When Is It the Right Time to Seek Help for My Mental Health Disorder?

Knowing when to seek help can make a difference in your quality of life. This is especially true for those who are struggling with various conditions. People don’t seek help for several reasons. For some, their conditions become their new “normal,” which makes it difficult to know when they do need help. In other cases, many are taught to only seek help in the most dire of circumstances. This thought process causes many people who could get help to struggle unnecessarily until they deem it “worthy” to seek help.

The truth of the matter is that it’s always okay to seek help for a mental health disorder, no matter how mild or severe the symptoms. As a human being, you deserve to be helped. Driftwood Recovery makes it easy to seek help by providing treatment for a wide variety of conditions. The goal of this is to improve the lives of as many people as possible so they can live fulfilling and happy lives.

Though people can seek help at any time they like, it can be hard to know when to seek help if they don’t believe they need it. Understanding the common signs of when a person should seek help for a mental health disorder can be helpful not just for the individual, but for their loved ones as well.

Signs That It’s Time to Seek Help

Many people live with a mental health disorder without being aware that there is a problem. A person struggling with depression may brush away their symptoms of just having multiple “off” days. Someone struggling with the aftereffects of trauma may believe that they just need to drink more alcohol so they can sleep at night. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the specific signs that may indicate a need for help. Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Answering yes to any is a sign to seek help.

• Time: Did you start feeling sad one day and still feel sad, even after several weeks? Do you have a hard time remembering the last time you felt normal, relaxed, or safe?
• Escalation: Do your symptoms feel like they are getting consistently worse? Does it feel like you need to increase your substance use to feel normal? Are you unable to participate socially, perform work, or maintain other responsibilities without great personal distress?
• Health: Are you experiencing heart and/or gut troubles with no clear explanation? Does it seem like you have little or too much energy? Are you sleeping too much or too little? Do you feel sick or pained after not using substances for a while?
• Social: Do your loved ones or acquaintances express concern over your health or mental state? Are you having a hard time enjoying activities and hobbies you previously loved? Do you feel isolated or unable to connect with others?

Ways to Seek Help for a Mental Health Disorder

There are many ways a person can seek help for a mental health disorder. By far, the most common way is to call a mental health care or addiction treatment facility. These are places staffed by mental health care professionals who can find you the help you need. Some of these places specialize in treating specific disorders, addictions, or even types of people. There are online databases for treatment facilities that can give you a good idea of what is available in your area.

If you struggle with using phones, it’s also acceptable to use email to seek help. Most mental health care and addiction treatment facilities have websites with built-in email web forms. It allows potential clients to jot down their questions and send them quickly. A response will come to your email within a few business days.

It’s always okay to have an advocate when you seek help. Advocates can give you the courage you need to take that first step. Sometimes, they can even speak for you if you are unable to do so yourself. Just know that a mental health care professional will ask for identifying and sensitive information related to your mental health. If you choose to use an advocate to help you, you must be prepared for them to hear such information.

Finding Help at Driftwood Recovery

Driftwood Recovery makes it easy for clients to seek help. With compassionate and patient staff, clients are kept informed every step of the way. Understanding is key to trust, and the staff at Driftwood Recovery keep clients informed of their rights and options. Nobody at Driftwood Recovery would ever belittle or judge a client for their experiences. It’s a safe place to find healing, growth, and encouragement.

Many conditions are treated at Driftwood Recovery, offering comprehensive and quality care to all who need it. It’s encouraged to contact the Driftwood Recovery team to ask questions, communicate your needs, or even set up a time to visit the facility. Seeking help and treatment is a big step, so the Driftwood Recovery team makes the process as simple and easy as possible.

Remember, it’s okay to seek help, no matter what you are struggling with. It can be hard to admit that you need help, but part of the healing process is learning to trust others to help you. By seeking help yourself, you may be demonstrating how to do so for others who are also in need of help.

Knowing when to seek help can be difficult for many people. As a society, we are taught to hide what troubles us for fear of being judged and belittled. The truth is that anyone at any time is allowed to seek help if they feel they need it, no matter how small or big their struggle. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients can receive the help they need with compassion and respect. Seeking help is made easy, as Driftwood Recovery is staffed by mental health care professionals specializing in many unique fields. If you or a loved one is worried about their mental health, don’t wait; seek help today by calling (512) 759-8330.

Clinicians and support staff at treatment facilities are responsible for speaking up and addressing issues impacting client or worker safety. Most individuals in healthcare are mandated reporters who must contact law enforcement or other agencies if they notice something affecting the safety of individuals or the community. According to the Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open, “Reporting laws that currently exist in the United States are written to protect individuals and the public.” Driftwood Recovery understands the importance of speaking up to management, coworkers, and even law enforcement when necessary to protect the safety of clients and staff members.

Clinicians Are Mandatory Reporters

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other clinicians are mandatory reporters and must inform law enforcement if they believe a person presents a danger to themselves or others. Studies have shown that “mandatory reporting laws establish a legally enforceable duty for those who have contact with vulnerable populations to report to state and local authorities when mistreatment or abuse of those populations is suspected or confirmed.” Clients in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) may hesitate to build trust with the care team if they worry about revealing potentially illegal activities. The care team is critical in creating a supportive environment while ensuring that clients, their loved ones, and staff remain safe.

Some people have a higher risk of experiencing abuse. The vulnerable individuals covered under most mandatory reporting laws include:

• Children
• Elderly
• Disabled individuals

Staff members in healthcare settings are legally required to make reports if they feel someone is in danger or has been abused. The specific laws vary from state to state, and the clinician must remain current on the latest mandatory reporting regulations. Driftwood Recovery educates all staff members on the importance of following local and federal laws. In addition, management has created comprehensive guidelines and policies regarding when and how to report potential issues related to client or worker safety.

