Read on to learn more about how drug dependence impacts relationships, codependency, enabling behaviors, and how counseling and treatment can help strengthen relationships once again.

The Impact of Addiction on Relationships

When someone has a substance use disorder (SUD), their day-to-day routines, decisions, and responsibilities change. They may miss appointments with friends and family. They may start avoiding tough conversations and spend more time obtaining substances and using them.

Friends and family often feel hurt, confused, angry, or unsure how to react. These are natural feelings to experience. Most healthy relationships rely on honesty and consistency: two things that are often threatened when substance misuse is present.

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Codependency and Substance Use in Romantic Relationships

Codependency is an excessive focus on someone else’s needs at the cost of your own well-being. In romantic relationships impacted by SUD, codependency can cause one partner to fall into a caretaker role.

Playing the caretaker may look like covering up problems, avoiding conflict, or trying to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. The intentions might be loving and supportive, but these patterns can enable substance use and create more stress for everyone involved (Gillette, 2023).

Codependency Signs

Here are some signs of codependency: 

• Low self-esteem 
• Fear of abandonment 
• Inability to say “no” 
• Feeling responsible for your partner’s emotions 
• Feeling guilty when you say no 
• Seeking approval from others 
• Doing more than you should have to 
• Confusing love with rescue 

A study found women who were married to men with substance use disorder had higher codependency scores than those married to men without SUD (Panaghi et al., 2016). Because many partners feel frightened or overwhelmed by drug use, codependency can grow from trying to stabilize the relationship.

Enabling Substance Use in Relationships

Enabling substance use means that someone is supporting a loved one’s substance use, whether intentionally or not. Enablers can start as caregivers. 

It can feel natural to make excuses, pay bills, cover shifts at work, or avoid confrontation to keep the peace. However, this allows the misuse to continue and prevents a loved one from experiencing consequences.

Examples of Enabling Behaviors

• Making excuses for a person’s behavior or use
• Denying that substance misuse is a problem 
• Trying to protect your loved one from consequences
• Helping with bills or missing shifts at work
• Using substances with your loved one 
• Doing your loved one’s responsibilities for them 
• Giving them money that could be used to obtain substances
• Trying to control your loved one’s behavior 
• Waiting for the person to ask for help

Recognizing that you might be enabling someone you love can be difficult. Setting clear boundaries and having courage to establish consequences can help you support your loved one (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). From there, you can work with them to find detox and treatment options.

Drug Misuse’s Effects on Romantic Partners

Drug misuse can cause a shift in focus for romantic relationships. One partner may feel unheard, blamed, or unsafe. Another partner may feel ashamed of their substance use, scared of conflict, or pressured into enabling.

There may be less honesty and vulnerability between partners. If the use continues and these tensions go unresolved, partners may stop communicating about important needs like finances, children, safety, and even future plans.

Loss of Intimacy

Intimacy may decline when substance use is present in a relationship. Spending quality time together may become less common. Routines and habits may no longer feel shared.

If one partner is using substances, they may spend less time at home. They may avoid conversations about their substance use altogether. The other partner may feel rejected or anxious because they don’t know what is happening in the relationship.

Secrecy/Lying

Substance use disorder usually involves some level of secrecy, which can breach trust. A partner might lie about using substances, where they were, who they were with, or how they spent money.

The other partner may become controlling, angry, or start checking up on their partner. They may even begin enabling just to avoid conflict. When this happens, distance grows between partners.

Financial Strain

Drug misuse often causes financial strain on relationships (DrugAbuse.com Editorial Staff, 2025). Paying for rent, food, childcare, transportation becomes difficult to manage when priorities shift to obtaining drugs.

Eventually, arguments about money will happen. Some spouses enable it by paying bills for their partner or giving them money to prevent withdrawal symptoms. But this creates another cycle of dependence and enables.

Trust and Honest Communication

Trust is difficult to maintain when substance misuse enters the relationship. Promises may be broken, leading to yelling or violence. Secrecy about drug use or financial problems can cause stress on partnerships.

The way to rebuild confidence is to slowly prove that you can be trusted. This starts with open, honest communication about your drug use and intentions. Counseling can help you talk through the damage substance use has caused in your relationships.

Safety Concerns

When substance misuse occurs, arguments can turn violent. Domestic violence does not just mean physical abuse. Emotional, verbal, sexual, and financial abuse can also happen in relationships impacted by substance use problems.

If you do not feel safe at home with your partner, reach out to a medical professional, therapist, local crisis center, or emergency services. You deserve to feel safe while you get help. Recovery looks different for everyone, but nobody can recover in danger.

How Counseling Helps Substance Misuse

Counseling can help partners understand unhealthy patterns, establish boundaries, and learn healthy coping skills. Therapy can also assist with communication, relapse prevention, trigger management, and rebuilding trust.

If you have an opioid use disorder, counseling can be paired with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Methadone and buprenorphine help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you learn life-long recovery skills in therapy.

Substance Use Counseling at HCRC

At HCRC, we support people with opioid use disorder through counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and case management. Our goal is to get you the resources you need to live a safe, stable life with your family.

HCRC provides methadone and buprenorphine in an outpatient setting. We focus on providing a structured, respectful environment for our participants. You and your family’s health and safety are our top priority.

Our case management team can also help with transportation to and from our clinic, housing, applying for benefits, employment readiness, legal documents, and more. Contact HCRC today to start treatment, strengthen your recovery, and build healthier relationships.

Additional Sources

1. Panaghi, Leili et al. (2016) ‘Living with Addicted Men and Codependency: The Moderating Effect of Personality Traits’, Addiction & Health, April. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5115643/ (Accessed 1 July 2026).
2. Gillette, Hope. (2023) ‘5 Common Causes of Codependency’, Psych Central, 23 August. Available at: https://psychcentral.com/health/what-causes-codependency (Accessed 1 July 2026).
3. Cleveland Clinic. (2023) ‘4 Signs of Enabling and How To Stop’, Cleveland Clinic, 25 September. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/enabling (Accessed 1 July 2026).
4. DrugAbuse.com Editorial Staff. (2025) ‘The Financial Toll of Addiction’, DrugAbuse.com, 4 August. Available at: https://drugabuse.com/blog/financial-toll-addiction/ (Accessed 1 July 2026).

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The holidays are a time for togetherness and festivities. Many people look forward to seeing their loved ones while partaking in joyous activities. If you are in recovery, however, holiday stress can cause discomfort and uncertainty.  

That does not mean you cannot enjoy the celebrations! With some preparation and holiday coping tips, you can enjoy the lights and comforts without jeopardizing your goals. Keep reading to learn more about common holiday stressors and managing them without missing out on the fun! 

How to Manage Family Holiday Stress and Mental Health 

If you feel uneasy about the upcoming holidays, you are not alone. Nearly 90% of adults in the United States feel stressed out about the festive season. More than 40% of those people feel more tense than usual despite the approaching wave of yuletide joy. Have no fear, with some strategic planning, you can enter the winter months with a positive outlook.  

In recovery, it is essential to protect your emotional health while dealing with family stress. One of the best approaches is to break down the elements of holiday stress so you can minimize the impact. When managing holiday stress, consider the following aspects that may affect you:  

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Seasonal depression is a common depressive disorder that often starts in the fall, persists through winter and dissipates in spring. It is more common in people in the northern US, affecting younger individuals and women most. If you suffer from SAD, it may take a lot more energy for you to socialize, even with people you love. Speak with your medical provider about ways to combat seasonal affective disorder through supplements and counseling.  
• Family dynamics: You cannot choose your family, but you can change your reactions and communication strategies with them. Family and recovery will always be a minefield of managing expectations for yourself and the people you love. Speak to your substance use counselor about ways to approach the upcoming holiday season with tact. It will make the festivities much more enjoyable and drama-free.  
• Scheduling commitments: You may find yourself with more holiday party invites than you can handle. The key is to prioritize the people who mean most to you and who support your recovery. Managing a busy schedule is a blessing and something to feel proud of, lest it stresses you out too much to enjoy the moments. Learn to politely and quickly decline events you cannot attend to get them off your plate.  
• Financial strain: You may feel pressure to spend extravagant amounts of money on your friends and family during the holidays. Some people think it is a way to “make up” for the things they did amidst their addiction. Do not fall into this trap of thinking. For your loved ones, your healthy presence while in recovery is the greatest gift of all. Do not worry about carrying a Santa sack of goodies with you to gatherings.  

