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Guide: Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment

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Many individuals struggling with alcohol addiction decide to do an outpatient program (instead of a live-in inpatient treatment) to aid in their recovery. Although length and intensity can vary depending upon each individuals needs, many points of treatment remain the same.

Most outpatient treatment programs geared specifically for alcohol addiction include:

  • An expectation of abstinence from alcohol
  • An initial assessment to determine the needs of the client
  • Seminars and activities for alcohol treatment that the client is expected to attend in order to educate themselves about the science of addiction.
  • Goal setting and formation of an outpatient alcohol treatment plan while discussing one’s emotions and underlying conditions (such as depression or anxiety)
  • Rules about individual’s behavior while they attend outpatient treatment for alcohol abuse.  Breaking rules often means individuals are ejected from the outpatient program
  • A certain number of therapy session each week will be agreed upon
  • Clients are generally asked to divulge personal information in individual or group settings in regards to alcohol and themselves with other clients

Connections: Alcohol and Drug Dependence

As we’ve reported, people who either suffer from substance abuse issues or may be prone to them may find a connection between alcohol and drug dependence.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, “Alcohol and drug dependence often go hand in hand; research shows that people who are dependent on alcohol are much more likely than the general population to use drugs, and people with drug dependence are much more likely than the general population to drink alcohol.”

Indeed, the NIH statistics are eye-opening:

  • 15.3 million adults meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder*
  • Of those, 2.3 million adults meet the criteria for a drug use disorder*

Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment: Pros & Cons

There are pros and cons when deciding between inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for alcohol addiction. And just as with most outpatient programs, outpatient alcohol treatment requires work to bring forth progress. However, if clients are ready and willing to work hard, the self examination and results of outpatient treatment for alcohol can be very rewarding and extremely life changing.

An intensive outpatient rehab program exists for one purpose:To help you get your life together without leaving it. A proper approach teaches individuals how to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety through essential coping skills, while still giving enough time to take care of responsibilities at home.

Participants learn these essential coping skills from a team of addiction treatment experts.

According to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: “Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning the condition can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Outpatient rehab programs work best for those with mild or moderate substance abuse symptoms. An inpatient program is a better fit for individuals on the more severe end of the spectrum as well as those with co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety or trauma.”

“Different levels of outpatient rehab are available so that you can transition progressively from more frequent and intensive therapy to less intensive therapy as you show an ability to manage your own recovery with less clinical support.”

One challenge to being in the general population, of course, can be understanding some of signals around drinking too much.

We’ve noted an immediate effect: alcohol acts as a depressant that can lower mood and trigger depressive feelings. “The inability of the body to fully process this much alcohol in the blood leads to far more than just intoxication. Binge drinking causes dizziness, loss of motor coordination, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and loss of consciousness,” Alcohol.org, an American Addiction Center Resource site explains.

Alcohol’s effects over the long run on the nervous system can cause anxiety, agitation and further depression and extreme discomfort, often known as the “hangover” feeling. Sometimes, the effects become so uncomfortable, people turn to drinking again to temporarily alleviate the unpleasant symptoms. Ultimately, it can become a vicious cycle that can lead to serious addiction.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Medical News Today notes that “according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5), 11 criteria help a professional decide if someone has an AUD [Alcohol Use Disorder]. If the person meets two of these criteria during a 12-month period, a doctor will consider they have the condition.”

Now a new study published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism identifies 5 types of alcohol use disorder that vary with age. The study is titled “Dynamic Features of Problematic Drinking: Alcohol Use Disorder Latent Classes Across Ages 18–64.”

The authors state: “Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are linked with numerous severe detrimental outcomes. Evidence suggests that there is a typology of individuals with an AUD based on the symptoms they report. Scant research has identified how these groups may vary in prevalence by age, which could highlight aspects of problematic drinking behavior that are particularly salient at different ages. Our study aimed to (a) identify latent classes of drinkers with AUD that differ based on symptoms of AUD and (b) examine prevalences of latent classes by age.’

