In these challenging times, most people experience stress. The difference is in how we cope with trauma and triggers. Some of us can find balance, while others compound their problems through unhealthy coping mechanisms. One of the most significant issues in the United States is the number of people using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. In Portland, Maine, you have a place to turn to when struggling with mental health problems and substance use disorder. Liberty Bay Recovery Center provides several programs designed to get to the root of substance use disorders and get you on the path to sobriety.

Fear Responses and How They Affect Our Mental Health

Fear is at the base of many mental health issues, including PTSD. Fear and anxiety can be related to past events in our lives and triggered by similar circumstances, or they can stem from an inability to achieve balance when dealing with everyday events.

When we experience fear or anxiety, we begin to feel overwhelmed and unable to move forward freely. Sometimes, we try to escape our problems, even briefly, by turning to drugs and alcohol to relax or numb our emotions.

Just as our problems are unique, how we react to stress and traumatic events is also. Psychologists term these coping mechanisms the fight, flight or freeze response.

Often, how we respond is linked to our natural personalities and combined with learned behaviors. For example, we see how our parents and other influential figures in our lives deal with problems, and we tend to react the same way.

Fighting Your Way Through Trauma

When feeling afraid or anxious, some of us are natural fighters. When we’re in danger or feeling attacked, we might respond by confronting the problem or antagonist. The trigger can threaten our safety or a perceived slight, such as an offensive comment. However, in the fight response, the reaction is often hostility, anger, or abuse.

The pent-up hostility and anger lead to additional stress without a healthier way of coping with triggers. Eventually, it can negatively affect your mental and physical health.

Deer in the Headlights Syndrome

Have you ever been so scared or surprised by events that you froze? You feel like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car on a highway at night. You know you’re in danger, but you’re unable to react.

This is known as the freeze response to fear, and it’s very common. It happens when you experience a shock to your system that is so great that your mind cannot understand it and tells your body what to do to avoid the threat. Because of this emotional and physical paralysis, our anxiety is compounded by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.

Fleeing From Stress

A natural response to danger or discomfort is to run away from it. This is the flight response, and it echoes how humans have dealt with danger since the dawn of our existence.

The events in our lives don’t necessarily need to be massive to send us into a downward spiral of anxiety, despair, shame, or guilt. Even one traumatic event can set the stage for continued fear-based responses in the future. In addition, a lifetime of negative events and environments, consistent patterns of unhealthy choices, or being shown ineffective coping skills can set us up for learned patterns of unhealthy reactions to trauma and stress.

Stress, Trauma, and Substance Use Disorder

How do you manage stress? For many of us, career, school, or relationship problems manifest as physical and emotional issues, such as sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Sometimes, we take a drink, pop a pill, or smoke a joint to deal with emotional pain.

For some, the first instinct after a traumatic event is to have a drink. We begin to feel relaxed afterward, and we might believe that we can better cope with whatever is happening around us. This practice is often mirrored in literature and film, and it teaches us to escape physical or emotional pain by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.

Such self-medicating can lead to a vicious cycle of dealing with outside stressors by artificial means. Rather than developing the tools to manage negative life experiences, we mask our pain and anxiety with intoxicants. Doing this worsens additional problems unless we receive help, guidance, and support to resolve the underlying issues.

According to information presented by the National Library of Medicine, the rates of SUDs among historically traumatized populations, such as those living in urban centers, correlated directly with the levels of trauma suffered, whether through witnessing events like violent crime or personally experiencing them as victims.

Many study participants were victims of childhood sex abuse, domestic abuse, and other violent crimes. Of the participants in the studies:

• 8% used marijuana
• 39% used alcohol
• 1% used some form of cocaine
• 2% used heroin or other opiates

The results were even more far-reaching in a report compiled by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

The ISTSS found that:

• Between one-tenth and one-third of those recovering from an illness, accident, or violent crime reported excessive alcohol use. The greater their physical pain, the more likely they were to self-medicate.
• Up to 80% of veterans seeking treatment for PTSD also meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Victims of sexual assault reported higher incidences of substance use disorder than those who have not experienced such attacks. This statistic was equally true for men and women represented in the report.
• Children and adolescents who have experienced sexual or physical abuse are four times more likely than their peers to develop SUDs.

