovery understands that the drive behind these behaviors is not the client’s fault. However, with treatment, adults with oppositional defiance disorder can learn how to control their behavior and cope with their condition. In time, these adults can live healthy, fulfilling lives. All it takes is the willingness to reach out for help.
To see how oppositional defiance disorder is treated, we must first gain an understanding of the condition. This education serves two purposes. First, it educates the average person about this condition and encourages empathy and understanding. Secondly, it provides hope to those struggling with oppositional defiance disorder that treatment and recovery are possible for themselves and their loved ones.
A Brief Overview of Oppositional Defiance Disorder
Oppositional defiance disorder (or oppositional defiant disorder) is a condition identified by the DSM-5 as “a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness.” This disorder is typically diagnosed in children, but adults may also be diagnosed with oppositional defiance disorder as well. Children often outgrow this condition, but about half of them will continue to experience symptoms through adulthood. Oppositional defiance disorder is genetic and will often affect several members of a family line.
The angry, defiant, and vindictive behavior is usually targeted toward positions of authority, perceived or real. Examples include parents, teachers, coworkers, bosses, and law enforcement officials. This makes it difficult for adults with oppositional defiance disorder to function at work, home, or school. Common symptoms of oppositional defiance disorder are:
- Commonly feeling oppressed or “kept down” by an authority figure or rules
- Loses temper often, which can sometimes result in violent behaviors
- Is easily annoyed by others
- Argues constantly with family and coworkers with a distinct need to “win” the argument
- Intense feelings of anger and resentment
- Is highly defensive when criticized and blames others for their mistakes or misbehavior
- Actively refuses to comply with rules or laws, even when detrimental to personal safety
- Deliberately annoys people or pick fights
- Engages in spiteful or vindictive behaviors
Note that oppositional defiance disorder is not a person with a bad temper. This is a serious condition that prevents a person from living a normal life – as seen by its effect on a person’s mental health.
The Effects of Oppositional Defiance Disorder on Mental Health
Adults who live with oppositional defiance disorder are not just angry or irritable from time to time. They struggle with feelings of intense anger at the world every day. Losing your temper is a regular occurrence. This may manifest in dangerous activities, such as road rage or picking fights with law enforcement. Those struggling with this condition may also become verbally or physically abusive – abuse which is often levied at the people they love and care about. There are times when those with this condition put themselves in deadly danger by disobeying those they feel are in authority, which often leads to accidents and other preventable harm.
It’s not just issues like getting into trouble with the law, losing a job, or putting oneself in danger. Oppositional defiance disorder is an incredibly isolating condition. Those who know they are constantly angry may withdraw from others to protect their loved ones. They often struggle with feelings of being disliked or misunderstood, which can feed into the cycle of anger. Oppositional defiance disorder often leads to other mental health conditions, such as depression, addiction, and antisocial personality disorder.
That’s why it’s vital for those struggling with this condition to get help; the sooner, the better. Treatment doesn’t just improve relationships and help you feel better – it can also save your life.
Compassionate Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Treatment at Driftwood Recovery for oppositional defiance disorder consists of a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and coping skills training. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is perhaps the most used form of psychotherapy in the treatment of this condition. It helps clients identify what triggers their condition and grasp the consequences of their actions. Therapists also use CBT to help clients learn relaxation techniques to keep them calm during angering situations.
Emotional regulation is also important for oppositional defiance disorder treatment. It teaches clients how to react to anger-provoking situations with socially appropriate responses. Emotional regulation also teaches clients how to be more aware of their emotions. Doing so can mitigate outbursts and help clients think through their actions before they commit to them. Peer group therapy is commonly part of treatment plans for oppositional defiance disorder as it offers training for clients on how to appropriately interact with their peers. The goal is to focus on having positive interactions, not combative ones.
Finally, medication is sometimes used to address coexisting conditions. For example, a person with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may feel frustrated, which can feed into outbursts and worsen the symptoms of oppositional defiance disorder. Providing medication can reduce the frustrating effect of ADHD, which in turn reduces the symptoms of oppositional defiance disorder.
It’s important to remember that even though it looks daunting, oppositional defiance disorder is a treatable condition. Reaching out for help at Driftwood Recovery doesn’t just help treat this misunderstood condition – it can also give you a new lease on life.
Those living with oppositional defiance disorder can experience many hardships. Keeping a job, having a healthy relationship with parents, and even staying out of legal trouble are made much more difficult with this disorder. For those struggling, it can feel hopeless. Oppositional defiance disorder, however, is a treatable condition. Those who seek treatment have a high likelihood of success and long-lasting recovery. That’s why Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, offers extensive and comprehensive treatment for oppositional defiance disorder. There is no judgment here, only the sincere desire to help. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Learn more about our oppositional defiance disorder treatment plan today by calling (512) 759-8330.