Recognizing When Speaking Up Protects Clients and Staff

Clinicians must also speak up and bring concerns to management if they notice policies or procedures within treatment programs that may potentially harm clients or healthcare workers. In some cases, clinicians may need to talk to management about concerning events they witness during the course of a typical workday. Determining when to speak up is not always easy. Some people may feel uncertain about whether something is their responsibility to follow up on. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to discuss concerns with their supervisors.

Everyday Situations Where Speaking Up Is Necessary

Healthcare workers often experience situations where clients are going through emotionally distressing events. Ensuring those moments remain safe for everyone involved takes knowledge and experience. Being able to anticipate situations that may cause stress or tension ensures staff members know when to reach out for help or speak up about potential safety issues. Below are three situations where a staff member should address the problem with their supervisor or other appropriate individuals.

#1. Harassment Involving Clients or Coworkers

Employee or client harassment is often subjective and covers a wide range of behaviors. What one person may experience as harassment, someone else may find distressing. The subjective nature of physical, verbal, or sexual harassment makes it difficult for people to know when to speak up and report the problem.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), “Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history) . . . Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.”

Not all unwanted behaviors are considered illegal. For example, isolated events, petty behavior, or simple annoyances are not generally considered harassment. Anyone can become the subject of harassment.

#2. Speaking Up If a Client Is a Danger to Themselves or Others

Some clients recovering from substance abuse experience periods of suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors due to co-occurring mental health disorders. Clients who are a danger to themselves or others need access to higher levels of care. To keep everyone safe, clinicians must report the issue to their supervisors and any appropriate authorities.

#3. Safety Issues In the Workplace

Some workplaces may experience safety issues caused by human error, policy lapse, or miscommunication. Identifying and addressing potential problems in policy and workplace communication is essential to ensuring the safety of clients and staff members. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff to speak up if they notice something improper in the workplace. Every day, the leadership team connects with clinicians and support staff to ensure they feel comfortable saying something if they encounter a problem or concern.

Clinicians and support staff working in addiction recovery programs have an ethical obligation to address safety issues noticed within the workplace. Clients, their families, and coworkers rely on staff to recognize signs of a potential safety concern and report it promptly and appropriately. In some cases, reporting safety issues may involve law enforcement or other authorities. Even seemingly minor safety concerns are important to mention. The management team at Driftwood Recovery expects staff members to speak up and address issues as quickly as possible, following program policies and procedures. To learn more about our programs and how we ensure client safety during treatment, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Traditional ideas about recovery often focus on abstinence. Although abstinence is important to recovery, there are a variety of other components that contribute to healing. Abstinence alone does not account for the roots of your distress. Thus, to address and respond to the roots of your challenges, a continuum of care is vital to the recovery process.

Through treatment, you have learned that an attachment approach considers the whole person. As noted in “Holistic-Based Recovery Services” from the Recovery Research Institute, holistic healing considers your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Therefore, through the continuum of care, you can be empowered to find and maintain balance across all aspects of your life for lasting recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we believe finding the right level of care for you is vital to meeting you where you are on your recovery journey. Our ability to meet you where you are can help you build a continuum of care that addresses your individual needs. Whether you are entering early recovery or have been in recovery for a few years, there is a path for you.

However, you may question what is the continuum of care. What does the continuum of care look like beyond treatment?

Exploring the Continuum of Care Model

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the continuum of care is a treatment system that addresses your specific needs. In the continuum of care, you are placed at an appropriate level of care that you can step up or down from as needed. Thus, the continuum of care acknowledges that there is no one level or way to approach recovery. Moreover, as Parents Lead states, a continuum of care model recognizes multiple opportunities to address behavioral health challenges. Listed below are the components of a continuum of care model:

• Promotion: Strategies that support behavioral health and resilience in challenges
• Prevention: Resources are provided before the potential onset of a disorder
• Treatment: A diverse array of services are provided to treat SUD and other behavioral health disorders
• Recovery: Services support your ability to live a productive life within your community

The continuum of care model highlights the value of moving through rather than in a treatment program. Thus, a flexible program provides the space to thrive in treatment and build a life in recovery.

The Value of a Continuum of Care in Recovery

A continuum of care is invaluable in the recovery process as it gives you access to support in your moment of need. Through the dynamic process of recovery, the opportunity for triggers and cravings is always possible. However, you do not have to spend your life feeling like you are walking a tightrope between sobriety and relapse. Therefore, through therapeutic interventions offered in a continuum of care, you have access to resources that can bridge care before, during, and after treatment for effective recovery maintenance.

As the Alcohol Research: Current Reviews states, a continuum of care can support the promotion of extended recovery through treatment interventions like:

• Recovery management checkups
• Technology-based outreach
  • Texting and smartphone app programs
• Recovery activities
• Mutual support groups

Despite the benefits of a continuum of care, there are some barriers to care. Increasing your understanding of barriers in a continuum of care can help you learn how to lower those barriers for your long-term well-being.

Understanding Barriers to a Continuum of Care

There have been gaps in treatment that contribute to identifying SUD as a chronic relapsing disorder. Although Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment notes that the continuum of care is not a linear process, insight can still be gained. Looking at the stages of recovery in the continuum of care can provide insight into how to dismantle those barriers. Listed below are some stages and barriers of the continuum of care after treatment:

• Recovery maintenance: Stability to sustain and refine strategies for problem-solving
  • Barriers to continuing care:
    • Lack of proactive encouragement in aftercare services
    • Early exit from treatment reduces referrals for aftercare
    • Geographical isolation from continuing care service locations
• Recovery citizenship: The rediscovery of your authentic self, reconnection of family, and establishing a new social contract with your community and culture
  • Barriers to continuing care:
    • Disconnecting from your recovery community
      • Disengaged from community activities and service opportunities

Despite the challenges of barriers to the continuum of care beyond treatment, sustained recovery is still possible.

Supporting Low Barriers to Care in Recovery

Through the dedication of clinicians, staff, and clients, barriers to the continuum of care can be lowered to support lasting recovery. Moreover, as SAMHSA notes, low-barrier models of care can support engagement and retention throughout the recovery process. A low-barrier model of care works by putting you at the center of planning and decision-making in your recovery. Listed below are the principles and components of low barriers used to support your recovery across the continuum of care:

• Person-centered care
• Harm reduction
• Meeting you where you are
• Flexibility in how you receive services
• Comprehensive services
• Trauma-informed care
• Culturally responsive and inclusive

With lower barriers of care, you have access to a robust range of tools to support your recovery journey.

Empowering Sustained Healing in Alumni at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we know how important the support of the community is to recovery. Without community support, you can be left feeling alone in your recovery, which opens the door to relapse. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing a peer-driven network in our alumni and community integration program. With mutual support in a vibrant recovery community, you can learn and grow. You can learn and grow from a place of compassion, respect, and accountability. Through a continuum of care, you are reminded that recovery does not happen alone. Lasting recovery happens in collaboration with your community.

Recovery is about more than abstaining from using substances. Without a whole-person approach, you can lose connection with the supportive resources and social network that reminds you that you are not alone. Moreover, disconnection from support services after treatment can increase your risk for relapse and greater psychological distress. However, engaging in an alumni program with an active continuum of care can foster the tools needed to continue to thrive. Through a continuum of care, you can find the compassion, motivation, and accountability you need to meet the challenges of recovery, like cravings. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a strong alumni community built on connection for lasting recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more.

The first step most clients take when beginning addiction treatment is medical detox. Movies and other popular media often depict medical detox incorrectly, where uncaring staff leave clients alone to suffer through withdrawal. Actual medical detox differs greatly. It’s a safe process performed by compassionate medical professionals while working closely with their clients. Medical detox has allowed many clients the support they need to recover from addiction.

However, medical detox is not often discussed, leaving many to wonder what happens during the process. Knowledge of what medical detox is doesn’t just aid those considering treatment. It also helps society understand and care for those who need help. By understanding the process, we can further understand why medical detox is so important, and what to expect should you or a loved one require it.

Why Is a Medical Detox Necessary?

When a person struggles with addiction, it changes the chemistry in their brain. The brain being constantly bathed in chemicals from substances will begin to expect it as part of its normal functions. When the brain cannot get these substances, it causes withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms vary from substance to substance, but all withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable and even distressing. In some cases, some substances, such as opioids, can cause withdrawal symptoms severe enough to cause medical emergencies.

A client cannot focus on treatment or recovery if they have to constantly fight through withdrawal symptoms. Many times, a person will simply use substances again instead of dealing with painful withdrawal symptoms. This causes a constant cycle of distress that can demotivate someone into giving up before their recovery journey can even begin. Medical detox helps by stopping this cycle and providing professional medical oversight. Without this service, a client has to struggle, sometimes for a long time without success, to break the cycle. Medical detox doesn’t just allow recovery to happen faster. It also allows for the recovery process to happen in the first place.

What Happens in Medical Detox?

Medical detox begins with a client being assessed. The assessment process will determine what the client needs for a successful detox. As mentioned before, addictive substances vary greatly. Their potency, withdrawal symptoms, and lasting effects depend on the specific substance. Once this has been determined, the client will then stay in a facility staffed by medical professionals who are trained to provide speedy and compassionate care. These facilities are designed to be comfortable, as fighting withdrawal symptoms is hard work. The bonus is that there will always be a medical professional nearby in case of an emergency.

During medical detox, clients are often prescribed medication. These medications are there to assist the detox process and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Note that medical detox addresses acute (medically significant) withdrawal symptoms and not the psychological effects of detox, such as cravings. Psychological effects are dealt with in further treatment and therapy.

The length of time that the medical detox takes depends on several factors. Of course, the specific substance being used can determine the length needed for detox, but there are other factors besides that. How the substance was taken, such as injected or inhaled, can extend the detox process. It also matters in how long the substances were used, how often they were used, and the last time they were used. A client’s sex, age, and medical history also play a role in the process. How long a person stays in medical detox varies, but the average is between three to ten days long.

The Driftwood Recovery Approach

Driftwood Recovery has a high standard for how medical detox is conducted on campus as part of its residential treatment program. Clients can expect the usual compassion and respect that comes with treatment at Driftwood Recovery. However, clients can also expect privacy alongside comfort and safety. By receiving treatment on a beautiful and secure campus, clients can relax and focus on what they must do to recover instead of struggling alone.

Driftwood Recovery takes a holistic approach to its treatments, which includes medical detox. This allows clients to have access to skills and tools that make the detox process as comfortable as possible. Yoga and other activities are used to reduce stress and allow clients to focus on healing. Clients are fed nutritious meals prepared by an in-house licensed chef designed to provide the strength they need to recover. They also participate in outdoor activities and exercise to focus their minds and create healthy habits.

Medical detox is hard work, so clients are given plenty of time to rest. Part of that includes enjoying the healing power of nature, allowing clients to connect with something stronger than addiction. Clients aren’t simply left alone, as family is very important at Driftwood Recovery. Visits from loved ones can give clients the encouragement they need to overcome anything, including addiction. The courageous family program involves the family in the treatment process, bringing loved ones closer together.

There is nothing to fear while receiving medical detox at Driftwood Recovery. The staff genuinely cares about each client, working hard so they can succeed in recovering from addiction. Each client is treated with understanding and compassion and has a firm say in their treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the first step is to detox. For those in need of help, Driftwood Recovery will meet your needs and those of your loved ones. So don’t wait to get help; reach out today.

Those who are struggling with addiction will often require a medical detox before they can begin treatment. This process can seem scary at first, especially for those who have medical trauma. However, it’s a safe process overseen by medical professionals who can provide a more comfortable detox process. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients can undergo their medical detox in safety, comfort, and privacy. Clients can expect to be treated with compassion and respect during the detox process, as judgment and shame are not welcome at Driftwood Recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call (512) 759-8330 today to learn more about the addiction treatment and medical detox process.

The treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) requires the collaboration of multiple departments and clinicians. Multiple staff members are responsible for ensuring clients access effective and appropriate treatment. According to Medicine, “Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that Collaborative Care increases access to mental health care and is more effective and cost efficient than the current standard of care for treating common mental illnesses” and substance abuse. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to share their expertise and cross-train to fill gaps in client support. Collaborating with coworkers is essential to high-quality treatment programs.

Collaboration Between Coworkers Creates a More Consistent Treatment Experience

Collaborating with coworkers ensures consistent client care and reduces strain on any one person or department. Sharing the workload and providing emotional or professional support throughout the workday helps staff remain focused and encourages teamwork. Driftwood Recovery understands that people work better when they have a shared goal and work together. Staff members may begin to feel physically or emotionally drained if they take on too much work during the week. Collaborating ensures team members recognize when to step in and lighten the load or provide helpful advice for a coworker.

Collaboration between staff members at Driftwood Recovery improves the treatment experience for clients and clinicians by doing the following:

• Ensuring everyone has access to the resources, skills, and expertise to accommodate client needs
• Providing staff with opportunities to learn new skills from coworkers
• Reducing miscommunication and human error by ensuring everyone works with the same information

Effective communication between staff members is essential to ensuring treatment programs provide the best support to clients. Studies have shown that “[t]he significance of communication in the clinical setting is its quality to improve patient outcomes . . . Communication errors are a major cause of adverse events in the clinical setting.” Driftwood Recovery facilitates effective communication and collaboration through mandatory staff meetings and other policies.

Every Department Must Work Together

Staff members often feel more confident in their abilities if each department works together to create a cohesive client experience. Collaboration improves treatment outcomes for clients recovering from substance abuse and mental health disorders. According to Current Psychiatry Reports, “Collaborative care models (CCM) provide a pragmatic strategy to deliver integrated mental health and general medical care . . . CCMs are a team-based, multicomponent intervention . . . improving coordination of patient care through organizational leadership support, evidence-based provider decision-making, and clinical information systems as well as engaging patients in their care.” Teamwork fosters a compassionate and respectful environment where clients and staff feel comfortable trusting and engaging with one another.

Driftwood Recovery Makes Collaborating With Coworkers Easy

Collaboration is easy when it is an expected part of the workplace experience. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff to communicate their needs throughout each shift to ensure no one feels unheard or isolated. The workplace is a positive community where people can rely on one another for support, insights, and expert advice. Collaboration is one of the critical values practiced by every staff member.

Driftwood Recovery helps clinicians collaborate by doing the following:

• Implementing an open-door policy with management to make sure every employee feels heard and valued
• Ensuring every staff member has the chance to provide feedback on facility policies and guidelines
• Encouraging an integrative approach to treatment between coworkers

Every department and individual has unique strengths and skills. Treatment programs work more smoothly when coworkers share those tools and resources.

Routine Check-Ins and Daily Facility Meetings

Daily staff meetings take place before the start of treatment to ensure everyone is on the same page. Staff members meet to share information, insights, and treatment goals to facilitate a smoother experience for clients and their loved ones. Daily check-ins make it easier for clinicians to engage with coworkers from other departments, relay information, and share ideas. Frequent communication ensures appropriate treatment for clients and allows clinicians to grow their skill set.

Collaborating With Coworkers Reduces Miscommunication and Improves the Effectiveness of Treatment

Increased communication is one of the most important aspects of collaboration between coworkers. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Effective teamwork has a positive effect on health care, and is associated with:

• Reduced length of stay.
• Higher rates of quality care.
• Better patient outcomes.
• A greater ability to meet family member needs.
• Improved patient experience with care scores.
• Lower rates of nurse turnover.

Clients and staff members are safer, and treatment outcomes are generally more positive when healthcare workers take the time to practice effective communication.

How Does Collaboration Benefit Clients and Clinicians?

Collaboration in a healthcare setting ensures that all services are complementary and people cooperate during client care. Clinicians and support staff work together to determine creative ways to overcome problems, establish care plans, and engage clients in recovery. Studies have shown that “[e]ffective teams are characterized by trust, respect, and collaboration.” Driftwood Recovery has built collaboration into the policies and procedures of each program to ensure everyone feels supported and valued.

People in treatment have better experiences and outcomes when the care team collaborates closely to ensure programs are cohesive and address all their needs. Rehabilitation programs involve creating a bond of trust with clients and developing deep connections. Guiding clients through their recovery journey is more manageable if clinicians work together and maintain consistent treatment between departments. Driftwood Recovery supports collaboration between individual staff members and various departments. Every staff member checks in daily with co-workers and management to ensure they have the tools and resources to create a safe and supportive treatment environment. To learn more about our programs and the care team at Driftwood Recovery, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

The treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) requires the collaboration of multiple departments and clinicians. Multiple staff members are responsible for ensuring clients access effective and appropriate treatment. According to Medicine, “Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that Collaborative Care increases access to mental health care and is more effective and cost efficient than the current standard of care for treating common mental illnesses” and substance abuse. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to share their expertise and cross-train to fill gaps in client support. Collaborating with coworkers is essential to high-quality treatment programs.

