Recovery is not unlike a rollercoaster. The ride is rarely smooth; it can be riddled with unexpected highs and lows. According to Arms Acres, around 40-60% of individuals who leave rehab after drug or alcohol treatment relapse within the first month. Additionally, about 85% experience at least one relapse within a year. However, this shouldn't be seen as failure; it simply highlights the challenging nature of addiction. Understanding the unpredictable nature of relapse is the first step in knowing what to do; even knowledge that seems insignificant can play a huge role in your loved one's recovery process. This article will provide some insight to guide you through those tough times, offering practical advice and emotional support so you can face these challenges together. Getting to know addiction "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." To effectively support your loved one, you must first understand both the nature of addiction and your own strengths and limitations. This mirrors Sun Tzu's concept that knowing oneself and the enemy is essential for success. Just as generals use knowledge to navigate battles, you must use your understanding to help your loved one. This means asking key questions about addiction, researching its mechanisms, and being honest about your own strengths and weaknesses. Armed with this knowledge, you can devise strategies to support your loved one effectively. When the addiction seems stronger, you might need to retreat and seek professional help. In tougher times, your support can provide the firm ground they need. And when all else seems to fail, your unwavering presence can inspire resilience and strength. In tougher times, your support can provide the firm ground they need. What is drug addiction? Drug addiction is a lasting condition that often comes back. It's marked by a strong urge to seek and use drugs, even when it causes harm. It's not just about willpower or morals; it's a complex issue that changes how the brain works, making it hard to quit. The mechanisms of action Simply put, drugs are small packets of chemicals designed to change how living systems, like the human body, work. Drugs have no goals; their effects depend on the user. When someone uses drugs, the chemicals disrupt how brain cells send, receive, and process information. Different drugs affect the brain in various ways, but many of them flood the brain's reward system with dopamine. Dopamine is the body's "feel-good" neurotransmitter responsible for regulating feelings of pleasure and reward. Naturally, when we engage in pleasurable activities, like eating or interacting with friends and loved ones, our brains organically release dopamine. Certain substances, however, can trigger the release of up to ten times the amount of dopamine needed by the body, leading to an intense surge of pleasure commonly known as a "high." Continuous use of these drugs rewires our brain to link the substance with this intense pleasure, which compels the user to seek it out repeatedly. The brain then learns to deal with an overabundance of dopamine over time by either decreasing its natural production or by eliminating the number of dopamine receptors within the body, consequently deteriorating an individual's ability to gain pleasure from their usual day-to-day non-drug sources, which leads to increased drug usage in an attempt to maintain normalcy and avoid withdrawal symptoms. This is why relapsing is so common and frequent. This change in how the body functions will affect the user's life directly. Friends and loved ones get hurt by uncharacteristic behaviors. Hobbies and fulfilling activities are abandoned for unhealthy ones. Motivation for anything other than getting and using drugs disappears. That's why support is crucial during recovery from drug abuse and addiction."What if I am giving all the support I have, and my partner still relapses?" Don't worry; relapses happen. Here are a few simple tips to help you and your partner through it.How to deal with a relapseUnderstanding that addiction is a recurring condition can help shift the focus of a relapse from blame to support. There are various ways to handle the issue of reuse, but you might want to start with the following: Stay calm and focused Stay relaxed, take a deep breath, and think clearly. Getting angry or scared can make things worse and make your loved one feel alone or ashamed. Your calm attitude helps them talk openly. Practice Open Communication Encourage your loved one to talk without fear of judgment. Ask open-ended questions like “What started everything?” or “Was there something causing stress?” Work together to find and identify triggers, then find ways to avoid these same triggers in the future. Keep a journal Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool during the recovery process. For your loved one, it provides a private space to reflect on their journey and manage their addiction. For you, it helps track emotions and observations, fostering open communication and mutual understanding. Avoid blaming Remember, relapsing is not an unusual event during recovery. Focus on helping your loved one rather than blaming them. Don't make them feel ashamed. Remind them that relapse is a learning opportunity to improve their health. Encourage professional help Suggest reaching out to a doctor, counselor, or support group. Getting help from a professional can give you the tools and techniques you need to deal with relapse. Therapists can help your loved one find ways to manage their problems, and support groups provide them with a sense of community where they can share these problems and get support from others who have first-hand experience recovering from drug addiction. Find balance Supporting someone with addiction can be emotionally tough. Take care of your own health too. Lean on friends, family, or a psychologist. Do activities that help you relax, and don't hesitate to seek professional help for yourself as well, if needed. Celebrate progress Notice and appreciate your loved one's achievements, no matter how small. This can boost their mood and reward good behavior. Set boundaries Being supportive is important, but setting healthy boundaries is also essential. This will ensure you look out for your health while helping your partner. Make it very clear which behaviors are acceptable and which won't be tolerated. Setting limits helps keep a balance between helping and enabling. Now you know what addiction is, its mechanism of action, and why it is so difficult to overcome. With this information, you can now begin to help your partner get through their relapse, as well as strengthen the bonds of your relationship by showing kindness, understanding, and practical help. Remember, healing is a process that has ups and downs; being a steady source of support can make all the difference. See how Pathroot can help you and your family, Start free today ».

