You may notice a personality change but disregard it because everyone has bad days. Your partner’s work called that they came back from lunch a bit tipsy. You don’t mind picking them up again. The worst was when your son or daughter got arrested for driving while intoxicated.

As the signs get worse, so does your concern. You have mixed feelings, though. You don’t want to make waves. You don’t want to ask a lot of questions and appear mistrustful. A strong fear of conflict might keep you silent.

Suspect an Addiction? Learn to Recognize the Signs

The first line of defense is knowledge. Before you can have a conversation about addiction, you need to arm yourself with the facts. For example, you may suspect your loved one is addicted to alcohol. Learning the signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD) will give you a baseline of information. You can then begin to evaluate your suspicion of addiction.

AUD is not the only form of addiction you might suspect, of course. Perhaps you are worried because you think a family member has a problem with drugs. These types of addictions can be even more insidious. While drinking alcohol is socially acceptable, drug use is not. Little red flags have no doubt surfaced to give you a vague, uneasy feeling that something is wrong. Learning the warning signs of drug use disorder can fortify your resolve to take action. Process addictions are the third type of addiction that are important to understand if you suspect your loved one may be struggling.

Another way to learn about the effects of addiction is to call a professional for answers. A New Hope Recovery specializes in cases of alcohol and drug use disorder and more. They can answer your questions and offer avenues of treatment.

Record Your Loved One’s Behavior if You Suspect Addiction

Addiction is a stealth thief. It slowly and completely takes over a person’s ability to make good choices. It’s crucial to understand that it’s not their fault. Addiction is a brain disease and it’s treatable.

A valuable tool is to write down your observations and input from other people. Make a note each time you’re contacted about your partner’s behavior. Trust your own judgment. Are they having more drinks during social gatherings? Were they not okay to drive? These indicators will create a diagnostic picture for a counselor.

A Question of Addiction Can Adversely Affect Your Family

People behave differently when they’re stressed. Trying to ascertain whether or not your loved one has an addiction is highly stressful. You may think that you’re successfully hiding your worry and concern, but this level of sustained anxiety can’t be concealed.

It’s human nature to pick up on the energy of others — good or bad. Family members are close and naturally become somewhat empathic with each other. Children are especially sensitive to the moods of others. While your distress about your loved one is valid, you unwittingly may be upsetting your family’s normal balance.

Your Suspicion Is Confirmed, and You’ve Decided to Ask For Help

You’re now certain that your loved one is struggling with addiction. You can no longer handle the stress, and you’ve reached your breaking point. It’s okay to ask for help; it’s healthy to ask for help. You shouldn’t have to handle this alone. 

All staff members at A New Hope Recovery are accredited, trained, and licensed. They have decades of experience helping people with SUD, AUD, and other mental health issues. The clinic offers interventions, counseling, evaluations, and case management.

It May Be Time for an Intervention

The word “intervention” comes from “intervene.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has several definitions for “intervene,” the most relevant being: “to interfere with the outcome or course, especially of a condition or process.” An intervention interferes with the afflicted person’s addiction rituals, mindset, and culture in a healing way.

The interventionist at A New Hope Recovery is proficient in orchestrating and conducting a professional intervention. The purpose of this process is to not only treat the patient, but also the entire family. After all, the whole family has been adversely affected by the person’s disorder. They will guide and support you through every step, including recovery.

An Intervention Is a Healthy Step for Everyone

A New Hope Recovery will conduct an evidence-based, four-step process intervention. It’s a loving and life-saving act meant to rescue the person who is struggling with a substance addiction. The interventionist will gather information about the afflicted person as well as the other attendees. This will inform them on how to interact with each participant.

An important aspect of having an expert facilitate and lead the intervention is their impartiality. Since they are not personally involved with anyone, they can remain objective. Their function is to mediate and bring about constructive change. This will ultimately lead to treatment and recovery.

Suspecting that a family member may have an addiction can be frightening and stressful. Not knowing how to handle this situation and the worry it brings adds to your stress. At A New Hope Recovery, we understand and respect that your family dynamic is complicated. Our goal is to help alleviate your anxiety by answering your questions and providing treatment options. Asking for help from our highly experienced staff is a healthy and liberating action. We have successfully helped people across the United States and abroad. Don’t waste any more time trying to handle this alone. Call A New Hope Recovery at (407) 501-8490 today for the help and answers you need.

The post Do You Suspect a Loved One of Having an Addiction? appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

In the long term, though, enabling behaviors make things worse. When someone enables a person with an addiction, they make it easier for their addiction to continue. Usually, the person is unaware that they’re enabling their relative. They believe that they’re helping them when they’re ultimately hurting them. The formation of this new union is toxic and damaging. 

What Is Enabling?

Enabling is when someone aids someone else in destructive behavior or habit. For instance, if their loved one is trying to change their diet to improve their health, a family member who brings them their favorite unhealthy foods is enabling their poor diet.

Of course, enabling can take many forms. Lying to others about the person’s addiction is also common with enablers. Even worse is when an enabler supplies the substance or facilitates the behavior; they might even partake in it.

One extremely destructive form of enabling is not allowing the person to experience the full consequences of their actions. For example, an enabler might pay the person’s rent or gambling debt. They may bail them out of jail. Enablers think they are helping, but they are hurting their afflicted loved one. The negative impacts of unhealthy behavior are vital for your loved one to experience fully. If your loved one is regularly “rescued” from these negative impacts, they have little incentive to get help or change their behavior.

Enabling and Codependency

Families affected by addiction often fall into an unhealthy dynamic that involves enabling. Many times, enabling is a sign of codependency — when each person can’t effectively function without the other person. Being in a codependent relationship can be detrimental to both parties.

