Christian Dual Diagnosis Treatment

COVID-19: Challenges Faced by People of Faith

The past few years have been especially isolating for members of our community. Christians who are used to gathering on a weekly basis for worship and support have missed out on countless in-person services. Instead of fostering fellowship within the four walls of their sanctuary – a word which literally means “a place of refuge or safety” – people of faith have been confined to their homes, often alone. This seclusion is a recipe for distress. 

When faced with such troubles, David penned Psalm 25:

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,

    for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;

    bring me out of my distresses.

18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,

    and forgive all my sins.

Similarly, the solitude and separation of the pandemic have caused many of our brothers and sisters to face anxiety, depression, and even substance use disorder. Fortunately, healing is available for those dealing with addiction and a co-occurring disorder.

Dual Diagnosis Explained

Dual diagnosis is the clinical term for a combination of disorders: a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. The most common co-occurring conditions are depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. 

Often, people who have turned to drugs or alcohol will also experience issues with their mental wellbeing. This relationship can be formed one of two ways.

1. In some cases, those with depression, anxiety, or a history of trauma will try to “self-medicate” their symptoms. This self-destructive coping mechanism eventually causes them to develop a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs.

2. In other instances, a substance use disorder can make people experience strong negative emotions. Drinking and drug use change the brain’s structure and systems, resulting in low mood, manic episodes, and increased anxiety.

People in isolation are especially vulnerable to addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses. Megan Evans and Edwin B. Fisher wrote about this topic in an article titled “Social Isolation and Mental Health: The Role of Nondirective and Directive Social Support.” Their research, published in The Community Mental Health Journal, demonstrates the strong link between loneliness and mental health problems. They found that levels of depression and anxiety were significantly higher among those who were socially isolated. They also found social support to be a crucial factor in restoring one’s emotional health. At Celebrate Hope, we provide Christian dual diagnosis treatment rooted in community, fellowship, and faith.   

What is Christian Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

To fully address substance use disorder and co-occurring mental illness, integrated treatment is required. This means that both conditions must be addressed at the same time. The Celebrate Hope program begins by unraveling the factors driving one’s substance use, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Often, the issue at the heart of one’s addiction and unhappiness is a life led selfishly – not spiritually, personal struggle, traumatic event, or other concern that emerges due to a crisis of faith.

Once the underlying causes have been identified, we help Christians to reconnect with God and other people of faith. We believe that the strength provided by spiritual connection is just as important as the science of addiction treatment. In this way, we are able to aid clients through a combination of faith-based and evidence-based practices. Our holistic, whole-person approach prioritizes the values outlined by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. With these skills, the support of others, and the love of Christ, our clients are able to build a firm foundation for lasting recovery.

Healing for Christians in Southern California

If this has been a difficult season for you, you are not alone. Celebrate Hope offers a place of rest for those seeking freedom from alcohol, drugs, and mental illness. We invite you to learn more about our Christian dual diagnosis treatment program. 

How Do Stimulants Affect the Body?

Stimulants drugs affect the body in many ways. They expedite messages sent by the brain. They also increase a person's energy level. While stimulants provide a short-term boost, relying on them can result in addiction and unpleasant side effects. This guide examines what qualifies as stimulants, their effects on the body, and treatment tracks for those addicted.

What are Stimulants?

Stimulants can be manufactured or derived from natural sources. Commonly known examples include caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, ice, amphetamines, khat, pseudoephedrine, and betel nut. People are prescribed stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. 

Impact on the Body

The effects of stimulants vary based on a person's gender, size, weight, and dosage. Generally, when someone uses stimulants, they can experience:

• Rapid heart rate
• Alertness
• Hypervigilance or anxiety
• Higher energy levels
• Increased talkativeness

When a person ingests stimulants, the drugs increase the brain’s production of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure, and an increase in its production means that people may experience a short-lived euphoria. Meanwhile, norepinephrine affects blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and more. This is why it’s common for people taking stimulants to complain of a racing heart or pounding heartbeat. 

Side Effects of Stimulant Use

Using prescription stimulants carries significant risk, especially when used counter to your doctor's instructions. Illicit stimulants can create even more severe side effects. People taking these drugs can experience increased anxiousness, nausea, and hotter body temperatures. In more severe instances, there could be tremors, seizures, coma, and death. 

Are Stimulants Addictive?