Collaboration Between Coworkers Creates a More Consistent Treatment Experience

Collaborating with coworkers ensures consistent client care and reduces strain on any one person or department. Sharing the workload and providing emotional or professional support throughout the workday helps staff remain focused and encourages teamwork. Driftwood Recovery understands that people work better when they have a shared goal and work together. Staff members may begin to feel physically or emotionally drained if they take on too much work during the week. Collaborating ensures team members recognize when to step in and lighten the load or provide helpful advice for a coworker.

Collaboration between staff members at Driftwood Recovery improves the treatment experience for clients and clinicians by doing the following:

• Ensuring everyone has access to the resources, skills, and expertise to accommodate client needs
• Providing staff with opportunities to learn new skills from coworkers
• Reducing miscommunication and human error by ensuring everyone works with the same information

Effective communication between staff members is essential to ensuring treatment programs provide the best support to clients. Studies have shown that “[t]he significance of communication in the clinical setting is its quality to improve patient outcomes . . . Communication errors are a major cause of adverse events in the clinical setting.” Driftwood Recovery facilitates effective communication and collaboration through mandatory staff meetings and other policies.

Every Department Must Work Together

Staff members often feel more confident in their abilities if each department works together to create a cohesive client experience. Collaboration improves treatment outcomes for clients recovering from substance abuse and mental health disorders. According to Current Psychiatry Reports, “Collaborative care models (CCM) provide a pragmatic strategy to deliver integrated mental health and general medical care . . . CCMs are a team-based, multicomponent intervention . . . improving coordination of patient care through organizational leadership support, evidence-based provider decision-making, and clinical information systems as well as engaging patients in their care.” Teamwork fosters a compassionate and respectful environment where clients and staff feel comfortable trusting and engaging with one another.

Driftwood Recovery Makes Collaborating With Coworkers Easy

Collaboration is easy when it is an expected part of the workplace experience. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff to communicate their needs throughout each shift to ensure no one feels unheard or isolated. The workplace is a positive community where people can rely on one another for support, insights, and expert advice. Collaboration is one of the critical values practiced by every staff member.

Driftwood Recovery helps clinicians collaborate by doing the following:

• Implementing an open-door policy with management to make sure every employee feels heard and valued
• Ensuring every staff member has the chance to provide feedback on facility policies and guidelines
• Encouraging an integrative approach to treatment between coworkers

Every department and individual has unique strengths and skills. Treatment programs work more smoothly when coworkers share those tools and resources.

Routine Check-Ins and Daily Facility Meetings

Daily staff meetings take place before the start of treatment to ensure everyone is on the same page. Staff members meet to share information, insights, and treatment goals to facilitate a smoother experience for clients and their loved ones. Daily check-ins make it easier for clinicians to engage with coworkers from other departments, relay information, and share ideas. Frequent communication ensures appropriate treatment for clients and allows clinicians to grow their skill set.

Collaborating With Coworkers Reduces Miscommunication and Improves the Effectiveness of Treatment

Increased communication is one of the most important aspects of collaboration between coworkers. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Effective teamwork has a positive effect on health care, and is associated with:

• Reduced length of stay.
• Higher rates of quality care.
• Better patient outcomes.
• A greater ability to meet family member needs.
• Improved patient experience with care scores.
• Lower rates of nurse turnover.

Clients and staff members are safer, and treatment outcomes are generally more positive when healthcare workers take the time to practice effective communication.

How Does Collaboration Benefit Clients and Clinicians?

Collaboration in a healthcare setting ensures that all services are complementary and people cooperate during client care. Clinicians and support staff work together to determine creative ways to overcome problems, establish care plans, and engage clients in recovery. Studies have shown that “[e]ffective teams are characterized by trust, respect, and collaboration.” Driftwood Recovery has built collaboration into the policies and procedures of each program to ensure everyone feels supported and valued.

People in treatment have better experiences and outcomes when the care team collaborates closely to ensure programs are cohesive and address all their needs. Rehabilitation programs involve creating a bond of trust with clients and developing deep connections. Guiding clients through their recovery journey is more manageable if clinicians work together and maintain consistent treatment between departments. Driftwood Recovery supports collaboration between individual staff members and various departments. Every staff member checks in daily with co-workers and management to ensure they have the tools and resources to create a safe and supportive treatment environment. To learn more about our programs and the care team at Driftwood Recovery, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is a dynamic process of change. In recovery, you work to improve your health and wellness, live a self-determined life, and reach your full potential. Through your work in treatment, you have learned that maintaining recovery goes beyond abstaining from substances. Recovery is a lifelong journey of inner work that manifests in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Therefore, understanding the importance of self-awareness is vital to lasting recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know healing can happen when you rebuild a connection to yourself and others. Through an attachment approach, you have found insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Thus, fostering a connection to the self and others provides deeper self-awareness and self-understanding to grow and change.

Without insight offered by healthy attachment, you cannot see yourself fully to take in feedback and make changes to heal. Therefore, the need for connection to the self highlights the importance of self-awareness. As a result, the importance of self-awareness becomes an important process in treatment and lasting recovery.

Although you have built a strong foundation of self-awareness, recovery is not static. Working on yourself is a lifelong journey in which awareness and understanding are expansive. Thus, increasing your understanding of the importance of self-awareness can support continuing to build tools for sustained recovery.

What Is Self-Awareness?