Holiday stress in recovery is not always caused by obvious reasons. That is why it is important to prepare and plan for the months ahead. With a positive and strong mindset, you can enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.  

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Coping Tips for Stress During the Holidays 

To manage holiday stress and mental health in recovery, you will need to take some vital steps to prioritize yourself. Practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries and planning exit strategies for uncomfortable situations is a must. Use your emotional support network by attending counseling and calling friends. Practice mindfulness, gratitude and create joyful traditions of your own along the way.  

Here are some of the best coping tips for stress during the holidays:  

1. Avoid isolation: It is easy to become a hermit in the winter, when days are short and cold. However, isolation is very detrimental to your recovery goals and can incite relapse triggers. 
2. Create holiday goals: You can make a list of personal goals you want to accomplish, especially during the winter months. Do not limit yourself only to recovery; get creative.  
3. Prioritize self-care: Make time for self-pampering. Do not let yourself get stressed out during a time for happiness and celebration.   
4. Keep a calendar: Write everything down! That way, you will not miss an event or forget important dates.  
5. Select plans carefully: You do not have to attend every party. Prepare to politely decline invitations that make you feel uncomfortable or clash with your schedule.  
6. Set a budget: You do not have to spend a ton of money to enjoy the holiday. Set a reasonable budget and stick to it! 
7. Maintain your routine: Recovery work can fall to the wayside when you are super busy. However, during the holidays, it is especially crucial to continue doing your usual routine.  
8. Prepare an exit strategy: Create a plan for exiting a party if you begin to feel uneasy. Designate a friend to call and transportation to get home if needed.  
9. Stay in touch with your support system: Remember to check in with your recovery friends and counselors.  
10. Be grateful: Keep in mind that it is a privilege to be celebrating the holidays with loved ones. Because of your hard work in recovery, you can enjoy the festivities and feel proud of yourself.  

Create a holiday survival plan this year with recovery-friendly activities and your support network. Set boundaries, say “no” to stress and have an exit strategy when you want to leave an event. Do not forget to prioritize self-care with sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Be aware of triggers so you can plan your response and prioritize recovery over perfection. Most of all, practice gratitude! The holidays are the perfect time to reflect and be thankful for the positive things in your life.  

Medication-Assisted Treatment with HCRC for the Holiday Season 

There is never a wrong time to address your addiction and seek help. The knowledgeable and compassionate staff at HCRC recognize that substance use disorder is a chronic illness that requires professional help. With personalized treatment plans, HCRC patients begin to feel better in just weeks after enrolling. Recovery is possible for everyone. To learn more about the recovery programs at HCRC, reach out today.  

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Many people recognize that mental health and addiction are critical public health concerns in the United States today.  However, most are unaware that addiction and mental health conditions often occur together. When someone experiences both simultaneously, it’s known as a dual diagnosis. A common yet misunderstood condition that deserves attention.

Approximately 20.4 million adults in the US have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance use disorder.  This means that people are showing symptoms of a clinical mental health condition along with signs of addiction.  These co-occurring disorders make life very difficult, although there are varying degrees of functionality for each individual.  

Understanding what is dual diagnosis, its causes, and how it impacts recovery is essential for helping individuals and families move forward. Keep reading to explore this important topic and how HCRC supports patients with dual diagnoses.

What is the Relationship Between Mental Illness and Substance Use? 

In many cases, it’s hard to tell which came first, mental illness or addiction. Most people with a dual diagnosis experience mental health symptoms and substance use issues at the same time. Often, individuals turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or trauma.

For example, depression and substance use appear often in popular media, from movies to historical novels.  Before mental health awareness was mainstream, people frequently turned to mind-altering substances for comfort.  In almost every story, the protagonist falls victim to the pitfalls of substance use, making their situation much worse.   Unfortunately, this still happens today, but on a much larger scale.  

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Shared Risk Factors and Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Most underlying causes of both mental health and substance use disorders share common risk factors, including:  

• Early life trauma: any form of abuse, abandonment or hardship at a young age 
• Genetics: hereditary predisposition to addiction 
• Changes in brain function: learning disabilities or developmental issues 
• Environmental vulnerability: early exposure to substance use and disordered lifestyles  

The most common mental illnesses associated with addiction include: 

• Depression 
• Bipolar Disorder 
• Anxiety Disorder 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 
• Schizophrenia  
• Personality Disorders 
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 

Many other mental illnesses can cause someone to cope with substance use that are not listed here.  Chronic stress, while not an official mental illness, is something that can contribute to the development of other conditions.  Some people suffer from physical chronic pain that can lead to self-medication.  