Yes, some stimulants are extremely addictive. Over time, as the body adjusts to the amount of neurotransmitters created by stimulant use, it can require a higher dosage to achieve the same effects. When this happens, a person becomes dependent on this drug to boost their mood or maintain energy throughout the day.

Signs of Stimulant Addiction

When someone becomes addicted, they might exhibit some of the following behaviors:

• Irritability
• Prioritizing drug use over other aspects of their life
• Creating hidden compartments to mask how much they’re using
• Fidgeting and increased anxiety

Treatment is Available

Professional help is the wisest course of action for those struggling with stimulant use. Often, this includes individual treatment, group therapies, and other activities designed to help someone gain perspective, learn why they turned to stimulants, and develop coping mechanisms to curtail use. 

We provide a safe, nurturing space for those suffering from stimulant addiction to receive the care they deserve. Using a faith-based recovery program, we’ll help you employ Biblical principles to combat cravings and lead you to a peaceful and promising future. Help begins when you contact us. 

What Does the Bible Say About Hope?

Hope is one of the more prominent subjects the Bible addresses. In fact, this topic is mentioned over 100 times in both the Old and New Testaments. Here is how hope can help you build the mindset needed to conquer any challenges in your life.

Hope is a Declaration

When you hope in God, you’re declaring that you trust Him to provide for you. Isaiah 40:31 states that having hope in God can renew your strength. When you go through challenges in life, placing that faith in God empowers you to take the steps necessary to walk in His will.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - Peter 1:13

Hope Sets a Foundation

Having hope in God is not a fleeting thing; it is foundational. As you prepare your mind and actions to serve Him, know He will support and guide you through your life. And when things become difficult, it is celebrating that hope even amid overwhelming circumstances.

The book of Romans 5:3-5 exemplifies how hope can shape you:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. “

When you trust God to guide your steps, hope is the compass that keeps you on course. Even when temptations try to snag you from your route, hope can help you persevere over daily challenges.

Hope Places You in God’s Favor

Not only do you achieve peace of mind when hoping in God, but you also reap his rewards. In the book of Psalm 147:11, it states, “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

As you place your trust in God to guide you, He will provide you with the insight needed to make wise decisions every day. The total of these everyday choices helps you walk a path in his image and likeness. And when temptations strike, you can treat them as tests to show your hope in God. Even if you fail one or more of these tests, there are opportunities to get back on course. 

You Deserve Compassionate Care

Our team provides compassionate care to those struggling with addictions. You’ll receive the most innovative treatment solutions and Christian counseling. Moreover, you’ll see how God uses hope to work in you through your struggles. Discover more about our treatment tracks by contacting us. 

Definition of Sobriety | Sober Meaning

Definition of Sobriety

The dictionary definition of sobriety is “the state of being sober,” and the dictionary definition of sober is “not drunk or affected by alcohol, free from alcoholism, not a habitual drinker; serious, staid, muted, solemn, and/or sensible.” Which is fine for covering all bases if your interest in sobriety is purely scholarly; but if you have personal investment in finding freedom from alcoholism (or any other addiction), sobriety is better understood as a mindset and a way of life.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the “sobriety” aspects listed above.

 

Not Drunk

Even the most alcohol-dependent achieve this particular state of sobriety on a regular basis, so it’s of limited use in determining when alcohol is a problem for any individual. While frequent “drunken” episodes are certainly reasonable cause to suspect addiction, many people who never seem drunk are nonetheless addicted. (See next point.) And even someone who isn’t strictly impaired may have consumed enough alcohol to adversely affect performance.

 

Not Affected by Alcohol

This form of “sobriety” sounds like a good thing, but often it’s a red flag. People with addiction, or alcohol abuse disorder, have built up physical tolerance for “normal” amounts of alcohol, so they are more able to consume large amounts without obvious effects.

 

Not a Habitual Drinker

Since “habitual” is a subjective term, this is a poor criterion for judging who is living in an overall state of sobriety and who isn’t. It’s a common myth that everyone with alcoholism drinks daily: in fact, there’s a subcategory of alcohol dependence characterized by drinking primarily on weekends. Almost any drinker who is embarrassed to share details, or can’t imagine skipping a regular drink for anything, has a toxic habit regardless of actual drinking patterns.

