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February 21, 2023

Bridging the Gap: Mental Health and Physical Health

Historically, mental health and addiction treatment has been viewed as something completely different from standard health care.  When someone has physical pain, we encourage them to see a doctor, to get medication and the treatment they need so that they can begin to heal.  However, we often don’t know how to react when someone discloses emotional pain or addictive behavior.  

There seems to be a disconnect in our understanding of the source of mental illness and physical illness. The brain is a complex and powerful organ but it often goes unexamined when trying to help someone who expresses feelings of depression, anxiety, and other ailments that are neurologically based.

In truth, mental illness and physical illness are just illnesses.  They both affect us in similar ways and have been found to have effective treatments.  Recent developments in technology and science have allowed researchers to better understand the biochemistry and inner workings of the brain and have even allowed them to map out certain processes in the brain.

These advances allow treatment for mental illness and addiction to be on par with traditional medical practices.  By merging the two, the cultural view shifts, and mental health is perceived as essential to physical health. There’s no “one size fits all” treatment. Treatment options can include:

  1. Psychotherapy.
  2. Medication.
  3. Hospitalization.
  4. Support Group.
  5. Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
  6. Self Help Plan.
  7. Peer Support.

Dr. John V. Campo, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State University explains “Psychiatric drugs haven’t improved for decades. So researchers are scouring the brain for leads.  Proven regimens for treating common mental disorders and addictions are aiding the ‘cure’ rate and boosting public acceptance that such care works."

"Modern practices have the potential to improve public health and, perhaps equally important, engage families more actively in the care of individuals suffering from mental disorders and addictions."

Dr. John V. Campo

As research and development expand, and cultural attitudes evolve, more effective treatment options will be available for those in need. Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental health condition isn't always easy, but identifying a problem early can help lead to the best outcome.

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July 8, 2022

Why Relapse?

After beating the odds and conquering the demons of addiction, why would anybody voluntarily choose to return to their previous self-destructive state? It is not uncommon for those in recovery to experience sobriety for a long period of time, and on an impulse restart the self-destructive cycle. This is what we call relapse.

Although the behavior may seem inexplicable, understanding brain chemistry sheds some light on the situation. Because the effects of drugs are so powerful, it changes the brain structure and chemistry of the user. Prolonged usage of such addictive substances leads to a reprioritization of what the brain ranks as important. With time the addict’s brain can even prioritize the use of the drug above natural survival responses such as eating and sleeping.  The addict’s brain convinces itself that the consumption of the drug is more important than their life.

Our survival responses are powerful, to say the least. We are hard-wired to do whatever it takes to ensure the preservation of our lives. I once witnessed a mouse stuck in a trap chew off its own arm to escape. Just like the mouse, any of us would go to undeniably extreme measures to survive in a life-threatening situation.

Because of the effects of reprioritization, addicts will go to similarly extreme measures to ensure they can continue the usage of their substance. In short, addiction knows no limits. There is no price too expensive, no situation too dangerous, and no risk too great. Even after enjoying years of sobriety, there is still a danger of relapse. This is why addiction treatment must extend beyond the sphere of treatment centers. Truly, quitting the use of the drug is just the first step.

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January 4, 2022

Industry Outlook for 2022

The behavioral health market continues to face challenges, such as rising health care costs, pandemic socio-economic implications, and labor force attrition. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Virtual care provides access to millions of people in need, and facilities with the right technological support are able to offer more equity, better quality, and increased value to their recovery programs.

Behavioral Health Market Growth

The critical importance of behavioral health is often downplayed because treatment is not as straightforward as other physical health conditions for which we have medicinal treatments. Treating depression or substance abuse requires psychological intervention, whereas diabetes does not. This is why the industry has historically faced greater challenges in funding, research, and authorization. 

Over the past couple of years, however, we’ve seen a drastic increase in awareness as the need for intervention has grown. The ongoing plight of the pandemic and emerging variants of COVID-19 continue to cause massive challenges for treatment centers. Increased stress levels, the trauma of illness and isolation, economic uncertainty, and greater instability in people’s lives have all contributed to the overdose crisis we face. The essential care provided by treatment centers for those seeking addiction recovery is more critical than ever.

The rise in public acceptance of mental health treatment is making behavioral health care more accessible, thus increasing the market size. Experts estimate the behavioral health market will be worth approximately $240 billion by 2026. This fact attracts many operators to the space, but only those who adapt amid all the current challenges will make a real difference, providing quality care and support to those they serve.

Trends in Behavioral Health

While technology enables care providers to reach more people virtually, those integrating in-person care with remote support are having the most successful outcomes. In a post-pandemic future, the need to support workforce health, wellbeing, and safety will be a priority. Online resources, remote access, cloud-based documentation, and digital therapy, can bridge access gaps.

