Comorbidity affects Texas
In Texas, estimates drawn from a 2005-2006 survey show that 1,695,000 people 12 and older abused alcohol or an illicit drug or experienced dependence in the year prior to the survey and 1,101,000 people here experienced at least one major depressive episode during that time. On a national level, research shows a compelling rate of comorbidity, close to 50 percent of individuals with a severe mental disorder also have co-occurring substance abuse. Furthermore, 37 percent of people abusing alcohol and 53 percent of people abusing drugs also have a mental illness. In many instances, the mental illness may have developed first as suggested by the median age of 11 for the onset for anxiety disorders and impulse-control disorders, years before the median age of 20 for substance use disorders yet abuse and addiction can precede the onset of a mental illness.
The prevalence of comorbidity among people with a bipolar disorder provides a strong case for seeking a dual diagnosis treatment center. According to published research figures, 56 percent of people diagnosed with one type of bipolar disorder (bipolar I or bipolar II) also had a substance abuse or dependence problem. When considering people with any kind of mood disorder, including depression, the number who also had a co-occurring substance abuse disorder fell to 32 percent.
Mood disorders treatment
As a resource for co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness, Burning Tree Programs offers treatment for mood disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder and mania. Left untreated, mood disorders on their own can lead to self-destructive behavior and create harmful consequences in anyone with an existing substance abuse problem. Addressing mood disorders as part of an integrated treatment for drug or alcohol dependence increases the chance for a successful recovery.
Dual Diagnosis of Mood Disorder and Dependence
Because mental health disorders can reduce a client’s chances for successful drug and alcohol dependence recovery, Burning Tree evaluates every client for possible mental illness. A dual diagnosis of mood disorder and dependence could explain why the client’s previous attempts at sobriety were unsuccessful. Once the dual diagnosis has been established, a suitable integrated treatment plan for both the mood disorder and the drug or alcohol dependence can be created.
One-on-one sessions led by clinical leaders and group sessions led by counselors are key parts of that treatment. Treatment for mood disorders proves highly effective due to the ability for clients to learn new coping skills and new life skills and put them into practice continuously before returning to independent living.
Inpatient neurofeedback therapy
Neurofeedback Therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment that allows clients to modify their brain activity with the goal of improving attention span and reducing combative or impulsive behavior. Through the use of biofeedback technology, Neurofeedback Therapy provides information about brainwave activity that individuals can use to produce positive changes in their behavior. The practice can be beneficial for a number of patient groups, including substance abuse clients with ADHD.
Performing neurofeedback therapy
The set-up for this type of therapy is fairly simple. Biofeedback sensors are placed on the ears and scalp of the client. Then the client engages in a computer program designed to change brainwave activity. Electroencephalograph readings provide measurements of brainwave activity that can be viewed on a computer monitor.
Neurofeedback results
Research indicates that neurofeedback can improve academic performance, job performance, and self-image while greatly modifying disruptive and combative behavior. Other positive benefits include relaxation, greater self-control, and reduced stress. This type of therapy is suited to application in a long-term rehabilitation setting due to the need for multiple sessions over a period of time to maximum the benefits of treatment. Although session scheduling will vary, at least one session per week is ideal and treatment can continue over the course of several months. As brainwave activity is changed, session scheduling can be modified to suit the client’s changing needs.
Residential CBT treatment
The importance of learning to think differently and acting on that learning is the reason Burning Tree employs the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) within its long-term residential treatment program in Texas. The belief that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors is a core principle of CBT. Treating clients in this manner is a fundamental part of helping them learn to be responsible for their own choices, rather than placing blame on external situations, events and people.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy in a residential setting
CBT is not designed to be an endless form of treatment. Instead we use CBT as one component of our overall treatment program and its use is strictly up to the therapist and the client. The sessions here aim to create a safe environment for client to express their goals and find ways through the therapist’s guidance to achieve those goals. Implementing that learning is a secondary part of the CBT treatment, and experiencing it while at a long-term residential setting allows a client to repeatedly practice what they have learned, especially when faced with the undesirable situations that may have influenced past drug and alcohol abuse.
Thinking disorders treatment
We offer treatment for thinking disorders, characterized by the repetition of undesirable thought after another and the impact these unwanted thoughts can have on one’s emotional state. Left untreated, thinking disorders on their own can lead to self-destructive behavior and create harmful consequences in anyone with an existing substance abuse problem. Addressing thinking disorders as part of an integrated treatment for drug or alcohol dependence increases the chance for a successful recovery.
Dual Diagnosis of thinking disorders & dependence
Because any mental health disorder can reduce a client’s chances for successful drug and alcohol dependence recovery, Burning Tree evaluates every client for possible mental health issues. A dual diagnosis of a thinking disorder and dependence could explain why the client’s previous attempts at sobriety were unsuccessful. Once the dual diagnosis has been established, a suitable integrated treatment plan for both the thinking disorder and the drug or alcohol dependence can be created.
Clients who require this type of treatment learn how to view thoughts as transient rather than permanent, and develop strategies for changing the types of thoughts they’re having. In a long-term residential setting, treatment for thinking disorders proves highly effective due to the ability for clients to learn new coping skills and new life skills and put them into practice continuously before returning to independent living.
Trauma & PTSD
This treatment may consist of intensive one-on-one sessions as well as group counseling. Helping a client who has suffered a traumatic experience learn to confront the traumatic experience, change thought patterns and better process the emotions connected to the trauma proves highly effective due to the ability for clients put these newly acquired skills into practice continuously before returning to independent living.
Inpatient medication management
The professional staff here aims to promote the safe and effective use of these medications during a client’s stay. Part of the mission of inpatient medication management is ensuring the prevention of drug complications, conflicts and dangerous drug interactions.
Controlling medication usage
In an environment with clients receiving treatment for a variety of forms of substance abuse, including prescription pill abuse, managing the storage or usage of any and all medications is a high priority. For the safety of each and every client, it’s imperative for the staff at Burning Tree to be aware of all necessary medications and enforce regulations for their safe storage, consumption and disposal, if that becomes necessary. All prescribed and over-the-counter medications must be in the original labeled container and submitted to staff for monitoring.
The list of medications a client is allowed to bring to Burning Tree includes all prescription and over-the-counter products, unless no longer in their original containers. Vitamins and mineral supplements are also allowed, pending doctor’s approval. Inhalers may be kept in a client’s possession, but no other medication can be in a client’s possession if needed without the approval of staff.