What should I leave at home during my stay?

iPhones, iPads, iPods, radios, or any personal electronic devices Razors or anything that needs to plug into a wall Weapons, such as blades, knives, guns, or weapon-like items Scissors Drugs and Medications (excluding HIV medications) Alcohol.

What should I bring with me to the hospital for my stay?

Casual clothing, Comfortable shoes for exercise (e.g., sneakers, house slippers, etc.) Personal care items (e.g., toothbrush & toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner) Insurance card and photo I.D. or Driver's License List of current medications No more than one moderately-sized bag of personal effects Calling card

Where is Ridgeview Hospital located?

Ridgeview is located outside of Middle Point, OH, in a rural setting. We are 30 miles west of Lima, OH and 45 miles east of Fort Wayne, IN.

How Do You Identify Psychological Triggers?

Identifying psychological triggers involves several steps: Identify Your Responses: Pay attention to your emotional and physical reactions when you feel overwhelmed. Note feelings like anger, sadness, or physical symptoms like a pounding heart or rapid breathing. Retrace Your Steps: Reflect on what led to these emotions. Analyze your activities and surroundings prior to the onset of these feelings to identify potential triggers. Repeat the Cycle: Understanding triggers can be complex and may require multiple attempts. If the process is challenging, consider seeking professional mental health care to assist in identifying and managing these triggers.

What is an Emotional Trigger?

An emotional trigger is a type of psychological trigger that specifically evokes an intense emotional response. This reaction can be sudden and usually feels more severe than what the trigger logically warrants. Common emotional triggers include public speaking or certain social situations, leading to symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, anger, or anxiety.

What Does it Mean to be Triggered?

Being triggered means having an intense emotional or psychological reaction due to an external factor, typically associated with recalling a traumatic event or experiencing a reminder of past distress. It can manifest as sudden anxiety, sadness, anger, or other emotional responses.

What Does Triggered Mean?

The term 'triggered' refers to experiencing a strong emotional or psychological response that is set off by a specific external stimulus. In the context of mental health, being triggered often relates to an emotional, symptomatic, or memory-based reaction tied to past trauma or intense experiences.

Triggers, also known as emotional or mental health triggers, are stimuli like memories, objects, or people that spark intense negative emotions. These triggers can lead to a sudden and often disproportionate emotional response compared to the stimulus.

How Strong Is Fentanyl Compared to Other Opioids?

Fentanyl vs Dilaudid: Dilaudid, containing hydromorphone, is about 10 times more potent than morphine but still about one-tenth as strong as fentanyl. Fentanyl vs Oxycodone: Oxycodone is about one-and-a-half times more potent than morphine, making it much weaker compared to fentanyl. Fentanyl's potency is such that even a small amount can lead to overdose, significantly stronger than oxycodone and other commonly prescribed opioids.

How Much Stronger Is Fentanyl vs Morphine?

Fentanyl is significantly stronger than morphine. For example, fentanyl is about 100 times stronger than morphine, with some fentanyl analogues being up to 10,000 times more potent.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, more potent than morphine, and is used in cases of extreme chronic pain, particularly in patients who have developed a tolerance to other pain medications. It is typically used in controlled hospital settings or for end-of-life care due to its high potency and addiction risk.

Is Morphine an Opiate?

Yes, morphine is an opiate, derived from the opium poppy. It functions by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, thereby blocking pain signals from the nervous system.

What is Morphine Used For?

Morphine is primarily used for alleviating severe pain. It is commonly applied in various medical settings, including acute postoperative pain and palliative care, to maintain comfort and quality of life.

Morphine is an opioid pain medication, originally isolated in 1827, and is extensively used for pain relief. It serves as a benchmark for comparing the potency of other opioids.

How Do I Help a Loved One Experiencing Suicidal Ideations?

Approach them with empathy and understanding, avoiding blame. Encourage them to express their feelings and seek professional help. Be supportive in their journey towards recovery, which may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Remember, having difficult conversations and offering a listening ear can be vital first steps in helping them.

What are Signs That Someone Is Suicidal?

Signs can include verbal expressions of wanting to die, researching suicide methods, engaging in risky behaviors, feelings of hopelessness or isolation, increased substance use, anxiety, mood swings, withdrawing from social activities, giving away possessions, and visible signs of self-harm.

What are Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation?

Risk factors include a family history of suicide or mental illness, mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, substance abuse, personal history of abuse or trauma, major personal losses, significant physical illness, lack of support networks, and limited access to mental and physical healthcare.