One of the best digital tools to help behavioral health management is an industry-specific electronic medical record (EMR) system. EMRs help to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers, increasing the efficacy and productivity of treatment centers. Alleva’s EMR is user-friendly and state of the art. With telehealth options through video conferencing, communication and scheduling are effortless. The Alleva EMR offers key features for compliance and documentation. Providers using efficient tools–such as medication management and reporting for business intelligence, producing data in easy-to-read formats–will discover they have more time available to spend with the people in their care.

The Alleva App also increases productivity by helping centers engage with clients, update assignments, send reminders and telehealth invites, even daily questionnaires, directly to clients’ phones. At a time when people are social distancing, this feature creates connection and improves communication. 

Maximize Productivity in 2022 

The behavioral health industry is growing thanks to an increased acceptance of mental health treatment. Digital EMR solutions like Alleva are perfectly poised to improve the industry for both patients and clinicians. Alleva is here to help behavioral health facilities reach all of their performance goals in 2022.

If you’d like to learn more, schedule a demo for Alleva and see how we help the helpers. 

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December 8, 2021

3 Tips to Finding Your Recovery Identity

Recovery can be a long road to walk, especially if you do it alone. Unfortunately, social isolation is a common characteristic of addiction, but it doesn’t have to be a part of recovery. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, researchers found that connections with social groups help in the transition away from addiction and in creating a new social identity in recovery, or a recovery identity. These tips can be helpful for treatment planners, family and friends, and especially for those in recovery:

  1. Recovery is more than just quitting.

An important step in addiction recovery is ceasing to abuse the substance or behavior. But this is rarely enough to ensure improvement and long-term recovery. The study found that “social relationships have been shown to have significant impacts upon health through behavioral, psychological, and physiological pathways.”

  1. An addiction is not an identity.

It can be difficult to know who you are when it can often feel like your addiction defines you. Being a part of a group can help you find a new identity. The 12-step program can help you identify as a “recovering addict” and this has been shown to increase feelings of belonging and support. This can help you connect to others who are also recovering.

  1. You are not just a “recovering addict”.

While this may be an important identity for you, being a member of multiple groups can lead to a healthy and balanced social identity, an identity that will take you beyond recovery.

The results of the study “also underscore the importance of social network diversity in recovery, indicating that it is important to foster connections with a range of groups beyond those solely associated with recovery.” Maintain connections with family and friends. Go to support groups. Join a softball team. Start a book club. Get involved and find your recovery identity.

Alleva is an EMR that puts people first. As part of the addiction recovery social circle, we are committed to connecting treatment centers and patients and helping them stay connected by providing the right tools for long-term recovery. Learn more about how we support behavioral health facilities with a demo of our products.

January 17, 2018

Opioid Epidemic in the U.S. on the Rise

According to the latest Pew Research study, nearly half of all Americans have a family member or close friend struggling with a Substance Use Disorder, or SUD. Addiction strikes hard, and it is blind to race, age, or political affiliation. Among every demographic, death by overdose is on the rise, affecting over 7.4 million Americans, with the opioid epidemic at the center of it all.

The facts:

  • Heroin-related overdose deaths have increased by 600% from 2002 to 2015.
  • Of 64,000 drug overdose deaths in 2016:
    • Over 20,000 were caused by synthetic opioids.
    • Over 15,000 were related to heroin.
    • Over 14,000 were related to natural and semi-synthetic opioids (such as hydrocodone and buprenorphine)
  • Drug abuse and SUDs are estimated to cost society $442 billion annually.

While the causes of this massive opioid epidemic are complex, the solutions are clear. According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, the most effective interventions are carried out on a community level. Cross-sector community coalitions can assess and respond to specific local needs. Additionally, the report calls for integration of a full spectrum of treatment modalities to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans in the years to come.

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/10/26/nearly-half-of-americans-have-a-family-member-or-close-friend-whos-been-addicted-to-drugs/

June 29, 2017

Incarceration vs. Rehabilitation

Incarceration vs RehabilitationIncarceration vs rehabilitation methods have been hotly debated over the years and recent research has emerged that has greatly improved practices and progress in treating addiction as a health issue.  However, some practices are in direct conflict with what others consider proper care.

With rising opioid use across the country, there are those who would argue that in-jail treatment offers the best solution.

Inimai Chettiar and Grainne Dunne of the NYU School of Law responded to the incarceration vs rehabilitation argument, stating “We should certainly improve treatment in jails. But by focusing on building drug treatment infrastructure inside the criminal justice system, we further institutionalize its placement there. This reinforces the belief that people battling addiction deserve punishment — undoing years of progress to understand addiction as a health issue.”

