How do I Choose the Right Treatment Center: Individual or Group Sessions?
Are you searching for the “right” treatment center for you or a loved one? This article is written to suggest that pre-established “programs” of treatment are not the best approach. Rather, there are as many roads to recovery as there are individuals. Treatment centers need to support you on your own path to recovery, not push you into a generalized recovery path that may be slightly helpful to many people, but not exactly helpful to anyone.
If you were looking for the “right” center, there are many factors you would need to consider. Are all of the substances that you use included? A program just for drinkers may not be suitable if you also have concerns about other substances. Do you have related addictive behaviors, like gambling, overeating or an eating disorder? Are your related issues included? For instance, are anxiety, depression, trauma, panic, bipolar disorder or mood swings, attention-deficit disorder or other concerns, if relevant to you, going to be addressed? Can your health problems be identified and treated? If you need to develop better health habits (e.g., around sleep, exercise, food, hygiene, etc.), will these concerns be addressed? Will there be opportunity to include family members or other significant people in your life? On the other hand, will you be required to include people who, for various good reasons, it might be better not to include for now?
There are additional factors to consider as well. Are you a member of a group that is often misunderstood? Are you disabled in some way, a minority group member, of an uncommon ethnic or nationality background, or have a particular spiritual or religious orientation? Do you have responsibilities at work or home that others might not easily understand? Will your upbringing and the influence of your family of origin be included in understanding how you developed your problems and how you need to overcome them? Do your own difficult experiences in trying to be understood by others suggest that it will require others with similar experiences or backgrounds (or professionals dedicated to working with you) in order to be understood? Will a treatment center have enough of these individuals available to you?
The above questions are intended to help you realize how many different factors might need to be considered in establishing a practical and personal approach to recovery. Almost everyone entering addiction treatment already understands what needs to be done: Stop drinking! Stop drugging! Stop the activity addiction (e.g., gambling, video games)! The issue for almost everyone is not what to do, but how to do it. “So, I need to quit drinking, but then what? How do I cope with ____?”
Would it make sense to enter a “program” that is 1) almost entirely based on attending group sessions (with few or no individual sessions), and 2) based on following a prescribed sequence of topics or curriculum (“in your first week we look at how your life has become unmanageable, in the second week…”)? How could such a program address all the issues that are relevant to finding and following your own path to recovery? If you have no choice but to enter a program based on group sessions, then of course get the best match you can find. However, a treatment center that offers primarily individual sessions, with group sessions available, will offer the best opportunity for addressing your unique concerns, and developing your unique path to recovery.
Tom Horvath
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/how-do-i-choose-the-right-treatment-center-individual-or-group-sessions-725416.html
The Truth About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder affects more people than you think. Almost 1 out of every 100 adults has been diagnosed with this manic personality disorder. One of my closest family members has been treated for a form of this mental illness that is associated with mood instability. We all experience good and bad days but our highs and lows are usually not as extreme as a person with this illness. They display all the common symptoms associated with it such as extreme ups (mania) and downs (depression).
When I am around that person it feels like I’m riding a roller coaster. I almost have to go along with the deep mood swings in order to avoid being the target of physical aggression. One minute they are laughing uncontrollably, the next minute they are ranting about how they hate everyone. Needless to say, it has definitely impacted my life because of the close relationship I have with this person.
It also places a burden on coworkers or anyone else they come in contact with. I would also observe their behavior and interaction with a significant other. I noticed a consistency in the time they spent together was either really good or really bad, there was no happy medium. They were either holding hands and looking lovingly into each other’s eyes or getting into violent boxing matches.
Most people with this disorder can function normally in society if treated effectively. If you ignore it, it may lead to more severe and disabling tendencies or even suicide.
1% of the population has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, however many cases go undetected or get mistreated as depression. My family member displayed some of the classic symptoms associated with the manic side such as inflated self esteem, euphoria, extreme optimism, tendency to be easily distracted, aggressive behavior, agitation, and spending sprees to name a few. Some symptoms linked to the depressive side are fatigue, sadness, hopelessness, sleep problems, anxiety, irritability, and hopelessness. Some people even suffer psychotic episodes, hallucinations, and delusions.
This disorder has been linked to schizophrenia but the causes have yet to be determined. There are three factors experts are researching- biochemical, genes, and environmental factors. If you are a manic depressive you were probably born with the possibility of developing it but something that happened to you set it off. It could have been a traumatic event like the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or even relocating.
People with self esteem issues have been known to develop bipolar symptoms. There are also physical changes in the brain that affects chemicals called neurotransmitters which are tied to mood. Hormonal imbalances may also be the culprit. There has been a link between family members with mental illnesses, but studies have shown that one identical twin could have it and the other doesn’t necessarily have to.
Lyla Feldman
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/the-truth-about-bipolar-disorder-486410.html
How To Identify And Manage General Anxiety Disorder
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 4 to 5 million people in the United States alone and is one of the most debilitating forms of anxiety. It has been found that on the whole, women have a higher incidence of GAD than men.
The symptoms vary from one person to another, however there are several symptoms that are common to most people who suffer from GAD.
Chronic worrying
Worry is a natural feeling that everyone deals with occasionally, but people who suffer from GAD worry incessantly, often without a specific event or situation to trigger it. This worry can ultimately cause them to withdraw from social situations and make it difficult to perform their day-to-day activities.
People suffering from GAD often realize they are worrying unnecessarily, but they are unable to overcome it and move on.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of GAD can include things such as headaches, lightheadedness, nausea and stomach pain, elevated heartbeat, shortness of breath and a lack of concentration.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder can also lead to sleeping problems such as insomnia as well as depression.
Emotional Symptoms
People suffering from GAD often exhibit symptoms such as irritability, unexpected mood swings and constant feelings of tension and stress.