Without treatment, a codependent arrangement will likely progress into enmeshment. At this stage, each person loses their identity and individuality. They are emotionally handcuffed to each other.

Enabling Can Send Mixed Messages

You’ve told your child that they’re not allowed to eat candy before dinner. It’s almost dinner time, and you sneak a piece of candy to them. What message are you sending? The same is true for someone who struggles with SU. You’re continually asking even begging them to quit, but you’re supporting their addiction in some way.

The afflicted person is in the depths of their addiction. They can’t think logically or rationally. The family is in turmoil because of their loved one’s disorder. When yet another family member is their enabler, everyone else’s anger is magnified. This can create a schism in the family. The afflicted person and their enabler become a noxious team. The family views them as “the enemy” and might even blame the enabler for the person’s addiction.

It’s Easy to Mistake Enabling for Love

It’s easy for the enabler to think they’re helping the impaired person. After all, they’re abetting the addiction. In reality, this arrangement is inherently a catch-22. The enabler wants the person to quit but aids them in their behavior. They may rationalize that they’re doing this out of love for the person. 

Simultaneously, the loved one with SUD can mistake the efforts of the enabler for love. A person who struggles with SUD can become alienated from their loved ones. When a relative helps facilitate their addiction, they can view that person as a connection to the family.

Breaking Free From This Psychological Paradox

The vicious cycle of enabling your loved one with SUD and desperately wanting them to quit can be stopped. A New Hope Recovery offers counseling to help restore a solid family structure. They are experts at honing in on the true issues that caused the situation, both past, and present. 

Their fully accredited and licensed staff has decades of experience helping families to mend and heal. It’s important to have objective professionals mediate strained relationships. Having an impartial leader ensures that everyone will be heard and respected.

The Benefits of Having an Intervention

If warranted, A New Hope Recovery can arrange an intervention for the impaired person. This loving, life-saving act is a four-step evidence-based process with a high success rate. It is orchestrated in such a way as to bring about treatment and recovery for everyone. 

Their highly trained and experienced interventionist gathers information and data on all participants. This knowledge allows them to address each person’s concerns. Doing this allays fears and doubts, and eases anxiety. Additionally, they will support the individual and family before, during, and after the intervention.

The family as a whole unit is in a dark place. An intervention can shed light on how and why this occurred. Yes, the main reason is because of the elephant in the room—the person with SUD. Other factors are also examined, taking into consideration family history.

Enabling and Dysfunction Are Not Permanent Conditions

The enabler and the person with SUD don’t have to remain locked in an endless destructive pattern. A New Hope Recovery can provide the necessary tools to effect change and instill hope. Even though darkness has surrounded your family, one call can change everything.

Above all else, there is hope that your family will recover from this ordeal. Everyone at A New Hope Recovery is ready to help. They are supportive, kind, knowledgeable, and patient. They are there for you and your family.

Family dynamics can be complicated. Having a family member who struggles with substance use disorder or a behavioral addiction adds to this complexity. If someone in the family is enabling them in their addiction, family relationships become convoluted. Eventually, their alliance changes into an antagonistic faction. Your family is now split emotionally and psychologically. This dysfunction transforms into being normal and safe, albeit harmful. At A New Hope Recovery, we specialize in family counseling and interventions. We will explain and separate enabling behaviors so that everyone comprehends how they negatively impact the family. Understanding how codependent associations cause families to fracture is primary to healing. Call (407) 501-8490 for help and clarity.

The post Enabling Addictive Behaviors Changes Family Dynamics appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

Having an addiction is not a character defect. Understanding the physicality and complexity of addiction can be the first step to recovery for both the afflicted person and their family. Another initial step is to have the patient evaluated by a credentialed and licensed professional, as is done with a person with any other serious disease. Evaluations at A New Hope Recovery are done by an accredited and licensed therapist.

Behavioral and Substance Addictions

When most people think of addiction, they think of addiction to drugs or alcohol. This kind of addiction is known as substance use disorder (SUD). However, it is not the only kind of addiction.

Behavioral addictions are also serious forms of addiction. Fortunately, behavioral addictions are treatable as well. Some examples of behavioral addictions include addictions to gambling, shopping, gaming, television, sex, and the internet.

In any addiction, regardless of its substance or behavior of choice, the neurological reward system is affected. In the brain, the equation is the same: participate in the behavior/use the substance → releases dopamine = pleasure.

The brain has been compared to a computer numerous times. It doesn’t know or care whether the person’s addiction is good or bad for them. Does a computer care what programs are downloaded? This explains how someone can become addicted to a good thing.

Any Addiction Is Treatable

Other factors are also at play when a person is addicted to a behavior or substance. For example, many addictions are maladaptive responses to peer pressure, trauma, or mental health catalysts such as depression. Considering these influences is important because the whole person will need to be treated, not just their disease.

Just as with other illnesses, addiction is treatable. Also, as with any serious illness, it’s best to enlist the services of a professional. A crucial part of any addiction treatment is therapy. Treatment facilities are staffed with excellent therapists and counselors. Only when the person stops their addictive behavior can they uncover the reason why they use.

All Addictions Can Become Life-Threatening

Addictions can quickly degrade into life-threatening situations. Even behavioral addictions carry this danger. For example, a gambling or shopping addiction can lead to financial ruin. Then the person can sink into an intolerable depression and consider taking drastic actions.

A treatment facility is one of the best methods for treatment. However, many who struggle with addiction are resistant to getting any type of help. This isn’t because they’re stubborn. It’s because their brains are still being affected by the disease of addiction. Often, people who are addicted cannot seek treatment fully of their own volition. They need their friends and family to start the process for them.

Self-Destructive Cycles

A person who is addicted to anything loses the ability to think logically. When anyone questions them about their behavior, they become defensive and dismissive. It may not matter what is said because the person perceives any pressure to quit as an attack. The object of addiction, whether a substance or behavior, takes precedence over anything else. Addiction takes over their life completely. Everything else becomes a distraction and a nuisance, even family.

Ignoring every other aspect of one’s life in favor of their addiction is entirely self-destructive. The afflicted person can’t see this, but others can. The more anyone pleads with them to quit, the more they may dig their heels in and do the opposite. They’re not being spiteful; they’re being human. They have a disease.

Soon, the afflicted person feels more at home with people who share their addiction than in their own home. Submerging into their newfound addiction culture strengthens their resolve to continue using. They’re in an addiction haze, void of clarity of mind. How can anyone outside this tainted, altered reality understand it? They can’t without help from professionals.

An Intervention May Be the First Step

Addiction doesn’t create tunnel vision. It creates psychological blindness. Sometimes, the only way to reach your loved one is to hold an intervention. There are many components to an intervention. This is why it is vital to have a trained interventionist plan and facilitate it. An interventionist’s best tool is that they can remain objective.

A New Hope Recovery offers an evidence-based four-step process intervention. An intervention is not an attack on the impaired person. It is a loving, caring, and life-saving act. The interventionist will gather information about the patient and all attendees. The interventionist will also inquire about the family dynamics. When all interviews are complete, the interventionist can then design a personalized treatment plan.

Treating Addiction Reduces Stress

Addiction is stressful not only for the afflicted person but also for their family. The family is stressed, worrying about their loved one and trying to get them to quit. The impaired person exists in a constant state of anxiety. They agonize over the logistics and finances of getting their next dose or partaking in their destructive behavior.

A New Hope Recovery can alleviate much of this pressure by explaining how they can help. The first weight is lifted off by providing reassurance that addiction is treatable.

A New Hope Recovery believes that a person who struggles with addiction should always have hope. Addiction is treatable with professional help and support from family and friends. Our entire staff is accredited and licensed in their respective fields. Our interventionist is trained in all aspects of arranging and conducting interventions. Our care does not stop after the intervention is completed. We encourage and support the patient through recovery. Within 48 hours of your first call to us, we can mobilize and facilitate an intervention. With decades of experience, we know the steps to start the afflicted person on their path to health. Call us at (407) 501-8490 to learn how we can help.

The post Don’t Lose Hope: Addiction Is Treatable appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

Having SUD and another mental health disorder is like trying to unwind a never-ending ball of string. It’s sometimes impossible to tell which disorder came first. Even if one disorder developed first, it may not have caused the other. There are often root causes that contribute to the development of each disorder. Once each disorder develops, however, they usually exacerbate each other.

SUD and Co-occurring Disorders Are Brain Diseases

Addiction changes brain function, which can leave the person more susceptible to developing a mental health disorder. A mental health disorder can also change the brain, making the person prone to addiction. Someone with a mental health disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to quell their anxiety. This form of self-medicating can be dangerous and addictive.

The highest risk factors for having a SUD and a co-occurring mental health disorder are genetics, stress, and trauma. This is a complicated, precarious, physiological, and psychological condition. In essence, it’s a house of cards. When a brain is so jumbled with misfiring signals and altered chemistry, the person can’t think clearly.

What to Do if Your Loved One Has an Addiction and a Co-occurring Mental Health Disorder

A person struggling with addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder is walking a treacherous line. Both issues need to be treated at the same time. The best thing you can do is reach out to a mental health professional for help. The staff at A New Hope Recovery is fully accredited and licensed in treating this type of health condition.

The first step will be to have your loved one evaluated by a professional. In addition, the professional should interview you and your family. They need to gather this information to formulate a treatment plan. Your loved one’s health history and life experiences are important to review.

A Loved One’s Impaired Mental Health Affects the Whole Family

When a family member is physically ill, the family should understand that they need help and want to take care of them. Unfortunately, the same can’t always be said for addiction and mental health disorders. Addiction alone is complicated to understand. Combining that with another mental health disorder further clouds an already confusing circumstance. 

Each co-occurring disorder carries its own set of symptoms which are too numerous to list here. Many symptoms overlap in how they present. It will help you and the therapist to keep a log of your loved one’s abnormal behaviors. Additionally, take note of any changes in personality and/or temperament.

An Intervention May Be the Key to Unlocking the Root Cause of Your Loved One’s Co-occurring Disorders

The inherent problem when someone has co-occurring disorders is their inability to recognize that they’re ill. This can be centered around their diseased brain. How can a person who isn’t thinking rationally be expected to confront their dual diagnosis? This is when an intervention can help unlock what’s buried deep inside their psyche.

A New Hope Recovery specializes in orchestrating and conducting interventions. They have a high success rate and consider an intervention to be a loving, caring, and life-saving act. Their evidenced-based, four-step model utilizes a family-centric approach to uncover the co-occurring disorder’s root cause. Upon your first call to them, they can mobilize and facilitate an intervention within 48 hours.

The Entire Family Needs Treatment and Healing

The afflicted person is not the only one struggling. Their erratic and bewildering behavior can play havoc with family stability and routines. Suddenly, everyone is focusing on this person. Everything starts to revolve around that person. This is not healthy for anyone.

