Dual Diagnosis:  An Overview

dual diagnosis

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder, such as addiction. It is a complex condition that presents unique challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and management. Despite the prevalence of dual diagnosis, there are many little-known facts about this condition that are often overlooked. In […]

How to Help a Friend Who Has Relapsed: Dos and Don’ts

How to Help a Friend Who Has Relapsed: Dos and Don’ts

While we try to give our friends in recovery support, we can’t control their behaviors. Relapse isn’t always a part of someone’s story, but it happens. It can be hard on us to hear that someone we know has relapsed and if they reach out for our help, we might not always know what to […]

Alcoholics Anonymous Unmanageability List

AA Unmanageability List

The first step of Alcoholics Anonymous states, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.” Unmanageable is only printed once in the first 164 pages of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, which in the first step. It’s left many people to interpret what unmanageable means in the book. […]

How Alcoholics Anonymous Third Step Prayer Works

Alcoholics Anonymous Third Step Prayer

Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as weunderstood Him. Step 3 When a newcomer is in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, the third step prayer can cause some confusion. Often people will say to do the third step prayer, someone has to “just turn it […]

7 Tips for Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis, the coexistence of mental health disorders and substance use disorders, is a complex health condition that can significantly affect an individual’s life. Therefore, understanding and recognizing the signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis is crucial to seeking help and commencing an effective treatment plan.  This article provides seven practical tips to help you […]

Drug Detox Symptoms: What to Expect and How to Cope

drug detox symptoms

In addiction recovery, drug detoxification, commonly referred to as ‘detox,’ is a vital first step. It’s the body’s natural process of expelling toxins accumulated from ongoing substance use, marking the beginning of cleansing and healing. However, detox is not just a physical endeavor—it’s a mental and emotional journey as well. Being well-informed about the symptoms […]

Dual Diagnosis Treatment vs. Addiction Treatment

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Addiction and mental health disorders are complex issues that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Addiction treatment and dual diagnosis treatment are two approaches that can help individuals struggling with these issues. Addiction treatment addresses addiction alone, while dual diagnosis treatment takes a more integrated approach to address both addiction and mental […]

The Importance of Individualized Dual Diagnosis Treatment Plans for Successful Recovery

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Plans

Individuals with dual diagnosis, the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder, and substance abuse, face unique challenges when it comes to recovery. Effective treatment for dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive, individualized approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. The one-size-fits-all treatment approach is ineffective in dual diagnosis cases because each patient’s experience with mental illness and […]

Relapse Prevention in Early Recovery: 6 Tips for Staying on Track

Relapse Prevention Tips in Early Recovery

Recovery is a long journey with no clear ending point. Staying sober and resisting cravings certainly becomes easier with time, but avoiding relapse is always an active effort. To fully recover, you need to continually check in with yourself and keep working toward your mental, physical, and spiritual goals. Creating a clear, specific relapse prevention […]