Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Many people struggling with addictions also have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Likewise, many people with depression or anxiety may have an addiction. We refer to this as a co-occurring disorder. Some people will try to argue that symptoms of depression and anxiety are caused by drug use, and once you are clean and sober those symptoms will go away. While this may be true for some, these symptoms that are still present in early recovery can cause a relapse. After all, how long will someone stay clean and sober if they are constantly depressed or anxious. Regardless of whether you self-medicated a mental health issue with your addiction, or your addiction caused your mental health issues, BOTH need to be addressed. In this episode wee will: Develop a broad biopsychosocial definition of co-occurring disorders. Learn about the reciprocal interaction between mental health, physical health and addiction. Discuss the multiple contributing factors of mood disorders to include physical issues and issues stemming from addictive behaviors. Explore ways to simultaneously address multiple disorders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people struggling with addictions also have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Likewise, many people with depression or anxiety may have an addiction. We refer to this as a co-occurring disorder. Some people will try to argue that symptoms of depression and anxiety are caused by drug use, and once you are clean and sober those symptoms will go away. While this may be true for some, these symptoms that are still present in early recovery can cause a relapse. After all, how long will someone stay clean and sober if they are constantly depressed or anxious. Regardless of whether you self-medicated a mental health issue with your addiction, or your addiction caused your mental health issues, BOTH need to be addressed. In this episode wee will: Develop a broad biopsychosocial definition of co-occurring disorders. Learn about the reciprocal interaction between mental health, physical health and addiction. In this 3-part series, we will: Discuss the multiple contributing factors of mood disorders to include physical issues and issues stemming from addictive behaviors. Explore ways to simultaneously address multiple disorders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Triggers are those things that remind you of something else. There are triggers for depression, anxiety and addiction. In this episode we will: Define a trigger Define a craving Explore the concept of stimulus generalization Discuss the function of triggers Explore triggers in terms of mental health symptoms Explore how cravings can lead to obsessive thinking Review the stages of the recovery process Identify potential relapse triggers at each phase and appropriate interventions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Designer drugs are those that are lab created. Thousands exist and more are being created all the time. Unfortunately, there is no quality control or standardization process with these drugs, which are often made in back-room labs. In this episode we will: Define designer drugs. Review the effects of some of the most common designer drugs. Learn about resources to stay up to date on designer drugs. Identify which “designer drugs” may still be legal. Discuss ways of handling “legal” drug use in your programs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stimulants, Depressants and Hallucinogens are available by prescription, in over the counter medications and as illicit substances. Learn more about the effects of these types of drugs, how they impact your brain chemistry and signs and symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal. In this Episode, we will: Define stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens  Discuss their ◦ Mechanism of action ◦ Symptoms of intoxication ◦ Symptoms of withdrawal ◦ Short and long term effects ◦ Common street names  Explore the process of differential diagnosis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating world of mental health medications and their impact on mood disorders. Discover how different neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin influence our mental well-being. Learn about the crucial role of nutrition in managing these chemical balances. The discussion reveals why finding the right medication can be an art as much as a science. Get insights into the complexities of prescribing antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, including the effects of neurotransmitter imbalances.

Do you ever wonder what is going on when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Why is it that some people just seem naturally happier or more motivated or driven? In this episode we will take a closer look at some of the main neurochemicals responsible for mood, motivation, learning, libido and hunger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medication assisted therapy is becoming a very hotly debated topic. Some of these medications block cravings or the "high," while others address the underlying mood and mental health issues that may be maintaining the addiction. In this episode we will examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of these medications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Relapse means returning to a previous state. It is vital to understand that relapse does not just mean a return to addictive behaviors, nor does it mean just using. Relapses can happen in terms of people's mood, thinking patterns and behaviors. In actuality, a person's thinking patterns and behavior often become problematic long before they start showing symptoms of addiction or depression again. Some people call this return to old ways of thinking, behaving and feeling as "relapse warning signs" or "lapses." In my mind, it is actually the beginning of a relapse. That doesn't mean that the behaviors have to be continued to the point of using again. A relapse can stopped and corrected at any point. The earlier these old behaviors and ways of thinking are stopped, the less more likely the person is to stay healthy and happy. In this episode we will discuss ways to remain mindful in order to address any potential issues before they start impacting recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addictive behaviors, triggers make you want to use and cravings are the repetitive thoughts reminding you over and over again that you want to use. We have triggers for just about everything. Some are obvious, like the sight of alcohol may trigger people to start craving a drink. Some are not so obvious, the impending anniversary of a loss may trigger a person to want to use alcohol or drugs to escape from the grief. In this presentation we will cover what triggers are, discuss ways to identify personal triggers and explore ways of dealing with triggers and cravings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices