by Jenna Brauer | May 1, 2018 | Addiction Treatment, Mental Health Topic, Substance Abuse Counseling
This term can be confusing for many. Some people are not sure if it is a term used for a person or a thing. In some cases, it is both.
The most important thing to remember about case management is that it is critical to the success of clients seeking long-term recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.
Case management begins with an assessment of the client’s needs and when appropriate, the needs of the client’s family. Touchstone Ranch Recovery Center collaborates with partners outside the organization and together as a treatment team to ensure all needs are met. Case management is effective when specific needs are assessed, and efforts are aimed to arrange, coordinate, monitor, evaluate and advocate to meet identified needs.
Our team members work diligently with clients to create Treatment and Aftercare Plans which are the cornerstones of successful case management. It is intrinsically important that we develop rapport with our clients to find out what they believe is important and what it is that they want to work on while in treatment and post-discharge. All areas of life are open to improvement such as: financial assessment and planning, physical needs, cultural, spiritual, vocational, community integration, support networks, family systems, housing, employment, education, and assessing the need for continued treatment services or 12-Step programs after the completion of a residential treatment program.
Using our proven system of case management and outstanding evidenced-based treatment program, Touchstone Ranch Recovery Center wants to prepare you or your loved one for the world outside of substance use.
by Jenna Brauer | Apr 24, 2018 | Addiction Treatment, Mental Health Topic, Substance Abuse Counseling
Grief is a common experience for everyone. At some point in our lives, each of us will lose a relationship very special to us. The typical stages of grief are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Some people can move from denial to acceptance in a very short amount of time where others spend years going through the stages of grief. Grief can manifest in many forms: someone may feel hopeless, anxious, at blame, or angry due to the loss. Studies have shown that grief can manifest in physical forms as well with increased risk of heart trouble and stroke, sleep disturbances, increased substance use, and difficulty completing everyday tasks. (more…)
by Jenna Brauer | Apr 17, 2018 | Addiction Treatment, Anxiety, Getting Help for Addiction, Mental Health Topic, Substance Abuse Counseling
At the age of 20, I learned what anxiety was. I did not understand what was wrong with me but, I knew that there was no way, that everyone else felt this way all the time. By gaining insight and with proper medication, anxiety did not rule me any longer. (more…)
by Jenna Brauer | Apr 10, 2018 | Mental Health Topic
I learned a hard lesson in my early years: not everyone is for me. Ouch!
It seems the popular belief is that all who encounter us in our hard times will understand our pain and anguish and be “in it” with us. They’ll join us in our blubbering and banter, and encourage our misery. Maybe it’s expectation. Maybe it’s what we learned to believe from loved ones who didn’t want to see us suffer. Or maybe, people just don’t know how to support us in our pain. (more…)
by Brandon Knauss | Oct 16, 2017 | Getting Help for Addiction
1. Lock Your Liquor Cabinet
Brandon started on his course with alcohol and drugs at about the age of 13 when his parents went out of town and he decided to raid their liquor cabinet. He chose the clear liquor because it was the easiest to replace with water. (more…)
by Debbie Knauss, RN, LCDC | Sep 19, 2017 | Addiction Treatment
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
If you’ve ever posed the question, “What is dual diagnosis”, you’re not alone. When it comes to rehabilitation, this area often causes confusion due to the conflicting nature of the disease at hand. Individuals with a drug addiction and coexisting mental illness are categorized as dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation generally requires intense therapy coupled with pharmacological treatment and continued post-rehabilitative care. When considering a treatment facility, it’s important to consider location, costs, and reputation to ensure a healthy and happy recovery.
The History Of Dual Diagnosis
“Dual diagnosis” is a term that came into popular use in 1984. This was in response to new research showing that the majority of patients diagnosed with mental illnesses were also struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.
Breaking Down Dual Diagnosis
Alternate Names – Dual Diagnosis is also referred to as “co-occurring” or “co-existing” disorder or diagnosis.
Mental Disorders – Some people develop mental disorders following a prolonged history of substance abuse. Others self-medicate existing mental disorders; resulting in addiction.
Detox – Treatment for dual diagnosis begins with detoxification. This process serves to eliminate toxins from the body to ensure a clean slate moving into mental illness treatment.
Common Illnesses – Common mental illnesses seen in dual diagnosis include, but are not limited to personality disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Family – Family involvement is crucial to the recovery process. In addition to family counseling, loved ones must cater to the special needs of patients following discharge.
Theories Of The Causes Of Dual Diagnosis
Many specialists have suggested nerve deficiencies to be indicative of an existing dual disorder. Dual diagnosis has also been linked to patients with a history of inner city living, self-medication, physical or sexual abuse, parental neglect, and poverty.