Some people may scoff at the idea of phobia treatment. After all, phobias are consistently played for laughs in media as something to mock. The fact is that the fear a person feels from a phobia is real and valid. Phobias are more common than one may think, with an estimated 12.5% of U.S. adults experiencing a specific phobia at least once in their lives. Most people know what common phobias are but not why they occur or how they are treated.
The fear phobias cause can be crippling and require specialized phobia treatment to help them recover enough to live a normal life. Driftwood Recovery offers phobia treatment as a way to ease mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Those recovering from addiction may also benefit from phobia treatment, as sometimes they may develop a phobia as a response to their experiences.
It’s vital to understand that phobias, though serious, can be treated with great amounts of success. Countless people are struggling with a phobia but assume that it’s a normal part of life or are ashamed to seek help. Understanding the nature of phobias not only de-stigmatizes the condition but encourages those struggling to seek the phobia treatment they need.
What Are Phobias?
Simply put, a phobia is a persistent, unrealistic, and excessive fear of a person, animal, object, activity, or situation. Phobias force the person with the phobia to constantly worry about encountering the source of their fear. A person with a phobia will take great pains to avoid the source of their fear, often to the detriment of their lives and mental health. Encountering the source is enough to cause great distress and anguish.
It’s a serious enough condition to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). As a result, phobias are considered a sub-type of anxiety disorder and classified into three distinct categories. These categories are:
- Specific phobias: These are fears of particular objects, living beings, or situations that cause distress and avoidance behaviors. Phobias in this category can be further broken down into animals, natural environment, medical treatment or issues, specific situations, and others. Some common examples include disease (pathophobia), spiders (arachnophobia), burglary (scelerophobia), and the ocean (thalassophobia).
- Agoraphobia: Defined as the fear of leaving your home or familiar “safe” area, which panic attacks may follow. This phobia is often associated with or caused by other conditions, such as OCD due to phobia of germs/contamination or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic events.
- Social anxiety disorder: Also known as social phobia, this is the fear and avoidance of social situations. Those struggling with this phobia excessively worry about being judged or mocked when participating in social activities.
Phobias are often caused by negative experiences, trauma, genetics, or through informational transmission. It’s normal for a person to fear potentially dangerous things. However, when someone completely rearranges their life or stops engaging in life to avoid said fear, it becomes a serious problem.
What Happens in Phobia Treatment?
A client begins phobia treatment by speaking with a treatment provider. Then, a treatment provider can create a treatment plan to most effectively treat their client. Usually, this is a mix of various therapies and sometimes medications to treat the extreme symptoms of anxiety. Clients may receive specialized therapies in their treatment plan to treat underlying mental health conditions, such as OCD. If the source of the phobia stems from trauma, clients will receive trauma treatment as well.
Exposure therapy is one part of phobia treatment, but it’s a slow and gradual process. This is when a client is exposed to the source of their fear in a safe environment. For example, a person with a phobia of spiders may start by listening to facts about spiders. They then progress to looking at drawings of spiders, photographs, and video footage. The goal is for the client to be able to exist in the same space as a spider without panicking or experiencing symptoms of distress.
Psychotherapy is also useful in phobia treatment. It guides clients into discovering the source of their phobia, be it trauma or a taught fear. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially helpful in teaching clients how to change harmful thoughts and behavioral patterns. Group therapy may also be used, especially for more common fears. This therapy allows clients to interact with others experiencing struggles similar to their own. Sometimes, it’s humbling and encouraging to know that someone understands what you are going through.
Overall, a client can expect phobia treatment to be a judgment-free and encouraging process, especially at Driftwood Recovery. All staff members and treatment providers take phobias seriously, as they know how debilitating they can be. Phobia treatment is set to a challenging pace but will not overwhelm or rush the client. Driftwood Recovery takes comfort and safety seriously, allowing clients to recover in a private and secure environment.
Why Phobia Treatment Is Effective
Phobia treatments are effective because they don’t just treat the cause of the phobia. It also relieves and reduces the physical and mental symptoms of a phobia. Many times, a person struggles with their phobia because all attempts to address it result in increased stress and fear. Phobia treatment is specifically designed to prevent a client from being re-traumatized or triggering a panic attack. By addressing all aspects of a client’s needs, phobia treatment provides comprehensive care. This can include utilizing medication, engaging in wellness activities, and providing caring support.
Anyone can recover from a phobia, but it requires one being willing to admit that they have a problem and seek help for it. Reaching out for help is one fear that can be conquered. Once you can do that, you may find that your other fears are conquerable too.
Fear is an instinct that keeps us safe and tells us to avoid things and situations that can harm us. Phobias, however, occur when this fear is so strong and constant that it causes someone to avoid living life. This is no way to live, and nobody deserves to be in a consistent state of fear. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients struggling with phobias receive compassionate and non-judgemental treatment. No matter how “silly” the phobia may be, the fear a person experiences from them is real and valid. If you or a loved one is struggling with a phobia, don’t wait. Take back your life from fear today by calling (512) 759-8330.