The AA&E Retreat Behavioral Health Services offers a full continuum of MENTAL HEALTH and ALCCOHOL/DRUG TREATMENT SERVICES, and provides local employers with EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM packages, which feature individual and family counseling on an outpatient basis for those experiencing marital, personal, or family problems.
It is estimated that there are 16 million drug users, 13 million heavy drinkers, and 66 million smokers in the United States.
ADDICTIONS: Drugs, Alcohol, Pills, Sex, Gambling, Eating Disorders,
Addiction is the compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance (eg, heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) even when it is physically, psychologically, or socially harmful. It is characterized by tolerance and by physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: PTSD, Trauma, Panic Attacks, Sydmaforms,
Anxiety is a normal state of dread, tension, and unease. It is considered a normal response to stress or uncertain situations. Prolonged or intense periods of anxiety may suggest an anxiety disorder. A disorder may also be indicated if anxiety:
- Occurs without an external threat (?free-floating? anxiety)
- Impairs daily functioning
The MOST COMMON types of anxiety disorders are:
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Depression is a mental illness marked by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in activities. Depression is not the same as a blue mood. It is a persistent low mood that interferes with the ability to function and appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. It can last for weeks, months, or years. People with depression rarely recover without treatment.
Causes
The precise cause is not known. It can be difficult to determine if an illness causes depression or depression caused the illness. Possible causes may be mental, physical, or environmental and include:
- Stressful life events (usually in combination with one or more of the following causes)
- Chronic stress
- Low self-esteem
- Imbalances in brain chemicals and hormones
- Lack of control over circumstances (helplessness and hopelessness)
- Negative thought patterns and beliefs
- Chronic pain
- Heart disease and heart surgery
- Genetic predisposition
- Altered brain structure and function, including after a stroke
- Parkinson?s disease
- Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression or a worsening of symptoms thought to be due to the decreased exposure to sunlight that occurs during winter months
- Hypothyroidism
- Anemia
- Cancer
- Substance abuse
The Brain
Researchers are studying how problems with synapses in the brain may be linked to depression.
Alcohol abuse is excessive or problematic alcohol consumption. It can progress to alcoholism.Alcoholism is chronic alcohol abuse that results in a physical dependence on alcohol (withdrawal symptoms) and an inability to stop or limit drinking.
Causes
Several factors can contribute to alcohol abuse and alcoholism, including:
- Genes
- Brain chemicals that may be different than normal
- Social pressure
- Emotional stress
- Pain
- Depression and other mental health problems
- Problem drinking behaviors learned from family or friends
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing alcoholism. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Sex: male
- Family members who abuse alcohol (especially men whose fathers or brothers are alcoholic)
- Starting to use alcohol at an early age (younger than 14)
- Using illicit drugs or non-medical use of prescription drugs
- Peer pressure
- Easy access to alcoholic beverages
- Psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety
- Smoking
Symptoms
It is common to deny an alcohol problem. Alcohol abuse can occur without physical dependence. Alcohol abuse symptoms include:
- Repeated work, school, or home problems due to drinking
- Risking physical safety
- Recurring trouble with the law, often including drinking and driving
- Continuing to drink despite alcohol-related difficulties
Symptoms of alcoholism include:
- Craving a drink
- Unable to stop or limit drinking
- Needing greater amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect
- Giving up activities in order to drink or recover from alcohol
- Drinking that continues even when it causes or worsens health problems
- Wanting to stop or reduce drinking, but not being able
- Withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is stopped include:
* Nausea
* Sweating
* Shaking
* Anxiety
* Increased blood pressure
* Seizures ( delirium tremens [DTs])
Some of the Organs Damaged in Alcohol Abuse
The brain, nervous system, heart, liver, stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas can all be damaged by alcoholism.
Treatments
At the AA&E Retreat Behavioral Health Services, they have advanced technology and SPECT-QEEG brain-scans for accurate diagnosis. Our staff of clinicians design treatments that consider each participant’s individual differences and tailors a personal program with individualized sessions one-one, integrated with both neuro and biofeedback technology to not only maximize positive outcomes, but to measure the effectiveness of the therapies. The emphasis is on identifying the causes, treating the causes individually and as a patient can process the emotions, involve family, communication, and support resulting in a healthier lifestyle and sustained recovery.
It may not be easy for you to accept the fact that you need help for an alcohol problem or behavioral problem, but keep in mind that the sooner you get help, the better your chances are for a successful recovery.
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