Addiction is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized issues in society. Even with more awareness and scientific progress, many wrong ideas about addiction persist, often leading to judgment and isolation. Whether it's not understanding what addiction really is or what causes it, these misunderstandings can keep harmful stereotypes alive and block those in need from receiving helpful support.  In this article, we will discuss 11 things many people don’t understand about those who have an addiction, aiming to create more empathetic and informed views.  Ancient Romans referred to an "addictus" as a "debt slave," illustrating how enslaving addiction can be to one's brain chemistry. It should be noted an "addictus" would be released once a debt was repaid, offering hope when applied to substance use. Many with a substance use disorder don't realize others can tell they are using. People under the influence might believe they are functioning well or even better than usual. They may even believe they are enhanced versions of themselves while they're under the influence of substances. For example, a mother might truly believe she is excelling as a caregiver, going so far as to think she's a "super mom", despite the obvious impacts her addiction is having on her child's life. This delusion makes it incredibly challenging to recognize the harm addiction causes and contributes to denial when confronted. Bad behaviors don’t always go away when someone stops using substances. A common myth is that all negative behaviors disappear once someone stops using drugs or alcohol. Many think that using the substance was the only cause of their problems. For example, a child might believe their relationship with a parent will instantly get better once the parent stops drinking. This notion can overlook some of the deep-seated issues and behavioral patterns that persist beyond addiction. It is important to recognize that recovery is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and support. They have to want to quit for themselves.Recovery requires a genuine internal desire to change. External pressures and incentives do not result in long term, sustainable recovery. Some loved ones may try to offer tough love or ultimatums to persuade their loved one to quit using substances. However, success is not likely until the individual expresses a genuine, personal commitment to recover. It is extremely important to understand that this internal motivation is the key to offering meaningful support. An addicted brain has been rewired to prioritize the substances over everything else.It's crucial to understand that addiction fundamentally alters the brain's chemistry and structure. Someone with an addiction has changed how their brain experiences pleasure, including enjoying things that many would consider healthy, everyday activities. The individual's reward system is hijacked, making the substance the primary source of pleasure and satisfaction. Recovery can be a long and challenging process, since it can take a while for the brain to heal and create new pathways. Ancient Romans referred to an "addictus" as a "debt slave," illustrating how enslaving addiction can be to one's brain chemistry. It should be noted an "addictus" would be released once a debt was repaid, offering hope when applied to substance use. Addiction might start as a choice, but transitions into a disease.Many people have the misconception that addiction is a choice, implying that people with an addiction can stop using at will. To start, no one sets out to become addicted. Instead, addiction typically occurs gradually and this slippery slope is marked by initial experimentation, followed by increasing dependence on the substance. Viewing addiction as a choice fundamentally mischaracterizes the true nature of addiction. Medical research has proven that addiction alters brain function and structure, impeding an individual's capability to make conscious decisions about their substance use. Like other chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, addiction involves cycles of relapse and remission. Recovery requires long-term management and support, which can include medical treatment and psychosocial interventions. Understanding that addiction is a disease is critical for reducing stigma and providing effective care for those affected. The number of "ordinary" people addicted to drugs far outweighs the number of people stereotyped as "junkies". The stereotype of addiction often paints a picture of a "junkie," someone visibly struggling and unable to maintain a normal life. However, the reality is that many people battling