Drug Addiction

Drug addiction, also known as substance abuse or substance use disorder, is a complex and chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of drugs or substances despite harmful consequences. Individuals with drug addiction may have an intense craving for the substance, a loss of control over its use, and continued use despite negative outcomes. Key aspects of drug addiction or substance abuse include:

• Compulsive Drug Use: Individuals may find it difficult to control or stop their drug use, even when they want to.
• Craving: There is a strong desire or urge to use the substance regularly.
• Tolerance: Over time, the body may develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
• Physical Dependence: The body becomes adapted to the presence of the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not using.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: Individuals may prioritize drug use over work, school, or family obligations.
• Continued Use Despite Consequences: Even when faced with negative consequences such as health issues, legal problems, or strained relationships, individuals continue to use the substance.

Substances commonly associated with addiction include alcohol, nicotine, prescription medications, and illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis.

Drug addiction is a serious health condition that requires professional intervention and treatment. Treatment approaches may include behavioral therapies, counseling, medication, and support groups to help individuals overcome their addiction and achieve lasting recovery. It’s important for individuals struggling with drug addiction to seek help from healthcare professionals or addiction treatment centers.

Concurrent Disorders

Here are New Beginnings, we recognize and address co-occurring mental health disorders alongside addiction, providing comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress and can be described as a feeling of fear, apprehension, or uneasiness. It is a common human experience and can range from mild to severe. Anxiety becomes problematic when it is persistent, excessive, and interferes with daily life. Key features of anxiety may include:

• Excessive Worry: Constant and overwhelming worry about future events, often anticipating negative outcomes.
• Physical Symptoms: Symptoms may manifest physically, such as restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
• Racing Thoughts: A rapid stream of anxious thoughts that may be difficult to control.
• Avoidance: Efforts to avoid situations or activities that trigger anxiety.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks due to preoccupation with anxious thoughts.
• Somatic Symptoms: Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or nausea without apparent medical cause.

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive anxiety and include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias, among others. Treatment for anxiety may involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both, depending on the severity and specific type of anxiety disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, seeking support from a mental health professional is advisable.

We provide a comprehensive array of treatments for anxiety, including:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured approach focusing on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual and systematic exposure to anxiety triggers in a supportive environment to reduce fear and avoidance.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Techniques that cultivate present-moment awareness, such as mindfulness meditation and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
• Medication Management: Utilizing medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, when deemed appropriate based on individual needs.
• Lifestyle Modification: Encouraging healthy habits, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, to promote overall well-being.
• Relaxation Techniques: Teaching and incorporating various relaxation methods, such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
• Support Groups: Providing opportunities for individuals to connect, share experiences, and gain support from others facing similar challenges.
• Holistic Approaches: Exploring holistic practices like yoga and alternative therapies that contribute to mental and emotional well-being.

Depression

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It goes beyond the usual ups and downs that people experience in life. Key features of depression may include:

• Persistent Sadness: Feeling down or sad for most of the day, nearly every day.
• Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Diminished interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
• Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
• Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant weight loss or gain, and changes in appetite.
• Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Persistent feelings of tiredness and lack of energy.
• Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Experiencing unwarranted guilt or feelings of worthlessness.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or experiencing memory problems.
• Physical Symptoms: Aches, pains, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause.
• Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicidal Ideation: Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.

It’s important to note that depression can manifest differently in individuals, and not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms. Depression can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Effective treatments for depression include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Support from friends, family, and mental health professionals is crucial for individuals experiencing depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seeking help from a healthcare professional is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

We provide a diverse selection of treatments specifically tailored to address depression, such as:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and emotions to understand and manage depression.

Along with our other methods of therapies and counseling, our counselors are well equipped and qualified to specifically addressing depression and the myriad challenges associated with it.