 

Serious, Staid, Muted, Solemn

Sadly, regardless of context, many people hear the same negative implications in all the above words: dull, colorless, no fun, less than happy, even living under a cloud of depression. Which is how too many people with addiction visualize a future of physical sobriety: however miserable their lives may be when centered around the bottle, they fear a bleak, comfortless future should they stop drinking. Even after detoxing and starting down the sobriety path, most people are troubled for months by yearnings to “go back to Egypt” when life gets stressful and memory sees only the comfortable parts of the old slavery. Escaping this temptation requires advance planning, strong accountability—and a positive understanding of how fulfilling life can be without drugs. In reality, sobriety is an amazing chance to find a happier, more vibrant life.

 

Sensible

The least negatively viewed of the synonyms for emotional sobriety, this can still seem less than desirable to those who favor excitement and challenge. Common sense doesn’t have to be incompatible with adventure, though. Common sense—or wisdom—is what creates a focused mindset for accomplishment, and keeps a legitimate drive for achievement/challenge/fulfillment from degenerating into pointless striving for instant gratification. By far the best way to approach a healthy challenge is through a purposeful approach that uses your experience and natural gifts to benefit the larger world—a principle alluded to in the last of the classic 12 Steps: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to [other] alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

 

Sobriety: Free From Alcoholism

The key word is “free,” which properly has not only positive but proactive connotations. There’s far more to sobriety, and to freedom, than the absence of the undesirable: a long-term lifestyle of true sobriety comprises multiple active elements.

• It means accepting your circumstances and making the best of them.
• It means taking responsibility for your actions and your life.
• It means cultivating and contributing to meaningful relationships with your family, your friends, and your God.
• It means taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• It means discovering your purpose and working to achieve it through your goals, your vocation, and your relationships.
• And it means becoming the best possible version of your uniquely created self, and living in faith that a clearheaded (sober) view of life includes confidence that things will work out for the best.

 

California Faith-Based Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our faith-based addiction treatment program. Our team will help you break the cycle of addiction and discover the blessings of permanent sobriety. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.

What is Wet Brain? Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

You’re probably familiar with some of the most common health problems caused by ongoing alcohol misuse. These include cirrhosis of the liver and certain forms of cancer. However, there are other, lesser-known conditions catalyzed by a lifetime of heavy drinking. Learn the symptoms, causes, and treatments of wet brain, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

 

Alcoholic Definition

First, it’s important to understand how medical professionals define alcohol use disorder. A person with this condition does not know when they should stop drinking. They also lack the ability to quit long-term, even if their alcohol use causes problems at work or at home.

 

Symptoms of alcoholism include:

• Drinking when it is inappropriate or dangerous
• Becoming unable to regulate the amount of alcohol consumed
• Stashing alcohol in various places (to be consumed in secret)
• Feeling irritable, nauseated, or shaky when unable to drink
• Developing a tolerance

An estimated 15 million American adults have an alcohol problem – that’s over 6% of the population. Each year, the World Health Organization estimates that 3.3 million global deaths occur as a result of alcohol use. A number of these individuals probably suffer from wet brain.

 

Wet Brain

Wet brain is a shorthand for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Sometimes, it’s referred to as Korsakoff’s psychosis or alcohol-related dementia. It occurs when someone drinks for a long time and develops a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. As a result, various structures of the brain are damaged, including the hypothalamus and the thalamus. This means that individuals with this condition are at risk of memory problems and lifelong brain damage.

 

People with drinking problems experience wet brain because alcohol prevents the body from properly absorbing vitamin B1, also called thiamine. Thiamine is a coenzyme that is crucial to the function of the brain’s metabolism. Without it, the body’s levels of acetate, citrate, acetylcholine, and alpha-keto-glutarate are dramatically lowered. That causes metabolic imbalances, which catalyze neurological complications and cell death.

 

A vitamin B1 deficiency results in two concurrent pathologies that combine as one syndrome: Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome.

 

Wernicke Encephalopathy

This degenerative brain disorder is characterized by low blood pressure, hypothermia, vision problems, and even going into a coma. The three hallmark symptoms to look out for include:

• Ophthalmoplegia – Paralysis of muscles around or within the eye,
• Ataxia – Losing control of one’s movements, resulting in a stagger or tremors, and
• Confusion – Delirium and disorientation.

If your loved one begins to complain about feeling mentally muddled, if you notice that they have developed tremors, or if they exhibit abnormal eye movements, they may have entered this first phase of wet brain syndrome. An estimated 90% of individuals with Wernicke encephalopathy will go on to develop Korsakoff syndrome.