Moreover, people diagnosed with PTSD are 14 times more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol or substance use disorder. Approximately 20% of those diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression also fit the criteria for AUD/SUD.

Although anyone can experience alcohol and substance use disorders, these statistics don’t mean everyone enduring prolonged stress, or trauma will develop a substance use disorder. It also depends on your background, conditioning, and the amount of support and stability in your life.

Signs of Stress/Trauma-Related Mental Health Disorders

We all have some stress in our lives. It doesn’t need to be a significant life event that brings it on, and it’s not always negative. Planning a wedding or the birth of a child are joyful events that are notoriously stressful. Having a high-pressure career can lead to a chronic state of tension. How can you tell when normal stress levels have transitioned into a full-blown mood disorder?

Johns Hopkins Medical Center lists the symptoms of mood disorders as follows:

• Persistent feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• Ongoing feelings of anxiety or sadness
• Low self-esteem or feeling unworthy
• Excessive feelings of shame or guilt
• No interest in activities or things that once brought joy
• Decreased energy
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Anger and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Repeated thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Although chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent in our society, and many of those coping with these disorders also struggle with substance use, one of the most tenacious culprits is PTSD. This condition can be complex and long-term, often at the root of anxiety and depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of PTSD include:

• Sudden bursts of anger or irritability
• Problems sleeping, including nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of emotional numbness
• Avoiding people, places, and activities
• Reliving the trauma or having flashbacks to traumatic events

Attempts to numb the emotional pain of these symptoms often lead to using drugs or alcohol. In addition, repeated use of intoxicating substances can lead to dependence and addiction.

Dependence means that your brain and body have become accustomed to the effects of your substance of choice and need more with each use to continue achieving the desired feeling.

Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

Whether the substance of choice is alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, or some combination, the symptoms of substance use disorder in any form are quite similar. However, it is important to note that these symptoms can be subtle and easy to hide. Symptoms of addiction or substance misuse include:

• Preoccupation with using or finding drugs/alcohol
• Inability to control, cut down, or stop substance use
• Feelings of panic when alcohol/drugs are unavailable
• Secretive behavior and irritability when questioned about the use
• Making risky decisions while under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Entering dangerous situations to obtain drugs/alcohol

There are also many unhealthy behaviors that may indicate a person is struggling with substance use. Distinguishing the behavioral signs of addiction from less server issues can be difficult. Possible behavioral signs of alcohol and drug dependency can include:

• Increased absences and tardiness, declining performance, and unusual disinterest at work or school
• Disregard for personal hygiene and appearance, losing or gaining weight rapidly, decreased energy or motivation
• Avoiding, becoming secretive with, and other drastic changes in relationships with family and friends
• Sudden and unexplained financial problems or asking for money without providing an explanation
• Uncharacteristic arrests and unexpected legal problems

If you recognize these symptoms and behaviors in yourself or a loved one and want to learn more. Contact us today. Our knowledgeable and compassionate Addiction and Recovery Representatives can answer any questions and help you understand substance use disorder better.

Treating SUD and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we are equipped to help you or your loved one cope with substance use and mental health disorders. Our comfortable setting, compassionate staff, and various programs provide the guidance, support, and real-world skills to manage whatever life throws your way.

Recovery Treatment Programs

We offer several options for drug/alcohol rehabilitation, including:

• • Medical Detox
  • Residential and Inpatient Rehab
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Alcohol and Drug Detox/Withdrawal

The road to recovery process begins with detox and withdrawal, which can be managed with medications to ease the pain of withdrawal.

The side effects of detox, aka withdrawal symptoms, can vary depending on the type of substances used, but they generally include:

• • Insomnia
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Intense drug or alcohol cravings
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Body aches and pain

Therapeutic Options

Each of our treatment programs includes individual and group therapy. Designed to uncover and address the root causes of addiction and any co-occurring conditions related to or worsened by substance use. Our addiction therapy services include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Trauma Therapy, and Medication Management.

Group therapy offers peer-to-peer support and accountability. Clients can also learn new coping skills and tools to help them manage stress or trauma in the future. Medical detox is a technique that uses approved medications to ease the pain of withdrawal and prevent cravings that can lead to relapse.