Becoming so entrenched in this toxic relationship is detrimental to the family unit. A New Hope Recovery is experienced at providing family counseling and therapy. They have decades of experience in the mental health field.

A Professional Intervention Has Many Benefits

How long have you and your family been trying to deal with your impaired loved one? You’ve probably spent countless hours attempting to reason with them to quit their addiction. While you’re aware that they’ve been behaving strangely, you’ve probably dismissed it. The ongoing stress is taking its toll on everyone, and you’ve decided that you need help.

During your first conversation with A New Hope Recovery’s interventionist, you’ll probably feel the pressure lifting from your shoulders. There’s comfort in knowing that a trained professional is at the helm, taking care of your family. Relief comes when you know that a resolution can be found. There is hope!

When a family is energy-depleted and lost, a third party can help family members communicate, reconcile, and begin to work together again. While the interventionist is compassionate and caring, they also remain impartial and objective. This allows them to mediate all conversations, even when emotions run high.

Dealing with a loved one who has an addiction is challenging. If they have a co-occurring mental health disorder, the challenges become even greater. It’s vital to get help as soon as possible. At A New Hope Recovery, we are trained in how to help the person with SUD and their family as well. Our high success rate reflects our exceptional standards for care. Our staff performs professional evaluations, interventions, and referrals to treatment centers across the country. We are compassionate, professional, caring, and supportive. When you contact us, we can answer all your questions and help allay your concerns and fears. For more information about our services, call us at (407) 501-8490.

The post Uncovering the Root Cause of Your Loved One’s Co-occurring Mental Health Issues appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

If your loved one is lost in the throes of addiction, coupled with depression or other mental health issues, they may not be able to articulate their needs – this could become a detriment to your health. A therapist is not only an advocate; they are your partner. A therapist will listen and take the necessary steps to ensure your loved one’s needs are met. 

What Does It Mean to Have a Therapist Advocate for You?

The primary role of an advocate is to facilitate change to facilitate healing. Although they will always listen, it doesn’t mean that they’ll always agree. Their job is to draw on their education and experience to offer the best advice. This way, you can make decisions together about your treatment and recovery options.

A therapist, as your advocate, can also help your loved one find their voice and educate you and your loved one on issues that affect your loved one, as well as how this affects your mental and physical well-being. This doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work and commitment from both you, your loved one, and the therapist.

Finding a Therapist Who Will Advocate 

It’s perfectly acceptable for you and your loved one to ask to see a therapist’s credentials. You may also ask them about their training and experience. By doing this, you are already taking an active part in your loved one’s treatment.

A New Hope Recovery holds numerous accreditations. When talking with the staff, it’s immediately evident that they also have decades of experience. This is the best combination to have. 

A Therapist as Your Advocate vs. Family and Friends

When your loved one is hurting, it’s natural to turn to additional family and friends for help. What could go wrong? The answer is plenty. People close to you might impose their belief systems and opinions onto you. Sometimes, they are too close to you to offer objective suggestions.  

Your loved ones want to help you just as you want to help your loved one. However, in doing so, they may cause more harm than good. They are not trained in how to deal with your issues and problems. Consequently, what starts as a discussion of your situation can quickly turn combative. 

A Therapist Is a Health Care Professional

Seeing a therapist is like seeing a physician. When seeing a physician for a problem, they ask many questions and answer your and your loved ones’ questions. In doing so, they become an advocate for your loved one’s health care. If your loved one needs to see a specialist, a doctor will consult with them. Seeing a therapist is no different from seeing a doctor.

Therapists are trained in how to speak with other professionals. They are experts in diagnosing mental health issues and substance use disorders (SUDs). With this knowledge, they can easily inform other entities about your loved one’s situation. This ensures that they get the best care possible.

Advocating for You Can Be Subtle in Therapy

Part of a therapist’s job is to make sure they are advocating for your loved one. This may be accomplished by helping them change certain aspects of themself. Helping your loved one to help themself is a vital part of ensuring that they are putting their health needs first.  

In therapy, you might not even notice that a therapist is advocating for you and your loved one. These are the moments that can be highly impactful and meaningful. It’s easier to draw your own conclusions from a subtle nudging than from being badgered. A trained therapist knows how to navigate the waters of the psyche.

A Therapist Is Brilliant at the Art of Conversation

A skilled therapist will put your loved one at ease. Their brilliance lies in their ability to make therapy seem like just another conversation. Remember that they are trained in this. The questions they ask help them understand what your loved one is going through. In asking the difficult questions, they are advocating.

It helps if your loved one can talk about what they think they need from their therapist. This adds to their knowledge of who they are and also helps with planning their treatment. Encourage your loved one to mention the little things. Often, the little things can be very important. Therapists are masters at picking up on clues and even body language as windows into your psyche. 

Interventions and Advocacy

Advocating for your loved one is a significant part of an intervention. In this setting, although family and friends have initiated the process of an intervention, the primary focus is on helping your loved one.

Advocacy Continues Throughout Treatment and Recovery 

Prior to the intervention, an interventionist will do extensive research on all the participants. This becomes the foundation for treatment options.

Another aspect of advocacy in interventions is communicating with other facilities for your loved one’s care. The field of mental health has its own lexicon. Your interventionist knows this language and how to speak to other facilities on your behalf.

How Advocacy Strengthens the Recovery Community

Taking from the phrase, “It takes a village,” the same is true for treating addiction and other mental health issues. No one is alone in their struggle to overcome a debilitating illness.  

Being in therapy can be challenging. However, attending sessions regularly and working with peers, family, and friends helps strengthen the recovery community. A strong recovery community lessens the stigma of seeking professional help.