As Medical News Today notes, the study adds “even more nuance to the issue of problematic drinking.” The profiles, as the post outlines, can be useful for individuals who are considering treatment to understand. They include:

  • “‘Alcohol-induced injury’ characterized 25 percent of the participants. People with this profile engaged in risky behavior and got into dangerous situations that might have caused injury.”
  • “Highly problematic, low perceived life interference’ characterized 21 percent of the participants. This group said that their alcohol consumption did not have any adverse effect on their lives and did not affect their family, work, or social obligations, despite also reporting that they experienced many AUD symptoms.”
  • “The ‘Adverse effects only’ profile included 34 percent of the participants, who reported hangovers or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.”
  • “‘Difficulty cutting back’ was a profile prevalent among 13 percent of the participants. People in this category struggled or were unable to cut back on their drinking.”
  • “Highly problematic’ was the final category, which made up 7 percent of the total number of participants who had every symptom of AUD.”

Outpatient Rehab: What to Learn

As we highlight, among the topics individuals in intensive outpatient rehab will learn include:

  • Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention
  • Life Skills
  • How to Recognize, Confront and Handle Triggers
  • Health and Nutritional Study
  • Family and Relationship Education
  • Continuing Care
  • Anger Management/Domestic Violence
  • Relaxation and Meditation Skills
  • Phases of Recovery

See a fuller list here.

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Outpatient vs. Inpatient Rehab: What Kind Of Treatment Options Do I Have?

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Treating addiction is most effective when it takes a personalized approach: it is true that one size does not fit all. But before committing to a treatment plan, those with substance abuse disorders and their families should be informed of the differences between levels of care, and when one might seem more fitting than the other.

For more, see: 

  1. Detoxification Programs: Medical detoxification programs are a safe place for people with addiction to manage their acute physical and psychiatric symptoms associated with initial withdrawal. For example, withdrawing from heavy alcohol use may cause nausea, dizziness, tremors, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness and even, in severe cases, seizures. Detoxification requires supervision to help manage these symptoms and to provide support so that the individual in care does not return to substance abuse to lessen the withdrawal effects. The program is structured as inpatient, usually on a hospital ward, to ensure the safety of the person in recovery is monitored. While this is a serious undertaking, it is considered an initial stage of treatment for severe abuse and does not often lead to long-term sobriety.
  2. Short-Term Residential Treatment: Short-term residential programs are considered intensive but also brief, consisting of 3 to 6 week hospital stays on substance abuse wards. Many include detoxification programs as part of the stay, but include individual therapy, group therapy, substance abuse education and medication management. It is meant to not only stabilize the patient, but also teach long-term sobriety management skills for those with less severe substance abuse addictions. It is important for those in inpatient programs to stay in outpatient treatment following their discharge, to maintain support and reinforce new habits while adjusting back to regular life.
  3. Long-term Residential Treatment: Long-term residential programs provide 24 hour care outside of the hospital setting, usually in a treatment facility designed to handle the specific addiction. Patients usually stay 6 to 12 months. The programs usually include detoxification, therapy, and peer support. What differentiates long-term care from short-term care is that long-term care also provides a multidimensional, intensive treatment program that teaches the patient new ways to live without relying on their drug of choice in a setting where they can practice those new skills. “Addiction is viewed in the context of an individual’s social and psychological deficits, and treatment focuses on developing personal accountability and responsibility as well as socially productive lives. Treatment is highly structured and can be confrontational at times, with activities designed to help residents examine damaging beliefs, self-concepts, and destructive patterns of behavior and adopt new, more harmonious and constructive ways to interact with others. Many TCs offer comprehensive services, which can include employment training and other support services, onsite,” The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains.
  4. Outpatient Treatment Programs: Outpatient treatment programs can be structured in a variety of ways but are not meant for overnight stay. These programs may come in the form of a support center that offers medication management, addiction education, and group therapy. It may also include intensive day treatment, which is targeted towards those battling more severe addictions, offering hours of skills training for managing living without substance use. Some outpatient programs also provide dual diagnosis treatment, helping the patient manage their addiction and any concurrent mental health disorders. They also often offer family education and therapy programming to help others support the loved one with addiction. These treatment programs are intended for those who suffer from substance abuse but have supportive and stable living environments to go back to after visiting the center. They are also used to treat patients who have come out of inpatient residential treatment as follow-up support and maintenance support for continued sober living. They are considered highly effective in long-term substance abstinence if matched properly to the severity of addiction.