addiction appear to live ordinary and functional lives. For example, someone may be dependent on over-the-counter painkillers for decades, yet manage to maintain jobs, families, and even run businesses. This hidden side of addiction shows how important it is to recognize and address substance dependence across all walks of life. Drugs or alcohol come first. For individuals struggling with addiction, substances often take precedence over everything else in their lives, even their children. This can result in severe neglect and suffering for the children of those with a substance use disorder. For example, a dependent parent's schedule can revolve entirely around obtaining their next dose, leading to panicked behaviors if access to their substance is delayed. Understanding how individuals think about substance use, will help you understand their motivations and behaviors.It is always on their mind. Individuals struggling with addiction often wish for sobriety, promising themselves each time is the last. Many face shame, anxiety, and even despair, but knowing they can use a substance again to numb the pain or reduce their anxiety leads to an unrelenting loop of highs and lows. Conversely, many in early sobriety experience an overwhelming sense of numbness. This often leads them to a tireless search for any feeling, even if it's through negative emotions like anxiety, loneliness, or resentment. It often requires  a concerted effort to experience positive emotions. This stage of recovery is characterized by emotional exhaustion as the individual's brain continues to heal and rewire itself. Community support and understanding that patience is crucial can help one navigate these challenges. Many suffering from addiction fear withdrawals and find it easier to stay addicted. Some say the first 4 days of withdrawal are often described as the hardest and most terrifying. The fear of symptoms like physical pain, anxiety, weakness, and mental distress, can keep many people trapped in their addiction, as they feel unprepared and overwhelmed by the prospect of going through withdrawal. Those who have undergone the process emphasize the importance of seeking medical supervision and support during detox, as trying to face it alone can be extremely dangerous and daunting. Detox centers provide necessary medical care and psychological support, which significantly increases the chances of a successful recovery. Lies are a pervasive and painful part of dealing with an addict. One sad truth is common among addicts are the lies. Addicts will lie not only lie to those around them, but also to themselves. This deceit can be heartbreaking and infuriating, making it incredibly difficult to support them. All the trust built in relationships can be shattered, with family bonds broken and friendships blown apart. For example, friends can be deceived for years, learning only later that what they believed to be genuine cries for help were manipulative attempts to support the addiction. Confronting these lies often feels like arguing with a wall, but through therapy or cultivating an environment of ongoing support, forgiveness, and patience, coupled with agreed consequences, and reinforced transparency, long-term recovery is possible. Addiction is often a symptom of underlying pain. Many turn to substances as a means to escape deep emotional or physical anguish. This self-medicating approach helps numb the pain or distract from the issues people face. However, this cycle only worsens over time, as the need to avoid pain becomes more pressing. For example, people who suffer from untreated trauma or chronic pain may find that addiction provides temporary relief, but eventually leads to more suffering once the effects of the substance wear off. It's important to understand that punishing someone for their dependency can exacerbate their suffering, rather than helping them find a path to recovery. Offering compassionate support and addressing the root causes of their pain is crucial in helping them heal. Understanding addiction means looking past stereotypes. It affects people from all backgrounds and is often hidden, driven by deep pain and emotions. Overcoming it is tough, with fears of withdrawal, cravings, and the challenge of regaining trust. We need to approach it with care, knowing it's a daily struggle. Offering support that tackles both the addiction and its roots can help. Through community support, medical intervention, and empathy, we can give hope to those battling addiction. If you know someone or have a loved one struggling with addiction, Pathroot offers support and resources that can help. Start free today ».