Advocating for our patients is a vital part of A New Hope Recovery’s mission statement. We work for you and know that it’s sometimes difficult for a patient to articulate their needs and wishes. Our accredited and experienced staff are experts at communication. We ask direct questions and can work with patients who are more reserved. We pride ourselves on being compassionate, caring, and supportive. A New Hope Recovery can help you open up about your struggles and your life, which will be the foundation for how we advocate for you. Part of being an advocate is answering your questions, which are always welcome and appreciated. To learn how we can help you, call (407) 501-8490. 

The post Finding a Therapist Who Advocates for You appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

Family members who want to see their loved one break free from addiction can help by educating themselves. It helps to understand what addiction is and how it’s affecting your loved one.

Addiction Is a Disease That Can Affect Anyone

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a brain disease. The physiology of the brain is actually changed by this debilitating disorder. Addiction is not a personality flaw and has nothing to do with a lack of willpower. It is not a reflection of a person’s strength of character. It is a disease and, like other serious diseases, needs treatment and time to heal.

Addiction is an insidious stranger in your home. Before addiction took over, your loved one may have been doing very well. However, addiction erodes all aspects of life, including someone’s self-esteem. The world they are now living in may be foreign to you and the rest of your family. You may not understand how to sympathize or understand.

It may be helpful to think of it this way: a monster has abducted your loved one and is holding them hostage. It isn’t their fault. To survive, they’ve changed into a different person—a compliant person. The façade they’ve adopted to cope is not their true self. Deep inside, they still have their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. With your help, they can find them again and live a healthy and engaged life.

To Break Free From Addiction, Your Loved One Needs Help

You’ve no doubt approached your loved one about how their actions are affecting the entire family. You’ve probably been met with opposition and anger. This is normal. When addiction is clouding a person’s perceptions, they can see confrontation as an attack. Heated exchanges like these can quickly become out of control, and no one wins.

Everything that can be said has been said. Unfortunately, nothing is getting through to them, and they’re getting worse. Regrettably, you are too close to the situation to effect change. It’s time to call upon an outside resource to help your loved one break free of addiction.

To Help Your Loved One Break Free, You Can Consult With a Professional

A person who is struggling with substance or alcohol use disorder is blinded by their addiction. A professional is well-versed in the most effective methods of how to disrupt destructive habits. A New Hope Recovery is staffed with experts who have decades of experience helping people break free of addiction.

The first step is to talk with a staff member at A New Hope Recovery about your concerns for your loved one. They’ll answer all of your questions and explain how they can help. A professional evaluation will be necessary for them to get a clear picture of the situation. They will gather information about your loved one and your family.

To Heal Your Family, an Intervention May Be Needed

A New Hope Recovery specializes in orchestrating and conducting interventions. They contend that an intervention is a loving, caring, and life-saving act. Contrary to popular media depiction, an intervention is not an attack on the afflicted person. The whole family is involved with the common goal of helping the person break free from addiction.

Generally, most families have people in them with different dispositions. A New Hope Recovery is adept at dealing with divergent personalities and temperaments. This means that they are trained on how to remain impartial and objective during all communications with your family.

The entire staff at A New Hope Recovery is accredited and licensed. Their interventionist is trained and experienced in all aspects of how to facilitate an intervention. An evidenced-based model with proven successful results is used to administer interventions. They have conducted interventions in the United States as well as other countries.

To Free Your Loved One From Addiction, Coordination With Appropriate Facilities Is Vital

A New Hope Recovery will be with you, your loved one, and your family every step of the way. Part of the interventionist’s job is to contact treatment facilities and coordinate your loved one’s care. After treatment is completed, a board-certified registered nurse will map out a comprehensive case management plan.

It’s Time to Heal the Entire Family

Understandably, trying to help your loved one break free from addiction is extremely stressful. It can also be emotionally exhausting. While your loved one’s disease harms them, the prolonged strain greatly hurts you and your family. No one can endure prolonged periods of pressure and tension.

An important part of A New Hope Recovery’s mission statement is that they treat the whole family. This is valuable because everyone is affected by a loved one’s addiction. A New Hope Recovery coaches the family on how to interact with the afflicted person in a nurturing and productive manner. This opens the door for having honest and constructive conversations.

Trying to deal with a family member who has substance or alcohol use disorder is incredibly difficult. At A New Hope Recovery, we understand the turmoil it can cause the whole family. We’re here to help. Our staff is fully trained in communicating with all parties involved, especially with the afflicted person. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, compassion, confidentiality, and ethics. With decades of experience, we are experts at helping families in crisis. Don’t let any more time pass before reaching out for help. During your first call to us, we can orchestrate and facilitate an intervention within 48 hours in the United States. Call us at (407) 501-8490 today for more information.

The post It Is Possible for Your Loved One to Break Free From Addiction appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

It is important to recognize triggers, survey options for treatment if applicable, and prioritize your own health and stability before sacrificing your mental health and general well-being. 

Triggers in the Medical Field

Most people do not assume that medical professionals can struggle with addiction. However, many medical professionals turn to drugs and alcohol to cope. This can occur due to being triggered by certain events or situations on the job. Some of these triggers can include the following.

Access to Drugs

Medical professionals have very easy access to prescription medications. Due to this accessibility, medical professionals can obtain these substances without difficulty. Accessibility can be an urge for professionals. Since they have this sort of supply, it is easy, in hard times, to justify substance use. 

Intense Responsibility

In the medical field, one has an intense level of responsibility over patients’ lives. In some circumstances, one wrong or late decision can result in a patient’s death or trauma of any kind. This responsibility can become overwhelming, leading medical professionals to turn to substances to calm their nerves, emotions, or racing anxieties.