As noted in Frontiers in Digital Health, self-awareness is your conscious understanding of yourself, like your character, feelings, thoughts, desires, values, and beliefs. Moreover, self-awareness is a complex set of processes that develops from infancy and onward. Through childhood and adolescence, you learn elements of self-awareness that impact how you understand yourself, others, and the world. Listed below are some of the things that showcase the importance of self-awareness for development and self-understanding:

• Ability to think about yourself concerning others
• Self-consciousness: an awareness that others perceive you in certain ways

Looking at some of the stages of self-awareness highlights the importance of self-awareness as your understanding of your outer and inner self. The sense of self you form with yourself and others contributes to how you think, feel, and respond to everything around you. Thus, your self-awareness can be broken into public self-awareness and private self-awareness:

• Public: You are aware that others are watching and evaluating you
  • Encourages engagement in socially acceptable behaviors
  • This can lead to anxiety when you are overly worried about how others perceive you
• Private: You are aware of the physical aspects of yourself

Public and private highlights how self-awareness can be impaired by being overly self-conscious. Self-consciousness is an important part of awareness that can manifest as positive feelings like pride and empathy or negative emotions like shame, guilt, and jealousy. The positive and negative emotions of self-consciousness are crucial components that modify your thinking and behavior to meet the demands of any given situation as it changes. However, being overly self-aware can develop into distressing feelings like embarrassment found in social anxiety. Therefore, understanding how substance use disorder (SUD) can impair your sense of self will showcase the importance of self-awareness in recovery.

Importance of Self-Awareness Impairment in Substance Use Disorder

The importance of self-awareness is reflected in the impact of SUD on your sense of self. When you misuse substances, it makes changes to your brain that impede decision-making, the regulation of impulses, and behavioral monitoring. Despite the thinking and behavioral changes that come with SUD, you are often unable to recognize self-destructive actions when addiction sets in. Difficulty recognizing the harm being caused to yourself and others reflects impaired self-awareness.

As stated in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, deficits in self-awareness can lead to denial of SUD and other mental health disorders. SUD can impair your ability to recognize the personal relevance or significance of internal and external stimuli that have implications for you. Understanding the impairments SUD can cause speaks to the importance of self-awareness as a tool for supporting recovery.

Addressing the Importance of Self-Awareness for Recovery

Through self-awareness, you can better understand your strengths and challenges to foster a healthier self. Some of the other ways self-awareness can support recovery include:

• Understanding your feelings and needs
• The ability to articulate your feelings and needs to others
• You can recognize the feelings and needs of others
• Recognize how your behavior impacts others
• Able to learn from and grow from your experiences and choices

The skills that come from deep self-awareness reflect the importance of self-awareness for learning, growing, and connection. Yet, you may wonder how you can continue to build on your self-awareness. How can deepening your understanding of yourself and others to continue to connect and thrive in recovery?

Tools for Healing: Ways to Improve Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is important because of its ability to help you respond to mental health challenges and other stressors more effectively. Listed below are some of the tools you can utilize to support deeper self-awareness in your daily life:

• Meditation
• Journal writing
• Nature walk
• Listening to others
• Mindfulness
• Engage in introspection of your past
• Gain objective feedback in therapy

Taking an inward look at yourself, from your thoughts and feelings to your behaviors, speaks to the importance of self-awareness as a tool for healing.

Supporting the Importance of Self-Awareness at Driftwood Recovery

Your sense of purpose and fulfillment is tied to your awareness and understanding of the self. Thus, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing an alumni program rich in compassion, support, and respect for you no matter where you are on your journey. Now, you have access to a community committed to giving you the connection you need to continue to rebuild that connection to self. With greater self-awareness, you can build a more positive sense of self to overcome obstacles to healing. Further, your deeper self-awareness empowers you to build the courageous life in recovery you deserve.

Impairments in self-awareness can impede your ability to recognize the harm your challenges cause. Without self-awareness, it is difficult to build and maintain the tools you need to learn and grow from your experiences. However, engaging in an active alumni program can support you in continuing to deepen your self-awareness. With deeper self-awareness, you can understand yourself and others to respond to the stressors of life in healthier ways. Through an alumni program, you continue to have access to support and resources to practice deepening self-awareness, like mindfulness and therapy. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing services that continue to connect you to supportive resources for sustained recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 today.

For those who struggle with addiction and co-occurring conditions, an integrated treatment approach is the most effective way to provide treatment. When a person is struggling with addiction and another mental health disorder, it is known as a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis can quickly worsen, especially when both disorders influence the other. That’s why specialized treatment is needed, specifically an integrated treatment approach.

The staff at Driftwood Recovery understands the importance of an integrated treatment approach to dual diagnosis treatment. As a result, clients have access to treatment plans that accurately address their individual needs. Those who may be struggling currently with a dual diagnosis may feel intimidated by the unknown, especially when it involves putting their trust in strangers. However, there is nothing to fear. Understanding what an integrated treatment approach is can go a long way in comforting those considering treatment.

What Is an Integrated Treatment Approach?

An integrated treatment approach is what is used to treat a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis can be tricky to treat, as the addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder must receive treatment at the same time. Trying to treat one or the other first can cause the other to worsen, creating a see-saw effect. This bouncing around does not help clients. It only prolongs the time needed for treatment. Taking an integrated treatment approach addresses both issues at the same time, shortening treatment and providing comprehensive care.

The specific types of treatments used in an integrated treatment approach vary depending on the specific addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders. However, some treatments are universal. Medical detox is one that allows a client to detox from an addictive substance in safety and comfort. Psychotherapy is also common, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Each addiction and mental health care facility will have its specializations for its integrated treatment programs. Driftwood Recovery, for example, utilizes holistic methods. Examples include nutritional education and exercise to aid in treatment. Every mental health care facility is different, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.

Why Is an Integrated Treatment Approach Most Effective for a Dual Diagnosis?

Utilizing an integrated treatment approach is vital for those struggling with a dual diagnosis because of how customizable it is. No client is the same. Each will have their own needs that must be addressed for proper treatment. For example, a client struggling with fibromyalgia and an opioid addiction will require different care compared to someone struggling with trauma and alcohol addiction. Using an integrated treatment approach allows clients to get the specialization they need to achieve successful recovery.