Even improving treatment within the justice system could not be enough to rehabilitate those struggling with addiction.  The consequences, stigmas, and stereotypes that accompany someone who has gone through the justice system are often too difficult to overcome and while they may receive some medical or therapeutic treatment, rehabilitation includes being accepted back into society and that often cannot occur.

Treatment should be given in the appropriate environment, facilities that are designed for rehabilitation, not punishment.

In the rehabilitation vs incarceration debate, what do you support? Comment below.

June 20, 2017

TED Talk: Lessons from the Mental Hospital

What a wonderful opportunity it is to hear another person's story and be change from it. In Lessons from the Mental Hospital, Glennon Doyle Melton shares her story of overcoming bulimia, alcoholism and drug addictions; and teaches us the lessons of the strength of being vulnerable, sensitive and our true selves. She teaches us that ‘the sunrise is a daily invitation of hope’, ‘a daily invitation to change’ and ‘a daily invitation to be present’. Let’s all take that invitation and not be afraid to share our story.

June 20, 2017

Anti-Drug Laws

The number of laws in place to discourage illicit drug abuse have only increased with time. However, despite the array of anti-drug laws put in place for its prevention, Illicit drug use in the United States has been increasing rather than decreasing
The expected decrease in drug abuse associated with the creation of more laws and anti-drug related institutions has not proven to be certain. In reality, drug abuse has continued to increase despite the implementation of these new systems. This is not to suggest that the establishment of institutions in any way causing an increase in drug abuse; rather that it has been unsuccessful in achieving its primary purpose of diminishing such abuse.
Never has the attempt to stop the consumption of illegal substances been made more official as during the prohibition. Although the prohibited substance in that time was alcohol rather than opiates and narcotics like we see modernly, the lesson learned is entirely applicable. The institutional opposition was so official that it was even included as an amendment in the constitution, which is more powerful and binding than any law. Even with the political strength that uniquely the constitution can bring, the best estimates are that the consumption of alcohol only declined by thirty to fifty percent during the prohibition.
Half, and potentially seventy percent of the designed sobriety was unsuccessful even when backed by arguably the most powerful political document in this nation. However, this bleak statistic does not suggest that the problem is unconquerable. Rather, it suggests that fifty to seventy percent of progress towards a drug-free society will not be achieved by the creation and enforcement of anti-drug laws.
 

June 19, 2017

Recovery Reinvented

The Governor and First Lady of North Dakota have announced that on September 26th 2017 there will be a day of “facilitated conversations” about addiction recovery. The event, Recovery Reinvented, will be a conference centered on teaching people that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable.

They plan on bringing together state and national experts in recovery to share innovative practices that will directly help people take action against their addictions. It is going to be a very personable and applicable event, North Dakota’s First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum even plans on sharing her experiences as a recovered alcoholic to help others that are similarly struggling. This event should have a very positive effect on increasing awareness and helping improve the national addiction epidemic within their state.

It is great to see that North Dakota is taking action against addiction especially keeping in mind that they have a relatively less severe problem with drug addiction. Hopefully other states will follow their example, and work towards raising awareness and providing solutions within their own spheres of influence.

June 13, 2017

Who Suffers From PTSD?

Who suffers from PTSD?

Often when we think of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the first image that comes to mind is a veteran haunted by nightmares of painful memories that he or she experienced in their service on the battlefield. This image is not mistaken: many veterans suffer from the effects of PTSD after their return to normal life.

However, PTSD is not a veteran-exclusive ailment. It is a psychiatric disorder that can occur after any traumatic experience. War is obviously filled with a lot of trauma; hence many who experienced the horrors of war will experience the effects of PTSD. However, it can also follow other painful experiences like natural disasters, serious accidents, sexual or physical assault, severe illness, or even witnessing another person experience these traumatic situations.

Everybody will experience something painful in their life, however, the majority of people will recover and be able to move on within a few weeks or months following the episode. Unfortunately, many will develop PTSD and will subsequently be harrowed by the memory of this painful experience.

 

Just like any other disease, physical or mental in nature, the effects of PTSD are very real and painful. Whether experienced because of a traumatic experience in war, or in civilian life, its effects truly hinder the individual’s ability to function. However, just like any other disease, there are professionals who know of remedies and cures to tame and eventually conquer its effects.

If you're a clinician looking to help people with this affliction, our mental health EMR can help. You can see the benefits and features of our software here. Or fill out the form below to schedule a demo. 

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Copyright 2019 - Alleva Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2019 - Alleva Corp. All Rights Reserved.