Outside Factors

Drinking patterns and a family history of alcohol or drug abuse are also factors in substance abuse for medical professionals. Likewise, one’s religious background, social network, substance access, professional and social influences, and ethical, moral, legal, and social compasses impact alcohol and drug abuse. 

There are also instances where people find themselves to be invincible. In other words, some do not believe they will become addicted to the substance they are using. This is a dangerous mindset, often leading to one’s addiction and being unaware that there is a problem.

Getting Help for Addiction

Despite the stigma, addiction in the medical field should not be something to be ashamed of. Alongside stigmas, many medical professionals steer away from treatment for fear of losing their licenses. Though this adds to the hesitation, seeking and receiving treatment helps create a healthier life, which decreases this fear entirely. 

If you find a co-worker or loved one in need of care, it is recommended to intervene and provide them with support and resources to help them start their recovery journey. Some signs that can point to addiction in medical professionals include:

• Noticeably absent from work (such as unexplainable absences or frequent absences)
• Disappearing from the work site while on the job
• Near drug supply often, more so than necessary
• Unreliability (with deadlines or appointments)
• Productivity levels change frequently
• Confusion, memory loss, or difficulty with concentration
• Relations with those at work (including co-workers and patients) suffering
• “Wastage” of drugs and inappropriate doses of narcotics
• Sloppiness on the job (including handwriting or charting)
• Wanting to inject narcotics into patients frequently
• Personal appearance and hygiene deteriorating
• Wearing specific clothing (i.e., long sleeves) when unnecessary or inappropriate
• Personality changes (such as mood swings or anxiety)
• Other staff members noticing changes 
• Personal and professional isolation

If a co-worker or loved one exhibits any of these signs, it is recommended to receive or offer help. The first step of getting help is often an intervention.

Interventions for Medical Professionals

At A New Hope Recovery, teams are specialized to conduct interventions for medical professionals. During an intervention, the interventionist, family, friends, and the individual struggling work together to do the following: 

• Understand the diagnosis or situation
• Educate the team to provide the best treatment for the individual
• Facilitate and prepare for the individual to start their journey
• Transport the individual to a treatment center

Likewise, case management may occur to keep track of an individual’s progress and facilitate their addiction recovery journey. This includes:

• Screening tests
• Attending meetings and follow-ups
• Coordinating meetings with therapists or psychiatrists
• Initiating progress reports
• Continuing to provide support services
• Tracking if any new issues arise during treatment

Specifically for nurses, Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) and Program for Recovering Nurses (PRN) may be implemented. IPN works to educate, support, and monitor nurses with SUDs or other conditions. PRN, similarly, works to assist nurses in their recovery, working to return them safely to their profession. Both IPN and PRN work to keep nurses in their profession. 

Treatment and Aftercare for Medical Professionals

When medical professionals begin their recovery journey, it is essential to remember that they are supporting their own health as well as their patients. Staying sober and remaining on this track, with support, will lead to a better work-life and social life.

Once treatment is complete, the individual is not let back into the workforce or general social life without a support system. During treatment, the individual needs to implement different tactics and coping methods into their daily lives. Some of these may be guided, including therapy or relapse prevention strategies. Others, however, are in the hands of the individual. This can include meditation, journaling, or creating a more supportive and stable social life. 

Post-treatment aftercare therapy is also recommended to keep track of an individual after their treatment and provide a service for them to rely on and perceive as a support system. After treatment, this therapy provides a sense of support and security. It helps the individual understand that they are not alone and are capable of returning to their normal lives without bumps in the road. 

At A New Hope Recovery, we value each patient regardless of their background. This includes those in the medical field. We provide a non-judgemental, supportive community for those struggling and their loved ones. We implement an intervention program in order to understand each patient and develop a treatment plan that will yield the best results. After treatment is complete, we offer programs and different counseling tools for an individual to fall back on. We aim to understand, value, and support each individual in our programs. If a co-worker or loved one in the medical field is struggling with addiction, A New Hope Recovery is here to help. Call us today at (407) 501-8490 for more about our services.

The post Treating Addiction in Medical Professionals appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

Another common factor that can hinder both the addicted person and their family is denial. Denial in and of itself can be complicated. When it affects everyone involved, its layers can be quite destructive and cloud the issue. A New Hope Recovery can help by providing professional consultation and evaluation. This process will lend focus and direction to an otherwise jagged plan.

Family Members Who May Struggle in Silence

People are quite adept at getting used to something, even if it’s negative. The erratic, uncharacteristic behavior of someone with substance use disorder (SUD) can be overt and disquieting. However, the rest of the family might not be fully aware of how they are affected by it. This can be true even if the person struggling is not living in the house.

Children can be significantly affected by this situation. Often, silence is their armor. When pressed, they are at a loss to explain what’s wrong. All they know is that their loved one is sick; this alone can cause great anxiety. A child’s silence about their struggles can be the catalyst for a lifetime of psychological problems.

Why Addiction Affects the Whole Family

Any established group, including a family, has its own rhythm and communication style. These unique identifiers are enforced over time. When one member becomes ill, it affects the family’s routine in numerous ways. When a member struggles with SUD, the interference is even greater. Slowly, the family unit erodes into a constant worry and fear over the person’s well-being or lack thereof.  

At first, no one knows how to deal with the person struggling. Often, they don’t even want to deal with them; it’s too uncomfortable and scary. It’s soon apparent that nagging, yelling, and badgering the person to quit doesn’t work. Continuing this futile pattern only causes more friction, anger, and sadness among everyone.

