Monthly Archives: December 2015

Dual Diagnosis Treatment - Free by the Sea

What is Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?

Struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol is difficult enough on its own. However, for some patients, addiction is accompanied by other issues as well. This creates a situation called, “dual diagnosis”.

While nearly any emotional or psychiatric condition can be part of a dual diagnosis, some of the most common issues include:

  • Depression – A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in things an individual once loved.
  • Codependency – Excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner—typically one who may be struggling with his or her own problems or even addictions.
  • Anxiety Disorders – Generalized feelings of anxiousness or serious, anxious feelings in certain situations, such as social anxiety.
  • Mood Disorders – Bipolar disorder, dysrhythmia disorder, and other serious mood-altering disorders can make it difficult for a person to function in day-to-day life.

For those struggling with a dual diagnosis, getting the right treatment in place is vital. That’s why at Free by the Sea, we offer several types of care options for dual diagnosis. These include:

  • Psychological Services – These services can include one-on-one and group therapies, behavior modification, and other treatments to implement self-awareness. For many patients, this is the first step towards combatting addiction and the dual diagnosis issue.
  • Psychiatric Services – A psychiatrist can offer help with mental health issues and a holistic approach to defeating addictions and managing other diagnosis issues as well.
  • Crisis Intervention – With a dual diagnosis, there is always the chance of a crisis. Our intervention team can help by suggesting short and long-term solutions to help get the patient back on his or her feet while battling addiction.
  • Medically Managed Services – There are certain medications that are necessary for a dual diagnosis situation. Our team can help you learn to use these responsibly while managing addiction to other drugs or alcohol at the same time.

While a dual diagnosis can be a challenge for the patient and those they care about, with the right team of professionals, both problems can be managed, and you can get back to feeling more like you again. Don’t let your fear of a dual diagnosis keep you from getting the treatment you need. Contact us at Free by the Sea today!

Sobriety During The Holidays

Sobriety During The Holidays

The holidays should be a time of relaxation, mirth, and love—the one time of the year that is meant for spending time with family and friends. However, for someone who is struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, the holidays can be rough. Even if you have maintained sobriety during “regular” life, things are different during the holidays, and it is easy to slip into old habits. Even during times of cheer, there is added stress, that could leave you looking for an escape—plus, everywhere you look there seems to be champagne, spiked eggnog, and other drinks.

The struggle to stay sober is a very real one. Here are five tips that can help you during this trying time:

  • Be Prepared – Realize that when you go to parties or events that there will be drinks (or potentially drugs) available. Have a non-alcoholic beverage in your hand and know that you WILL have to say no.
  • Remind Yourself of Why You are Sober – When everyone around you seems to be able to drink a glass of champagne with no ill effects, it can be harder to stay away. Make a list of why you chose to go sober and remind yourself before you go to any gathering that may have temptations.
  • Go to a Meeting (or Several) – Even if you don’t attend regularly, it can be a good time to get support from others that are struggling with the same holiday problems as you. You are not alone in this.
  • Surround Yourself with Those Who Understand – Why not have a get together at your house with those who know your journey? Spend time with the people who are supporting your path towards sobriety.
  • Focus on the Meaning of the Season – Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there is more to the holiday season than parties and drinks. Think about what makes the holidays special to you and focus on THAT.

Remember, you never have to stay sober alone. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Free by the Sea. We would be happy to help you put together a holiday sobriety plan so you can have a happy and sober holiday season—and the best New Year yet.