Treatment For Dual Diagnosis
Treatment through a provider like Touchstone Ranch Recovery Center, who specializes in personalized therapy for both alcohol and drug dependency and mental illness, is the most effective means of achieving health and recovery.
If you or your loved one is struggling with dual diagnosis, Touchstone Ranch Recovery Center is the place to turn. Pick up the phone today and call 888-988-5402, and let our team of specialists guide you in the freedom of recovery!
by Debbie Knauss, RN, LCDC | Aug 10, 2017 | Uncategorized
Marijuana is the subject of a passionate and long-standing debate, with many false or exaggerated claims made by individuals on both sides. Whether you’re pro or anti, an understanding of the facts is essential.
In light of February being Marijuana Awareness Month and ongoing legalization efforts, we have compiled a series of points to help promote healthy discussion and education surrounding this controversial topic.
Increase your knowledge of alternate and street names for marijuana:
Alternate Names For Marijuana
Dope
Cannabis
Ganja
Grass
Herb
Bud
Mary Jane
Pot
Reefer
Skunk
Tea
Loud
Marijuana is a brown and green mix of leaves, seeds, stems and dried flowers from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The drug’s main active chemical is THC, which quickly reaches the brain and other organs via bloodstream.
How THC Affects The Brain
THC affects specific areas of the brain, called cannabinoid receptors. Ordinarily, cannabinoid receptors are activated by chemicals native to the neural communication system, that are semi-responsible for brain function and development. Use of marijuana over activates this system, resulting in memory difficulties, impaired coordination and difficulty with problem-solving and basic thought processes.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive; affecting the brain’s reward centers in ways similar to those found with more “serious” substances. When use escalates to a daily affair, addiction treatment may be needed to help kick the habit.
Health Effects Of Marijuana
In addition to potential effects on mental health and cognitive development, marijuana smoke can irritate the lungs of its users. Cannabis smokers have been found to develop many of the same respiratory issues as tobacco smokers, including daily phlegm production and cough, increased risk of chest infection, and more frequent acute chest illness.
Is marijuana worthy of demonization? Many would argue not. However, the potential issues associated with long-term usage should have many thinking twice before lighting up.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to marijuana, and are interested in peaceful, ranch-style treatment centers in Texas, the recovery specialists at Touchstone Ranch Recovery Center are here to help! Pick up the phone today and call 888-988-5402. Let our team get you back on track to the healthy and happy lifestyle you’ve been missing.
by Debbie Knauss, RN, LCDC | Mar 19, 2014 | Getting Help for Addiction
The passing of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by recovering addicts. Though there has been much speculation, what is clear is that Hoffman has been abstinent for many years following an addiction to heroin in his earlier years.
It’s Easy To Cast Blame Towards An Addict
What Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Tragic Death Can Teach Us About Addiction
Courtesy of: www.wallchips.com
Hoffman’s road to stardom was riddled with choice and intent. These factors, however, were not at the root of the actor’s demise. Still, it’s easy for many to cast blame towards an individual whose death stems from heroin use. How, people say, could such a talented person risk his life and career with such an awful decision? How could someone prioritize drugs over family?
Statements like these only echo years of misunderstanding surrounding addiction and recovery, and are simply off target. The fact of the matter is: Choice has nothing to do with addiction – a disease that affects the brain, and slowly takes hold of an individual.
Choosing To Seek Treatment
Once people decide to stop using, whether on their own or with the aid of a drug addiction treatment facility, the tolerance developed throughout their use history subsides. Previously acceptable doses become lethal. The compulsive nature of cocaine, alcohol and heroin use impairs their judgment and ability to moderate.
The actor completed detox in 2013 to address a prescription drug problem that escalated to mild heroin use. Hoffman reportedly only used heroin for a week’s period before realizing he needed help.
Could Relapse Happen To Me?
Hoffman’s death hits home for many of us at the Touchstone Ranch equine therapy center. The shock and sorrow of losing a gifted actor quickly gives way to more personal questions: What does this mean for me, the recovering addict? Is my sobriety easier to lose than I acknowledge? Could this happen to me?
Unfortunately, relapse is a threat we all must address at some point in recovery. Whether you’ve enjoyed years of sobriety or are currently researching rehab centers in Texas for the first time, the struggle to maintain sobriety is one we all must live with. Though an addict can be in recovery, their addiction can only be managed. One step forward… one day at a time.
If you or a loved one are ready to start the healthy and happy lifestyle of long-term recovery, contact Touchstone Recovery Center now at 888-988-5402
