(855) 778-6444

Are Bipolar Teens at a Higher Risk of Substance Abuse?

bipolar teens, substance abuse

Are bipolar teens at a higher risk of substance abuse? According to research that was recently completed by Dr. Benjamin Goldstein the answer is yes! The research study was published in the medical journal Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the results show that a bipolar teen has a one in three chance of substance abuse and possibly addiction before they reach their twenties. The study involved 167 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17, and the results show that many teens turn to substance abuse to help medicate the extreme mood swings and other symptoms of bipolar disorder. Data that was taken from the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth database and used for this study as well.

The teens that were involved in the study were periodically interviewed over the course of a four year period, for an average of 7 times. In addition there were additional factors that may also contribute to substance abuse. These other factors included a family history of substance abuse, no antidepressant treatment, oppositional defiant disorder, a lack of family cohesion, and panic disorder. These factors were determined to be predicting factors in a higher risk of future substance abuse, the same as bipolar disorder. According to Dr. Goldstein who oversaw the study these findings are important in order to develop more effective preventative strategies that reach bipolar teens. The National Institute of Mental Health funds the COBY study, and this is the biggest study for bipolar in teens.  

5 Reasons To Choose Drug Rehab Centers Canada

drug rehab centers Canada, drug addiction treatment

1. Distance From Old Habits and Places- When you choose one of the drug rehab centers Canada you can put some distance between you and your old habits and places. Often these factors contribute to a relapse, and that can mean further rounds of treatment are needed in order to get permanent results.

2. A Fresh Start- When you are trying to change your activities and stop substance abuse then drug rehab centers Canada can help you get a fresh start and a new beginning. You will not know anyone, and they will not be aware of your past or your substance abuse issues unless you tell them. Sometimes a fresh start can help you achieve a permanent recovery.

3. Get Away From Friends Who Use- Running into old buddies and friends who have used with you in the past can frequently trigger a relapse. When you decide to use one of the drug rehab centers Canada you will get away from old friends and acquaintances who still use. This can help you stay on the road to recovery and keep you from sliding back into old habits.

4. Focus Only On Your Drug Addiction Treatment- Drug rehab centers Canada can help you focus solely on your addiction treatment and recovery. There are fewer distractions when you choose a program that is remotely located and far from your normal life and activities. When you focus on your drug addiction treatment you will generally get better results.

5. Effective Treatment Methods- Some drug rehab centers Canada offer the most effective treatment methods and proven techniques, and this can mean a more effective recovery and results that actually last.  

The Pros and Cons of Individual Counseling For Drug Addiction Treatment

drug addiction treatment, alcohol abuse, individual counseling

Individual counseling for drug addiction treatment and alcohol abuse is one of the most effective methods available today to fight substance abuse. One on one counseling has many benefits that make it a superior choice to other methods, but there are also some drawbacks as well. Before you decide on the best drug addiction treatment or alcohol abuse program it is important to know what the pros and cons of individual counseling sessions are.

The Drug Addiction Treatment Benefits of Individual Counseling

Drug addiction treatment is not available in a one size fits all model that actually works, because each individual will have different reasons for their substance abuse that need to be addressed before a full and complete recovery can be reached. Invisible wounds and hidden traumas vary, and each person may have different reasons for turning to drugs or alcohol. Individual sessions allow the user to work through their unique issues so that they can start to heal.

Drawbacks with One on One Sessions in Drug Addiction Treatment

The only drawback with individual counseling for drug addiction treatment or alcohol abuse is the cost involved. Since a professional is needed for each individual the cost can be much higher for an individual session than it is for a group session. Drug addiction treatment programs that provide one on one counseling will usually cost more, but in the end you will usually see superior results for the higher price and this can help you quit any substance abuse and get back on the right track faster.

What are The 5 Most Important Factors With Drug Treatment Programs?

 There are several factors that are essential with drug treatment programs, and if these are not available then you could end up relapsing right after you leave the program. The 5 most important factors with drug treatment programs are:

  • Location- You need to find drug treatment programs that are not conveniently located to the city where your drug use occurs and where you live. If it is difficult and expensive to leave treatment then you are more likely to stick it out.

  • Cost- The price charged for services will need to be affordable and within your budget, but that does not mean you should only look at the cheapest drug treatment programs.

  • Treatment Methods Offered- Individual counseling is a must if you are going to work through the issues causing the drug use and actually recover. Drug treatment programs that do not offer individual counseling will be less effective in most cases. Group therapy and other methods should also be offered.

  • Recovery Tools Provided- Look for programs that offer a wide range of recovery tools which can help you manage stress and negative emotions without relapsing and going back to the old ways.

  • Staff- If the staff at the chosen drug treatment programs are not caring and compassionate then this could affect the outcome of your treatment. When the staff actually cares about your recovery you are far more likely to succeed and less tempted to leave the facility before you are ready to face the outside world again.   

Surprising Alcohol Abuse Statistics for Women

alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction treatment

Alcohol abuse affects almost all age and income levels, and there are some surprising statistics that many people are not aware of. In the USA alone between 12 million and 14 million people over the age of 21 use alcohol on a regular basis. Treatment for alcohol addiction can be found in all types, but a large percentage of people do not believe that they have a problem or that they need help and addiction treatment. The drinking habits of men and women are usually different, and many women choose wine as their alcoholic beverage of choice. Men tend to use beer or hard liquor instead of wine, but both sexes have seen an increase in alcohol consumption and binge drinking. This includes adults over the age of 40, a time when many are well established in life and have a lot to lose with an alcohol addiction.

The elderly are also a big concern because many in this population suffer from alcohol addiction as well. Roughly 10% of women who were between 40 years old and 64 years old reported binge drinking at least once in the last month, and the most common answer was three episodes of binge drinking within the last 30 days. This is the same rate that college aged women abuse alcohol, and it shows that all age groups are at risk. Alcohol abuse can lead to a higher risk of being victimized for women, and binge drinking is especially harmful to the body and internal organs. The Crossing Point has effective alcohol addiction treatment programs for all ages and both sexes, because we understand which methods work and lead to success.

 

New Research Study Examines Neural Responses Before and After Addiction Treatment!

addiction treatment, research study

Do the study results from a new research study show that addiction is for life? The answer is not quite that clear cut, and the study uses neural activity before and after addiction treatment to determine why some individuals never stop their substance abuse even when the consequences are deadly. Anyone involved in substance abuse programs and addiction treatment facilities understand just how hard it can be to break certain addictions. The new study shows that recovery can be a lifelong process. Biological Psychiatry is the journal where the study results are published. The editor of this journal is Dr. John Krystal, and when asked about the study results he is credited as saying “The knowledge that some neural changes associated with addiction persist despite long periods of abstinence is important because it supports clinical wisdom that recovery from addiction is a lifelong process.”

 

Addiction treatment is very important, and there is no quick fix for substance abuse. During the study there were 3 groups used. One of the groups had no substance abuse issues at all, another group involved individuals with current substance abuse, and the third group involved patients who were in recovery after experiencing addiction. Even after the substance abuse was abstained from for a long period of time the reward center of the brain did not revert back to the previous function. Once the addiction changed the neural pathways and reward center of the brain these areas did not go back to normal once the substance abuse was stopped.