There are many forms of treatment for substance abuse disorders that vary in length and intensity depending on the severity of the addiction and the causes for the addiction’s onset. However, pursuing help should not stop with initial treatment. Maintenance is required to keep addiction at bay, including continuous education, behavior and cognitive management, and peer and family support. Pursuing a structured treatment program is the first step to getting off substance use and gain clarity on how to live a healthy life in the long-term.

 

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Outpatient Drug Rehab: What Comes After?

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We recently addressed the question “what is outpatient drug rehab?” But a follow-up question often is: What comes after?

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a useful rundown — what it calls a “Roadmap to Recovery.”

SAMHSA states: “Recovery from a substance use disorder is not a mysterious process. After the use of substances is stopped, the brain goes through a biological readjustment. This readjustment process is essentially a ‘healing’ of the chemical changes that were produced in the brain by substance use. It is important for people in the beginning stages of recovery to understand why they may experience some physical and emotional difficulties. The durations of the stages listed below are a rough guide of recovery, not a schedule. The length of stages will vary from person to person. The substance used will affect the client’s progress through the stages, too. Clients who had been using methamphetamine will tend to spend more time in each stage than clients who were using cocaine or other stimulants.”

But challenges exist to recovery. SAMHSA outlines them:

1) Friends and associates who use: You want to continue associations with old friends or friends who use. You can:

  • Participate in new activities or hobbies that will increase your chances of meeting abstinent people
  • Plan activities with abstinent friends or family members

2) Anger, irritability: Small events can create feelings of anger that seem to preoccupy your thoughts and can lead to relapse. You can:

  • Remind yourself that recovery involves a healing of brain chemistry. Strong, unpredictable emotions are a natural part of recovery
  • Engage in exercise
  • Talk to a counselor or a supportive friend

3) Substances in the home: You have decided to stop using, but others in your house may still be using. You can:

  • Get rid of all drugs and alcohol
  • Ask others to refrain from using and drinking at home
  • If you continue to have a problem, think about moving out for a while

4) Boredom, loneliness: Stopping substance use often means that activities you did for fun and the people with whom you did them must be avoided. You can:

  • Put new activities in your schedule
  • Go back to activities you enjoyed before your addiction took over
  • Develop new friends at 12-Step or mutual-help meetings

5) Special occasions: Parties, dinners, business meetings, and holidays without substance use can be difficult. You can:

  • Have a plan for answering questions about not using substances
  • Start your own abstinent celebrations and traditions
  • Have your own transportation to and from events
  • Leave if you get uncomfortable or start feeling deprived

Of course, these challenges can seem overwhelming. But help is there for you, In fact, one of the benefits of an intensive outpatient drug rehab program is to prepare you for these types of issues. Among the things you’ll learn:

  • Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention
  • Life Skills
  • How to Recognize, Confront and Handle Triggers
  • Health and Nutritional Study
  • Family and Relationship Education
  • Continuing Care

For a longer list, check out a fuller explanation here.

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What is Outpatient Drug Rehab?

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For people suffering from substance abuse, one of the key considerations for seeking help is outpatient drug rehab. But what is it exactly?

At the simplest level, outpatient drug rehab means you don’t live at the center. Instead, you attend sessions, which could be individual, group, or a combination of the two.

A key is to understand one’s own behavior. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes: “People who abuse substances often feel that their lives are out of control. Maintaining control becomes harder and harder the longer they have been abusing substances. People do desperate things to continue to appear normal. These desperate behaviors are called addictive behaviors—behaviors related to substance use. Sometimes these addictive behaviors occur only when people are using or moving toward using. Recognize when you begin to engage in these behaviors. That’s when you know to start fighting extra hard to move away from relapse.”

Outpatient Drug Rehab: Goal

But the goal of outpatient drug rehab is to help you get your life together without leaving it. We teach you how to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety through essential coping skills, while still giving you enough time to take care of your responsibilities at home.

Indeed, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation notes: “Outpatient treatment for substance abuse can be an ideal option if you have the motivation to get sober but can’t take leave from work, disrupt school attendance or step away from other responsibilities in order to stay at an inpatient rehab center. But the most effective treatment—whether a residential program or outpatient drug rehab—really depends on the severity of your substance abuse and whether you’re also experiencing related medical or mental health complications.”

“Recovery is a lifelong process.”