An integrated treatment approach is also used for safety purposes. Some addictions can have serious lingering effects on a person, even after medical detox. Coupled with a co-occurring disorder, it can feel scary for a client. Utilizing an integrated treatment approach allows for mental health and medical care professionals to oversee and protect a client’s health. This overlap ensures the safety of the client, allowing them to trust that they will be cared for.

Integrated treatment also utilizes alumni support and relapse prevention techniques to establish long-lasting recovery. With a full team to help, clients get the encouragement and education they need to succeed long after treatment is completed.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Driftwood Recovery

Driftwood Recovery is committed to an integrated treatment approach for dual diagnosis treatment. By treating a wide array of disorders and an extensive assessment process, clients can trust that they will receive the specialized treatment they need. Providing care such as medication management or physical assessments is used to set the client up for success.

Clients with a dual diagnosis benefit greatly from the residential treatment program. This is a program where clients stay on campus to receive care. Not only do clients have access to treatments, but they also can utilize programs designed to help them transition back into normal life. This commitment to aftercare ensures clients succeed in their recovery goals, as seen in the community integration program. With an emphasis on safety and privacy, clients can recover in the best environment possible to promote positive life changes.

An integrated treatment approach is also utilized in the daily programs at Driftwood Recovery. Clients learn how to take care of their bodies and minds to ensure long-lasting recovery. It may not seem as important as treatment, but learning how to eat right and exercise can have a lasting impact on health and wellness. Even sitting down to have a tasty, nutritious, homemade meal on campus can do wonders for the spirit and psyche.

The goal of Driftwood Recovery’s integrated treatment approach is to ensure that clients receive the treatment they need to grow and heal as individuals. True healing is not possible if clients are treated like numbers or a bottom line. With compassionate and knowledgeable providers, Driftwood Recovery works to make sure its integrated treatment approach can help as many people as possible. If you are struggling with a dual diagnosis, there is hope for peace and recovery. Anything is possible with the personal desire to change and the right kind of help.

For those who struggle with an addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder, finding treatment can feel scary and overwhelming. Many people believe that they are too “damaged” and thus are beyond help. However, that is not true, and anyone can recover from what is known as a dual diagnosis. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients are provided with a safe and supportive environment to promote healing. Combined with a focus on an integrated treatment approach, clients receive the comprehensive and compassionate treatments needed for recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with a dual diagnosis, help is only a phone call away. To learn more, call (512) 759-8330 today.

Addiction recovery specialists and support staff experience an unusually high level of stress due to the nature of their work. Spending every day helping people work through trauma, emotional distress, and physical discomfort takes a toll. A positive work-life balance ensures healthcare workers remain motivated and healthy. According to Cureus, multiple interventions can reduce stress in healthcare, including “Gratitude interventions . . designed to focus attention on the people and things that create positive events and feelings in one’s life.” Driftwood Recovery makes identifying the positives in everyday experiences easier by providing a supportive environment.

Identifying the Positives Reduces Emotional and Physical Burnout

Individuals in the healthcare field have an increased risk of burnout. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Research has found a link between an upbeat mental state and improved health, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life.” Finding small ways to increase positivity throughout the day can help staff members stay healthy. People who choose to focus on the positives at home and work often have better overall mental health and a reduced risk of emotional or physical burnout. Positivity improves mood, stabilizes emotions, and helps workers remain energized throughout the workweek.

Some of the ways people in healthcare identify and celebrate positive experiences include:

• Recording personal or career goal achievements
• Creating a list of positive things and adding to it each week
• Sharing positive experiences with co-workers or loved ones

Sometimes, people find it easier to focus on the negative aspects of life. However, once people look at their experiences from a more positive perspective, they find it easier to ignore or move past negativity.

Increase Confidence and Motivation By Identifying the Positives

Individuals working in the addiction recovery and mental health field increase their effectiveness and self-confidence by identifying the positive aspects of their daily routines. Often, healthcare professionals feel more motivated to continue growing and gaining essential skills if they feel hopeful for their future and client care. The mental health of clinicians and support staff has a direct impact on client outcomes during substance abuse treatment. Clients have better experiences and build stronger relationships with staff members who have the energy and emotional bandwidth to engage with them on a deeper level.

Mindfulness is one of the most effective ways to reduce negativity and gain self-awareness. Healthcare professionals must remain mindful of their needs, limitations, and boundaries to ensure they provide the best service to clients without sacrificing their mental health. Every day is an opportunity to practice positivity using mindfulness and self-care.

Maintaining self-awareness through mindfulness techniques does the following:

• Reduces the risk of mental health issues
• Decreases overall stress
• Makes it easier for people to practice self-care
• Increases self-esteem and self-efficacy

Being mindful of how work situations affect mental health is an essential part of self-care for healthcare professionals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “[I] t’s important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time . . . When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted.” Driftwood Recovery protects staff members by ensuring they have the resources and support to manage stress related to the workplace.

How Can Clinician Positivity in Treatment Help Clients Heal From Addiction?

Addiction treatment often requires an integrative and personalized approach to care. Staff members who feel comfortable, confident, and supported in their role are more likely to provide better treatment. Positivity increases the effectiveness of treatment and helps clinicians stay focused and motivated to help clients heal from the effects of addiction.

Identifying the Positives at Driftwood Recovery

Driftwood Recovery is a welcoming community where staff and clients feel supported. The treatment programs are tailored to the client’s needs and each clinician’s strengths. Every day, staff have an opportunity to share positive messages and build trust with clients.