Some examples of common co-occurring disorders are: 

• Schizophrenia and cannabis misuse 
• Bipolar disorder and stimulant addiction 
• PTSD and opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder  

Self-medication significantly contributes to many dual diagnoses.  There is no easy way to prevent people from going down this path.  The current addiction rate nationwide requires more focus on this issue.  The need for addiction treatment and trauma-informed care is urgent.   

Symptoms of Dual-Diagnosis 

Symptoms of dual diagnosis of mental illness and addiction can differ greatly depending on particular disorders.  However, most often they include mood changes, concentration problems, social withdrawal and substance misuse resulting in adverse outcomes.  

Some mental health symptoms to look out for are:  

• Frequent mood swings 
• Disruption in sleep pattern  
• Difficulty doing everyday tasks 
• Changes in appetite  
• Extreme weight loss or gain 
• Social withdrawal  
• Suicidal ideation  
• Extreme paranoia  
• Auditory or visual hallucinations  
• Self-harm and risky behaviors  

Substance use disorder symptoms include:  

• Frequent inebriation from misusing substances  
• Developed tolerance to substances  
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using  
• Lack of self-control around psychoactive substances 
• Neglected responsibilities 
• Job or home loss 
• Social isolation 
• Drastic change in appearance  

It is important to remember that these are only some common symptoms.  Dual diagnosis can present itself very differently from person to person.  Some people may suffer from dual diagnosis but are high-functioning.  They have a greater capacity to conceal their struggles from others and suffer silently.  In all cases, a diagnosis from a professional medical provider is the best solution.  

Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health 

The intertwined nature of mental illness and addiction is difficult for most people to overcome on their own.  Still, managing co-occurring conditions is possible with professional help.  Many who suffer from mental illness and addiction reach successful recovery with the help of medication-assisted treatment.  

Comprehensive programs like medication-assisted treatment offer specialized medical assistance along with essential addiction recovery tools.  Patients meet with clinical physicians who are qualified to diagnose both mental health conditions and substance use disorder.  With the right combination of medications and therapies, patients have the tools needed for success.  

Medical providers specialized in dual diagnosis use a wide range of screening techniques to test patients for both conditions.  Patients should be candid with their providers about substance use and their mental health.  With the correct diagnosis, patients find that they feel better within only a couple of weeks of starting treatment.  

Outpatient medication-assisted treatment has higher retention rates of patients in recovery than other formats.  The combined convenience of appointment scheduling, treatment referrals and counseling encourages positive outcomes.  Additionally, patients in treatment have access to dual diagnosis support groups and other recovery resources that can help them on their journey.  

Dual Diagnosis Assistance with the Help of HCRC  

At HCRC, we know that a possible dual diagnosis can be scary, and seeking help may feel intimidating.  Our skilled and compassionate staff is prepared to handle any questions you may have about seeking treatment.  The highly experienced and specialized medical providers at HCRC understand that dual diagnosis is not a moral judgment on your character.  It is a medical situation that requires the appropriate treatment.  

Our outpatient facilities make treatment for dual diagnosis simple and easy, offering methadone maintenance.  We are committed to giving each patient who walks through our doors the best care possible.  We strive to help each person in our care achieve their recovery goals.  

Recovery is possible for everyone.  Make the call today to speak with someone about the treatment programs at HCRC.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is waiting for your call.  

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Evidence shows that the most effective approach to treating addiction is a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and counseling. Millions of people suffering from substance use disorder have found their way back to a healthy life with this combination. Counseling with addiction treatment is a mainstay to ensure a solid foundation for a successful recovery. Whether one-on-one or in a group, these sessions address the role that behavioral components, emotional health and psychology often play in substance misuse. 

Detoxing from opioids and other substances is just the beginning of recovery. Counseling from a trained mental health provider ensures you have the tools you need to manage cravings and avoid relapse. Keep reading to learn why counseling is critical in addiction recovery so you can rebuild your life.  

