For many what starts as recreational or experimental drug use, can rapidly turn into a compulsive and unstoppable dependency. Drugs are chemicals that alter the brain’s reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine and can drive the compulsive drug abuse that marks addiction. Drug addiction affects the lives of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Addiction among the affluent occurs for many of the same reasons that other classes of people become addicted. Issues like genetic predisposition, mental illness, and stress affect people in every class of society. Yet, studies show that there is a direct prevalence between alcohol and drug abuse in relation to lower, middle, and upper class. For instance, heroin use is growing all throughout America, affecting larger numbers of upper-income people as well as more women and non-Hispanic whites. Experts tie the growth to the widespread use of opiate painkillers, such as OxyContin and Vicodin. As the government works to crack down on the non-medical use of prescription drugs, they become more expensive and harder to find. In many instances, addicted individuals are switching from prescription pills to heroin for a cheaper, easier high. Signs of Drug Addiction Whatever the reason a person starts taking drugs, tolerance and dependency can develop quickly, before the user even realizes the pattern of addiction taking hold. When tolerance becomes a full-blown addiction, it can be extremely difficult to stop the pattern of abuse. Physical symptoms such as:
Behavioral symptoms like:
The drug itself can alter the brain's ability to focus and form coherent thoughts, depending on the substance. What are the effects of drug addiction? If left untreated for long, drug addiction can result in diminished health, job loss, the estrangement of loved ones or potential physical harm to themselves. While drugs may offer short-term relief, extended drug use only aggravates an individual's problems, since the root of the issues is never addressed. Drug addiction can lead to a number of mental and physical disorders. Left untreated, uncontrolled drug use will persist despite its overwhelming and often demoralizing consequences on individuals and their families. When addicts recognize their unhealthy, unhappy condition — and see the impact their drug use has had on others — many seek help. The Meadows can Help You Recover from Drug Addiction If you think that someone you love is addicted to drugs, it's important to seek professional treatment for recovery. At The Meadows, we understand the seriousness of drug addiction. Our drug addiction treatment options range from detoxification to an intensive, inpatient psychotherapeutic program that addresses the symptoms and causes of addiction. Our expert staff is trained to help people overcome their addiction in a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more, please contact 866-330-1925. All calls are kept strictly confidential. Content Source Why Seek Drug Addiction Treatment at The Meadows?
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More than 43 million Americans suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, but more than half never get help, even people who have health insurance. These challenges can strike deeply at a family’s financial well-being. Insurance is a crucial tool that can grant access to needed treatment; however, navigating health insurance coverage is no easy feat. Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, an industry leader in providing treatment for people struggling with addiction, eating disorders, trauma, and related mental health conditions, understands the challenges individuals and families face when obtaining and financing quality care. In an effort to help alleviate some of this burden, we have worked diligently to create relationships with insurance providers to offer in-network benefits to their members. “As we have been in discussions with several managed care companies and they have learned the depth, quality, and robust treatment offerings at our programs they are very supportive and eager to enter into a formal relationship with Meadows Behavioral Healthcare and have been very supportive of the treatment we do,” said Sean Walsh, Meadows Behavioral Healthcare CEO. “Our efforts have resulted in being selected as an in-network provider for MultiPlan employers and most recently with Health Net. We are continuing to work towards adding further contracts and expect to announce more by the end of the year.” MultiPlan is a trusted partner to over 700 healthcare payers in the commercial health, government, and property and casualty markets. Through managed care plans covered by MultiPlan such as Cigna, Aetna, and United, beneficiaries will now have access to cutting-edge mental health services by simply paying their copay and coinsurance. This includes the full continuum of inpatient, residential treatment and transitional living programs offered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. The agreement with Health Net will allow more individuals to have access to the tremendous quality and excellent eating disorder treatment at Remuda Ranch at The Meadows as well as intensive outpatient services at The Meadows Outpatient Center. “The behavioral health industry has seen many changes this last year, and unfortunately, has been riddled with unethical practices revolving around fraud, patient brokering and shoddy care. Managed care companies around the country have increased their scrutiny and vetting of provider’s to ensure they meet their standards,” Walsh said. “We are proud at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare to be able to bring our world-class treatment and partner with commercial managed care companies in the hope more people in need will have access to our treatment in their time of need.” For many individuals, private pay may still be the best choice for behavioral health treatment. But, no matter what your insurance coverage is, it’s important that you get the help you or a loved one needs. For more information about Meadows Behavioral Healthcare’s family of treatment services, or to check your benefits, please call 866-331-3102. Content Source Paying for Behavioral Health Treatment Read also When To Get Help For Gambling Addiction “Trauma leaves fingerprints on the victim. These don’t fade when the bruises do.”- Dr. Ellen Taliaferro Childhood trauma has a lasting effect on an individual’s life. The trauma which is either physical, sexual or emotional in nature, creates a devastating ripple effect on every aspect of the individual’s adult life. According to one study, more than 21,000 child abuse survivors, age 60 and older in Australia reported a greater rate of failed marriages and relationships. Research also states that childhood trauma, which ranges from parent’s divorce to alcohol and smoking addictions in the home, is the major cause of heart diseases, lung diseases, liver diseases, and mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, anger outbursts, and suicide in the later stages of an individual’s life. In addition, such trauma can trigger risky sexual behavior leading the individual to suffer from life threatening diseases thereby leading to “low life potential.” Even though some individuals seek treatment and therapy in their younger days to deal with the pain of childhood trauma, there is often lingering hurt. The painful memories can suddenly creep up on the individual. Survivors of trauma who are in the later stages of their life may experience a replay of the painful feelings and be extremely confused at its occurrence. Fewer distractions and reduced responsibilities of daily life may cause seniors’ to shift their focus on the traumatic issues of their past. The recurrence of nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms can be frightening and overwhelming. According to psychiatrist Judith Herman, “As the survivor struggles with the tasks of adult life, the legacy of their childhood becomes increasingly burdensome. Eventually, often in the fourth or fifth decade of life, the defensive structure may begin to break down. Often the precipitant is a change in the equilibrium of close relationships: The failure of a marriage, the illness or death of a parent. The facade can hold no longer, and the underlying fragmentation becomes manifest. When and if a breakdown occurs, it can take symptomatic forms that mimic virtually every form of psychiatric disorder. Survivors fear that they are going insane or will have to die “ At this point, there is often an urge to rely on the numbing agents of alcohol or substances to desensitize the recurring pain. Depression, suicidal thoughts, phobias, and low self-esteem can plague the elderly individual to an unusual extent that he/she has never felt before. Life at this point may seem hopeless and agonizing and the elderly individual may feel extremely desperate. A number of indicators may manifest in an individual who is struggling with a mental health issue such as trauma. If you notice any of the following conditions in a senior loved one, it is important that you encourage and help them seek immediate medical or mental health assistance. These include: Physical Conditions:
Emotional Conditions:
Healing from the Trauma Guilt, shame or repressed memories may hold seniors back from seeking help. They may also feel that they don’t need to disclose their suffering. Some seniors may have already sought help to deal with their past trauma and may feel uncomfortable seeking assistance for the same issues. Despite the reasoning, it’s never too late to address childhood trauma. Professional help can benefit seniors by facilitating acceptance and overcoming feelings of despair and hopelessness so they can live life to its fullest. The Meadows treatment center in Arizona has been helping individuals heal from childhood trauma for over 40 years. The caring, multi-disciplinary team at The Meadows understand the unique needs of seniors and the challenges they face. If you or a loved one is struggling with unresolved childhood trauma or co-occurring conditions like substance abuse or depression, please give us a call today at 866-331-3102. Content Source The Lasting Impact Of Childhood Trauma “Caring for our seniors is the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we enjoy” - Senator John Hoeven A very true and apt quote; senior citizens definitely play a major role in making important contributions to the present generation and society as family members, volunteers and employees. Recent research conducted by the World Health Organization estimates that the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years of age would double between 2015 and 2050. Thereby, leading to an absolute increase from 900 million people to 2 billion people over the age of 60. These statistics further affirm the need for both effective mental and physical health care for senior citizens. A study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 20% of individuals over the age of 55 experience some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression and cognitive issues. Amongst the above-mentioned mental health concerns, depression is the most common disorder experienced by seniors, and unfortunately, is the least recognized. Depression has a major impact on the health of these individuals and can adversely aggravate already existing physical conditions. Fortunately, the said study also states that depression is treatable in 80% of the cases. Regrettably, depressive disorders are widely ignored in older adults and are either undertreated or overlooked. Senior citizens with mental health conditions are more inclined to have poor functioning skills and find carrying out day-to-day living cumbersome and challenging. They are also less likely to seek out medical services to improve their health and outlook on life. Many social, biological and situational factors also greatly influence a senior’s mental health. Life situations like retirement, the death of a loved one, physical disability, change in financial status, poor health, etc. characterize a senior’s life. These issues can also result in loneliness, isolation, and loss of independence, which are major sources of psychological distress. Additionally, according to evidence collected by the World Health Organization, 1 in 10 seniors are subject to elder abuse. Abandonment, neglect, and abuse lead to loss of dignity and respect which can compound the psychological breakdown in the elderly. Loved ones and caregivers of senior individuals should be aware of signs that suggest a deterioration in their mental health and take immediate action to help them. Ways you can help as a caregiver:
Help For Depression If depression persists in a loved one in spite of all your efforts, therapy or counseling is recommended, as it addresses the underlying causes of depression rather than the symptoms. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. The state of our mental health also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and how we make choices in our everyday lives. Mental health issues can negatively affect our lives, and our expert team at The Meadows is here to help. The Meadows treatment center is an excellent place to seek help for your loved one. The therapists and counselors here are well trained and extremely competent and capable in helping your loved one improve their mental health and rebuild their lives once again. Please call 866-424-5476 to learn more about our depression treatment program. Content Source Age Can Have An Impact On Mental Health I had been discharged from my treatment program for a year and was in the ups and downs of early recovery when the call came. My husband’s voice cracked when he said my name, so I knew before he told me that my father was dead. There were no details yet, but I did not need them. The coroner’s report would later confirm what I already knew. My dad, like his twin brother twenty years before him, had taken his own life. There is much I could write about his life and perhaps some day I will, but as I sit here today contemplating World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2017) all I have to share with you are the pieces of my heart. My dad was a contradiction. He was as charismatic as he was rageful. He was generous and he was selfish, genuine and deceptive. He was my hero and my nemesis. He became my mirror, a reflection of who I never wanted to become. Our lives had become oddly parallel over the last year of his life. After a few years of little-to-no contact (my choice) my dad wrote to me while I was at the Ranch. “Ain’t that a kick in the head?” he said. “We’re both in rehab.” I chuckled. How could I not? He was right. We’re two sides of the same coin, I thought to myself. I was grateful he was getting help. If I had hope, I was confident he did too. I don’t remember if I wrote back. I’d like to think I did, but I doubt it. My dad was in and out of treatment over the next year or two, fighting his own demons while I fought mine. He was a star patient when he had some accountability and structure. As soon as he was on his own, though, he would resort to his unhealthy behavior. “I’m proud of you for trying,” I told him over the phone and I was. Recovery is a humbling equalizer. I don’t remember much of those first couple of years after his death. I think my own survival and health required that I focus more on overcoming anorexia than dealing with grief. The questions I could answer came first, questions like where and how, but even those left me with nightmares. I never wanted to know when. I still don’t. It’s not a time or date I want seared in my mind. Something about the answer being a guess haunts me. As the shock thawed, the harder questions rumbled. What should I have done differently? Why wasn’t I enough? Why weren’t my brothers or my kids enough? (My kids, if only he knew my kids.) Why? So many whys that will never have answers. Living with someone else’s suicide promises a lifetime of unanswerable questions. Faced with concerns about my own life, I questioned if I was really supposed to recover. All of anorexia’s lies roared. Sometimes the Sirens sang. If suicide was my family’s way of dealing with things should it be mine too? You will say, “No!” and I agree, but when two people close to you die at their own hand, suicide begins to feel like an obligation. I finally shared my thoughts with my therapist. It took awhile, but in the safety of his office, I began to miss my dad in the deepest, most primal way possible. Over the next several months, my sorrow, unrelenting and all encompassing, terrified me. As I came up for breath, I realized I could never force my children to ask the same questions I did. I could not be responsible for inflicting so much pain. I realized it was time to change my family’s legacy. Suicide never was and never would be the answer. I often tell people, “Where there is life, there is hope.” In the midst of eating disorders, addictions and recovery, life is sometimes dark and often painful. The struggle to fight for life can be exhausting. Although I cannot take away your wounds, I can point the way to people who are willing to walk beside you and hold up your arms while you battle. The Meadows and Remuda Ranch at The Meadows stand ready to support you. You can call them at 866-390-5100. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Tonight on this World Suicide Prevention Day, some 11 ½ years after my father’s death, I will go to sleep thinking of him, hoping that his story and mine will make a difference. Chances are I will weep. I will ask, “why?” and “what if?” Given the opportunity I would encourage him to stay a little longer. So, although I cannot reach out to him, I will continue to hope for you (and me) believing as always that where there is life there is hope. Content Source When You Think Suicide Is The Answer, Think Again |
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