U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Intensive outpatient drug rehab often includes group therapy. SAMHSA recommends: “The more work you put into group therapy, the more benefit you will receive from it. Part of the work you should be doing is reading and thinking about the handouts. But there are other things you can do to make sure you benefit fully from group therapy.” The list includes:

  • Attend every group session.
  • Arrive for group sessions on time or a little early.
  • Listen carefully and respectfully to the counselor and the other clients.
  • Be supportive of other clients. If you disagree with someone, be polite when you speak to him or her. Do not attack people personally.
  • Do not talk about other clients’ personal information outside group. Clients must be able to trust one another if they are to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
  • Think about what you read and about what the counselor and other clients say.
  • Ask questions when you do not understand something.
  • Participate in group discussions.
  • Do not dominate the conversation. Allow time for other clients to participate.
  • Be honest.
  • After the session is over, think about what you learned and try to apply it to your recovery.
  • Work on the homework assignments that the counselor gives you. (The homework assignments are usually an activity. These are different from the handouts that you work on during the session.)

Of course, the effort to make sure outpatient drug rehab works continues even after the program ends.

SAMHSA adds: “Recovery is a lifelong process. You can stop drug and alcohol use and begin a new lifestyle during the first 4 months of treat- ment. Developing an awareness of what anchors your recovery is an important part of that process. But this is only the beginning of your recovery. As you move forward with your recovery after treatment, you will need a lot of support. And you may need different kinds of support than you did during treatment.”

 

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Outpatient Drug Rehab: How to Know What’s Right

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Oftentimes, for individuals with substance abuse concerns, one challenge can be the seemingly daunting nature of the care. For them, one option might be outpatient drug rehab.

The USA.gov site states: “Substance abuse is the misuse of alcohol (including underage drinking), use of illegal drugs, and the improper use of prescription or over-the-counter medications. It can damage your health and well-being at any age. Find treatment and recovery services for substance abuse, get help setting up a drug-free workplace, and learn how to prevent drug and alcohol problems.”

Of course, “outpatient treatment varies in the types and intensity of services offered,” writes the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

The agency further notes: “Such treatment costs less than residential or inpatient treatment and often is more suitable for people with jobs or extensive social supports. It should be noted, however, that low-intensity programs may offer little more than drug education. Other outpatient models, such as intensive day treatment, can be comparable to residential programs in services and effectiveness, depending on the individual patient’s characteristics and needs. In many outpatient programs, group counseling can be a major component. Some outpatient programs are also designed to treat patients with medical or other mental health problems in addition to their drug disorders.”

Of course, one challenge can be identifying: What are some signs and symptoms of someone with a drug use problem? For this, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that “people with drug problems might not act like they used to. They might:”

  • change their friends a lot
  • spend a lot of time alone
  • choose not to spend time with family and friends like they used to
  • lose interest in their favorite things
  • not take care of themselves—for example, not take showers, change clothes, or brush their teeth
  • be really tired and sad
  • have changes in eating habits (eating more or eating less)
  • be very energetic, talk fast, or say things that don’t make sense
  • be in a bad mood
  • quickly change between feeling bad and feeling good
  • sleep at strange hours
  • miss important appointments
  • have problems at work or at school
  • have problems in personal or family relationships

Outpatient Drug Rehab

How can someone know if outpatient drug rehab is right for them? What can it look like? It’s important to do the research, ask questions, seek help, and find the right solution. As we note: Since virtually all addictions, chemical or otherwise, are rooted in some form of co-occurring psychological disorder, it takes both time and supportive therapy to identify and address the root causes of your addiction.

Further, the outpatient drug rehab experience is designed with a “treatment / life” balance in mind.

Done right, individuals will receive effective and sometimes intense group and individual therapy, but in an outpatient structure, so they can continue to work their regular jobs and spend time with  family while getting the help they need.

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Outpatient Recovery: Taking Precautions

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Outpatient Recovery: Taking Precautions

After finishing inpatient drug rehab, many individuals are involved in some sort of outpatient recovery. The amount of intensity involved in the outpatient process depends upon the individual and his/her goals. It’s key that precautions are taken to avoid relapse into addiction while in outpatient recovery.