Are Suicidal Thoughts Normal?

While suicidal thoughts indicate extreme emotional distress and should be taken seriously, they are not uncommon, especially among young adults. However, they are not 'normal' in the sense of being healthy or acceptable.

What are Examples of Passive Suicidal Ideations?

Examples include thoughts like 'I just don't want to live anymore,' 'I wish I was never born,' 'I hope this plane crashes,' 'My family would be better off if I wasn't around,' and 'I hope I die in my sleep.'

What is Passive Suicidal Ideation?

Passive suicidal ideation involves thoughts of dying or wishing for death without a plan to act on these thoughts. It's often linked to feelings of depression or anxiety and can be a recurring experience for those with chronic mood disorders.

What Does Passively Suicidal Mean?

Being passively suicidal refers to having thoughts about wanting to die or wishing for death, without actively planning or attempting suicide. It differs from active suicidal ideation, which involves specific plans or intentions to harm oneself.

Meth and crack (a form of cocaine) differ in composition and effects. Crack is a short-acting stimulant with effects that last a shorter duration compared to the longer-lasting effects of meth.

Yes, meth is a stimulant, increasing activity in the central nervous system and leading to heightened alertness, energy, and physical activity.

No, meth is not an opioid. Opioids are a different class of drugs that primarily affect the body's pain and reward system.

How Long Does a Meth High Last?

The high from meth can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, influenced by the method of ingestion and the dose. The intensity and duration of the high are key factors contributing to the drug's addictive potential.

Can You Overdose on Meth?

Yes, it's possible to overdose on meth, and such occurrences can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a meth overdose can include high fever, chest pain, seizures, and heart problems. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such situations.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Urine?

Meth generally remains detectable in urine for one to four days for occasional users, but this duration can extend up to a week or more for those with heavy or prolonged usage.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Meth can be detected in urine for one to seven days, in blood for one to three days, in saliva for up to two days, and in hair follicles for up to 90 days.

What Does Meth Look Like?

Meth typically appears as a white, bitter-tasting powder or in crystalline form, which resembles glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks.

How Addictive is Meth?

Meth is extremely addictive due to its rapid and powerful impact on dopamine levels in the brain, leading to quick development of tolerance and dependence.

How Long Do Meth Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Withdrawal symptoms from meth addiction can persist for several weeks, with the most intense symptoms typically subsiding within the first one to two weeks.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant known for its euphoric effects, often found in powder or crystallized form known as crystal meth.

What is a Behavioral Health Technician?

A behavioral health technician supports the treatment of individuals with behavioral disorders, mental health issues, or substance abuse problems, assisting in implementing care plans and providing direct patient support under professional supervision.

What is a Behavioral Health Specialist?

A behavioral health specialist is a professional trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of behavioral health issues, often providing counseling, therapy, and creating treatment plans for mental health and substance use disorders.

What are Behavioral Health Services?

Behavioral health services encompass a range of interventions and support for mental health issues, substance abuse, and behavioral challenges, including counseling, psychiatric care, and rehabilitation programs.

What is the Difference between Behavioral Health and Mental Health?

The key difference lies in scope: behavioral health covers a broader range, including mental health, substance use, and behaviors affecting health, while mental health focuses specifically on emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

What is Integrated Behavioral Health?

Integrated behavioral health is a holistic approach combining mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and primary healthcare, ensuring comprehensive patient care for both physical and mental well-being.

What is Behavioral Health Counseling?

Behavioral health counseling is a therapeutic approach focusing on modifying behaviors and lifestyle choices to improve mental and physical well-being, often addressing mental health issues alongside.

What is Behavioral Health?

Behavioral health refers to the interplay between behavior and the health of the mind, body, and spirit, encompassing mental health, substance use, and lifestyle choices impacting wellness.

What are the Risk Factors of Ignoring Dual Diagnosis?

Ignoring dual diagnosis poses severe risks such as worsened mental health symptoms, increased substance abuse, and higher relapse rates. Lack of targeted treatment can lead to a cycle of deterioration affecting relationships, employment, and overall well-being. Early identification is key.

What Mental Illnesses are Commonly Tied to Dual Diagnosis?

Common mental illnesses in dual diagnosis include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and ADHD. These conditions often interact with substance abuse, exacerbating each other and complicating treatment. Proper diagnosis is crucial for a targeted, effective treatment plan.

Why is it Important to Identify Dual Diagnosis?

Identifying dual diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Treating only one condition often leads to high relapse rates for both. A targeted approach that addresses both mental health and substance abuse can significantly improve overall well-being and reduce the stigma associated with these conditions.