Supplemental Therapies

Because holistic approaches to wellness support long-term recovery, we offer a range of supplementary therapies. Such as yoga classes and art therapy.

These practices will help you find peace and balance while you’re in the program and help you maintain balance and deal with stress when you return to the outside world.

Nutritional support in the form of healthful meals and snacks will provide a structured daily routine. This offers a way of returning to healthy habits like eating well while regaining strength.

Help Is Close at Hand

When you can cope with stress and trauma in a balanced, holistic way, you’ll unshackle yourself from self-harming behaviors. At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we invite you to experience the power of freedom.

Contact us to learn more about our programs or arrange treatment.

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The Risk Factors for PTSD

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Most people won’t. Anyone can develop the disorder at any age. However, surviving a shocking or dangerous event is the number-one risk factor.

Some of the most common groups who suffer or are more likely to have PTSD are survivors of accidents or natural disasters, physical or sexual assault survivors, rescue workers, war veterans, and civilian survivors of war.

Some people develop PTSD related to incidents that happen to other people. The unexpected death of a loved one or having a loved one go through a traumatic experience can also cause PTSD. Women are at higher risk than men, and genetics may also play a role.

Other factors that increase your chances of having PTSD include:

• Childhood trauma
• Seeing a dead body or seeing someone else get hurt
• Living through a dangerous event
• Being in a situation where you feel extreme fear and helplessness
• A history of substance use disorder or mental illness
• Having no support after experiencing a traumatic event
• Extra stress, such as the loss of a loved one after the traumatic event

If you realize you are at a higher risk for PTSD, it is especially important to understand the early warning signs. Recognizing PTSD as soon as possible can help prevent symptoms from becoming severe.

Recognizing PTSD Early Warning Signs

A doctor who is experienced in treating mental illness is the best resource for receiving a proper diagnosis. Adults must meet specific criteria that include having at least one symptom from each category per month. The categories of symptoms are:

• Re-Experiencing – Flashbacks, bad dreams, frightening thoughts
• Avoidance – Avoiding places, people, events, or feelings that remind you of the traumatic event
• Arousal and Reactivity – Being easily startled, feeling on edge, quick to anger, changes in sleep habits
• Cognition and Mood – Negative thoughts about yourself, loss of interest in hobbies, feelings of guilt and blame, difficulty remembering the traumatic event correctly

PTSD symptoms can become more severe with time, and new ones can develop if left untreated.

Trauma Therapy: Healing from Trauma that Causes PTSD

Trauma therapy is one tool for addressing PTSD symptoms once they’ve occurred and preemptively stopping the development of PTSD. In most cases, treatment cannot happen until a client is experiencing problems adjusting after a traumatic event.

Unfortunately, many people turn to alcohol or substance use when the early signs of PTSD first appear. They may not understand that what they’re experiencing is a mental health issue they can treat. Instead, they seek to numb their uncomfortable feelings by self-medicating.

Trauma-informed therapy may involve both psychotherapy and medication. Certain medications are effective for relieving PTSD symptoms, and psychotherapy can assist in healing from trauma. Without healing, symptoms will continue and can only be managed.

Trauma-Informed Therapy at Liberty Bay Recovery Center

There is help for PTSD. No matter how traumatic the triggering event was or how long you have been suffering from the symptoms of PTSD, trauma therapy can improve your symptoms. If you recognize the early warning signs of PTSD in yourself or someone you love, call Liberty Bay Recovery Center today at (855) 607-8758 and start healing now.

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Emotional abuse and addiction are thoroughly intertwined in many cases. At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we help you work through all of the mental health struggles and roots of addiction in your life. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the substance use. To find out more information about our dual diagnosis treatment, call Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 or visit our website.

Defining Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is a more subjective concept than physical abuse due to its elusive nature. Many cases of emotional abuse turn into conflicting narratives between the abuser and the victim. This means that, unfortunately, others may not take emotional abuse as seriously as physical abuse. Some of the most common signs of emotional abuse in relationships include:

• Possessive and controlling behavior
• A power imbalance between the abuser and victim
• Insulting speech
• Yelling, screaming, and intimidation
• Excessive “rules” that the victim must follow
• Verbal degradation
• Victim isolation from loved ones

This list is not exhaustive, and other troubling behavior should always be investigated if someone is suspected of emotional abuse. The biggest danger to a victim of emotional abuse is remaining isolated from loved ones. Emotional abuse can also include Love bombing or extreme kindness after arguments, gaslighting, public or private humiliation, blackmailing, threats, and extreme jealousy.