Understanding Why Counseling is Critical in Addiction Recovery During Early Treatment 

Addiction is more than a physical or chemical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even after those substances are out of your system and you are technically withdrawal-symptom-free, you may still struggle with cravings. A craving is an overwhelming desire to use a substance that puts you at high risk for relapse if you are not prepared. 

A variety of psychological and social factors can be powerful triggers that rouse cravings and lead to relapse: 

• External triggers: These are the people, places and things that are associated with past substance misuse. External cues can be environmental, such as visiting an old neighborhood, or social, like spending time with friends who still use. 

• Internal triggers: These are the thoughts, feelings, sensations or even habitual behaviors that trigger a craving. Stress, especially sudden crises, is often the most potent internal trigger. 

• Situational triggers: Triggers can also arise due to a specific situation. A bad breakup or unexpected visitors are situations that can put you at risk if you are not prepared.  

Triggers are an ongoing part of life in recovery. They can create a strong urge to use again. Counseling teaches you how to identify triggers so that you can roll with whatever life throws at you — without substance misuse. 

Another reason why counseling is critical in addiction recovery is because it lends support. Particularly in early treatment, people are learning to break away from toxic social lives and behaviors. It can be scary at first, especially if you do not have a support network like friends and family.  

Speaking with people who understand your situation and the nature of addiction as you begin treatment can provide immense encouragement. In fact, some MAT programs require counseling to complete treatment. Evidence shows that patients who attend behavioral therapy have a higher chance of long-lasting recovery.  

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Different Types of Therapy for Substance Use 

Many different types of counseling can help people in addiction treatment and recovery. Everyone responds to different methods differently. Some find more success with certain programs than others.  

Here are just some examples of the different approaches to counseling patients with a substance use disorder:   

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• Dialectical behavior therapy 

• Motivational interviewing 

• Contingency management 

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 

Along with these methods, you will also have the chance to do group and individual counseling. These options are incredibly valuable depending on your situation and what you want to work on most. As you get more comfortable in counseling, you will know which methods and formats work best for you. 

Role of Behavioral Therapy in Opioid Addiction 

A variety of counseling therapies treat opioid use disorder and other types of addiction. Between individual counseling and a group counseling experience, no one method is better than another.  

Likewise, there is not a single approach that works for everyone struggling with opioid use disorder. The best addiction treatment plan considers your addiction and individual needs. It can provide you and your recovery journey with many benefits, including: 

• Pinpointing triggers and stressors 

• Teaching you how to deal with triggers and cravings as they arise 

• Becoming an essential part of your support system 

• Addressing potential behavioral, emotional or mental causes for addiction 

• Instating important coping and recovery skills 

• Encouraging and motivating you toward change 

Consider substance use counseling to be part of your essential recovery toolkit. Emotional support in treatment should not be understated. Recovery is a transformational journey that will take you through ups and downs. Discussing your experiences with a professional will bring you many benefits along the way. 

Benefits of Family Therapy in Substance Use Treatment 

There are endless benefits of family therapy during addiction treatment. Everyone’s family has different needs and can use therapy how they need it. However, here is a list of ways family counseling in substance use treatment can help you:  

• Feel less isolated: Communicating with people who understand your situation can help you feel more confident in your progress. 

• Gain support from loved ones: When friends and family see that you are putting in the effort to improve, they are more likely to support you.  

• Enhance communication skills: Speaking about your substance use disorder will make it easier to open up to others and tell your story.  

• Learn more about yourself: Discover your abilities while you navigate this new healing experience. 

• Set boundaries: Learning to say no to people who threaten your recovery is crucial.  

• Rebuild trust: Improve relationships with the people who matter to you most with the help of a mediator.  

• Resolve conflicts: Mend the various problems addiction has caused in your life. 

• Repair trauma: Discover and heal unresolved trauma that led to your substance misuse.  

• Prevent relapse: Work through relapse prevention strategies to safeguard your recovery.  

There are many more benefits of counseling during your recovery journey. You will discover more and more the longer you work on yourself towards your goals.  

Learn Why Counseling is Critical in Addiction Recovery with HCRC 

When you choose Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC) for your addiction treatment, you will reap so many benefits. Not only will you excel with effective, medication-assisted treatment, but also professional counseling. Counseling empowers you to overcome the cravings that accompany opioid addiction so that you can live a fuller, healthier life. 

Learn more when you contact HCRC online or give us a call at 866-758-7769. 