How common is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is increasingly recognized as a common occurrence, affecting millions in the U.S. alone. Estimates suggest that about 50% of individuals with a mental disorder will also have a substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives, making integrated treatment crucial.

What is the most common dual diagnosis?

The most common dual diagnosis often involves depression or anxiety disorders paired with alcohol or drug abuse. These conditions interact, as individuals may use substances to cope with mental health symptoms, which in turn exacerbates their condition. Proper treatment targets both issues.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder in an individual. These conditions often interact, making treatment more complex. Addressing both issues is essential for effective, long-term recovery.

What is an example of dual diagnosis?

An example of dual diagnosis is an individual suffering from both depression and alcoholism. The conditions often feed into each other, creating a cycle that worsens both issues. Treatment requires a coordinated approach to address both the mental health and substance abuse aspects.

When should you walk away from someone with mental illness?

Deciding to distance yourself from someone with a mental illness is a complex and sensitive issue that should be handled with care. If the relationship becomes too emotionally draining, affects your own mental health negatively, or if there's a pattern of toxic behavior that doesn't improve despite attempts to help, it may be time to consider walking away. Prioritize your own well-being, and consult with mental health professionals for guidance on how to approach the situation.

What can you do for the severely mentally ill?

For individuals with severe mental illness, immediate professional intervention is crucial, which may include inpatient or residential treatment for acute symptoms. Support from loved ones in helping them access and navigate mental health services is vital. It's important to maintain an open dialogue, while also guiding them toward professional evaluation and treatment options tailored to their needs.

How do people with mental illness get help?

Individuals with mental illness can begin their journey to recovery by recognizing the signs and symptoms of their condition. Open and empathetic conversations with loved ones can provide initial support and encouragement to seek professional help. Professional assistance may include consulting a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment, which can encompass various approaches like therapy, medication, and sometimes inpatient care.

What to do with a mentally ill person who won't get help?

When dealing with someone who is mentally ill and refuses to seek help, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Providing non-judgmental support while offering information on available mental health resources can be beneficial. However, if the person poses an immediate risk to themselves or others, emergency intervention may be necessary.

A Xanax bar is usually the 2 mg version of the alprazolam. It comes in four squares attached lengthwise and is referred to as a Xanax bar (or xanny bar).

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder? - Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital

Since drinking is socially accepted in many cultures, it can be challenging to spot the difference between a person who likes to have a few drinks to relax and someone with a real problem. Unfortunately, alcohol use disorder is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life. Thankfully, alcohol treatment and rehabilitation options in Middle Point, Ohio, can help them achieve long-term recovery.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Use Disorder

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is characterized by an impaired ability to control or stop alcohol use despite adverse health, social, or occupational consequences. Since AUD is an actual disease that causes changes to the brain and neurochemistry, someone addicted to alcohol may find it challenging to control their actions.

People used to refer to someone with AUD as an alcoholic. However, health professionals see this label as both unhelpful and damaging. Today, a person who has a desire or physical need to drink excessive amounts of alcohol is referred to as someone who has an AUD.

What Are the Symptoms of AUD?

The symptoms of AUD are a combination of craving, physical dependence, increasing tolerance for alcohol, and loss of control. It’s important to note that alcohol addiction can manifest itself in various ways. For this reason, the alcohol someone consumes, how often they drink, and the severity of the condition varies from one person to another.

While some people binge drink then stay sober for a while, others drink heavily all day. Regardless of how alcohol addiction looks, someone with AUD is often not the first person to realize that they have AUD.

Take your first step towards recovery.

(419) 863-5556

They Drink More Than They Mean To

The individual ends up drinking more or longer than they originally intended. In other words, they’re unable to curb or restrain their drinking.

They Develop Alcohol Tolerance

The chronic drinker usually develops tolerance to some of alcohol’s effects. As their tolerance increases, they’ll notice that their usual number of drinks has significantly less impact than before. Moreover, they’ll require more alcohol to appear intoxicated or get the desired effect. 

However, their tolerance may drop if their central nervous system is impaired or their liver is too damaged to metabolize the alcohol they consume.

They Spend More Time Drinking

Besides spending as much time as possible drinking alcohol, the person also spends a considerable chunk of their time recovering from the side effects of being drunk and ensuring they have alcohol available.