Emotional Abuse and Addiction

Victims of any kind of abuse are often vulnerable and turn to substances that alter their state of mind. Emotional abuse is an especially troubling form of abuse because it targets the victim’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. This can cause anxiety, depression, suicidality, and in many cases, substance use.

Using Substances to Cope with Emotional Abuse

Mind-altering substances offer the victim an escape from their abuse. Emotional abuse is mostly psychological in nature, which means that the harsh reality of the abuse messes with the victim’s mindset. Many victims become confused and distrust their own perception of events due to the abuser’s psychological manipulation.

All of these complex factors can lead a victim to substance use to cope with the pain of the abuse. Trauma and addiction have long been recognized as dual diagnoses, particularly in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. Substance use is a coping mechanism for emotional trauma and unpleasant memories.

Addiction Rooted in Trauma

Millions of people across the nation struggle with addiction developed in response to unhealed trauma. While many complex factors lead to addiction, traumatic events are one of the most common. Inability to cope with trauma can lead to a person wanting to escape their thoughts with mind-altering substances.

Emotional abuse can be very traumatic for the victim. Some victims of emotional abuse later get diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, a debilitating, draining condition. We must address the root cause of addiction and preconceived traumas to help patients recover.

Addiction Recovery Starts in Portland, Maine

At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we believe that your past traumatic experiences do not have to dictate your life today. Our experienced mental health professionals and addiction counselors will work with you to help you on your journey to recovery. We provide treatment for underlying mental health problems and substance use simultaneously.

If you are interested in getting help for trauma-rooted addiction, you can contact Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 for more information. We are excited to spread compassion and love through comprehensive addiction treatment.

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Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible. If you or a loved one needs alcohol addiction treatment, contact Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758. We offer full-spectrum detox and recovery services for those struggling with substance use.

The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse

It may seem obvious that alcohol can have strong effects on your brain. After all, alcohol is notorious for making people feel more sociable and less coordinated. However, the long-term results of alcohol abuse prove much more damaging than researchers initially believed. Some of the most extreme consequences of alcohol abuse include:

• Memory loss
• Psychosis
• Liver disease
• Poor cognitive performance
• Mood disorders
• Nervous system deficits

These are just a few of the problems that alcohol abuse can cause later in life. For some, these conditions may have already struck. It is never too late to begin recovering.

What Is Alcohol-Induced Dementia?

Many people know that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in one sitting can cause memory loss. This is commonly referred to as a blackout, wherein the drinker cannot remember major events and details the next day. Beyond blackouts, alcohol abuse can cause serious long-term memory problems.

Symptoms

Alcohol-induced dementia is a form of brain damage that mimics Alzheimer’s symptoms. Chronic alcohol use damages your brain over time and inhibits your ability to remain aware and alert. This leads to degenerative symptoms that impair daily functioning. Some of the symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia include:

• Being easily distracted
• Being unable to remain on-task
• Errors in critical thinking and judgment
• Problems with setting and keeping goals
• Lack of motivation to do necessary tasks

These symptoms can be similar to Alzheimer’s disease, but with a key difference. Alcohol-induced dementia worsens with increasing alcohol consumption and chronic alcohol abuse. Other symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia include emotional outbursts, lack of empathy, poor coordination, depression, irritability, and apathy.

Treatment

Unlike Alzheimer’s or age-related dementia, alcohol-induced dementia can improve over time. The condition will stop progressing with proper treatment. The treatment for alcohol-induced dementia is often found in addiction recovery centers.

Worsening brain damage is not inevitable with alcohol-induced dementia. If the person seeks treatment for alcohol addiction and no longer consumes it, the brain damage will stop progressing. This gives alcohol-induced dementia a much better prognosis than Alzheimer’s and dementia. Over time, your brain may heal the damage caused by alcohol abuse, and in some cases, your symptoms may stop entirely. To heal in this manner, recovery from alcohol abuse is essential.