 

Korsakoff Syndrome

The other half of wet brain is Korsakoff syndrome, which can be very upsetting for sufferers and their families. Its symptoms are:

• Memory problems – Memory loss and inability to remember new things,
• Hallucinations – Seeing and hearing things that are not there, and
• Changes in mental acuity – Inventing events when they cannot remember, becoming disoriented and confused, and exhibiting changes in personality.

Family members usually pick up on this stage of wet brain after years of seeing their loved one abuse alcohol. For example, a parent may become easily frustrated and difficult, while also making up stories or lying. However, the alcoholic may not even realize that they have these symptoms.

 

The psychotic aspect of this condition is called Korsakoff psychosis, which is a type of dementia characterized by amnesia, changed behavior, and hallucinations.

 

Treating Wet Brain

If caught early enough, it is possible to reverse the effects of wet brain. However, if left untreated, symptoms often persist to the point of disability. This is why doctors refer to Wernicke-Korsakoff as a “potentially reversible” condition. The two steps to recovering from this disorder are:

• Seeking appropriate medical care for thiamine supplementation (usually high doses provided intravenously), and
• Addressing the person’s underlying alcohol use disorder.

Abstaining from alcohol is a critical component of stopping the progression of wet brain. For those who have been drinking heavily enough to develop this condition, this is not something that should be attempted without support. Alcohol detox can be painful and potentially life-threatening. This is why it is recommended that people seek rehabilitation in a supervised setting.

 

Celebrate Hope provides a Biblically rooted, Christ-centered approach to healing. From our homey facility in Orange County, our staff provides a compassionate and restorative environment for those in need of treatment. We offer medical detox, residential and outpatient services, gender-specific programs, and long-term care. To learn more about Celebrate Hope, we invite you to contact our admissions team. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment for alcohol use disorder, wet brain, and more.

Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?

You may know the usual story of Thanksgiving. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists joined with the Wampanoag Native Americans to share an autumn harvest feast and that was the beginning of our traditional Thanksgiving celebration. The event became a national holiday in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it so, in the midst of the nation’s Civil War. In recovery, though, why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? Why do we count our blessings as we recover from an addiction?

Counting Blessings

How do you count your blessings at Thanksgiving and throughout the year? Going through treatment for an addiction to drugs or alcohol is not easy. You may have struggled to overcome your addiction, particularly if you had been living in addiction for some time. Knowing that you are now on your journey to recovery, though, is a huge blessing in your life.

One of the best ways to show your gratitude is through prayer. Expressing thanks through prayer reminds you of the blessings you are enjoying in recovery. Prayers of gratitude have also been linked to positive health outcomes. Mostly, prayer shows that you acknowledge your blessings as you live your life in recovery.

How Do You Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Beyond the meal and possible family gathering, there are many ways to practice “thanksgiving” in a real and meaningful sense in recovery. You can express thanks for simply being alive. In addition to prayer, spend some time each day meditating on the positive things that are going on in your life now. Do you have shelter and food? Are you making progress toward moving your life forward in a positive way?

Do you have a supportive network of friends and family members? Do you have the support of your treatment professionals? Express your thanks to these individuals in person or with a written note of gratitude. You can even “pay it forward,” expressing your gratitude to those who have helped you by doing something that will help another individual.

Consider what your life was like in addiction. Then focus on the positive of what your life is like now, in recovery. When you have the opportunity to walk in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, say a prayer of thanksgiving. When you are able to sleep through the night and feel rested the next morning, express your gratitude on awakening. When you can enjoy a meal, such as a Thanksgiving feast, with supportive family and friends, tell each of them how much you appreciate them.

Gratitude in Recovery

Gratitude is one of the foundational principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). One of the Daily Reflections reads, “It is very important to keep in a grateful frame of mind if we want to stay sober.” Stories in the Big Book include one called “Gratitude in Action.” The social support encouraged by AA, which helps you develop important bonds in recovery, is formed by gratitude. Giving thanks can actually help keep you sober.

When you celebrate thanksgiving in its true sense recovery by expressing your gratitude to God and to those individuals who help and support you, you change the negative thinking that used to be a big part of your life in your addiction. Your sense of well-being is improved. You stop comparing yourself to other people and focus on the positives in your life now.

Benefits of Gratitude

There are many mental, physical, and emotional benefits of giving thanks. When you celebrate thanksgiving by showing your gratitude daily, you will see measurable positive effects on your life in recovery.