Addictions are a serious problem that affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. According to the statistics of the Addiction Center, almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment. Addictions destroy not only the life of the person who suffers them, but they impact the whole family. They can break marriages, as well as relationships with friends and family members. In this article, we will discuss three helpful strategies that you can use in order to help your loved one in recovery when you're far away. How does addiction to alcohol work? Alcohol abuse is widespread in America, and because it’s socially accepted, it is often overlooked, which makes it harder to stop until it’s too late. As in many cultures around the world, many Americans suffer from alcohol abuse disorder without knowing it. Everybody drinks with their buddies, everybody celebrates with alcohol, and you can get used to having too many beers without realizing how it happened. Like most psychiatric disorders, substance dependence, whether it’s alcohol or another drug, is the result of the effect of genes and environmental factors acting together. However, in the case of addiction, the environment is a key fundamental component. Several psychosocial factors predispose someone to addictions, such as presenting another mental disorder, emotional instability, and traumatic experiences in childhood. In the case of addiction, the environment is a key fundamental component. Why is it so hard to fight an addiction? Addiction is hard to fight because substances like alcohol modify the functioning of neurotransmission systems and brain circuits, producing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes. In other words, these substances activate the brain's reward circuit, which includes certain structures of the limbic system, using the same physiological mechanisms as natural reinforcers (water, food, sexual behavior). When we are fighting an addiction, the battle is taking place in the deepest structures of our brains, which makes it really difficult. However, it’s possible to win, with the help of professionals, institutions, and support systems. How can we help our loved ones through their recovery? What happens to a person in recovery from alcohol or other substance abuse when they are left alone for some time? Psychological treatment in combination with pharmacological treatment is essential to achieve success, but social support is a key factor in overcoming addiction. There are three strategies that you can develop if this is your case, and you have to leave your family member for some time and go away. 1.     One day at a time One of the most important motivational phrases in Alcoholics Anonymous is «One day at a time». This means that you have to focus on just one day, the present day, and try to keep sober for 24 hours. It’s a really powerful motivational strategy because as an addict, the idea of spending the rest of your life without the substance is overwhelming and heartbreaking. On the other hand, if the person just commits to staying sober for 24 hours, one day, it seems feasible. And in this way, if they are feeling desperately lonely because you are away, and you are worried about them relapsing, help them to repeat this affirmation every morning: just for today. It will be easy to keep in touch briefly every morning and remind them to think of the following 24 hours.   2.     Keep a detailed diary One of the main goals of individual cognitive-behavioral therapy in substance abuse disorder is the identification and prevention of situations and stimuli that can trigger consumption. In other words, identifying and avoiding risky situations is a key step in recovery. Keeping a detailed record of such situations can train the person in recovery to recognize them in a faster and more efficient way and to avoid them easily. Your loved one can journal every day about risk situations they foresee or they have avoided successfully. Then, they can share these journal entries with you so that you encourage them to keep on writing or you can help them clarify some situations. Imagine that your son, who is in recovery, has to move to another state, and you want to help him keep this therapeutic journal. You can help him write about possible risky plans and suggest other alternative activities that are healthier for him. Handling group pressure will be another challenge he can write about, and you can remind him of specific ways to do it, which will reduce his anxiety. 3.     Identify and fight cravings The more intense the reinforcing effects of a given substance, the more persistent the memories related to it will also be, and the more intense the craving to experience them again. There will be triggers for cravings, and it’s important to help the person in recovery to detect them. These can be emotional triggers, for example, a conflict with somebody, feeling lonely, or a social situation that causes anxiety. The important action when the addict is experiencing craving is to stop it by doing something else. A useful way to help in this case is to ask your loved one to call you or text you whenever they are experiencing a craving for alcohol, as they would call their sponsor in AA. In this way, they will stop the action of having the drink they desperately crave by calling or sending a message. Once they have reached you, you can help them find an activity that will break the cycle in their mind: go running, take a walk, or swim. As we have seen in this article, recovery is possible, and supporting the person who is fighting addiction from far away is possible as well. The strategies we have described are practical and easy to follow. However, the most important condition for recovery is the decision of the addict to stop abusing alcohol or other substances. Although the support from their family members and friends is important, their will and their honest intention to become sober are what will really enable recovery. See how Pathroot can help you and your family, Start free today ».