Rehabilitation Is Possible

Alcohol addiction does not have to be a part of your life forever. With Liberty Bay’s caring, compassionate team, you can embark on your recovery journey. We have a dedicated team of mental health professionals to help you detox safely and begin the appropriate therapies.

Liberty Bay Recovery Center in Portland, Maine, is a warm, welcoming environment where we encourage you to put yourself first. You can recover from alcohol addiction and achieve the goals you set for yourself. If you or a loved one needs alcohol addiction treatment, call Liberty Bay Recovery center at (855) 607-8758 today or use the convenient online form. We will address your mental health as a whole, finding solutions that you can apply to your life. You are more than your struggles with alcohol, and we make sure you feel that by the time you leave our care.

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If you are looking for compassionate, caring PTSD treatment in Maine, we’re here for you. Having access to a supportive group of women who have experienced similar traumas can promote healing and a sense of belonging. Contact (855) 607-8758 to access high-quality substance use disorder treatment at Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

Women and Trauma

The conversation around women and trauma is constantly evolving. It’s now statistically proven that women are less likely to get diagnosed with PTSD directly after traumatic events take place. This may be because symptoms present themselves differently in women. Women who have experienced trauma are often victims of sexual abuse, partner violence, and exploitation.

With these horrific traumas can come a phenomenon called a “trauma bond.” Trauma bonding occurs when the victim of a traumatic event becomes attached to the perpetrator. This is often the case in situations involving partner violence.

Traumatized women can become defensive over the perpetrator of their trauma as a coping mechanism. Authorities and loved ones may not understand a woman’s actions under the influence of a trauma bond. This leads to many cases of complex PTSD, which is more likely to go undiagnosed and unnoticed in women.

Signs of PTSD in Women

It is important to recognize the signs of PTSD in women who have been through horrible life events. PTSD can be debilitating and prevent a woman from experiencing life to the fullest. Untreated PTSD can result in suicide in the most tragic cases. Some of the common signs of PTSD in women include:

• Flashbacks to specific traumatic events
• Feelings of “reliving” her trauma
• Being easily startled
• Panic attacks
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Avoiding thoughts and feelings surrounding her trauma
• Emotional numbness

These are just a few of the common signs of PTSD in women. The symptoms of PTSD can severely interfere with a woman’s life.

Women’s Unique Experiences with PTSD

Women tend to experience PTSD differently than men because of the nature of women’s mental health. Researchers have found that women are more likely to experience internalized mental health problems like anxiety and depression. This is part of the reason that PTSD symptoms can be less noticeable in women than in men.

No Trauma Is Exclusive to Women

While certain forms of trauma may be experienced disproportionally by women, there is no form of trauma that exclusively affects women. For example, the majority of intimate partner violence victimizes women. Reported sexual assault and rape rates are much higher for women. Sexism and the consequences of societal misogyny target women continuously.

Combined with the stigma attached to mental disorders, these facts make it clear why women suffer from the weight of internalized emotional dysfunction. Women are less likely to seek treatment for PTSD during their lifetime than men.

Find PTSD Treatment at Our Portland, Maine Rehab

At Liberty Bay Recovery Center in Maine, our dedicated team of empathetic, knowledgeable professionals helps women receive the PTSD treatment they need. Our clients receive high-quality mental health and addiction services in the comfort of our modern center.

If you or a woman you love are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, help is available. You do not have to go through this alone. Our skilled mental health professionals can help you redirect your mental health and lead you back to a healthy and happy life. If you are a woman seeking PTSD treatment, contact Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758 for more information on our PTSD treatment services.

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Early Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder symptoms can start at any age. While sometimes the result of a traumatic incident, it can also result from brain chemistry or genetics. All of these factors can make the early signs of bipolar disorder easy to miss as you may not know to be watching for them. As bipolar disorder covers a broad range of moods, touching on each far end of the spectrum, you may see symptoms on either side. Here are some of the most common indicators:

Manic Signs of Bipolar Disorder

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Trouble focusing on a single task
• Heightened sex drive
• Impulsive behavior
• Shorter temper than usual and emotional outbursts
• Unexplained, exciting bouts of joy

Depressive Signs of Bipolar Disorder

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Inability to feel pleasure
• Fatigue
• Thoughts of suicide
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
• Indecisiveness
• Sleeping too much or not at all

These symptoms will stand in stark contrast to your usual behavior. If you detect these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it’s time to seek help. With care and treatment, the type of bipolar disorder can be quickly diagnosed early, making it easier to manage.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are two types of bipolar disorder, with a couple of variations. Most people will fall into the two main categories of either Bipolar I or Bipolar II.

Bipolar I

Bipolar I symptoms involve clear shifts in behavior that escalate quickly. With bipolar I, manic phases are extreme and can even lead to a trip to the ER if the condition goes untreated.

Bipolar I is easily recognizable by the marked manic phases that can last more than a week at a time. Though depressive episodes are a part of bipolar I, they aren’t necessary to make a bipolar I diagnosis.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II also has manic and depressive phases, but the manic phases are significantly less drastic than bipolar I. This type is more recognizable by the depressive phases. Bipolar II’s will have had one depressive episode and one hypomanic phase, a less severe form of the bipolar I manic phase.

Why Early Detection Is So Important

Untreated bipolar disorder can incur a wide range of consequences, from hospital visits to complications in one’s personal life. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the less impact it will make in your life. Catching bipolar disorder early means that diagnosis and personalized treatment occur sooner, making the process of handling this condition much easier.

Liberty Bay Recovery

At Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, Maine, we understand that addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you are struggling with substance use disorder, join us in the following treatment programs:

• Inpatient detox
• Drug rehabilitation
• Alcohol rehabilitation

Our compassion-based approach to therapy zeros in on your unique condition and works to find solutions that work best for you. Contact the dedicated mental health professionals at Liberty Bay Recovery by calling (855) 607-8758 or using the online form.

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What Is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is on October 10th of each year. With the expressed purpose of raising mental health awareness, this day brings thousands together to call attention to the importance of mental health and its impact on people’s lives across the globe. Each year, people gather in countries worldwide to celebrate and promote mental health awareness and the necessity of continued care and improved services for those who have a long-term mental illness.

The History of World Mental Health Day

First celebrated on October 10th, 1992, World Mental Health Day was initiated by the World Federation of Mental Health. In the first year, the date was established by Deputy Secretary-General Richard Hunter as a single activity to raise mental health awareness. Still, it caught on and has been commemorated by annual celebrations since then. In the first few years of conception, World Mental Health Day had no set theme. There was a two-hour informational broadcast that reached across the globe through the US information agency satellite system. Members around the world participated by phone and sent in pre-taped segments to be aired during the broadcast.

Since then, a lot has changed. In 1994 Secretary-General Eugene Brody proposed giving the day a theme to call attention to a specific aspect of mental health. The very first theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Throughout the World.” Each year since has had a theme that corresponds with the changing times as they affect mental health in the modern world. Some of the themes over the years include:

• Women and Mental Health, 1996
• The Effects of Trauma and Violence on Children and Adolescents, 2002
• Mental Health in a Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity, 2007
• Living with Schizophrenia, 2014
• Move for Mental Health: Increase Investment in Mental Health, 2020

These carefully selected themes serve as a call to action on topics of significance each year.

How to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness

Much like in 1992, when it first started, the day is marked by an event broadcasted worldwide. As the times have changed, this event looks a bit different from it back then, with a broad range of expert and celebrity guest speakers such as Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, and Selena Gomez, live streaming access, and critically acclaimed music events. In addition, to live streaming access to the main event, those wishing to get involved and observe World Mental Health Day are encouraged to participate in workplace group therapy, practice self-care, and research the annual theme to find out how it affects you and the people around you to spread further awareness and understanding.

Addiction Treatment Matters

Substance use disorder often stands in the way of mental health. The following programs at Liberty Bay can help:

• Inpatient detox
• Prescription drug rehab
• Residential rehab

Liberty Bay Recovery Promotes Addiction Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or both, our compassionate team of healthcare professionals is standing by. Call Liberty Bay Recovery today at (855) 607-8758 or through the online form to find out how to help.