They Experience Withdrawal Symptoms

When the person cuts down or abstains from alcohol, they experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, nausea, trouble sleeping, restlessness, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, or seizure. In some cases, they may even sense things that aren’t there. Most sufferers try to avoid these unpleasant withdrawal symptoms by drinking more.

They Try To Cut Down or Stop Drinking but Can’t

Although the individual may have a persistent desire to cut down or stop drinking, they’re unsuccessful.

They Withdraw from Activities That Used To Be Important to Them

The person loses their interest in recreational, social, or occupational activities they used to participate in. Instead of spending their time on activities that gave them pleasure, they drink.

They Have a Driving Need for Alcohol Intake

The individual experiences an intense craving for a drink to the point that they couldn’t think of anything else.

They Continue to Drink Even if It Negatively Impacts Their Life

The person keeps on drinking even if they’re aware that this behavior is causing problems or interferes with their health, relationships, school, work, finances, or the law. Moreover, they don’t stop drinking even after they’ve gotten themselves into situations while or after drinking that increased their chances of getting hurt.

How Is a Person Diagnosed with AUD?

The American Psychiatric Association (APS) published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), outlining healthcare professionals’ criteria to assess whether an individual has AUD. These experts use the same standards to determine its severity if AUD is present, whether mild, moderate, or severe. The presence of at least two of the previously mentioned symptoms during the past 12 months indicates AUD.

Moreover, a person is diagnosed with mild AUD if they exhibit two to three symptoms. If the individual has four to five symptoms, they’re diagnosed with moderate AUD. They’re diagnosed with severe AUD if they show six or more symptoms.

What Are the Risk Factors of AUD?

Healthcare experts link excessive drinking to several risk factors such as the following:

Genetics and Family History of Alcohol Issues

A person’s genetic makeup influences how their body processes and responds to alcohol. Additionally, AUD often runs in families. Someone who has parents, siblings, or children with AUD is likely to have the disorder.

Early Alcohol Use

People who began drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to have issues with alcohol later in life than those who waited until age 21 or later to have their first alcoholic drink.

Mental Health Problems and a History of Trauma

Psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often associated with an increased risk of AUD. Additionally, someone who has a history of emotional trauma is susceptible to AUD.

What Are the Complications of AUD?

Heavy and regular drinking may lead to complications over time. These include the following:

Dementia

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause frequent head injuries that damage the brain and lead to dementia. Dementia is a term for loss of language, memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities that are severe enough to interfere with an individual’s daily life.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Chronic alcohol misuse is closely linked to Wernicke-Korsakoffe Syndrome, another brain condition characterized by the inability to learn new information and remember recent events.

Heart Conditions

Excessive drinking leads to high blood pressure, stroke, irregular heartbeat, and cardiomyopathy or heart muscle disease.

Liver Issues

Alcohol can cause fatty liver or steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, thickening of liver tissue or fibrosis, scarring and permanent damage to the liver or cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Alcoholism leads to mucosal damage in the GI tract and alcohol-induced digestive disorders that cause nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, flatulence, fullness, and abdominal pain.

Cancers

Alcohol increases a person’s risk for cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast.

Pulmonary Infections

People with AUD are at risk for pulmonary infections such as tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

FAQ

1. What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses a range of drinking problems from mild to severe, and includes what is commonly known as alcoholism.

2. What are the symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?

Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder include a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and continuing to drink despite knowing the harms it causes. It may also involve drinking more or for longer than intended, and neglecting responsibilities due to drinking.

3. How is Alcohol Use Disorder diagnosed?

Alcohol Use Disorder is diagnosed based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A healthcare professional will evaluate a person’s drinking habits, the impact of alcohol on their life, and any physical or psychological symptoms to make a diagnosis.

4. What treatment options are available for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder may include behavioral therapies, counseling, medication, and support groups. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and 12-step programs are common. In severe cases, inpatient rehabilitation may be necessary.

5. Can Alcohol Use Disorder be prevented?

Preventing Alcohol Use Disorder involves understanding risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors. Strategies include educating individuals about the risks of excessive drinking, promoting alcohol-free activities, and early intervention when signs of problematic drinking appear. Support from family and community can also play a crucial role.

Looking for an Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Middle Point, Ohio?

More than anything, patients need to know that they will receive the best possible care. It’s important to remember that the care you need today may be different from the care you need tomorrow. There are many types of therapy available at Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital, so reach out if you need assistance in the Middle Point, Ohio area.

Call (419) 949-8590 to speak with one of our treatment specialists and learn more about our programs. Take our 😍 Mental Health Assessment or our 🧐 Addiction Test.