What is the treatment?

Each client has to seen as a unique case, within the broad therapy outlines. The personalized treatment is viewed as long-term and can be begun at whatever stage of recovery the client is in- Empathy, hope and a suitable approach to the problem are at the foundation of integrated treatment.

Treatment at AREL HOPE RECOVERY SERVICES

• For any substance abuser the first step in treatment observed at AREL is detoxification - a period of time during which the body is allowed to cleanse itself of alcohol or drugs. This takes place under medical supervision. It can take a few days to a week or more, depending on what substances the person abused and for how long.
• Once detoxification is completed, it's time for dual treatment; rehabilitation for the alcohol or drug problem and treatment for the psychiatric problem.

Rehabilitation for a substance abuse problem usually involves individual and group psychotherapy, education about alcohol and drugs and consequences of addiction, exercise including Yoga, meditation, proper nutrition, and participation in the 12-step recovery program.

The idea is not just to stay off booze and drugs, but to learn to enjoy life without these "crutches." Clients are placed in recovery groups where theywill learn how others stopped drinking or using, how to cope with cravings and urges to drink or use, and how to live comfortably without the use of alcohol or drugs.

Treatment for a psychiatric problem depends upon the diagnosis. For most disorders, individual and group therapy as well as medications are recommended. Expressive therapies and education about the particular psychiatric condition are often useful adjuncts, since insight ensures better compliance with medication.

• Talk therapy (psychotherapy) can help you learn to cope with symptoms of psychiatric illnesses and change the patterns of thinking that may be making them worse. Therapy can also help you look at your drinking/using habits and work on staying clean and sober
• Medication to help with symptoms of illnesses may be prescribed by the physician or psychiatrist. A physician and a Psychiatrist come in for regular checkup and assessments on the patients/clients

Problems as a result of dual diagnosis

A variety of problems are possible as a result of a dual diagnosis. For example:

• Psychiatric symptoms may be covered up or masked by alcohol or drug use
• Alcohol or drug use or the withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs can mimic or give the appearance of some psychiatric illness
• Untreated chemical dependency can contribute to a reoccurrence of psychiatric symptoms
• Untreated psychiatric illness can contribute to an alcohol or drug relapse
• Family problems or problems in intimate relationships
• Isolation and social withdrawal
• Financial problems
• Employment or school problems
• High risk behavior while driving
• Multiple admission for chemical dependency services due to relapse
• Multiple admissions for psychiatric care
• Increased emergency room admissions
• Homelessness

Recovery depends on treating both the addiction and the mental health problem

Arel Hope recognizes that whether your mental health or substance abuse problem came first, recovery depends on treating both illnesses. The good news is that most people suffering from co-occurring addiction and mental health problems are able to recover, given proper treatment and support.

• It is possible. Recovering from co-occurring disorders takes patience, care and time. It is also important for the correct diagnosis to be made which facilitates recovery. It may take months or even years. But people with substance abuse and mental health problems can and do get better, with proper treatment.
• Arel Hope provides integrated and holistic treatment. The best chance of recovery is through integrated treatment for both the substance abuse and the psychiatric illness. This means getting combined mental health and addiction treatment at one place
• Relapses are part of the recovery process. With every relapse, the chance for recovery is greater. Relapse is a part of recovery and we encourage joining a self-help support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous where the client is given a chance to share experience and strength and to learn from others' experiences. Therefore, clients at Arel Hope are sensitized and introduced to AA / NA, while the family is encouraged to attend Al-anon meetings

What is the Role of the Patient's Family in Treatment?

With both rehabilitation for substance abuse and treatment for a psychiatric problem, education, counseling sessions, and support groups for the patient's family are important aspects of overall care. The greater the family's understanding of the problems, the higher the chances the patient will have a lasting recovery. Arel Hope puts great emphasis on family involvement in the recovery process.

How Can Family and Friends Help with Recovery from the Substance Abuse?

They need to learn to stop