LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 15, 2021 / What is substance abuse? It is the repeated misuse and over-consumption of alcohol and/or drugs in a way that leads to impaired psychological functioning, distress, or interpersonal problems. Substance abuse problems can occur simultaneously in individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other addictive behaviors. The combination of substance abuse and mental illness has its own name: dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. Increased awareness of and access to proper treatments is essential to successfully improving the lives of people suffering with substance abuse or dual diagnoses.
About 21 million Americans suffer from some form of addiction and mental health disorders. According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths are up by 30% as of 2020. This spike in substance use and overdose rates is particularly concerning, and overdose can arise from accidental overdoses involving both illegal drugs and misused (legal) prescription medication, or suicidal behavior. We are in unfortunate times. Dr. Ted Bender of The BeWell Network wants the world to know, there are effective resources available to help those struggling.
The BeWell Network is led by Ted Bender, PhD, MBA, who serves as the network's CEO. He has a doctorate in clinical psychology and he received his business analytics training from Harvard Business School. Dr. Bender and his team are committed to helping people who struggle with trauma, mental illness, and addiction to get access to efficient and effective treatment. The BeWell Network has drug and alcohol treatment centers located throughout Southern California, including the Sheer Recovery facility.
Their ultimate goal is to provide a healing mindset that will improve patients' lives. As Dr. Bender notes about BeWell treatment providers, "It takes an incredibly courageous individual to willingly enter into the pain of another human being." This is certainly true when taking the role of a professional caregiver for those afflicted with substance abuse and dual diagnoses, which is why BeWell Network clinicians are carefully selected and trained.
It's important to choose a treatment center that provides thorough steps for a comprehensive recovery. The BeWell Network's trauma-informed treatment utilizes evidence-based practices such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. They believe that an evidence-based approach is a must for modern rehabilitation centers. Their clinicians exercise a multidisciplinary approach, working together to devise treatment plans that meet the specific needs of each person. BeWell's emphasis on self-care extends into health groups, expressive therapies, and behavior-focused approaches to maintaining recovery.
The BeWell Network has also launched an educational podcast named after one of its facilities. It is called The Sheer Recovery podcast. Dr. Bender interviews celebrities who advocate for mental health causes. The show also features clinical professionals that address specific treatments and studies. The program streams on all podcast platforms and on local radio channels in Southern California.
The Sheer Recovery podcast covers topics like common fears about treatment, such as losing a job or income while away. As explained on the podcast, patients won't lose their job or income while undergoing treatment. There are US laws that protect people from losing their jobs while in treatment, and most insurance companies will cover the costs of rehab. Patients can still receive a paycheck while seeking medical care. Other common questions answered on the show include; what are the symptoms of substance abuse and how do I know if I need rehabilitation?
Symptoms of substance abuse disorder include the following:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Developing a high tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
- Feeling like you need a drug or alcohol to function
Symptoms of mental health disorders can vary greatly. Warnings signs such as extreme mood changes (for example, sadness or exuberance), confused thinking or problems concentrating, hearing voices, avoiding friends and social activities, and thoughts of suicide may be reasons to seek help. Dual diagnosis of addiction and mental health disorders is very common and can be because of a stressful environment, trauma, or are genetic. A professional can help guide the patient to recovery. The BeWell Network has a variety of dual diagnosis treatments and staff who understand the struggle.
According to Sheer Recovery, while in treatment, patients undergo a detox program that helps them clean their systems of addictive and toxic substances. A doctor and trained medical staff member of the BeWell Network will monitor them. After this necessary detox, the patient will enter one of BeWell's in-patient rehabilitation centers. There are various locations that the BeWell Network offers, such as Sheer Recovery, Good Heart, and more. All locations are safe, comfortable, and in luxurious homes. There will be staff 24/7, meals, activities, therapy sessions, and time to reflect in peace while patients' bodies bounce back to a positive state.
Therapy is a large part of an effective treatment plan. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people with dual diagnoses learn how to cope and change ineffective patterns of thinking. There will be opportunities for support groups that help members to share frustrations and celebrate successes. The BeWell Network is here to better the lives of many.
You can find The BeWell Network online at https://bewellnetwork.com/, as well as on Instagram (@thebewellnetwork), Facebook, and LinkedIn. Check out the Sheer Recovery Podcast by the BeWell Network on Youtube and learn more about Sheer Recovery at https://www.sheerrecovery.com/.
Contact the BeWell Network by phone at (888) 616-9075 or email at [email protected].
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20210714.htm
https://www.sheerrecovery.com/
https://bewellnetwork.com/about-us/
SOURCE: The BeWell Network