A person who is dealing with GAD can have unexpected panic attacks. Because they often worry about when the next one will come, it merely serves to contribute to their feelings of anxiety. This creates a vicious cycle which can be extremely difficult to overcome.
Because the problem can feed on itself, and continue to get more serious, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. The sooner the problem can be diagnosed and treated, the less severe the side-effects may be, and conversely the longer it goes untreated, the worse it can become – ultimately leading to very serious problems and side effects.
Shane Baxter
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/how-to-identify-and-manage-general-anxiety-disorder-101054.html
Coping With The Emotional Impact Of Menopause
Menopause. The mere mentioning of this completely natural and unavoidable condition strikes fear into the hearts of many women. Don’t be afraid – menopause is part of nature’s grand scheme and should be approached from this perspective. The bulk of women experience the onset of menopause between the age of 45 and 55. It does not mean menopause cannot begin earlier or later, but the condition usually manifests within this range. When the female body enters menopause it heralds an end to the reproductive cycle.
Menopause occurs because the female body no longer produces progesterone and estrogen at the same rate. The production of these important reproductive hormones decreases dramatically leading to a variety of changes. Women know that it won’t be long before they never have to endure the symptoms of PMS or their menstruation cycle again. This may sound like a great event – but there are other symptoms that occur including leading up to this point: fluctuations in appetite, insomnia, hot flashes, hazy or foggy thinking, depression, anger, emotional problems, and mood swings.
Perhaps the most difficult of the symptoms to deal with are emotional in nature. Many women report feeling not like themselves. Depression, anger, and mood swings are common and can present many problems.
Fortunately, there is a way to cope with these problems. You are not alone in your struggle. There are millions upon millions of other women experiencing menopause. In fact, statistics state out that each day more than 4,000 women in the United States alone experience the onset of menopause.
This being said, the options for you to seek help are extensive. If the emotional symptoms you are experiencing are severe or last for a long time it is probably a good idea to seek some help. Emotional disturbances due to menopause do not mean you are crazy: it is a natural process that hits some women harder than others. Counselling can help you get in touch with your feelings. Do not try to battle menopause without some sort of support network.
Relaxation may also be key in your battle against emotional difficulties. Try treating yourself to an afternoon at a local day spa or a relaxing massage. It sounds trite but can really make the difference to your overall mood. If you have access to a Jacuzzi the warm water and the jets can put you into a relaxed state. Sound therapy, light therapy, hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, acupuncture, and acupressure can also provide relief – both emotional and physical. Hypnosis has a good track record in helping women manage emotional stress due to menopause.
It is very important that you enlist the support of your friends – many of whom are most likely going through what you are, and also your partner and close family members. Explain to them how you are feeling. Once they understand why you’re being snappy, angry or rude they are more likely to be understanding and help you through what can be a challenging time. In addition, there are support groups available where you can get things off your chest and experience a feeling of solidarity.
Besides more traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) there is a wide selection of natural supplements on the market which can provide both physical and emotional relief from menopause.
Make sure you take care of yourself. If you do not take the first step in learning to cope with the emotional side-effects of menopause, nobody will take it for you.
Resources:
Menozac – for immediate Menopause Symptoms Relief from symptoms including:
• Mood Swings
• Anxiety.
• Palpitations.
• Depression.
Kathryn Whittaker
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/coping-with-the-emotional-impact-of-menopause-58306.html
The link between anxiety and dieting – The Effect of Diet on Panic Attacks
Are you affected from anxiety or panic attacks? While you might have to endure different treatments for these conditions, but the treatments are likely to depend on the severity of the attack. Also the anxiety cures or panic relief medicaments are quite similar to each other as there is only a subtle difference between these conditions. But apart from therapy, what you eat can also have an impact on your panic levels.
I don’t mean to state that if you restrict your dietary you will be free from panic attacks. No. but if you can make definite changes in your diet, you can definitely benefit and recover even faster than you could think of.
Pharmaceutical science has confirmed that people affected from chronic panic problems can make necessary dietary changes for relief. It has also been proved that depression is triggered by improper dietary. As stress is likely to be the maincause of anxiety disorder, it can be presumed that a bad diet can further worsen these attacks. The main dietary offenders are the fats, sugars and other such non-nutritious substances. When you are encountering panic or anxiety disorder problems, mood swings become evident and you would also notice a huge addition in your energy levels. Unfortunately, all the foods found today are loaded with fast and added sugars, which have degrading effects on our body. If foods can be chosen with diligence, it would prove to be great anxiety cures and you wouldn’t need any medications to aid you.
Vitamins are an essential part of our diet and above all vitamin B6. These vitamins have a leading role to play in keeping the brain chemicals properly balanced and the vitamin B12, which is generally known as folic acid works directly with our brain in the production of hormone. Any deficiencies in the consumption of vitamins can result in significant effects on our mental health and create anxiety or panic problems. These foods consist of the most effective ingredients of panic cures including potassium and zinc that assists in the electrical relationships of the brain.
leaving out carbohydrates from the diet has become a craze now. It is being said that carbohydrates should not be eaten if you want to lose weight. It is true that carbohydrates contain empty calories, but that doesn’t mean you give it up altogether. You should limit your carbohydrate consumption.
Taking excellent care of your diet and your health can ascertain to be a immense panic relief and can support your overall health as well. Our diet can afflict the emotional balance, can make us feel awful, can assist to our body weight and can as well disrupt our digestion. Making certain dietary changes would be the best way of dealing with your anxiety levels.
View the following weblogs for anxiety cures and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Symptoms
By: harley coleman (Download Natural Treatment for Anxiety Now!)
About the Author:
My name is harley, 25 years old and living in New York.
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