“(Matthew) Perry’s troubles with alcohol and prescription painkillers kicked into high gear during his years as one of TV’s ‘Friends,’ but treatment helped him create a healthy new normal. Today, he’s a fierce champion of treatment for addiction rather than incarceration. Helping those who share his struggles, he told People magazine in 2013, is the ‘thing I like the most about me.’” (elementsbehavioralhealth.com) Perry says, “When you’re having a bad day, the best thing you can do is call somebody and ask them how they’re doing, and actually pay attention and listen to the answer to get out of your own head.” Taking these kind of precautions, like Matthew Perry did when he focused on helping someone else through a bad day, can really strengthen outpatient recovery.

Often, during inpatient recovery, individuals recognize people and relationships that encourage drug use in their lives., its important to take precautions and have a full awareness of those individual who may trigger

drug abuse in one’s future. Often, these coping tactic with individuals who may present these triggers are dealt with in outpatient recovery. In this way, a process can be in place to remove oneself from triggering friends and situations. Other tri

ggers, such as visiting certain locations or driving certain vehicles, or eating specific foods, can also be discussed and examined so

preventative measures can be put into place when those situations arise.

When it comes to addiction recovery it doesn’t matter if you’re a famous celebrity or the guy down the street, any precaution to stay sober is what is needed for lasting outpatient recovery.

source: elementsbehavioralhealth.com

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How outpatient drug rehab is different

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outpatient09How outpatient drug rehab is different

Both in-patient and outpatient drug rehab programs are most often beneficial in overcoming addiction. However, many people want to pursue recovery without living in a facility. When comparing outpatient and inpatient drug treatment, it’s pretty easy to discern that the costs of inpatient treatment can be high and the services are more time consuming. However, if inpatient treatment is what is needed then those things shouldn’t deter someone from pursuing the right type of therapy for them.
For these and other reasons, many individuals choose to participate in outpatient therapy. One of the main advantages of outpatient therapy is that clients can apply new knowledge immediately in their home environment. Also, after a program ends, they may have more time to take on additional responsibilities in their lives. Other than that, there is minimal readjustment.
On the other hand, individuals who return home after a residential program have a lot of changes to make quickly in order to maintain their recovery. They will have to reschedule their days to practice healthy habits and avoid previously negative habits. Often, to ease the transition from inpatient rehab back to the home environment, an outpatient treatment can be helpful. It is common for individuals to attend an outpatient program following successful completion of inpatient rehab in order to facilitate an easier transition back to the home setting.
If an individual is wondering if outpatient drug rehab is a good fit for their needs, they may want to ask themselves a few questions:

  1. Does daily stress or other influences cause temptations that threaten one’s success in outpatient drug rehab? In other words, does the patient feel they can be successful without constant care?
  2. Has the patient tried and failed to complete outpatient drug rehab before?
  3. Is the patient experiencing a physical addiction to drugs and/or alcohol that would require entrance into a detoxification program?

Answering “yes” to any of these questions may indicate that inpatient drug rehab would be more useful. All individuals struggling with addictions who feel that rehab would be helpful for them should consider which type (inpatient or outpatient) of rehab would be most help. It may also be helpful for individuals to consult family members, physicians, or friends in determining if outpatient drug rehab is best for them.

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The Cost of Drugs vs. Rehab

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costofdrugsThe Cost of Drugs vs. Rehab

Many individuals that fight drug addictions who sincerely desire to break the addictive cycles they are entangled in feel that they cannot afford any type of rehab- inpatient or outpatient. However, when the cost of continuing drug abuse is examined, it is often found that rehab would actually be less expensive – especially in the long run.

Not only is the cost of drug a financial burden, but it also carries with it a serious risk: what lengths would individuals go to in order to obtain money to buy drugs?

Many people have questions about the cost of drugs in comparison to the cost of drug treatment. Often, when choosing between a continuing drug habit and financing rehab, people don’t consider the sheer cost of feeding their drug dependences. Many individuals will end up spending thousands—or more—on drugs and alcohol throughout their lifetimes

And yet, research shows that some people put off getting treatment because of the fear they have regarding the financial aspect of rehab. Interestingly, it turns out that treatment is much cheaper than drug addiction in the end.

Most importantly, treatment is an investment, one that will bring better health, more meaningful relationships, increased self-esteem, and much more disposable income (instead of spending any disposable income on drug addiction). Individuals will most certainly have a brighter future when investing in rehab over addiction.