poll, survey, youth mental health crisis

In recent years, the youth mental health crisis has become a pressing issue for families, professionals, and communities. To gain insight into this crisis, we conducted a comprehensive survey targeting parents, mental health professionals, therapists, and those impacted by addiction or substance abuse. Here’s what we found and what it means for the future of our young people. Understanding the Survey and Its Importance The aim of our survey was to shed light on the current state of youth mental health by collecting data from a diverse group of respondents. We surveyed clinical professionals (33.3%), educational consultants (8.3%), educators (8.3%), non-profits (8.3%), treatment program providers (8.3%), and "others" (33.3%). Our goal was to understand the breadth and depth of the mental health crisis among youth today and identify potential solutions. What do you believe are the 3 most critical issues that have contributed to the youth mental health crisis: Rising Rates of Anxiety and Depression Modern problems An alarming 50% of respondents reported social media influence and feelings of isolation and anxiety were the primary contributors to the youth mental health crisis. This seems to reflect a unique emotional and psychological burden carried by our young people today. Trouble at school and home Family dysfunction and peer pressure or bullying are also significant concerns, identified by 41.7% of participants. Additionally, substance abuse and trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were noted by 33.3% of respondents. These conditions significantly interfere with school performance, social interactions, and family life and underscores the need for immediate and effective interventions earlier in life.  Why it matters The data suggests that while social media and societal pressures heavily impact youth mental health, the relationship dynamics at home and negative peer interactions further compound the problem. Less critically noted but still important are difficulties accessing mental health services, which 25% of respondents highlighted, reflecting systemic barriers to obtaining needed help. Interestingly, academic pressure and the stigma surrounding mental illness received lower responses, indicating that respondents might see these as less impactful compared to other factors. What do you believe are the 3 most critical issues that have contributed to the youth mental health crisis: The Need for Effective Strategies Parenting Education and Family Support A significant 58.3% of respondents believe that parenting education and family support services are crucial in preventing mental health issues among youth. This indicates a recognition of the foundational role families play in either mitigating or exacerbating mental health challenges. Effective parenting strategies and support systems within the home can equip parents with the tools needed to foster a nurturing and stable environment, thus promoting the overall well-being of young people. School-Based Education and Support Half of the respondents (50%) identified school-based mental health education and support as a key strategy. Schools are in a unique position to reach a large proportion of youth and can provide early identification and intervention for mental health issues. Integrating mental health education into the school curriculum helps normalize the conversation around mental health, equips students with essential coping skills, and ensures support is readily available. This can be instrumental in creating a supportive school environment that prioritizes mental well-being. It should be noted, that while integrating mental health education in schools is beneficial, some believe it may lead to improper self-diagnosis and heightened self-scrutiny. Critics argue that this hyper-introspection can detract from healthy developmental processes and encourage a focus on problems rather than solutions. Therefore, it's crucial that mental health education includes guidance from trained professionals. Accessible and Affordable Services 41.7% of participants emphasized the need for accessible and affordable mental health services. This reflects an understanding that, despite the best preventive measures, some youth will require professional mental health care. Ensuring that these services are easily accessible for all families, regardless of socioeconomic status, is crucial for early intervention and effective management of mental health issues. Removing financial and logistical barriers to accessing care can make a substantial difference in youth mental health outcomes. How can schools better support the mental health needs of students? Support Options Training Teachers The most emphasized strategy, is the need for training teachers how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health issues. Equipping teachers with the appropriate training can ensure early identification and timely intervention, offering students the support they need before issues escalate. Educators are often the first to notice signs of distress, making their role crucial in a school's mental health framework. Increasing Access A significant 25% of respondents ranked increasing access to on-site counseling services as their top priority, highlighting the urgent need for professional mental health support within the school environment. On-site counselors are essential as they provide direct, immediate support to students, creating a bridge to more specialized care when necessary. This approach also reduces wait times and stigma associated with seeking mental health support. Offering Peer Support Groups and Mentoring The strategy of offering peer support groups and mentoring programs was the third most popular suggestion. Peer support can be an invaluable resource as it leverages the power of shared experiences and mutual understanding. These programs can help students feel less isolated, promote positive peer relationships, and provide additional layers of support alongside professional counseling. What role do you think technology and