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Hydration

Adjusting to medication-assisted treatment and a new lifestyle without drug misuse requires the body to make some changes. One of the most important factors during this transition is keeping the body hydrated, including electrolytes! Not only does water help flush the system, but it lubricates joints and revives skin cells as well. Many people neglect their health while actively using, and some live in a constant state of dehydration which can lead to chronic health issues. In recovery, something as small as drinking plenty of fluids can help clear brain fog and increase energy. Drinking plain water is great, but waters infused with citrus, herbs like mint, and even cucumbers can make it tastier with the benefit of extra vitamins.

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Physical Activity

Health experts are always urging people to be active every day, and for a good reason. Just thirty minutes of light exercise, like a brisk walk or yoga, can positively impact the mind and body. For those in recovery especially, the endorphins released during physical activity help stimulate an area of the brain often damaged by substance misuse. It can also provide stress relief for those who struggle with anxiety. A gym membership isn’t required to get the body moving daily; there are thousands of free exercise routines online for a range of physical abilities from beginner to more advanced.

Oral Health

The teeth and gums are more critical to overall wellness than people realize. Dental health is also one of the most neglected aspects for people actively using drugs. Recovery is a great time to reestablish proper oral hygiene using simple gadgets like water irrigation flossers and electric toothbrushes. Along with seeing a professional dental provider for advanced issues like decay and infections, getting on the path of an improved tooth and gum care routine can revitalize overall health and prevent serious illness in the future.

Nutrition

Many people in recovery may struggle with their appetite initially as addiction often causes irregular eating patterns and opting for quick and processed foods. Focusing on eating meals that include fresh ingredients like fruits and vegetables is a simple way to eat healthier, even if it’s all blended into a smoothie. Quality proteins like grilled meat, poultry, and fish are also vital in helping rebuild the body’s immune system, along with beneficial fats from nuts, avocados, and dairy too.

HCRC is proud to serve the surrounding communities with quality medication-assisted treatment programs for people ready to take their addiction head on. Specialized medical providers and nursing staff at each clinic are committed to treating each patient with the dignity and compassion they deserve as they work to better their lives for a life free from substance misuse. To learn more, message or call a nearby HCRC location today.

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What are Dissociative Disorders?

Dissociative disorders are generally defined as disrupting the role of memory, identity, emotion, perception, sense of self, and behavioral regulation. Although the symptoms seem vague, this condition disrupts nearly every brain function, making day-to-day tasks difficult. People who suffer from dissociative disorder often describe it as breaking from reality or being detached or outside of themselves or their memories. These episodes can quickly alter someone’s emotional state and behavior, possibly endangering their safety and wellbeing.

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3 Types of Dissociative Disorders:

• Dissociative identity disorder: once called “multiple personality disorder,” revolves around several different self-identities with separate mannerisms, voices, and characteristics. Those with DID have long and short-term memory gaps.
• Dissociative amnesia: sudden onset memory loss of personal information, usually involving details of traumatic events. Episodes can last for minutes, days, weeks, or even months.
• Depersonalization disorder: most commonly entails feeling detached from the body and emotions, as though a person is watching their life play out before them like in a movie. Derealization can occur, making all things seem surreal. Most experience symptoms before the age of 20.

Symptoms:

• Memory loss, or blocking out specific people, times, or events
• Emotional numbness or lack of reaction to emotional stimuli
• Anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
• Low “sense of self” or regard for wellbeing

These disorders are frequently tied to traumatic experiences. About 90% of people with dissociative disorders were victims of abuse and neglect in their childhood. Others report trauma stemming from events such as combat, sexual assault, accident and injury, and many other instances that cause extreme emotional and physical distress. The disorders are usually a way the brain resorts to dealing with the traumatic experiences. Dissociating takes the person “away” from specific triggers or events mentally and emotionally to protect them, although it’s more aptly described as simply “shutting down” instinctual reactions.

Can Drug use cause Dissociative Disorder?

Unfortunately, for many people who live with an undiagnosed mental illness such as dissociative disorders, self-medication with substance misuse is a common coping mechanism. In turn, the spiral of addiction that often follows only makes symptoms worse and puts them at greater risk of encountering triggers.