Individuals with alcohol or drug addictions should seek treatment – whether inpatient or outpatient. All kinds of treatments are available at all different costs. Putting one’s health first will prove to be a better financial decision with a more positive outcome. There is so much good help available in so many forms. Research shows that most addicts are unable to achieve successful recovery on their own or with family members alone, so finding help is vital. Deciding between costs, inpatient and outpatient forms of treatment and finding the right treatment center for the addiction an individuals is battling are all important decisions to be made in regards to achieving a successful recovery.

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Treatment for bipolar disorder

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bipolar3Treatment for bipolar disorder

There is no cure for bipolar disorder.  However, treatments are available and have proven to be very successful in most cases.  Good treatment helps people gain control of their mood swings and other related symptoms of bipolar.  Because bipolar disorder is recurrent and lifelong, people with bipolar disorder need life long treatment.  Both medication and psychotherapy are needed to reduce symptoms and prevent relapse.

The following mood stabilizing medications are used to treat bipolar disorder:

  • Lithium (sometimes known as Eskalith or Lithobid) was the first mood-stabilizing medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1970s for treatment of mania. It is often very effective in controlling symptoms of mania and preventing the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes as in bipolar disorder.
  • Valproic acid or divalproex sodium (Depakote), approved by the FDA in 1995 for treating mania, is a popular alternative to lithium for bipolar disorder. It is generally as effective as lithium for treating bipolar disorder.
  • More recently, the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal) received FDA approval for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder.
  • Other anticonvulsant medications, including gabapentin (Neurontin), topiramate (Topamax), and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) are sometimes prescribed. No large studies have shown that these medications are more effective than mood stabilizers.

Other medications, called “Atypical antipsychotic medications” are also sometimes used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder. Often, these medications are taken with other medications. Atypical antipsychotic medications are called “atypical” to set them apart from earlier medications, which are called “conventional” or “first-generation” antipsychotics. (www.nimh.nih.gov).  These include:

  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa), when given with an antidepressant medication, may help relieve symptoms of severe mania or psychosis.
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify), like olanzapine, is approved for treatment of a manic or mixed episode.
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel) relieves the symptoms of severe and sudden manic episodes.
  • Risperidone (Risperdal) and ziprasidone (Geodon) are other atypical antipsychotics that may also be prescribed for controlling manic or mixed episodes.

Further, antidepressant medications are sometimes used to treat symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder. Most people with bipolar disorder struggle significantly with depression.  People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants often take a mood stabilizer too. Doctors usually require this because taking only an antidepressant can increase a person’s risk of switching to mania or hypomania. Commonly prescribed anti-depressants to treat bipolar disorder include:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Before taking any medication for bipolar, it is important to discuss the many side effects with your doctor.

An additional treatment for bipolar disorder is psychotherapy.  This “talk” therapy, can be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Some psychotherapy treatments used to treat bipolar disorder include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people with bipolar disorder learn to change harmful or negative thought patterns and behaviors.
  • Family-focused therapy includes family members. It helps enhance family coping strategies, such as recognizing new episodes early and helping their loved one. This therapy also improves communication and problem-solving.
  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy helps people with bipolar disorder improve their relationships with others and manage their daily routines. Regular daily routines and sleep schedules may help protect against manic episodes.
  • Psychoeducation teaches people with bipolar disorder about the illness and its treatment. This treatment helps people recognize signs of relapse so they can seek treatment early, before a full-blown episode occurs. Usually done in a group, psychoeducation may also be helpful for family members and caregivers.

A licensed psychologist, social worker, or counselor typically provides these therapies. This mental health professional often works with the psychiatrist to track progress. The number, frequency, and type of sessions should be based on the treatment needs of each person.

Again, although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, proven treatments have given patients hope and much more consistent, high functioning lives.

(nimh.nih.gov)

 

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“Relationships and Life after Residential” Clinic

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Click here for Clinic’s flier and details! We announced our first ever all-day, intense clinic designed for families and clients coming out of residential treatment.  Markus, our family therapist genius, is heading up the clinic.  I’m sure it will be very successful!  He’s going to discuss things like “what to watch for before a relapse happens,” “peer-to-peer communication,” “the dynamics of trust” and much more.  I’ve attached a copy of the announcement.  We’re finding many families anxiety goes up when their loved one is leaving the safety of the drug and alcohol center…this clinic will be perfect for those families and the clients!  This clinic will be held at our intensive outpatient clinic.

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