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Relapse Triggers

While your triggers won’t always be the same as everyone else’s, some universal triggers reach across the board. Here are some of the most common relapse triggers to avoid:

Stress

Stress is the most common contributing factor to relapse. During stressful times it’s all too easy to fall back on old habits or to reach for the nearest escape. Addiction and stress are closely connected, as many relapse to avoid the stress of their daily life. Stressful situations aren’t always easily avoidable. It can come at you unexpectedly in the form of relationship trouble, job issues, and sudden life-changing events such as the loss of someone close to you. You won’t always be able to avoid stressful situations, but you can control how you respond to them. Self-care and ongoing therapy are essential to managing the stress within your life.

Celebrations

On the opposite end of the spectrum, from stressful situations, happy situations can also be triggers. Holidays, birthdays, and any circumstance that draws people together to celebrate may often involve alcohol and other substances. Exposure to the substances you’re abstaining from, and watching others partake in them, poses a genuine problem for anyone in recovery.

Certain People or Places

Old drinking buddies or fellow substance users are a common trigger for relapse. Even if they aren’t encouraging you to partake with them, just seeing them conjures up nostalgia for old times where drugs or alcohol were involved. It works the same with physical locations. It doesn’t have to be bars or clubs where you have fond memories of using; it can be a friend’s house, a car, or any place you associated with usage that brings about the reminiscing, which may lead to the urge to use.

Preventing Relapse

Knowing what some of the most common relapse triggers are is a significant first step. The next step is learning how to avoid them. Some of the best tips for preventing relapse include:

• Prioritizing self-care
• Being honest with yourself and open about your cravings
• Asking for help
• Starting new traditions to replace old ones that may be tied to triggers
• Removing any alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia from your living space
• Leaning into your support system (i.e., friends, family, therapists, or your sponsor)

How Often Does Relapse Occur?

There’s no set expectation for relapse. Relapse occurs in 40 to 60 percent of recovering addicts. Though this may sound high, it’s important to understand that relapse is not an indication of failure but rather a stumbling block along the way. At Liberty Bay, we offer the following residential rehab programs:

• Alcohol rehab
• Opioid rehab
• Cocaine rehab

Your journey won’t look like other people’s journey. It could be a straight path from start to finish, or it may have detours along the way. In either case, the end goal is the same, and as long as you stay the course, you will achieve your goal.

Get the Rehab Support You Need with Liberty Bay Recovery

At Liberty Bay Recovery, we’re here to help with every part of the recovery process. From detox to rehab and ongoing support afterward, we’re here to help you stay on the path to sobriety. If you’re ready to take that first step, contact Liberty Bay today at (855) 607-8758 or by using the online form.

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Facing polysubstance abuse within yourself or a loved one can feel daunting. However, having a deeper understanding of the disorder, why it happens, and how to help can make the road to recovery much smoother. Reach out to Liberty Bay Recovery by calling (855) 607-8758 and learn more about our polysubstance rehab program.

How Is Polysubstance Abuse Defined?

Not everyone who uses multiple substances regularly can be classified as having polysubstance abuse. It’s important to outline the difference between polysubstance abuse and the use of multiple medications for a prescribed purpose.

Polysubstance abuse is characterized by the use of multiple substances consistently for a non-medical purpose, specifically for the pleasant or numbing physical or psychological effects of the substances other than their specific intended purpose. Many cases of polysubstance abuse begin as regular use of multiple prescribed drugs, which spirals out of control once the patient becomes dependent on the combination of substances after the medical need has passed.

Those with polysubstance abuse will often become dependent on the specific effects caused when two or more substances are used in tandem. That can make facing recovery even more difficult, as the side effects of withdrawal may be more severe than detoxing just one substance.

Additionally, the combination of multiple substances can also make their use more dangerous. In many cases, the mixture of drugs can lead to significantly worsened side effects and even increased risk of overdose.

What Causes Polysubstance Abuse?

Like any substance use disorder, many factors lead to the development of polysubstance abuse. In many cases, someone who is already dependent on one substance will develop codependency after using a different substance to lessen the side effects of the first substance. Once this habit is formed, it can be difficult to use one substance without the other, developing a dependency on multiple drugs.