How a Family Reacts to Their Addicted Loved One

Everybody reacts differently to changes in their environment – good or bad. Having a family member with SUD creates drastic changes for the worse. The family as a whole is altered by default. Individual family members may respond to this new and bizarre situation in a myriad of ways.

Some relatives might start pointing fingers and assigning blame to others. Others may blame themselves. When blame is attached, guilt follows. Still, others might confront the struggling person with anger and ultimatums. At the same time, others may turn their backs and walk away for good. Family systems are complicated. It’s not uncommon for one person to align themselves with the person struggling and defend them.

A Family in Crisis Can Be Helped

Having a person with SUD in the family can be aggravating, exhausting, and frightening. It almost always creates chaos. Addiction disrupts the normal state of the family so much that only hostile emotions are present. This dynamic can only cause further destruction in the form of physical ailments and psychological and emotional turmoil.

Holding a professional intervention can help individual with SUD face their situation and get treatment. Then, after a successful treatment phase comes recovery. A trained and proficient interventionist can guide and support the individual through each stage.

Learning About Interventions

Interventions are a specialty of A New Hope Recovery. A certified interventionist will orchestrate an intervention from start to finish. Our staff will take the time to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease. Interventions with A New Hope Recovery are evidence-based and have a high success rate.

An intervention is a loving, positive experience with the ultimate goal of helping a person struggling with SUD find healing. Contrary to popular media depiction, it is not an attack on the person. Instead, it is a nurturing and healing environment. The interventionist is fully trained on how to remain objective while leading the meeting. This is essential when emotions and tempers flair.

What Happens After the Intervention?

A large part of A New Hope Recovery’s mission statement is ensuring continued counseling for the family. Our involvement doesn’t stop when the intervention is over. Aftercare is as important as the intervention itself.

It was a new, albeit difficult, experience when the family realized that their loved one had an addiction. Participating in an intervention is also a new and challenging experience for everyone. Even though it’s a positive step, at the same time, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Providing ongoing support is a natural progression of the process.

At A New Hope Recovery, we’re dedicated to helping people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) or other behavioral health issues. We fully understand how dealing with a person struggling with SUD can negatively impact a family, and we can help yours. Our friendly, caring, and knowledgeable staff will guide you through our four-step intervention process. From your first call, we can mobilize and facilitate an intervention within 48 hours. We have decades of experience helping people throughout the United States and internationally. Our expert staff is fully trained and accredited. We can allay your fears and support your entire family through this healing journey. A New Hope Recovery is here to help. Call (407) 501-8490 for more information.

The post Addiction Is Not a Solitary Illness appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

Though children and adults can have this disorder, it is more likely to find bipolar disorder in late teens and early adults, especially if the disorder runs in one’s family. This disorder usually lasts a lifetime. Because of this, it is essential to notice the signs of bipolar disorder and develop a treatment plan in order to cope with symptoms. 

Defining Bipolar Disorder

There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Those with bipolar disorder experience mood swings – known as manic and depressive episodes – that change behavior, energy levels, and activity levels. While symptoms of each type of bipolar disorder are similar, those with bipolar II disorder and cyclothymic disorder experience less-intense symptoms of mania, known as hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder involves at least seven-day-long manic episodes followed by two weeks of depression. Mixed episodes, when depression and mania overlap during the same time, can also occur. In bipolar I disorder, episodes of mania can often lead to hospitalization depending on how severe the level of mania is. 

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder mainly involves depressive episodes followed by hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe version of mania present in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic Disorder

The third type of bipolar disorder is cyclothymic disorder, involving hypomania and depressive symptoms. However, these symptoms are not drastic enough to be considered manic and depressive “episodes.”

Being Aware of the Signs

Though bipolar disorder is associated with mood swings, there are separate and corresponding symptoms or signs for both manic and depressive episodes. Some signs associated with mania are irritability, wavering sleep habits, quick speech or movements (often jumpiness), and an over-inflated sense of self. 

When this period of mania subsides, followed by a depressive episode, behaviors alter and may include an increase in anxiety or sadness, trouble with concentration or focus, trouble completing tasks, and having a much slower take on the day. While these are not all of the signs associated with each episode, it is essential to be aware of them.

These symptoms often go unnoticed by the individual, who may not recognize these symptoms as part of a disorder. If you notice a friend or loved one going through these episode experiences, it is wise to help them seek or recommend treatment. Especially with young adults, encouraging them to seek treatment of some kind early on will help them long-term in their mental health journey and in their lives.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Treatments for bipolar disorder are lifelong. Bipolar disorder treatment most often includes prescribed medication alongside psychotherapy to manage symptoms and improve mental health long-term. Other treatment options may also include natural products and individual practices to ease anxieties or moods. However, these practices are most effective when implemented alongside medications or therapy.

Medications

The most common medications used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. However, medications always have the possibility of surfacing side effects such as nausea, sleepiness, or dizziness. When taking medication for bipolar disorder, it is imperative to consult with a medical professional who can monitor side effects. 

Psychotherapy

The most recommended form of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT encourages individuals to change their thinking patterns to help them change their behavior. 

Other types of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder include: 

• Interpersonal and social therapy
• Psycho-education
• Chronotherapy

Seeking an Intervention for Those Struggling With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder commonly goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in young adults. When someone is experiencing a depressive episode, they are more likely to seek help than when they are experiencing a manic episode. This often leads to the misdiagnosis of depression. Others may write off the symptoms of bipolar disorder as normal “mood swings.” When this happens, people can go undiagnosed for years. 