While traumatic events from the past can cause dissociative disorders, substance misuse can intensify symptoms greatly. Certain drugs can produce symptoms similar to dissociation, or what is colloquially described as “black or brown-outs” where memory is hindered, as well as those that alter reality in the form of hallucinations. Additionally, those who struggle with addiction for an extended period of time have an increased risk of experiencing traumatic events such as violence, life-threatening medical events, sexual assault, homelessness, and other difficult circumstances.

HCRC provides evidence-based addiction treatment methods that have shown to increase patients’ chances of achieving long-lasting recovery greatly. Specialized medical providers who understand the science of substance use disorder attend to each patient’s overall wellness, including mental health. To learn more about outpatient medication-assisted treatment, message or call a local HCRC clinic today.

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Battling Stigma

Substance use disorder is still shrouded in stigma, making it difficult for people who are struggling to reach out and ask for help. For far too long, people have seen addiction as something that only affects those with poor character, and they become dependent on drugs because they’re selfish, weak, and out of control. This point of view ignores the very science behind addiction, which can be proven with mountains of data and analysis that it’s not simply a personality flaw, but a treatable, chronic disease.

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With other chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and many others, people aren’t blamed for their ailment based on their character traits, and addiction should be seen the same way. People shouldn’t be defined by their diagnoses; yet, the term “addictive personality” seems to persist in society which proves people still tend to see the illness from a moral standing, viewing those who struggle as unethical or less deserving of empathy. These attitudes continue to promote a harmful stigma that prevents people from entering treatment for their illness, furthering their suffering and increasing the chances of needless deaths.

Common Misconceptions

People who know little about addiction falsely assume the following:

• Individuals with substance use disorder have a personality trait that paves the way for addiction and accelerates its development.
• An addictive personality has predictive patterns of thought and behavior that involve a fixation on drug use and choosing to use drugs despite adverse consequences.
• People with addictive personalities will always relapse and never recover because substance use is inherent in their character.

These false deductions actually shine a light on the type of effects substance misuse has on a person as a result of addiction, not because of a personality trait that caused the addiction. Few understand how drugs work to rewire the brain’s reward pathway to prioritize drug use and how painful and sometimes fatal withdrawal symptoms make it next to impossible for people to stop on their own. Furthermore, things like genetics, environment, and behavior all impact someone’s predisposition to addiction; however, it’s much more complex than simply having a “personality” that leads to a chronic illness.

There is still more work to do in spreading awareness and education about addiction and effective forms of treatment that can save many lives. With the opioid epidemic becoming deadlier than ever, it’s crucial for people who may be struggling with substance use disorder to have access to recovery resources, regardless of their socioeconomic standings, because it has now become an urgent matter of public health.

HCRC offers medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction with the help of specialized medical providers and substance use counselors. The compassionate and knowledgeable staff at HCRC outpatient clinics are dedicated to helping each enrolled patient achieve long-lasting recovery from substance use disorder for a brighter future. To learn more about the treatment programs available, message or call a nearby HCRC location today.

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Substance use disorder affects a person’s intrapersonal connections with others due to the disease’s all-consuming nature, making addiction and relationships a widely discussed topic within recovery circles. Whether one or both partners in a romantic relationship are misusing drugs regularly, several likely factors will alter the connection between two or more people in ways that aren’t always so obvious.

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Secrecy and Distrust

Addiction targets the trust people share in an intimate relationship when one or both parties deny their substance misuse or attempt to hide the extent of their addiction. Because of the way substance use disorder rewires the brain to prioritize drug use, small white lies can quickly turn into elaborate deceptions with devastating consequences for a couple or family. Lies, stealing, withholding important information, and living a double life are not uncommon in these scenarios and can cause irreparable damage to a relationship. After some time, it’s difficult to maintain trust in someone who is so profoundly impacted by substance use disorder, and even in recovery, it takes time and hard work to rebuild it.

Codependency and Enabling

When addiction is present in a relationship between two people, the person whose partner is struggling with substance use disorder is prone to becoming a co-dependent or an enabler of the other. Enablers often make excuses for their partner’s actions and behaviors, minimizing consequences they may face, enabling them to continue. By picking up the pieces after every mess and incident, they’re helping progress the depths and lengths of their loved one’s addiction even though they genuinely believe they’re helping. Co-dependent people, however, enjoy the feeling of being needed by their loved one who is grappling with addiction because it fulfills their people-pleasing desires. This cycle can be devastating for someone with substance use disorder because they’re unlikely to experience negative impacts that could cause them to seek treatment for their addiction.

