Changing Passage

Addiction Specialists:

Addictions have an effect on one’s mind, body, spirit and emotions. Although treatable, without intervention the problems of addiction become greater, chronic, and may progress toward disability or death. Client centered, holistic approaches to addiction treatment integrates various disciplines that assist recovery. The use of professional support helps develop new cognitive and behavioral skills while facilitating healing in the other areas of one’s life.

Addictions counseling specializes in understanding the addictive process and the impact of addiction on the client, family and society. Changing Passage professionals recognize the potential for substance use disorders and behavioral addictions to mimic a variety of medical and psychological disorders. In addition, our addiction counselors recognize the potential for medical and psychological disorders to co-exist with addiction.

The process of addictions counseling not only addresses an identified addiction, but the co-existing issues related to family, relationships, employment, education, spirituality, and physical health. A variety of techniques are tailored to meet the needs of the individual client or family member and within the context of a counseling session, the counselor and client develop a desired treatment outcome and strategies for achieving them.

Addictions counseling is appropriate for adolescents and adults who are addicted or who are affected by another person’s addiction. Treatment may include individual or group counseling sessions, or rehabilitation programs. Sessions are used for assessment, education, and discussion about the addiction, planning strategies, support, and evaluation of progress. The length of treatment depends upon the specific substance or behavior, the client’s stage of readiness, environmental influence and co-existing complications.

Co-occurring disorder refers to the presence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder requiring treatment for both problems, which is known as Dual Diagnosis Treatment. Studies have shown that one of every two people having a severe mental illness also have a substance abuse problem (drug and/or alcohol abuse or dependency, most homeless people). Those suffering from a mental illness use drugs and alcohol for the same reasons as those who use without a mental illness, but in many cases the effects of drug and alcohol use for those with a mental disorder are more sensitive. It is important as a family member or friend to offer support, hope, and encouragement to those going through the recovery process. Changing Passage offers specialized treatment when dealing with those suffering from co-occurring disorders, providing both individual and group support, and helping to provide the information, education, and understanding to both individuals and their families during recovery.

Dual Diagnosis:

Research statistics show that over 70% of all substance abusing individuals suffer with some sort of mental illness. Co-occurring Disorder refers to the presence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder requiring treatment for both problems; this is known as Dual Diagnosis Treatment.

Many suffering from mental illness use drugs and/or alcohol for the same reasons as those without a mental illness; but in many cases, the effects of drug and alcohol for those with a mental disorder are more sensitive. Persons with Dual Diagnosis more often experience greater social, emotional, and chronic health problems than those who suffer only chemical addiction or mental illness alone. Both problems need to be addressed to achieve positive treatment outcomes.

It is important as a family member or friend to offer support, hope, and encouragement to those going through the recovery process. Changing Passage offers specialized treatment when dealing with those suffering from co-occurring disorders, providing both individual and group support, and helping to provide the information, education, and understanding to both individuals and their families during recovery.