With misdiagnosed and undiagnosed bipolar disorder, individuals will continue to struggle. Bipolar disorder can affect every area of a person’s life, from daily life to social relationships and work. When you notice a loved one is struggling, seeking help as soon as possible is imperative. 

An intervention can help bring awareness to a person’s behaviors. With the help of a professional interventionist, you can help your loved one seek an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The goal of an intervention is to help your loved one live the life they deserve.

Intervention With A New Hope Recovery

At A New Hope Recovery, we implement our four-step intervention process to help those struggling with mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder. We can help assess the situation, plan and implement the intervention, and get your loved one to treatment safely.

When young adults struggle with bipolar disorder, it can affect their entire lives. A New Hope Recovery can help you plan an intervention that can save your loved one’s life. Through our four-step intervention process, those struggling with bipolar disorder can find the treatment they deserve. Using evidence-based motivational techniques and a family-systems-oriented approach, we want to help your loved one become willing to accept treatment and find recovery. We also offer case management and counseling services to ensure you, your loved one, and your family has everything they need to heal. To learn more about our services and how we can help those struggling with bipolar disorder, call A New Hope Recovery today at (407) 501-8490.

The post Young Adults and Bipolar Disorder appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.

Many people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder self-medicate to reduce their symptoms, not knowing they have bipolar disorder. The practice of self-medication can quickly lead someone down the road of addiction. Those struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction often need professional treatment. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder “[I]s a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.” Bipolar disorder typically presents itself in a person’s late teen years or early adult years. 

Treatments for bipolar disorder are lifelong. They often include a prescribed treatment plan alongside guidance to manage symptoms and improve mental health long-term. 

There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar I Disorder

People with bipolar I disorder experience at least week-long manic episodes followed by roughly two weeks of depression. It is also possible for manic periods to occur during this two-week period. If this cycle occurs four or more times a year, it is considered rapid cycling.

Bipolar II Disorder

Those with bipolar II disorder also go through this cycle of episodes. However, those with bipolar II disorder do not experience manic episodes. Instead, they experience hypomanic episodes. This is because hypomania experienced in bipolar II disorder is less severe than mania experienced in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Another form of bipolar disorder is cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia. This disorder includes hypomanic and depressive symptoms. However, the symptoms are not severe enough or do not last long enough to qualify as episodes.

Unspecified Bipolar Disorder

There are symptoms of bipolar disorder, however, that do not fit the descriptions listed above. These can be part of unspecified bipolar or external disorders. 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder can include:

• Very positive, high feelings and emotions
• Easily irritated or touchy
• Feeling jumpy or more active than normal
• Decreased need for sleep or an inability to sleep
• Feeling one can complete many tasks or activities simultaneously without getting tired
• Fast speech, talking quickly, or jumbled speech
• Racing thoughts, which are also affiliated with the quickness of speech
• Increased appetite, sex drive, drinking, or other pleasurable activities
• Increased feelings of importance, talent, or power 

Those with bipolar II disorder or cyclothymic disorder typically experience these symptoms to a lesser degree. 

Symptoms of depressive episodes often include:

• Feelings of sadness or anxiety
• Noticing oneself move or complete activities in the day slower
• Restlessness and trouble falling asleep and waking up
• Excessive sleep
• Slower speech, forgetfulness, or trouble finding what to say
• Trouble with concentration or decision-making
• Feeling unable to complete simple tasks
• Lack of interest in activities
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms and episodes can also occur at the same time, known as mixed feature episodes. For instance, feelings of hopelessness residing with depressive episodes may also be paired with feelings of power from manic episodes.

Often these symptoms go unnoticed as many people who experience bipolar disorder symptoms recognize their feelings as something random that will eventually subside. It is also common for the individual to not recognize these symptoms as a disorder, although those around them can notice changes in their behaviors. Due to this mindset, many individuals with bipolar disorder go undiagnosed, leading to increased risk of addiction.

Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

When dealing with severe mood swings, many undiagnosed individuals find themselves coping with substances. Alcohol is primarily a substance found to be used in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Their goal with self-medicating is to ease their mood swings and overwhelming feelings. However, this creates co-occurring issues: mental health issues as well as addiction.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “[B]ipolar disorder and substance misuse can be viewed as overlapping disorders of the systems in the brain that regulate impulsivity, motivation, and the feeling of reward.” They estimate that roughly 30-50% of people with bipolar disorder will develop substance use disorder (SUD). 

Finding Treatment Through Intervention

It can be frightening for individuals not to know why their behavior is constantly changing and not knowing why substance use feels necessary for them. If these experiences are prevalent or bipolar symptoms are present, intervention can help your loved ones find a diagnosis and treatment. 

With an intervention, a treatment plan is created. Co-occurring disorders can be dealt with simultaneously, providing support for both mental health and addiction.

Both mood disorders – such as bipolar disorder – and relapse prevention can be implemented in treatment plans. When treatment is over, an after-care support system is also created where professionals and registered faculty specifically focus on relapse prevention.

Here at A New Hope Recovery, we can help find treatment for both mental health disorders and addiction. Our intervention program and treatment plans help patients and their families navigate their recovery journey. We provide support from our faculty and encourage individuals to have a support group of their own, ideally loved ones like family members or friends. With an intense support system and willingness, our patients develop a new sense of understanding. At A New Hope Recovery, we prioritize the patient in regard to achieving their lifelong goals, not just guiding them through recovery. We support them after their treatment plan, implementing a relapse prevention service. Call us at (407) 501-8490 to learn more about our services.

The post How Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder Can Lead to Addiction appeared first on A New Hope Recovery Services.