Violence and Abuse

People struggling with untreated substance use disorder are likely to have bouts of rage, whether they’re drug-induced or as a result of anger and shame due to consequences of addiction. Unfortunately, their significant other can become the unfortunate victim of these instances through misdirection or directly due to an argument or confrontation. These situations become most volatile when children in the home witness scenes that can become painful, lasting memories and affect their lives and future with substance misuse down the line. Those who experience abuse and violence at their partner’s hands are often advised to leave the situation. Still, many cannot safely exit the cycle due to financial constraints or a lack of support systems.

HCRC recognizes the way addiction can impact families and relationships and is committed to helping those who want to make a change. An experienced team of medical providers, nursing practitioners, substance use counselors, and administrative staff work together at HCRC facilities to ensure patients receive quality substance use disorder treatment. To learn more about our recovery programs, message or call us today.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740547213002481

https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/publications/magazine/read/article/2014/10/06/intimate-partner-violence-and-co-occurring-substance-abuse-addiction

http://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IPV-SAB-Final202.29.1620NO20LOGO.pdf

The post How Addiction Negatively Impacts Intimate Relationships appeared first on HCRC.

The popular and long-running docu-series, Intervention, has brought much-needed attention to the vast number of people in America who are suffering from untreated substance use disorder. Each episode is based around individuals grappling with their addiction as their loved ones desperately attempt to get them the help they need by staging an intervention. While the show has helped many people affected by substance use disorder (and educate even more who knew very little about the disease), the scenes shown during the interventions have also caused some misunderstandings surrounding the method of approach.

Interventions are effective when staged correctly. Confrontational and instigative interventions rarely work out for either party involved because they lack tact and understanding for the individual walking into them. Adhering to some basic guidelines when staging an intervention can increase the chances of success exponentially.

Reach Out

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Planning

Attendees should be decided on at the start of planning, making sure to keep the group small and intimate, without the presence of inflammatory or emotionally triggering people. Each person should be informed that they have about five minutes to give their speech to the person in focus. Anything longer or more involved can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Boundaries and ultimatums should be mentioned in these speeches, especially those who feel that they’re enablers or in a codependent relationship with the person needing help. Those attendees must also be prepared to act on their conditional statements should the person in question decide to reject treatment.

Setting

Once the attendees are chosen, it’s time to decide whether to use the services of an experienced professional interventionist and where to hold the event. When reaching out to an experienced interventionist, they can usually help secure a neutral and safe location to have the intervention while also helping the other group members organize most effectively. Hosting the affair at a loved one’s house is often a bad idea because it can induce reactive angry behavior, especially if they feel that it’s happening in their “safe space” or familiar territory.

Timing

Keeping the intervention a secret is crucial. If the person in question has time to prepare, they will arrive with a long list of excuses and strategies to avoid the seriousness of the discussion. It’s essential to keep the person’s routine schedule in mind, if applicable, and go forth with an invitation to meet as the family or support group would regularly avoid raising suspicion. Once discussion about the intervention has begun, the attendees should look to make it happen as quickly as possible. It’s very easy to lose the sense of urgency while preparing for the event if the focus is diverted too intensely on small details.

Give the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Health Care Resource Centers a call today to organize treatment details for a loved one’s upcoming intervention. The latest data suggests that, when executed properly, interventions result in a 90% rate of people entering treatment. Our experienced medical providers are prepared to provide an individualized plan for someone looking to treat their substance use disorder using evidence-based methods and FDA-approved medications to get them on the road to long-lasting recovery.

Sources:

• https://www.ncadd.org/family-friends/there-is-help/intervention-tips-and-guidelines
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451
• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 34.) Chapter 1—Introduction to Brief Interventions and Therapies.
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. (2015). Intervention—Tips and Guidelines.
• Liepman, M., Nirenberg, T., & Begin, A. (1989). Evaluation of a Program Designed to Help Family and Significant Others to Motivate Resistant Alcoholics into Recovery. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 15(2), 209-22.
• The Partnership for a Drug-Free America. (n.d.). Intervention Quick Guide.

The post Do Interventions Work? appeared first on HCRC.