innovation play in improving youth mental health outcomes? Technology and Innovation Expanding Access to Services Many respondents highlighted the key role technology can play in expanding access to mental health services, particularly in underserved areas where onsite support may be limited. For instance, teletherapy options for both individual and group treatments, as well as virtual peer support groups and mentoring. This capability to bring mental health services directly to those in need, reducing geographic and logistical barriers, is seen as a significant advantage. Reducing Costs and Anonymizing Support Another significant theme emphasized was the potential of technology to reduce costs associated with mental health services. Leveraging virtual platforms can make these services more affordable and hence, more widely available. Additionally, these platforms offer the advantage of allowing students to anonymously seek and identify mental health support, which can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and encourage more youth to access the services they need. Balancing Technological Integration with Personal Interaction While many respondents expressed optimism about the role of technology, some cautioned that it should not be viewed as a complete solution. The personal nature of mental health care demands human connection and collaboration; technology should thus be seen as a supplement rather than a replacement for face-to-face interactions. Ensuring a balance between technological innovation and personal interaction is crucial for effectively addressing youth mental health issues and achieving long-term positive outcomes. Are there specific policies or initiatives that you believe would be effective in addressing the youth mental health crisis? Policies and Initiatives Suggested Age Limitations to Social Media The implementation of age limitations to social media usage was a noteworthy suggestion. Proponents argue that setting age restrictions could mitigate the negative impacts of social media on youth mental health. By limiting exposure to potentially harmful content and interactions, these policies aim to provide young people with a safer online environment, reducing risks such as cyberbullying and social comparison. Training Educators on Mental Health First Aid Several respondents underscored the importance of training educators in Mental Health First Aid. This initiative focuses on equipping school staff with the knowledge to recognize early signs of mental health issues and appropriately refer students to clinical mental health professionals. Such training could ensure timely intervention and support, aligning educational environments with a proactive stance on mental health. Partnerships with Mental Health Organizations Another popular suggestion was for schools to partner with mental health organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This collaboration could involve workshops, peer support groups, and comprehensive training for school staff, including Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for school resource officers. These partnerships aim to create a robust support network within schools, enhancing their capacity to address various mental health challenges effectively. Share any additional insights or thoughts on this topic The Shortage of Clinicians Respondents highlighted a critical issue: the shortage of mental health clinicians. Due to this scarcity, individuals seeking help often face wait times of three to six months just for an initial intake appointment, and subsequent follow-up appointments are similarly delayed. This bottleneck underscores the pressing need for more Title IV-E funds and the expansion of student loan forgiveness programs to attract and retain mental health professionals. Expanding Peer Support Programs The sentiment for expanding peer support training programs was reiterated. Such programs can supplement the work of clinicians by providing an immediate and empathetic ear to those in need. Training more individuals in peer support could alleviate some pressure off the clinical system, ensuring that more people have access to timely and effective mental health assistance. There is a critical need for enhanced mental health support in schools. Significant conclusions drawn from the responses include a prioritization of increasing access to on-site counseling services, the introduction of peer support groups and mentoring programs, and leveraging technology to expand and anonymize mental health services. The poll also suggests implementing age limitations on social media usage, training educators in Mental Health First Aid, and fostering partnerships with mental health organizations as pivotal steps towards improving youth mental health. Furthermore, addressing the shortage of mental health clinicians through financial support and expanding peer support programs are highlighted as essential strategies to alleviate current challenges. Collectively, these insights underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and multi-faceted approaches to effectively support the mental well-being of students. DisclaimerThe data and insights presented in this poll should only be interpreted as an indication of general thoughts, concerns, and potential solutions. The poll was conducted with a relatively small subset of respondents, and therefore, lacks the breadth of data and variety of sampling necessary to draw definitive conclusions. For a comprehensive understanding and to properly address many of these complex issues, more extensive studies and in-depth polling are required. If you would like to share your opinions, feel free to participate in the study here; we will adjust our findings as we gather additional insights. Pathroot is committed to tackling the youth mental health crisis with innovative programs, offering resources to parents and support for families. Join our community for live support groups, peer mentors, and comprehensive resources. Together, we can promote the mental well-being of young people and their families. Start free today ».