Driftwood Recovery helps employees increase positivity by doing the following:

• Providing daily check-ins with each staff member and their supervisor
• Offering benefits to improve work-life balance
• Providing mental health resources

Healthcare workers often have to manage long and emotionally taxing work hours. Healthcare professionals find it easier to remain positive if they are part of a team. Driftwood Recovery has created a family-like environment where everyone has access to tools for maintaining positive mental health while treating individuals struggling with addiction. Teamwork is an essential part of the culture at Driftwood Recovery. Staff at Driftwood Recovery uplift and empower one another by sharing skills, providing emotional support, and ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to successfully manage their workload. Co-workers go above and beyond every day to help one another find positive aspects of client care.

People in healthcare guide clients through treatment and recovery. The process often takes an emotional toll and may increase a person’s risk of developing mental health issues if staff don’t find ways to reduce stress. Making everyday interactions positive and inspiring helps staff members feel motivated and enthusiastic about their work. A more positive mindset decreases overall stress and facilitates better self-care. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to look on the bright side and embrace the positive elements of their everyday interactions with clients and co-workers. Management provides a supportive and nurturing work environment. To learn more about our programs and our workplace values, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Clinicians and support staff take steps to ensure client safety and comfort during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Studies have shown that adverse events consist “of an incident that causes harm to the patient and negatively affects the patient’s health and quality of life, causing illness, injury, disability, suffering or death, and negatively affecting his or her social, physical or psychological structure.” Care workers also have the potential to experience adverse events impacting their physical and psychological well-being. Driftwood Recovery has strict safety guidelines and policies to ensure all staff members use best practices to ensure everyone remains safe and healthy.

The Importance of Treatment Safety in Building Trust With Clients

Treatment safety builds trust with clients by ensuring they feel comfortable and secure collaborating with staff at Driftwood Recovery. According to BMC Psychology, “Trust and respect may be an important component of client-provider relationships.” Every client is provided with details about the facility’s expectations, safety rules, and guidelines. Being transparent with clients reduces confusion and miscommunication. In addition, normalizing discussions on safety guidelines and program codes of conduct helps clients and staff feel more comfortable speaking up if they have concerns.

Safety standards build trust by doing the following:

• Prioritizing client needs and safety over preferences
• Ensuring clients and clinicians are on the same page
• Creating an open line of communication between clients and staff members

Clients often feel more confident in their treatment if they believe the care team has their best interest in mind. Driftwood Recovery treats clients and staff like family, making the human connection integral to treatment and care planning. Following safety guidelines and standards during treatment benefits everyone.

Workplace Safety Practices Protect Clients and Clinicians

Safety practices are built into the treatment programs at Driftwood Recovery to create a positive experience for staff and clients. However, some situations may fall into gray areas. Clinicians must be familiar with the types of safety issues they may encounter so they can prepare to address them appropriately.

Some potential safety issues healthcare workers and clients may encounter include:

• Harassment and assault
• Medical problems caused by human error
• Sexual, physical, or verbal abuse
• Drug-related adverse reactions
• Accidents or injuries caused by an unsafe environment

Adhering to program rules, safety guidelines, and workplace policies protects clients and staff from experiencing these events. Clients are informed of the program rules and expectations on the first day to ensure they understand how their behaviors may impact treatment. Staff members are protected from being harassed or subjected to unsafe situations by working as a team and enforcing safety policies.

4 Ways Staff Members Practice Treatment Safety

Staff members are trained to identify and resolve potential safety issues by speaking up, making a report, providing guidance to clients, and communicating clearly with one another. Each case is unique and must be addressed appropriately. Below are four specific ways staff members practice treatment safety.

#1. Driftwood Recovery’s Values Promote Treatment Safety

Management at Driftwood Recovery values transparency, integrity, and honesty. Staff members promote a positive treatment environment by using these values to ensure clients and clinicians understand conduct expectations. Often, unsafe situations arise due to miscommunication or misunderstandings between clients, clinicians, and the families of individuals in treatment.

Some additional values practiced by staff at Driftwood Recovery include:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Community
• Teamwork
• Commitment

Clients and their families benefit from clinicians using personal and workplace values to improve treatment safety. A compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to client care helps staff identify areas they can improve to help people feel more comfortable and supported.

#2. Clinicians Have Clear Procedures for Reporting Safety Concerns

Driftwood Recovery has clear procedures and policies for reporting client and clinician safety concerns. All staff members have the resources and training to recognize the signs of potential safety issues and address them with management or coworkers. Clinicians are also mandatory reporters and are encouraged to inform the appropriate authorities or management if they notice signs of potential abuse or other safety concerns.

#3. Staff Are Trained to De-escalate Tense Situations

Some safety concerns appear without warning and escalate quickly. Abuse, harassment, or assault are a few safety issues staff members may need to address using de-escalating techniques. For example, suppose a client has an emotional outburst and becomes physically or verbally aggressive. In that case, staff can protect themselves and other clients by remaining calm, following safety procedures, and de-escalating the situation. Driftwood Recovery ensures staff are trained to handle unexpected stressful situations and ensure the safety of everyone in the facility.

#4. Collaborating With the Client’s Family Members While Maintaining Treatment Safety

Treatment safety impacts staff members, clients, and the family members of people in treatment. The care team educates families on the realities of addiction and the treatment process. Communicating openly about potential challenges clients may face helps families feel more comfortable speaking up if they notice problematic or harmful behaviors.

Healthcare professionals must navigate sometimes difficult situations with compassion, care, and integrity. Treatment safety often depends on a clinician’s ability to de-escalate and control the situation when a client or coworker experiences severe emotional distress. Counselors and other care team members are trained to manage and report potentially unsafe behaviors. If the safety concerns might lead to physical harm to an individual or the community, clinicians should report the situation to authorities. Driftwood Recovery prioritizes the safety of clients and staff members by implementing comprehensive safety protocols and guidelines for everyday interactions. To learn more about our programs and services, contact our office today by calling us at (512) 759-8330.