A genetic predisposition to substance use disorders can play a significant role for those who end up developing polysubstance abuse. Additionally, those who regularly experiment with different kinds of drugs—a demographic mostly made up of teens and young adults—can often find themselves dependent on multiple substances to achieve the “high” they’re looking for.

What Are the Signs to Look Out For?

Many of the signs of polysubstance abuse are similar to the signs of a typical substance use disorder. However, the symptoms usually exhibit a marked progression from the symptoms of single drug use. Some of the most common signs include:

• Worsened or more frequent withdrawal symptoms between uses
• More frequent substance use
• Higher tolerance to substances
• Disengagement from personal interests and responsibilities
• Increased difficulty stopping use or quitting

Addicted to Multiple Substances? A Maine Rehab Can Help

Worsened side effects of the substances themselves aren’t the only dangers that polysubstance abuse can present. The interactions of multiple substances within your bloodstream regularly can cause a variety of health issues over time, like heart disease, hepatitis C, and respiratory failure. A good ME rehab center offers specialty programming for people struggling with polysubstance use disorder, including:

• Medical detox
• Inpatient rehab
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Additionally, the combination of psychological medications with other drugs, either illicit or prescription, can worsen the symptoms of existing mental health issues while also increasing the risk of overdose.

Treating Substance Use Disorders at Liberty Bay Recovery

Though polysubstance abuse recovery is a tough battle to fight, the right detox treatment plan can work wonders. Contact Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758 to learn more about our residential and outpatient treatment options.

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Before you can help your alcoholic parent begin their recovery journey, it’s important to understand exactly what alcoholism is and how to spot it. There are a few key symptoms that most people suffering from alcoholism share, though alcohol dependency can look different among various lifestyles.

Is your loved one suffering from alcoholism? Call Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 if you have any questions about our alcohol rehab programs for an alcoholic parent.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is characterized as a dependency on or addiction to alcohol as well as the behaviors that typically accompany such a dependency. Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the country, with over 17 million adults struggling with alcohol dependency.

The symptoms of alcoholism and alcoholism’s effect on family vary case by case. Some alcoholics can be described as “high-functioning.” This type can carry out everyday tasks, such as working a job and caring for family members, yet rely on the effects of alcohol to cope emotionally. Alcoholics that are low-functioning will often exhibit symptoms like:

• Extreme mood changes and irritability
• Making drinking a priority over other responsibilities
• Drinking in secret or alone
• Memory loss or blackouts
• Social or familial isolation
• Inability to hold a job

Though alcoholism can look different depending on the person, the children of high-functioning and low-functioning alcoholics can be significantly affected negatively. Plus, high-functioning alcoholics may still exhibit symptoms similar to those that low-functioning alcoholics often experience.

Alcoholism: The Effects on Family

When children live with and are dependent on their parents, alcoholism can lead to serious neglect and abuse cases. However, even when children become independent, their parent’s alcoholism can still affect them in various ways.

Many adult children of an alcoholic parent struggle with feelings of resentment due to the neglect, abuse, or embarrassment they’ve experienced from their parent over a period of years or even throughout their entire life. Additionally, children of alcoholics tend to have low self-esteem due to the experience of feeling unloved or uncared for by their parents.

How to Help Your Alcoholic Parent Get Help at Liberty Bay Recovery

Alcoholics cannot be forced to change or even recognize their dependency. The best thing that children of an alcoholic parent can do is help their parents see that they have a problem and provide support for their recovery journey.

Bringing up such a difficult conversation can feel overwhelming and scary. However, it’s important to remember that the potential positives of the conversation generally outweigh the potential negatives. If you are worried that your parent could become reactive or even violent, it’s best to have another trusted family member or close friend with you.

Make sure to broach the subject at a time when your parent is not intoxicated. Don’t try to convince your parent that they have a problem; just express your concern about the possibility of it. Be clear about the concerning behaviors you’ve noticed and allow your parent to respond. If they aren’t receptive, try to have them agree to another conversation about it in the future.

The road to recovery from alcoholism is already difficult, so we make it easier with personalized treatment options, including:

• Detox
• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient (IOP)

Call Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758 to learn more about alcoholism’s effects on family and how you can get your alcoholic parent help.

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