Being thankful can boost your immune system. When you are positive and focus on your overall sense of well-being, you reduce your stress level. That stress has been shown to lower your immune response but increased mental well-being can help you fight off illnesses. Practicing gratitude has even been shown to potentially reduce the risks associated with diseases such as heart failure.

Gratitude can improve your mental health. One study has shown that expressing thanks for the positives in your life can help ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Gratitude has been linked to improved mood overall, as giving thanks fosters positive feelings and contributes to a sense of well-being.

California Faith-Based Drug Addiction Treatment

Please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our faith-based addiction treatment program. Our team helps men and women break the cycle of addiction and begin anew, moving their life forward in a recovery filled with gratitude for their newfound blessings. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.

Trauma Definition

The term PTSD is often used to describe the trauma that members of the military experience in battle. PTSD is post-traumatic stress disorder, which is a mental health condition that can affect anyone who has been through a trauma. A trauma definition includes a description of its types, symptoms, and treatment options.

Trauma – Physical and Emotional

Trauma can be used in regard to physical health, meaning the individual has experienced a physical injury. In regard to mental health, the trauma definition refers to an emotional response to a deeply disturbing or distressing event. An individual suffering the effects of trauma could have experienced the sudden loss of a loved one, experienced or witnessed a violent act, or been in an accident or a natural disaster. Many people who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic also feel the effects of that traumatic experience.

Trauma Types and Symptoms

Someone who has experienced trauma may respond with extreme grief, may be in denial, or may be in a state of shock in the immediate and short-term period after the event. Trauma can also result in longer-term reactions, including flashbacks, impulsiveness, unsteady emotions, and strained relationships. Physical symptoms of trauma can include nausea, lethargy, and headaches. The long-term trauma symptoms can lead to a diagnosis of PTSD.

There are three main types of trauma: acute, chronic, and complex.

Acute Trauma

Acute trauma typically results from a single event that is extreme enough to threaten the individual’s physical or emotional security. Acute trauma can result from an accident, a rape, an assault, or a natural disaster. This event will create a lasting impression on the person’s mind to the extent that it could affect the way they behave and think. Acute trauma symptoms generally include:

• Confusion
• Irritation
• Excessive anxiety or panic
• Sleep difficulties
• Lack of self-care or grooming
• Feeling disconnected
• Inability to focus on work or studies
• Unreasonable lack of trust
• Aggressive behavior

Chronic Trauma

When an individual is exposed to multiple, long-term, or prolonged traumatic events over an extended period of time, they can suffer from chronic trauma. Events that can cause chronic trauma include a long-term serious illness, domestic violence, exposure to extreme situations such as a war, sexual abuse, and bullying. When multiple events of acute trauma occur or if acute trauma remains untreated, it can progress to chronic trauma.

Chronic trauma symptoms can appear years after the event or series of events and are deeply distressing to the individual. These symptoms can include anxiety, extreme anger, unpredictable emotional outbursts, fatigue, body aches and headaches, and flashbacks. The person experiencing chronic trauma can have trust issues that can cause problems in their relationships and their job.

Complex Trauma

An individual who feels trapped because of exposure to multiple traumatic events that fall within the context of an interpersonal relationship can experience complex trauma. This type of trauma often results from neglect, domestic violence, abuse, family disputes and repetitive and continuing stressful situations such as civil unrest. Complex trauma can have a severe impact on the individual’s mental health, also affecting overall health as well as relationships and performance at school or work.

Trauma Treatment

Understanding how to cope with trauma can be critical to an individual’s mental and physical health. Seeking professional treatment is the first step. Additional steps to better cope with the effects of traumatic events can include:

• Understanding that symptoms experienced immediately after the trauma may be normal, depending on the situation and the severity of the symptoms.
• Keeping to a regular routine.
• Taking time to resolve conflicts as they occur so they do not add to the stress level experienced from the trauma.
• Finding healthy, positive ways to practice self-care, to relax, and to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Turning to a support network of trusted family members and friends as someone to talk to about experiences and feelings resulting from the trauma.

California Faith-Based Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Celebrate Hope is here for you when you need help with mental health issues such as trauma and PTSD, particularly when they co-occur with addiction. Please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our faith-based dual diagnosis treatment program. Our team helps men and women address the vicious cycle of mental illness and addiction so they can begin life anew. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.